WRCFC

As Keevil is an operational airfield access is unfortunately restricted so anyone who would like to visit our flying site would be most welcome, but please do so by prior arrangement to avoid disappointment, as they say!
Contact details of our elected officials who will be able to get you safely to our patch can be found here. (Unless, of course, you know someone who's already a member, in which case get them to make the introductions!)

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The Warminster and District Radio Control Flying Club (WDRCFC) is a BMFA affiliated club. Flying is carried out at Keevil airfield with the kind permission of the MOD. The site is shared with the Bannerdown Gliding Club and other occasional users.

Originally the club was started by modellers who were at the forefront of radio control technology when the hobby was extremely expensive and somewhat unreliable. Fortunately, the hobby now has access to inexpensive and very reliable equipment. In 1995 a new constitution was produced and since then this has been the basis of our rules and regulations. To newcomers to the hobby the host of rules must seem somewhat daunting but they are really just common-sense applications to promote the existence of a safe flying environment.

The club encourages most sections of the hobby and whilst fixed wing flying is the largest interest there is an active helicopter group. Although we have some members who tend to large and exotic models most members are content to buy ready-built models from the local hobby shops or construct from a plan. Powered models continue to use methanol based engines, although there is a growing interest in petrol engines and electric motors.

The membership of the club spans many years and it is encouraging that younger members are joining, especially when father and sons find a common interest in the hobby. The club policy is to attend local fetes and events to attract new members whilst at the same time as promoting the hobby and aviation in general.

For members new to the hobby we have several dedicated instructors who will help to develop the necessary skills to enable flyers to safely control a model aircraft through all the different phases of a flight. Not only is this the safest path to the hobby but also the least costly.

Security of this airfield is a constraint to access but if any potential new member contacts any of the club officials a meeting time can be arranged and a friendly welcome is guaranteed.

Al Pinnington
Chairman
WDRFC
January 2009


Please have a read of the following from Club Member Mike King and keep a look out for any of his kit:

During the night of Friday/Saturday 8th/9th May my locked garden shed (Winsley Hill, Limpley Stoke) was broken into and a lot of my Radio Control Planes and equipment was stolen.

This has been reported to the police, but I don't hold out much hope.

If anyone is offered for sale the following items, perhaps they can let me know at this email address:

mike.k@superior.co.uk

I've just listed the larger items, many of the club members are probably familiar with them:

Chris Foss wot4, light blue wings, white fuselage, blue OS LA46, Spektrum receiver
Flair Kite, dark blue wings, white fuselage, TT PRO46, Spektrum receiver
White Polystyrene Tucanno, Brushless motor, ESC, 2 x Lipos, Spektrum receiver
Spektrum DX7 TX, silver flight case, with tacometer, battery checker and other bits
Futaba Double Flight case containing, Pro Peake Constelation charger, 12v transformer, various leads and Lipo Balancer

Thanks

Mike King

Missed the opportunity to quiz Ray Litten on the DC3 he displayed at the Family Day, but he has kindly updated me with the following:





'I purchased the plans directly from Tony Nijhuis who had made a feature of them in the Jan/Feb 2004 magazine ‘RCM & E’. Tony also gave me the phone number of Sarik Vacforms and a word with Roly, secured me the engine narcelles and cockpit.

All the balsa and lite ply was sourced from SLEC, in Norfolk.

The air up/air down under carriage I made from Aluminium which I machined on my lathe and milling machines. The only parts I didn’t buy were the two air cylinders which were needed to operate the under carriage.(?)
I reckon I spent as much time building this part as I did on the rest of the aircraft.

Covering it proved no mean task as although the wings were relatively easy the fuselage was not. All those compound curves were a nightmare to cover with film and in desperation I resorted to spraying it with plasticote.

The wing span is 72 inches.

