Indoor flying sessions - November 2008

Here are a few shots from the two sessions which were held in November, and you can see from these that the sessions are still attracting good numbers of flyers and spectators alike. New models are still coming forward each time and the flying skills are improving all the time... well most are !

A good mix of helis and fixed wing still keeps the interest strong in these sessions.

These mini 'Chinooks' are a marvel of miniature engineering, but are quite a handful to fly. I think I'll stick to my Picoo Z for the time being !

James Aldwell pictured here with his 'Vapor', an extremely agile model which is reminiscent of the old 'microfilm' models of yesteryear. Excellent value and a very stable flyer, totally suited to this type of venue.

Just a few of Mike Burton's heli collection, ranging from a Blade CX style machine up to the larger 'beast' featured below.

Mike brought along this most unusual contra rotating blade helicopter. Built from an American kit, this chopper features a very innovative method for changing heading direction.... the downwash from the main blades is directed over two 'rudders' at the rear of the heli, and the resultant change in 'thrust' moves the tail left or right. Works a treat and makes the heli very stable in all directions, particularly when lifting off. A fine example of lateral thinking by the original designer. Mike would be only too pleased to supply more info to anyone who would like to know more about this unusual set up.

Just one of the larger models in evidence, probably just on the edge of not being strictly an 'indoor' model, but still good to see how well it is flown in a relatively confined space.

Indoor sessions wouldn't be complete without an IFO, and here Shane's model shares some air time with Steve Glass's very peculiar 'box kite' model.

Steve's model was flown outdoors in the summer, but caught a thermal and was very nearly never seen again, seems to be better suited to environments with ceilings to stop it getting away !!

Again, here's another unusual flying device...an ornithopter which was very successful even if it was a little erratic in its flight path. Makes a refreshing change from the 'normal' type of model we see.

Mick Bewey brought along this really nice looking C130 Hercules. He has had some initial problems with the motors, but with a bit of help from Mike Burton, they have sorted them out and the 'Herc' was given a few runs up and down the hall to test the motor set up. As you can see from the other shot, the take-off is as steep as the full size !

Steve Glass showed us that you can still have a great deal of fun without all the complications of RC. His BMFA rubber powered 'Dart' was great fun to fly, and once trimmed out, could stay up for quite a while. We can always rely on Steve to bring along the more unusual aircraft for any event we hold. Thanks Steve, it took me back to my childhood, when models were simple and hours of fun could be had for less than 5 'bob'.

The nets claimed quite a few models on the night, but I am pleased to say that none suffered any lasting damage. This little 'twin' kept us all awake by constantly defying all the pilot's attempts at directional stability.

And finally.... John Ogier shown here at the sticks of his Mini Pred. John has recently embraced the world of helis and is making good progress in his flying skills. Nice one John, bet you can't make a canard version though :-)

So, lets look forward to the new year and the next indoor sessions when all the new pressies from Xmas are brought out for their first flights.