T-Bird Triumph

John Woodfield produced an inspiring "build and test fly" YouTube video for this model about four years ago. I was hooked straight away and commented that I wanted one too.

I quickly ordered the 'plan', 'laser cut wood pack' and later the 'additional wood pack' from Sarik Hobbies. Fortunately I found a copy of RC Model World from April 2017 on Ebay, which included the original article by the designer Tim Marsh. These items languished in my workshop for a couple of years until 14 months ago...

Like John W., I decided against the motor option, but unlike John's model mine was otherwise built to plan. It has a fully rounded fuselage, including planking beneath and block-balsa cheeks on each side, along with a two-piece 71 inch gull-wing joined by two 1/8 inch steel dowels and secured with (crash resistant?) rubber bands.

Bare airframe awaiting fettling and finishing

Finished model

Plenty of space for the receiver as the servos are fitted in the wings and fin. Unusual separate wing fairing, attached by magnets (and string)

Wing joiner arrangement, an essential item not shown on the plan

T/V tail includes servos and rubber band attachment

That irresistible 'gull' shape

I think you'll agree it builds up into a very eye-catching model, but it's not a project I'd recommend to inexperienced modellers.

Happy Landings

Russell H

Beeding Bowl - Tuesday 22 October 2024

 

Views of Beeding Bowl

I must admit that it's been a while since I have been out on a slope recently, mostly due to the constant rain. I was thinking about building model boats instead, so I jumped at the chance to join up with fellow club members this morning.

As I drove past the slope I noticed two figures standing having a chat with no flying in progress. Once I joined Martin J and Kevin M they informed me that their first launches were not successful as the forecast wind failed to materialized. 

So we started to put the world to right covering many subjects such as life, the universe and the Autumn Budget whilst waiting for the wind to improve.

Next to arrive was Nick W followed by Russell H who seemed to bring better weather with them. A former club Chair once told me "You need the right model for the weather conditions" my Wildthing was not the right model for today's conditions. Today was spot on for very light foamies and floatie type models. Both Nick and Russell had the correct type of model. As the morning progressed I decided to chuck in the towel and go home. Looking forward to our next outing.

In summery, a very nice social get together with scenery to die for and excellent company. A good catch up after many weeks of no flying.

Meeting of the Flat Earth Society - Saturday 17 August 2024

As all the weather Gods were on our side for once we decided to arrange a flat field event. A number of electric powered gliders were dusted off and prepared for action. First at the field was Rob S who showed us the entrance to the nominated field.

The weather was perfect with a very gentle breeze and a totally clear blue sky. Moreover, as the morning progressed nice fluffy white clouds developed. 

Me enjoying the day

As I have not yet assembled my newly purchased electric ASW 28 I was attending in a purely social capacity. Both Nick V and I decided that we would provide savory snacks and doughnuts while enjoying the morning's flying, other club members also contributed to the very nice picnic.

Picnic Table

I was the second member to arrive closely followed by Ivan S and Nick V. Martin J then arrived followed by Nick W and Kevin B and lastly George K.

I noticed a burst of frenetic activity whilst members started to assemble their gliders.

Nick V presented with a Tiny Seagull and a Nebula 2000. He also announced that he had spent the previous evening preparing his gliders. However, this morning he experienced significant difficulties readying his sailplanes. Not only did he not have the correct screwdriver he had also forgotten to bring a chair to sit on. On a separate note Nick V was discussing the complexities and difficulties of programming his NX10 with regard to "Safe" and "AS3X" we suggested that he writes a 10,000 word paper on the subject and allows the other club members to benefit from his vast experience of the subject, we wait with interest.

Nick with his Nebula 2000

Ivan S started the day off with a very nice Libelle DLG that Rob S was launching for him. However, later in the morning unfortunately suffered a major malfunction and disintegrated in flight, nothing a very big tube of UHO POR will not fix. He also flew his Highlite glider.

Rob S in Action

Martin J successfully flew his Sky Climber glider to good effect. However, Martin wanted to test fly his home made boomerangs. I would suggest he calls them "Sticks" as they never came back. I think they need further development and testing before being handed over to his grandkids for park use.

Martin J with his Boomerangs.

Nick W came to the field with a Solius and an Easy Glide Pro. This was Nick's first time at the flat field with the Club and I am sure that he thoroughly enjoyed the morning.

