TJ Alexander

I have been puzzled as to how single channel RC worked, so, when I saw this 1962 book on eBay, I thought I would get hold of it and have a read. The detail about TX/RX tech is fascinating, and the ingenuity of creating multifaceted control on a single channel through the use of increasingly complex escapements is brilliant. I do love it when I sit reading a book, and keep saying 'Oh!' It's now available if anyone wants a nostalgic read (the ads are wonderful, too) Incidentally, for the balsa builders, there is an advert for a foamie in there!

Cool. I like JLS, and have just completed reading a collection of Richard Bach's other writings. He evokes the feeling of flight better than any other author, I feel.

Thanks for this thread. That's a very varied portfolio of designs for one person (who, I am ashamed to say, I did not know of). I shall have to check out the book.

Cute!

Looks nice. Can it be discus launched?

Good progress on a lovely project. I do love the De Havilland designs, right through to beauties like the Sea Vixen and 125. But the exciting thing about RC modelling is that we can resurrect planes which never quite made it, and the Dragon has a beautiful relative called the DH92 Dolphin, which never reached production, as it was a bit heavy and underpowered, which we can easily overcome. The prospect of being able to put the Dolphin in the air is enticing (though way beyond my abilities). I look forward to further news on your Dragon

Whatever gets people into the hobby...

Excellent! The Dragon, Dragon Rapide, and Dolphin are pretty much the pinnacle of aesthetics in passenger carrying in my humble opinion.

Hi Hillclimber! I'm also in the West Midlands (and also a cyclist ). I'm near Kidderminster, so hope you're near me, and I get to meet you! Welcome here, by the way.

I had assumed that the glider on the cover was full size. This is fascinating. Does anyone fly on Hergest Ridge these days? Looks like it could be a good slope!

So I have almost resolved my dilemma. On my birthday, I lucked out on an e-flite Bonanza, but I had to wait till New Year's Eve to be able to go collect it. It was even better than I had hoped, with the silver spinner and retracts fitted! Lovely condition. I bought it from a lovely guy called Tim, who said he was an instructor himself, and he said that the Bonanza would be a great model to use for A and B Tests. He's added a little weight to the nose, and he gave me some advice about the plane's quirks. I only wish we had had longer to chat, but he had to go out, and I had a 2hr+ drive home. My first non-foamie, and the construction is beautiful. Just ordered a Receiver, and I look forward to flying this (though I might put a few hours into the Champ first!). Thank you to all who have offered advice on this thread. I have learned a lot.

I misunderstood as well. Thanks for the clarification.

Posted by john stones 1 on 18/12/2017 15:07:47: Just googled the Bonanza, looks pretty good. There is no model you should be starting with T.J, different people get there with varying methods, some common sense applied and no reason to need toothpicks with the Bonanza. Thanks John, for those supportive words. I'm quick excited about my Bonanza now.

I am finding this discussion fascinating, but apologies to those, like the Wright Stuff, who kindly pointed it out, that this discussion has been had before, and I agree there's probably not much to be gained from rehashing old arguments. That was certainly not my intention. I do appreciate everyone's suggestions, and I have enjoyed looking up the various models suggested - particularly the ePioneer, which rather took my fancy. However, I have been offered an opportunity I can't really pass up to obtain an e-flite Bonanza, which meets the weight requirement. Now, I know that this isn't the high wing trainer I should be starting with, and that it has a reputation (like the full-size craft) for a degree of tip-stall, but it is a beautiful model, and, as I say, it was irresistible. I plan to take the BPC with my Champ, then learn to fly the Bonanza, with which I can do A & B. Going straight to the Bonanza is a recipe for toothpicks. Traditionalists should note that it is, at least, a balsa/plywood/monokote model, not a foamie.

That's a sensible approach

All very fair points.

Thanks Don I guess you're right. Any examiner being that pernickerty would find plenty more to criticise besides! Seems like I have a plan in reserve if the club aren't happy with a BPC.

I went to my LHS, and asked them what they suggest. They had Wot 4,Riot, and, their top choice, the FMS SuperEZ. I was quite taken with the SuperEZ, and watched a couple of videos. Then I googled the full spec, and found it was 890g! So close! :'(

That's a very good point, Martin. I shall ask my local club how they feel about the BPC, and not worry about larger models until I fancy going on to another level (when I should be able to take the A without extra tuition anyway). Could solve a lot of problems.

Yeah, I considered that, Martin. But I'd still need to get the A before progressing. And, as you say, clubs may have their own views...

I believe all stabilising systems can be switched off on the Champ, but that's academic, I suppose now. I'll have a look at your suggested models. I certainly wouldn't mind a STOL plane, as it is of more sustained interest than a regular high winger. ETA: Nice models, but they aren't cheap. I'm in the middle of changing job and moving house, so don't have much to spare. I shall have to keep an eye out for cheapish second hand ones.

I was reading through the requirements for the BMFA A Test, and I saw that the minimum weight of aircraft was 1kg. Curious, I checked the weight of my trainer (Champ S+). Flying weight 105g! Perhaps I should get another nine, and tape them together? And it's not just the Champ - many other trainers, including various Cubs, Mini Apprentice etc are underweight. It does seem a bit of a strangely high weight requirement, with so many people wanting to fly electric (I'm guessing IC & fuel up the weight a bit). I'm going to end up having to buy a new plane to take the test, or else borrow one. Not keen... What would you suggest that won't break the bank (and, no, get into IC is not an option I wish to pursue)? I need a 1kg+ model that's fun & easy to fly, and will talk to a Spektrum DX6, but won't bankrupt me.

That looks like a good resource, thanks.

Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm currently living near Kinver, but am likely to move closer in to the conurbation - Stourbridge, Kingswinford, that kind of area, I expect. I've contacted CMFC, who have a lovely flying field with good access, but, as it's not really the season, I haven't met anyone there yet.

Hi. I am a newbie (and pretty much a beginner), now living in the snowbound West Midlands. I have a couple of aircraft (electric foamies - let's get that out the way first!), and two quads. My main interest is gliders, and I want to get into dlg, if I can manage my co-ordination and be less klutzy.