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.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I would just like to take the opportunity to wish all our club members and our wider reader audience a  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I appreciate that this Blog is read by many individuals across the entire globe including Australia and Japan, some have even made contact with me regarding various gliders. 

The weather has not been great this past year but the Club is thriving, we now have some 53 members which is an increase of more that 20% from the start of the year and I continue to receive enquires from potential members. 

We held the Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) last month which was well attended and many interesting points were raised. Many of these will be taken forward by the Committee for further consideration. It was good to see the members without the need for hats, gloves and seven layers of clothing. After the meeting some members enjoyed a sociable meal and had the opportunity to chat about all sorts of things including slope soaring.

We as a club look forward to 2025 and I do hope the weather is kinder to us and we can enjoy the warmer days of Spring and Summer and the fantastic views across the South Downs National Park. 

All the very best to you all.

Tony Crawford

Secretary

Slope Soaring Sussex

T-Bird Triumph

John Woodfield produced an inspiring "build and test fly" YouTube video for this model about four years ago. I was hooked straight away and commented that I wanted one too.

I quickly ordered the 'plan', 'laser cut wood pack' and later the 'additional wood pack' from Sarik Hobbies. Fortunately I found a copy of RC Model World from April 2017 on Ebay, which included the original article by the designer Tim Marsh. These items languished in my workshop for a couple of years until 14 months ago...

Like John W., I decided against the motor option, but unlike John's model mine was otherwise built to plan. It has a fully rounded fuselage, including planking beneath and block-balsa cheeks on each side, along with a two-piece 71 inch gull-wing joined by two 1/8 inch steel dowels and secured with (crash resistant?) rubber bands.

Bare airframe awaiting fettling and finishing

Finished model

Plenty of space for the receiver as the servos are fitted in the wings and fin. Unusual separate wing fairing, attached by magnets (and string)

Wing joiner arrangement, an essential item not shown on the plan

T/V tail includes servos and rubber band attachment

That irresistible 'gull' shape

I think you'll agree it builds up into a very eye-catching model, but it's not a project I'd recommend to inexperienced modellers.

Happy Landings

Russell H

Beeding Bowl - Tuesday 22 October 2024

 

Views of Beeding Bowl

I must admit that it's been a while since I have been out on a slope recently, mostly due to the constant rain. I was thinking about building model boats instead, so I jumped at the chance to join up with fellow club members this morning.

As I drove past the slope I noticed two figures standing having a chat with no flying in progress. Once I joined Martin J and Kevin M they informed me that their first launches were not successful as the forecast wind failed to materialized. 

So we started to put the world to right covering many subjects such as life, the universe and the Autumn Budget whilst waiting for the wind to improve.

Next to arrive was Nick W followed by Russell H who seemed to bring better weather with them. A former club Chair once told me "You need the right model for the weather conditions" my Wildthing was not the right model for today's conditions. Today was spot on for very light foamies and floatie type models. Both Nick and Russell had the correct type of model. As the morning progressed I decided to chuck in the towel and go home. Looking forward to our next outing.

In summery, a very nice social get together with scenery to die for and excellent company. A good catch up after many weeks of no flying.

Meeting of the Flat Earth Society - Saturday 17 August 2024

As all the weather Gods were on our side for once we decided to arrange a flat field event. A number of electric powered gliders were dusted off and prepared for action. First at the field was Rob S who showed us the entrance to the nominated field.

The weather was perfect with a very gentle breeze and a totally clear blue sky. Moreover, as the morning progressed nice fluffy white clouds developed. 

Me enjoying the day

As I have not yet assembled my newly purchased electric ASW 28 I was attending in a purely social capacity. Both Nick V and I decided that we would provide savory snacks and doughnuts while enjoying the morning's flying, other club members also contributed to the very nice picnic.

Picnic Table

I was the second member to arrive closely followed by Ivan S and Nick V. Martin J then arrived followed by Nick W and Kevin B and lastly George K.

I noticed a burst of frenetic activity whilst members started to assemble their gliders.

Nick V presented with a Tiny Seagull and a Nebula 2000. He also announced that he had spent the previous evening preparing his gliders. However, this morning he experienced significant difficulties readying his sailplanes. Not only did he not have the correct screwdriver he had also forgotten to bring a chair to sit on. On a separate note Nick V was discussing the complexities and difficulties of programming his NX10 with regard to "Safe" and "AS3X" we suggested that he writes a 10,000 word paper on the subject and allows the other club members to benefit from his vast experience of the subject, we wait with interest.

Nick with his Nebula 2000

Ivan S started the day off with a very nice Libelle DLG that Rob S was launching for him. However, later in the morning unfortunately suffered a major malfunction and disintegrated in flight, nothing a very big tube of UHO POR will not fix. He also flew his Highlite glider.

