Nightflyer

It is intereting hearing all the other forum members comments on here and it also makes me wonder in the same light and following on from James May's Big Trouble in Model Britain how many of these models fall into forum members stash of kits that me the the requirements of SABLE? I have a few older kits either complete or part built such as DB Models Tiger Moth, Balsacraft FW190 Phoenix CAP232 (though this is finally being put together and converted to electric power for this year), Simprop Excel to name a few.

Posted by Bob Cotsford on 15/03/2019 10:58:32: Anyone remember the big St Leonards Models kits? There was a 120" thermal soarer, fibreglass fus and built up wing, was it the SuperNova? My first taste of what a good soarer was like. Hi Bob, Yes there were a few designs. I am not sure who the designer was IIRC it was Keith Panell who also was credited with the Alpha trainer model I mentioned in an earlier post, and the fuselage made by Brian Diss (also mentioned in an earlier post on here). Some local model shops produced some good model designs during the 70's and early 80's until ARTTF and Far East kit models got a good hold. I will have to look to see if I can find some of the old ads to add on here. Tim Ruck who was in the Hastings club at the time produced a lovely trainer which was originally called the Cavalier. I had the third prototype model and learnt to fly with it. It survived a great many flights until it met with a fiery end because the wood was so oil soaked for the glue anymore.

Posted by Cuban8 on 14/03/2019 11:07:57: A question for someone 'in the know'.............. Just how much cheaper will it be for a company like Hornby to have their products made in China? At what point would a UK company look at its domestic costs and decide to farm out production to China? It struck me that once the costly injection moulding tools are made, then the costs of running the machinery shouldn't be all that different no matter where in the world the factory is. Would a company have the tooling made here in the UK and shipped abroad, or does China offer a one stop shop for such work? Where does the Far East offer the Savings? Is labour still so cheap and plentiful in China and other places, given their rapid economic growth, or are their factories able to run without the level of taxes etc that we level on our industry? Edited By Cuban8 on 14/03/2019 11:10:32 In answer to that question it is variable. However, seeing as most of the production plant (injection moulding machines) might be similar then plant operating costs are cheaper, materials can be cheaper as invariably China is a large consumer of plastics, labour and taxes are cheaper, and you can also readily sell the product in China too reducing freight costs. China is a very large country so has a massive market potential which I am sure is also being considered or pushed by the likes of Hornby. If you manufacture and sell in China, it can significantly offset or negate the cost of shipping the quantities that might be required for the UK and European markets. Some of China's cities alone have populations the equal or of a factor of double the UK population! At the same time when you look at the increasing size of some container ships now the cost of shipping is potentially reduced (although I am sure there are others better placed to comment on this aspect).

Ah good old Morley Helicopters. I wonder how many heli pilots cut their teeth on one of Jim's models. I think my first introduction as a teenager to helicopters - and the fine control required (in the mid 70's at least) was when two club members built Bell 47's and had a standing order for blade sets and battled to extract power and improved cooling for their engines. Of course this was before the onset of gyro's and the pilot dexterity became really highly developed.

Posted by Ikura on 09/03/2019 13:30:33: Posted by Percy Verance on 09/03/2019 08:31:39: Instantly recognisable location (OW) there Martin....... P.S. The Hawk 70/Chippahawk was an absolute cracker. It used what Unique Models referred to as a bi-convex wing section, with a flat bottomed airfoil at the root, changing gradually to a semi-symmetrical section at the tip. It worked wonders for the low speed handling. A truly great flyer. Both the Hawk 70 and Chippahawk used the same wing and most of the same fuselage too. That's very interesting about the wing section Percy. I spoke to a guy there about the Hawk 70 last week and he said all the plan packs are being converted to full kits and would retail for around £170.00. I think I might be very tempted with one when they eventually get them sorted. It is lovely looking and would probably be quite a simple electric conversion. The thought of having a Hawk 70 electric powered would be very good. I would not mind doing that myself if I do get hold of a Hawk. Keep us informed Ikura if you do go down that route yourself. It would make a great model.

Yes the first episode was very entertaining and when the SABLE comment came up my wife looked at me and said "I told you you had too many models to build and don't need any more" - oh how I wish the Editor had cut that part out of the final programme edit. The laugh is she knows only about the kits and plans in my workshop.... not the ones I also have in the loft for a rainy day LOL!

