Test Pilot

Very strange that both Ripmax and Slough Radio control have both been shut since the beginning of lockdown. Slough haven't even been doing mail order, and still aren't. The shop is closed even though they have been allowed to open under the rules for some time now. Has anyone any insight as to why? I sincerely hope all the staff are OK and no-one has succumbed to this virus. The longer it goes on the less I see the chance of them ever re-opening. TP

Good God! I thought this was a friendly forum where people exchange ideas and helped one another out. Rarely have I seen such petty bickering and point-scoring, especially after a mod has already had a word. Don't be surprised if RCM&E decide to pull the plug on the whole forum (I've seen it happen once before) if this is the way some people intend to behave, they don't have to provide a forum, it's a privilege that shouldn't be abused. The weather's going to be nice, go flying, get in the workshop or take a chill pill, whatever. This has gone on far too long . Back to lurking and reading the interesting informative posts. TP

I understand everyone is trying to help but shocked that as the OP said his electrical knowledge was close to zero he is still being encouraged to go the DIY route. All for the sake of what - £20 ? If you have the knowledge and are comfortable adapting electrical equipment for your use, and can do so safely, great. The OP, by his own admission doesn't, and encouraging him to do so is irresponsible and I'm frankly surprised some members of this excellent forum keep suggesting what for him could be a potentially dangerous solution. TP

Why not get something suitable, designed for the job from a reputable UK supplier? Like this:- https://www.logicrc.com/?s=c:0,c:40,c:40-50&ItemId=O-FS-PS201 TP

Posted by KiwiKid on 24/07/2020 22:45:43: I would expect that HK had the USA operation "ring fenced" to contain the damage to those companies. Anthony Hand fled USA some time ago and stated that the USA operation did not have funds to pay the fine. The USA warehouse closed yesterday and people with orders pending are scrambling to get their money back. HK USA will probably go Chapter 11 and any incoming deliveries will be seized by customs. Hopefully then with the loss of the US market, which let's face it is Huge, the whole operation ceases to be viable.

Probably won't be a popular point of view on here, but I hope this signals the end of Hobbyking. They have flooded the model market with cheap, often poor quality products (not all I'll concede) and been instrumental in sending many UK (and other - think Robbe and Graupner) model suppliers to the wall. Their customer service by all accounts is pretty shocking, unlike my local shop who like most UK shops are great. If all the cheap rubbish disappears from the market, the UK model trade - shops, manufacturers and distributors may have the future they deserve. We may even see some new ones appear.

Posted by cymaz on 21/06/2020 22:28:34: Well said TP Thanks Cymaz. The hobby seems to be most buoyant where there is a shop to create interest, we really can't afford to lose any more to the Chinese bargain basement sellers. I miss being able to go to a model shop in virtually any town I visit, like it was back in the day.

There are occasions where my local shop can't supply what I want. Case in point is SIG koverall, which it seems only Pegasus can supply (Sussex occasionally). I usually make up my order to the point where P&P is a small percentage of the order value, or even free. There's always stuff I can buy and put on the shelf to use at a later date. Royal Mail prices aren't subsidised like postal services in China, and the staff preparing my order, packing it and taking it to the post office are entitled to earn a realistic wage. I know my local guy will go to the post office and queue if necessary to get a single package in the post that day to give his customers a decent service. He deserves to be paid for his time, but I 'd bet his charges for P&P don't get anywhere near covering it unless he's got lots of orders to send. A single one certainly won't but being the decent chap he is, he wouldn't hold on to it until he's got others to send. My order of preferred supplier is 1. Local 2. UK Proper shop (read Sussex, Pegasus, TJD etc) 3. Only if something is unique to Far East suppliers and totally unavailable via UK outlets - China I understand the model trade has been busy with mail order during this lockdown period, lets all remember how they served us well and continue to support them as things gradually return to normal. If we don't there will be a few more to add to the inevitably massive unemployment numbers that this country is going to have after this pandemic is behind us. Use it or lose it.

The hobbyking/internet effect - also known as local model shops closing. The constant search for the cheapest price. The local shop may be a few quid dearer for that kit or radio, but he has rent and rates etc to pay. Those that buy all the big ticket items at the cheapest price on line shouldn't be surprised when the local shop they only used in emergency for a pack of hinges or pot of glue closes because he can't make a living anymore. I'd honestly pay an extra few quid for a kit and support the guy who gives his time freely to help solve problems, and I do so quite regularly. How the local shopkeeper keeps his cool with people bringing him stuff they've bought from Bangood or Hobbyking asking for his knowledge and experience (free of charge of course) to solve their problems is more than I'd do. I'd tell them to ask hobby king for help and see how they get on. Support your local shop or lose it. I had enough wood and other bits, all bought locally to keep me going through lockdown. Will stock up from the local shop when I need more. Hope he survives, he deserves to.

Ebay is your friend. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202867583507 No association with seller, there are many offering them. Got one a while ago and it's very good. Can take a bit of setting up though.

If you mean the 'hobby' jigsaw lidl sometimes sell, it's a copy of the Proxxon one, and you can find the blades here   https://www.axminster.co.uk/proxxon-supercut-jigsaw-blades-of-special-steel-477733   HTH Edited By Test Pilot on 16/07/2019 21:41:49

Tim I've had the same problem with lightweight structures on rubber models. I solved it by shrinking the tissue in the normal way with a mist of water, then using non shrinking dope thinned 50/50. Never found it necessary to pin down anything but the smallest wings, but it's good advice and woldd give you even more chance of it coming out straight and true. Since using this method I've had no problems. Hope this helps. TP