Just two miles from my humble hovel, and hotly pursued by the Shedpix Command Module, I was flagged down by a concerned citizen in a blue Volvo. Pulling into the nearest lay-by, he queried the maker of the smoke system attached to the offside rear wheel of the command module. I traced the problem to the handbrake that was definitely on and, blushing slightly, I thanked him for his help. He commented that he didn’t want to see the caravan (command module) turn over. I quickly put on my shades and drove off before the dreaded words “Aren’t you Crash Parry?” echoed around the layby. Not the best of starts for the Nats weekend but the command module towing unit seemed to have improved its performance and I continued the remaining 190 odd miles to Barkston without difficulty. I swung into the airfield gateway and was surprised to see that I had driven into the world’s biggest car boot sale. Caravans, motorhomes, tents, campers and all manner of vehicles were parked nose to tail in the area near the main hangar. Permission had been sensibly given to allow the vehicles on to an area of the airfield to avoid any congestion on the side roads. Good thinking! It gave the modellers a chance to chat and catch up on the latest gossip. In true car boot mood, I purchased a CS Oliver Tiger copy and arranged for it to be tuned by Mal “Mr. Motorvator” Pinnuck. The weekend was definitely off to a good start. Assisted by Shedpix Commander Alex Whittaker, the Command Module was established at Base Camp HQ and the kettle was put on. After years of camping, a caravan is sheer heaven with hot and cold water, heating, a shower, cooking facilities and the joy of just being able to stand up, were just some of the blessings we could count. Amazed at how efficient the caravan set-up is, we set off for Woody’s Park just off the Ermine Road for a steak dinner and a bottle of pretentious, but over priced, Sicilian Red. Replenished, we headed for the beer tent to soak up the atmosphere and check out the whisky stocks. No change there, then. Arising at our usual hour, we were both amazed how rested we felt, having had a sound night’s sleep. Breakfast of glider guiders’ branflakes and double decaff coffee was consumed and we were on the flightline by 8.30 a.m. It was very lonely as we realised that our efficient living accommodation was getting us out and about earlier than anticipated and most of the organisers were busy setting up there respective pitches. We were the first car at the RC Showline, but got lonely, so we set off for a tour of the airfield. The Traders’ Town was rapidly taking shape and some combat models were beginning to warm up. A cruise along the control line runway took us to the speed circles where we found the organisers moving 100 yards eastwards with a view to be ready for operation by midday. Practice flights were beginning in other areas and my camera was busy snapping relaxed fliers strutting their stuff.

Returning to the RC Scale line, the competition was, by now, well under way. The weather was pleasant, although the wind was variable in direction and strength. There were a wide variety of models present, covering the whole century of powered flight, and all immaculately presented. Spectators could also see the static judging that is so much a part of the Scale competition, while the flying display is often the most dramatic. The skilful pilot will try to emulate the full-size aircraft in all manoeuvres and speeds in every aspect of the flight. Just to confuse matters scale-wise, we witnessed David Immersely having just taking off with his neat Chipmunk, when a certain B52 made its extended take-off from the airshow and cut across his line of flight. The judges sensibly allowed a re-flight and everyone took the opportunity to view the B52 in its display.

I returned to the combat circles where vintage and F2D were in full swing. Chesterfield MAC’s John Turner was busy preparing his fleet of F2D Russian models and he was kind enough to show me his collection of models and engines. I took the opportunity to take some pictures of the important parts, of a normal model and of a carbon fibre/kevlar derivative. John’s meticulous preparation impressed me and he showed me an example of the performance of these models. The remains of a Zorro engine, with smashed muffler, cooling fins lost or bent, arising from an engine-to-engine mid-air collision, which is now used for valuable spares. A leisurely stroll to the runway brought me to the Gold Cup Aerobatic event, adjacent to the team race circle. It was interesting to see the range of skills required in all these separate disciplines and the increased activity was drawing a large number of spectators.

