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As many of you know, I recently had a plane stuck in the Oak tree at the end of the runway. It was stuck up quite high in the tree and there was no way I was going to be able to get it down. l checked with a few tree surgeons and everybody quoted £100 to get the plane down. Finally I came across Michael Howden. He agreed to do it for £40. He has even offered a repeat discount (10%) to anybody in the club as long they quote my name. I don't know how long the discount will last. But the young man seemed to know what he was doing and he did an excellent job climbing up and getting my plane wihtou

Looking for a user friendly twin engined airframe, the DB Twin Tub caught my eye. Although a large 82" model, with twin engine configuration, this vintage David Boddington design hit the spot for me. Essentially, its a Barnstormer with two engines mounted close inboard upon its high parasol wing configuration. Just a couple of images can be found on the DB order listing with the same ones appearing on Google. Other than that, I`ve not found any information on the model anywhere else than the DB sales listing. The images you see below appear to be the only ones around. I`ve just ordered on

With the recent sad passing of my Father, the lockdown and an urgent need for a Hangar clearance, I bit the bullet hard. Some twenty five models have been built in my work area over about the last two and a half years. Despite small and regular clear out sessions, the chaos, dust and general bedlam rose on an almost exponential scale to a near unworkable situation. Something had to give. Over the years, my Fathers filing system had expanded to bursting point. His art work from previous years flowed out of the plan chest and his collection of watercolour paintings and books had approached a vol

Inspired by Jim Beagley`s RCM&E article detailing a Panic build, I just had to have one. Robs design is bullet proof. I suppose every modeller eventually has to have one in their hangar collection. As we know, the model is as simple and functional as it gets. The kit is distributed by J Perkins and produced in Pakistan. The timber grades are first rate and the laser cutting the most accurate I`ve yet seen. The build was a doddle. Not perhaps easy for the first time builder but quickly put together if you have a couple of other model builds under your belt. My total build time was

Listen to that! The only slight drawback is that, at 22kg, it is just over 3 times the weight limit for a model at our field I couldn't find a specific price, but my estimate would probably be well north of £10,000, considering that a 7 cylinder OS radial sells for just under £5,000.

No, sorry, but nothing at all like the Dysan fan, which has LOADS of extremely conventional moving parts, from a bladed fan hidden in the "stand" to a brushless motor and axial fan blades inside the head. The Dysan is in some respects a magicians trick, new technology that really isn't, and is not anything like the scientific advance this technology offers. The problem with this new "drive" will be getting the power to weight ratio and where have we heard that before with electric flight?

I think a lot of people hope that Ben.......I'm bringing the food lol x

Since building the Bristol Fighter and the Fokker DVIII, I've completed the Micro Aces SE5A. This little gem of a kit really is a delight to put together. The next in line is the DH2 pusher and the 'DIXIE@ the Sopwith triplane.

It's the Daily Wail.................move on, nothing to see here...................

Have decided to join the ranks of the Fun Fly Brigade to brush up on the long-lost aeros capabilities! It's finished in Funereal Purple & Black Profilm so as to be ready for a fast track burial in the event of a finger seize-up during a rolling circle Thanks, Gavin!

No, not the Blade Inductrix, the Blade Inductrix Pro, or the Blade Inductrix FPV, nor the Blade Inductrix FPV Pro, but the Blade Inductrix FPV+. Ye Gods.......................... This is "the red one", red canopy and props, OK?? Is there room for yet ANOTHER Inductrix? Well, after a few flights after getting one today, I'd have to say......................YES. OK, it's not cheap, in fact compared to say the Eachine E010 and that series it's downright DEAR, nearer the price of a brushless 180/200, but it does seem to be a well sorted item with development work costing money th

Dear Members, the Committee was asked to discuss matters arising from our use of Fickleshole field, namely the access track, a windsock and first aid kit box, and signage, amongst other things. In regards the track, it was concluded that interfering with the compacted surface with the advent of winter around the corner would be foolish and only lead to matters becoming much worse. This was based on past experience. It was decided, however, to review the situation again in March, in the meantime entering into discussion with the other users, Farmer, Clay shoot and Softball co. with a

You can edit it. I just changed mine to UK.

Have edited almost every post in this thread, as it seems a LOT of the formatting imported with loads of extra hidden spaces from the old software. Have updated the main website links now too.

