What was going on in March 1978 in the modelling world. Take
a look back at some snippets from a magazine of the era. Other news was the newly introduced UHF r/c outfits and the problems associated with sharing of frequencies in specific bands (in this case 27MHz sharing the 458.5 - 459.5 MHz band with medical and scientific equipment) and offering sympathies to one club who had been told a 458.525 MHz transmitter tower was to be erected just yards from their flying site. |
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Another new device was an auto discharge and timed recharge unit, using some very complex electronics (for the day). One final item was a
variable camber setup which required the mechanical linking of the flap
and aileron servos to allow differential and varying angles to be achieved.
Without the luxury of electronic mixers these mechanical methods were
the only way. Thank heavens for computer radios. |
Also featured a close examination of WWI era full size wooden propellers and their construction as a guide to creating realistic model versions using the same methods. Main pictures showed the Supermarine
Seafire IIc of Chief Petty Officer Ray howlett. Set against the striking
backdrop on the HMS Hermes flight deck. Ray also toyed with idea of
fitting a fully functioning arrester hook system but decided against
as most of his flying was from grass airstrips. |
The Lee Customs were available as complete ready to run units in pumped and unpumped form as well as a send in service for Stage 1 and/or Stage 2 modifications for new or as new engines. |
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Designed to look (mostly) like a real aircraft but able to perform enough aerobatics to be a fly-for-fun type. Building was quite straightforward using standard techniques and when powered by Robin's HP61 it flew exceptionally well. 'Lively but well behaved' was one term used to describe it by a fellow flyer and was more than able to perform simple and complex aerobatics alike. |
The Deveron Valley Flyers from Banff in Scotland are the only group shot this month but there is no mention of names. The picture was taken on the Knock Hill, Glenbarry and boasted suitable flying in any wind direction. |
Recognise yourself in any of these pictures, we'd love to hear from you at Bumpy Green. Email chinman |
David
Hughes editorial for this months Radio Modeller once again focused on
the Department Of the Environment's Code of practice for Model Aircraft
Noise. Specifically the item in question was the noise of competition
type aerobatic models which with an ever increasing demand for power
was accompanied by an increase in noise. This due to the aforementioned
quest for power as well as the high speed manoeuvres involved. The Royal
Aero Club had delegated the SMAE "as the national governing body
for model flying in the UK" should make it's duty the vital care
of domestic competitive flying to ensure the requirements of the code
were in action and competition practice for national and international
events took place at approved sites.
Brian Reed features on the cover of March 78 RM with his fantastic
Avro 504N from Veron kits. Described as a true builders model it used
high quality wood with very little trimming required. Supplied with
a large number of ABS and vac formed accessories including dummy radial
engine cylinders complete with push rod tubes and rocker covers. No
wingspan listed but it looks about 6ft (72in / 1.8m) from the picture.
Finished weight was 5lb 4oz (2.4kg) and was designed for .23 - .36 engine.
Brian however notes he ended up fitting a .40 engine as the .29 he originally
intended to use would fly but was quite marginal. The .40 provided more
than enough power and the final recommendation was a .35 size. Good
scale appearance when flown slowly and even capable of mild aerobatics.
Brian pointed out that being a sticks and strings type model drag was
a significant consideration when landing.
Current
Affairs with Peter Holland looked at the increasing interest in electric
flight with some novel innovations. A home designed 2 piece prop drive
for electric motors, an unusual motor control switch system involving
the rudder channel (?) and the growing use of Flux Rings fitted to can
motors to increase the magnets power.
Scale
Topics with Roy Yates reviewed some of
the new rules being proposed for the World Scale championships to be
held in Woodvale that year. Items included an increased maximum model
weight and possible increase in maximum engine capacity allowed.
Peter Chinn looked at two variations of the K&B 61 Series
75 engines. Developed from the Veco 61 designed by Clarence Lee, it
was the designer himself who took the Series 75 to create the Lee Custom
versions. Modifications included Blue Printing, Transfer and Exhaust
port size and timing mods to increase gas flow, performance exhaust
system and Perry fuel pump. 
Grimsby &
District Model Aircraft Club feature first this month with a quartet
of WW2 demo pilots and their fighters. Brian Fearnley and Alan Willey
in the front row with Spitfires while Chairman Dave Goose back row
left and his Hurricane and Eric Fearnely with his Grumman FM2. It
was hoped at the time a number of new aircraft would be joining the
demo dog fighting including a Zero and Me-109. 
Invert~1 was the
60" span sport aerobatic creation of Robin Saunders. Intended
for .60 size engines and full house radio (all 4 channels).