The power plant consists of two 'axi' 2820/10 motors which are rated at up to 4s with a maximum current of 42amps. Each motor is supplied from a 3s lipo rated at 4300 @ 20C using a 40Amp ESC

I calculate that at full bore, these motors will draw about 35amp off of each battery. With a supply voltage of arount 10 volts this should give an overall wattage of about 700 watts. The plane weighs just over 8lbs so that gives about 85wt/lb. I'm hoping this will be sufficient to move the plane quite speedily.'

I gather there's just the small detail of sorting out the C of G and then it's ready to go. Flying shots to follow!

And Tony Box has provided some coverage on our presence at the ATC Fete at Bowerhill on 20th June:



It looks like a bit of covered Meccano is defeating the finest minds currently active in the Club. How frightening is that?!!



The Melksham Town Crier was there taking an interest in the models - it turned out he was once a designer for Airfix Kits!



Thanks once again to Tony for keeping us up to date with Club activities.


A good day out with a fair amount of sun, and only the one shower to move everyone briefly into the marquee. Not a bad result considering the forecast! Just the one photo for now, with more to follow (and if anyone's got any they would care to share, please send them over).



Us lot!


Blimey! Where did that one go?
Lots of flying and some fabulous weather at the moment. And long may it last too.
Time for a bit of a catch up.....



Andy Hill turned up on Sunday (31st May) with his new Elan jet. Didn't quite get it going - a couple of 'Flamey' moments that had us worried until he demonstrated a remarkable amount of puff and actually blew the flames out! (A good sort to have by you in a crisis, I thought, after watching his performance from a safe distance.)

And then there was Garth's Islander, last seen at the indoor meeting last winter in basic airframe state...



Moments before the first flight.



Running up the engines.



And back down safely after an impressive flight into on of those 'in your face' winds that mean you can enjoy the flying bit but eventually you've got to come in to land over your shoulder either by getting close to the windsock or coming in between the Control Tower and the radio mast. Not easy!



It's official. Rory Harris gets the 'A' Certificate from Club Secretary Vic Ford



New member, 10 year old (just!) Kieran Holloway with his Wot Trainer. Two good sessions on the Buddy Box under his belt, both in difficult wind conditions, and on his way... Hopefully he'll turn up next time and the wind will be across the patch and he'll wonder what all the fuss was about! (Haven't seen dad Darren fly yet - not another indulgent father and anyway how would I know how that feels?!!)



Brian Phillips sneaked this undercover shot of Dave Evans making his way back to the pits with an electrificated Tommy Boy. Not sure at this range but it looks like he might even be smiling. Whatever next?


Some great weather even though the wind wasn't too helpful (again).
Rory Harris achieved his BMFA A certificate in conditions where others were happier to sit and watch so congratulations to him. Not half bad for someone who only joined the club in January with an electric RTF and is only nine year's old! And just in case there's any doubt, he took his test with his Wot 4 which he started, taxied out, took off, flew to the required standard, landed (engine still going!) and taxied back without assistance (as is required for the BMFA test). Andy Morse, his mentor, didn't seem at all surprised (nor did the rest of us who have been watching his progress these last few months). Congratulations again and 'Well done' from all of us. Who's next? It can be done!



Rory taking a breather with mentor Andy Morse. (Not quite sure how Andy's new Panic crept in there - perhaps Rory's got his eyes on it for his 'B'?)

And another thing...
Chairman Al has managed to source Club polo shirts and baseball caps at very reasonable prices (I've even ordered one for Junior) so contact Vic Ford our Club Secretary to place your order ASAP and be the envy of all your chums who don't have a proper hobby!

Couldn't get out today (Sunday). 'Family commitments' I think is how she put it. It looked like great flying weather, though. If anyone's got any pictures, send them over!
Did manage a few hours on Saturday and had a great time flying the Cub with Michael. Will Harley turned up later on with his re-engined and tweaked electric Dornier, which Michael test flew for him, very successfully. A few pictures below to give the general idea..



Before!



During. Looks like a case of 'It's going to fly whether it wants to or not'!



Up and away! And into the 'out of focus' bit of sky that is my speciality.



