27/03/08
Peter
Valentine
has been busy having a nostalgia trip, reverting to planes he made in
the late 1960s and early 70s. His first attempt at RC flying was a
KeilKraft Fleetwing, which ended its short life hitting a pile of
bricks on a disused airfield. Later he learnt to fly, after a fashion,
with a David Boddington BiStormer 72. The top of his fleet was a Kwik
Fly 3 - the winning aerobatic plane flown by Phil Kraft in Corsica
1967. Quote: "This is an ARTF with some good German engineering, but
some strange and confusing building notes?"
Fleetwing
BiStormer
72
KwikFly
A piece of all too rare relating
of exploits from or Membership Sec. Come on folks, you must
all have a tale to tell? Admin.
Woes of an Aero
Modeller:
by
Peter Valentine 18th April
2008
Having
finished all the excuses for not flying my Bi Stormer I
turned up at the field hoping that it would be so windy everyone would
forgive me for not unpacking the beast. But foolishly I decided to at
least have it noise tested, so it was all assembled, and into the pits
we went.
My
planes talk to me and give me warnings, honest! Having boasted
about how easy it was to start the RCV 90 CD the so and soing thing
just would not start! That was warning number 1. Eventually the beast
started running. Incidentally a current test of the RCV 130 stated
problems with starting due to too much after run oil and such! Get it
really wet with fuel first to clear any gunge and then it is a pussy
cat.
So we
did a noise test, and I received warning number 2, I failed!
Willing torturers promptly found a different propeller of higher pitch
and manufacture (APC), and with that fitted another engine test got us
under that 82 dba target.
So,
foolishly I plonked the Bi Stormer on the patch, yelled take off
and ignoring the warnings let go of the tail. It was beautiful, a
lovely take off, bugger the warnings! Then the fun started, it decided
to only turn left and dropped the left wing. Somehow we nursed it round
probably overflying the C/L folk, sorry about that (No problems, but if
it happened every time we might ask the committee for bunker to be
built ;) Zoe). Andy Prime came to my rescue and with fine skill made a
safe landing. As an afterthought or reminder the RCV 90 refused to
stop. The tick over was so slow but stop oh no!
Back
home I
think the problems were found. A loose wing dowel allowing the lower
wing to move and no inter-wing struts allowed the interconnected
ailerons to do silly things! Thanks guys for all the advice on these
matters, I have built struts and disconnected the upper and lower
ailerons. Using EPA should now allow me to stop the engine.
I
would take up Gregorian Chant except that I can't sing!
2.4
GHz
27/06/07
Dear
Member
The
arrival of 2.4
GHz is an exciting development in the radio control of our models, and
some
members are reporting satisfactory use of the equipment. As you know we
implemented the BMFA advice
and called for a 'peg on' system and black RX flag. However, we are
aware that 2.4 GHz is used in different ways, and the equipment for
some may be unsuitable for others. For example, some sets have
a much less powerful TX and or a RX with limited range used by model
cars or indoor flying, some
recommend using a double RX system whereas others are using a single RX
but advising how to orient
the aerials to ensure good reception.
It
is
not
practical or desirable for The Club to try and lay down rules to cover
all these things any more than we do with 35 MHz gear where mixed
equipment is used by many. However it is our DUTY to
inform you that the first law of aeronautics is that we are all
responsible for safe operating, and
accidents or damage caused by taking risks with equipment may
invalidate insurance; and The Club
would not accept any responsibility. For
this reason we have decided that only
the full 100 mW powered Transmitters may be used on our
sites.
It
is
therefore YOUR responsibility to ensure that the combination of TX, RX
and aerial alignments
are suitable and safe for the type of flying you intend, Thus Short
range RX's should NOT be used at
our sites, and if you are in any doubt about the combination you wish
to use you should contact the
distributor and seek advice BEFORE flying.
35
MHz TX's, RX's, and servos of different manufacture are pretty much
interchangeable, but we
are not certain that this applies to 2.4 GHz, so again it is your DUTY
to ensure that your set up is
safe. Incidentally the BMFA warms us that modules or sets may be
imported to the UK without the CE
mark, and if you use such equipment YOU would be responsible in the
event of failure or
accident.
Please
remember the BMFA's slogan. Safe Flying is No Accident.
Yours
sincerely
Andy
Prime (Chairman)
ELECTRIC
David
Andrews
The
Leicester club has a small enthusiastic group of electric powered
modellers (planes that is not modellers!) with plane sizes from 30cm
foamies up to 2m aerobatic pattern planes using up to 2.5kW.
