Welcome to Chins Chins, my chance to chin-wag.
Each month I will be looking at what's new in the modelling industry, some history from the same month a quarter of a century ago and current Bumpy Green projects I am involved in.

November saw the first heavy frost of this year and even a brave attempt at snow during the third week. Miserable hazy days and mist shrouded runways are the norm with the prospect of frozen fingers during all but the shortest flights. The Vixen is shaping up nicely and I think it is fair to say that I have not done the kit true justice for the amount of time taken to complete it. The airframe is virtually complete as is radio gear and motor / gearbox selection, the final stage is the covering. I have decided to go with the covering provided with the kit to firstly give the Vixen a full and proper review and secondly to teach myself the art of brown paper covering. Having learned tissue and dope by my own hand I don't think this will present me with any particular problems other than time required. My biggest fear is unlike when learning with tissue I don't have a lot of spare covering to experiment with so my margin for error will be greatly reduced.

Like90 are an American company who specialise in micro helicopter upgrades. Among the range are high performance fixed and collective pitch blades, uprated motors for both main and tail rotor drive and a host of upgrades designed to improve a large range of helicopter models. Distributed by www.rcsuperstore.co.uk

Like90 Replacement Blades Three version of the Like90 blades are available and all are constructed to the same high standards using high quality Bass wood and are machined with an improved aerofoil section and lightening holes (3D blades only). Much stronger than standard blades and even some carbon types costing over 3 times the price. These blades make an ideal upgrade to any micro helicopter.

FP238 HHS Fixed Pitch Blades These blades are a direct replacement for all 240 - 250mm fixed pitch helicopters like the Hummingbird, Aerohawk, Dragonfly and clones. The refined aerofoil and modified taper distribute lift evenly over the entire length of the blade resulting in much improved efficiency and a better flying heli! Also greatly reduces the ''coning'' effect of the standard plastic blades and in conjunction with the fixed pitch head stiffener stability is transformed and flight times are even longer.

CP254 3D Symmetrical Blades These blades are a direct replacement for all 250 - 260mm collective pitch helicopters like the Hornet 2 and Hummingbird CP. Fully symmetrical, tip weighted with brass insert mounting hole, these laser cut blades will allow your CP micro heli to achieve its highest potential. these are a bolt on replacement for the Hornet 2.

CP272 3D Symmetrical Blades These blades are a direct replacement for all 270 - 285mm collective pitch helicopters. Specifically designed for the Zoom 400 and Shogun series micro helicopters. They are fully symmetrical, tip weighted, and feature a purpose designed airfoil for the high head speeds that the zoom loves. The airfoil and tip weights give the Zoom the same feel as a much larger helicopter. Each blade features CNC cut outline, lightening holes, brass reinforced mounting hole and is cut from one solid piece of high quality basswood. 284mm overall length - 272mm tip to mounting hole. Available from www.rcsuperstore.co.uk

SAMBA - ARTF Electric 3D The Samba is a very simple but highly aerobatic 3D electric powered bundle of fun. Construction is all built up and there is very very little for the builder to do. The wing is finished in one piece, so are the tailplane and fuselage etc. These just need to be assembled together, (the wing bolts on), the radio installed, the motor system installed and decals added. Specification Wingspan 1000 mm admin Weight 620 g with NiMH batteries Length 980 mm Airfoil thickness 18 % Motor 480+ Cobalt or Brushless using LiPo batteries Radio 4 channel This model is for experienced modellers and no instructions are provided, the procedure is obvious and modellers will have their own way of proceeding. So if you want real electric fun dance the Samba.

LEO - ARTF Pattern Ship The Leo adds to the now highly respected range of F3A style models from this stable. Constructed from a mixture of wood and carbon fibre this model is a serious aerobatic machine and is designed to perform with absolute smooth ease. The choice of engine size, (110 four strokes), is very sensible too. Enough power to fly a model of this size but not an engine size that will cost a fortune to purchase. Specification - Wingspan 1740 mm Weight 4.2~4.4 kg Length 1543 mm Wing loading 77~81 g/dm2 Wing area 54.2 dm2 Airfoil thickness 12 % Engine 1.10 4 stroke Radio 4 ~ 5 channel with 5 ~ 6 servos

Giles 202 - 140 ARTF The original Giles 202 120 size became a legend. It was easy to fly but could perform stunning aerobatics. It was smooth flying but could provide thrilling 3D demonstrations. The Giles 202 - 140 takes the next step up with improvements all round and all new colour scheme. Specification - Wingspan 1800 mm Weight 4.6~4.7 kg Length 1820 mm Wing loading 75~77 g/dm2 Wing area 62 dm2 Airfoil thickness 13 % Engine 1.08~1.60 4 Stroke 1.20~140 2 stroke Radio 4 ~ 5 channel 5 ~ 6 servos

Do you have a new or existing product you would like to let everyone know about? Drop me a line with some details and pictures and they can be included with the next months issue. Email chinman

What was going on in the modelling world of October 1978. Take a look back at some snippets from a magazine of the era. Editorial from David hughes was expressing his concern, like many aeromodellers on the subject of ''who goes where'' on the airwaves. With a growing number of illegal CB operators going on the air and broadcasting on the 27.125MHz. Radio Modeller carried a two page article concerning the reallocation of radio frequencies to be discussed at the World Administrative Conference in 1979 of the International Telecommunication Union. With some 62,000 registered and valid R/C licences it was hoped that such a large number would have sway against the much smaller number of illegal users operating the same frequency. The SMAE were petitioning for a dedicated frequency or frequencies solely for the use of radio control model users and were urging the Home Office to recognise the potential dangers of interference to flying models over boats and cars. The SMAE were also had an opportunity to provide a dedicated flying site in Waltham Forest which was available an unlikely to be threatened by development. It is with great sadness that I learned that Dave Hughes, editor of Radio Modeller and regular author of the column Slope passed away on the 10th of November. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and we extend our sympathies to his family and friends.

