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9 May 2012 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS reported that Club activity had suffered from the bad weather, but the upside was that good business had run stocks low in the Aviators’ Lounge. He canvassed views on whether members would like to repeat the coach trip to the British Nationals on 26 August which was well supported.
- The future programme includes:
- 12/13 May, the Long Marsden Show.
- 19 May, Scale Day for WWI and WWII models.
- 25 May, Pylon Racing for models with wheels.
- 26 May, Helicopter fly in.
- 27 May, the Duxford Jubilee Air Show.
- 3 June, BBQ.
- 4 June, Jet Day.
- 5 June, Glider Competition.
- 9 June, A and B Cert Testing.
Club Corner:
Roger Roberts showed a scaled up X1.5 Frog Firefly biplane weighing 4lb and powered by an OS 40 FS. The first flight was “interesting” after CG position errors and a possible elevator failure. However, after repairs, it was now flying well.
Mark Littlewood showed his Kelly pylon racer which had been built by Paul Kingfisher, and repaired after an elevator flutter incident. Powered by a West 50 it looked fast even when stationary.
Andy Sharham showed his very nice red Hobby King Hunter with GRP fuselage and wooden flying surfaces. It has a 5 blade ducted fan with 100A ESC powered by a 5000mAh 6S lipo, with a separate 2S lipo for the RX. The motor is giving 2Kg of thrust for a model weight of 2.8Kg. It is equipped with very nice electric retract units from X Flight at £30.00, and main legs at £15.00. However, these might be marginal being rated for model weights up to 2.5KG. The all up cost of the model, except the ESC, had been £190.00.
Raffle:
Winners were: some cyano, Dan Grimmett, charger leads, Warren Ellison, servo lead clips, Andy Sharam, hex drivers, Ray Peacock, an aviation book, Steve Jefferies, and a lipo charger, Richard Morris.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
Back to the top11 April 2012 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS, the Chairman recorded that Roger Roberts had passed his BMFA A test, and had ordered a tree’s worth of balsa wood in celebration. The events programme will expand now that the weather is improving. The last powered glider event had gone well, and he encouraged more members to take part in the next one.
Upcoming events include:
- 14 April - aerobatic day
- 22 April – pylon trials
- 28 April – scale helicopter day.
- 5 May – jet day (including EDF)
- 6 May – big boy’s toys [72” + span models]
- 7 May – glider mayhem
- 13/14 May – Long Marsden show
The first BBQ will be on 2nd June when there may be a chuck glider event if support is there. Chuckie design rules are posted in the clubhouse, please see below...
PPMFC Chuck Glider Competition Rules
Chuck glider flying surfaces should be created from a piece of 24”x3”x1/8” balsa sheet.
Designers can use the balsa sheet as they wish, but should produce a 24” x 3” paper drawing [i.e. draw round the bits] to show that all the flying surfaces came from the one piece of sheet.
Fuselages should be constructed from one piece of 24” x 1/4” x 1/2” strip wood. The material may be balsa, spruce or bass wood etc as preferred, but must be wood.
The model should be made only of the wood specified with no strengthening enhancements of carbon fibre, glass tape etc.
Reinforcement with a ply or similar gusset at the wing root for the throwing finger is permitted.
A surface finish may be applied at the designer’s discretion.
Good luck ... may the best designer win.
Club Corner:
The Treasurer showed his Jet Legends 1/8 scale F16 in smart USAF “Thunderbirds” aerobatic team colours. Powered by a JetCat P100 turbine, the 22.5lb of thrust should be adequate for the 16lb model. 4lb of fuel should give 6 minutes endurance. The model is expected to fly soon at Wroughton.
Raffle:
Winners were: some Servo Y Leads, Bernie Stinchcombe, some Hex Drivers, Jake Williams, a craft knife, Simon Quance, a book “First Flight”, Dave Smith, another book on the Red Arrows, Chris Hutchings, and a battery charger, the Treasurer.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
March 2012 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
In the Absence of the E&SS, the Chairman reminded members of the proposed visit to the Duxford Jubilee Air Show on 27 May. Those interested should forward their names to the E&SS. Looking ahead, the North Cotswold MAC will hold a Fly for Fun weekend at Morton in Marsh on 11/12 August 2012.
Club Corner:
Derek Veitch showed a very smart orange and yellow Keil Kraft Mini Super he had built from a plan. Originally for ic power, it will fly on a brushless electric motor. It will be ideal for SAM35 events.
Eric Sutton showed a HK 450 airframe that he had re-bodied with a yellow Graupner 400 fuselage. This had involved a lot of fiddly work to get decent fits from the clear plastic mouldings, but had greatly improved the appearance for a 750g to 900g weight increase. An added attraction was flashing anti-collision light. Driven by airframe vibration these had been stolen from his daughter’s slippers !
Phil Sumner showed his Vladimir Elf mini DLG glider. Superbly constructed from carbon fibre with a Multiplex RX5 receiver and a 180mAh lipo it weighs just 95g! A brilliant chuck glider, albeit at a teeth sucking price.
The Secretary showed his 10 year old scratch built BN2 Islander which he had re-engined with brushless inrunner motors to replace the original Graupner Speed 400’s, and a 3S 2200mh lipo to replace the 7x1700mAh NiCads. This had resulted in a 4oz (10%) weight reduction and an increase in power from 150W to 335W.
Raffle:
Winners were: some Charger Leads, Bruce Robertson, some Hex Drivers, Derek Veitch, some Cyano and servo lead clips, Dave Smith, 3 micro servos donated by Neil Emerson, Ray Peacock, a mini tacho, Mark Castledine, and a Red Arrows book donated by Barrie Shayler, the Secretary.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
February 2012 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS distributed his provisional events programme for 2012, copies of which will be placed on the web site and in the clubhouse. The range of catering options in the clubhouse has been extended to include soup and Oxo. Members were encouraged to continue their excellent use of the honesty box.
Club Corner:
Laurie Hughes showed progress on his Saudi Air Force Typhoon which had had its Jet-Munts 90 engine installed and first full assembly. It had been painted in Klass Kote grey tones finish. The waterslide decals were crinkled by the Klass Kote clear finish so the top coat was in clear two pack epoxy. There had been many headaches with the build, the latest being incorrect alignment of a pre-installed main undercarriage leg.
Andy Sharham offered a Futaba 9C manual to a good home and then showed his Tamjets EDF USN “Blue Angels” A4 Skyhawk. The model is 48” span and 72” long and will weigh up to 19lb depending on the battery packs. It is fitted with air retracts and a dual 1600mAh Lipo fail safe power system for the servos and RX. Andy recommended Changesun EDF fans and motors from X Flight RC Models. A 7Kg thrust 12 blade fan and motor unit cost £160 compared with £400 for a similar German unit. He offered to demonstrate motor, fan, battery combinations at the March meeting.
Raffle:
Winners were: some Charger Leads, Andy Sharham, a Craft Knife, John Holland, some Hex Drivers, Bernie Stinchcombe, some Cyano, Mike Wilkinson, some Battery Charge markers, Glyn Thomas, a Battery Checker donated by Laurie Hughes, Roger Turner, and a battery Charger, Simon Quance.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
January 2012 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS thanked members for their support of the Christmas event. Plans for 2012 events were being drafted and were waiting for the shows calendar to be finalised. Once fixed, an A4 programme leaflet will be distributed to each member. A new event he proposed would be a concours/most exiting model event to be held at the Christmas meeting.
