Slope Soaring Sussex is a friendly group of RC glider flying enthusiasts based in Sussex, UK. We slope soar at various locations on the South Downs and have a field for thermal soaring. ‘Slope Soaring Sussex’ is a BMFA affiliated RC Glider-only flying club. We fly many types of RC gliders from conventional slope soarers to Scale, DLG, F3B, F3J, F5J, PSS and more. Our aim is to encourage and promote safe, responsible and enjoyable radio controlled model flying. New and experienced flyers welcome.
Monday, 24 September 2018
M60 Vs LS8 (full size)
I Had an opportunity to go through some of the video from yesterdays flying with Ian up at Ditchling.
Here is Ian's Jart eating up the slope.
Just before I took this video Ian and I were racing each other with our M60's. We were both rattling along the slope and suddenly a full size glider hurtled past around the same height as our models (probably 50' above the slope) and extremely close to both our models. This was the nearest I have ever been with a model to a full size glider. I landed straight away and got my phone out to record the LS8 when he came back from Mount Harry. Ian carried on flying and thankfully the glider came back and took a better line while passing us.
Sunday, 23 September 2018
Full size up on Ditchling Beacon today
Ian and I went for a cheeky hour sloping up on Ditchling Beacon West after the rain went through. It was cold but the visibility was just amazing. While we were flying we had some great views of t full sized gliders steaming through.
A Lasham based Duo Discus XL, DG1000 and a Cirrus.
I really enjoyed M60 racing with Ian. Both were fully ballasted up and flying fast until as we were crossing the slope (only 50’ above the slope) and met a full sized Cirrus speeding along the slope. Don’t these guys know we fly at Ditchling and that even an M60 could do some damage to their gliders?
I was getting cold hands as the strong NNW wind blew (winters on its way) so we both decided it was time to go. On the way back we bumped into Scotty.
I have loads more video and pics but need to load them up at work tomorrow.
Cheers Ian for the company and getting me out and flying. It was a welcome escape,
I really enjoyed M60 racing with Ian. Both were fully ballasted up and flying fast until as we were crossing the slope (only 50’ above the slope) and met a full sized Cirrus speeding along the slope. Don’t these guys know we fly at Ditchling and that even an M60 could do some damage to their gliders?
I have loads more video and pics but need to load them up at work tomorrow.
Cheers Ian for the company and getting me out and flying. It was a welcome escape,
Saturday, 22 September 2018
Friday, 21 September 2018
Itford Hill 21st Sept
Hi All,
Today, we met at Itford Hill as agreed but a bit earlier at 12:15 - 12:30.
The walk to the top was challenging only because the extremely strong Westerly made the models hard to carry as their bags were being blown all over the place.
Once we arrived, it was agreed to shelter at the very top behind the trees as the strength of the wind was making it very cold and difficult to set things up.
Paul had brought his Merlow and Stingray, Ian had his Jart and Stingray, Mark had his Mirage, Tony had the Wildthing and Rob had a Ninja and re-built Mini-Vec (which stayed in the bag as it was agreed that the weather was not good for a re-maiden flight !).
Paul and Ian flew the Merlow and Jart, Rob launched the Ninja , Mark the Mirage and Tony the Wildthing…. it was very rough and the wind must have been at least 40 mph (I would think), so the lift was great, but landing wasn't so easy unless you let the model get way back up the hill where it levelled off (which is what the mouldies had to do). With the Wildthing and Ninja, we could land them in the lift on the side of the hill but even that was difficult. After a short while, Ian decided that he would fly his Stingray which at 7kg should have been pretty bullet-proof. After a 3-man launch to make sure it was straight and level, the model went like a rocket until Ian announced that he had 'lost' one aileron and had to try to land somehow...… he managed it - way up the top of the hill, using the rudder to keep the wings horizontal and I think with encouragement from Paul who was also making sure there were no people around..... a great testament to Ian's skill that the model arrived in one piece.
After that episode, and various flights by Rob, Tony and Mark with the Ninja Wildthing and Mirage, Paul decided (bravely) to try his Stingray (which is a lot lighter than Ian's). Again, there was a 3-man launch and the model was away - Paul flew it brilliantly performing all kinds of mad stunts but with such lift it was all done safely and professionally.... the landing was also a textbook one at the top of the hill.... a final few sessions with the Jart and Ninja and we decided that the cold was getting too much, so we packed up and made our way back down battling the wind all the way to the car park almost....