Strictly for soarer Slope section showed the then new Ribble Valley MSA and Parlick SAA members on the hill at Parlick near Preston. Alan Colligon was visiting more slopes in the lake district and the exact location was kept undisclosed to avoid previous problems encountered with mentioned slope sites. BARCS got a good featuring as it was then able to offer a Slope Achievement Program for members. George Stringwell was mainly concerned with safety including a change to the ''Pilots Box'' arrangement where any models on landing approach are heading straight at the pilots (along with helpers and timekeepers) in the box for much of the final approach. A potentially dangerous scenario with a number of injuries already resulting.

Old Timers was an RM special interest feature in which nostalgia enthusiasts gathered from all around the country to show off their ''Golden Oldies'' at the Cotswold R.C.S. Old Timer meeting. Models had to be of a design at least 25 years old to be eligible and the variety of designs was vast. As too were the numerous power systems ranging from small spark ignition two strokes to a very impressive four stroke horizontally opposed twin with spark ignition engine designed by Dave Parker who's 1938 Sport Model won the ''Model of the day'' prize.

Ken Marsh headed for the U.S. of A to attend the Rhinebeck Classics r/c event hosted by the Mid Hudson Radio Control Society. All participating models had to be of planes whose prototypes flew in the classic period of the 1920s and 30s. With 36 contest entrants competing over the two days and over 1000 spectators who got to enjoy the model event as well as a two hour full size display each day. Models ranged from a Boeing P26 to the famed Gee Bee R1-R2 flown by Jimmy Doolittle in the racers section and Tiger Moth to Piper Cub in the scale section. George Rose won the scale event with his Curtiss Hawk P6E and also went on to win the speed contest with his Art Chester Jeep at an average speed of 99MPH.

Zeus Mk 2 designed by Mike Smart was an 88" span, low wing, dual purpose glider. Intended for two function radio using AMT and CAR - All Moving Tail and Coupled Aileron / Rudder. Improved from the proven Mk 1 design and after several prototypes which included additional strengthening of the fuselage to be more robust in the hands of a novice. Built to dimensions that, as originally designed for; would fit into the boot of an MG Midget and using standard building techniques, radio and materials. Not intended for beginners but very easy to build and fly.

Peter Chinn was back with a newly updated American classic. The Fox Eagle 60 was originally launched in 1972 and has steadily improved over the years into a reliable and powerful engine. The 'Export' version was slightly modified from the American version to allow for better idling performance on straight methanol / caster fuel. Using bronze con rod bushes ensured prolonged running life and was one of the cheaper imported 10cc size engines available and although not the most powerful was more than ample for a majority of club modellers 60 size needs.

Phoenix 100 from Wonder Wings was designed for the increasingly popular Standard Class of 100" span glider. Suitable for beginners with easy to fly characteristics and no need for anything other than simple 2 channel radio gear it had budget appeal too. All moving tail, foam cored wings, quoted in advertising to be "the easiest to build wings in the world'' and reviewer Pete Buckingham tended to agree. Amid fears of warped foam during construction the final product was perfectly straight. Bungee launch and using an integrated tow release got the model to good height and flew hands off with no trim. Nose down and the Phoenix gathered speed for fast manoeuvres but was gentle enough for even a novice to enjoy.

Scale Topics had Roy yates reporting from the Class-2 International at Woodvale. Run on a team basis with six countries competing with three man teams (expect Italy who only managed one) Competition was close and the flying conditions were among the worst seen at such a contest with blustery wind and heavy rain throughout the two day event. Great Britain came away with 1st, 2nd and 4th individual placing's and took the team win by over 800 points from the second place France. (I guess we are just used to that sort of weather) Also on the agenda was the discussion of a possible Class-3 scale category for those who build but prefer not to fly or don't fly with the same skill as those on the Class 1 & 2 circuits. To be labeled builders class it would feature a higher static scoring system with less emphasis on flying scores.

Recognise yourself in any of these old pictures? We'd like to hear from you at Bumpy Green. Email chinman

Twister is the latest addition to an ever increasing number of micro indoor helicopters. Supplied as a ''fly out of the box'' deal, everything is pre fitted, adjusted and even test flown (so says the sticker on the front) and for the initial hops made by Tony in the close confines of the kitchen (ok so it's actually big enough to fit a pool table in) showed it to be pretty much as it suggested ~ Ready To Fly. Further extended hops and swoops across the garden proved it should be a very capable flier in the right hands. I have yet to master to vagaries of full helicopter control and will be simming it and practicing with the Hoverfly until I can repeatedly and consistently get into a hover and land without incident. The low head speed of the Hoverfly make it a much safer bet to begin with as the Twister has quite a high head speed. I'll be reporting on my progress with the Twister and hopefully it will survive my learning curve long enough to try out some of the groovy Like90 blades featured above.

That's it for another month,
See you in December

Article by John Kent from Bumpy Green Model Aerodrome
November 2004

Comment by DGeugene on 20050531072212. Rating 4

FRENCH je cherche des photos et documentations de l'Armar Gorrion réel. Merci

VIEW / ADD Your Comments This is where you can leave your comments about the article itself or about the subject of the article. For example maybe its a review and you would like to tell people about the experience you have with this particular model. Name: Email Address (optional): Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent = 5 Comments: