Cuban8

Thank you, I didn't know such things existed.

I like it!

Given that the skills and knowledge to actually build a model are not needed with an ARTF, then a little research into trim and rigging angles is hardly a big ask. Not absolutely needed as one would expect an ARTF to be pretty much correct, but it's just nice to confirm that no glaring errors have been built in and the chances of a smooth first flight will be assured as much as they can be.

https://www.4-max.co.uk/robart-incidence-meter.htm Similar idea to a heli pitch gauge but larger to accomodate aircraft wings. Not sure if commercial ones are still available - certainly not the Robart.

I'm surprised that more modellers don't check their creations/purchases with an incidence gauge. I still have my Robart Incidence Meter that cost me an arm and a leg probably thirty+ years ago and it's been invaluable for checking models before their first flight. Unfortunately they've not been manufactured for years now. https://www.4-max.co.uk/robart-incidence-meter.htm As can be seen the principle is very simple and I've made a second, larger device based on a digital inclinometer (only a few quid from various sources) and various bits of wood carefully cut and assembled. Although home made, it's very accurate and matches the readings given by the Robart.

What do AI Bots achieve?

That's the sort of thing that would be great to cover the Scale event with. Don't suppose a particularly sophisticated set up would be needed and I doubt if it's that expensive given the type of very professional coverage I've seen on YouTube. Depends what you want. The issue as always is getting someone with the right expertise to organise or run it. I thought the BMFA had a Media Guru - his department perhaps? Several people produce very good broadcast quality YouTube Vids of flying events already, so the folks are out there. Easy to make arrows for others to shoot of course.

That particular stream from Gatwick wasn't that good TBH - others from Heathrow and Manchester give a side-on view and much closer. Many of the pilots know about the coverage and give the content producers a wave. Myself, wife and at the time, baby daughter, came within a whisker of being taken out by a ground looping Dragon Rapide at Duxford back in '86. Life is risky.

This may already be being arranged, but what I would like to see is decent live streamed coverage of the Scale Champs at Buckminster next year. This would really get the message out there and be good for both the modelling buffs and others who might find our hobby worthy of further investigation. I follow a number of content providers that stream live from various public points at airports around the UK and enjoy watching the various aircraft movements and goings on - especially the A380s! If you like watching aircraft this one is very good https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUAaX0ETmZo

4-Max do the GT Power Watt Meter - straightforward to use without a lot of extras to complicate matters, I've used a similar type for years. Thirty quid or so, but just one use that prevents a major overload and blow up will have it paying for itself.

If you have no identifying marks on the motor then that makes it not an easy question to answer. However reading your description and looking at the photos, we can make a few assumptions. The size of the motor would suggest it's designed for 2S, possibly 3S lipos and a max power in the region of around 120W - the ESC shown is marked 12A so that gives a clue. Prop size I'd estimate to be 6 to 8 inch diameter but selected to draw no more than 10A maximum depending on the battery used. You'll need a Watt meter to make sure you don't blow anything up, if you just go on guesswork you really do risk doing damage. You can find the unknown Kv rating of the motor but this is getting a bit tricky if you don't have some test equipment. As Simon has said in his reply, ideally someone will be able to identify the model and give you the exact setup - I really don't suggest going on guesswork. You could replace the existing motor with a known type and the correct prop and driver from 4-Max based on the existing 12A ESC.

The next ten years for both of my clubs do not look very promising. As you say Ron, an ageing membership will have its own problems - we've lost five members to the great flying field in the sky between both of them only this year alone. Others have packed it in due to failing health. One club works very hard at trying to recruit new members but the results are very disappointing and TBH are no better than at the other club who don't bother with that sort of thing. THe few new recruits usually coming via word of mouth on the modelling grapevine and swapping clubs for various reasons.

Glad you're enjoying your subscription, I suppose that sales of all mags from shops has declined significantly so that accounts for the push to get in subcribers. The mag publishers are in a difficult position......younger people who would never consider buying a hard copy of very much at all and many older people who prefer a 'real' magazine to turn the pages of but might be put off by a lot of the tech content, foamies and the trend towards electric power. I did buy a digital copy of the May RCM&E - it's very nicely produced with well written articles - I liked the F14 piece, the article on 'Jersey Jerk' and the retro radio stuff - the rest? well, either a scan of the pictures or a dip in and out of the text. Maybe I'll go back over them again when I'm in the mood. Sorry, but I can't justify a subscription. What I do miss, and in my opinion is a very noticable minus, is the lack of what I'll call entertaining reading. Time has taken its toll and the likes of Alex Whittaker, The Wizard of Oz and so many others who had an amusing way with words and the modelling 'condition' have all disappeared off to the great flying field in the sky. Was it in RCM&E that 'Roland Graunchet' used to air his views many years ago? Very funny stuff....Aileronne Glytch.....Gusset the gardener etc. Edit. Quick google.......Dave Day AKA Roland Graunchet in RM ........https://www.vrhc.co.uk/dave/finals.htm

Well, I suppose if you need something to fill your day with then give it a go.😉 With our models, the difference is one of practicality and aesthetics rather than aerodynamics. Wing tip design is a consideration in high performance aerobatic models where every tiny advantage can make a difference though. Elevators and rudders also can be built either way and again, I'd think more how the designer of a model wants the finished article to look like rather than anything else.