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Nightflyer

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Everything posted by Nightflyer

  1. Hi Ton I really love the look of this design. I love flying egliders and my 14 yo son who recently started to fly likes flying my Simprop Excel. He has been wanting me to help him build a glider so I hope this turns into an RCM&E plan and possibly kit of parts soon. Really enjoy the build pics will look forward to the flight ones.
  2. It always amazes me that in any club or organisation no matter what wonderful ideas or facilities they have there are always some who decry them. I for one applaud the efforts of what the BMFA team have done to develop an idea into a reality. Sports/hobbies all should have an identity and boast some facilities as a national centre. Having been in aeromodelling from a young boy and the days of the SMAE through to the BMFA it has taken a great many years to reach this position. Buckminster is new and time will tell how successful it will be - and indeed how it may grow. As a model flyer and BMFA member I am very proud of this momentous step in british model flying and the BMFA's history. Well done to all who have been involved in making this happen.
  3. As an experienced modeller from the days when balsa bashing was the only way to get a model aircraft (unless someone built it for you or you bought a second-hand one at a club auction), it was really great to see Peter's article. There have been a number of discussions of late around ARTF's, kit or plan building and with the number of ARTF's in many clubs these days there must be a fair number of models that have crash or other damage which get consigned to the bin, and this is not necessarily confined to ARTF's for that matter. There are many modellers who may not know much about building models, or know how to build but do not understand design and construction enough to see the potential recovery of their re-kitted model and Peter's article provides some good advice to all. Of course there can be times when multiple repairs or the weight gained becomes an issue, but I know of some people who have salvaged some badly damaged models. I think the only thing that would be good as a second article would be to cover how to repair glassfibre or carbon-fibre fuselages and foam wings. Although even these can be repairable.
  4. In this day and age the use of CNC should make kit production a lot more affordable than it used to be. That said though we aeromodellers all have different desires for our next project which makes it a challenge to manufacturers. You only have to look at the range of plans against the range of kits and also ARTF's to understand. While one can argue that the range of kits available should be good to encourage kit building, it would be interesting to see what the most popular designs are and understand how interests change over the years. There is a good possible survey or opportunity to see 'what sells' there me thinks. The range of plans should be more than adequate to nurture people's desires for building models that interest them or others, or are unique etc. I owe my interest in building to many designs from RCM&E, RCMW and Radio Modeller with some of the oldies that stick in mind being Unicorn, Antares, Stringalong, Gordon Whitehead's Tiger Moth, Gypsy Moth and Hawker Demon, Short Skyvan, Sierra Sportster, Thunderbolt, Tucano, Plus, and Hawker Sea Fury that either inspired me or I ended up building.
  5. Some good advice given on setting up the carb in Flyoz post and very true so many people tinker without knowing what they are doing. I think the one other aspect is that if the engine still does not run right with the above that you need to start looking for leaks. Most engines (inc. carbs) use neoprene rings as seals round the primary and secondary needles and also sealing carb body to crankcase, etc. What people forget is that these degrade over time in storage or from use and storage having been subjected to model fuels, oils and their waste deposits. First sign of unreliable running or problems starting and setting up what has been a reliable engine - aside from the usual checks of fuel or dirt usually is resolved by checking or changing one or more O Rings.
  6. I was amused at this thread as at my club's meeting last night we had a discussion about our annual model's night, the outcome of which do we still hold it one meeting or spread it across the year and decide the winner at the AGM. It is clear that there has been more of a swing to ARTF's than kit or plan builds which is a shame. Don't get me wrong I think there is room for all, but it does show that ARTF's have made a marked impact over the last 10 years. Maybe it is because we have less free time or workshop facilities etc. Having said that there is nothing quite like the sense of achievement or knowledge from building it yourself - and hopefully having done it right not end up re-kitting it on the first flight. It is that aspect that possibly also influences newcomers to the hobby to go down the ARTF route. What is clear though is there are fewer local model shops these days which stock all those essential materials and fittings you need when building from a plan or even kit. I still get as much enjoyment out of building as flying now as I did as a teenager. Maybe we should be doing more to encourage it in our clubs and encourage newcomers to the hobby to have the confidence to build it themselves too.
