WINDSOCK

NEWSLETTER OF THE READING & DISTRICT MODEL AIRCRAFT CLUB

August 2006

THE CLUBS 75^th ANNIVERSARY FLYING DISPLAY AND MEETING.

This was held at the Ryeish Green School on the 18^th June, with the help and encouragement of the Headmistress and her Staff. The site was excellent and the weather just about right for a first class flying display.

Many thanks to all who either flew or assisted on the day

Unfortunately, despite all who attended the Club AGM in December 2005 and voted for the event, very few members assisted or attended on the day. The members, that were there, put their heart and soul into making the day a success, but, after all the effort, the Club is in deficit. Exactly how much will be explained at the AGM in December. The Committee hope it will be well attended.

SUMMER PROGRAMME OF EVENTS.

ENSTONE. Held on the 8^th July. Steve Gilbert invited the Club once again, but the weather deteriorated the nearer we got to the airfield. What with the World Cup Football etc, a bit more support would have been useful, but those there, had a good day despite the blustery conditions.

CHOLSEY. 23^rd July. Usually well supported, Chairman Martin reports that this event was rather low key this year. Clashing with several other events and of course, the Football, but it was an enjoyable day out.

BEALE PARK FLOAT-PLANE MEETING. 5^TH/6^TH August. As this takes place during a normal public access day, this meeting is for B.M.F.A. “B” Certificate pilots only.

75^th ANNIVERSARY PARTY AND MEMBERS ONLY FLY – IN.

At the Clubs Riverside Dreadnaught Flying Site on Sunday 10^th September, 2006.

This is your Party, to which you are invited to bring the family. The intention is to have a Barbecue (ask a committee member nearer the date) but, please bring your picnic and drinks. This event will also see off the Concours Evening Final, where any of the models that scored points at the Concours meeting, must make a scoring flight. At the moment, this will simply be a Take-off, pattern circuit and landing, which must be on the strip. Ron Perkins will be in charge and will programme any variations on the day. On this special day, flying from our own riverside area, there will be no flying training, it is just a fun-fly for all members. Get this event in your diaries now and join in an all day fun-fly and party. The weather should be good, come and join in!

WINTER PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

TADLEY. 8^th October. Another one for “B” Certificate pilots only, except for control –line flyers, but a great day out where all model making disciplines will be on show.

CHILDE BEALE. 15^th October. An open float and seaplane meeting, to which members with an 'A’ Certificate, can have a go at this interesting form of flying. Organised by Bob Roper, there will be a small charge for this, which must be paid up front. The sum required will be announced at club meetings nearer to the date.

TUESDAY EVENING MEETINGS AT ST. BARNABAS HALL

The winter programme of meetings at St. Barnabas Hall, Emmer Green, will commence on Tuesday, 19^th September, 2006.

Your Committee are doing their very best to arrange interesting meetings and speakers, but here is the list as it stands today:

19/9/06. MODELS AND PROJECTS. Bring your latest model, built or under construction, plans and ideas and get the benefit from discussing or sharing any problems – regarding your model!

3/10/06. ENGINE FORUM. Martin is currently working on this, but the intended speaker will provide a lot of interest

17/10/06. FLIGHT-POWER BATTERIES. Electrics are certainly getting popular. Your chance to find out about the latest in electric power systems..

7/11/06. PAUL EMMS of PUFFIN MODELS. One of the great guys of the Commercial Electric world. If you want to know all about AXI motors, JETI and Kontronic gear, you must be here. A great speaker who usually brings a few goodies with him.

21/11/06. DE LUX MATERIALS. A very full range of adhesives will be displayed to give you a great chance to stock up and get stuck in.

5/12/06. R.D.M.A.C ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. This is a meeting that you, as a Club member, must not miss. Important decisions need to be made, so make sure you are there to have your say.

19/12/06. THE CLUBS CHRISTMAS PARTY AND RAFFLE. Just turn up and enjoy yourself and maybe, win your own Christmas present. The girls always look after us, but contributions and the odd present, are always gratefully received.

All the above meetings will take place at St. Barnabas Hall, Emmer Green, but, as ever, may be subject to change. The programme for the New Year is being worked out and meetings will be held on 2^nd and 16^th January, 2007; 6^th and 20^th February and so on, until we start evening flying again in the wonderful spring weather!

Please make every effort to attend all these meetings, even more particularly when we have guest speakers.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? Please let the Committee know what subjects you would like us to feature in the New Years programme and we will do our best to oblige.