Club Corner:
Malcolm Wood showed a large ARTF Piper Pawnee crop sprayer for 700 sized electric power and 80A ESC.
Roger Roberts showed a near complete P36 Warhawk in desert camouflage for a 300W motor and 3S LiPo’s.
The Secretary showed a replica of the first RC model aircraft he designed and built 50 years ago! Scaled from old photographs, several members recognised the design as very close to the Mercury Galahad of the period. With throttle and full 3 axis proportional controls as opposed to bang bang rudder only, and powered by an ASP 30FS, it hopefully will be more successful in flight than the original.
Raffle:
Winners were: Bill McFarlane some charger leads, Gerry Prendergast, some cyano, Phil Baker some hex drivers, John Ford a mini tacho, and Roy Gooderham 3 micro servos.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
December 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
Clad in a smart DJ, the E&SS summed up his year recording the 3 very successful BBQ’s including the one on Bonfire Night. He thanked Simon Leach for his high quality catering, and all the other helpers who had made the organisation of the events easy. Flying discipline at the BBQ’s and other flying events had been excellent.
The weather had made flying difficult sometimes, but it had showed the importance of making the right model choice when taking part.
He went on to congratulate those who had passed their BMFA A and B certificates during the year. For 2012, he intended to continue with competitive and fun events for scale, glider, EDF, electric and helicopter models etc, and another club outing similar to the excursion to the British Nationals in August which had proved very popular. He recorded that the Forum had been well supported. 50 members had contributed to 94 topics and there had been over 8500 hits on the site. Finally he personally thanked Colin Richards for his donation of scaffold poles for race pylons.
The E&SS then went on to make his conversation provoking “Surprise Awards” authorised at the November meeting. These were:
- For reducing the average age of the club, and to encourage Junior Membership – Thomas Lupson-Darnell.
- For demonstrating prolific building skills at up to 3 models per week – Roger Roberts.
- For his unusual model, the B&Q sourced tricopter, incorporating tremendous design and innovation skills in construction and flying – Steve Buckley.
- For flying in whatever the weather, and being perhaps the keenest club aviator – Reg Street.
- For being an “all round nice bloke” and his contributions to the Forum and helicopter flying – Dave Brasener.
- For his multo models, always being in a rush, but always having time for everyone – Eric Sutton.
- For being “Mr Fixit”, and king of welding - Nigel Hill.
- For being “Mr Enthusiasm”, for his jet flying, for being always helpful, for raising substantial club funds with the raffle, for always abiding by the rules and his perfect flight line manners – Mark Littlewood.
- For being “Clubman of the Millennium”, always available to help, especially to another member with health problems – John Holland.
- A double award to the people whose continuous hard work on field maintenance has given us a great flying site – Roger Kilbey, and Rob Bennett.
Members showed their appreciation of the E&SS selection of those individuals who had done so much to promote the very friendly and cooperative atmosphere of the club.
Club Corner:
Malcolm Wood showed an ARTF Percival Mew Gull powered by an SC180FS. The model was the outcome of a BMFA ad swop deal, and needs only a couple of hours work to complete.
Paul Wakefield showed a very smart scale Short Sealand seaplane for two brushless motors. Produced from a much modified vintage plan, the model was finished in blue and silver Profilm, and needed only a little more work to complete. Hopefully, it will not reflect too many of the characteristics of the full size aircraft which was rather underpowered, and with a narrow hull that sat too deep in fresh water. The model will be flight tested off water, but should be capable of flying from grass.
Raffle:
Winners were:
A hand thrown pottery jug donated by Rickie Gould, Tony Williams, a goodies bag of useful items, Reg Street, a handy magnifying tool holder, Chris Reid, a micro tachometer, Seb Stanley, a charger, Rob Bennett, a Martin Briggs Models voucher, John Holland and the star prize of an electric ARTF Wot4 to Mark Sissons.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
November 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The bonfire night BBQ had been a great success. The E&SS thanked all those who had helped set things up, and especially to Masterchef Simon Leach for his usual culinary excellence, and Nigel Hill for the loan of a generator.
He went on to propose the purchase of suitable steel and aluminium tubing to make quickly mountable pylon masts for pylon racing events. He will investigate this further.
Finally he proposed the expenditure from club funds to create a number of awards for deserving club members at what is to be a memorable Christmas Party meeting in December. His reluctance to reveal any detail of his “surprise” intentions provoked considerable discussion. Eventually, the Secretary suggested that, given his track record, the E&SS should be trusted to create a worthwhile event on this occasion.
Please see "For the Record" for more details.
Club Corner:
Richard Morris showed his large Jacadowski turbine powered Eurocopter AS350 Squirrel. The turbine delivers 8HP into a 2m diameter 3 bladed rotor disc, and the model is 2.5m long and weighs 24K. It has required LMA certification for flight and will use two receivers and four receiver batteries.
Paul Nind showed a very nice one third scale Spacewalker powered by an OS 13.2cu in flat four engine, and weighing 23.4lb. Test flown by Brian Dix, it had been a delight to fly with no trim adjustments required, and very easy to land.
Andy Sharham showed an eScale ARTF RN Seafire for electric power using a 6S lipo. A nicely produced model, and good value at £180.00 which included the retracts.
Bob Daniels demonstrated an adaptable model stand built from plastic plumbing pipe and elbows, with pipe insulation padding. The joints were moveable to enablefuselages and wings to be held easily. A useful device, albeit that the elbows were costly items.
The secretary offered an electric glider to a good home. After several members showed interest, it was later auctioned to Barrie Shayler for £15.00 for club funds.
Raffle:
Winners were: A roll of Solarfilm, Bernie Stinchcombe; some hex drivers, Phil Baker; some battery leads, Derek Williams; some servo leads, Dave Kennor; some cyano, Richard Morris; and a mini tacho, Barrie Shayler.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
October 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
Activity had been light. The Vintage meet had attracted only two entrants, one relegated to second place for not complying fully with regulations, and the other disqualified for late arrival! A and B testing had been similarly poorly supported.
The E&SS warned that ARTF instructions to fit propellers to electric models before setting up the radio were dangerous if a reverse of the TX throttle action was required. An un-commanded take off in the workshop could be the result [Twice!]. [Sec’s Note: Tell me about it].
Club Corner:
Once again Roger Roberts shamed slower builders with yet another new model. This time, a semi-vintage Maricado low winger finished in bright yellow and black. It flies well on a Super Tigre 0.49.
Raffle:
Winners were, Colin Richards some servo leads, Andy Sharam some charger leads, Adrian Biddle some hex drivers, Dave Marsh a charger, and Ray Peacock a mini tachometer.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
September 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
It had been a good month but with rather more social activity than flying. The BBQ on 21 August had gone very well with over 60 people and aircraft attending. Flying was ok early but the wind had picked up later.
The coach trip to the British Nationals was a really good day out for the 17 members who attended. The weather was increasingly windy which had restricted some of the flying, but enabled members to give their wallets a severe bashing to fill the empty seats in the full size coach with large boxes.
The Much Marcle show on 4 September saw a good turnout for a relaxed session without too much wallet stress.
