Jono

Hi Gary, I'm over at 2499 in Berkshire. We haven't done much RTP recently as I just haven't got round to it really. I now find that it's no longer on the list of insured stuff (along with ten pin bowling). I'm a BMFA Country Member myself, but I don't really see the need for the BMFA insurance for RTP. Especailly as a Sqn of 40 odd cadets it is an occasional activity for us, mainly in the summer. (We use our Spooner Hut which means the main hall is out of commission to anything else). I think I'm going to contact BMFA and see what their stance is. Will let you know. Not sure why promoting an interest in aviation is so hard these days! Cheers, Jon

Bit of a thread resurrection here I'm afraid! Round the Pole Flying is no longer on the list of insured activities for the ATC, so we would need to get BMFA insurance in order to continue. Has anyone done this? It seems a lot (~54 quid) a year to do this. I'm considering asking if they might do a special rate for RTP or indoor only membership. Seems a backward step by the ATC of course, but we seem to be getting all our ducks in a line generally. I guess my real question, is who is still doing this in the ATC?

Hi Gary,   Sorry, wasn't ignoring you, just forgot to reply!  Yup, I'm over in Thames Valley with the ATC.   Any idea of the ratings on the small motors?  I found some similar ones, same size, but they burnt out within about a minute.  I have a feeling the amp rating was too low.  Price of what you found seems about right, 75p or over a fiver?  No question which is better value!   We've yet to completely kill any of the Ballards motors but they are all slowing down.  The larger ones (we only have two) don't get used as much so are still fine.   We haven't broken a prop in a while, not since we tried to get it to run outside on the parade square which was rough tarmac.  It's been resurfaced this year and may work better I guess, but I think the wind at the moment might be more of an issue.  Not to mention the rain!   I'm still plugging away building planes and am planning on running our BoB week this month.  I'll try and do some photos once we're up and running.   As a thought, the troops built the hovercraft plan from QEFI last month which was a good intro to R/C.  Small, electric, depron and good for hand/eye co-ordination.    Jon

Ah, Lees Trophy; is it the Wing or Region inspection you're up to?  It is hard work whichever level.     Thanks for the offer of the 109 plan, I've just finished drawing from a 3 view to a similar size (11.5" or so) as the Hurricane so I'll run with that.  But thanks again for the offer.   Are you using the motors from Ballards?  I've been looking around for a cheaper source for them but now joy.  That said we haven't worn any out yet which has surprised me.     I'm thinking about a "Scramble" mission, 109 at altitude, Hurri scrambling off the deck to intercept.  Need the soundtrack to the film running in the background though! 

The lacquered wire is an issue although careful storage makes a difference.  Combat is more wearing on the models that the hardware strangely enough.  When two wires get wrapped up and bring a couple of speedy models crashing down you would have thought it would do some damage, but it's usually just dented balsa.   We've got a big power supply inherited from a company having a clear out which doubles as a radio power supply as well.   I've designed our Hurricane and started kitting the bits.  Me109 next! 

Bit of a thread resurrection here, but any joy with the RTP at the Sqn?   We're about to restage the Battle of Britain using ours (all good clean fun, but I might have to swing the results if history is about to be changed) as part of  our Inter-Flight Competition.   The main thing I find with this kit is to have a tube of glue and a soldering iron on standby!

Finally got her airborne.  Way too much power though.  Used the robotbirds 1500kv pole & stator motor with 3 cells lipo and an 8x4 GWS prop.  Next time it's a smaller prop I think!

Rafa, I used humbrol acrylic (mixed dark green and kakhi if I remember correctly) for the green bits and magnolia emulsion for the fabric/linen colour on the wings. I haven't uploaded photos here yet, but will do so tomorrow.  Jon

Excellent photos again Wess, many thanks again.  I picked up a tester pot of magnolia today, seems to be a good colour match for the "linen" (might be different in daylight though ) Thanks for the tip.  Almost finished the fuselage, just waiting until I get the cowling sorted before I get busy with the uhu-por.    Looks like a trip to the supermarket with a tape measure is on the cards tomorrow night.  Still undecided on what to do with the undercarriage; leaving it off to belly land would be a disaster with this aeroplane I think. J

Lovely stuff there Wess, I'm hoping mine comes out as well.   I've made a start as far as my limited stock of 3mil depron let me.  (more on order!) Can I ask about your paint scheme please?  I'm ok for the RFC green, going to mix some acrylic, but I've no idea where to look for the linen/fabric colour wing which is lovely on your Sopwith. I also see that you've used wire on the undercarriage; any particular reason?  I'm a little concerned that my rough field will rip up the bamboo skewers I'm planning on using as they have little give, but you might have shown me the light! J