TRAINING. We are lucky that our dedicated instructors are hard at it providing fist class training for the Clubs many keen tyros. We should have a good crop of new “A” Certificate pilots this year. Should anyone need help, you have only to get down to the field on a Wednesday evening or Saturday morning and ask.

Yes, you can take your “A” test with an electric model. However, the model must be fitted with an undercarriage and be capable of taking off and landing as per an i/c model.

FLYING EVENTS Low key competitive events are great for bringing any pilot onwards and upwards. Some of these are in the planning stage for the future, so, start planning your schedule to include, fast and slow flying, spot landing – start with the strip itself - handicap pylon racing. An event for any type of model is being worked out. Also, the more hairy type - schedule and precision flying and multi-task fun events. Start planning your manoeuvres now.

NEW MEMBERS. Welcome to Messrs J. Cilliers of Reading and D.G. Grange of Woodley who have recently joined us. Hope you enjoy the Club and have great flying with us.

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP The RDMAC are pleased to announce the granting of Honorary Membership to Tim Westcote, of Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead, for his services to aeromodelling and assistance with the club’s 75^th Anniversary Celebrations.

Tim is not only an aeromodelling historian, but actively restores and collects vintage model aircraft, in particular, the models of the late Alwyn Greenhough.

He is also actively looking for premises to form an Aeromodelling Museum and any help with this venture will be appreciated

CHANGES AT YOUR LOCAL MODEL SHOP.

There has been a complete change of both staff and ideas at our local “Hobby Stores” at 387, Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1HA.

The new Manager has revised the layout and enhanced the stock - very much related to aeromodelling. This cannot be a bad thing as far as we are concerned. The Manager, very much supporting our Club, says as follows:-

“A warm welcome from Hobby Stores, Reading.

Hi, to all members of the Reading and District Model Aircraft Club.

Firstly, let me introduce myself – my name is Eric Platts. I am 44 years of age and have been modelling since the age of 9 years old.

My modelling spans a wide range, from plastic kits to jet turbines and I dabble in all areas of the hobby, whether it be planes, cars, boats and the ladies.

Myself and staff, are intending to make many changes to the shop, so that we can cater for all modellers, both young and old and to this end, welcome any ideas to achieve this. Myself, Andy and Brian will do our best to help you all. Should we not have what you want in stock at the time, we will endeavour to get it for you, as soon as possible.

We can also price-match any advertised item, as some members have already found to there advantage, and this will also save you the postage costs as well.

Looking forward to your call, come down and say hello!” Eric Platts.

THE RIPMAX SHOW – WROUGHTON AIRFIELD , SWINDON.

Eric Platts was very much in evidence at the above show, when Paul Simmons, Anne and I met him on the Ripmax stand on Sunday, 23^rd July. This new show had started on the preceding day and had been going well until a mini-tornado (weather type) had swept across the airfield, directly into the open fronted trade stands.

Within seconds, the fantastically high winds and driving rain, had transformed the well ordered layout, into total chaos. Marquees and tents were damaged and some even took off, many landing amongst the distant parked cars. Also, instant lakes were formed from the torrential downpour which drenched all and damaged much of the delicate display models and stock in the open air, and where the tents had been.

Eric reported that he and the other stall holders, assisted by the public, trying to find shelter, were hanging on for their dear life, to canvas, poles and stock, all over the site

Whilst the storm did not last all that long, it caused many problems for all at the show.

Much frantic work was required to put the show back in order, and when we arrived the following day, were amazed to hear of the previous days problems.

As far as we were concerned, it was a great show, with interesting displays in the air and on the ground, very good trade stands and support.

Even the Science Museum Staff, whose actual site it is, made you feel very welcome and seemed to be very pro-modelling, hoping we would return again. Incidentally, their ‘hanger’ displays were first class and of great interest.

In the end, foot-weary and well served by an excellent show, we made our way back to the car, joining the throng of the many bargain hunters with their large and small collection of damaged and slightly soggy kit boxes.

Well done to those involved in this very good show and one not to be missed, except by mini-tornados!

NEWSLETTER. For those who do not already know, I had a rather frightening road accident back in February and as a result, this will be my last “Windsock” as I am retiring from the post as Editor.

If there are any budding writers willing to take on the post of Editor, please put your name forward to the committee.

I intend to stay with the Reading and District Model Aircraft Club and work on my flying skills, so I can beat you all in the competitions to come!

All the very best, good weather and happy flying to you all.

Tony Roberts

12, The Ridgeway, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8NX.

Tel: 0118 – 9477794.