The pending programme has Sunday 18 Sep as a vintage fly in or similar. On Sat/Sun 24/25 Sep there will be A & B Cert practise on Saturday with testing on Sunday. A winter Tigershark programme will be posted on the forum. Don’t forget the upcoming indoor flying sessions at Evesham Community centre and Cleeve School – see the forum for details. Further winter events will depend on good weather.
Club Corner:
The ever busy Roger Roberts showed another in his series of Vans RV3’s. This time he had built to quarter scale for a ringed Super Tigre 61. It’s going to weigh 6.5lb plus when complete.
Eric Sutton showed a smart Lander F16 ARTF foam model costing only £35 at Weston Park. It weighs a little over a pound and pulls 650W from a 3S 3700mAh lipo pack.
Andy Sharam showed a £50 ARTF Sukhoi SU26M which weighs 2.5lb and is drawing 400W from 3S lipo.
Steve Buckley showed and demonstrated his own design Y shaped, 3 prop, helicopter. Using cheap motors, ESC and gyros from Giant Cod, and aluminium tube from B&Q it is a brilliant technical achievement for around £90.
Raffle:
Winners were: some books, Rasti Mego, hex drivers, Dave Jessop, 2x 9g servos, Ralph Vincent, servo extension leads, Malcolm Wood, charger leads, Neil Emerson, and a Turnigy charger, Eric Sutton.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
10th August 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS reported that the glider meet under the new get down in 5 minutes and spot land, had gone well. Glyn Thomas had achieved an exactly 5 minute flight. There had been no takers for A and B tests, but he thanked the examiners for turning up on the day. The WWII scale day had been a success albeit blustery. The future programme is:
- BBQ/glider competition/WWII scale/jets sessions Sun 21 August, the 20th a weather alternative.
- 28 August coach to British Nationals [see AOB for detail].
- Sat 3 September WWII/anything scale day.
- Sun 24 September, B certificate tests.
Club Corner:
Dave Brazener offers a glider bungee and other glider items for members to take away. The Chairman suggested the club could take them on for all members. Dave agreed.
Raffle.
Winners were: Derek Veitch a tachometer, Roger Turner some hex drivers, Richard Morris some servo leads, Dave Kennor some charger leads, and Jim Abrahams some cyano.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
13th July 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS reported that the weather had curtailed some events, and that further practise sessions for BMFA tests would be arranged. Forthcoming events were:
- 16 July, jet day, and Cosford LMA show.
- 17 July, helicopter fly in and Cosford.
- 30 July, scale day.
- 31 July, motor glider competition.
- 6 August, B cert practise.
- 7 August, warbirds day.
- 14 August, B cert tests [to be confirmed by examiners].
- 28 August, coach trip to the BMFA British Nationals. A 34 seater coach will cost approx £12/head [£10 deposit ASAP], pick ups will be in Cheltenham, Bishops Cleeve and Tewkesbury
- Sun 12 June, Jet and EDF models.
- Sat/Sun 18/19 June, the Weston Park Show.
- Wed 22 June, Longest night glider fly in and competition – late afternoon and evening.
- Sun 26 June, Tigersharks 4th round.
- Sat 2 July, BMFA A cert testing.
- 2/3 July, The Woodsprings Show.
- 9/10 July, BMFA B cert practise – see the web site for B cert training schedule.
- Saturday May 15, Scale Day – to be held on Sunday if the weather is poor.
- Saturday June 4, BBQ – Sunday is the alternate day if the weather is poor.
- 12 March, a pylon flying session for any model.
- 19 March, a fly in for electric models.
- 27 March, a warbird fly in.
- 3 April, a BMFA A Test day. NB. The Chairman undertook to check his availability as an Examiner.
- 9 April, an electric glider competition: model weight (g)/battery voltage/12 = motor run (secs).
- 16 April, any model aerobatic day.
- 21 or 28 May, B certificate practice sessions.
- Mid August and September, BMFA B Tests.
Club Corner:
Phil Sumner showed his beautifully moulded glass and kevlar Vladimir Models Blaster 2 DLG glider. Weighing only 11oz for its 59” span it achieves 80-100 feet off a discus throw launch and readily finds lift if it is there. Controls are flaperons and elevator running off a 360mAh 2S lipo. Not cheap at £300.00 for the basic airframe, but a fine piece of model engineering.
Anthony Comley showed a neat scratch built depron and EPP spitfire for indoor flying at an AUW of 4oz. He also showed a micro movie camera available from Amazon for £7.00.
Raffle:
Winners were Rob Ashwood, some servo leads, Rasti Mego some charger leads, Derek Veitch some Turnigy hex drivers, and Ray Peacock a micro tacho.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
June 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS reported that the BBQ had gone very well, and there had been a good response to his last minute passionate appeal for static display models. The future events planned are below. The Forum can be accessed to get the most up to date information.
Club Corner:
Roger Roberts showed his completed Van’s RV3 finished in Solarfilm, Solarlac and B&Q white. It had proved difficult to get airborne on OS LA40 power: only possible with a prop change. An engine swap to an LA46 had greatly improved things.
The Secretary showed a slope glider designed around a surplus Wot 4 wing kit. Yet to fly it is basically a slimmed down Wot 4 with a 200W brushless motor up front to counter excessive height loss.
Stephen Jefferies showed a depron ARTF Alfa-Model Spitfire Vb which he had detailed to represent W3257 flown by Flt Lt Eric Stanley-Lock – an ace with 26 kills in one year and a boyhood hero of Stephen’s. They went to the same school. The extra detailing successfully represented the combat stained character of a hard flown Spitfire.
Raffle:
Winners were: Stephen Jefferies some Turnigy hex drivers, David Jessop some cyano, Andrew McCarthy some charge leads, and popular frequent winner Norman Jeffery, some servo extension leads.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
May 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS was still away, but reminded members of upcoming events through the Chair. Viz:
Club Corner:
The Chairman reported the sale of items donated by Mrs Barbara Weaver for the club.
Richard Morris showed his large orange and white Jetcat turbine powered Eurocopter EC135. The aircraft has a fenestron tail rotor running at 13000 rpm with main rotor running at 1200 rpm.
Simon Quance showed a Flair Puppeteer, nicely built by his 89 year old dad! The model was covered in Solartex and powered by an SC46 two stroke with quiet exhaust system built by Simon from plumbing parts from B&Q.
The ever prolific Roger Roberts showed a very nice Varis V3 aerobatic aircraft built from an RCM&E free plan. The all wood construction included a very shapely cheeked cowling and foam wheel spats. It will fly on OS LA40 power.
The Secretary showed a Lipo charger from Hobby King at £30 which will charge 4 lipos at up to 4 amps each, simultaneously. The drawback is that it is for 3S lipos only.
Raffle:
The raffle which had been over from the April meeting had winners as follows:
Roy Gooderham, Y leads, Warren Ellison a neck strap and some hex spanners, Glyn Thomas some extension leads, Simon Quance some cyano, Gerry Prendergast a battery carrier and Nigel Hill a Whattmeter.
The May raffle winners were: Mark Sissons, some Y leads, Dave Smith and Norman Huckaby some hex spanners. Dave Caldwell some extension leads and Glyn Thomas a charger.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
April 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
There is a race meeting on 13-14 April and another on 4 May.
Club Corner:
The Chairman reported that a Mrs Barbara Weaver had offered the Club a load of model items for disposal in aid of Club funds. He invited members to make offers for items. The proceeds will go to buy tractor fuel.
Roy Gooderham offered a 12’ span open class soarer for sale.