The main
emphasis is on gliders of various sizes. Most flyers treat the electric
scene as an addition to IC powered craft BUT NOT ALL, there is a group
dedicated to all electric flying having decided to getaway from the IC
planes completely, including myself.
Help is to
hand for anybody wanting to try this side of our sport.
Remember,
we do it quietly!
April 07
If you have a
desire to learn to fly RC this is the fine machine you
will have access to.
Video's
Some
short video's of RC flying at
the club.
(these
may be changed regularly depending on storage space considerations.
Admin)
Rhyan
and his Razzle 4.6MB .wmv
Stuart's
Sopwith Pup 2.5MB .wmv
Types of RC model
Whilst
the
club is predominantly populated by sports fliers, the following
introductions may help explain what some of the various types of RC
aircraft are, and how they were intended to be used. Not all are
suitable for our flying site, pylon racing for example; but they are
intended as a guide to what can be done. This is by no
means a comprehensive list, and will be added to as suitable
descriptions become available.
You
are not obliged to fly in competitions to fly any model aircraft.
However, once the basics are mastered and a reasonable level of
competence is achieved, there is nothing like comparing your abilities
against others, even at a modest level, to take your skills and
knowledge forward in a
quantum leap.
The following are extracted from
the BMFA's program for 2007 National Championships.
16/09/07
RC HELICOPTERS
An
introduction
Be warned! A model helicopter is
potentially an extremely
dangerous
device, especially in inexperienced hands!. Before attempting to fly
one, seek out expert advice. The BMFA maintains a list of clubs in most
areas who should
be able to assist novices in learning the art of flying a helicopter.
Many model shops will also offer
training on
machines which they have
supplied. In addition , there are now quite a few commercial flying
schools offering training in flying and maintaining helicopters.
There are also many extremely good
simulator
programs available for
computers, that will greatly assist in developing the necessary
reactions for sustained flight. Because of the cost of a model
helicopter, and the potential hazards associated with its operation ,
they are NOT suitable for use by young children.
Where can I fly one? Holding a
helicopter on the
spot is one of the
hardest
manoeuvres to achieve. Additionally, whilst a helicopter, may not be
particularly fast compared to other aircraft they accelerate extremely
quickly!. for these reasons, tying to learn to fly in a public space,
or even in your
own back garden is NOT to be recommended !.
Most clubs have private sites where
novices can
learn without
endangering members of the public, or even other modellers.
To build a basic model helicopter from
new,
including all the radio
gear and engine, is likely to involve spending several hundred pounds.
A model capable of competing at the high international competitions may
well be worth a few
thousand pounds!
However, there are frequently good
second-hand
machines available -
from pilots who are moving up the ladder, perhaps - that can
significantly reduce the initial outlay.
As with purchasing any second hand
complex
machinery, always seek the
advice of an expert before parting with any money!. Car boot sales are
generally NOT a good place for picking up a worthwhile machine.
What skills are needed?
A model helicopter is a complex machine, with a high level of
maintenance required for reliable operation. Having said that, anyone
with a good mechanical ability should have no problem building or
maintaining one.
As to the flying, although
this is tricky, it is not impossible! It can
be compared to learning to ride a bicycle, there is a knack to it, and
once mastered, progress is usually swift.
It
helps to be able to do one
thing with one hand whilst simultaneously doing something different
with the other.
Anyone who can play a musical instrument will already have some of the
skills necessary.
There are several kinds
of contests for helicopters. The only
internationally recognised category is F3C aerobatics, which can be
likened to fixed schedule ice figure skating. Competitors fly a
pre-determined schedule before a panel of judges, and the winner is
determined by the accuracy and precision with which they performs the
manoeuvres.
There are also scale contests, and novelty events. Novelty contests
usually involve seeing who can knock the most bottles off a table in 2
minutes, or fly most figure of eights around two bamboo poles in a
similar time. Another popular contest is the 'auto-spot' where the
engine is cut, and the model glided down to a spot on the ground.
Whoever lands nearest wins.
16/09/07
RC Fun-Fly
An
introduction
'Fun-Fly'
was
conceived at club level probably all over the country during the
sixties. In 1985 the newly formed BMFA Mid-West Area launched a
national event that became an integral part of the August Radio
& Control Line Nationals'.
