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.