Steve Jefferies showed his RTF ParkZone Ultra Micro Mosquito which is only 20” span but beautifully made and detailed from Depron/EPS type foams. It flies very well outdoors on 1S lipo.
Derek Veitch showed a pretty high wing electric model from a free plan, very nicely covered in red and yellow Orolite.
Richard Morris showed a Parrot A.R.Drone four fan flying platform “thing”. The device, which flies while controlled from an iPhone, can relay movies from on board cameras back to the phone. A pair of them can be flown in combat. He also showed an MCPX 3D helicopter. Only 8” long with a flybarless rotor, it is fully 3D in expert hands.
Malcolm Wood showed a large mosquito obtained as a freebie by his RAF son. Built from a Brian Taylor plan and 30 years old, it proved to be in good condition under the covering. The standard of original workmanship is high with interior detail, and homemade retracts. It will be fully restored to flying condition, probably replacing the original 2 x 0.20 cu in IC engines with electric motors.
Raffle:
The raffle draw was held over until the May meeting to let the Secretary get on with his Fokker FVII/3m talk.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
March 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS recorded recent successful events and outlined his future programme:
The E&SS also suggested a club outing to the BMFA Nationals. A coach would cost £450.00, ie, about £10/head. Members generally supported the proposal.
Club Corner:
Colin Barnfather showed his US designed “Utility” from a Ben Buckle kit purchased from the Paul Cox estate. Functional rather than pretty, it is an electric high winger with a Junior 60 flavour and other period features. The model was very nicely finished in black and neutral Solartex, with a “Utility” logo on the wing – a mystery to members aged under 60.
The Treasurer showed his ARFT YT “Adrenaline”, a large composite aerobatic model, powered by a DLE 20cc petrol engine. After greatly enlarging the silencer, the engine has proved a dream to handle, with an endurance of 40 minutes per tank. The model has digital servos and is a bit heavier than advertised at a little over 11lb.
Simon Leach showed a Mini Titan helicopter fitted with a T Rex Hughes 500 shell. The model looked very pretty, but the fitting the shell and setting up the electronics had been tricky.
The Secretary showed his 90% completed scratch built Fokker FVII/3m for 3 brushless bell motor power. On completion the model will pull up to 300W on 3S lipos. He offered a talk on the interesting history of the aircraft for the April meeting.
Rickie Gould showed an 11’ span ASW 17 glider built with help from Roger Roberts. The wing servos have been mixed to offer aileron/flap/spoiler options. He also showed a 6’ span Processor Soar Ahead sailplane with a fully symmetric wing.
Raffle:
Winners were: Roger Roberts and Derek Williams some servo leads, Dave Caldwell some Y leads, Rickie Gould some charger leads, and Andrew McCarthy a charger. Mike Fall won a Bill Gunston book on Fighters donated by Roger Williams.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
February 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS informed members of the new Plane Talking Forum section on the web site where members could exchange information and check out the events programme. The BBQ dates have been posted on the site, ie, 4 or 5 June and 20 or 21 August.
The Chairman reminded members that the Forum is accessible to anyone so members need to take some care with the content of their posts to avoid possible embarrassment.
Club Corner:
Laurie Hughes showed his partly completed Typhoon. Built from a Jim Fox kit, it is one of only 5 in existence worldwide, of which only the prototype has flown. Unlike most Typhoon models it is true scale with no increase in wing area. Laurie had spent 30 hours removing paint applied by the original owner preparatory to painting it in the colours of the Royal Saudi Air Force. This will enable him to use a blue/grey camouflage scheme which will be more attractive than the usual smoke grey overall schemes for European Typhoons. Laurie will order a suitable turbine engine once he has an idea of the finished AUW. . He had also just finished his F16.
Jerry Prendergast showed his part built A Train glider kit, and asked for assistance with some build issues.
John Ford offered a PDQ helicopter airframe and spares for sale at £75.00, and Mark Sissons offered his usual range of bits plus an RCV engine.
Raffle:
Winners were: Neil Emerson, a charger, Norman Jeffrey, some cyano, Simon Quance, some Y leads, and Mark Sissons, some servo leads. Glyn Thomas and Phil McCarthy won Typhoon prints donated by Paul Nind.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
January 2011 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS passed around a provisional events calendar for the forthcoming year. He had aimed at creating a wide variety of sessions for all the flying disciplines. The list will be placed on the web site. [see above]
Club Corner:
Mark Sissons had further items for sale, and Steve Clark offered a Modelfly “Ready 2” preformed plastic model kit for sale. The kit was minus a wing but these are available as spares.
Raffle:
Winners were: Selwyn Read, a Boddo book donated by Norman Jeffery, Reg Street, a Magnum 40 donated by Colin Barnfather, Mark Littlewood, a charger, Ray Peacock, some charger leads, and Dave Smith, some cyano. Once again the “one table wins all” phenomenon emerged!
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
November 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS reported that his programme planning was making progress. He was waiting for the major national event dates to be announced to avoid conflictions with club operations.
The Tigershark chapter was expanding with 12 models in construction; all to use the ASP 36 engine for combat and pylon racing competition. Detailed rules will be framed shortly.
Club Corner:
Pete Law offered a selection of models for sale.
Paul Wakefield showed a scale Hawker P1121 for ducted fan. The 1121 was a supersonic, M2.5, strike/attack aircraft to replace the Hunter, which was cancelled in the 1957 Defence Review. Paul’s 1/14 scale model was CAD designed by him using Coreldraw, and the laser cut parts beautifully assembled by a friend. It will use a 70mm fan giving 1.5Kg thrust from 4S lipos.
Ralph Vincent showed his very nice Balsacraft FW190 using mega 220 motor and Jeti ESC.
Raffle:
Barry Shayler won some JR extension leads, Derek Veitch some lead clips, Mike Wilkinson some thin cyano, and Jez Carter a tachometer.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
October 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The rescheduled BBQ on 10 Oct had gone very well although the stiff wind cut flying down and put burger consumption up. The New E&SS, Andy Sharam thanked Simon Leach for all his good work in the past, and outlined his ideas for a programme of fun flying events and museum visits.
Club Corner:
Andy Kirby showed his new Spectrum DX8 which he had obtained at Antics on line. The outfit comes with an onboard telemetry unit which can send RX and propulsion battery condition, Brushless motor rpm, IC engine temperature etc data to a display on the TX. These inputs can be programmed to trigger audio or vibration alarms. The device also provides a downloadable data log.
John Ford showed a magic box for helicopters which uses three axis gyros to replace the fly bar control system. This is a first for helicopters. It effectively converts a helicopter to fly by wire control and, while easy to set up and very stable in operation thereafter, makes the feel of the aircraft very different until you get used to it.
Roger Williams showed an E-Sky 2.4GHz conversion module for JR transmitters from Giant Cod.
Andy Sharam offered a collection of redundant 35MHz receivers to interested parties, and Mark Sissons offered a selection of useful items.
Raffle:
Prizes of some servo extension leads went to Rob Ashwood, some charger leads to Derek Clarke and a charger and leads to Colin Richards.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
September 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS reminded that the next BBQ will be on 3 Oct 10.
Rules Of The Month:
The CSO reminded members of the BMFA pre-flight “SWEETS” Checks, ie, Sun, Wind, Eventualities, Emergencies, Transmitter Control and Site Rules.
