What
was going on in January 1976 in the modelling world. Take a
look back at some snippets from a magazine of the era.
The new year opened with a scathing editorial note to the
readers at large concerning the continued lack of interest in
forming a Non-contest modellers organisation. Receiving only
50 replies Ray Favre's efforts were not unrewarded but not
met with the mountain of mail that might have been expected.
Ray went on to analyse the response, breaking it down into
age group and subject. It seems a broad spectrum of interest
was present but a certain lack of enthusiasm (or perhaps the
opposition to laying out more money) seemed to stem the
attempts to set up this organisation.
Another interesting notice along the same lines as last
months. This time however it's informing the aeromodelling
community that the price has gone up for the licence required
to fly radio control models. I'm still intrigued to find out
when this licence stopped being required.
Cover feature was the OS Cougar Mark II. Representing state
of the art technology, this radio setup came complete with
T/x, r/x, nicads to suit, charger, 4 servos & remote
switch harness. Distributed by Keil Kraft, It also had the
option for fitting a 5th channel operating switch
Campaign for quieter silencers was gathering momentum, and
was now showing proof that quiet engines didn't need to be
under powered. Using a number of different test aircraft,
engines and a variety of silencer types & combinations a
detailed chart was able to be referenced showing the noise
level & power output of any combination. Overall
conclusion having reduced one engine from 97db to 77db. All
this in light of 'The control of Polution Act 1960' changing
the number of complaints required for an investigation from 3
to 1.
At 97db I think we'd get complaints from the next county
these days let alone the locals.
Mick Reeves name appears in a prominent
article for the first time since I began my series on the
Olde Wolrde magazine series. He was the inaugurater of a
novel & fun contest involving r/c planes attempting to
land on a designated area of the runway or strip, measured
out to be the dimensions of an Aircraft Carrier deck. The
Mick Reeves Challenge Event for R/C Carrier Deck Landing
involved some skilled flying and included the later addition
of 3 arrester cables for planes with suitable hooks.
This could be one for a summer event at Bumpy Green.
Only one group photo this month, featuring the Ashford
Thermal Meet fom November 1975. Hosted by Ashford Radio
Aeromodellers with attendance from Dover Bloobirds, Thanet
MFC & the Canterbury Pilgrims.
Recognise yourself from any of the pictures featured,
we'd love to hear from you at Bumpy Green.
