Wonderful Weather for a Wildthing - 16 April 2025.

As usual I was late for the start of the party at Beeding Bowl. Driving up to the car park I had expected to see my fellow modelers aviating but no. Unpacking the car I heard a shout from the Club Boss, Rob S. Apparently, just before I arrived a rather nasty rain shower has presented itself over the slope so an expedient decision  was made to retire to the warmth and dryness of the car.

Once the shower had passed Rob S, Kevin M and I walked to the slope. They informed me that they had already had many flights that morning and the air was stable. Hearing that away we went enjoying the conditions. The wind was from the South West with a bit too much South in it at a speed of 18mph plus.

Considering that it was only Sunday when I was last here, it was very much colder with a stronger breeze.

It was great to see the Club Boss, Rob S back on the slope after sometime away. He had brought along the Club trainer and yes it's a Wildthing.

Club Trainer in Flight

Our next club member to arrive was Mike G with a rather nice Middle Phase eager to be flown. Once Mike had assumed his position on his little stool he decided to enjoy the view and build up some courage to fly. Sadly, while we were there that did not happen. I must admit today's conditions were not favorable for flying a ply and balsa constructed glider, a foamy was best.

Next to arrive was Robin S with a Wildthing. Plenty of flying was had by all.

Robin S on Finals to Land.

What a Landing!!!

Poor old Kevin struggled with his Wildthing. Early morning flights were good but he suffered some issues. We think it could be a C of G issue making the model fly erratically on later flights. Both myself, Rob S and Robin S tried in vain to rectify on site but no luck. However, Kevin did manage to provide some entertainment by carrying out a "Touch and Go" on the top of a bush. Impressive skills there mate.

Glider Park

Last to arrive this morning was George K who also brought along a Wildthing but stated that it was far to blustery to fly. 

Today's Flyers

In Summary, an excellent mornings flying but a bit cold but the company made up for that.

A Great Club Turn Out for a Spring Sunday Morning - 13th April 2025.

We as a club are so lucky to have the South Downs National Park on our doorstep. It has not gone un-noticed but for the past 2 weeks we have had exceptional weather with gin clear days and very warm during the day. However, the wind direction was not ideal for slope soaring. As soon as the wind direction changed it was decided to enjoy a morning out. The final decision was made late on Saturday evening confirming a sloping event. 

The South Downs Way.

The location was to be Beeding Bowl with an option for Mill Hill for those with expensive models which require a decent landing ground. Unusually, upon arrival the car park was busy but still enough spaces.

Whilst walking across the road towards the slope I noticed a newly erected sign post showing the South Downs Way, this is used by many such as ramblers, horse riders, cyclists, dog walkers and occasionally kite flyers. We as a club are extremely aware of the potential risks to all who use the path, and always ensures that any member that is actively flying their glider is fully aware of any individuals near by including animals which might walk past such as cattle.

The first member I met was Mike G who set himself up for the morning's flying with a very useful collapsible stool. He also brought along Coyote and a "Hawkish". The Hawkish is apparently a highly modified plan built glider that has a very sleek look about it.

Coyote and the "Hawkish".

I started the morning by launching my Wildthing, the weather conditions were not too bad but the initial lift was not good. Visibility and temperature were good. My first landing was not good as the glider only stopped due to the fence line but no damage caused. I then tried the concept of "How low can you fly" clearly not that low as I initially though as the model descended the rim of the bowl and then the wind reduced significantly. The result was "The walk of shame" down to the bottom of the bowl and back up with an undamaged model.

Walk of Shame.

Russell H was also present on the slope today with his collection of Stan Yeo models. Russell is a prolific builder of these models which are all finished to a high standard. On display and flying today was his Vagrant Mk2 and a WingBat 48.  

Russell's Models.

Martin J arrived with an SAS Wildthing and a Coyote. The Coyote does seem to be a very popular choice of model kit. Today, Martin was also our official club photographer and a number of photographs in this Blog are attribute to him, including the only professional flyer to display this morning was the Red Kite.

Martin's Models

A Club Gathering

Another club member, Nick W joined us flying his modified Lidls chuck glider and a Zagi. Despite the challenging conditions the Lidls glider performed really well until Nick lost some spatial awareness  and he thought the model was still in front of him above the ridge line but in actual fact it had gone over us heading behind at great speed. To shouts of "It's behind you" which gave us the feeling of being in a Christmas pantomime, the model came to an abrupt halt on the road behind. No damage caused.

Nick doing what he does best.

Lidls Modified Chuck Glider

Scotty, flew both his Dream Flight Ahi and a Mamba. He was doing really well until he started to perform some low level aerobatics with the Ahi when he had a nervous moment when he scared himself.

Scotty in action.

Last to arrive was Rob P with his recently repaired Ridge Runt which flew really well. In fact Rob gave us an awesome display of some low level flying when the model past us all at knee height before continuing over the slope. He later departed to Mill Hill to fly his other models.

Rob's first outing this year.

In summary, a very good day with some variable and gusty weather conditions. 7 club members turned up for today's flying with only some minor damage to our models. Good flying, good weather and good company.

Itford 30th March 2025

 Nick W, Tony C, Scot and I bravely ascended the west face of Itford this morning to find  that the now North Westerly breeze wasn't going to work on the usual mainly west facing slope.

Undeterred a gentle 1/4 mile walk to the East was the bowl which worked perfectly in the NW wind.

Scot was flying his Mamba and ME 163 Tony, the Wildthing, Nick another Mamba and an All moving wing Lidl. I had my Aggressor and Sierra. 

The sun shone and the company good and the flying great. Unfortunately the lift dropped away, as forecast after lunch however it was good to be back on the hill and enjoy a mornings flying.

Another Rubber and Lube Event - Sunday 23 Feb 2025

I cannot believe its been a year since the last South East British Model Flying Association (SE BMFA) event. My intention 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WW1 Bi-Plane

I even had the opportunity to have a chat with Mr Rubber and Lube himself, none 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.

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 modellers who wanted a Phase 5 and Phase 6 kit and Chris was very helpful in this regard.

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 itself stuck on the girders and air conditioning system parts, which was required on a number times.

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.