Designed by the well-known electric exponent John Stroud, the Beguine successfully combines the simplicity and user-friendliness of electric power with the classic lines of a high wing trainer.

The design is based on our accurately CNC cut components that slot together easily and hold no worries for beginners and experts alike. The combination of lite-ply (where appropriate) and balsa make a strong overall model to help take those inevitable ‘bumps’ from the early stages of learning.

Power comes courtesy of a standard 400 size motor combined with a simple reduction gearbox and a propeller of around 8 x 5.5. These items are not provided in the kit but can be purchased at your local model shop at surprisingly low prices. The design was always intended to exploit the characteristics of such a basic power system and hence not frighten the builder with unnecessary expense and complication. A battery pack with seven 2/3A size cells is recommended and the current high capacity Nimh cells can now be found at 1100mAh for even longer flights. A speed controller of around 10Amp rating should be sufficient but this will depend to some extent on the motor chosen. If in doubt, choose a controller of slightly higher rating than you estimate you will need. Your model shop can offer the best advice on this.

By staying with a non-aileron design, the Beguine keeps the need for servos down to two (mini size), and this in turn reduces the overall weight. All linkage hardware and snakes are included and the builder just has to supply glue and covering materials. Modern heat shrink films are fine as are the more traditional tissue & dope methods.

Flight performance is impressive and ROG (Rise off Ground) take-offs are possible if the grass is short. Although designed to be a trainer, its compact size will be hard to see if you let her fly too far away. She will still fly at fairly low speed, thanks to the high lift wing section, to help prevent this happening too quickly. Like all trainers, it is best to seek the help of an expert when setting up the model and for the first flight. He will also be able to give good instruction for those critical early flights.

For experienced modellers looking to get into electrics for some sedate flying, the Beguine is a great choice and will not break the bank!