I still have a very soft spot for the Trueline Custom Executive. This was the model that got my father and myself into rc flying. My father got the kit and I watched him build it and start learning to fly - and then was lucky that he funded a second one for me. Sadly mine met an early end in its life because of an engine failure (Merco 35 power). There were a few 'local' model shop successful model kits - probably most famous being Avicraft's Panic. In Sussex my then local model shop St Leonards Models produced the Alpha which was a trainer. Oh yes and other notable Sussex home grown models included Phil Ramsey who had his range too, namely the Mini Pitt Special (which was a lovely model to fly), the Gladiator which I always wanted, and of course not forgetting Chris Foss and his range of kits and plans. I also had a Brian Diss Designs (later sold through Phil Ramsey IIRC) Vector, a 40 powered low wing aerobatic model with glassfibre fuselage and foam wings which I enjoyed flying for several years. Finally not forgetting up here in Essex Balsa Cabin's range of models they produced especially thermal soarers such as the Sonata (and electric powered version which introduced many to electric gliders) and Ravello (which I still have) and is a wonderful glider.

It does indeed look like someone has resurrected the solarfilm once more which is great and should be advertised more if so.

Wow some great memories from the posted pics of the ads. All great names and models. Of the MicroMold kits my father had teh EMP (Edmonds Model Products) Easy Rider which he handed on to me and it was a lovely plane to ply until after many years and flights. A friend bought the Spit/Seafire kit and it was beautiful to look at and fly (if only these were still available). As for the Skyleader Skymaster we had Ken Binks in our flying club and so saw this model regularly and those who had one said it was a delight flying it. I still have a Dave Smith Models Merlin OS40FS powered which has been an absolute joy to fly over the years Dave produced some great designs. Regarding Cuban8's post yes Galaxy was just up the A12 from where I am and Bowman both produced a great range of models. Galaxy's P51, Chipmunk and Aerojet models I enjoyed immensely. I also always like the Keil Kraft SE5a which I always wanted but I think it was that that made me enjoy Gordon Whitehead's Hawker Demon, Gypsy and Tiger Moth model deisgns along with Boddo's Nieuport 24 and Fokker DVII designs. I built Boddo's SE5a free plan back at the time and am thinking of building another later this year but this time electric powered.

Great comments and feelings about the PFM and Unique/Skyways models and seeing the PFM ad makes me drool. Love the Skybolt and also the Firecracker and Cranfield A1, with the Vampire close behind. The comments about the plan/pack system for the Unique/Skyways models I thought was excellent and would be good today. I think I spent more time in tissue covering and preparation/painting my Hawk 70 than I did in it's construction. Really think that is a great way to go if you want to build but have time or workshop limitations.

Wow excellent if teh PFM range is re-introduced and great reading the comments about Unique Models (Skyway) too and seeing the ad. THE PFM Zlin always looked great and flew well - a couple of these were in Hastings club back in the day and flew nicely. As for the Hawk 70 one of the guys in the Hastings club had one of these in the Hastings club in 76 when I started out learning to fly and I ended up getting a plan pack in the 80's. It built nicely and flew beautifully until ... it got shot down by someone switching on their tx while I was flying at Brean in 89. I would not mind building another one tbh. The Mini Spit was quite a nice model too, and I remember a few Gazelle's up on the Long Man of Wilmington too which looked good in the air.

I think personally there was a proliferation in aerpmodelling in general in the 60's and as a boy in the 70's I felt there was a lot of choice available of the 50's and 60's designs and kits. However if we are talking about rc flying I think that it has to be the 80's as Ray Wood 4 said in his post, kits were plentiful (and not many ARTF), rc choice and reliability was good and developed during the era, also engines became more reliable and electric powered flight started to evolve to become more practical. Even the weather seemed good. Last but not least there was a good range of model mags, model shops, and model shows, fly ins and model clubs. I did enjoy the 90's as technically I think RC gave you far more scope at reasonable prices and I seemed to have more models in the workshop, and I probably maxed out on flying hours too.

Excellent portfolio of models over the years and quite prolific a designer. You mention that Boddo has designed many. I think it is probably a fair reflection that there fewer designers these days, I think aside from yourself TN is also fairly prolific in I will say the 'current modern' era, and Boddo and Dave Toyer probably 70's and 80's, but would be interesting to know how many designs Vic Smeed produced. None of this should take away the fact that you have produced many great deisgns that encourage others to build or design too. Personally, I have designed for myself probably some 30+ model aircraft, dozen or so boats and even a couple of rc cars over the years and sadly seem to do far far less these days than when I was younger, but think designing, building and flying your own design is the icing on the cake, and if others want to build your model then that is the cherry on the top. Carry on designing building and preaching to the masses to have a go.

