Gavin Livsey

I have a 35 meg 6EXA and have used it for glow and electric models for three or four years now. The only time I ever had any problems was when I dabbled with EDF a few years ago. A significant glitch during a low level pass caused a pretty major crash, although the model was repairable. Having said that I see no reason to ditch the radio, it has enough bells and whistles to fly the average sport model, and seeing as most of my club have changed over to 2.4 there is less chance of being shot down.   In the last month I have acquired a 2.4 FF7. I needed to upgrade because of the limited model memory in the 6. I'll still be using the 6 for the models that are currently 35 meg and will gradually convert over to 2.4 as these models get replaced.

Make that two!   My Katana rarely gets out. I think I flew it half a dozen times last year, if that. Don't really know why. It's a beautiful looking 'plane, flies great, perhaps deep down I'm an ic man at heart.

Edward   I picked up a very tasty little Graupner Ultimate from Motors & Rotors at the Nationals for £99.00. Don't know if you could still get one for this price but the quality, as you would expect from Graupner, is A1. Everything apart from Engine and radio is included including an ali spinner and good quality fittings. Dave Wilshere told me that he has an electrified version and it flies great. If he says it's good, that's good enough for me!

From my model room window I can see the turbines near Donnington, Lincs. They seem to have been turning steadily, albeit rather sluggishly at times, for the last week or so.   There wasn't much of a breeze last Sunday so I headed off to the patch for a few flights and they were turning then even though the windsock was rather limp. Perhaps some are more efficient than others, or the ones oop North have frozen solid?!

1.    Mode 1 2.    Midlands 3.   Midlands 4.   Self taught 

Finally started putting together my YT P-51D bought for me by 'er indoors (complete with RCV130 from the in-laws) for my 40th earlier in the year.   Also awaiting attention are a Graupner Ultimate picked at the Nats for a bargain price of £99 and a GBD A-10 for twin 40mm EDF units, once I can work out where the radio goes!

Phil,   A mate of mine has an LA Racer and he thinks very highly of it. He has said on more than one occasion that if he stuffs it in he wouldn't hesitate to get another. Enough said?   Personally, I went for a Cermark Graduate. This is a bit more cash and a trike but is an excellent model. It's a bit more substantial than the Racer and one or two other low wingers out there. I guess you pays your money and takes your choice.   Gavin

I'm afraid I won't be using Al's again either. I bought a Phoenix flight sim at Christmas together with the adapter lead to suit my Futaba TX. When it arrived the square connector plug was broken so I returned it immediately saying that it was faulty. After a two week wait my replacement arrived. Unfortunately, it was exactly the same one that I had returned!!!    

Thanks Guys,   I'll pass the info on and hope we can sort something out. We also have a large static caravan as the club house. I'll check with the committee but suspect that that isn't insured either.

Hi   My club has recently been lucky enough to buy a brand spanking new mower to help maintain our already beautiful patch.   We are however having problems getting the thing insured.  For the time being the mower is kept at a members house just down the road. He has been unable to get it listed on his own contents insurance policy because it is not his property and the club has been told that we cannot separately insure it if it's not kept on club property. The alternative would be to get a container so that we can store it at the patch but have also been told that we can't insure it if it's kept there.   Surely, we can't be the only club with this problem. Anyone have any comments or suggestions. One thing is for sure, if it gets knicked or destroyed we can't afford to replace it.

I uploaded the upgrade yesterday. Had a few problems loading the initial upgrade to 2.5a but a re boot of my pc sorted this out. There have clearly been a number of bugs to iron out as they are now up to version 2.5h or j. All credit to the guys at phoenix. They see to be on top of things. Just need some bad weather so that I can explore it some more but first impressions are that an already very good sim has been made better.

Good day all,   With the weather as it is this morning I've spent some time surfing the net looking at various videos on youtube, etc.   One thing stands out. What I want to hear when watching a model is the model as it flys about, not being forced to listen to some rubbish soundtrack that the film maker wants to shove down my throat (or should that be ears?). For example, I had started to watch Timbos Fly-fly Hawk but after about ten seconds turned it off because of the soundtrack. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good bit of music, but if I wanted to listen to music I'd put my mp3 player on. I suppose I could mute the sound but then watching a silent film doesn't appeal.   Am I the only one?   Gavin Livsey

Low wing trainer? There's one that I would recommend above most. The Cermark Graduate. Al's hobbies will sell you one for about £100. Might be a bit more than the Black Horse models but you certainly get what you pay for. When I compared mine with a club mates Travel Air the graduate was clearly the better model. I've had two, they've notched up in excess of 120 flights between them and I'm still learning some new moves. Powered with an Irvine 46 it'll go like stink, but when throttled back flies and lands like a pussycat. Even though I've moved on to other models the Graduate is always flight ready at the back of the workshop, just in case.

Caption error?   Is it parting shot?   That's an F/A 18 Hornet, not an F-14 Tomcat.   Another great read. RCM&E still the best mag around. Looking forward to a full days flying tomorrow. Forecast for the guys at Boston MAC looking good!   Cheers Gavin

Thanks guys. I've tried the site this morning and all appears well.

Hi   I was fortunate to receive a very nice 40th Birthday present from the wife and the inlaws in the shape of a YT International 1.20 size Mustang complete with an RCV 130. I'd love to get the retracts to suit but the YT website appears to be down and has been so for a week or two. Anyone know if they are still trading? I hope they haven't fallen victim to the "crunch".   Also, anyone else got one of these and can offer any comments on build problems or flying qualities. This is my first "big" model. Can I use standard servos or do I need to use high torque gear? Any help/guidance greatly appreciated.   Cheers Gavin Livsey

Yes, I agree with an earlier comment, no more warbirds please. How about  1. Tipsy Nipper 2. Piaggio P.180 Avanti (different!) 3. Thruster microlight

yes please

Thanks for the replies, although I was hoping that someone had actually taken some readings from their own model. Is there anybody out there that has? I can't believe that my club is the only one applying the 82 db rule. Scott, thanks, I'll be in touch about a replacement fan even if it only allows me to re-test the model. Will certainly be cheaper than a shiny new model that I can't fly. I'd tested the Illusion in the usual way, i.e 7 metres.

Hi guys Having dipped by toes in EDF last year with a Kyosho Illusion, alas no longer flyable due to FOD damage to the fan, I am keen to try another model. My club, Boston MAC, has recently imposed new rules regarding noise and before I spend any cash on a new model I'd be interested to hear your views on the noise levels of EDF models. The illusion was tested and was well within the 82 dba limit but I've since been informed that the meter used was faulty.  Gavin Livsey P.S Anyone know where I can get a spare fan for the Illusion?

I'm in.

Phwoar ! Gotta get me one of these !

Third time lucky......

Fingers crossed

Gotta be in to win !