The aerobatics event involved four flights, with the best two to count for the final top fifteen places. As luck would have it, most fliers on Saturday took advantage of the good weather and put in two good flights. Sunday and Monday would bring strong winds and intermittent showers which served to restrict flying opportunities. Mick Taylor made an early raid on the trophy cupboard taking the Classic event and the Vintage, with Glen Allison making it into the top three in both events. In the speed circle, modern camera technology was found wanting. Attempts to take any kind of shot of a speed model is a long odds gamble with the design, colour, shape and performance of the modern speed model doing nothing to help the camera to focus. Still it was exciting and I was privileged to see Paul Eisner set a new record, covering a kilometre in 10.48 seconds!

As the day drew to a close, Alex and myself found ourselves wandering up the RC runway where the Free Flight Scale event was taking place. This is always an interesting event, with a wide variety of excellent models on display. Some exceptional flights were put in in the fine evening conditions. Over near the control tower, free flight sport flying was in progress as indicated by the whoops of delight and amazement that reached us on the wind. A visit to the National Championships, free flight or power, definitely has something for every aeromodelling taste. The evening was rounded off with a relaxing pint and a look at the free flighters and daredevil depron displays in the hangar.

Sunday and Monday were beset by high winds which restricted flying in a number of events. Richard Evans advised me of some fine combat flying with one bout ending 6 – 2 in cuts, but I missed it! One event I didn’t miss was meeting the great man, John Oliver, who made a brief visit to the event. The maker of the famed Oliver Tiger was taking everything in as he gazed down the flight line and he even had time to pose for a few pictures for my special album. It was interesting to think that here was the man who had played a key role in shaping the future of control line team racing and combat and, in a more limited fashion, continues to contribute. In his early eighties, he is still active and took a keen interest in the events.

The early afternoon was darkened by the last flight of the B52. Taking off for its routine flight, it turned on to the downwind leg and and simply flew into the ground. I was near the C/L combat circle and we all stared in disbelief. Half hoping that the aircraft had flown below the brow of the hill, the tell-tale plume of black smoke indicated the worst. Even the most die-hard control liners felt a touch of sadness at the passing of such a fine machine. To add to the downbeat atmosphere, there appeared to be fewer spectators and the traders were reporting a quiet day. The air of gloom was not to be lifted as the poor weather continued on Monday, the gusty wind bringing in the odd heavy shower which sent people scurrying for shelter. A sure sign that the rain was over was the presence of team race CD Dave Rudd out with his chalk stick, re-marking the team race circles and pits areas. The high winds on Monday prompted the Airshow to close at one o’clock and a lot of traders took advantage of the lull in sales to pack up their mobile model marts, while they were still dry. The team racing and combat flying continued, and with the presentations being made, the final combat bouts were still being flown. Wrapping up the final presentations, the Shedpix staff retreated to the Command Module for a refreshing G&T. Over the next two hours we concluded that the Nats had been a great success for the fliers. It was right and proper to return to the home of the Nats, Barkston Heath. The events had had their highlights but, for some reason, there did seem to be a dearth of spectators who do provide a genuine contribution to the competition atmosphere. While trading on Monday seemed to slow, traders had reported brisk sales on Saturday and the Sunday morning Swapmeet was it’s usual sell-out. Perhaps it is just a follow-on arising from the 2003 situation and we can only wait to detect a definite trend in 2005. I know we had an excellent time and, with the Command Module handbrake firmly in the off position, I set off for the welcome in the hillsides of Wales. Michael Parry Shedpix.Co.UK

Article by Michael "Crash" Parry of Shedpix Digital Image Library
For Bumpy Green Model Aerodrome October 2004

Comment by Paul Bailey on 20041011170443. Rating 5

Excellent review of the Nats. Great to know there are others who like all aspects of model flying and appreciate the skills in each area.I went on Saturday because of the forecasts and had a great day as well as spending loads of dosh on a new model and motor.(Hype 3D and Eurotech 50)Gulp! hope I can handle it.

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