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.

 

Last Club Outing of the Year at Beeding Bowl - Monday 30th December 2024

It was Scott T who initiated yesterdays gathering. We as a club endeavor to get as many members together between Christmas and New Year, more for a social gathering rather than the flying as the weather can be so unpredictable. The weather forecast was advertised as 13-20 mph South West wind, plus 8 and no rain.

Last Outing of the Year

Upon reaching the car park I surprised to find a car in a ditch surrounded with the police blue tape. Those of you who are familiar with the car park will be astounded to see a vehicle imbedded so far in the hedge.

View Looking North West

Two club members were already on the slope by the time I arrived, Ivan and Nick, I also met Russell in the car park who had a stash of models in the boot of his car. The weather was poor, it was dismal with low grey clouds and a substantial amount of moisture in the air and not much wind. To say the least the flying was marginal at best. Better pilots than me struggled with the conditions as the wind would drop without warning.

Ivan and Nick

Nick started the flying with his Dream Flight Weasel which flew well considering the conditions and Ivan was doing well with his Nano Flow glider. Russell started the session with his Ridge Runt and a Tomahawk Hacker, later followed by his Stan Yeo designed Wingbat 48. Scotty arrived with a Dream Flight Weasel and an Ahi, both ideal for the light conditions. 

Russell with his Models

I must say the star of the afternoon was without doubt Russell's Wingbat 48. It flew really well and also looks the part when in flight.

Star of the Afternoon - The WingBat 48

I also had the opportunity to meet up with 2 potential members George and Grant, both of which have decided to join the Club. As previously mentioned the Club has increased it's numbers by over 20% this past year alone. So, to keep the Club manageable we the Committee have decided to put in place a cap on club members, this will now be set at 60. Once this figure is reached a waiting list will be in place  to manage potential members.

Scotty's Models

In summary, a good end to the year despite not the best weather conditions being experienced over the past 12 months but we are all looking forward to the New Year.