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Chris Berry

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  1. Chris Berry
    Thanks Jon. I've heard similar stories about the Saito and OS engines which does concern me. I was just thinking that the 240 would be ideal, as it is mid-way between my 200 and 300, both of which have been in my Stearman, which, as you say, will glide like a brick for obvious reasons. The Valach is way too big, so ruled out, but would like one some day. Cooling and tank location will be key. The tank can't drop far due to the wing being in the way, so that would be interesting. I acquired an old fuz and cowl, so I'll also be experimenting with engine dimensions and layouts. I think I'm going to build the wing and tail feathers first. that will give me a finished weight and then mate to the existing fuz and see what the CG and weight are. Ideally by extending the nose, I won't have to add as much weight. The 300 would be ideal, but unless I can get away with hiding the heads and giving them sufficient air, its not a route I want to go down. Unlike many, I like to use my throttle when it should be used, as opposed to using it like an on-off switch. Any pics you have of engine and cowl combo would be great. cheers
  2. Chris Berry
    Thanks Jon. I've had the kit (an early laser version) for about 6 years and from the start I've been thinking about the engine and still haven't opened the box (other than checking the contents). I would have liked a valach but its way to big and I'm not sure the Saito and OS 40's would be sufficient....or would they? That said, the 240v would be ideal, especially if it'll fit inside the cowl. I have a 300 in a Flair Stearman, 24lbs and loops from level, so more than enough power but having measured it, it will be way too wide. The Stearman used to have a 200 and would only just loop from a dive and would be no good for the Hurricane. You mention split cowl for the 240, is that a top and bottom split, a bit like you see some CARF and big aerobatic aircraft? Presumably lowering the tank will also be needed? Have planned on a MKII possibly with a filter for the same reason.
  3. Chris Berry
    Thanks folks. A Laser 300 or 360 would be lovely and I'd be happily use one. I just have to check the sizes, particularly the width. I once built a fully built up DB Spitfire (the bandsaw kit version). All up weight with a MOKI 2.10 was 17lbs, I redesigned the firewall to have a step in it to allow for the rear pits silencer. This resulted in the tank bay being smaller than intended and only gave room for a 14oz tank. Happy with 17lbs, until I came to sort the CG out. Nearly 7lbs nose weight later (and very nearly some tears from me), and it flew, slowly and way under-powered and gave about 6 minutes flight time. This time I want to get it right, as I was not a happy chicken with the Spitfire, hence a lot of research.
  4. Chris Berry
    Not sure the 180 will have enough power. Likely to be a 22-24lbs model. Gaui make a lot of UAV helicopters and RC engines. I'd heard of them from years ago but had forgotten about them in recent years. **LINK**
  5. Chris Berry
    I'm researching some petrol 4 strokes prior to starting the build of my DB Hurricane. One engine that seems a likely candidate is the Gaui 50R. Does anyone have any experience of Gaui engines and what engines do you use in your DB Hurricanes? Thanks
  6. Chris Berry
    At our bungee gliding event today a club member who has recently had a new hip, was so focused on getting a maximum flight time that he flew a little too close to himself and jumped out of the way resulting in some aerobatics. We thought it would make a good subject for a caption competition. Credit to the NHS, as all their hard work held firm and neither glider nor pilot were damaged (other than his pride perhaps!) Picture by James Boucher: jboucher.co.uk
  7. Chris Berry

    Chris Berry posted a gallery image in Member Albums

  8. Chris Berry
    Looks like Blackbushe was on which had a lot of the usual traders listed, so likely that was the reason why Rougham had poor trade support. Long Marston coming up in a couple of weeks.
  9. Chris Berry
    The issue with planning permission is that whilst planning permission may be granted with no issues, environmental health regulations mean that an activity acting lawfully under planning regulations can be in breach of EH regs and the activity can be stopped by EH even if EH comment on the planning application and find it fully or moderately acceptable subject to conditions. I would be very concerned if the site was purchased without these issues having been ironed out, or at least serious considered prior to land purchase. I would obtain PP then operate the site on a lease hold basis for, say, 5 years with a penalty clause before purchase requiring the land owner to pay £x if the lease is terminated. That way any neighbour complaints can be ironed out before committing. In fairness, I've not been involved in the process and don't know any facts so can't criticise too heavily. I am surprised the site is L shaped, a large square would perhaps have been better but I suppose it depends on the land for sale, no doubt time will tell.
  10. Chris Berry
    I've not read all the posts, so apologies if this has already been covered. The site is currently a farm, an agricultural holding. Is there a guarantee (as much as there can be) that the site will be granted planning permission for the change of use to a model flying site with all the appropriate hours of use etc that we would want? Surely it would be better to ensure that PP is sorted before committing to a site which may not get PP? As with all planning applications anyone can apply for PP on anyone's land and all the applicant has to do is inform the current owner that permission has been applied for, so that is less of an issue to overcome.
  11. Chris Berry
    The site was sold some time ago but the time had unfortunately come and as with most airfields they're sold off for housing. Great shame
  12. Chris Berry
    Superb job Lindsay, what a superb model! One my favourite aircraft. Hope plans/parts will be available? I shall be following with great interest. Hoping to see the full size flying at Throckmorton in early June. Cheers CB
  13. Chris Berry
    Hi Jon, yes it probably is a little on the big side for the Wotty XL. I am looking at the new Acro Wot so that could be an option. A chap in our club has an ASP 120 in his and it can be virtually hand launched on a clam day. Cheers
  14. Chris Berry
    Currently looking for a petrol engine for my Wot4 XL so a 180 would be perfect! Will follow with interest! If its as good as the glow versions then you're on to a winner Jon! Edited By Chris Berry on 06/05/2015 20:52:15 Edited By Chris Berry on 06/05/2015 20:53:29
  15. Chris Berry