Nick W's Gliders

Kevin B arrived with his own designed and manufactured electric Pro Glide. I can confirm that this went up like a rocket and attained height in very short order.

Kevin B's Pro Glide

I am pleased to say that George K turned up so that I could give him his long awaited polo shirt, it has taken almost a year for us to meet up. He brought along a rather nice vintage Olympic glider. It obviously has not been flown for some time, so between a number of members it was readied for flight. This glider required a bungee launch. Fortunately, another reason for today's gathering was for the Club Chair to handover to me the Club's flat field assets such as the winch and battery and also the bungee system. I am now the Club's custodian of those assets.

Ivan with his Libelle DLG

So myself and Nick V started to set up the bungee launching system. After locating the anchor spigot and starting to unwind the cord, Nick V then noticed that the launch direction was directly towards the biggest tree in the field. Once noticed we changed the direction of the bungee by about 30 degrees. Fortunately, Kevin B was on had to provide us with some guidance of how to launch safely and with Nick V on the sticks we had a successful flight. The flight was not long as the glider required a significant amount of trimming before it's next launch. Kevin B suggested that it was taken to a slope on a gentle wind day to correctly trim the glider before the next bungee launch.

George with his Olympic.

In summary, a really good flying day with only one glider casualty. I now need to assemble my ASW28 so I can join in the festivities next time, also the picnic went down well. Looking forward to our next flat field outing. I would like to thank all who attended this morning for the banter and general micky taking.

Martin with his Glider.

 

Another Good Club Turn Out at Beeding Bowl - 3rd August 2024

Despite a rather iffy weather forecast the morning turned out much better than expected until finally the rain arrived around midday. Once again, I was in attendance to meet up with 2 potential club members, Ivan S and Mick J who were both welcomed by existing club members. Ivan was so keen he joined the Club that very evening.

Members Having Fun On The Slope

Many of the usual suspects were flying today with a variety of models. It was great to see Robin Ad on the slope after quite some time away from flying. 

Robin Ad's - Nice little Glider

One of our newest members Nick W was flying his Alula which is painted to represent a seagull, apologies if it is some other type of bird. Nick V arrived with a clutch of models but unfortunately suffered a battery malfunction and had to borrow a battery pack from Martin J. Something funny was occurring as when Nick got home all was well with the batteries. 

The seagull - I think

Martin J brought along his Blob and Coyote with Paul H who had his Middle Phase and the Damitt. Scott T arrived but decided not to fly but came along for a social. All in all it was a very good morning with the possibility of being able to sit on the grass and have a very sociable conversation with other like minded individuals. I for one am very impressed how the Club is growing in numbers. 

SAS Wildthing and a Weasel

It's almost every week I receive an e-mail requesting details of the Club, long may it continue. So today we had 7 club members with 2 potential members, not too bad for a Saturday morning.

Itford Hill - Saturday 6th July 2024

It's been a while since the Club arranged a visit to this slope and we were not disappointed. In my opinion I consider it to be one of the very best slopes we have in Sussex, especially for basic flying training and of course the magnificent views of the South Downs. I may be biased as I conducted most of my initial training on this slope under the guidance of our club instructors.

Another reason for the outing was to meet up with two potential members, Nick and Sam both were thoroughly nice chaps and I do hope they decide to join our club. Over the past two years we have had a number of individuals enquire about club membership. Usually these are chaps who have past experience but have not flown recently and at the other end of the spectrum is our newest member Gary who is an enthusiast and will require some instruction, he came along this morning to watch. I am pleased to say that in today's environment our small club is going from strength to strength. We now have 48 members.

The weather provided us with excellent lift from the 35 MPH plus wind speed and almost clear sky's. However, I think the windspeed was at the top limit of my SAS Wildthing and sometimes the landing was problematic. 

Another club member was present, Paul H was flying his Dammit glider and considering how lightweight it is coped very well with the prevailing conditions.

We spent about two hours on the slope which allowed me to brief our potential members on the workings of Slope Soaring Sussex and also gave me the chance to fly my Wildthing. 

Paul and I decided to call it quits and make our way back down to the cars. Just as we got to the lay by the heavens opened. 

In summary, a very good morning's flying and hopefully two new club members in the future. Already looking forward to our next outing. 