And the happy/relieved walk back to the pits after a smooth landing back on the patch. Looked great and flew well. Will declared himself 'well pleased'.

A well timed 'window' in this funny weather of ours brought the crowds out on Sunday 5th with a huge variety of planes (and ages). Low wind, even though what there was was 'in your face' or 'right to left' which didn't help with the landings. (Having written that I realise it will make no sense at all to anyone who doesn't fly at Keevil. And probably a few of our members as well, thinking about it. You'll have to join to find out!)
Anyway, lots to report on and more to follow when I've got some time (ie when it's not my turn to cook tea), but a couple of highlights:

Mike B was trusted to go solo wth Pat Cuss' WW1 Bristol Fighter and did a reasonable job, even after going deadstick after a roll (are they meant to do that?). I say that as his father - he may describe the experience differently. Pat was cool, calm and collected throughout the whole thing and seemed satisfied with the standard of flying. My turn next? No pressure then!

And Tony Box writes:
'9 year old Rory Harris flew solo today, without the constraints of a buddy box and lead. Andy Hill kept a watchful eye on proceedings. Rory practises Sunday morning on a flight simulator, before “Real” flying in the afternoon. He hopes to take his BMFA “A” test soon.'



I'm sure he will. A definite 'when' rather than an 'if'!

And Andy Johnston has sent some pictures in of a quiet day's aeromodelling at the patch:


Andy's current line up. And is he going to prop hang his new Maule (?) like they do on the YouTube video?


And I guess here's a typical one of the hardships we all have to endure of a weekend in a good cause instead of staying at home and having our roast lunches. (Don't often see him smile like that though - it must have been the mustard!)


And here's one of Pat clearly getting some good advice on something or other...


Well what a mix it's been! Some fantastic flying opportunities and a brief return of Winter (hopefully the last we'll see of that). Been battling with a sick PC (and the quest for a second-hand caravan - as yet unsuccessful, anyone out there got anything?) so apologies for the lack of updates - Tony Box has come to the rescue with some photos, so here we go..


Pat Cuss's 1/3 scale Albatross has flown (last seen in a skeletal state at the Club meeting in November - scroll down for a reminder). Pat reported that apart from slight adjustment to the rigging, it flew "off the board"





And just to confirm the size to anyone who's not seen it yet..



And Chairman Al succesfully flew his electric twin. (Sounded great - even though it doesn't have 'proper' engines.)


Do you think he looks nervous? Or are those just baggy trousers?


I think this was the end of the first ground run (at least that's what Al said - it looked like it just wouldn't take off to the rest of us).

Only kidding - here it goes on a perfect proving flight...



And apologies to Will Harley who had a very successful maiden flight with his electric Dornier (again, as seen somewhere below). I had him lined up for 'before' and 'after' photos and managed to press the wrong button on the camera on both occassions. Well it does fly, and very well too - I've seen it!

And strangely at the bottom of this lot, but the most up-to-date, is one from today (29th March) that Tony took of the pits area which nicely demonstrates something of the variety of aircraft that Club members fly.





Early days and some rubbish flying weather so far (at least at the weekends which is when the majority of us get let out) but the monthly club meeting at the cricket club happened to be a 'Bring and Buy' which was well attended and some amazing bargains were to be had. Tony Box happily took some shots whilst the rest of us were haggling away (and no - I shouldn't have walked away from a kit of the very model I first flew in the New Forest with chum Pete and my Stavely Tone-Lock single channel radio kit all those years ago - so if DE would like to contact NB I am sure there is a deal to be done!!).







Or at least it's started springing a bit more now that the snows have melted. A few good flying sessions were to be enjoyed this month, with hopefully many more on the way. Chairman Al demonstrated the ultimate in downsizing, Tony Box's Piper Pawnee flew successfully and is now a regular sight, and Andy Morse and Andy Hill have been training a couple of youngsters with the buddy box. Good to see some new faces and don't these young'uns ever pick it up quickly?!!
Hopefully I'll get the camera out a bit more now that it's warming up and post more pictures showing the real variety of aircraft that are flown by members. Watch this space!