With my first Stampe build complete, it`s time for a second one! Using the same French Bulconcept plan used with a short kit sourced from Guix Model, I decided to produce my own kit of reproduction parts and save the rather high cost of importing a second Guix kit. Before building the Guix Model kit, I pen traced around all the parts onto appropriately sized core balsa and ply stock. I produced two reproduction kits for future use once I`d finished the first Stampe. The future has indeed arrived with the first Stampe being ready to fly. I`ve today started to build from one of my repr

It seems I now have the upload facility working again on my camera/laptop. Here are a few more images that have just become accesible to me starting with the Seagull Funky Cub. This is definately a designer inspired sport model which looks something like a modern Cub Crafters rendition of the original Piper Cub design. Horses for courses......like it or loath it. That`s your personal choice. Next in the attached image batch are five images of one of the tired, used Zlins being overhauled. Visually, it is hard to beielve this is one and the the same airframe..... but believe me, it is

Rob at Avicraft has re-opened the doors again to us with the usual social distancing rules applying. Although screens currently feature around the sales counter, Rob obviously hopes these can be dismantled given the passage of time and further easing of Covid restrictions. When you visit, you will immediately notice Rob`s new shop layout. There is more customer space and revised racking for all the common bits and pieces needed to build and operate your models. It's a great improvement which will become even better once the screens can be taken down. Go and have a look. You won`t be

The TT is almost finished. It's fully covered with just a pseudo basic white and RAF detailed colour scheme. It resembles to a certain extent the colour scheme often seen on Coastal Command Sunderland flying boats. I think it suits the model reasonably well. My grand-daughter likes the model and I`ve told her it is likely to make an unusual trainer. Hopefully I can see if she might like to learn to fly in due course. She is only six and her attention span is still a little limited. Time will tell. Presently an issue exists with the ESC units. Sourced from George at 4-Max there appears to

Thanks, Gerard. Good to hear from you again. Yes, this TT certainly has raised some nice reactions within CAMFC and also with the Falcons. I`m a member of both clubs. I think this must be because the model immediately strikes one as a nice quirky odd ball but user friendly twin. Certainly it has loads of character. Its quite an unusual model but does not seem to have been that popular even in its heyday. I can`t quite think why this might of been other than that people might perhaps have wanted something rather more sporty. Only a few images appear of it on the internet and the kit is pre

The Fly Baby is 99% complete and just requires four more rigging wire sets to be fitted. Just four more .6mm flying wires and four more turnbuckles are needed to see final completion. Its been a very long build! All up weight is a rather beefy 13.3Lbs. Rather heavier than James example I would think. Its essentially been built to the plan with only a couple of small mods done to the wing joiners. The large 120FS is perhaps a bit heavier than an OS90FS... C of G came out spot on with no nose lead added. Now it has to be flown.... Images here show the model out on the drive this mornin

Bottom wing now covered with servos installed. Both wings now trial fitted with inevitable slight height across model issues. Two heads being better than one suggests that a trip over to Rob for a little advice would be benificial. Scratch built bi-planes are not the easiest thing in the world to build accurately. All sent to try us. Images show the further progress. Mike.

I`ve acquired a number of new engines recently for up and coming new builds. I`m a tight wad so many of the new to me engines are often " pre-owned or pre used low time "new in box" or low use examples in good physical condition. Before committing them to use in expensive new models, as a rule of thumb, I`ve decided to commission and test them on a relatively cheap and proven air-frame. The Ultra Stick provides an excellent test platform with a wide Centre of Gravity range. Servos can be tail mounted to off set the weight of some of my larger capacity motors. I have six and a half availab

The big Flybaby build is progressing only interrupted by back surgery at Guys. I`m somewhat incapacitated at present and a second stage of surgery is needed the week after next. Undaunted, I`ve continued with kitting the model with materials supplied by our Rob at Avicraft. Rob is attempting to source a SIG Piper Cub J3 one quarter scale fibre glass cowl which fits this one third scale model. The replacement wing for the smaller Seagull Flybaby mono-plane is expected from Perkins in the near future. I made an appearance at the field on Sunday taking my cut out kit parts and plan with me.

