Jul Newsletter

Newmarket Model
Flying Club
BMFA No. 0161
Patron to the club Alan Chapman
Volume 43 Issue 2
Please send contributions to the editor: Kevin Sale : [email protected]
Contents
Ridiculous to the Sublime ........
3
Graupner Great Escape ............
5
Editorial ....................................
1
Fenn Brothers Competition ...... 6
April Indoor Event ....................
2
Picture Gallery .......................... 7
Futaba 6EX Issue ......................
2
For Sale/Wanted ......................
8
Editorial
Welcome to the July 2013 edition of the club
newsletter. Unfortunately, I have to start this
edition with the sad news of the passing of two club members since the last
edition; John Sexton and John Hills. Both were long standing, active club
members who will be sorely missed and I’d like to extend my condolences
to both families.
So far this year the weather has been very challenging for flying. It seems
that mother nature has been teasing us with rain when the wind is calm
and blustery conditions when the rain abated. Despite the challenges, there
have been plenty of club members braving the conditions to attend the club
patch and other events.
As we head into July, it finally looks like we will be having an extended
settled period and I hope to see as many of you as possible during the
summer. While I write this editorial, my car is stacked to the roof with
models, ready to head for the patch after work tomorrow.
We’ve had a few club events since the last edition of the newsletter and
our chairman has kindly provided articles about the second indoor flying
event and the Fenn Brothers competition as well as providing details of
John Hills’ models which are for sale, with proceeds going to the St Nicholas
Hospice.
We also have an article from Pete Loxham about his serendipitous spring
of flying and related events, triggered from his kind offer to help yours truly
at the Rougham LMA show this year.
Colin Dews has also provided another amusing tale in the saga of his
Graupner glider, which seems to lead a mischievous yet charmed life!
Page 1
I’ve also included a short warning from Dave Fisher about a problem he
has experienced with a Futaba 6EX transmitter.
April Indoor Event
For the second time in
2013, NMFC members
gathered at Moulton Village Hall for some informal indoor flying. If you have
not participated before, there are no rules, apart from fly safely and you
can fly anything you like as long it is going to be safe in the confines of the
hall.
article by
Mike Cox
Ian Hatton kindly ran the round the pole activity, there is only one goal,
knock the other model out of the circuit any way you can. There are two
ways I know of disabling
the other model, either
creep up from behind
and chew off the tail
with your propeller or
dive from height onto
the other model, both
methods can be as
harmful to your model
as your opponents, but
it is great fun and
requires
no
serious
investment. Kevin was
very creative with his
own design delta, this time it did commit
RTP combat in action!
flight and was extremely fast.
Young friends of John James joined in as
usual (sorry no names, I forgot to ask) and enjoyed the RTP as well as their
own helicopters. There were several helicopters as well as quadcopters,
mine even has a button you press to perform a back flip. If you have not
seen these before take a look on youtube at the following clip, very
impressive:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUeGC-8dyk
This time Jerry came along and treated everyone to some delightful home
made pancakes with various fillings, yum.. my favourite was with syrup,
not that I should be eating that! Another fun evening for all, do come along
next time.
Futaba 6EX
diode issue
I had a lucky escape, using my transmitter, it
bleeped at switch on and then appeared to work
OK. I flew my old Wot4 and after landing, the
transmitter bleeped a couple of times, showed a
very low voltage, around 7.5v and switched off. I said a few words about
batteries and went home. Checking the pack it read fine, so I put it back
and again, the same voltage problem and it switched off. I put the battery
pack on a 21 watt car lamp and it was fine.
Looking inside the transmitter, diode D2 was burnt out. At least one other
person on the internet reports the same part failure. This diode appears to
feed the display and maybe the modulation. The red and green lights on
the RF board still work, so I guess the RF is working but with no signal.
article by
Dave Fisher
Page 2
A failure of this part would be a disaster in flight. I can only guess the part
is not specified correctly. I have fitted a "similar" diode and tested the
transmitter and it appears OK. I will do a bit more testing before I fly but as
the original diode would have caused a crash, I’m not sure why I need to
worry. I have emailed Futaba to see what they say.
article by
Pete Loxham
From the Ridiculous
to the Sublime
Why did I agree to do it I
asked myself, standing on
the stall of fellow flyer Kevin
Sale who had decided to
branch out with his skill and equipment and purchase a small area at the
Rougham Show to promote Hawk Graphics (that’d be me then - Ed).