Al P shows off his little red thing...



And here's how it all starts!



Rory Harris, (aged 8 at the time of this photo but now 9 - Happy Birthday!) walking out to the patch with a couple of instructors, dad Steve and younger brother Archie.
Rory's training is now well underway and he'll be showing us all up pretty soon at the rate he's going!

And Will (Rocketman) Harley has not been spending all his time on things that go straight up and straight back down again - he has produced this amazing Dornier twin engined electric marvel. Watch out Bernie!!









Will writes:
At the time of writing everything works properly and the C of G is just about correct. So here's hoping for a fine, calm day when we area able to get to Keevil to try it! seems to have a vast amount of power with the two motors. I suppose the main potential problem is if the battery runs so low that the motors cut out. There could be a disaster if one speed controller cuts out one motor before the other!


Not many flying opportunities so far this year (and blizzards forecast for the first few days in February), but members have been out there braving the elements and you'll generally find a presence most weekends. A great deal of discussion and not much actual flying so far, it has to be said, but we're ever hopeful!
Tony Box has sent in a couple of shots of his Piper Pawnee (last seen at November's meeting in basic airfarme state) and reports that it is ready for it's maiden flight. Any day now!





In fact, it should have flown by now but a coming together of a fragile, cold, numb digit and a rapidly turning, hard, sharp propellor resulted in a cracked bone and a trip to Casualty for Tony. A lesson for us all, methinks...

Finally found my notes from the AGM with details of who won what. So, apologies for the delay and in no particular order...

The Brian Chandler Cup for the Best Engineered Model of 2009 was awarded to John Bishop for his autogyro.
Ken Simpkins took the Freelance Cup for Aerobatics, whilst Dave Tallen got the Vic Burton Memorial Trophy for being the Most Improved Flier.
The Best Model of The Year went to Garth Pearce for his Waco, and against stiff competition Andy Johnston got suitable recognition for producing the Best Crash of the Year with his Tiger Moth.
Tony Woodhouse was deemed to be the Best Engine Twiddler, and finally Vic Ford was voted Club Member of the Year in recognition and appreciation of the way he took on the job of Club Secretary, (learning about computers and emails as he went along just for the job) and very quickly showed himself to be as an enthusiastic and effective Secretary as we could have hoped for.
Congratulations to one and all.

And by the way, the monthly Club Meetings start on Tuesday 10th February at the Trowbridge Cricket Club pavillion. Details on the Events page.

7.30pm at the Cricket Club Trowbridge.
Has been and gone!
A new Chairman, a new Committee, Votes of Thanks and prizes awarded!
Details of who's who in 2009 are posted on the Officials page.


The monthly get together at the Cricket Club was an opportunity to have a good natter (like we need an excuse!) and to see some of the projects members have underway. Garth Pearce showed us how far he's moved on with his latest Britten-Norman Islander, Tony Box gave a demo on how to create waterslide transfers and also brought along his Piper Pawnee, Pat Cuss took up a lot of room with his third scale Albatross D-V or D-Va (tbc!) and passed on a wealth of construction tips at the same time, and Tony Woodhouse presented his plan-built Hawker Typhoon.

Garth's Islander



Eight foot wingpan, two Saito 56's, fully sprung undercarriage and an ingenious brake arrangment on the nose wheel. It will be finished in the colour scheme of an Isles of Scilly Skybus.

Tony Box showing how easy it is to create your own transfers, complete with an action sequence and a 'here's one I prepared earlier' bit (to cries of 'where's the sticky backed plastic?' from the audience!).



And then a look at his Piper Pawnee project. Didn't get the full details, but it's going to be powered by an OS120 and it's looking good!



