tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56089710669578120842024-03-18T13:10:36.883-07:00Willowracingianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.comBlogger371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-31034517803112105072024-03-15T07:40:00.000-07:002024-03-15T07:40:45.636-07:00First evening flying of the Spring<p> I might not always be feeling like it but the longer nights gave me the chance to get the Wyverns to the slope for an evening's fun. Fun really is the best way to describe the evening. I've been steadily improving the model's set up so it carries the energy through it's maneuvers better and better.</p><p> I wouldn't say that I'm going to be starting to pump at the races this year but from the first flight I was giving it a go. The Wyvern doesn't seem to need the same all up weight as the Saker to get it going around the corners. When I have flown the Saker and Wyvern back to back they each deliver similar performances- but through a different route.</p><p> The Wyvern model's agility delivers a rapid and accurate roll rate.</p><p>Looking forward to some more fun evenings with my new toys!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcORBiRwgDq6WRtzXj4bJq8NXSiRTPXkFyuFzC11MK-AEKpz8sFakOZdu0vBU-nq_VrmcFGKABgOau6OLI3Q9TvvxuFH8g3Q0F9VAG59oBXhQ16MRpQG537-mpZWn-MYE1VMMDdlWlAyoBvy-foxkZnh0_p0qHQINXVagTOa3dBRs4KxB39h9UWxJqmgM/s3504/wyvern%20scheme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcORBiRwgDq6WRtzXj4bJq8NXSiRTPXkFyuFzC11MK-AEKpz8sFakOZdu0vBU-nq_VrmcFGKABgOau6OLI3Q9TvvxuFH8g3Q0F9VAG59oBXhQ16MRpQG537-mpZWn-MYE1VMMDdlWlAyoBvy-foxkZnh0_p0qHQINXVagTOa3dBRs4KxB39h9UWxJqmgM/w414-h414/wyvern%20scheme.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> </p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-30123251342465989232024-03-08T07:03:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:03:55.723-08:00Bump start the summer league<p> In order kick start a pilot or 2's summer flying I've decided to make an offer on the New Wyvern design. If a group of club mates want to make a combined order of 3-4 models ( I hope with the aim to race these models). I will have the models shipped to your door for £600 each.</p><p>Contact me for details if your interested in getting your hands on my latest favorite model.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePupOBN6wB8n61azIu186ICOpg5-vhny3FBU8jOFrNKxG6kPTPKLGjgFGt_Nd0dQnPnzadKJwUFj94q_q_-mBKFJ_NcP1twJ-mh_akiWPDNhA3b0fQeiXb2WA3OJ-RPWLVMSGR4oTLm9fvME4OKFLHd-PjgXAQOmuUcrhoS6vYtp9N7iRdMI5ALNzkL8/s3225/0308_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2419" data-original-width="3225" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePupOBN6wB8n61azIu186ICOpg5-vhny3FBU8jOFrNKxG6kPTPKLGjgFGt_Nd0dQnPnzadKJwUFj94q_q_-mBKFJ_NcP1twJ-mh_akiWPDNhA3b0fQeiXb2WA3OJ-RPWLVMSGR4oTLm9fvME4OKFLHd-PjgXAQOmuUcrhoS6vYtp9N7iRdMI5ALNzkL8/w404-h303/0308_1.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-12834633485029580482024-02-19T08:01:00.000-08:002024-02-19T08:01:57.518-08:00Wyvern- my new winter project<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitXHnVt-B0e9PeFLcMEvMfwETeVdbVD8OqRoT8bbiBv-ZC95h3evXynwrfKBJaMJSi0dOr9J4rVsf9vsQaWkOzPpPgvgXf_phnEZmQcXbFKQF1_U1CHP9bh_OQumaCwQqY_7NewaPLgPIqUiAFCNS1d5w0etHen5_pU0e8XwrYrJST9mxSljPX7quR8wQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="2524" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitXHnVt-B0e9PeFLcMEvMfwETeVdbVD8OqRoT8bbiBv-ZC95h3evXynwrfKBJaMJSi0dOr9J4rVsf9vsQaWkOzPpPgvgXf_phnEZmQcXbFKQF1_U1CHP9bh_OQumaCwQqY_7NewaPLgPIqUiAFCNS1d5w0etHen5_pU0e8XwrYrJST9mxSljPX7quR8wQ=w496-h187" width="496" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No racing at the
weekend but a fun day on the slopes with some mates and as the clouds cleared
in the afternoon, the opportunity to sports fly on some of my favorite hills.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst there was a
chance of a race it was obvious that the I would be flying the Saker but when
the race was called off I took the chance to fly the new model that I’ve been
working for the past year and test flying over the winter- the 2.65m Wyvern.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Producing a model design that works is a hugely
rewarding process, seeing your design win rounds and competitions- as I have
