RoboBiggles - Scale FPV Highlights 2018

2018 became a watershed year for the RoboBiggles adventure, when a Channel 4 producer rang to offer the role of Series Technical Advisor for a 3 part TV mini-series called "Battle of Britain Model Squadron". It gave the chance to design and make the FPV cockpits, fly the models before filming and trial the air to air laser tag gun system. It also meant I could select and coordinate the FPV team - brilliant guys who helped with the building, test flying and FPV delivery on-set. Best of all I met some great friends, British & German, with whom I still fly at Squadron reunions. The early footage is the flying I was doing before working on the series. Later shots include footage of the laser combat tests in Essex - technology that was then used in filming, and from the first cast reunion fly-in - which we arranged to coincide with airing of the series so we could watch it together! I have dubbed real engine sounds onto the clips, and added a few sound & visual effects - my PZ Spit can't really fire 20mm cannons!
In the laser combat clips I am flying the Hurricane, the 109 is flown by my good buddy Matt Halton. The He111 clips are flown LOS by Christian Abeln with me on the FPV goggles on a joy ride.

[@Alecbassindale2024]

Not to get all mushy.... but it's great that 2 countries that were once foes... can now meet up and fly model aircraft and begin new friendships 😊

[@WrightBrosRC]

That was excellent! I really enjoy the cockpit perspective from those beautiful models. Nicely done!

[@dementia0090]

You the man! Great stuff. I know that took you a while! I've never seen so many Dynam Hawkers!

[@RIIK70XZENAZ]

Awesome event!!!
One more thing What's the Stuka planes brand? I've been looking for a Foam one for a long time and haven't found one yet.

[@johnlancaster1960]

It's discontinued I'm afraid - it is the FMS 1.4m span. You may find a used one - all 3 of ours were bought used.

[@d803albion]

Bumps a daisy! Undercarriage lever a bit stiff was it Sir?

[@commandingjudgedredd1841]

"Yes. It was actually. "
"Well, I wouldn't tell the CO that, Sir. Not if I were you"

[@mattyboy47]

Das ist wunderbar! Well done John, great compilation.👍👍👍

[@ScoutSniper3124]

If I were a Billionaire, I would buy the following to fly around to my heart's content:
1. P-51D Mustang
2. Ju87 Stuka
3. F4U Corsair
4. PT-17 Stearman
That would be my Dream Air Force.

[@robertmcnab7575]

All the "romance", without the death, and destruction!

[@GermanGreetings]

From how many planes getting up it gets nearly impossible, to keep your own one in sight ?

[@Airguardian]

Love it!
Would like to see more footage of that massive battle you recreated!

[@johnlancaster1960]

So would I - alas it is all copywrited and whatever was not aired on the show may never see the light of day.

[@somethingrc4523]

How do you make the cockpits so damn detailed

[@ilanlachish8600]

Amazing video, so much
effort this video, preparation, flying, video editing and of course the money in all the equipment, you deserve a lot more views, maybe the title should be "Battle documentary" than FPV that only airmen are looking for, anyway thank you for the effort and sharing, please do more

[@goodteacup]

Toooo badassss,

[@cozzy206]

Awesome what company manufactured that glorious Spitfire...............thanks

[@johnlancaster1960]

It's an old Parkzone 1.1m John - and thanks!

[@Paiadakine]

So cool.

[@scott6504]

Beyond amazing

[@michaelgardner8688]

Excellent!