Rob S in Action

Martin J successfully flew his Sky Climber glider to good effect. However, Martin wanted to test fly his home made boomerangs. I would suggest he calls them "Sticks" as they never came back. I think they need further development and testing before being handed over to his grandkids for park use.

Martin J with his Boomerangs.

Nick W came to the field with a Solius and an Easy Glide Pro. This was Nick's first time at the flat field with the Club and I am sure that he thoroughly enjoyed the morning.

Nick W's Gliders

Kevin B arrived with his own designed and manufactured electric Pro Glide. I can confirm that this went up like a rocket and attained height in very short order.

Kevin B's Pro Glide

I am pleased to say that George K turned up so that I could give him his long awaited polo shirt, it has taken almost a year for us to meet up. He brought along a rather nice vintage Olympic glider. It obviously has not been flown for some time, so between a number of members it was readied for flight. This glider required a bungee launch. Fortunately, another reason for today's gathering was for the Club Chair to handover to me the Club's flat field assets such as the winch and battery and also the bungee system. I am now the Club's custodian of those assets.

Ivan with his Libelle DLG

So myself and Nick V started to set up the bungee launching system. After locating the anchor spigot and starting to unwind the cord, Nick V then noticed that the launch direction was directly towards the biggest tree in the field. Once noticed we changed the direction of the bungee by about 30 degrees. Fortunately, Kevin B was on had to provide us with some guidance of how to launch safely and with Nick V on the sticks we had a successful flight. The flight was not long as the glider required a significant amount of trimming before it's next launch. Kevin B suggested that it was taken to a slope on a gentle wind day to correctly trim the glider before the next bungee launch.

George with his Olympic.

In summary, a really good flying day with only one glider casualty. I now need to assemble my ASW28 so I can join in the festivities next time, also the picnic went down well. Looking forward to our next flat field outing. I would like to thank all who attended this morning for the banter and general micky taking.

Martin with his Glider.

 

Another Good Club Turn Out at Beeding Bowl - 3rd August 2024

Despite a rather iffy weather forecast the morning turned out much better than expected until finally the rain arrived around midday. Once again, I was in attendance to meet up with 2 potential club members, Ivan S and Mick J who were both welcomed by existing club members. Ivan was so keen he joined the Club that very evening.

Members Having Fun On The Slope

Many of the usual suspects were flying today with a variety of models. It was great to see Robin Ad on the slope after quite some time away from flying. 

Robin Ad's - Nice little Glider

One of our newest members Nick W was flying his Alula which is painted to represent a seagull, apologies if it is some other type of bird. Nick V arrived with a clutch of models but unfortunately suffered a battery malfunction and had to borrow a battery pack from Martin J. Something funny was occurring as when Nick got home all was well with the batteries. 

The seagull - I think

Martin J brought along his Blob and Coyote with Paul H who had his Middle Phase and the Damitt. Scott T arrived but decided not to fly but came along for a social. All in all it was a very good morning with the possibility of being able to sit on the grass and have a very sociable conversation with other like minded individuals. I for one am very impressed how the Club is growing in numbers. 

SAS Wildthing and a Weasel

It's almost every week I receive an e-mail requesting details of the Club, long may it continue. So today we had 7 club members with 2 potential members, not too bad for a Saturday morning.

Itford Hill - Saturday 6th July 2024

It's been a while since the Club arranged a visit to this slope and we were not disappointed. In my opinion I consider it to be one of the very best slopes we have in Sussex, especially for basic flying training and of course the magnificent views of the South Downs. I may be biased as I conducted most of my initial training on this slope under the guidance of our club instructors.

Another reason for the outing was to meet up with two potential members, Nick and Sam both were thoroughly nice chaps and I do hope they decide to join our club. Over the past two years we have had a number of individuals enquire about club membership. Usually these are chaps who have past experience but have not flown recently and at the other end of the spectrum is our newest member Gary who is an enthusiast and will require some instruction, he came along this morning to watch. I am pleased to say that in today's environment our small club is going from strength to strength. We now have 48 members.

The weather provided us with excellent lift from the 35 MPH plus wind speed and almost clear sky's. However, I think the windspeed was at the top limit of my SAS Wildthing and sometimes the landing was problematic. 

Another club member was present, Paul H was flying his Dammit glider and considering how lightweight it is coped very well with the prevailing conditions.

We spent about two hours on the slope which allowed me to brief our potential members on the workings of Slope Soaring Sussex and also gave me the chance to fly my Wildthing. 

Paul and I decided to call it quits and make our way back down to the cars. Just as we got to the lay by the heavens opened. 

In summary, a very good morning's flying and hopefully two new club members in the future. Already looking forward to our next outing. 