A great day, not really any damage done and everyone had some good stick time.
Thanks everyone--
Rob
Today, we met at Itford Hill as agreed but a bit earlier at 12:15 - 12:30.
The walk to the top was challenging only because the extremely strong Westerly made the models hard to carry as their bags were being blown all over the place.
Once we arrived, it was agreed to shelter at the very top behind the trees as the strength of the wind was making it very cold and difficult to set things up.
Paul had brought his Merlow and Stingray, Ian had his Jart and Stingray, Mark had his Mirage, Tony had the Wildthing and Rob had a Ninja and re-built Mini-Vec (which stayed in the bag as it was agreed that the weather was not good for a re-maiden flight !).
After that episode, and various flights by Rob, Tony and Mark with the Ninja Wildthing and Mirage, Paul decided (bravely) to try his Stingray (which is a lot lighter than Ian's). Again, there was a 3-man launch and the model was away - Paul flew it brilliantly performing all kinds of mad stunts but with such lift it was all done safely and professionally.... the landing was also a textbook one at the top of the hill.... a final few sessions with the Jart and Ninja and we decided that the cold was getting too much, so we packed up and made our way back down battling the wind all the way to the car park almost....
A great day, not really any damage done and everyone had some good stick time.
Thanks everyone--
Rob
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
Who's free this Friday?
Looking ahead at the weather forecast for this coming Friday its currently looks very good for Itford Hill with a strong Westerly forecast.
I am planning to take Friday afternoon off work and go and fly my Stingray / Greacalis models.
I know Rob and Ian may well be coming along - anyone else fancy joining us?
I am planning to take Friday afternoon off work and go and fly my Stingray / Greacalis models.
I know Rob and Ian may well be coming along - anyone else fancy joining us?
Monday, 17 September 2018
A Lidl bit of fun at Itford Hill
Yet another great flying session on Saturday up on Itford Hill with Ian, Scott and Robin.
Not the best of lift but at times thermals came through and boosted the lift. The real star of the session was Robin and his Lidl free flight glider that he converted to a RC model.
No joke this £7.99 glider got up to about 500' point it into wind and haul back on the stick and up it went. Robin was enjoying himself with the Lidl glider and his Alula. From now on he will be known as Robin Lidl...…..
Scott got to fly his nice new X Models Blade. I tried in the very light lift and just about to stay up but with the occasional incipient spin. Later Ian and Scott flew the blade and Scott enjoyed some decent height and stick time.
Robin and Scott flew my Ascott at height. So high actually it was getting difficult to see the model. I think this was wave off the hill in front of us.
 |
| Ian's Jedi looking out towards Mount Caburn |
 |
| 'Robin Lidl' |
Scott got to fly his nice new X Models Blade. I tried in the very light lift and just about to stay up but with the occasional incipient spin. Later Ian and Scott flew the blade and Scott enjoyed some decent height and stick time.
Robin and Scott flew my Ascott at height. So high actually it was getting difficult to see the model. I think this was wave off the hill in front of us.
Then it was off to the pub for Harveys and Chips.
 |
| Post flying briefing at the Plough |
Sunday, 16 September 2018
SSW wind gusting to 21mph
I must have misinterpreted the weather forecast today. The wind was described as a light S-S-Westerly maxing at 11mph. So I took some nice light wooden models to the SW slope of the Long Man in Wilmington. When I got to the top of the hill I was nearly blown off my feet!
I set up my foamy flying wing but struggled to hold it in the gale, so I let discretion be the better part of valour and retreated back down the track... only to be met by three model flyers coming up. I told them it was jolly windy up there and they said good, that's what we came for. So I decided to follow them back up and see how they got on.
The guys introduced themselves as Craig, Dave and Dave's boy George. They had driven over from Rochester for the day, equipped with two Phase 6s, a Middle Phase, two Zagis, a Wild Thing and a vintage V-tailed pylon racer called an Adrenalin and quickly proved that the site was flyable, if a little hairy at times. The Wild Thing collided with a Zagi, breaking a pushrod on the Zagi, one Phase 6 did a splendid spot landing but broke both horns on the torque rods in the process (the plastic in this 25-year-old model had become brittle), later Craig's Zagi was blown back over the fence twice. The second Phase 6 (young George's model) was a beautifully finished example that Dave had picked up for £25 at a swap meet. George's aerobatic skills were admirable, but he called on his dad's help for landing in the very-strong lift, Dave had a few close calls, one of which made George dive to the ground to avoid being knocked over by the speeding model.