Pat's latest WW1 giant, a third scale Albatros fighter. And only 3 months into the build as well!
It will be powered by a Zenoah 62 and is predicted to weigh in at 17.5 kg. Beautiful detail and craftmanship. This will be finished in the colour scheme depicting it as the plane that Von Richthoven flew before he moved on to the famous (infamous?) red Triplane he is more usually associated with.





(Apologies to Tony for missing out on his Typhoon. Details to follow!)


An excellent day's flying on one of those rare Indian Summer type days. The Summer's been such a washout I reckon we deserve a few good days over the few weekends we've got left this year!
Good to see such a variety of models (and most of them in the air at some point or other).
Andy Johnston's Tiger Moth made a welcome return after its fall to ground earlier in the year, Pat Cuss's Bristol was as good as ever after a major refit (rebuild?), and Vic Ford's Spitfire put on a great show flying around as only a big Spitfire can.

Bernie turned up with a couple of electric Twins which Tony Box took up for him very successfully, even though one flight was cut short due to an important bit coming off mid air, never to be found again (but happily landed without damage).

And perhaps a mention for Tony Woodhouse who had the sort of day that would make a lesser man give it all up and take up train spotting or birdwatching or something. Two mid sized planes to have fun with. The first (a Sukhoi I think) had engine problems: low range fine, top end fine, but the bit in between just wasn't behaving, resulting in lots of aborted walks out to the patch and one hairy dead-stick landing (happily back on the patch).
The second (might be a Giles, but I'm not sure) took off fine, flew around for a bit, and then there was a horrible noise that made everyone stop and look up. (Yes, I think even Bernie!) Lots more noise then the sound of a large powered plane turning into a really, really, heavy glider. And it landed OK, and even rolled to a stop (in the rough - never seen that before). And on closer inspection it turned out that half of the prop had detached in flight, and the consequent vibration had caused the engine to tear off the bulkhead and hang loose in what was left of the cowl. So, as they say, 'It could have been worse'..

And then of course, my fabulous Kwik Fly with fitted cowl! What could be finer?

I had a go at some flying shots, but soon got fed up chasing little dots around the sky and handed the camera over to Michael.
Here's one of my better efforts.. Can you tell what it was yet??



Andy Johnston's Tiger Moth:







Apparently it flew as well as ever, and Andy was soon throwing it around in a scale aerobatic manner as only he can.

And Vic's Spitfire was seen tearing through the sky!


(Note how focussed Vic remains despite Carlos's attempt to distract him at the last moment with his South American Quick Step routine.)



After a thoroughly enjoyable flight (for the spectators anyway) Vic brought it in for a real greaser of a landing that unfortunately started slightly off the patch. The undercarriage gave up before it got to the smooth stuff and it came to a sliding, tail up, sort of stop. A great pity, but nothing a couple of hours in Vic's workshop won't put right.

And of a couple of shots of one of the products from the Pat Cuss School of Modelling Excellence.
The Bristol has been out a few time since its major 'refit' and never fails to impress. The rest of us can only dream, but it is always good to see up close the sort of model you would only normally see at shows.





Bernie had a couple of electric twins that Tony Box flew for him (or us?). The first was a Mosquito, below, and I think it might have been a first flight.



It looked great zipping around the sky and seemed to fly really well until something important dropped off and Tony had to bring it down (safely). Not sure what the other one was (looked a bit like a Mossie dressed up as a Hun, but I'm not sure..).

And finally, a proper shot of one of the sweetest planes on the market. Call me 'Mr Retro' if you must (Michael calls me a lot worse so I won't be offended), but I think that this one from the 1970's is still one of the best looking planes ever designed.


(Of course, you may disagree...)



Unbelievable! The early morning mists cleared on both days (OK, so it was more like mid-day before we could get going, but those that did turn out were rewarded with rare conditions (bright sunshine and little or no wind) and a fine time was had by all. I test flew my amazingly pretty Graupner Kwik Fly (OK, so I let Michael do the tricky first bits, but I took it just as soon as he'd trimmed it out for me) and will now get around to fitting the cowl. (Top marks to Paul Walker for correctly identifying it AND asking about its original trademark orange and black colour scheme!) So it's not just me who remembers it from its world championship winning appearance back in the 1970's!
And still no flying shots! One day...