Having travelled from Newmarket on a cold and blustery day, arrived at
the site; directed, due to the “Exhibitors” badge towards my own private
parking area. I was so impressed, and looking round to see if anyone I
knew was watching me, that I nearly ran over Alex Whittaker from RCM&E,
who was wandering over to the flying area with camera and note book in
hand, clearly unsure of the correct direction. We exchanged smiles as he
slid from the bonnet of my car, none the worse for the experience, as he
said later and I arrived at my appointed parking position.
Kevin had been at his stall ages and was all set up and eager to greet his
new found public, and hopefully customers. It was still grey, cold and
windy, but his enthusiasm was boundless and we settled down for a long
and cold day.
A few members of our club wandered past. Some seeing us and others
may or may not have done so, but the flying was good and the stalls were
reasonably busy for such a day.
Day two started much better and the sun shone in the morning and more
people, members and stall holders ventured out, including my pal Alan who
had come up from Stortford
for the day. Again the flying
displays were inspiring, but
alas the grey descended
once again and the cold set
in. This made my
conversation with Alan turn
to warmer thoughts.
Page 3
Now he has a place in
Denia in middle Spain. I
have
a
much
smaller
interest in a place on the
Costa. He has room to keep
planes; if I played my cards
well, I had a small space in
a wardrobe! We wandered
the stalls, looking for a
“Plane in a box”. It had to
have everything included,
Chocks away!
as I had no intention of taking items backwards and forwards to Spain.
Well a few stall holder conversations later, and we narrowed the choice
down to which FMS Mini Warbird I would pick. In the end I picked the P47.
It really was an “in the box” plane, with everything I would need to
assemble it in Spain, apart from a small charger and I had a spare one of
these. All I would then need was a small bottle of super glue.
So on to warmer flying conditions, and plane duly assembled in about 30
minutes, off I went to the beach with reluctant good wife in tow for moral
support. All checks done, and a small crowd assembling, I took a deep
breath and launched. She went up like a Saturn rocket! The tail looked nice
and flat but clearly not! Adjustments made and off we went again. First two
flights went well, but on the third she glided on the final approach for ever,
no option but to go round, but this little bird had other ideas, as I opened
the throttle, a little too quickly, she went down and left and hit the deck.
Now the 3 blade prop looked brittle and so it proved!
The advantages of the web really came to the fore, and Noel alerted back in
the UK, found Wheelspin Models, they had a 2 blade version that would fit,
or so it said. Ordered and sent to some friends who were coming out to
stay with us for a few days and the new prop and friends duly arrived. Well
fit it did - not, but after a number of attempts to rectify the fitting, including
using some cut up wine bottle corks, which I had accumulated quite a
choice of, I found an old Spanish tap washer in my box of bits, with just the
right size hole, and the right thickness and it did the trick, result!
So on yet another blue and warm day, off we went to the beach. All checks
done, or so I thought, and away she went. Left! Despite all my efforts, she
hit the sea wall and broke the wing! Bigger bottle of superglue later and
she was back as new, the advantages of flying chip boxes; but still I did not
know why she had attacked the sea wall. On closer inspection I found that
with the first crash the fuz had bent, only a little, but enough to send it in
only one direction. The disadvantages of flying chip boxes. Still with a
hairdryer and some careful work, she was back straight, I hoped. Following
day, back to the beach, big gulp, as yet again a crowed had gathered and
off she went. Three flights later, still in one piece and answered as many
technical questions as my limited Spanish would allow, we walked back
home. As we crossed the street, a young road cleaner approached us and
asked, in Spanish, if we had a good flight, I said yes, and he said he too did
some flying and then said
he
was
the
current
Andalusian champion for
2012, then produced his
phone to show me the
picture evidence! Now
what are the chances of
that? Where was Alex
Whittaker
when
you
needed him? I have now
discovered that there is a
flying club a short drive
away and this is on the things to do the next
Andalucian 2012
champion, apparently!
time I am in Spain and see blue skies!