  7. Totally agree with other comments on here. You did not say what model or motor you were looking to use the ESC with. There are plenty of alternative ESC's with similar specifications that are cheaper and more expensive. I would just advise that you check the alternative ESC specifications with the E-Flite one first before ordering a cheaper alternative, but it is true that you can get as good or better ESC's at a lower price.
  8. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed reading Alex Whittaker's report on Old Warden. As someone who has attended a number of events over the years as visitor and flyer I think his article really did a great job of capturing the atmosphere of an OW weekend. Anyone who has not yet been to one of these events must add it to their bucket list. While some events are better than others at times it has to be said that Old Warden has done much for model flying in its many forms to be showcased, and it does seem to ooze a kind of tween the wars family weekend atmosphere that just feels so right to have free flight, control line and rc flying existing alongside each other especially if the sun is shining and you feel you can just relax and enjoy life and your hobby. I think it is great that Shuttleworth Collection allow these events and as much as they support us we should also appreciate and support them. It is one of the quintessential aspects of the location that we get access to the museum and also sometimes witness 1:1 scale flying too. Long may Old Warden and aeromodelling remain connected, and well done Alex on such a good write up.
  9. I have been near enough a life long (well 40 years at least) Futaba user after first starting to fly with a second-hand Skyleader Clubman set. However, I have just bought a set of DX9 and have to say that I am mightily impressed with it, other than the user guide could be a little better for those not so familiar with computer sets. I like the feel of the transmitter and stick units, and also the display, along with the fact that you can save and transfer model set ups via SD cards and as an Instructor also the ability to train people wirelessly. I had considered buying the DX8 originally but was persuaded otherwise and a number of flyers in my club seem to all found their way to the DX9 now, some through DX6,7 and 8 first! I hate to say it but it does seem as though Spektrum have a good grasp on modellers needs and concerns over Futaba at this time.
  10. There have been many discussions over this problem over the years. Some of the 'preventions' are not true while others do work. I have had packs that give this problem and others that don't either rc ones for tx or rx, or NiCad or Nimh ones. Some of the resilience to the problem (not the cure) is the quality of wire used. Tinned copper wire is better than copper wire but does not prevent it (ask a fast electric model boater most still have the same trouble). However, if you are talking about protecting your radio equipment as a rule of thumb I will always disconnect the battery packs in the models and also in transmitters if I am not going to use them for a few months. If you do not, the corrosion will not stop at the battery pack connector it will continue through wiring harnesses, switches, and transmitter or receiver circuit boards. I have seen many examples of this over the years from other modellers either at the field who have problems or after they have had a model crash as a consequence of the resultant failure of the equipment. At the end of the day follow manufacturers instructions about safe storage, care and handling of the equipment and the batteries.
  11. I was at Filey back about 5 years ago. Weather was quite nice if variable that particular week.
  12. I think kc makes a good point there are a number of people who might see that as a reason to buy. At the same time sometimes you have one in the hand then see the other mag and might like the model(s) and end up buying both. Far less likely to happen with RCMW now and may make it easier for people to choose RCM&E if the plan(s) are seen to be a good bonus.
  13. I used to go to Wembley Conference Centre, Alexandra Palace and Olympia for MEX and always enjoyed them. It was the one good thing after Christmas Day to enjoy before the New year or return to school, college or work. Also because it supported all forms if you had more than one hobby it was the place to go, until the Model Symposium at Sandown. I have also gone to the LMEE from its days at Picketts Lock and one has to remember that it is not the same. In fairness to all organisers and traders it gets increasingly tougher when venue costs soar and you have a limited exposure and visitor catchment. I think these events are so important though. Being young or old these events can do much to support existing modellers but are also important for encouraging newcomers, or those with one hobby to have a go at another. Sadly recently the other show I used to like going to which was Modelworld held in Brighton has succumbed this year to limited numbers and costs in holding the event which has led to its cancellation after I think 38 years. I for one hope that this is a short break and that it returns in 2018.
