The purpose of this site is to show examples of free-flight flying
scale models from the UK, together with (hopefully) useful information, hints
and tips for fellow builders. If newcomers to this fine hobby find encouragement here, then
so much the better!
My main interest is in traditionally constructed scale models, built using a balsa framework
covered in tissue. Motive power is usually electric, CO2
or the traditional rubber strip motor. It is years since I built a model with an internal
combustion motor in it - nowadays there seems to be a move towards quieter, more
"enviromentally friendly" power units, so CO2 and Electric are becoming more popular, and there
are even compressed air power units now available. The appearance in recent years of Rapier solid fuel propulsion units has also
lead to an entertaining detour into the wonderful world of small free-flight scale jets.
Recent additions to the site:
25.05.08
Two new videos added to Indoor Nationals report
Photo gallery 9 updated
Peanut scale Laird Speedwing Junior plan added
04.05.08
Report on 2008 Indoor Scale Nationals added
12.02.08
New plan added: "SortaSenator" Bostonian
19.01.08
"On the workbench" updated
Events calendar for 2008 added (updated again 26.01.08)
Sorry to say that there will be no 2007 DVD as I simply have not collected enough footage to make it worthwhile this year. This was partly down to the weather
but also the fact that we only had one BMFA indoor scale competition instead of three like we used to. I promise to do better in 2008
especially as I am off to Geneseo again for the Flying Aces Club Nationals.
I can still supply the 2005 and 2006 DVDs if anyone would like them, plus the video CDs from 2002, 2003 and 2004. Here is the description
of the 2006 DVD:
Here we go with another collection of short movies featuring free flight flying scale models in action
at various UK events, plus for the first time the Flying Aces Nationals in the USA.
The move to DVD format last year seemed to have been well received, so I have done the same this year.
It should play fine on your PC or Mac, but I cannot give any guarantees how well it will work in your
domestic DVD player. The DVD is in region 2 format, so outside Europe, you will most likely not be able
to watch the disc on the TV unless you have a multi region player.
All copies that I send abroad will contain, as well as the DVD, a video CD of the same footage in MPEG
format (as I did prior to 2005) so all bases should be covered.
In terms of content, this is similar to the 2005 DVD, so regulars will know what to expect. As I say every
year, don't expect professional quality camerawork - amateur enthusiasm is more the style.
Indoor scale flying is featured from the BMFA Birmingham meeting in February plus the Indoor Scale
Nationals at Nottingham. Outdoor flying is from the Old Warden meetings in May, June and September,
the Eddie Riding Trophy at Woodvale, plus as mentioned above, some excellent flights from the Flying
Aces Nationals in Geneseo, NY. Running time this year is just under 59 minutes.
The cost is unchanged from last year at £3.50 including postage and packing to a UK address. You can pay
by Paypal to the e-mail address:
mikeandros@thestuarts.eclipse.co.uk
or send me a cheque (e-mail me for my postal address). The cost to an overseas address would be £4.00 for
Europe and £4.50 anywhere else (including postage and packing).