The trio were well coordinated in the air, calling out their intended manoeuvres before carrying them out, this facilitated some very pretty consecutive swoops, rolls and loops, as three Chris Foss designs chased each other around the sky.
Meanwhile, I summoned up some courage and launched my Xeno (during the quieter moments) and achieved four short but controlled flights with uneventful landings.
By 1:30pm I decided it was time to go and find a site better suited to my lightweight woodies, so I headed off up the A22 toward the Ashdown Forest. I know of a gentle SW slope in the Forest where I can throw my gliders into the sun and look around for thermal lift; I was not disappointed. One RC glider was in the air already and I soon joined him with my Dynaflite Daydream and was happily aloft for the next 25 minutes. A free-flight competition was underway somewhere on the forest, I heard a couple of screaming two-strokes but didn't see any, although my flying companion had seen an errant free-flight model in the car park earlier.
While the lift lasted I had another go with my Omega (vintage aerobatic model). There were problems with the trim and I had removed ballast but it still seemed nose-heavy, however, fiddling with the control surfaces helped and I finally achieved a stable 5-minute flight with safe landing. It's a very pretty model but not (yet?) my favourite to fly.
Happy landings all,
Russell H
I set up my foamy flying wing but struggled to hold it in the gale, so I let discretion be the better part of valour and retreated back down the track... only to be met by three model flyers coming up. I told them it was jolly windy up there and they said good, that's what we came for. So I decided to follow them back up and see how they got on.
The guys introduced themselves as Craig, Dave and Dave's boy George. They had driven over from Rochester for the day, equipped with two Phase 6s, a Middle Phase, two Zagis, a Wild Thing and a vintage V-tailed pylon racer called an Adrenalin and quickly proved that the site was flyable, if a little hairy at times. The Wild Thing collided with a Zagi, breaking a pushrod on the Zagi, one Phase 6 did a splendid spot landing but broke both horns on the torque rods in the process (the plastic in this 25-year-old model had become brittle), later Craig's Zagi was blown back over the fence twice. The second Phase 6 (young George's model) was a beautifully finished example that Dave had picked up for £25 at a swap meet. George's aerobatic skills were admirable, but he called on his dad's help for landing in the very-strong lift, Dave had a few close calls, one of which made George dive to the ground to avoid being knocked over by the speeding model.
The trio were well coordinated in the air, calling out their intended manoeuvres before carrying them out, this facilitated some very pretty consecutive swoops, rolls and loops, as three Chris Foss designs chased each other around the sky.
Meanwhile, I summoned up some courage and launched my Xeno (during the quieter moments) and achieved four short but controlled flights with uneventful landings.
By 1:30pm I decided it was time to go and find a site better suited to my lightweight woodies, so I headed off up the A22 toward the Ashdown Forest. I know of a gentle SW slope in the Forest where I can throw my gliders into the sun and look around for thermal lift; I was not disappointed. One RC glider was in the air already and I soon joined him with my Dynaflite Daydream and was happily aloft for the next 25 minutes. A free-flight competition was underway somewhere on the forest, I heard a couple of screaming two-strokes but didn't see any, although my flying companion had seen an errant free-flight model in the car park earlier.
While the lift lasted I had another go with my Omega (vintage aerobatic model). There were problems with the trim and I had removed ballast but it still seemed nose-heavy, however, fiddling with the control surfaces helped and I finally achieved a stable 5-minute flight with safe landing. It's a very pretty model but not (yet?) my favourite to fly.
Happy landings all,
Russell H
Thursday, 13 September 2018
Who wants to fly at the weekend?
After last weeks great fun up at the long man, I wanted to know who was up for some flying over the forthcoming weekend.
Early indications show an early W but swinging WSW quickly on Saturday and a stronger SSW am Sunday then moving round to a good SW on Sunday PM.
Could be an early start on Itford on Saturday or a morning on the cliffs at Newhaven on Sunday morning or an afternoon blast on The Long Man on Sunday PM.
What floats your boat- Itford / Newhaven Cliffs / The Long Man?
Looks like there is a London - Brighton charity bike ride on Sunday which I assume will cause travel chaos, so Saturday could well be the preferred option, Sorry Russell.
