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A selection of photos showing some recent club activities.
Mostly from the Phantom afternoon at Berkeley on 12th January --- good to be back flying!!!
A nice seasonal photo. Would have made a good club Christmas card ! Paul's model on his track on 9th January. | Scott's new build for EasySpeed - "Tough Cookie". | Dave R's new build - A Chris Coote Stinger MGYR for Mini-Goodyear or EasySpeed ? or both! |
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Dave R's model for the EasySpeed comp in February. | Waiting for the 'off' - 10 laps to be timed | Scott's Merlin powered Phantom Mite. |
Scott's Mite in flight | Another Phantom - I've lost track of whose they are !! This one probably Alistaitrs or Dave F's ? | One of Dave Raynor's two Phantoms |
Not sure who owns this one ? Possibly Scott? Phantom Mite. | Alistair's - according to his BMFA number on wing. | Dave H's 2.5cc Phantom - pre disaster. Now possibly needing a rebuild ! |
Dave F's 2.5cc entry. | Alistair's winner in the 2.5cc class - best time 24.65s. | Dave H's Mite. Fastest of the Mites (19s for 7 lapson 30' lines ). |
Not sure whose ? | Alistair's winner in the 1.5cc class in 29.22s. | Dave H's entry in 1.5cc class |
Dave R's Oliver powered entry in 1.5cc class | What !!! Dave applies the electic starter to Alistair's model. Instant start! | Judges time Dave R's model whilst onlookers have obviously spotted/heard something special happening in the stunt circle. |
Dave R adjsting the Oliver Cub in his Phantom. | Dave F taking the strain on another fast lap | Alistair releases hsi Phantom for a smooth takeoff. |
One last slight tweak of the compression ? | Dave H releasing his Phantom 1.5cc. |
Some of the attendees at the indoor flying at Thonbury 16/11/24 | and afew more with Tim getting his models ready | Watching the flying at Berkeley on 27th October |
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the search for the lost pushrod gets underway - eventually found! | an Oliver Rat motor that's decided to start in reverse! | Colin Bell with his beautifully decorated Spacehound. |
Scott's KK Champ with regulation 10cc tank ( for 30 lap hopefully ). | Sam launches his catapult glider at Thornbury Leisure Centre. | Robin's entry for the EasySpeed event. |
happy winners of the Oliver Rat Race on November 10th - Nick & Jan | The Oliver Ratters at Berkeley - at end of racing. | A good Phantom Lineup at Berkeley. |
Robin's kk Champ - the one featured on OuterZone. Great paint job Robin! | Nick launching in the Mini-Goodyear event. | Paul and Scott rotating nicely during the Oliver Rat event. |
Nick Collecting his prize in the Nationals Vintage Combat | Dave's EasySpeed getting a flight in - but not a very quick time unfortunately. | Mervyn's own design model at Thornbury. |
Dave releases his Mini-Goodyear model with some determination! | Luke's entry model for the EasySpeed event - an Owl Racer ? | Luke checks his rubber/bearing ready to launch at Thormbury. |
Kevin with his F/F KeilKraft Pirate at Colerne. | - complete with a Lego Pirate so there's no doubt about the model name. | Jan gets ready to launch as another Gimminie Cricket floats past on it's way to land. |
John B at Thornbury with his BMFA Hangar Rat model | Nick readying his large stunter at Colerne. Ready for even more practice - no wonder he does so well in club stunt events | Another scrumptious cake from Janet! |
Timing the EasySpeed practice flights at Colerne | Dave's new models for late '24 and 2025. | Can't miss out on some freeflight when there's no wind. Flying 'til the very last minute of daylight at Colerne |
Some EasySpeed and MGYR models awaiting flying. | Dave's replacement EasySpeed models - a converted Linesman model. | Dave R's Mini-Goodyear about to be released. |
Dave R's second EasySpeed entry. | When this cutout was called into operation it did just that - it cut through the fuel tube! | Dave P's Centi-Phase soarer ( not at Colerene!). |
Four KK Champs having a day out at Colerne. attempting to do 30 laps on a 10cc tank - and at speed ? | Dave's indoor semiscale model at Thornbury. Was a 4channel electric RC model - converted to rubber F/f. The opposite direction of converting to most jobs! | More nice cakes with the delivery man - Jim. Thanks Janet. |
Dave R struggling to get a first flick restart in Oliver Rat |
Paul G launches his KK Senator for another nice flight | Paul's Senator high up and climbing | Dave launches his VMC Fledgling - finally sorted after a few trim changes |
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The Fledgling passes by | Paul winding His KK Ace | Nosher ( Denis) with his team ( on the left of photo ) after picking up 3rd place at the Buckminster vintage combat event. |