Hi Cuban8 I know what you mean about traffic round that way. I used to drive and found the Sunday was quieter, but these days I let the train (and Underground) take the strain, although that can be a lottery at times for running reliability. As for the show as my earlier post said there is something for everyone really, especially if you have more than one interest, and surprising what you can learn from others too and apply yourself.

It is still a good exhibition to go to and while kc's comments about the variety of modelling and engineering is true it is also useful for stocking up on tools etc and seeing what others get upto. While sadly these days the "London Model Engineering Exhibition" is not the size that it used to be in the 70's and 80's when it ran for a week or so, it is still a very good event and great for catching up with old friends too. That said my teenage son is looking forward to going especially as these days there is no Modelworld at Brighton. We should all remember that these events only happen if supported. Personally it helped encourage me to develop my love of aeromodelling, railways, model engineering, boats and cars over the years, and more important in some respects, forge friendships that have lasted many years now.

Quite agree with your comments guys without the likes of Nexus we would struggle in our hobby these days and always had good service at shows or when ordered bits.

Hi Beth really pleased to receive the airbrush set today. Thanks again RCM&E great mag, staff and competitions. Paul Oliver

Very sad news to read today when I got to log on after the New Year celebrations and such sad news is not great to start the day. My deepest condolences to BEB's family and friends. While I had not met him he had responded to some of my posts and having read his thought him to be a great forum moderator but also very knowledgeable and experienced. I think David Ashby's opening post summed BEB up perfectly and he will be much missed by all who came into contact with him.

All this chat about Wings and Danger UXB has prompted my festive viewing to start with watching these series again!

Quite agree with your comments Cuban8 I enjoyed it very much back in the day and was glad to see it repeated on UK Gold then to get the DVD of both series. As someone just entering into rc modelling at the time it was a great influence in my love of flying. Notice you also liked Danger UXB, which was another great series of the time, and one my late father liked, and he remembers well the Butterfly bombs that as a boy in the war he had seen close up - and had the sense to avoid. I managed to get a copy of Danger UXB series a few years back.

Hi Beth, just seen that I have won an airbrush. Thanks very much for that Christmas good news today. May you and all at RCM&E have a very Merry Christmas.

Really recommend Wings it was a good BBC production and getting the DVD set is good value. At the time DB wrote a two part article in RCM&E about the conversion of Roy Scotte Be2e models to Be2c and the Albatross and Eindekker models as well as the full size mock ups. While trolling You Tube take a look for the Model World of Bob Symes as in it there is a few minutes where DB gives insight on filming and flying for Wings.

Firstly season's greetings to all fellow aeromodellers. I don't know about you but despite all the usual madness that comes with the time of year I always take time to try and get some flying time in, and also some workshop time and a bit of time to reflect on my hobby. Certainly as the years go by you notice how the hobby, people, models and atttudes change. I am one of those of an age whereh I can say I enjoy ic and electric power, along with slope and thermal and think how once our fight for our sites was over noise, and that the firm establishment of electric power would take the argument of noise at sites away, yet it seems (as many already thought) that noise is just an excuse to leverage support to stop flying. I have heard of a couple of clubs with such issues this year. I guess the positive is that it does make our defence of sites slightly easier. It has been sad to see the loss of Solarfilm after all these years - but I am thankful for all the models the product helped me to cover and finish over the years, like some of our other shops and manufacturers but I do wonder what the future holds for a number of manufacturers and the way the hobby will evolve in the future. I also remember those modellers with us - and those sadly departed, and I think how lucky I am to know or have known those people, and I am thankful of the associations, friendships and fun that this hobby provides me year after year. Regardless of everything else it is people that make this hobby, and long may it do so! Happy holidays!

Hi Nigel, My club had a similar issue some 12 or so years back from a retired JP who lived some distance away and just objected to our flying and who passed away about 2 years into the fight to save the site. Our site was out in the country and model flying had been ongoing for some 20+ years although our own use of the same site was for about 9 years. Environmental Health checked the noise and had no issue as local traffic and agricultural machinery was more prevalent, we also used the BMFA but sadly only on the grounds of not having been on the land for 10 years did we end up losing that site. We ended up changing our policy to an electric only club and also changed name when we found a new site. Sadly it seems to be always an uphill struggle defending our flying sites regardless of whether one is in the right or wrong.

Jimmy Stewart was a very underestimated man I think . When you look at is careers, to have his professional acting career and an armed forces career that did not just start end end with WW2 but with SAC post war and to rise to the rank he did by time of his retirement is pretty good. I have to admit I was not aware of his or Fonda's interests in model flying. No wonder they were so good. There was a good link on You Tube to a presentation that Jimmy gave towards the end of his Air Force career and it was very enlightening to say the least. No glorification or self gratification in it either.