Carl prepares his Albatross

This year we were represented by Carl who brought his lovely aerobatic ‘Miss America’ model.  This has retracts and he was able to display these to interested spectators.  He also brought his indoor E-E-flite Blade helicopter which he flew at frequent intervals.  He had lots of fun trying to land on Jim’s head. Jim brought his large ‘Lightening’ model and a Spitfire both of which attracted much deserved attention throughout the day.

Peter brought his PC9 Roulettes and the Fokker Tri plane built by Len.

George displayed his magnificent Fairy Swordfish, his Zulu, Tiger Moth and the Pinguin.  It was this latter model which attracted the attention of the press photographer.  A picture of George and the Pinguin duly appeared in the Lytham St Annes Express.

Also at the event was a 10th scale model of the AV Roe tri-plane (pictured right) The original was flown at Blackpool in October 1909 but due to bad weather only managed a hop, skip and a jump!

The show was run to raise money for the Air Ambulance and it was a pleasure to meet again Neil Airey, one of the Air Ambulance helicopter pilots.  He is a very interesting guy to talk to and has offered to give a talk at one of our forthcoming social evenings. 

It was a really interesting show.

The 10th scale RV Roe

Dave has posted a number video shorts old and new on the gallery page. Why not take a look.

Don’t forget our first social evening is on Tuesday 20^th October at Fleetwood Cricket Club at 7.30pm, when we have a talk from Overlander. Don’t forget there will be opportunity to purchase items on the night directly from Overlander. Several other flying clubs are attending, so it looks like it could be one of our best evenings ever. If you have problems parking on the night, there is an overflow car park on Fleetwood Road, the other side of the tram tracks that belongs to St George’s playing field.

FCMFA members have been invited to Blackpool’s first social evening of the winter, Wednesday 7^th October, 7.30pm at South Shore Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool. Dave Swarbrick and Harold Dowbekin will be giving a presentation on their latest large scale gas turbine project, the Grumman F9F Panther. So if any member would like to attend, you will be most welcome.

Public Footpath Across our Runway Rejected.

We have received notification from Wyre Borough Council that the Inspectors final report is available for examination at www.wyrebc.gov.uk (click on 'A', locate Area Action Plan and read the seven downloads).

"Policy 5 amplifies and supports policy 4 as regards movement and Accessibility  within the AAP, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Its provisions are appropriate to the Area, although the Council has suggested changes improving clarity and coherence which I support to ensure effectiveness. Revisions to the multi user route are also proposed in order to reflect the latest scheme being implemented with the support of the public body REMADE. This revised route offers an attractive and convenient route away from vehicular traffic that does not conflict with the model flying club airfield and is capable of delivery. I therefore support this change."

In a different part of the report it states that the construction work of the multi user path will commence in 2010 and be expected to be completed in 2017, the multi user path is to follow the coastal route and will not now cross our airfield.

Just for your information, REMADE is REclamation and MAnagement of DErelict land (REMADE): REMADE has been set up by Lancashire County Council in partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency as part of the Agency’s commitment to tackling the region’s derelict land problem.

Our club's resistance to the proposal was worth while.

This really is a lovely model. 92" long with a 94" wingspan. Fibreglass fuselage, booms and a fair amount of carbon fibre to keep the weight down without compromising strength. The bare airframe weighs in at just around 17lbs with an all up weight of about 27 lbs.

John has fitted a neat powerbox system which distributes the power from two Lipo batteries.  Air down spring up Jet A1 retracts are fitted complete with brakes. All servos are JR as is John's transmitter.

The power comes from a Wren 2200 XL which seems to be more than enough, he can fly round comfortably on half throttle. In the air the model has a very gentle feel and tends to be smooth but you have to keep it moving however John can slow it up for a nice slow approach with flaps down and ailerons "crowed up" acting as air brakes.

Take a look at the video link on the gallery page.

Jameson Road will be closed to vehicle traffic from the 27th to the 29th September 2009, between the hours of 5pm to 11pm for resurfacing work.

If you are at the field on these dates, don't get locked in, remember to leave earlier than 5pm. 

If you see other members can you pass on this message to them.

Andy Monks has invited Overlander Batteries to the first meeting to give us a talk/demonstration. Overlander's fine reputation for quality battery assembly began over 30 years ago an they are now based fairly local to us in Forton. The range of cells and packs has continued to grow to meet the needs of UK modellers and in addition to batteries, Overlander's range now includes the finest accessories, motors, speed controllers, electric model planes and many other items.

This is without doubt an evening not to be missed. Details of the topics to be discussed will be available closer to the meeting.

The North West Model and Hobby Show is taking place on the 16th and 17th May at Lowther Pavilion, Lytham. 10 to 5 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday

This is the first event for the show and the organisers promise over a dozen trade stands. The event has been organised by two local boating clubs however it covers all aspects of modelling.

If successful it will become an annual event so could be worth your support to get it off the ground.

The Blackpool and Fylde R/C Model Society have kindly invited FCMFA members to their evening meetings in February and March.

On 04/02/09 they will be hosting Andy Ellison ( the RCME columnist) as a guest speaker. He is an expert on the use of composite materials on models and is well known silent flight competitor.

On 04/03/09 Bob Blackburn will speak on his specialist subject which is micro miniature radio systems and indoor R/C - hopefully there will be demos.

Both meetings will be held at South Shore Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool. Starting at 8pm.

The committee would like to wish everyone a  very Happy New Year and hope that 2009 is a good year for us all. If nothing else, 2009 has got to be a better year, weather wise, than the last two years, it can't be any worse, can it?

It was agreed at the clubs AGM on the 9^th December 2008, that the FCMFA fees for 2009 would NOT be increased. They will remain the same as 2008, that is £50 for Seniors and £25 for Juniors, there is still a joining fee of £20. This is the second year in a row where membership fees have not been increased.

BMFA announced that their 2009 fees are also staying the same as 2008.  Their fees are:- Seniors £28, Family Leader £28, Family Partner £18, Junior £15 and Family Junior £11.

Social evenings have recommenced, the next one will be on Tuesday 3rd February 2009, at 7.30pm at Fleetwood Cricket Club. There will be a talk and demonstration in nylon covering and glass covering, everyone is welcome. 

Thanks.

Andy.