Club Corner:
Steve Clarke offered a freebie glider airframe that he was recycling after being unable to make use of it.
Eric Sutton showed an HK450 helicopter which offered good value at £40 from Giant Cod. The airframe had needed some fettling, but a ready to fly model using low cost and parts bin components could be achieved for £80.00
Raffle:
Derek Williams won a Spitfire book donated by the Secretary, Selwyn Read a tachometer, Roger Roberts some servo leads, and Norman Jeffrey some charger leads.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
August 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
There was a reminder from the social secretary that the next BBQ would be on Sunday 3rd October 2010.
Rules Of The Month:
The safety officer wished to remind members that complaints that could not be resolved by a quiet word, should be put in writing and forwarded to a member of the committee.
Club Corner:
Roger Roberts has been busy again, showing the members a still to be completed Frog Prince glider which he had built from plans and converted from free flight to 3 channel R/C. He also showed a Halcyon from the RCME December 2001 free plan that he is building for the Chairman, to be powered by a ED 2.5cc racer that he bought from the late Paul Cox’s estate.
Andy Kirby showed a GT Power charger that was both mains and battery powered that he had bought for the forthcoming indoor season, for £44 from Giant Cod. The charger comes with a selection of adaptors and a balance lead. He also announced that he had recently passed his BMFA Helicopter A test.
Raffle:
Simon John won a bottle of Cyano, Norman Jeffery some extension leads, Dave Smith some extension leads, and Glyn Thomas a tachometer. It was spooky that all the winners were on the same table.
Richard Morris offered a box of Helicopter parts that were sold to Mike Wilkinson for £5 which Richard kindly donated to club funds.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
July 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The next BBQ will be on 3 Oct.
Club Corner:
Three free model airframes were offered by Mark Littlewood, and later Andy Sharam brought in a part completed F15 for electric fan.
Raffle:
Prizes of a plastic Dragon Rapide kit, donated by Bob Daniels, went to John Holland, an unstable mini helicopter, donated by Dave Brazener, to the Chairman, some plug clips to Brian Cobb, charger leads to Mike Windo, JR servo leads to Brian Dix and a micro tachometer to Norman Huckerby.
A book on model building donated by Brian Cobb was auctioned to Mark Littlewood
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
June 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The next BBQ will be on 26 Sep.
Club Corner:
Julian Downham and Marc Plummer showed a small chubby EPP biplane for electric fun flying. It is at home in or out of doors and very enjoyable to fly on a 3S lipo and 2 channel radio. It will be available as a kit.
John Ford showed off two Ely Q helicopters, a Vision 50 and Vision Competition 50. The latter is a later version of the first. Both were excellent value for money and fully aerobatic, albeit good servos were needed. The later model had the advantage of a carbon fibre chassis and improved controls options.
Dave Brasener offered for sale a nice Magnatilla, and Nigel Hill a YT Rush.
Raffle:
Prizes of a Wattmeter went to Dave Coldwell, a pack of servo extension leads to John Ford, some charger leads to Eric Sutton and some servo connector clips to Colin Barnfather.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
Many thanks to Nigel Hill for sending in these photos of his Falcon 120 taken by Laurie Hughes.
May 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The BBQ’s will be on 5th June and 26th September.
Rules Of The Month:
Nothing for this month as the CSO was incommunicado.
Club Corner:
The Secretary showed his Auster AOP9 now 95% complete having been painted with camouflage Spectrum aerosol spray enamel. It should fly shortly.
Roger Roberts showed his Great News [Junior 60 lookalike] airframe for a Russian diesel and extra build to provide ailerons and flaps.
Julian Downham showed his “Czech Model” F3D pylon racer. Made of carbon fibre composite and running a piped 6.5cc two stroke it makes 235mph on the straight !
The motor has no throttle, and runs on straight methanol/castor fuel delivering 5bhp at 34K rpm ! Even so, it lasts surprisingly well, mainly because a 10 lap 2.5 mile race takes only 65 seconds.
The performance is such that practise flying has to be done at Barkston Heath airfield where the 129db noise is acceptable !
Performance at this level requires turbine model scales of investment. The actual figures are classified in the interests of marital harmony.
Raffle:
Prizes of a Wattmeter went to Andy Sharam, a pack of servo extension leads to Barrie Shayler, and some cyano to Brian Dix.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
April 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
BBQ’s will be on 5 June and 26 September.
Rules Of The Month:
Rule of the month was a reminder of pit etiquette. When the pits are crowded give you neighbours enough room to operate safely, and don’t do high power checks in the pits. The un-mown areas of the field delineate the pits area clearly. Don’t pit near to the car park.
Club Corner:
Rick Gauld demonstrated a ducted fan power pod for attachment to a 3m glider. The 60mm fan running on a 3S 1600mAh lipo has enough power to move the glider across the floor so should prove adequate for flight.
The Secretary showed his “Agritug”, an own design 51” span model based on an earlier 36” design altered to make a semi scale model of a Romanian agricultural aircraft of 1968. The model is powered by an Axi 2820/10 motor and 2 x 3S 1800mAh lipo in parallel, Weighing 2lb 8oz all up, and pulling 225W, it flies very well, and will eventually be an RCM&E plan.
Mike Windo showed a very nice Graupner Canary pusher canard. The model was built from a high quality kit with precision shaped, all sheet, wooden parts with ABS moulded joiners, and covered in red and yellow doped modelspan tissue. It will fly on a speed 300 and 900mAh lipo at an AUW of 317g.
Raffle:
Prizes of a Wattmeter went to Brian Dix, a set of multi connection adapters to Robert Ashwood, some cyano to Andy Sharam, and a packet of servo leads to Dave Kennor.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
March 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The 2010 BBQ dates are Saturday 5th June, and Sunday 26th September.
Rules Of The Month:
Rule of the Month reminded members that a coned pilot box must be in place when more than one pilot is flying.
Club Corner:
Dave Brasener offered a slope soarer for sale.
Colin Barnfather showed a “Less ‘n’ Extra built from a plan for brushless motor and lipos.
Eric Sutton showed an ARTF Sopwith Camel for 3S Lipo and a £11.00 brushless motor.
This was a pretty model which flew nicely, but the closed loop controls had proved very fiddly to fit.
Roger Roberts showed a part built Airocobra built from a 1983 plan,
Originally for IC, Roger will fit an electric motor.
Ricky Gauld offered two heliboys, one with a working 0.61 motor, to a good home.
Raffle:
The raffle of a packet of servo leads were won by Colin Richards, and a couple of 35 MHz receivers were won by Roy Gooderham.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
Many thanks to Andy Sharam for sending in these photos.
February 2010 Club Meeting:
Club Corner:
The Secretary showed his Auster AOP9, complete except for painting and finishing. The model is 75” span with an OS52 four stroke and 35 MHz radio. It has been developed from an Airsail kit with the addition of scale external and interior detail. The colour scheme will be taken from the original prototype aircraft which still flies from its Devon base.
Andy Sharam showed an onboard, 2.4GHz Lipo monitoring transmitter which signals in flight battery state to a receiver on the ground.
Raffle:
The raffle of an anemometer, won by Steve Clarke, and a tachometer, won by Mark Littlewood.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
January 2010 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
Nothing to report but, there will be a meeting on Saturday 30 January 2010 at the racecourse so no flying permitted.
