 January 03
A.R.T.F. - But is the Pilot?
Will we see the end of the traditional built up model kit in the future? It would seem so judging by current trends. Already we see manufacturers adding new models to their A.R.T.F. catalogue while their kit range remains the same, or in many cases, begins to disappear model by model.
Some kit manufacturers have already succumbed, famously Royal in America and Precedent here in the U.K.
It's ironic that the very technology that has allowed the traditional kit to be brought up to new levels of accuracy, with laser and C.N.C. router cut parts, and the building experience so enhanced because of it; has also helped to give rise to the A.R.T.F. model which is so efficiently ousting the traditional kit from model shop shelves.
It's very sad that so many newcomers to our hobby will never experience the satisfaction of building a model from a box full of bits.
The attraction of an almost complete model can be clearly seen through the eyes of the beginner, and yet they are also attractive to the dyed in the wool old hand, with beautiful scale A.R.T.F. replicas available for little more than one would have paid for the kit of the same aircraft.
The writing is on the wall it seems. Already it's becoming quite difficult to find decent balsa wood. Most shops seem to have only the remains of previous stock still on their shelves - that rock hard and warped stuff that no one was ever going to buy anyway. Their stock of wood is rarely replenished, and who can blame them if they can't sell it? I attended most of the major shows in our area this year and at one of them no one had balsa for sale, something unheard of until now.
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The A.R.T.F. aircraft offered now cover all types, and models that were previously only attempted by the relatively experienced builder and flyer are now ready to be bought off the shelf by anyone. There are clearly dangers here for people with little flying experience and even greater dangers for those standing and watching!
That's the thing with building isn't it? You expend so much time and effort in the creation of the model that you make absolutely sure that every little thing is as perfect as it can be, because if you crash it, all of that time and effort will have been for nought, wasted. Building teaches you the very qualities you need to succeed: care and patience.
Until the advent of the cheap A.R.T.F. model building and flying was a gentle and satisfying progression through the years, one step leading to the next; both skills progressing hand in hand.
It could be worrying flying with people who don't have that investment of time and effort in their model; who will “risk it” because if they crash, so what? They can soon buy another; all it takes is money.
Having said that, if I were a beginner today you'd have the very devil of a job trying to stop me buying a 1×20 powered P47 Thunderbolt or some such! It's natural I suppose. As it was, when I began I had my heart set on a La Mar SteenSkybolt biplane. Fortunately, I listened to wiser counsel and bought a Veron Big Impala glider and stuck a .049 on the nose and taught myself to fly with it. So maybe my fears are unfounded. Let's hope so.
Bait Boats
R/C Bait Boats normally operate on 27 and 40Mhz and are used by anglers to carry ground bait out to their swim.
A club in St. Albans had been having interference problems and it wasn't until one of their members, also an angler, observed these things in action and enquired as to their operating frequency that the cause was found.
The BMFA were informed and duly investigated. It seems those operating on 35Mhz can be traced to one rogue trader who was put out of business a few years ago by the Joint Radio Control Users Committee.
Graham Lynn. Chairman of the JRCUC, believes that the current problems being experienced by one club is a localised problem and he assures us that the problem is not widespread. He went on to say that he and the BMFA are dealing with it and if necessary, they will be taking appropriate action.
At the Field
The gate was found unlocked on the morning of Monday 2nd December. Please ensure you snap the padlock when you leave.
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We had a wrecked car in the lay by opposite the gate for a while. Fortunately it's now been removed.
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A new microwave tower has appeared next to the train line further along the lane. It's about a quarter of a mile away and so shouldn't cause us problems.
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Don't forget there's no meeting in January. The next is on February 4th and is the Concours d'Elegance.
Tip
Do you have trouble fitting self tapping screws into plastic and glass filled engine mounts? If you drill the pilot hole too big they strip easily. Drill the right size and it's almost impossible to get the screw in. So try this:
 Drill the correct size hole. Then take a spare screw and grind a flat each side as shown in the picture. This turns it into a pretty effective tap that will cut a nice thread in the plastic enabling you to fit your screws easily.Brass Neck
How's this for absolute brass neck? One of our number received this e-mail, reproduced here as is:
'Hello,I am buying my two sons Marwal & Surinder aeroplane models for flying Christmas presents.
I have contacted member of flying club near Brinklow field by canal who says you will teach my sons to fly their new model aeroplanes at club field on special facilities.
Suggest we meet up on Christmas day for initial instruction followed by ground instructions to see how model will fly, say 2 hours will do as we have to get back to high tea at 4.30.
What would be good is one hours flying on Tuesdays daytime and followed by instructions to fly on Fridays, this would suit my office hours, what you do New Years day? is suitable for flying and sons enjoy their new planes.
We want assurance that no crashes please as getting upset at crashed plane your responsibility, you understand no payment is given as these are Christmas presents for good.
If problems then plane returned to shop purchasing and you responsible for costs, parts and labour find.
Engines need fitting, you fit engines and shop say tune to propeller in line, no fingers needed as I purchase car starter battery which saves bother.
If contact needed ring office number below or e-mail.
I have opened box of one plane and accidentally broke back wing is it, shop say get new one made as no time before Christmas to get one, you build me new back wing quick and claim on shop prices together, must be quick as Christmas near.
Your help is needed also as no petrol available in shop to starting and running, you have some spare petrol and bring along with you when the motor is tuned to plane.
If you send address in case need to see you about urgency of broken part or you can deliver not big distance? remember no charge you see shop for re-imburse to you, best way.
Plane x2 type Kyosho ARTF with servo operations in line, you can explain also to my two sons.
Signed, M. B*******
Speechless! J
For Sale
ED 2.46 Racer Diesel with standard & RC Carb'.
ED Bee Diesel, complete but not original carb'.
AM 1.5 Diesel with Silencer.
For Vintage fans - ECC 951B Valve receiver, never used, in box.
Offers
Contact page for contact info.
Happy New Year!
(And don't forget your BMFA subs! £23 :-))
Quote:
…..but I don't think it bigoted to say that self-taught flying produced the better and safer pilot. Some did not survive, of course, but those who did, because everything was self-taught and learnt at first hand, never forgot.
`Sky Fever'
Sir Geoffrey DeHavilland G :-)
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