Skylarks and Poppies - Beeding Bowl Sunday 16th June 2024

It may be premature of me but as I stood on the top of the bowl this morning looking westwards I could just about see Summer coming. The day started a little overcast with threats of rain showers moving in during the late morning. However, we were extremely lucky as the expected rain passed us by. I arrived around 9.30 and understand due to roadworks and road traffic collisions in the local area some members took over one and a half hours to reach the bowl and it was the same for the drive home. There's dedication to the hobby for you. Today, was also an opportunity for me to meet two potential club members, both Tony and Gary had the chance to meet other club members and explore the dynamics of slope soaring. Club members attending today were Nick V, Scotty T, Paul H and myself. Early flights were very good with exceptional lift being available and as the morning progressed the weather improved significantly to the extent that we had Skylarks singing above us and poppies in the fields behind, almost a usual beautiful summers day but the wind still had a bit of a chill in it.

View South West

Poppies in the fields behind the slope

I must admit it's been a while since I have been out on the slopes for various reasons but it was great to meet up with the chaps and have a good catch up.

Poor old Scotty had to complete the walk of shame to collect his model from the field directly behind the slope as the wind caught his PSS Me163 Komet, luckily no damage was caused to the model and access to it was easy. 

Recovery of Scotty's Me163

No Damage

Nick V took part in a personal spot landing contest, we understand that he was an aircraft carrier pilot in a former life so decided to catch both arrestor hook cables at the same time. Also, no damage was done to the model. The only damage was to Nick's pride, we also think if he had had his car boot open at the time he could just about have got it inside his car. He also flew his Middle Phase today.

Nick V in launch mode with his Middle Phase

Nick's Wildthing caught in the barbed wire

Paul H had an awesome morning's flying his recently repaired Dammit glider. This model really goes fast in a good blow.

In summary, now the weathers seems to have turned a corner it is hoped that we will be able to get out more over the next few months. A great morning's flying with excellent company. See you guys soon.

Lost Slope Glider Found at Devil's Dyke **** Owner now identified *******.

 Today I collected a slope glider from a member of the HORAM Club. This glider was found a while ago at Devils Dyke. It contains 2 x servos, 1 x receiver and 1 x battery. One would assume that it was lost whilst airborne. There is no identification on or in the model contrary to current CAA / BMFA rules. I would like to re-unite this glider with it's owner, if anyone recognizes the model and knows who the owner is can you please contact me using this forum.

Tony Crawford

Secretary

Slope Soaring Sussex.

   

Well, Another Amazing Club Turn Out at Beeding Bowl - Tuesday 20 Feb 2024.

Considering it's mid February and a rather damp dismal and overcast morning almost 25% of the Club membership attended today's flying activities at Beeding Bowl. As usual by the time I arrived the "Early Birds" were already committing aviation. 

Today's Hardy Team.

The hardy Club members who braved today's conditions were, in no particular order: Martin J, Paul H, Mike G, Kevin M, Russell H, Bob C, Robin A, John H, Mark J and me. We also had a eclectic range of models on display including the ubiquitous SAS Wildthing, Hawk, Coyote, XModels Blade, a modified Ridge Runt, Starlet and Easy Trainer, Wing Bat 48 and a Pzazz Mk2.

Russell's Wing Bat

Kevin's Models.

Paul's Hawk.

Paul just about to launch.

John H with a distinctive colour scheme.

Both mine and John's Wildthings.

The weather forecast was again not as expected. The usual panoramic view looking West across the South Downs was obscured by low cloud and mist. However, the flying was fairly decent but at times the lift just melted away. As the morning progressed more and more Club members arrived. As I mentioned above we had ten members by the end. Across the bowl we could observe something coloured blue in the grass. We were all joking that in could be a lost model, probably a mouldy that was lost from a fellow flier at Mill Hill. Martin J who commented that to keep warm he was going to walk around the bowl to investigate. We watched him go along with Paul H disappear into the gloom and walk behind the tree line. Eventually, they re-appeared and carried out a visual investigation before re-turning to the group. The verdict was that the blue coloured object was indeed just a blue bucket. How on earth it got there nobody knows, maybe the recent deluge of rain water took it down the slope.

The Glider Park.

Mike H probably had the best idea of the morning by taking along a small stool to sit on while watching all the activity. John H, one of our newest members brought along his SAS Wildthing which has a very similar colour scheme to mine. Bring on the Royal Air Force Red Arrows Wildthing Team, we only need another seven appropriately coloured Wildthings.

Around 11 O'clock the the weather started to turn rather unpleasant with a wall of low level cloud coming our way. So we decided to call it a day and return back to the cars. By the time I was back in the car the entire bowl had now disappeared into the gloom.

In Summary, a fantastic Club turnout on a rather wet and damp day but as usual the company was exceptional. Thanks go to all who came out to play this morning.

Final view from the car.