Club Corner:
The Chairman, having decided to try big electric motors as a solution to the noise problem, showed a Turnigy 1800W motor and ESC.
The combo had cost £155.00 from Hong Kong, and will use 10 of his preferred A123 Lithium cells. These give 3.3v per cell and are very robust and safe during charge/discharge. The downside is that they are currently limited to 2300mAh capacity which may limit duration. Two packs in parallel will fix this but give an undesirable weight increase.
Roger Roberts showed a nice 1.33 scale Southern Dragon vintage model using a geared 600 size brushed motor. He intends to tow a vintage glider design with it.
Andy Kirby showed a small TRex helicopter purchased for his 8 year old son Ben for Christmas. The model has a Futaba 2.4GHz RX with a rotor span of 460mm running at 3000rpm for training, with 4000rpm available for 3D flying, on a 910mAh Lipo. The model is beautifully made with a carbon fibre chassis, cheap spares, and AUW of only 350gm: total cost about £150:00. Ben managed 8 minutes of hover on the first launch!
Raffle:
The raffle of a mini rev counter was won by Ian Wallington.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
December 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
Nothing more to report for 2009. Another two BBQ’s will be planned for 2010.
Rule Of The Month:
Rule of the month was Club Rule 1 ie, that all members have to sign that they had read the BMFA Handbook, and Club Rules and Safety Codes when renewing their membership.
He reported that the indoor flying sessions were going well and encouraged more attendance, particularly by helicopter flyers, who would have separate slots.
Club Corner:
Mike Wilkinson showed a very large grp Extra 330 by Prokit. Powered by a DLE 110cc motor with 12BHP with carbon 3 blade prop and spinner and two digital servos/control surface. So much for the recession ! The radio is JR 35MHz with battery back up. The model is close to flying but awaiting a purpose built exhaust manifold.
Ray Peacock showed a Multiplex Cirlaris 2.6m span elapor glider, from a kit. The model has click fit wings and tailplane and the motor pulls 140W from a 3S 2200mAh lipo. Controls include elevons, flaps and crow brakes. The quality of the Muliplex kit was excellent taking some anxiety out of one attempt only assembly with cyano.
Raffle:
The Christmas raffle was for Four mini servos won by Paul Cooper, a lipo charger by Mike Wilkinson, and an Irvine 46 Mk IV by Ray Peacock.
Many Thanks to John Stennard for his very interesting talk on indoor combat flying. Please click on the image for more photos.
There is also plans to print off and build your own.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
November 09 Club Meeting:
Rules Of The Month:
The use of transmitters operating on the 27mhz band is prohibited.
The committee has the authority to ask that any transmitter which, after a simple test, is suspected of causing interference, be checked. Proof must be provided that its performance is acceptable before that transmitter may be used again on any PPMFC site.
Club Corner:
Roger Roberts showed his Frog Jackdaw powered by a brushed motor and Solartex covered. The wings have been modified to reduce the dihedral by 3 degrees.
Raffle:
An anemometer and tacho were raffled won by Barry Shayler and Norman Jeffrey respectively.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
Many thanks to Dave Brazener for sending in these photos of the recent indoor meet.
Many thanks to Mark Littlewood for sending in these photos of a recent [low!] jet meet.
Many thanks to Andy Sharam for sending in these photos of his Falcon 120. [aka Madonna]
October 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The Chairman recorded that the September 27th BBQ had been very good.
Rule Of The Month:
Members are reminded that model power train changes require a new noise test. Full details can see read from the link below "For The Record"
Club Corner:
Eric Sutton showed a very nice restoration and electrification of a 20 year old Mercury Magna.
Roger Roberts showed a Russian glow to diesel conversion engine acquired on ebay.
Andy Sharam showed his Falcon 120. Originally powered by a Moki 135 which had proved too noisy and messy in use, he had refitted it with two 90mm electric fan units. Each fan should give 7lb of thrust from 2x100 amp controllers and 2x6S 5000mAh lipos. The model weighs 18lb ready to fly, so performance should be adequate! The electric power train was only half the price of an equivalent turbine for similar performance!
Raffle:
No raffle this month due to the AGM timings.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
September 09 Club Barbeque:
A fine turn out yet again for the club Barbeque hosted once again by Simon [CSO] and Kate Leach.
Thanks also go to all who helped out on the day and to Dave Smith, Dave Brazener and Andy Sharam for sending in the photos.
A lovely day was had by all with some fine weather and great flying.
September 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
Barbecue on Sunday 27th September with Saturday 26th as a reserve. Please check back nearer the time for more information.
Rules Of The Month:
Flying Competence [Rule 12]
Unless accompanied by a qualified club member, no member is permitted to fly fixed wing aircraft or helicopters solo until they have demonstrated competence by passing the appropriate BMFA [A] Achievement Scheme or other examination.
Club Corner:
Laurie Hughes showed the club his Fly Eagles F16 turbine powered model. Although in early stages of construction it was already looking good in its Israeli desert camo finish.
Andy Sharam brought along his Phase 3 Squall polystyrene electric ducted fan model. With vectoring of the fan available this is a very manoeuvrable model and already very popular with several club members.
Andy McCarthy showed his GWS FW190 ‘foamie’ which was his first attempt at airbrushing.
Raffle:
A Rookie indoor plane and a 2.4 ghz Helicopter.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
August 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The BBQ will be on Sunday 27 September with Saturday 26 September as a possible weather alternative.
Rule Of The Month:
Flight Lines and Pits[38].
Flight lines should be set up so that aircraft taking off and landing do not enter the no-fly zones as shown outlined on the site diagrams. See Annexes below.
For more information go to » For The Record and select 12 August 09 from the menu.
Raffle:
The raffle, supplied by the club of a mini aircraft was won by Derek Veitch and 2 x Futaba S3001 servos was won by the Treasurer.
Secretary’s Notes:
Winter Talks.
Members gave a good reception to a possible Winter Talks programme. Six topics were suggested and details will be finalised for a programme beginning with the November meeting.
Reminder.
Items for AOB for the AGM on 14 October 2009 must be passed to the Secretary a minimum of four weeks before the meeting. Nominations for Committee Membership must be placed by two members before the start of AGM business on 14 Oct 09.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
Many thanks to Andy Sharam for sending in these photos of a jet meet.
July 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The next BBQ will be in September. Date to be confirmed, please check back later.
Rule Of The Month:
Rule of the month was solo flying, which is strongly discouraged on safety grounds, especially at Stoke Orchard where aid for an injury would be a long time coming. He reminded members that if 3 or more aircraft are flying, a Safety Marshall should assume a safety look out.
Club Corner:
Andy Sharam showed a cunning adjustable aircraft stand, which doubles as a music stand and extreme ironing board. Good value at £16.
He also showed his newly completed Falcon F1 twin boom pusher with a Moki 135. Often seen with a turbine the aircraft was originally designed for IC.
Some overheating of the engine had been cured by the addition of elegant aluminium “panty wings” to the cylinder head. High speed taxiing had shown a strong tendency for flight, although the model is a bit heavy at 7Kg.
Andy’s hint of the month: don’t buy pilots on Ebay!
Raffle:
The raffle was a mini aircraft and 2 x JR 591 servos supplied by the club. Michael Wilkinson won the aircraft and Nigel Hill the servos.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
June 08 Club Barbeque:
Another great turn out for the club Barbeque.
A huge thanks yet again go to Simon [CSO] & Katie Leach for their cooking skills.
