Cuban8

I'm not sure about fuel costs increasing for 'no obvious reason' - I guess that as with all products, our fuel manufacturers and retailers face exactly the same pressures as do those making a raft of other consumer goods or services. Business rates etc, other taxes, wages and their own profitability to remain in business must all play a part. The falling quantity of fuel sales must play a part as well, I'd have thought. Look at your local high street to see what happens when things don't work out. Even your supermarket bill hasn't been unaffected. The comments about how this affects the cost to us as modellers I do think is relevant, if only to show that while price rises are unwelcome, they're not exactly an existential threat to the hobby, given the mainly few pence per flight estimates given.

Yes, ditto with me in the mid 1970s except my powered glider was a Graupner Dandy and then on to a Bowman's Simple Simon, bungee launched......happy days. Have a photo somewhere of yours truly fettling the Dandy whilst dressed in flared high waisted trousers, tank top and with long hair - very 1970s

First thing is to find out where Domsalvator is based - and if not in the UK (light winds and mild??) then how well, or otherwise, his access to clubs to might be. I'm certain we can get him going successfully no matter what his circumstances are.

All depends doesn't it Brian? A pumped 120FS, or larger, in a model flown in a spirited fashion for out and out performance will obviously use much more fuel than a spot of gentle scale flying. The cost of fuel is really the least of our worries IMHO.

Exactly....and with a medium sized fourstroke, probably even cheaper than with your Irvine 53 based on the 91FS in my Chippy and the frugal rate at which that sips fuel. A non-issue really. I guess the real worry over the medium term will be the possible reduced availability of the wide range of fuels that we enjoy now. Either because of future commercial pressures or nanny-state legislation as pointed out by Pete C in his comment about Nitromethane.

I can only say that I sincerely wish you the very best for your future recovery. It's going to be a long journey but one that you'll get to the end of positively.

The Ripmax yearly catalogues that were around during the 70s and that I used to read avidly as a teen also had lots of building and general advice in them as well IIRC. Shame I don't have them any more. I get quite a kick out of going through mags of that era.

That's all good to hear, Tim - and most of us don't have a bricks and mortar model shop withing a practical driving distance any more. My 'local' model shops are now all over the country and accessed by mail order which I find suits me fine these days. I needed some Deans type connectors yesterday for a specific purpose - none in my stock so a few clicks on Amazon Prime and they are due for delivery today. I don't use anywhere near the quantity of fuel that I used to, so my stocks last for some time - last time I ordered a couple of gallons a few month back they were sent via 48 hour courier for a tenner, which I though was pretty good.

There is such lot that stabilisation has done in terms of making previously highly challenging models so much more of a proposition for the average modeller these days. My clubs are brimmed full of small, fast EDFs and warbirds etc that bat around at full chat in often not the most ideal of conditions, but are kept in check by a gyro system of some description. They still have to be flown though - and if your reactions or eyesight aren't up to it the gyro won't save you. I'm not a reactionary to new ideas, but I do wonder just how much of an advantage SAFE is over a trad, well sorted highwing trainer - maybe even with a gyro system to calm things down even more in for the first few rookie flights. I'm not keen on the multi rate settings that I hear some use. I think someone mentioned three levels of control rates on a model recently. Surely too much to work with? Older radios never had the option so no choice but to manage as is or maybe just rate 1 or rate 2. The attrition rate among new flyers models is still pretty high - are we actually that much further forward? Just some thoughts off the top of my head.

Mode 1 V Mode 2 is always good value even though everyone knows that Mode 1 is best. 😇

Yes, that's very handy indeed, providing the fuel costs of driving to the event make the postage savings worthwhile. If one lived in Cornwall but was going to OW anyway, then that's a bonus. Pleased that SM are attending, but I wonder just how worthwhile it is for them? Presumably, they are charged to have their stall, fuel costs for transport aren't chickenfeed and I guess the time and effort to arrange everything even without manning their stand for hours on end is not a five minute job. Most of us are old enough to recall the days when fuel sales at shows by SM, Model Technics, Weston and a few others was huge - not the case today, so I hope they have big sales.

If someone is doing something that's different to the way I do things, providing they're not breaking the law or wilfully not abiding by club rules etc then that's perfectly fine with me.