John Bishop has provided more detail and some photos of his single rotor autogyro with which he thrilled us so much recently. It is apparently a Flying Balsa kit imported from the USA.
(I have captioned the others further below.)








A surprisingly low number of members turned out (especially considering the forthcoming closures) but those of us that did brave the unusually clement conditions were given a taste of what should have been this summer...
Highlight of the day's entertainment was surely John Bishop's first flight with his single rotor Autogyro. This man knows no fear! It seemed to be almost uncontrollable for the first few minutes (or was he just showing off?!!) but he kept it 'up there' long enough to get the trims sorted out and have a good long flight and bring it safely back down. To spontaneous and appreciative applause, it must be said, from the unusually silent onlookers!

Sadly no pictures yet (one of these days I'll get some flying shots!) but John has kindly forwarded a few shots of his existing fleet..


A twin rotor Kestrel, built from plans.


And another twin rotor, this one a Whirlgig, also built from plans.

And just to prove he's not totally obsessed with things that shouldn't really fly, here's one of his version of the Airsail Chipmunk kit, done up in the same scheme as the actual 'plane he first went solo in back in 1972.



Now that the summer's over, club meetings have back moved over to the Cricket Club pavillion in Trowbridge.
Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, starting at 19:30 - that's half past seven in the evening to those not with a military background! There are usually guest speakers and sometimes demos to entertain us (I will publish a proper list when details are known). If you're not already a member and you're thinking of joining the club, feel free to come along and ask questions. You will be most welcome!

(You can tell it's August - just check out the cloudy skies!)




After a lot of teething and trimming problems, Tony Box's Focke Wulf 56 Stosser is at last flying well. (Re-engined with an ASP 61, reduced wing incidence, and CG moved forward 1/2 inch.) An unusual subject that looks a bit different in the air.

Roy, big smiles, and his Giles 202



Andy Hill took his F15 up the airfield on Sunday for a pre flight ground run.



Andy is worried what Brian will say after what his 36lb blow torch has done to the grass:



And club stalwart Dave Evans:

Looks like be a case of
'Will this make my belly look bigger?'

If you've got any photos I can decently and legally publish, please send them in or see me at the patch. It'll help me keep the website up to date, and hopefully more interesting for one and all.
(And as soon as I get a new graphics card I'll be able to have a look as well!)
Nick


And it didn't rain!- The wind wasn't very helpful though (quite strong and straight down the patch) but there was nontheless a lot of flying, a lot of chatting, and a great deal of eating and drinking. The event was well attended and all in all a very successful and enjoyable day. Thanks to the organisers for all their hard work, especially Al Pinnington (who even smelled like a burger at the end) for the time he spent cooking, Graham Hamblin and Andy Morse for taking turns at the grill, and to Chris for fetching the grub. There were also home-made cakes, fresh fruit and some beers brought along by members to help matters along. A very fine spread indeed!

And Brian Philips had clearly put in extra time (again) getting the patch to a fantastic state for the day. (Wish my lawn was that good!)



Graham Hamblin takes his 'turn to burn'.


Mike Brode, Will Sturgess and Will's Sukhoi


A selection of goodies from the Bring and Buy line up.


The feasting commences!


Brian imparting some of his immense wisdom to an appreciative (captive?) audience of youths.


Vic Ford's impressive WW11 line up. Both the (re-engined) Focke Wulf and the Mustang had successful proving flights (neither entirely uneventful!) but Vic And Andy Hill managed to get both safely down again much to the relief of all watching. It will be fanastic to see them flying again when Vic's got them sorted.


Andy Johnstone's Bentley BR2 draws a crowd.

Taken with one of those FlyCam gadgets on a pleasant (and quiet!) evening in May.