Simon Wright

For larger petrols you can buy mass produced "cans" from China but after trying one they are little better than the standard in cowl jobs. the only attenuation coming from the increased volume and an internal location, which brings me onto the next point quite nicely. The best way to reduce noise without reducing power is to have a large volume multi chamber silencer. These by definition are quite large and look awful if they are strapped outside the airframe. Most modern aerobatic models for 30cc and above have provision designed in to accomodate these internally, when it comes to small petrols between 10 and 25cc and scale models of any size you tend to be left to your own devices. Another issue of noise from petrol engines is prop choice, with the size and RPM available on these larger lumps prop rip becomes a major concern, correct sizing of the prop and the number of blades is the first method of controlling tip speeds with the use of a quiet prop itself reducing noise still further. Flying site: If you fly at a site with close neighbours, a noise reduction feature rarely discussed is airspace usage. As a rough rule of thumb noise reduces by 3db with every doubling of distance. If your engine runs 90db at 7m it will be 87 at 14, 84@28, 81@56, 78@112, 75@224, 72@448m. If you fly huge circuits or passes that take you near to the complaining neighbours you create a massive noise footprint. Try keeping away from sensitive areas by reshaping the circuit, flying closer in and flying reversals. What may seem loud to you at the flightline, with separation distance is quiet at the noise sensitive site. Flying technique is another contributor to noise, Throttle control to be precise. A well set up airframe with a correctly sized, properly silenced engine with correct prop for the airframe should only need full throttle for vertical uplines and wild manouvers. Flying at reduced throttle for 90% of the time massively reduces noise output, footprint and perceived nuisance. In my opinion a large well silenced (probably still over the BMFA guidelines) plane, flown well creates far less noise nuisance than say a 46 powered trainer or Wot 4, fitted with a howling cheap 10x6 prop as it is being chased around the field at the limits of vision. Indeed from personal experience it shocks me that flying close in aerobatics and reversals my DLE111 is drowned out by such aircraft flying circuits. Not an answer I know but the core of this waffle is that people going to petrol should not do it based on saving money. A good petrol set up will be powerful, reliable, economical and quiet. a good setup will cost almost as much as one of the Chinese mad ABC engines. In my opinion it is irresponsible to fly noisy and while we complain about the manufacturers supplied silencers, we are ultimately responsible. So it is not cheap silencers that lose flying sites but the people who decide to use them. Edited By Simon Wright on 12/09/2015 11:19:18

I would agree that most noise diverters provided by manufacturers are of no use at all. My models 55 to 120cc may have cheap chinese engines but I spent almost the same on quality headers and cannister mufflers giving them a surprisingly muted output. I tried a cheap chinese coke can and the combination of minimal or no internal baffles, a tinplate header and massive outlet stinger made them hardly any quieter than the standard noise diverter! I find JMB to be the quietest and reasonably inexpensive mufflers but they arent as pretty as a nice shiny zimmerman

Not sure if I agree with many of the points made by the OP. I too am a member of both BMFA and LMA and think both do a fairly good job. The LMA impresses me most as it is but a big club run by volunteers. I went to the Nats and traveled to most of the control line circles and all flight lines apart from the heli line. the FPV racing had a big attendance and I went away quietly impressed that the BMFA had taken this new part of the hobby under its wing (excuse the pun). I do think the Cat man does have one valid point and it was something that a group of us discussed at the Nats. As a BMFA event perhaps the showline should put 2 or 3 15 minute displays on each day displaying models that are flown by average club members. . Nothing too long or stressfull, half a dozen trainers doing ROG, a couple of circuits or 8s, then touch and go's, then typical sporters, small scale, warbirds, aerobats etc. In fact a display of the type of models that are readily available on the trade line. Perhaps it should be classed as a BMFA flying slot? The LMA is a different matter, its purpose as implied by the name is LARGE models so there is little reason to promote the smaller off the shelf models. To be fair they do normally demonstrate a couple of LMA trainers though. Perhaps, if there was a BMFA type club flying team, they would allow something smaller to fly during the day as a promotion of the hobby as a whole?

Is Penkridge too far for you?