The event is
split into two classes. 'Class One' for the experts and 'Class Two' for
anybody with a 'B' certificate who enjoys a 'laid back' approach to
competition flying. Both classes include a 'Longest Glide' task that
requires the pilot to stay in the air as long as possible after a 20 or
30 second climb. Also included is a 'Limbo' task,
that is won by the pilot that completes that maximum number of passes
through the Limbo Gate in two minutes. A 'Touch & Go's' task is
included in both classes which is run on the same basis as Limbo over
two minutes. Class One only includes a 'Triple Thrash' task that
requires the entrant to complete three Touch & Go's, three
Loops, three Rolls & a final Touch & Go in the fastest
time. Class Two only has a precision time and 'Spot Landing' task.
The
event was originally started to
introduce people to competition flying, and to
encourage them to take part in the other disciplines that are flown at
national and international Level. This ambition has been achieved with
many competitors going on to fly very successfully at national and
international
Level.
The name 'Fun-Fly' may
suggest that this is not a serious event, but if you come and watch
what is going on at our line you will probably be surprised to see the
skill of the pilots and how fierce the competitive spirit is, without
spoiling the comradeship that model flying is fortunate enough to enjoy.
An introduction
There
are as many and varied classes of competition in silent flight as there
is in power. The variety goes from 1.5 meters (60in) hand launched
duration classes, through to scale glider comps, launched from the
slope or aero-towed behind a powerful tug model aircraft. In between
you have, speed, aerobatics, electric duration, pylon racing, flat
field thermal duration, slope cross-country; in a word, something for
everyone.
The first place to look as a start point
is your local club where you learnt to fly. Many clubs hold fun comps
or quite easy going club events which is a gentle way in. If you are
having difficulty finding a silent flight club, you should contact the
BMFA who hold a listing of Silent Flight orientated clubs, or the
British Association of Radio Control Soarers (BARCS), who not only
provide a complete list of clubs affiliated to the BMFA, but will also
know where all the keen silent flyers are based, even if there is no
club to hook up with.
Traditionally the entry route
into competition flat field thermal soaring competitions was with a
100-inch span hand towed model. If you learnt to fly on gliders this is
probably the sort of model you learned on. This is still a good way in,
as the models are simple with only rudder and elevator control and
possibly brakes as well; invariably they have comfortable dihedral to
enhance stability and controllability.
There are now
also many competition classes for electric 'self-launching' powered
gliders. This does away with lines, winches, and tow-men, so solo
flying becomes easy. One of these will also give you more airtime
because a standard battery pack should provide about three climbs to an
altitude of 200-metres for every charge.
Electric
silent flight has lots of popular competition classes from duration on
limited size battery packs, to full on pylon racing; although these are
still broadly captured under the heading of silent flight, such models
have an awesome performance and bear no resemblance at all to gliders.
Once
at the stage in your chosen type of silent flight, the best advice is
to take a look at a local competition, preferably with a club,
colleague who is already into the competition circuit who can explain
what is going on and remove some of the fears you may have
The
BMFA, BARCS and BEFA (British Electric Flight
Association) all publish their competition dates and venues on their
websites. Glider comps are always friendly events because everyone
needs the help of other competitors to take part fully, so everybody
helps everybody else,
16/09/07
Pylon Racing
An introduction
Apart from being an enjoyable way of spending a Sunday, Pylon Racing is
the
modelling version of full sized closed circuit air racing.
Up
to four models fly ten laps of a triangular course. Depending on the class
that is raced. the course will be a length of 400m for F3D, F5D AND Sport 40 or 880R for Club 2000.
F3D is the longest
running class
of pylon and racing takes place worldwide under the FAI umbrella. The
models and engines used are very specialised and quite expensive.
F5D
is an electric class of pylon, but again the models
and motors are very specialised.
Sport 40 was
originally introduced as an inexpensive class of
racing but unfortunately over the years it also became so exotic that
the few remaining flyers moved up to F3D.
If the average club flyer was to be encouraged to have a go at Pylon
Racing it was decided that a less specialised and relatively cheap D class
of racing was needed.
During
the closed season of
1999 the
committee of the then Club 20
Association got their heads together and the Club 2000 class
was born.
There was an air of determination that flying skill and not bank
balance
would rule the day. Out went exotic materials, out went expensive
engines
and in came a sensible class, with easy to build
airframes, to be powered by
a standard .25
sized engine. The motors are relatively quiet and can be flown on a
club field to practice.
Club 2000 has now
become the most popular class of pylon, with
regular monthly meetings attended by like minded modellers who just
want to race without spending a fortune.
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