Early indications show an early W but swinging WSW quickly on Saturday and a stronger SSW am Sunday then moving round to a good SW on Sunday PM.
Could be an early start on Itford on Saturday or a morning on the cliffs at Newhaven on Sunday morning or an afternoon blast on The Long Man on Sunday PM.
What floats your boat- Itford / Newhaven Cliffs / The Long Man?
Looks like there is a London - Brighton charity bike ride on Sunday which I assume will cause travel chaos, so Saturday could well be the preferred option, Sorry Russell.
Wednesday, 12 September 2018
BMFA News Magazines
Hi All,
One of our members , Dick , has a lot of old BMFA newsletters from 2008 and wondered whether anyone would want them ?
If you might be interested let me know and I will pass on the details of how to contact Dick to get them.
Dick will also be thinning out some of his aircraft collection soon so watch this space for details …..
Rob
One of our members , Dick , has a lot of old BMFA newsletters from 2008 and wondered whether anyone would want them ?
If you might be interested let me know and I will pass on the details of how to contact Dick to get them.
Dick will also be thinning out some of his aircraft collection soon so watch this space for details …..
Rob
Tuesday, 11 September 2018
Gulp SR Glider For Sale
Gulp SR Slope Soarer For Sale (M60 performance for 1/2 the price
NOW SOLD!!!!!
If you like the M60 and its performance but you can't afford the price of a new one then the Gulp could be the answer. I fly a M60 and I have flown the Gulp on various occasions and it performs very similar and in fact I think in some ways it flies better. This is a foam model with a mouldy performance. Ideal for our local slopes or fun on the cliffs.
Very good condition with just a few flights only.
Gulp SR – EPP 60” slope soarer.
Similar performance to NCFM M60 but half the price!!
Complete with:
Servos, eneloop battery.
Built in Spektrum DMSX rx.
Another bargain price for just £125 (Bind & Fly)
If you are interested then contact Tim direct -
email: t.hampshire@tiscali.co.uk
If you are interested then contact Tim direct -
email: t.hampshire@tiscali.co.uk
NCFM Bluto For Sale
NCFM Bluto For Sale
Another one of Tim's super slope models is up for sale. Again I have flown this one and its a real slope racer. Moves well along the slope and is nice and stable. These aren't cheap to buy and take a lot of work to build. Its in great condition with a high visibility covering. Below is a video of its maiden at Ditchling Beacon with me flying it.
NCFM Bluto – EPP 60” slope soarer.
Nice condition – little use.
Complete with :
3 x HS85mg servos.
Eneloop battery
Built in Spektrum DMSX rx
Built in ballast tube
Built in ballast tube
If you buy this and are one of our local flyers then I will be happy to fly with you and get you going with the Bluto.
Price for a ready to fly 60'' Bluto is just £175
If you are interested then contact Tim direct -
email: t.hampshire@tiscali.co.uk
Phase 6 (with flaps) for Sale
Chris Foss Phase 6 glider for sale.
SOLD SUBJECT TO PAYMENT
Comes complete and ready to bind and fly. Tim will send you the Spektrum TX file that you can load up on your TX (that's if you fly with Spektrum of course).
You may have seen Rob flying his Phase 6 at The Long Man on Sunday. They will fly in a good blow or even on gentle lift. It's a real all rounder.
It could be yours for just £165 (ready to fly)
The price above doesn't reflect all the time and effort that has gone into making this model. Its a timeless classic that will keep you flying in all types of conditions. I've had three Phase 6's and if I didn't already have way too many models I would snap this one up as well.If you are interested then contact Tim direct -
email: t.hampshire@tiscali.co.uk
Tel: 01444 220290
Sunday, 9 September 2018
Long Man 9th Sept
Hi All,
Today we met at the carpark at the Long Man to fly the SW bowl - which is a superb bowl but there isn't a lot of room for landing. Mostly, landing behind isn't possible, so it's usual to land in front across the bowl.
We had a great turnout today - 7 of us Paul, Ian, Rob, Tony, Scott, Robin A and Mark J.
The wind was strong and straight on the bowl leading to massive lift which made soaring very easy but landing was quite a challenge....