Skylarks and Poppies - Beeding Bowl Sunday 16th June 2024

It may be premature of me but as I stood on the top of the bowl this morning looking westwards I could just about see Summer coming. The day started a little overcast with threats of rain showers moving in during the late morning. However, we were extremely lucky as the expected rain passed us by. I arrived around 9.30 and understand due to roadworks and road traffic collisions in the local area some members took over one and a half hours to reach the bowl and it was the same for the drive home. There's dedication to the hobby for you. Today, was also an opportunity for me to meet two potential club members, both Tony and Gary had the chance to meet other club members and explore the dynamics of slope soaring. Club members attending today were Nick V, Scotty T, Paul H and myself. Early flights were very good with exceptional lift being available and as the morning progressed the weather improved significantly to the extent that we had Skylarks singing above us and poppies in the fields behind, almost a usual beautiful summers day but the wind still had a bit of a chill in it.

View South West

Poppies in the fields behind the slope

I must admit it's been a while since I have been out on the slopes for various reasons but it was great to meet up with the chaps and have a good catch up.

Poor old Scotty had to complete the walk of shame to collect his model from the field directly behind the slope as the wind caught his PSS Me163 Komet, luckily no damage was caused to the model and access to it was easy. 

Recovery of Scotty's Me163

No Damage

Nick V took part in a personal spot landing contest, we understand that he was an aircraft carrier pilot in a former life so decided to catch both arrestor hook cables at the same time. Also, no damage was done to the model. The only damage was to Nick's pride, we also think if he had had his car boot open at the time he could just about have got it inside his car. He also flew his Middle Phase today.

Nick V in launch mode with his Middle Phase

Nick's Wildthing caught in the barbed wire

Paul H had an awesome morning's flying his recently repaired Dammit glider. This model really goes fast in a good blow.

In summary, now the weathers seems to have turned a corner it is hoped that we will be able to get out more over the next few months. A great morning's flying with excellent company. See you guys soon.

Lost Slope Glider Found at Devil's Dyke **** Owner now identified *******.

 Today I collected a slope glider from a member of the HORAM Club. This glider was found a while ago at Devils Dyke. It contains 2 x servos, 1 x receiver and 1 x battery. One would assume that it was lost whilst airborne. There is no identification on or in the model contrary to current CAA / BMFA rules. I would like to re-unite this glider with it's owner, if anyone recognizes the model and knows who the owner is can you please contact me using this forum.

Tony Crawford

Secretary

Slope Soaring Sussex.

   

Well, Another Amazing Club Turn Out at Beeding Bowl - Tuesday 20 Feb 2024.

Considering it's mid February and a rather damp dismal and overcast morning almost 25% of the Club membership attended today's flying activities at Beeding Bowl. As usual by the time I arrived the "Early Birds" were already committing aviation. 

Today's Hardy Team.

The hardy Club members who braved today's conditions were, in no particular order: Martin J, Paul H, Mike G, Kevin M, Russell H, Bob C, Robin A, John H, Mark J and me. We also had a eclectic range of models on display including the ubiquitous SAS Wildthing, Hawk, Coyote, XModels Blade, a modified Ridge Runt, Starlet and Easy Trainer, Wing Bat 48 and a Pzazz Mk2.

Russell's Wing Bat

Kevin's Models.

Paul's Hawk.

Paul just about to launch.

John H with a distinctive colour scheme.

Both mine and John's Wildthings.

The weather forecast was again not as expected. The usual panoramic view looking West across the South Downs was obscured by low cloud and mist. However, the flying was fairly decent but at times the lift just melted away. As the morning progressed more and more Club members arrived. As I mentioned above we had ten members by the end. Across the bowl we could observe something coloured blue in the grass. We were all joking that in could be a lost model, probably a mouldy that was lost from a fellow flier at Mill Hill. Martin J who commented that to keep warm he was going to walk around the bowl to investigate. We watched him go along with Paul H disappear into the gloom and walk behind the tree line. Eventually, they re-appeared and carried out a visual investigation before re-turning to the group. The verdict was that the blue coloured object was indeed just a blue bucket. How on earth it got there nobody knows, maybe the recent deluge of rain water took it down the slope.

The Glider Park.

Mike H probably had the best idea of the morning by taking along a small stool to sit on while watching all the activity. John H, one of our newest members brought along his SAS Wildthing which has a very similar colour scheme to mine. Bring on the Royal Air Force Red Arrows Wildthing Team, we only need another seven appropriately coloured Wildthings.