Page 4
article by
Colin Dews
During a flight at
Snailwell on Thursday
evening June 6th, my
Graupner electric glider developed a problem with the elevator circuit a few
seconds after launching when the model began to perform a series of
uncontrollable violent loops.
Graupner Great Escape
At the time, the wind was blowing from the NE and as the model was
rapidly being blown towards the A14, I decided not to kill the motor or
deploy the tail parachute until it had crossed the road. By that time Colin
Ashman had taken control of the model and we decided to keep it airborne
until it was well clear of the British Racing School’s property. After closing
the throttle, the model was soon out of sight below the tree line but we
were able to take an approximate bearing of its flight path (down wind).
On the way home from the patch, I did have a look for the model as I went
along the Snailwell Road to Newmarket, stopping where I imagined it would
have crossed the road near some cottages. There were lots of trees around
and I soon gave up my search and realised that unless the model had
landed in one of the fields and that some kind soul picked it up and
contacted me, I
would probably
have to wait
until the winter
months
and
make a closer
look
in
the
trees.
You
can
imagine
my
p l e a s a n t
surprise when a
lady from the
Stanley House
S t u d
o n
Fordham Road phoned me to say she had found the model near her home
and noted my name and address on the Fin. It had fallen from one of the
large Horse Chestnut trees that border the avenue leading to her house
during the high wind on Sunday 23 June, 17 days after being launched from
Snailwell.
The next day my wife and I called to collect the model, thank the lady and
leave a reward. The model was only slightly damaged with a couple of
dents in the Port wing and a U/S LiPo battery. Even more remarkably, the
cockpit canopy had remained securely closed and no rain water had entered
the fuselage.
A close examination of the elevator circuit revealed that the cleat had
broken free from the plastic push rod and remained still attached to the
elevator horn. The end of the thin plastic push rod was badly frayed and
the outer of the Snake had become detached from the fuselage and was
able to move freely allowing significant sideways movement on the push
rod/cleat connection. No doubt that this was the prime cause of the
fracture. However, I must blame myself for not carrying out a thorough
inspection of the model before the flight when these problems should have
been spotted.
Page 5
The model is about 20 years old and has caused me concern on several
occasions during the last few years with peculiar unexplained flight
maneuvers such as pitching oscillations at certain motor settings even
when the stick was being held steady. The outer of the Snake has now
been securely glued to the Fuselage at both ends with Araldite and I hope
that has fixed the problems for good.
Fenn Brothers Competition
This Sunday
16th June the
usual suspects gathered at the Rowley Mile for the annual Fenn Brothers
glider competition. The weather did not look promising with rain forecast
for later in the afternoon with lots of cloud and little sun. Colin Dews
predicted rain at 4.00pm I will leave you to guess the time it came!
article by
Mike Cox
The bungee was laid and test
flights done so the competition
commenced around 1.30pm.
First up was Colin Ashman with
his old faithful Diamond Cloud
but the air was cold so the
flight was less than 3 mins
though he did gain the 100
point landing bonus. Peter
Ashman followed with his
Amigo IV,
a wonderful old
style built up glider, the design
I first learnt to fly on. The
Amigo was a little light for the
conditions and the strength of
the bungee so the flight lasted 69secs and no
The competitors
landing bonus. Colin Dews came along with an
Eliminator, a new model to me and managed 2
mins with the landing bonus, not a bad flight for a model that had only
been flown once before. Robert Hills, our treasurer was up next with his
Nebula, he has won the competition previously with this model and straight
away he was in lift. This flight culminated in almost a maximum at 9mins
42secs and the 100 points for landing in the circle. After an absence last
year Cyril Mann was back with his ancient Gentle Lady and straight into the
same lift as Robert to give him a flight time of 8mins 41secs and the
landing bonus.
The weather continued to be mixed with warm and cold conditions blowing
through. The second round gave similar flight times for most competitors
between 2 and 3 mins, I managed 4 mins with the Ava but Colin Dews
topped the round at over 6mins though missing out on the landing bonus.