Dave's Class 0 Weatherman after finally making a successful flight at Colerne. Not flat out though - as with the needle screwed fully in the AME 049 still ran ! | Scotts combat selection - each with a different Oliver-ish motor - A Ridley , a CS Oliver and a K12. ( plus a PAW). | Nick's APS design Coy Cat with an OS35 |
Colin's collection of stunters - A Nobler with an ENYA 35 , a Thunderbird with a Brodak 40 and his Tucker Special which he considers to be still in need of a litttle extra trimming., | Dave taking the opportunity to run in his new Steve Fardon Mk3 Oliver. | Colin releasing Nick's Typhon ( not Typhoon) model for another schedule . |
Brendan with his mini-fleet of smaller C/L models | Brendan fuelling up his Talisman stunter. | Robin with his Ellipitas model. Was powered by a ED Super Fury but now updated to a MVVS 2cc. Much improved , steadier , performance |
Konrad's Ringmaster used to enter the Taster Stunt event. | Also in Taster Stunt - Scott's Acromaster with PAW motor. | The high scoring 1980 Aerostar of Nick Bridges. |
Conrad executing an inside loop with his Ringmaster |
A reminder of better weather days. The tether car track looking good in July. It would be great to see more members attending in 2025 ? | Richard Evans' Spirogyra. Published in Aeromodeller in 1972.Now enlarged and a few mods made. Not yet flown. | The Enya glow powering Richard's Spirogyra. |
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Recently joined member Robin has been building an Owl Racer for Mini-goodyear racing. Too late for this year but will boost our numbers for the 2025 season. | Other recent 'joinees' are father and son team Luke ( now without beard !) and Joe. Here with a small rubber model , a Cloud Tramp and a very nice catapult glider ( just needing some decent weather!). | The club's 'combat boys' on the left (Stewy . Tony and Ian ) after earning third place in Vintage Combat at the British Nationals at Buckminster. |
What an E20 wing looks like when the wind blows through your car as you slam the door. RIP. | Robin getting some practice in with his Mini-Ringmaster ( a free Dave Cowburn plan in AM June 2021) - PAW 149 powered. | Scott waits in the circle whilst Reelika restrains the model and Dave applies the starter to his Weatherman. Robin looks on. |
The Weatherman gets away .... testing use of silencers in larger engines at Colerne | Sept 15th at Colerne. Scott flying the Irvine 40 powered Weatherman Class 6 model | Colin Bell at Colerne on September 15th flying his Thunderbird ( powered by a Brodak 40 glow ) |
Looks quite impressive ? Just experimenting with some self-adhesive stuff supplied in error! Not easy to apply and very diificult to get off after a few hours! | A nice lineup of Voetsak Tribute models ( all powered by the mandatory AM25s ). These fly very well but don't necessarily fly fast or restart easy. | Voetsak Tribute models with owners , pilots and pitmen ( and timekeeper). The club allows these to be proxy flown if required. |
Pete Morrison with two of his beautifully finished Phanton Mites. (Berkeley on August 18th ) | Jim's Phantom Mite didn't fly on Phantom 'day' but has since flown well ( and quite fast) after being degummed . | Dave's model awaiting finishing touches. A KK Champ , a Phantom Mite and a new Rat Racer (Ratty2) for a Steve Farndon Ollie. |
Some club members making the most of the hall being available on a rained out CFA day at Berkeley on Sept 22nd. Managed to get in some serious Dart practice ready for the October 13th Air Race |
Stewy comes third in the Oliver Combat competition At Old Warden on July 28th. | From the left - Nosher and Ian with Stewy making up the third placed team in this Annual competition. | At last the the grass has been cut and the free flight gets going again at Colerne on July 28th. Nice weather and good turnout. |
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Paul's rubber model gets away with a great launch. | Someones model making the most of the thermal activity... let's hope it has a working DT? | Colin's 'Hummungus' vintage stunter at Colerne |
Colin's beautifully finished 'Spacehound' at Colerne | Nick's 'Typhon' ( not typhoon'! ) stunter at Colerne | Ollie on the horsing platform having just got Daves glow powered car off to a good start. |
paul's track looking good in the sunshine ( amkes a change from the wet! | Paul's Bluebird with just one wheel on the track! | Another view of Paul's track. |
Phantom lineup at Colerne on 30th June. | OK - Phantom racing finished what's next!. | Pete turns his attention to Dominator combat practice. |
New member Robin with his Ellipitas model, | First flight of the Ellipitas - very successful and looks good in the air! |
A few Random recent photos!