Many thanks to Dave Smith for sending in the photos.
A lovely day was had by all with some fine weather and great flying.
Many thanks to Laurie Hughes for sending in these photos of the L39 flight.
June 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The BBQ date has now been moved to Saturday 27th June. Start time between 11.oo - 12.oohrs
Rules Of The Month:
All power models are to have a silencing system such that the engine, at full power and the mixture adjusted to that of flight conditions, will comply with the Club’s noise test. No noise measurement on the test must exceed 82dB[A] and the average of the four readings must not exceed 80dB[A]. No model is permitted to fly until the noise test has been passed.
Note: It is anticipated that the BMFA will eventually reduce the maximum limit to 80dB[A] in accordance with European noise legislation. Members should aim to make their models as quiet as possible.
Club Corner:
Laurie Hughes showed his very smart LA39 Albatross sprayed with Klasskote in a Russian Arctic Dazzle colour scheme. The model replaces an earlier LA39 lost when the RX went into fail safe. This one was based on a Czech £500 grp airframe with a Wren 44 gold turbine. It uses JR digital servos driven by 3 Spectrum RX’s for safety. Being a small aircraft, space was at a premium so it has only been possible to fit one RX battery.
Raffle:
The raffle of a mini helicopter, and book on V Bombers supplied by the club. The helicopter was won by Simon Harris, and the book by Andy Sharam..
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
Many thanks to Eric Suttton for sending in these photos.
Boeing Stearman.
Many thanks to Simon Quance for sending in these photos of the Stearman
For more information and photos » click here for the Gallery Page
May 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The ESS confirmed, by phone, that the BBQ date will be on Sunday 28th June. More details to follow.
Rules Of The Month:
Flying is only permitted on the Prestbury Park Model Flying Club sites between 0900 and sunset daily.
At the Racecourse and Kayte Lane this may be further restricted by local events, ie the presence of school children, Gymkhanas etc.
Club Corner.
Roger Roberts showed his vintage Frog Centurion built from a Ben Buckle plan. Weighing 3.5lb with an OS25LA up front, it was covered in cream Solartex.
Andy Kirby showed his TRex 500 helicopter. Weighing 1.5Kg with a 6S 2800MAh lipo pack it will operate at 900W giving “adequate” performance, and cost £280 in kit form. The model has hovered for setting up.
Raffle.
The raffle of a plastic helicopter kit donated by the Secretary, and an indoor flying saucer and helicopter supplied by the club. The plastic kit was won by John Holland, the flying saucer by Norman Jeffrey, and the helicopter by Dave Smith.
Congratulations to Eric Sutton with his fixed wing BMFA B Certificate.
To view the complete list of the Club Minutes please click » For The Record.
An Ode To Club Safety Sent in by our Safety Officer - Simon Leach.
Aerial Shots taken by Steve Clark of the Orchard Site from a fly past ...
For more photos click here for the » Gallery Page or here for the » Video.
April 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The ESS had not yet fixed the BBQ dates, but the last weekend in June looked likely.
Rule of the Month:
The CSO reminded members that flying alone, while not prohibited, was unwise and not recommended. His Rule of the Month was to remind members that flying over the pits [or through them!!] was prohibited.
Club Corner:
Mark Littlewood had brought a selection of retired airframes that he offered to members. He then showed his Jetcat 120 powered Eurofighter in dazzle colour scheme. The engine consumes 4L of fuel in a 7 minute flight to give “adequate” performance. The model had flown 10 times successfully, but with minor damage recently after a radio glitch.
Andy Sharam showed his 120 Tigershark powered, prop driven, SU27 Vmar ARFT model. The build had required battle with incomprehensible build instructions, and he had replaced the grossly out of scale fixed U/C with very neat retracts at little extra weight.
Raffle:
The raffle of two servos and a GWS receiver, supplied by the club. The servos were won by Norman Jeffrey, and the RX by Roger Cook.
Finally ...
Many thanks go to all the volunteers who helped with a working party to fill pot holes at the Stoke Orchard site on 15th April 2009.
Test flight of SU-26m with smoke by Nigel Hill.
For more photos click here for the » Gallery Page.
Maiden flight at Wroughton of the Batplane by Laurie Hughes.
For more photos click here for the » Gallery Page.
March 09 Club Meeting:
Events and Social Secretary:
The E&SS reported that he was correlating the major show dates before finally fixing the Club BBQ date.
Rule of the Month:
Flying Operations [Rule. 43/B/IV]
Before carrying out any low flying manoeuvres e.g. touch and goes, overshoots, low passes etc., ensure, that the Safety Marshal and all other pilots present on the flight line are aware of your intention.
At all times when these manoeuvres are taking place, the pilot should maintain awareness of what is happening around them, i.e. people possibly walking into the area about to be overflown.
Taxiing into the Pits [rule. 40 re-cap]
Taxiing, including hover-taxiing by helicopters, back into the pits is dangerous and is prohibited. Models are not to be pointed towards people and equipment at any time - no-one is immune to radio equipment failure or interference.
Notices/Events at the Racecourse:
There will be a meeting at the racecourse from 15-17 April 2009.
Club Corner:
Nigel Hill showed his ARTF SU26M which was almost complete. The kit was good value at 152 with a grp fuselage. The 40cc, 4BHP, petrol engine, a Chinese CRRC G140, had been assembled from a kit of finished components costing 140 from Ebay. Nigel had taken the opportunity to fit SKF bearings at small extra cost. The model is equipped with a smoke system.
Chris Reid showed his Aveox, Thermic Traveller, electric glider. Purchased for 15 00 as 2nd hand kit at the BEFA Symposium it has a brushless motor which pulls 100W from a 3S 1700MAh lipo
Raffle:
Two Futaba 3003 servos, donated by the Club, won by Nigel Hill.
A Magnum 40 engine, donated by the Chairman, won by Colin Barnfather.
An equipment box, battery and charger donated by the Chairman, won by Brian Dix.
The meeting was followed by a session on preparation for the BMFA A and B tests by the Chairman and Helicopter rep.
February 09 Club Meeting:
Members Welcomed Dick Brown, Richard Hoad, David Plummer, Mark Plummer, Pavel Raska & Ralph Vincent.
Andy Sharams Grumman Panther had now flown but was damaged due to an engine failure. A wing tank had been detached but it was only minor.
The swing wing Jet Vision Electric model owed by Simon Leach had now been flown. The C of G was particularly exciting with the adjustment of the wings. With some trimming it should prove to be OK.
Rules of the Month:
Members attention is bought to the importance of safety in the pit area, flight lines, no-fly zones & maintaining circuit direction according to the wind conditions.
Flight Line Discipline [Rule. 36]
When arriving and setting up at the pits, give yourself room to move around without treading on someone else's aircraft.
The pits areas are shown on the flying site diagrams above.
Flight Line Etiquette [Rule. 37]
If you are sharing a frequency with someone else present, do not hog the frequency, but take it in turns to fly in order to maximise the flying time and enjoyment of all.
Flight lines and Pits [Rule. 38]
Flight lines should be set up so that aircraft taking off and landing do not enter the no-fly zones, as shown outlined on the site diagrams at the Annexes.
Active Runway [Rule. 39]
Circuit direction will be dictated by the wind conditions on the day. Counter direction circuits may be flown for training purposes at the discretion of the Safety Marshal.
