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Graham Ashby (Editor)

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Posts posted by Graham Ashby (Editor)

  1. Chaps, for anyone who wants to join the build live online, the March start date gives everyone a chance to clear the decks, order parts, cut parts or whatever is necessary to be ready for the off. Absolutely nothing stopping you from starting earlier if you fancy, photographing as you go along and adding relevant posts at the appropriate time when it all gets going. That's probably what I'd do because I just procrastinate over building and take forever. Anyway, it really doesn't matter. Taking part is what counts and if you can make it to the fly-in with a finished model, so much the better, we'll be delighted to see you and especially delighted to see your Renaissance.

    wink

    Edited By Graham Ashby (Editor) on 23/11/2018 20:55:13

  2. Chaps, firstly, yes it is a little similar to the Ballerina and your observations are acknowledged and understood. That said, there are still many folk who didn't build a Ballerina and the hope (for all the reasons mentioned) is that this might encourage them to have a go at a build. Of course, the open cockpit, single seat, low wing monoplane will always be popular and no matter what variation to choose, be it Turbulent, Fly Baby, Volksplane, Taylor or even Ryan, they're all 'of a kind'. The other thing I'd like to mention is that whilst many will want to but it as it is, those of you with a bit of experience are very welcome to adapt the design and come up with a variation. A biplane version would be terrific, tandem cockpits could look cool, a parasol wing even? Maybe an autogyro and ditch the wing altogether? Enclose the cockpit, add struts and a spray bar and it's a crop sprayer. Anyway, you don't need me for ideas. Personally, I think it would look great with a twin cylinder engine, struts, spats and dancing girls. But that's just me. Anyway, we hope you build one, if only for the 'taking part'.

    Piers: I'm with you in the shaming thing. wink Mind you, I believe we still have back issues of the March cover available. The plan won't be published again, sadly, but when the March issue is sold out I'm sure they'll be old coffee stained copies kicking around club huts for years to come.

    Old Geezer: Definitely bigger wheels.

    Ron: You old cynic. Sarik's prices were independently set well before they knew it was the MB model. In fact, I'm not even sure I've told them. Must do that...

    Thanks for your interest and feedback everyone, it's all appreciated.

    Graham

  3. ANNOUNCEMENT COMING UP... Exciting eh? Anyone care to give this a little drum roll or light a firework? Right, a team decision has been made dear Mass Builders, and I say 'team decision' primarily so you don't just blame me if the subject is not to your liking. Anyway, we're going for Lindsay Todd's latest, rather evocative, little number called Renaissance. It's a good choice for any number of reasons, not least because it's a straightforward build, it flies jolly well, is infinitely adaptable, would suit a whole range of colour schemes, can be tweaked and titivated and, most importantly, it was an RCM&E free plan (July 2018) so there's every chance you'll already have the drawings. For those who don't like cutting ribs and formers, even better news comes in the form of a laser-cut wood pack from Sarik Hobbies. If you're not familiar with the model, I've included a few pics, below.

    We genuinely hope you're inspired to have a go. It should be a lot of fun. More soon...

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  4. Little bit of progress chaps. Firewall given a coat of paint and lacquer, throttle and choke connections sorted, plus a gratuitous shot of the undercarriage. The next day or two should have the engine bolted in and the tank plumbed... unless there's something I've missed! More soon. Graham

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    Edited By Graham Ashby (Editor) on 26/09/2018 09:35:50

  5. For what it's worth, I totally and wholeheartedly agree with BEB's Point 6 above:

    "Maybe the answer is we (the mods) just select a model and start/end date, let folks know and either you're in or you're out, your choice. If we did that we would probably propose: start 1st April, end at RCM&E fly-in 13-15th Sept; announce the model end of Jan - beginning of Feb maybe - so folks have time to decide whether to join in or not and if so order a CNC kit etc."

    The mass build concept can't work if organised and decided by mass committee. Answer: One model (the subject is almost irrelevant), chosen by the mods, dates set, you decide if you're in or out.

    Graham

  6. Posted by fly boy3 on 22/09/2018 17:39:18:

    Nice build Graham, and I really like the attention given to detail such as tubing on the clevis ends, and lock nuts on pushrods to clevis joins. Cheers

    Thank you FB3, it's partly (only partly) why an ARTF can take me so long to put together. Trouble is, if it's not done right I just won't be happy smiley

  7. ‘Occasional’ projects, we’ve all got ‘em and I've got more than my fair share on the go. Anyway, jogging along since 2017 has been this 81” Hangar 9 Spitfire which I promised myself the day I sold my superb Tony Nijhuis 63” version. Flying Tony’s Spit’ was always a thrill and, old and slightly underpowered though it was, I miss it. So, what’s left to do on the H9? Not much really. Primary controls connected and working, retracts and flaps installed, Roto 35 engine installation in progress for which I’m currently fiddling with throttle and choke connections. I've never owned a petrol engine before and I'm frequently put off by the noise of the things, however the baffled (as supplied) Roto 35 is the exception to the rule. More soon. Graham

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  8. Posted by Paul C. on 22/09/2018 08:41:29:

    Any plans to include a Mass Build get together , might be worth considering to reinvigorate the mass build that appears to have lost a little popularity over the last few years.

    Paul. yes

    Hi Paul, yes there are plans, it would seem a perfect place to do it. Again, stay tuned smiley

  9. We've been missing the RCM&E fly-ins that the dedicated Greenacres lads and lasses used to run for us a few years back so we're planning another for 2019, but this time at BMFA Buckminster. With this in mind a small RCM&E contingent (that’ll be me and Beth) met with Manny on site for a recce. The verdict? It's absolutely perfect. We were massively impressed with the facilities and have started to get quite excited about the prospect of an event. Love the flying site, adore the hangar for evening gatherings and casual indoor flying, and the location is spot on. Anyway, we're hoping to finalise dates in the next week or two and will let you know as soon as we have something firmed up. Stay tuned.

  10. Hi Simon,

    I was just passing so I thought I'd pop in to say that it's lovely to see a Baronette build going on. I have a 30 year old example which I've been flying for about 15 years now and I still love it to bits. It gets a a bit of TLC every now and again and just keeps going. Flies beautifully on its O.S. 40FP. With a dustbin silencer you can barely hear it over the noise of the electric models.

    I'll keep an eye on your build.

    Graham

  11. Up with the larks this morning to join the Tony Nijhuis Designs ‘Development & Testing Department’ (that’ll be Tony), for the maiden flight of the prototype Concorde. Now, I don’t know if it’s just me but models of Concorde always look as if they’re a Dutch Roll waiting for the pickle. Anyway, to cut a long story short, she flew a treat on four 50mm fans. There’s still work to be done but TN was suitably encouraged by the flight so development continues. Watch this space.

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    Edited By Graham Ashby (Editor) on 29/06/2018 12:52:54

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