I for one welcome the chance to fly at the BMFA national flying site. After going through planning hell getting full permission for our club (wth no useful help from the BMFA) I eagerly await the chance to fly my 120cc petrol models and unsilenced control line models at this site because they will represent ALL classes of model flying at this site won't they? Joking aside, with the approval to proceed,now obtained, just how long will it take for the site to be useable as a simple flying site.?

Maidened a clubmates XL today, RCG20cc beam mount petrol engine, Mejlik 16 x 8 Carbon prop, 6.5 kg digital servos all around. Was pleasantly surprised by how well the model behaved in the blustery conditions, engine was brand new but had plenty of power on its first flight and will only improve with more hours. Model felt light and responsive enough for general fun and large aerobatic manouvers. Massive loops, neat stall turns, Knifes all day and does a passable snap. Generally flies like a Wot 4 only better. After fettling the engine and winding in a throttle curve the model was even better. Very Impressed

Not sure if Jeffs number is still current but mine has changed to 07927 343138 Alternatively contact by email [email protected] We have a soft ceiling of 60 senior members and 32 paid up for 2015 so far. Si

For serious outdoor 3D practise and wild stick bashing the Telink type 3D models are ideal if a little expensive for an ugly profile foamy. They do last well though and help save expensive mistakes on 50-100cc models. Best 3D practise IMHO is to go for a quality indoor model, then an outdoor EPP foamie before moving on to the bigger 3D models which appear to fly in slow motion.

Percy, Surprised to find this post still active after almost 5 years. We are still going strong with just a few changes and site improvements. send me a pm and I will giive you latest tel nos. Look forward to hearing from you Si

Edited By Simon Wright on 29/05/2010 22:58:09

Lower Drayton Flyers need a few more members to join its jolly band. The club was formed last year with just 20 members so is very small and friendly. Our flying field is located down a long track off the A449 between Stafford and Penkridge near to ST19 5RE. It is a lovely farmland site with freshly sown grass strip. The field is about 24 acres- surrounded by fields. Grass runway approximately 100 x 35 yards, mown pits area and ample parking. We have no restrictions on type or size of models and offer unlimited daylight flying 7 days a week. Although we do expect a level of common sense with no screamers or howlers ripping early or late. All memberships are provisional for 12 months, no politics, infighting or backstabbing allowed. Club is not BMFA affiliated (yet) so BMFA / LMA or other valid insurance is accepted. Training and A/B tests can be undertaken. Models flown range from shokkies to 100cc 3D. Keen electric flight group. postcode location ST19 5RE is almost 1km from flying site so please Call Jeff Orchard 07795 085605 for exact location / directions £50 p/a Please Call Jeff Orchard. 07795 085605 for more details Lower Drayton Flyers are after new members and are offering 3 trial flights at the club site for prospective members this weekend! Come and have a look at the field and try it out before joining. Proof of insurance required unlesss you are a beginner on a buddy lead. postcode location ST19 5RE is almost 1km from flying site so please Call either Jeff Orchard 07795 085605 or Simon Wright 07515 973886 for exact location / directions and to arrange a trial flight this May Bank Holiday weekend (Sunday - Monday )Edited By Simon Wright on 29/05/2010 22:56:55 Edited By Simon Wright on 29/05/2010 22:57:42

Too many but I still want more! 5 helicopters, (2 IC, 3 ep) 4 shokkies, 4 small <48" electric, 3 slopers, 2 flatfield, 2 Hotships, 1 flying boat, 6 3D, 2 Pitts, 1 pylon, 3 Ultimates, Super Skybolt, Cessna, Extra, delta, Zero, Veltro, Bearcat, Mustang, Hurricane, Hellcat, FW190. KK phantom, Veron Deacon, Tomboy, Wot 4, Acrowot, power thing, peppi trainer, S6B floatplane, tiger moth & one o them little Picco helicopters..... Could do with a Spitfire, Lancaster, Beaufighter and ME109!

You dont say what type of flying you are in to but one of my favourite small electrics is the E-Flite P47D. It costs about £50 with motor and gearbox and goes lke stink with a brushless-lipo set up. Despite its all foam construction it looks scale, flys really well and goes together in double quick time. Fly it without wheels down though, I hate to see warbirds with the gear hanging out. Simon