    DX 9

    Chris Berry replied to CJD's topic in Spektrum/JR

    You can adjust all stick tensions by removing the small rubber plugs on the back and adjusting with an cross head screwdriver. Its set out in the manual, so best to refer to that. When I got my DX9 the throttle would slide to the bottom itself, just tightened it and all is well. It can be smooth or ratchet.
  16. Chris Berry
    No VAT on modelling items and you can change a field to a flying site with no permission and no-one will be allowed to complain about it. .........Then I'd be interested!
  17. Chris Berry
    In our club we don't require a BMFA A to fly solo but we do ensure that beginners can safely and consistently set-up and check their aircraft, fuel and start safely, follow the correct site protocols and then be able to safely and consistently takeoff in both directions, fly circuits in both directions, figure eights, fly towards themselves and at my command turn to the correct direction and land from both directions including simulated deadsticks. Its essentially the A test but I'm not fussed if the figure eight is absolutely correct or the circuits are absolutely accurate, as long as they can control the aircraft safely and over a number of weeks. I'm also keen to occasionally leave 2 weeks between sessions just to see how much they've remembered. Its all done in a relaxed way with no real exam so to speak. Edited By Chris Berry on 04/05/2015 21:34:54
  18. Chris Berry
    Completely agree David, when I'm teaching people I try to get them to go through routines at every stage. The key ones I focus on are checking flight controls move the correct way and starting.
  19. Chris Berry
    Id say that if you've got access to land and you've got basic skills then you can teach yourself to fly using a glider or similar, but being in a club does allow you access to advice and help from others. I know there are forums such as this but sometimes its useful to be able to see things in the flesh. Also many clubs have events, gathering and plenty of banter.
  20. Chris Berry
    As Phil and Biggles say, the BMFA do not set any rules of any kind. The only rules are the high level CAA laws on the Air Navigation Order which obviously don't go into this level of detail. The BMFA provide general advice and guidance but It is for clubs to establish their own rules as applicable to their own circumstances and if not in a club, then its for the individual or group to establish their own protocol and general common sense in terms of keeping away from the messy bit. Edited By Chris Berry on 04/05/2015 19:52:07
  21. Chris Berry
    I've had about three in 24 years. One was my dads Wot 4 which was repaired. I was climbing out of a prop hang and went through the fuz of a plane passing over the top. One was a zagi, 6 of us flying together literally. The third was 2 pusher foam jets, one was mine and one my dads. The old club I used to fly at, we had one chap who was known for it. In 18 years he must have had about 10..Dave O the mid-air king!
  22. Chris Berry
    I am one of only 2 regular instructors at our club of 85 members. There are at least 8 others who I would say are experienced enough to teach and mentor beginners in buying, setting up and flying a model. Many either don't have the time, or don't want to teach for a variety of reasons, be it time, self confidence, fear of being accused if something goes wrong or that they just want to fly. One thing I've noticed over the years is that people think its easy to learn to fly and for many its a short term hobby that they want to try before they die, which is a great shame, but not uncommon for many people and many hobbies. For us nutters who eat, live and breath it and have done for many years its normal, but for many its a part time, fit it in with football and the pub. Beginners need to remember that most people who teach as part of a club do it for the love of it and do it in order to spread the love for the hobby. Over the years many beginners have just turned up having been absent for 3 months and expect to take to the air which is ok on occasions, but its nice to have some communication first, some have even turned up for the first time in 3 months and when quizzed the last time they touched, charged or cleaned their aircraft was 3 months earlier and seem surprised that they get short shrift. Equally its not for the instructor to chase the student to see when their next available. Having said all that there are those who want to progress and learn and do listen to what they are told and progress very well and usually very quickly. Its exactly the same as learning to drive.
  23. Chris Berry
    Id keep the one servo and attach a pushrod to one elevator half, close in to the fin/rudder. The joiner is still operable, but the brazed horn is the weak point. Separate servos means removing the joiner which is a pain. Edited By Chris Berry on 03/05/2015 10:14:02
  24. Chris Berry
    I'd go for Hitec 400 series.
  25. Chris Berry
    Thanks chaps. That's useful info.   Edited By Chris Berry on 25/04/2015 23:36:56
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