Around 11 O'clock the the weather started to turn rather unpleasant with a wall of low level cloud coming our way. So we decided to call it a day and return back to the cars. By the time I was back in the car the entire bowl had now disappeared into the gloom.

In Summary, a fantastic Club turnout on a rather wet and damp day but as usual the company was exceptional. Thanks go to all who came out to play this morning.

Final view from the car.

First Outing to Itford Hill This Year - Sunday 4 February 2024

As we were expecting a good westerly blow on Sunday morning we opted to meet at Itford Hill for the first time this year. Walking up the chalk path to the second gate, which I may add is the steepest part of the route to the top of the slope. I stopped to take a breath and glance up to the top. However, it was completely hidden by low cloud and mist. At that point I thought of going back to the car and driving home. One of the reasons for yesterdays outing was to meet up with 2 potential Club members, so I carried on up the slope. Once at the top I took the opportunity to have a cup of tea and recover, it seems to get harder each time I walk up the hill. 

I found a number of Club members hiding behind the bushes trying to keep themselves and their equipment dry. The Club Chair Rob S, Committee Member Kevin M, Club Members Bob C, Paul H were already there followed by Ian M and Robin A.

The early birds Rob S and Kevin M had to stop flying as the conditions were not favorable, at one time Rob was seen to be wiping the moisture of his TX with a paper towel.

However, when the visibility allowed flying resumed. I, as usual had my trusty Wildthing and to be honest it was probably the best choice of model as the conditions were not great. I must admit it was a lot wetter and colder than I had expected.

Later in the morning David S and John H our 2 potential Club members arrived and we had a chat about how the club functions. I must say that John's Wildthing has almost the same colour scheme as mine. We will see how that works out when we are both in the air at the same time. David S did not bring along any models this time but as he has now joined the Club we will be seeing a lot more of him.

A number of the members had some really nice mouldies but the conditions were not right for them yesterday such as Paul's Mini Vec and Robin's very nice but a little weighty DS mouldie.

In Summary, a very dull wet and cold morning at Itford but great company. Looking forward to the Spring and Summer.

An Afternoon with Rubber and Lube - 28th January 2024.

Today's Competitions.

Our Club Chair, Rob S who is also a major player on the BMFA South East (SE) Committee, last year volunteered to identify a new site to hold the 2024 BMFA SE area indoor flying competition and fun fly. His nomination for a venue was the Triangle Leisure Centre in Burgess Hill. This facility comprises of a number of large sports halls, swimming pool, rock climbing frames, a cafe and it has ample parking. What's not to like? Rob has come up trumps with this venue.

The Venue.

As there was no planned sloping for us today as the weather conditions were not favorable, a number of Club members decided to support our Chair and see what is involved with Free Flight aircraft. I for one have had no experience of rubber band powered planes. 

Stuart W and Rob S.

Rob, was found at the hall taking the entrance fee in exchange for a coloured sticker identifying that you have paid. I met Stuart W who is the Chair of the BMFA SE Committee who was preparing his model for flight. 

Stuart W.

In the hall I also found Martin J, Paul H and Scotty T so in total 5 club members were present. I walked around the stands observing the multitude of different classifications of models.

Static Models on Display.

I have taken a number of photographs of the models on the desks as you may appreciate taking a photograph of a translucent model up in the rafters or near the floor with a mobile phone is quite challenging. 

First Competition.

The competitions commenced and started with the extremely lightweight models. I noticed a chap with a very long pole who job was to either rescue the models when they became suck up in the rafters or to prevent it happening. Some of the competitors were very professional, spending time getting the models ready. I even noticed some had tri-pods with mechanical winding gear at one end with torque meters at the other to ensure correct winding of the rubber band, lubricant is used on the rubber band.

Professional Tri-Pod.

I did notice a slight disadvantage of not switching off the air conditioning system in the hall in that when a model flew beneath the air duct it experienced severe turbulence that caused the model to depart from flight and spiral earthwards until it managed to recover stable flight.

Just Landed.

On the table was a number of trophies and glasses to be awarded to the winners of each category. I had left the event prior to the awards being handed out. I do hope all enjoyed the afternoon, I certainly did and now have a better understanding of Rubber band free flight models.

I will no doubt attend the event next year, well done to all those who organized the event.