Indoor 1 RAF Digby 11/12 Nov 06

The event was fairly well attended with 13 fliers, 10 of these competing in the duration disciplines.  I originally intended to have a program for the competition flying over the weekend, but as it worked out, this wasn’t necessary, there was no interference between any competition flights.  Hand Launch Glider was still the order of the day for first thing in the mornings and when things got quiet on the duration flying.  Six entrants for HLG at this event, with clan Paffett trying hard to displace Dad down the pecking order; this was also the case in the EZB comp as well, looks like Martin will have his work cut out to keep himself ahead in the near future?

The temperature in the hanger seemed a little on the cold side, despite the heating being on for both days.  The heater blowers up in the ceiling were doing a grand job of trying to spoil some of the EZB and CO2 flights as well as the cool conditions affecting the rubber motors and CO2 charges, but durations were creeping up as the day wore on with many commendable times recorded.  Drifting within the hanger due to draughts was minimal, so choosing a launch point to try and avoid the heater blowers paid dividends.

Helicopter duration sparked off some exiting performances, models gyrating and fluttering in amongst the roof girders.  Many of the flights got hung up and some dexterous use of the Roach Pole was needed to dislodge the models, causing damage to some.  This did not deter the pilot from making repairs and flying more attempts soon after.  It’s amazing what you can do when you want, especially when you’re enjoying yourself.

I was the only entrant in CO2 Duration this time round, but none the less a lot of fun was had and consistent flights of just short of 7 minutes were achieved.  This is still my favourite event in the Indoor scene and I hope a future article in this newsletter will encourage others to give it a go.  There is a great feeling of self satisfaction when a flight goes well with these models, especially against several other contestants.

Off the competition scene, Lindsey Smith (Hon) had a table full of rubber scale models, with a very nice FW190 which was giving a bit of trouble with ground looping at launch.  The outer wing panels are detachable and held in place with magnets.  Again, Mike Hadland and Pete Iliffe (BMFA) were guests at the event, Mike flying his collection of Peanut scale models, a Stampe SV4, Tiger Moth and a nice Isaacs Fury 2.  Pete had a new open electric scale model of a late German WW1 Siemens Schuckert DIV fighter.  This model needs to be seen to be believed, the craftsmanship and detail is incredible; and it’s free flight!  Pete has developed a system of printing the Lozenge camouflage fabric direct to the tissue covering for both the upper and lower flying surfaces; this really looks the business, especially with the pink rib tapes.

To conclude then; a very enjoyable weekend’s flying which had lots going on.  I am still able to supply a starter pack of plans for the duration classes showing building hints and techniques etc for anyone wanting to have a go and make a start on the indoor scene.  Below are the results tables after round 1 of the duration events; come and add your name to the lists, go for the silver!  ……...RESULTS So Far:

EZB

CO2 Duration

Helicopter

Hand Launch Glider

Phil Morgan

(Indoor Comp Sec)

Email:  rafmaa-indoor@rafmaa.co.uk

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