The workings of Paul's MK17 powered Bugatti model | Doug with his beautiful brand new Fred Boxhall coupe model | and away it goes on it's maiden trial flight |
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making a short but really steady first flight. | Gerry launching his rocket powered scale Vampire model | Indoor - Jan launches his Gyminnie Cricket model |
A different Gyminnie Cricket flies nicely just under the ceiling in the GC contest. | john M's Pennyplane in the rubber duration competition. | Dave's own-design 14" model in the duration competition. |
Voetsak Tribute flying at Berkeley on 9th June
Timekeepers ready - let's get some flying done! | Dave readies Pete's Voetsak. In the 60 seconds warmup period. | Pete in the magic circle - with his unusual horizontal handle piloting style. |
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Paul swapping the motor in Dave's Voetsak - but no improvement! | Alistair releasing his model for the fastest timed 10 lap session to date. | Alistair's model goes past - ably flown by Jan. |
Jan's own Voetsak - recorded the fastest 60 lap time of the day. | Ex- Nick B's Voetsak - entered by Scott and flown by Paul. | A good mix of models waiting in the pit area. |
Indoors at Berkeley - 12th May - BMFA Dart Air Race
During trimming a Dart gets caught in left over Xmas decoration string. Do not do this at home! | Dart winding and preparation underway . | two models being wound , one on its way around the balloons. |
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Scott gets his Dart away. |
Dave's new OD model on first takeoff - surprisingly speedy !
From a sunny but windy day at Colerne
Scott and Reelika travel a long way to be there so they like to be sure to have plenty to fly ( 10 models!) | Newish member Geoff with his 3 newly built models. A DC Spitfire powered Firefly , a PAW 149 powered Gazelle and a PAW 249 powered Peacemaker ( to which Geoff had added flaps) | Scott giving Geoff's Peacemaker a trial flight. |
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Colin preparing his latest model ( a Tucker Special) for another trial flight. | Dave had a nice MPJet 1cc motor spare so he designed this model for it. Goes like stink! |
Photos from the Jack Marsh Oliver Trophy held at Old Warden on 19th May.
Preparing for some practice | The winning teams ( our club's 2nd place team on right hand side ) | Not all survived ! |
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Preparing another model | The club's team ( L to R ) Stewy , Sion ( distant member from Minorca!) and Ian. Sion with his Kanible '68 model. | Sion picking up his winning bottle. Hope he shared it? |
Taster Stunt competition at Berkeley on 12th May 2024
Judges for the days Taster Stunt comp - Reelika and Ernie | Wide range of models in the pits awaiting their starring moment! | Tony preparing his OS40 powered Thunderbird with Scott ready for releasing duties. |
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Tony in action during the 'two laps inverted' section. | Scott concentrating on his level laps with his PAW249 powered Akromaster | Watching and judging ( officially or otherwise ) the competition's flights. |
Richard flying his Enya09 powered Junior Lightning Streak whilst clutching his manoeuvres schedule reminder ! | Simon (also with reminder sheet) flying his AM15 powered Picador. | Paul flying the PAW149 powered Roundsman |
Dave P releases Nick's OS35 powered Aerostar for his round 1 flight. | Nick's Aerostar going to inverted mode. |
Berkeley on 14th April - Mini-Goodyear comp
Busy day - Mini-Goodyear here ..combat behind and some aerobatics at the other end of the field. | Anxious moments...awaiting the countdown to start. | One minute warmup...30 seconds to go. |
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Scott and Simon nicely circulating in the centre circle. | Jan launches Pete's model after another pitstop | How many laps to go ? "let me know when we've done 35". |
Let's get back into the action! | Hurry up pitman - they're getting away from us! | He's behind you !! ( well it is sometimes a bit of a pantomime!) |
Voetsak Tribute speed/racing competition at Berkeley on 17th March
A serious looking Alistair warms up the motor in his new Voetsak Tribute | Dave Farmer flying Alistair's model | Dave Raynor's Voetsak about to get away on the club's take-off strip |
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Pete Morrison's immaculate model awaits the call to the circle! | Pete Tribe giving his AM25 a final tweak. | Paul Griffiths flying Dave H's Voetsak. |
Dave hand launching his Voetsak after the mandatory pitstop to avoid the puddles ! | A Voetsak Tribute spraying water everywhere as it tries to break free of the waterlogged field. | The end of an interesting afternoons flying - and no breakages ! Maybe it'll be drier next time? |
Paul's tether car track Thursday 14th March
Ernie and Tom Preparing their new Roadster for action | Paul McD's electric Rc controlled chassis awaiting it's first trial run. | The end of another good morning's car running/testing. |
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March 10th - as evening draws closer and the breeze drops its time for a quick flight with the Tomboy | The Tomboy returning with the help of a little RC assist. |
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Thornbury Leisure Centre on 9th March
Tim gets his catapult glider away for another flight | Due to a mixup there was a shortage of tables! Scott and Reelika prep theie models from the floor | Ernie piling on the turns on his Butterfly model. |
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Gerard's large electric powered indoor/outdoor FF model. | Mervyn really stretching the catapult rubber to get his model up amongst the metalwork? | Dave watching his small profile scale racer navigate the airspace. |
Mervyn's very nice Penny Plane. | Scott keeping an eye on his Gyminnie Cricket rubber model |
Colerne 3rd March -chilly!