My latest build. This is the 60" Bi-stormer from the late David Boddingtons` drawing board. Essentially the model is a Barnstormer with two wings. The design is about fifty years old and is much loved as a medium sized, soft floater for balmy summer evening flying. Images below show progress made to date. A 72" version is also available but is a little too big for my storage and transport convenience. Build costs also escalate the bigger a model is. I found that out to my cost during the Midwest Extra build. I bought the DB Sport and Scale kit last week direct from the makers in Wale

So following on from the BBC's terribly irresponsible reporting regarding 1 Air Lingus pilot and an "unconfirmed sighting of an object" outside of the Gatwick Exclusion Zone, here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-48086013 I decided that enough is enough and wrote to the BBC to ask 2 questions: Q1. Who wrote and titled the article, or at the very least was responsible for it being published? Q2. What facts do you have to prove the 1 pilot had seen a drone? Well, in true BS fashion, the reply I got from the BBC South East edior today was this: Basica

A bit more spin on the Ultra Stick and its derivatives. I see Hobby King are punting a 1200mm class Ugly Stick type model for just £61 plus post. This is known as a Crusader 30E and runs with 9g servos. Flaps do not seem configured on the model so a basic four channel set up would be quite adequate for it. Primarily designed for electric power the model has more in common with the old Ugly Stick than the rather more advanced H9 Ultra Stick development. Obviously this little air-frame could be modified to IC power. I might get one of these models just to mop up a spare OS.35 that is kickin

Hi Ben, About 14.25Lbs seems to be an early figure. Added lead until the C of G appeared right. The total weight figure will be less than I added because the exhaust is still to be built. Just Engines are starting on Monday. Two week delivery is expected. The cowl and spats are cooking in front of an infra red lamp presently. I have to spray outside, then dash the parts inside to prevent paint bloom. Not perhaps one of my finest finish jobs but that is how it is with somewhat inadequate facilities and current low ambient temps. It is amazing how much spray paint gets used. All the white an

A seriously well constructed appraisal, Ben. Thank you very much. Loads to think about. One thing is sure...its going to cost money! Mike

I can personally vouch for the FrSky systems too. I know that me being younger and more adept at these sorts of things does perhaps bias my opinion slightly, but I really did find my X9D unbelievably easy to set up. For example, I cannot begin to work any of the similar systems from Futaba, Speaktrum, etc without consulting a manual first. The other advantage to the FrSky system is that it can be as complex as you want to make it. Price is also a large factor as you say, and by way of comparison, a brand new QX7 is only £103 as opposed to a second hand 7C for potentially £90. Even a very

Exactly four weeks after this kit arrived in a ply box, it is now complete with nothing more to do. My time input has been at least 300 hours but perhaps more likely as 350. The eyes were on the prize. Its the settlement of an itch to build a Fokker Tri-plane that I`ve nurtured for years. Now the urge has been satisfied. Emma together with Rob Newman have been the first to see the finished product at Avicraft this morning. Rather a different thing to the box of goodies that I took over twenty eight days earlier. It is done and dusted and is ready for testing. I`ll post more on that with images

Great progress, Mike. I have more chance of running a Marathon than having the time and patience to build one of those!

I`ve been busy on the Tri-plane over the last ten days or so and have been having a very enjoyable time in the process. The final images in this post showing wings fitted with three of them covered. This has accounted for about 120 hours of building time. Its amazing just what a difference having pre-cut parts make to the speed of a build. Only a few small issues encountered mainly due to lack of detail in the build manual. Those were of little consequence and construction has progressed rapidly and predictably. Wings look reasonably in line with each other, spaces between each panel look even

Nine days on, eight of them building, sees this DVII now complete and ready to fly. About 90hours taken and no real issues. As predicted, the top ABS fuselage cowl was perhaps a slight headache. I`ll detail that before going further. The removable top cowl is built on a chassis former with several perpendicular formers giving the top shape profile. On the SE5A, 2mm balsa sheet was damped and rolled around the shape, and held in place for half an hour to persuade the balsa to acquire the roll. Dried off with a hair dryer, it was then super-glued to the cowl former before being trimmed. It

I used to be a vehicle paint sprayer and later took the skill set with me to the aero hanger during the period of studying for my aircraft maintenance license. In those days I could colour brew my own paint shades in the paint shop. That was very handy on occasions. Now, without those facilities, colour matching is more difficult. Yes, Halfords do have a good "on the shelf" range but believe me, getting a match is often a fraught affair. Halfords used to do a bespoke Holts mixing service at their stores. That has now been taken away which is a great shame. They were the only people I could fin

