Bill Courtney

I Jim Carss is right and the code can be reset simply by switching the transmitter on and back off quickly, all of this testing in model shops is a waste of time. It may be fine for a while but who's to say that one day whilst setting up a new receiver you forget and turn on and off quickly. From what I understand, you will not know of any problems until you try to use one of your previously set recievers which may be in several weeks time. If another flyer does the same thing (unlilkely but possible) you will have a possible clash of frequencies.  Please correct me if I am wrong but even if it is a one in a million chance, it is still a potential accident that cannot be allowed to happen. Dont forget that a lot of this equipment is sold to people who are new to the hobby and do not have the relevent experience of how to code a receiver. Is it not about time Ripmax owned up and recalled all of the suspect equipment for a full refund. This way people could decide whether to wait for a re-designed Futaba or change to the Spektrum equipment. The BMFA still seem very quiet on the subject..Should they not be doing more to check out what exactly are the problems and advise clubs on relevent action required?

I visited a large model shop in Kent this afternoon and they were unaware of any problems but did not seem supprised that Ripmax had not informed them. I just hope that if any accidents do occur that Ripmax will hold up their hands and not try to blame everyone else.

Our club only found out about it because a member from another club visited the BMFA classified adds page and found that someone had put a warning there as an advert. Thank goodness he did otherwise we still wouldn't know. As you say, if we learned via this way, how many people still do not know?  I am the Chairman of our club and have still not been informed officially by the BMFA or Ripmax. Why don't RCM&E send an e-mail to all of those registered on their mailing list and website. Surely this cannot be too difficult.  Bill Courtney

So where are the BMFA newsflashes to the clubs ands members, The announcements from the modelling press etc. This is an accident waiting to happen with gear chosen by display pilots with fast jets, large models etc because of its apparent safety. If you are watching David, Please can you put a warning on your home page in big red letters. I have already contacted the BMFA and they will be sending out info next week but that could be too late.  Regards Bill Courtney 

Most of my engines start with a quick backward turn of the spinner. not only does this save your fingers, but it also looks quite impressive.

Andy. I am certainly not trying to excuse shoddy products, it was just an observation which would not have helped an already weak structure. It was good that MacGregor were kind enough to send a replacement wing(did they know that it was for a review). When I wanted a replacement canopy for my VMAR Chipmunk I was told that no spare parts were available for any of their range, forcing me to construct a new one from ply and clear plastic sheet. The plane flies so well however that it was worth the effort. I have also owned a VMAR CAP 232 which again flew very well until an incorrect rudder input during knife edge resulted in a meeting with terra firma. If I was flying my Acro Wot at the time im sure that the damage would have been repairable, however because of the brittle wood construction, the plane was just a pile of splinters. My favorite ARTF at the moment is a Ripmax Bossanova which is just superb with a JEN 56 in the front. The build quality is very good and all for a very reasoable price.

Im not surprised that the right undercarriage leg ripped out of the F5E Tigre on landing as from both of the flying shots it appears that the nose leg has a great twist to the left. Upon touch down the aircraft would have veered to the left placing the weight of the model sideways on the right leg. Perhaps a field repair to the nose leg was not such a good idea. A proper repair in the workshop may have enabled the leg to be put on straight and the plane may have survived for more than one arrival.(maybe at least three). Beats me how it took off in the first place.

I started with a Raptor 30 v2 and it has been superb to learn on. It is easy to set up, very stable to fly and the spares are cheap. I have a fixed pitch Hummingbird and it is nowhere near as easy to fly as the Raptor.Join a club with a good heli section and most importantly, join an organisation such as the BMFA to get 3rd party insurance.