Ist Colerne meeting of 2024. The snow is just about cleared and Paul launches his KK Gipsy | The speck in th middle is Dave's 16" rubber model making the most of the calm (but cold ) weather. | Reelika , Scott and Richard Evans getting ready to do some flying. |
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It doesn't matter how cold it is if you've you've got your sandwich , a flask of tea and some models to watch ! |
"EasySpeed " at Berkeley 18th February.
Some of the 8 entries being made ready for the start. | A repurposed Mini-Goodyear model ready to go. | Reelika's easily identified model! |
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A repurposed Linesman trainer - but failed to complete the necessary 10 laps! | Scott running up the PAW to test the motor run time - suitably equipped with wellingtons to cope with the water-logged ground! | Jan makes sure that Simon's BooRah gets safely away for it's two laps prior to the ten timed laps. |
Timekeepers and Dave R waiting for Dave H to launch. | Dave R launches his MGYR model for one of his three timed flights. | New (returning after a 40+ year break ) member Geoff prepares for a trial flight with the club training model. |
Thornbury Leisure Centre Indoor flying January 20th
Lots of members , plenty of models but very little flying so far! | John Bond launches his Gimminie Cricket | All eyes on someones circulating Cricket |
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Ernie B 's wife winds the motor on his large duration model | Mervyn really stretches for the launch of his latest catapult glider | Alistair gently releases his Butterfly model for another nice steady flight |
Dave's 14" duration model cruising around. | Timekeeper at the ready as Tim releases his Gimminie Cricket | A rapid climb away for Kevin's Hangar Rat |
Phantom Speed flying at Berkeley on Jan 14th
Timekeeper Reelika waiting fot the action - with the new ' timing pole' in line with the takeoff point. | Some of the 9 Phantoms present on the day | Two 'matching' Phantoms - at the front a PAW149 powered model and an Oliver 2.5 powered version behind |
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the one and only Mk 1 Phantom in the competition | Alistair firing up the Oliver in the Mk 1 model | - and away it goes |
Dave Farmer flying Al's model watched by timekeeper/contest director Ernie and 'helper' | Dave R releases his model which then quickly climbs away | Scott settles the model into level flight |
Pete T flies his Phantom with his typical horizontal handle action. | Dave H releases Brendan's Frog 249 powered Phantom | Most of the motley crew and their helpers and models - another fun filled session draws to a close. |
Prizegiving at 2023 AGM - Berkeley 10th December
Phantom event winners for 2023 Dave Hanks and Paul Griffiths receive their certificate from club chairman John Bond (on left) | Winners of the Voetsak Tribute events for 2023 were Dave Raynor (L) and Scott O'Brien (R). | The 2023 Combat champion was Tony Parton-Frost (R) |
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Indoor Champion for 2023 was Mervyn Harris. | Overall Control-line champion for 2023 was Paul Griffiths - our Free Flight secretary! Multi talented! | Mick Lewis receives a photo print of the front cover of the months Aeromodeller - as he recently took part in his last competitive combat event - having been flying combat models since the late 1950's !! |
Reelika receiving her certificate as the club's 'Helper of the year' for 2023. |
Colerne 26th November - at 12.30 - 3 degrees and raining but you can't stop keen SBMAC fliers!!
Nick flying in the rain ! | Colin flying in the drizzle/fog | Scott and Reelika keeping warm? |
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Reelika with her own Mini-Goodyear model ( obviously taken on a much better day! | which does do the motor or fuselage a lot of good! | Scott's Talisman make an unexpected vertical arrival |
and for something completely different. Jim's grandson Angus towing up his kite. I think Jim has plans to replace the kite with an A1 glider soon? |
Thornbury Leisure Centre Indoor Flying on 18th November
Lots of air and floor space - shouldn't have any mid-air collisions! | Kevin gets his model away. | Two models circulating nicely |
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Ernie watching his model making its way upwards for another nice flight. | Ernie's model on it's way back down? | A nice neat box of safely secured models. |
Steve T watches Mick's RC model flying. | Another view of the 'pits' area. |
Berkeley on 12th November Oliver Rat Racing - sorry no pics from actual race - but some other random photos from the day.
A break in the Oliver Rat Race allows members to watch some of the trainer flights. | a day guest having a flight with the club Linesman trainer | Guest flyer Ed has his first go at C/L flying - having last been involved with his father's aeromodelling many years ago. |
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From indoor flying on the same day - Reelika with her own built Gyminie Cricket |
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