  14. Yes 'Traders Row' was always a popular stop daily and as you say they covered abroad spectrum of modelling and arts and crafts needs. The traders themselves were very helpful, and aside from them having one or two scheduled trips during the event to pick up stock from their shops to top things up or bring things down I know of a few occasions when one or two were known to make a special trip to help out a modeller in dire need of something. I always ended up buying a few goodies for myself for winter building projects. Apex lake is still used as you say locally, but the area has changed in recent times. Some of the known names I know of included the likes of Phil Ramsey, Ricky Shaw, John Binks (I think went one year), 'Big' Jim Davis and his family, Roy Lever, Ian Peacock (loved his sessions on airbrushing and spraying), Ted Galbraith, of course numerous known Elmbridge club members in part because they helped organise for a while, Len Mount, Vic Smeed, and others. Mind you aside from Traders Row the Engineering workshop was also very very useful - especially if you needed to fabricate something urgently. Then of course there was all the talks covering things engineering, model flying, painting, fibre glassing, covering models, a guy from Solarfilm gave a very good talk one year in particular, amongst other talks or film shows.
  15. Love the model build looks great. Somehow I missed the plan although when I was younger someone built an ic powered one which looked good.
  16. I have used red solarlac before and yes it is a good match for solarfilm and also solartex the only thing to remember is that solartex is not a glossy finish unlike solarfilm.
  17. Hi John, I liked your comments yes indeed I was in my late teens and early twenties in the 80's. As you say it was anything but a holiday, all action fun. First time we went in 78 was to have a break as both my fathers parents had died. Ended coming home in a packed car full of round the pole gear, some indoor models and a few aircraft kits. Subsequent years saw us taking aircraft, boats (scale, fast electrics, yacht), and cars electric stockcars, and ic ones. It was a case of up early for car racing, then flying, and then boating in the evening. If it was not a night for midnight team racing then it would be midnight boating outside on the boating lake or in later years the indoor swimming pool, kept warm with the aid of a hip flask or two. One of the funniest moments was when Len Mount was going to fly an ic helicopter indoors (a first at the time) in the ballroom and the room had a bout 300 guys in to watch and not only watched the helicopter but the lead singer of the band and a bluecoat when the curtain was pulled aside to find the lights on the stage! We must have met if you used to fly near Brean Down. My dad and myself were in the Hastings club at the time and a few of us went every year for some years.
  18. I think Mannyroad's comments are quite pertinent. Also those of Andy G too. I for one used to subscribe to the same as you Andy, and I agree totally with you. I used to subscribe to RCM&E, RCMW, Q&EFI and RCSI. I ended up with the former two. Having not been a subscriber of late but still getting the mags monthly locally, if I am totally honest I do favour RCM&E. So thanks David Ashby and the team for your efforts. Here is what I would like to add in comment. Having had limited time until recently for my own hobbies, I now have the time. My teenage son who also does model car racing, has for a few years done some model flying either, free flight gliders or electric round the pole. He has now decided he wants to have a go at rc flying. He has told me he likes RCM&E and what has encouraged him has been some of the free plans. He wants to build an electric glider so that's one of this month's free plans that got his interest and he wants to have a Babybolt from last month's plan. He has seen the pics and videos and also the plans and he is wanting to build them himself. Magazines and free plans all have a role. It is not just about those of us hardened experienced modellers but attracting new and inexperienced flyers. After all how many of us used magazines and possibly their plans free or otherwise as a starting point or indeed as reference when first becoming interested? I know that when my father and myself started rc in 1976 it was RCM&E that really made a big impression (and still does).
  19. I started the thread to see what kind of ideas people had in mind and also to think of models that might be suitable for revisiting with electric power or for modern gear and engines where the design needed fettling a little and it seems to have got some good suggestions. Peter, I love the sound of your SE5a. I also built one when the design was originally published and had an Enya 09 fitted. Mine had a short life before it was shot down by someone on the same channel. I wonder what electric motor set up you have in your second model. I think I might still have my plans and will have to have a look. Might build one again later this year.
