Richard. W. Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Hi all. I joined this forum about a year ago and found it a friendly place to be. I only made a few posts though, before life got in the way in the form of a new job and a change in personal circumstances, so I thought i'd start again with an introduction and take it from there. First things first, my name's Richard, as you can see from the profile (And yes, the photo is me too ) but please don't let that put you off! I started in the hobby as a kid, around 1970/71, I was about 9 or 10 (48 now) by building a few of the small, free flight rubber scale kits. Not the ideal way to start, because of course they never flew!...... They did crash well though, but that didn't matter to me, because then as now, I prefer building to flying. My late father had no interest in the hobby, but the father of one of my schoolmates had, and he taught me how to build and fly free flight models properly, often taking me along to meetings at Elvington, where we used to fly back then. My first success was with a Kiel Kraft "Senator", and from there I built a couple of "Open Rubber" and "A2" glider models from plans. This was ok, and the models now flew, but what I wanted was a plane that looked like a plane......Scale.....And I wanted a lovely smelly diesel engine to provide the go! My first "Scale" build was actually semi scale. An all sheet Nieuport 11, built from a plan in the old aps range, but I did get it to fly! This was followed by a few more plan builds from the same range, some flew, some didn't, but once again, that didn't matter, it was the building I loved. I took a long break from the hobby when girls became more interesting and then of course work and marriage came along, not starting the balsa bashing again until 1989. Once again, I chose free flight scale, with a few general sport type models too, but this time I soon started scratch building from my own plans, and must admit that getting a plane to fly, that I had built from my own plans was a real buzz Then, in 2004, life took a nose dive in the shape of divorce and all that goes with it, and that stopped my hobby dead (No, it didn't cause the divorce ) It took until 2008 really, before things started to improve, but then I was made redundant, so yet again, the hobby took a back seat. Last year was a lot better though, work picked up, I started a relationship with a new partner (We're now engaged) and although she has no real interest in the hobby, she gives me every encouragement, so no problems there! When I re-started my interest, I decided the time was right to go radio. The free flight was fun, but I really don't fancy the long walks to fetch the models back any more! So to finish, I'm hoping to join a club later this year and pass my "A" cert. I have a trainer type plane (Own design) which has flown, and been flown by an experienced flyer, and an ARTF Piper Cub which still has to be put together. My main problem at the moment is lack of building space (Workshop still to be sorted) and time (My employer gets first call) but when I get chance, I get the draughting board out and start drawing up plans for future builds, mostly WW1 types, that being my passion. Of course, one thing I have amassed over the years, is quite a bit of reference material, if that's of help to others, and also some knowledge of building and trimming etc, so if I can assist anyone on here, i'd be only too happy to. Thanks to all those who take the time to read this intro, and I look forward to chatting with you soon. Richard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 My first success was with a Kiel Kraft "Senator", and from there I built a couple of "Open Rubber" and "A2" glider models from plans. .....mostly WW1 types, that being my passion. Yo Soul Brother! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BB Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Good to have you onboard 'again' Richard. Nice intro BB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Yep great write up there Richard - and welcome back.....you havent changed a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ashby - Moderator Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Welcome Richard - just ask if there's anything you need to know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Wood Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Welcome back Richard. WW1 aircraft do seem to have a big pull for aeromodellers. All that wonderful built-up stucture is made for modelling. It's great to hear you intend to draw up your own plans . Best of luck - from another Richard W ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.A. Barry Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Richard, all as the above, A.A.Barry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken anderson. Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 wellcome from me rich--this is one of the only hobbies that the saying 'the only way is up' applies to...........have load's of fun............ ken anderson........a member for 12 month's.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Hi Richard, A very warm welcome from me too. It is nice to hear life is picking up for you. Their are plenty of us with redundancy and 2nd partner experience on here im sure.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard. W. Posted February 10, 2010 Author Share Posted February 10, 2010 Thanks to all the above for your kind comments. Knowledge and infomation is a two way street, so yes, I'm sure I shall be asking plenty of questions, but I would like to think I can help others on here too. If it's a question about scale types, I.C. engines, and old fasioned "Balsa Bashing", please feel free to ask. If it concerns electric flight, Jelly Flopters or 3D, then I'm out of my depth Any comments or posts I make regarding plans, builds, etc will be on those specific areas of the forum, not on here, since I don't fancy Timbo giving me a kick in the clangers! Once again, many thanks to you all for making me welcome, it's like I've never been away. One last comment.......(Timbo and the other Mods may be able to help highlight this).... If anyone asks me a question on the forum, or via the p.m. service, I may not be able to respond until the weekend, as I work away Monday to Friday Quite often, with no pc access. I think my profile shows my mobile number though, and you could use that if you wish. Just don't want anyone to think i'm being ignorant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted February 10, 2010 Share Posted February 10, 2010 Hi Again Richard, Your info says you dont have a "public" profile. Just thought id let you know ref your above comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard. W. Posted February 10, 2010 Author Share Posted February 10, 2010 Thanks for that info Ian. Finger trouble at my end (I didn't tick the "Enable Public Profile" box) Think I got it sorted now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 Yep, thats sorted it Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 Ah.... not a good idea putting personal contact details on the forum Richard - even on a profile page the webbots and crawlers can easily pick them up. I have amended it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klippy Posted February 11, 2010 Share Posted February 11, 2010 Welcome back Richard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard. W. Posted February 11, 2010 Author Share Posted February 11, 2010 Thanks Timbo, I see your point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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