Jersey Battle Of Britain Display 2001

What a weekend members of the GMC had in Jersey on the 15th and 16th of September 2001. So much fun on and off the flying site, just take a look at all the photos below to see what I mean. Simon Lovell in particular was what made the weekend so funny, and in a way, so enjoyable. Again, witness the photos to see why.

Here we see a photo of Jerseyman Chris Munns. You can see that he is carrying what appears to be the remains of a Wot 4. This got destroyed not by pilot error, or radio failure, no. A typical streamer-chasing mid-air collision. Crashed into by Paul Reynolds (from Guernsey).

Probably one of the biggest models seen over the 2 days was this F4U Corsair, one very big aircraft, you had to see it to appreciate it. The retracts alone cost £500!!!

It had a 42cc petrol engine which had nowhere near enough power to get the thing into the air. Maybe double the motor will do the trick, especially as the model weighs 16 lbs.

Above is a picture of Pat Vaudin and myself at the flying site trying to keep straight faces while Simon Lovell took the picture.

Above we see some GMC members enjoying themselves on the slopes. Pat, Nick and Simon are the only recognisable(ish) people you can see.

In these 2 photos we can see some GMC members preparing their aircraft for flight/standing around being lazy. Well, what else do you expect from a bunch of model fliers on a Sunday Afternoon?

The photo below shows a "panoramic" view of the pit area of the Jersey Model Aero Club flying site (before many people had turned up by the look of it...or maybe the cameraman wasn't in a very good place!

These 2 piccys show a ZN Line Madness, designed by Christophe Paysant le roux (world champion) it is one of a the best funfly's around. This particular model is the actual one reviewed in one of the mags you can buy from "all good newsagents."  

Now then, onto these Magnums. Best described as an absolute rocket, they are just so quick! Officialy clocked at over 200 mph, just make sure you don't take your eyes off it, you'll never see it again!

Above we see Pete Rondel's Majestic and Madness side by side, both of them very nice models indeed.

Below is a Manchot, a 3-D aerobatic aircraft designed by Christophe Paysant Le Roux a few years ago. Stunning to watch as it tumbles end over end in a typical fun fly fashion.

Jersey flyer Matt Besnard.

As we can see below, my great little Mustang came to a smashing end in Jersey. After being voted the quickest plane there except for the magnums and tigersharks (and there were alot of other quick planes) when it came to the limbo, it didn't quite go according to plan. There were 2 lengths of string at 45 degrees holding up each limbo pole, and I managed to get the fuselage between the 2 strings which then went through the wing like cheese wire. The aircraft, now with a 12 inch wingspan bit the tarmac HARD!, smashing what was left of the tails and cracking the fuselage in several places. Very spectacular, but also very disappointing.

Above, GMC member Nick Vining decides to leave his mark on the Jersey flying site. Picture: Mick Wilkinson.

Below, Nick and Charlie Vining and Tim Prevel take a break from flying to pose for the camera. Smile Boys!

Above, one of several photos Simon Lovell took of Jerseyman Pete Rondel when Nick asked him to take A photo of the 3 planes behind him.

Below, Pete prop hangs a Cougar 2000.

Below, a view of the pit area, a bit better than the one on page 1.

The (great?) man himself, Guernsey's Simon Lovell! He's one hell of a character and many times he was what kept most of us laughing (mainly at him) throughout the weekend.

Above, Simon swordfights the air again! Nick and Tim Watch on.

Below, a weston Tigershark Delta.

Here is Nick Vining's van being unloaded. Transporter for 5 people and about 3 times as many models!

One very broken WOT4. Well, what do you expect if you have a mid-air collision with Paul Reynolds.

On a light-hearted note, Simon took the opportunity to open a new Jersey Based Business, and found a willing business partner too!