  20. I think it is a sign of the times that with rising production costs and also time it takes to find suitable designs and the fact that these days there is quite a wide range of ARTF models and still a reasonable market for kits that there must be pressures also on finding designers and/or suitable designs. That said though with the use of pcs and CAD packages there are still a number of scratchbuilt models (which is always great to see) always around. Maybe not everyone can have the time to take what might be a scratchbuilt model and turn the design into one for publishing? Lets face it people's spare time can be very precious. I know I have to balance my work life with family and MY own hobby time. Personally, I think most of the mags have a mix of some great free plans mixed with some not so good, but I think plans play an important part in encouraging people to build either through free plans or through some excellent plans to purchase.
  21. Hi John, that is good to hear it still carries on at the Leisure Park. I know I did some fast electrics one year from there. Yes I went every year from 1978 through to 1997 except for 1981. I know Hemsby was dropped for Primrose Valley but I never went to those sites for the festival. To be honest from what I was told Pontins were only interested in their bar takings and felt we were not hardened drinkers unlike the darts or country and western weeks. There was some great stories from the events. I remember in 79 a group of flyers got cut off on the beach when the tide came in and had to leave 6 cars to the sea. But some great entertainment including ic indoor helicopter flying in the ballroom and also some rc combat in 80 on the beach which I recall out of the 5 models only 2 survived.
  22. Hi Tim, thanks for posting about your Antares. I have always liked the design ever since I saw one of the guys in my flying club with one when I was a teenager. It flew beautifully and he fitted a tailwheel to the fin and did inverted touch and go's. I like the pics of your model and the fact that you have it as an electric model. Who knows I might get round to building myself one day. You certainly have reminded me of the model and like the idea of it as electric powered.
  23. Thanks for that Ton. Yes they were not a bad engine in their day. Mind you Veco were not bad I remember two other Veco powered ones that performed well. Sadly I have not got any pics of my Enya one but when I build the new one will post them on here. I am so glad you have resurrected this design. Paul.
  24. I wonder if anyone like myself used to go to the National Modelmakers festivals that used to be held since I think 1977 through to 1997 or possibly later? If there are it would be great to share and possibly capture the history and some of the memories on here. I was lucky that as a teenager at the time my family started going to these in 1978, and in their day were great, and if I remember rightly were organised originally through MAP. When I went in 1978 it was for a week at Pontin's Brean Sands, and covered everything from flying, cars, boats, trains, wargaming, Scalextric, engineering, and a host of arts and crafts to entertain all. For 1979 until 1983 this became a two week event there and there was also an event in May held at Primrose Valley, and Hemsby originally. Brean Sands was always at the end of September/ beginning of October and returned to a week long event from 1983. I know Brean provided a great location for modellers to have fun, make life long friends with and also share with, learn and help others, and also take up additional hobbies. There were flyers, who ended up taking boats, and/or cars with them, and tehse friendships were always renewed annually at the festival or at other events during the year such as at the Model Engineer Exhibition, or at Sandown Park, or other shows, or even when shopping or on holiday elsewhere. I for one have many memories from these events, as I am sure do others, and also sadly memories of those who are no longer with us who lived for and loved their hobby. I am also eternally grateful to those organisers who helped make these events such a success and provided so much fun.
  25. It has been refreshing seeing some of the new take on some of the old model designs or old model designs used as inspiration for plans that we have seen lately. Such examples have got to be the Babybolt and the Raider designs in February's issue of recent examples. There were some great designs from the 70's and 80's that could be introduced to a whole new generation (or two) of modellers that perhaps have been forgotten. Such examples of some of the freebie plans I can readily think of: Me163 (1976? Cox 049 power or PSS) which would be great with modern radio and also electric powered (seriously thinking about that currently). DB's Fokker DVII (would be good as an electric version now) DB's Nieuport (17? I think) was great with a 19 and would be good as an electric too. Short Skyvan would make a great electric model. Hawker Sea Fury was designed for Club 20 racing I think and would also be good for electric now, or for funfighter racing? There must be others that could do with a dust off and re-publish? While the growth in ARTF (and range) are good, there is still plenty of fun to be had balsa bashing.
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