Stuart Z

+1 for Battsafe. 👍 S

Hi, I see that the concern is getting the younger people into the hobby. Is there an issue with our general new members being north of 40? These people will still be a valuable contribution to the club and can afford the hobby. Yes, it would be nice to get the youth away from computers (if that is the issue) but they will probably grow out of that go through youth to middle age and then maybe when other commitments are no longer an issue, can become steady members of our club environment. Just my view of things S

Posted by Andy Symons - BMFA on 25/01/2021 16:47:29: Posted by MattyB on 25/01/2021 15:57:49: Ultimately we have to remember we are in competition with many more activities than in aeromodeliings heyday, and any barrier (perceived or actual) will have an effect on participation. Whilst I am thankful for the work of the BMFA and the other national associations (who have been dramatically more effective than the AMA in the US) I'm not confident they will be able to effectively fight the rising tide of regulation backed by big business interests. I hope I'm wrong, but only time will tell. We are indeed in competition with many more activities, which is why we don't need those already within magnifying the size of any barriers that are there beyond all reality. Tell people the barriers are high and complicated and they will believe it and will be put off from getting involved, it is very damaging. I can't think of a more effective way of killing model flying off. There are a few barriers to participation, they are small and they are easily cleared without breaking step and certainly not worthy of all the angst and very damaging negativity that people are putting out. Lets keep some perspective, tell people that any barriers are small and easily cleared, put your energies in to attracting new blood not actively pushing people towards other activities. I really struggle to see the motivation to talk down our amazing sport and all its amazing facets. Spot on Andy!

Posted by Ray Wood 4 on 25/01/2021 14:23:53: Hi All, Remember those good old days before Social Media Forums, when we were all happier building models and flying them ? You only moaned to your clubmates and they didn't care Regards Ray Agreed, the lockdown will end and flying will get going again and I for one am pleased that the BMFA are doing their stuff. Looking forward to getting a plane in the air! S

Variou viewpoints coming through and understandable frustrations. As I see it, if we stand back and don’t support clubs etc leases might not get renewed and the when lockdown lifts there’ll be no club to go to. I belong to 3 clubs a mix of model flying and archery so it is quite a commitment but I’d rather try to help my clubs stay solvent. Just my view. S

Bearing in mind the almost no flying in the last year I don’t blame shops for keeping low stocks. Interesting to note though that new engines are appearing on the market from Just Engines the SH and the Force brand in SMC spring to mind as examples of smaller engines, plus the OS range. Plenty of second hand stuff as well on your favourite app. S

Birgir Expo might be helpful to desensitise the controls. Not a great user of expo myself but others on here may have some recommendations. It’s better the flying a twitchy model. S

Posted by Phil Green on 14/01/2021 18:49:09: For trimming I use car wheel balance weights, they're not lead but are quite heavy and self-adhesive, they come on a strip marked with individual weights. Bought a box of these off eBay - very handy! Easy to use.

In the absence of someone more qualified, yes, I only have experience in solo flying full size gliders so the stick and pedals should be OKish, but I’m used to an instrument panel with only 4/5/dials so someone would need to help with all the instrumentation. Given that I will recognise some of it but probably now on a glass panel rather than a few dials. S

A Microaces Scrappee! Well chuffed S

I use an mag board glued firmly to a plasterboard. Level shows all true and very heavy so unlikely to twist. Heavy enough to be challenging to move! S

I use an mag board glued firmly to a plasterboard. Level shows all true and very heavy so unlikely to twist. Heavy enough to be challenging to move! S

Absolutely amazing results and the depth of knowledge on the forum on very technical subjects is great to hear. S

I’m in, please. A new flight box would be great S

Well, thanks for all the input! I think that based on the time factor and apparent costs it appears to be not something for me. The valuable input may help someone else that wants to have a go but for me it looks like SLEC or a self drive scalpel will be the methods of choice. Thanks everyone! S

Thanks Martin It may be useful for a wider audience as well. Many thanks S

I think that sums up how much I know about the subject. S

Just speculating at the moment? What do you need to buy / learn to get into CNC cutting? I’m curious about getting a plan and translating into CNC cut parts. But as a hobby, wanting to do this economically. Interested in how this can be done.

Posted by SIMON CRAGG on 18/12/2020 23:50:18: After a l-o--n-g time in this wonderful hobby, my advice would be: 1. Go and find your local club. 2. Establish what make of gear the majority of members use. (Useful if you need help). 3. Read up on all the latest safety info available (Both at the club and the BMFA website). 4. Purchase the relevant gear. 5. Join the club, forget about the Chineese................and have FUN!. Spot on I have been using Futuba since I started, happy with it. Others used JR and still others had Robbe. These all have a long established record and importantly trusted by their owners. Joining a club enables you to discuss pros and cons of each brand and learn who has occasional “problems”. It will also enable you to buy the kit that any potential instructor uses, makes their life easier. Best to turn up for a lesson with kit the instructor can use. My views. S

Yes please -looks good

Thanks John, I checked and the OP ID remains the same. The question I suppose is will it remain the same? I’m not sure if the CAA will be changing the OP ID annually as some people have said. Have I missed something? I don’t look forward to replacing OP ID’s. A question for Andy or Membership team? S

Posted by Gary Manuel on 02/12/2020 18:18:43: Question for Andy Symons. I've just renewed my membership and CAA registration. I have received 3 emails with receipt, BMFA certificate and CAA exemptions, but (as I half expected) no new CAA Operator number. Will BMFA be sending data across to CAA in batches similar to last year to allow them to issue the new Operator ID? If so, what are the planned dates? Many thanks and glad to see system is working (with a few minor issues). Edited By Gary Manuel on 02/12/2020 18:22:28 Hi, I have the same question. I renewed my BMFA on 1st December and my CAA two days later, (it wouldn’t work at the same time as the BMFA renewal. I got my new BMFA membership card but have heard nothing from BMFA or CAA regarding my Operator ID. Do I take it from this that the Operator ID remains the same? Look forward to getting confirmation. S

Received mine today. Not sure what to do at renewal time. Now see that the new subscribers are having to pay for two years but the “freebie” is more valuable. Not sure if the economics make sense but it’s a lot to pay out in one go. S

GT X2, it does all I want.  (I had a couple of B6 units but they started talking Chinese so I didn’t replace them.)   S Edited By Stuart Z on 06/12/2020 18:54:30

Not seen mine either. Must admit I’m not too bothered. S