BMFA model advert?.........." classic (old) design with many original features (obsolete equipent) that has been well loved and flown (knackered). One or two repairs (regularly crashed) but looks in nice condition for its age (providing you don't stand too close). Flys quite well (needs full trim throws), no nasty traits (ideal for adrenalin junkies) but does need a well forward CG (access to copious amount of lead needed). Ideal trainer (providing you need an excuse to not take up the hobby). Offers considered.....contact Richard Turpin.......

I doubt it.....he looks to be far too honest a chap.😉

I really don't understand the complaints. How many flights would you get from a gallon of fuel? How much per flight? All depends of course on all sorts of factors but you're probably talking a few tens of pence for a small fourstroke maybe a quid or very much more for something much bigger and thirstier and with high nitro - especially a two stroke glow. Just guesswork, but I'm sure someone will do a proper calculation. What value do you put on your hobby? I probably did a couple of gallons of diesel to get to and from the field today, so model fuel costs are usually minimal in comparison for me (all electric today btw).......my choice and value judgement for a pastime that I love doing. BTW, I wonder what the overall markup on a gallon of fuel actually is when you take into account the costs of materials, manufacture, packaging, transport, advertising and good old VAT. A few quid, I should think. Don't forget that the manufacturer and the retailer has to have a worthwhile profit, otherwise they might as well not bother at all.

Great full days flying today, arrived at 1000 and last on the field at 1800. Left home in light rain but all cleared through by 1100 - probably 23 degrees and a light to moderate variable wind. Eight flights, all electric with a couple of models that I inherited from my late, very good mate's estate last year. Not jammed packed, about ten of us in all- just a handful remaining after lunch so no busy airspace. Just needed a bit of recommissioning and both flew very well on 3S 3000 each about 350W or so. Not rocket ships but perfectly adequate for a bit of Sunday afternoon's stooging around with easy aeros. Eight minutes duration from each with plenty to spare. Not sure what they are, clearly a Yak 54 and some sort of 1930s racer type - both ARTFs but that's all I know.

Can be dodgy Googling 'Large Models' ...................👯‍♀️

Having had heart surgery, and now with a ticker that's OK but not what it was some years ago, I find temperatures much above 26 degrees coupled with our usual fairly high humidity, very draining and not enjoyable. Hide in the shade with a book and a cool drink....perfect. A nice 22 or 23 today and I'm getting some exercise by valeting the car. A nice steady job, no rush required. Good to keep active and I loathe exercise for its own sake with nothing to show for it. Worse thing for heart problems is to remain sedentary. Tomorrow looks good as well so a nice steady day's flying to look forward to.

Reckon Chris and Frank. S are 100% right. I've had one of these in a Durafly Vampire for years and its been fine (the original Hobbyking one as supplied failed within minutes of its first switch on) Don't know why I've been continuing with NimHs etc - probably just habit. https://wheelspinmodels.co.uk/i/103493/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnei0BhB-EiwAA2xuBsVPn7ErURxh2imgAuUD5BFLYFJyFyv_5CeaNPu8zKz-Okw4tTfhAhoCEQwQAvD_BwE Chris. You mention a switch and integrated UBEC that you found to be good, which one exactly please?

Sweltering here in N.Essex at the moment, very strong sun as well.......no way could I stand about and frazzle over the field this afternoon. Used to take it in my stride when younger, but I just don't enjoy it when the weather is how it is today.

This stuff https://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=85093&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnei0BhB-EiwAA2xuBnQpF8wosAiQdE7csu_kIzGDS_B_Z2w3hi0f9HqJ635isYIccNOYtRoCtlQQAvD_BwE

Since running all my fourstrokes on 15% oil Laser mix, the amount of cleaning up needed has reduced considerably. Obviously not as muck free as a petrol lump, but essentially a free bonus for no effort.

All the more reason for the firm to take pity on you and make things right ASAP.

We're all human.........I worked for a small, family run electronics company for a couple of years back in the day and one was expected to have a hand in almost everything. Answering the phone to deal with customers was something I did now and again, and the rudeness of some people was incredible.

That's very interesting. I wonder who it was in that large organisation who decided that the CRA 2015 didn't apply to them, yet giving you £25 quite out of the blue for something that they initially thought was nothing to do with them was OK.