Somewhere there is a little green man wiping bakewell crumbs from his eating orifice

Gerard and I discussed this, but for wider reading. The material FrSky use is a silicone sealer electrical product, designed to be high resistance and fully moisture resistant. While Hot Glue may do the job, its electrical properties are harder to be certain of, especially its conductivity in damp conditions. It might also make removal difficult. I have used Aquarium Silicone successfully (as its easy to get hold of), and at least its water resistance is ensured!! However, the CORRECT stuff is:- https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/silicone-sealants/0555588/

Aerials on 2.4GHz should ideally be at 90 degrees between the two. The aerial is only the short usually silver part at the end, the rest is just co-ax. The problem with PCB aerials (I call them "door wedge" type) is that "edge on" the aerial thickness is the depth of the track, i.e. not a lot! If in flight the edge of both aerials is facing the Tx then signal strength does suffer, and while usually nowhere near problem levels, its not the BEST possible. The CORRECT orientation for PCB aerials is therefore so the LENGTH of the two aerials is 90, BUT ALSO that the PCB faces are at 90,

Lots of confusion in the media over this. Some reports it was an A380. It was flight 1380 (might explain it!), listed as a 737-700 with CFM engines. Reports emerging of sheared blades, if true NOT a hub failure per se. Typical brain dead idiot things appearing, like the male passenger with mask held by hand over mouth only while he selfies and shows cabin on phone. More important to film it than to make himself safe.

Up for sale today is my beloved OS MAX 35AX. Made with Japanese quality it is a powerful, small and light engine suitable for funfly and lighter models alike. Bought about a year ago it has been in the front of my cougar ever since. It has had around 75 flights on it, so is still very much a new item. Despite being in a funfly plane I have only used it in 2 competitions (fast and slow + donut drop) so it has not been crashed or used harshly. It is one of the best, if not the best engine I have used, being unbelievably reliable, and starting with only the slightest flick or spin. Its relia

Hello Ben, yes they are on the CAMFC Facebook page, and I thought I would save the best till last. Here is some more footage from the day, and also the Red Kite, see you soon, Ivan.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Emu3IwFaUWc

APC 12.25x3.75 is what I used on my OS 32 SX, with 10% to 30% Nitro! I've had a few OS AX engines, and didn't think much of them vs SX / FX range! "Same can be said for the Alpha f/s range as well!" But having said that, the OS 75AX & Alpha F/S 56 were great! The only problem now with using higher lvls of Nitro, is the cost!

For anyone following, I replied to Ben on the EFRacer/EXEtxtra by PM, Yes, I have both. Yes, I'm REALLY glad I have. OK, simple talking over, demo time. Necc explanation first though. I tried to find archive video of my various 2212-6T motored models, but could not quickly, Google would not let me into one of my accounts (BOO) , so yesterday Ivan filmed me flying the "Rasp" own design EPP delta (HURRAH!). Now the Rasp is NOT the fastest of these models, as in its second iteration (rebuild after motor mount failed years ago, thread and comment buried in Flying Diary for 2

Ben, the issue is not really the motor size, but is linked to the prop position. Pusher props are inherently much noisier than tractor. This follows into real world, the Piaggio Avanti P180 which comes in and out of BH sometimes is WAAAAAYYY noisier than anything else (It's turboprop but pusher twin). Props reflect noise forwards, as said above "chopping" the wing trailing edge. This is immutable and limits the sensible to how far they push the boundary! (Piaggio have allegedly spent huge sums on trying the quieten the Avanti, bit like Porche spending 40 years making a rear engine car handle,

Thanks Ben i needed cheering up. Any techies recommend a good way to clean coffee of a laptop screen and keyboard

No one now they paid the ransom

Emma ASP 52 engine is quite good and not too expensive. See here: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/asp-s52a-two-stroke-glow-engine-w-remote-hs-needle-valve.html If you're going to get it from them, make sure to select "Ship From UK" (i.e. UK warehouse). Emay

Nice! All I have to do now is get phoenix

Awesome, thats now fixed

Done................ PM.

Website problemo sorted. Found the cause of it too and fixed that whilst I was at it. Love how this free software costs hundreds in man hours to stop it falling over all the time