I cannot believe its been a year since the last South East British Model Flying Association (SE BMFA) event. My intension after attending last years event of making a rubber band powered model never materialized. Not for the lack of having a suitable model available, I bought myself a Guillow's Spitfire 16 1/2 inch kit but never got around to start it. Maybe I will start this year but who knows.
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| Venue for Today's Event |
As last year the event was held at the Triangle Sports facility in Burgess Hill. Ample car parking is available but it can get very busy at peak times of the day. Half of the main hall was booked for the indoor competitions and gatekeepers were on hand to relieve competitors and spectators alike of the entrance fee. The facility is ideal with having a warm environment to compete in and having a Costa Coffee outlet in the Reception Area so I treated myself to a nice cup of tea and a packet of spicy ginger biscuits.
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| Good Signage |
Yes, I fully appreciate this discipline (Indoor Flying) has nothing to do with slope soaring but when flying opportunities are limited at this time of the year it's nice to see something different without having to wear 4 layers of clothing and a wooly hat. That my friend is a welcome change.
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| Hawker Hurricane |
There were a number of different categories available from peanut to scale with all manner in between. Personally, my favorite was the scale models. There was a rather nice 2 seat Hawker Hurricane that flew very well being display today.
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| Scale Models |
One of the event organisers was Rob S our club Chair, so I and Martin J decided to support him by attending the event. I was personally not aware how much effort was needed to fly one of these very light models.
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| WW1 Bi-Plane |
I even had the opportunity to have a chat with Mr Rubber and Lube himself, non other than Stewart W Chair of the BMFA SE area. He was having a super time with his models and showed me the rubber band winding system that he uses to ensure the correct tension and number of turns in the bands used.
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| A Man in His Element |
Just before I left home this morning my dear wife asked "Are you going to buy any more model kits" I answered "Absolutely not as it's a competition event and not a "Swap Meet". Upon entry into the hall I was confronted by a collection of model kits donated that very morning going for a tidy £10 each. On the table was a Guillow's Spitfire 16 1/2 inch kit and yes I did buy it. Any advice would be appreciated on how to get even more model kits into the house without them being noticed.
We were even blessed by the legend that is Mr Chris Foss coming along to see what's occurring. I have met him before on a number of occasions at his place of work in Shoreham. In the past I have had enquiries from Australia and Japan from modelers who wanted a Phase 5 and Phase 6 kit and Chris was very helpful in this regard.
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| Rubber Band Torque Meter |
It was very interesting to witness the effect just opening a door had on these models. The turbulence caused has a massive impact. On hand was a chap with a rather long pole. His task was to dislodge any model that found it's self stuck on the girders and air conditioning system parts, which was required on a number times.
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| Stewart's Model |
Once the competitions started it was clear to all that this is a serious business and it would be a good match. My best wishes go to all the competitors.
In summary, a very nice time in the warm with many dedicated individuals who are committed to their hobby. For my next post I will endeavor to have some slope soaring related matters.
