Model Planes To Attempt Cross Channel Flight -- A close-up of the model plane belonging to Mr. John Ballard of Tolworth (Surrey) which is to make a cross-Channel flight attempt from Dover to Calais.Mr. John Ballard of Tolworth (Surrey) hopes to fly his model 'plane across the channel in the near future. This attempt - the object of which is to boost export orders in the British Model Engineering Industry - will be the first ever made. The plane which has a wing span of 5' 9" and a six-ounce diesel engine, will be controlled in flight by radio. The fuselage will be packed with Ping-pong balls and the crossing, from Dover to Calais, is expected to take about an hour. September 6, 1954. (Photo by Fox Photos).