Once again we have dusted off the old bumpy bus and headed off into the wild blue yonder. This time we found ourselves at the Vintage and Electric day at Old Warden. The show was put on by Traplet publications.

After a brief look around we took a stroll down to the flight line to get some pictures and video footage. It wasnt too long before we bumped into everyones favorite famous face Dave Boddington. You know Ive never seen Dave without a huge smile, there must be something in that deisel stuff. Dave was flying his deisel powered Junior 60 and by the looks of it loved every minute. I cant say that I blame him they are so relaxing to fly on a warm still day.

Another model flying was the buzzard bombshell which put on a fine display for the crowd.

We then had a good chat with Peter Dawson Who as you know is the editor of Radio control model world. Peter has been of great help to us at Bumpy Green and deffinately deserves a huge vote of thanks from us. Its nice to know that even somebody as busy as he is can still take the time to offer some support.

Buzzard Bombshell under fourstroke power.

The Boeing B29 powered up and started its takeoff run, the speed was built up and after a good length it gracefully took to the air with the bell X1 strapped to the belly.

Colin was flying the 4 engined B29 superfortess while Bob Arrowhead was at the contorls of the Bell X1. The B29 flys on 4 Speed 700 motors with a gear ratio of 2-1 fitted with 13x6.5 propellers, there are 4 x 15 cell battery packs per motor and with the bell X1 attached weighs in at 32lbs. The B29 flew a couple of very scale circuits before the bell x1 was dropped on the count of 3 and fell back very realistictly.

The X1 then glided around before an attempt to fire an onboard rocket was fired, unfortunately due to technical problems the rocket never fired and the X1 glided down to a safe landing. There will be no record breaking mach 1 speeds reached today!!

After the bell was dropped the motors on the B29 were switched off and it glided a circuit, powered up and flew another couple of circuits before the landing gear was lowered and the model was lined up and finally touched down for a superb and realistic landing.

And so to the other attractions. We decided to take a look at the trade stands and see what was about. Also to buy some much needed fuel from Southern model craft. I always try to buy my fuel here as it is very reasonably priced (£7.50 per gallon) and has always given faultless service to us at Bumpy green. Choddy was very taken with SAMS Models. Always a regular at old warden and one of those stands you just have to visit. If you dont know already Sams specialise in free flight models and are agents for the Gasparin range of C02 motors. These little motors are of exquisite quality.

If you have never seen one "then your education is sadly lacking" as a well known and rather vintage scotsman (Eh Mr Imrie?) would say. The choice of radial and flat fours etc. will suit many types of small free flight model. Also Sams provide just about every concievable item necessary for free flight, including very fine japanese tissues.

After a quick coffee we strolled off down to have a look at the free flight area. This is always an eye opening experience and you never fail to meet some very talented and interesting people. Also, be warned it can be a very hazardous place if you dont keep your wits about you. Its not called free flight for nothing so take a sense of humour along. Some of the models fall under the category of "unorthodox". These are usually very strange flying objects that resemble anything but aircraft. Others are tiny scale models or vintage craft with home made engines. Well worth a look.

At this point I should like to offer many thanks to Dave Baker of S.A.M 1066 (society of antique modellers) for speaking with us in detail about getting some of thier members to provide more information on vintage modelling for the Bumpy green model aerodrome. And also Ken Croft, a prolific engine builder who I promised that I would try and encourage/Help younger Modellers coming into this Branch of our hobby (article coming soon).

It was coming towards the end of a most enjoyable day and I suggested to choddy that we head back to the Radio control tent to catch the last few flights of the day. When we arrived we met up with Steve Dorling Who was flying his electric glider. I have to say that we were both very impressed with this model it seemed to go on for forever flying on a speed 600 and six 2000 mAh cells . Just flying low slow circuits on the glide and then climbing with the power on and starting again and again.

Sadly it was time to leave for home, So we said our goodbyes and off we went. I drove and Choddy poured over his First Venture into Free flight. "YOU GUESSED IT" . He just couldnt resist that little rocket powered Bell X-1...............

Article by Grot and Choddy from Bumpy Green Model Aerodrome
25th May 2001

Comment by Brad on 20041017164730. Rating 4

Could anyone please provide me with information on purchasing plans by Dave Boddington?

Comment by John on 20050302144712. Rating 5

I have seen the video of the Boeing B29 dropping the Bell X1. But I can't seem to find it anywhere. Would someone please send me the link or tell me where to find it? Thank you in advance

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