Paul intended to maiden fly his Graecalis - a superb moulded glider and after initial setup Ian launched it into the bowl and it flew away straight and true. It is a very graceful looking glider - the only issue was on applying flaps there was too much down elevator, so Paul had to land it applying a fair bit of up elevator - still did a great landing though. Ian flew his lovely moulded Jart which is pretty fast and Rob flew the old 'Hampshire' Phase 6 after he and Paul sorted out the rudder closed-loop system (which was a bit floppy) and he asked Paul to land it as it's not the easiest place to land. Scott and Tony flew their Wildthings which are always good in those conditions. Robin A had his own-design flying wing which flew extremely well in the blustery conditions and Mark J flew his moulded Mirage - again it flew extremely well in the strong conditions.
After this, Ian switched to his superb moulded Jedi , Paul flew his good old Ninja (after Rob managed to re-bind it to Paul's transmitter) and Scott tried out his Middle Phase which went well considering the strength of the wind by then.
Paul , Scott and Tony had a session at 'combat' with the foamies - which is always good for honing the reflexes and flying skills.
Altogether a very enjoyable session with the 7 of us... many thanks to all who came along
Rob
Today we met at the carpark at the Long Man to fly the SW bowl - which is a superb bowl but there isn't a lot of room for landing. Mostly, landing behind isn't possible, so it's usual to land in front across the bowl.
We had a great turnout today - 7 of us Paul, Ian, Rob, Tony, Scott, Robin A and Mark J.
The wind was strong and straight on the bowl leading to massive lift which made soaring very easy but landing was quite a challenge....
Paul intended to maiden fly his Graecalis - a superb moulded glider and after initial setup Ian launched it into the bowl and it flew away straight and true. It is a very graceful looking glider - the only issue was on applying flaps there was too much down elevator, so Paul had to land it applying a fair bit of up elevator - still did a great landing though. Ian flew his lovely moulded Jart which is pretty fast and Rob flew the old 'Hampshire' Phase 6 after he and Paul sorted out the rudder closed-loop system (which was a bit floppy) and he asked Paul to land it as it's not the easiest place to land. Scott and Tony flew their Wildthings which are always good in those conditions. Robin A had his own-design flying wing which flew extremely well in the blustery conditions and Mark J flew his moulded Mirage - again it flew extremely well in the strong conditions.
After this, Ian switched to his superb moulded Jedi , Paul flew his good old Ninja (after Rob managed to re-bind it to Paul's transmitter) and Scott tried out his Middle Phase which went well considering the strength of the wind by then.
Paul , Scott and Tony had a session at 'combat' with the foamies - which is always good for honing the reflexes and flying skills.
Altogether a very enjoyable session with the 7 of us... many thanks to all who came along
Rob
Friday, 7 September 2018
Bike Ride in East/West Sussex Saturday
Hi All,
Just found out about this massive cycle ride all over Sussex at various times during the day from Hickstead to Hartfield and all points in between - including Ditchling Beacon (up and down !)
Link to the event
Just be aware that in Mannings Heath I'm going to be surrounded most of the day !! and a number of locations are going to be in the same boat !
Rob
Just found out about this massive cycle ride all over Sussex at various times during the day from Hickstead to Hartfield and all points in between - including Ditchling Beacon (up and down !)
Link to the event
Just be aware that in Mannings Heath I'm going to be surrounded most of the day !! and a number of locations are going to be in the same boat !
Rob
Monday, 3 September 2018
Could be good for Itford
Looking at the long range weather forecast for next weekend it could be good for Itford Hill. Its giving a good Westerly blow. Saturday is currently looking good.
Get those fast models out and get them charged up.
All weather forecasters are rubbish when looking 5 days ahead. They are now forecasting a SW wind. No good for Itford. Lets see what's Fridays weather forecast gives us.
Get those fast models out and get them charged up.
All weather forecasters are rubbish when looking 5 days ahead. They are now forecasting a SW wind. No good for Itford. Lets see what's Fridays weather forecast gives us.
Bungeeeeeee!
Loads of flying went on during our Sunday flying session at the Ashurst fields.
F3K (DLG), F5J (Thermal Glider) and F3J flying (Powered Thermal Glider) where all flown with various success.
Thermals started early around 10.30am and we carried on till the sea breeze blew in the cold sea air around 2.00pm.
I was joined by Rob S, Ian, Graham, Rob P and James.
F3K (DLG), F5J (Thermal Glider) and F3J flying (Powered Thermal Glider) where all flown with various success.
Thermals started early around 10.30am and we carried on till the sea breeze blew in the cold sea air around 2.00pm.
I was joined by Rob S, Ian, Graham, Rob P and James.