Round 3 was very much the same for everyone (2-3mins) except I, some
how managed just over 8mins and the landing bonus. Round 4 got off to a
better start for Colin Ashman with a 4 minute flight and the bonus. Peter
Ashman then beat that with 5mins 26secs with a much better launch from
the Amigo. Colin Dews again exceeded 5 mins but this time Robert Hills
luck ran out with a sub 2 minute flight. Cyril Mann finished the day with
2mins 25 secs and 100 points for landing in the circle his second of the day.
My final flight was ok at 3mins 20secs with the bonus.
The final scores were as follows:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mike Cox
– Ava
Cyril Mann
– Gentle Lady
Robert Hills - Nebula
Colin Dews
- Eliminator
Colin Ashman - Diamond Cloud
Peter Ashman - Amigo IV
– 1641 points
– 1200 points
- 1168 points
- 1148 points
- 1147 points
- 774 Points
Rather annoyingly the weather cleared as we finished the competition
allowing other members to join in for a bit of fun. Jerry and Shane Carter
appeared with a couple of Trevor Gouch gliders to show us how it should
be done. The last I saw of Colin Ashman his Diamond Cloud was up there
with the clouds and well over 1000ft. Overall everyone seemed to have a
good day and I hope for next year we can encourage a few others to join in
the fun. Finally many thanks to Jerry and Shane Carter for coming along for
a bit of fun and presenting the winners with their prizes.
Page 6
Eric and the remains
of his Pitts biplane.
Photo
Gallery
Colin, Shane & Jerry
watch the action from
behind the pits.
Mike receives 1st prize
at the Fenn Brothers
competition.
Jerry prepares for
another sortie while
Colin looks on.
Large Vulcan & VC10
at Rougham 2013.
Simon preparing his
electric Edge 540.
Doomed large
scale Extra at
North Weald.
Page 7
Robert bungee
launches for Peter.
Now that John Hills has gone to the great glider site in the sky his earthly
models need to find a new home. All the funds raised by the sale of the
models will go to St. Nicholas Hospice http://www.stnicholashospice.org.uk
in Bury St Edmunds where John was looked after so well in his last days.
Items for Sale
or Wanted
There are six models available:
Electric Trainer – A classic 4 channel trainer
design, I am not sure what the kit is called, it has
had some battle damage but this has been well
repaired. This would make an excellent trainer for
someone learning to fly. It comes complete with
all the radio, motor and speed controller - £50 ono
Old timer – Again I don't know the model name,
it was built and finished beautifully from a plan
and has never been flown I believe. It is complete
with two servos, motor and speed controller.
Come on you old timers out there put your hands
in your pockets only £50 ono.
Aeronca Sedan – This is a beautiful model in
perfect condition and well finished, there are wing
struts, we did not have time to fit for the pictures.
It comes with all the radio, speed controller and
motor. This is ideal for you scale enthusiasts out
there so dig deep for a good cause £75 ono.
Axi Ohm – Another built from plan 4 channel
model in good order although it does need a prop.
The model is good condition and I believe it has
not flown, at least I have never seen it fly. It is
complete with all the radio, motor and speed
controller. Go on add the prop and you have a
lovely model £50 ono.
Orbit 2 – A nice looking 3 channel glider with all
radio, it would make an excellent model to enter
our glider competition although it might have to
be next year by the time you read this. All the
radio is included so all you need is a 35Mhz
transmitter then you can join us at the Rowley
Mile on those lazy Sunday afternoons £30 ono.
Miss Behavin – A delightful light weight, built
from plan model, needing a motor, speed controller and receiver to finish.
It does include two servos, sorry no picture of this model, I seem to have
forgotten to take one - £15 ono.
All the models where a receiver is fitted the receiver is a 35Mhz type. If you
are interested in any of the models please contact Robert Hills on 01284
704598 or via email [email protected]. If anyone would like to
give a donation to the hospice you can contact Robert or give directly via
their website shown above.
Thanks to Mike Cox, Colin Dews, Peter Loxham, Sharon Rayner, Simon
Palmer and Dave Fisher.
Credits &
Thanks
Newmarket Model Flying Club : BMFA No. 0161
Editor: Kevin Sale : [email protected]
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