Taxiing into the Pits [Rule. 40]
Taxiing, including hover-taxiing by helicopters, back into the pits is dangerous and is prohibited. Models are not to be pointed towards people and equipment at any time - no-one is immune to radio equipment failure or interference.
Hand Launches [Rule. 41]
Hand launches are not to be undertaken from the pits area.
Engine Set Up [Rule. 42]
Adjustment and mixture setting of the engine is not to take place on the active runway. Minor engine adjustments may take place in the pit area, but sustained high power runs must be conducted away from the pits and well clear of other flyers.
Club Corner: Andy Sharam Showed an Electric Helicopter, Century 450, which he acquired as part of a job-lot which he wished to sell.
Nigel Hill displayed a Giles 202 with an ASP 52 4 stroke. It has flown 6 times.
» It was offered for sale complete less the receiver.
Raffle:
There was a prize of two Futaba 3003 servos donated by the club and was won by Roger Turner.
Many Thanks go to Sqn Ldr Tony Harper for giving a fascinating illustrated talk about action in the Falklands War in 1982 - A Harrier Pilots Story.
It concluded with a discussion of the development and performance of the Harrier aircraft to the present time.
New Workshop for Mark.
Having recently moved house, Mark now has a fully kitted out modeling room.
His previous building and repairs was down to a 3ft x 2ft coffee table and homemade plane stand aka upturned ironing board.
He has also gone the whole way and made life easier by purchasing some power tools and setting up that all important extraction system. Five [5] planes are currently awaiting his careful attention though he says be patient I'm nearly there !
Maiden flight of the newly build Grumman Panther by Andy Sharam.
For more photos click here for the » Projects Page.
January 09 Club Meeting:
Members welcomed prospective new members Harry Curzon, Brian Cob, Stewart B Smith, and Peter Law.
Rule of the Month:
On first joining the Club, Members are to sign that they have read the BMFA Handbook, and PPMFC Club Rules and Safety Codes. They are to re-sign annually thereafter on renewal of their subscriptions.
The Club Rules and Safety Codes are based on the recommendations of the BMFA Members Handbook. If you do not have a BMFA Members Handbook and/or Club Rules and Safety Codes, contact a Committee member who will arrange for you to be provided with a copy. This will ensure that our insurance cover is not prejudiced.
Club Corner:
Andy Sharam reported that he has now completed the Cambrian Kit Grumman Panther which was on display but not yet flown.
Laurie Hughes demonstrated his Jet Powered Phoenix which has already completed 40-50 flights. This has now been restored and repainted in his own, computer designed, Batman colours. This was completed over Christmas. Two coats of lacquer have been applied and it is now ready for the engine to be refitted. The finish was impressive.
Roger Roberts showed his completed model from and Model Aviation International kit, designed by Dave Boddington, of a Monocoupe C90 which he has converted to electric power. 48 inch span, and attractively finished in blue/white. Not yet flown, the plan is available.
Andy Kirby reported that his electric helicopter is now finished and has been test flown.
On behalf of Simon Leech, Rob Bennett showed members the Jet Vision Electric model. An intricate swing wing system was demonstrated.
Club Auction:
An auction was conducted by the Chairman of items that had been donated by members with the money raised going to Club funds.
Andy Kirby donated a kit for a Banana small aerobatic plane to take a 40 size 2 stroke. Extras had been added to the original kit. It was sold to Simon Quant.
Saun Eyles donated a ME109 that had been flown but was in full scale markings and well turned out with retracts. It was sold to Jez Carter.
Four vintage modelling books were donated by Ray Peacock and taken by members making a total donation to club funds.
The Raffle:
There were five prizes which raised funds for the club.
2 mystery packages donated by Andy Sharam: one won by Colin Barnfather, and the other by Chris Smith.
2 servos provided by the Club and won by Dave Smith.
An Extreme provided by the Club and won by Roger Roberts.
A GWS receiver donated by Richard Morris was won by Simon Harris.
Falcon Jet Meet sent in by Nigel Hill.
December 08 Club Meeting:
The club welcomed prospective new member Mark Burnham.
Events and Social Secretary:
Simon Leach introduced some proposals for events in 2009. After discussion members agreed on Barbecues, provisionally on 28th June 2009 and 27th September 2009, a scale flying day for club members and local invites, and a bring and buy sale for club members: dates to be arranged.
Club Safety Officer:
Simon thanked members for selecting him as the new CSO, and announced his intention to raise the flight safety profile in 2009. Flight line discipline needed tightening up, flying control at the BBQs will be improved, and he will draw members attention to important aspects of Club Safety Rules at each meeting.
He aims to introduce a test day in May to encourage all members to hold at least a BMFA A qualification. Finally, he reminded members that peg board discipline is mandatory for all frequencies, including 2.4GHz.
Club Corner:
Andy Sharam showed his half completed Cambrian Kit Grumman Panther with an OS 46 prop drive up front. It will weigh about 6lb. A complex build, especially around the wing roots, it had been time consuming so far, and finishing will extend this.
The Raffle:
A giant Christmas Raffle for a bottle of wine donated by Derek Williams and a small ornithopter, a foam Ultimate Bipe, and a 2.4GHz transmitter provided from Club funds. The prizes were won by, Chris Reid, Dave Smith, Andy Sharam and Mark Castledine respectively.
Many thanks go to Roger Kilbey who gave a very interesting talk on jet flying.
November 08 Club Meeting:
Roger Roberts showed his completed Junior 60 for PAW 0.19 diesel power. The model was finished in blue transparent Solarfilm to keep the tail light, and white Solartex for the wing.
The raffle:
Two small servos raised 61, and was won by Barrie Shayler.
Many thanks go to Richard Morris who gave a very interesting talk on the basics of helicopter flying.
Staverton Tour:
Thanks to Chris Clarke for sending these images of the recent tour organised.
October 08 Club Meeting:
Eric Sutton showed his Graupner Harpoon II trainer/intermediate jet. Powered by a Wren Supersport turbine surrounded by lots of expensive ancillaries, it uses all 8 channels of its 2.4GHz radio for controls, u/c, airbrake, and vectored thrust.
Roger Roberts showed a pretty red and white Quaker Flash. He had shrunk the original plan by 30% and used small electrics for power. He also showed the part built fuselage of a Junior 60 for PAW 0.19 diesel power.
Matthew Winely showed mini electric model originally for ic power in the 80s. The plan came from Cloud Models who may re-kit it. With an 8.00 motor and 2S lipos it does about 45mph for 6 minutes, after which you need a rest. Actually, its very easy to fly and very slow for landing.
The raffle:
2x2S lipos was won by Nigel Hill, and for a 125W motor, ESC and 2 mini servos by Mark Littlewood. A bottle of jungle juice donated by Clive the Barman was won by Simon Quance.
Sorry for the lack of photos, i forgot the camera !
October 08 Steam Rally:
PPMFC members attending the recent local Steam Rally.
Thanks to Chris Reid for sending the images in.
September 08 Club Barbeque:
Another great turn out for the second club BBQ of the year.
A huge thanks go to Simon Leach and his cooking skills yet again. Some fine weather and great flying was had by all.
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bmfa
Our club is an affiliated member of the British Model Flying Assocciation [No.0427] and as such agrees to abide by the BMFA rules & regulations as laid down.
Members can enjoy a safe, enjoyable and hopefully crash free flying experience !