done with the Saker is an amazing feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Wyvern is not a model to replace my Sakers but something different.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been some
great smaller models which have had an influence on me over the past 20 years
from the Needle, Wizard compact and the legendary Caldera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like these models my own Falcon design
has proved to be the model I enjoy flying more than any other.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flying just the Saker
and Falcon designs over the past few years has really helped my flying and
racing skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been relishing the
development of this new design, aiming for that perfect balance of a model with
the fun handling of my Falcon but delivering exceptional racing performance.<o:p></o:p></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-14786096404278336592024-01-29T05:24:00.000-08:002024-01-29T05:24:33.051-08:00All the right slopes but not necessarily in the right order<p> The last couple of weeks have been a perfect example of sods law and the winter's racing so far. Last week the race was supposed to be on the Wrecker and I enjoyed a fantastic day's flying at Whitesheet, this week's race was to be at Whitesheet and I had a fantastic time flying off the back of the Wrecker.</p><p> We take part in an outdoor sport and just have to accept these things. It did make me think of the fine margins that we judge our seasons on.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzvg2c2BDTwVei4gzIu0EHOFRIUrdIhaTNfR-acWsgD1MVlBg8YY9RaT7y9VVUIzPcyn1a0ecH_nuLeaDj5PFpZ2UBKJDJBJFHwybKkHuyEKK-vuwAwevZPuUbqIGlPKgs6BVpQSOMX1DE7V5ChrfDRWi9pv5geM9IjdK4zKLVKWDTVLkKlI7SuBpZyY/s3504/poppy%20jan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzvg2c2BDTwVei4gzIu0EHOFRIUrdIhaTNfR-acWsgD1MVlBg8YY9RaT7y9VVUIzPcyn1a0ecH_nuLeaDj5PFpZ2UBKJDJBJFHwybKkHuyEKK-vuwAwevZPuUbqIGlPKgs6BVpQSOMX1DE7V5ChrfDRWi9pv5geM9IjdK4zKLVKWDTVLkKlI7SuBpZyY/s320/poppy%20jan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMytuVX58LFR2tTCKlAqVCuhD-NN9XPxxWsx-dYEBNFumUqaYtMcKgxxMQqBYW7Jop2LG8oISaqAg0BGFF86LByW6fRnkHZ29rb3ezeKwY1fNget55bBeXDBzLSmmhJVUAHy2Bq4wug23b-upU5Kq7P__Df6_zqt4daUjUWRbhz0MYDwYmCfXP35l2vI/s3504/wyvern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMytuVX58LFR2tTCKlAqVCuhD-NN9XPxxWsx-dYEBNFumUqaYtMcKgxxMQqBYW7Jop2LG8oISaqAg0BGFF86LByW6fRnkHZ29rb3ezeKwY1fNget55bBeXDBzLSmmhJVUAHy2Bq4wug23b-upU5Kq7P__Df6_zqt4daUjUWRbhz0MYDwYmCfXP35l2vI/w391-h391/wyvern.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p> Last week I was saying just how much fun I'd had over the last 2 years taking the Falcon out for my flying trips. This week I again started with the Falcon, the speed and buoyancy of the air was very different to Whitesheet and the Falcon ripped up the edge to put a massive smile on my face. The compression layer was simple to find and although the shifting wind meant that there wasn't always the air to drive the EM turns I was able to play with different turns.</p><p> The Saker was the model that was the greatest revelation, the last few races on the back of the Wrecker have been light winds and I was convincing myself what a small model compression based slope it was. To a large extent it's true but after a cart wheel landing (blame the turbulence) there was no model damage but I decided to throw the Saker off, wow! The extra mass of the larger model just made the turns that much easier and she felt so fast. Why isn't it like this for me at the Welsh open!</p><p> Choosing between the 2 models is impossible, both are fun, fast and feel so predictable to fly. </p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-51631044734724851542024-01-21T11:01:00.000-08:002024-01-22T02:46:02.057-08:00Storm flying commitment<p> In 2022 I committed myself to take on any and all weather conditions that slope dog would come out in. While I've had to invest in some new warm clothes I've been rewarded withe some of the most exhilarating flying.</p><p>While today started with good air the wind built up steadily to full on storm force. Whitesheet has a tendancy to blow out in these challenging conditions but that doesn't stop it from being great fun.</p><p> Since 2022 its been the Falcon that has been my go to model. This remains the model that I enjoy flying the most, balanced and buoyant I never worry about adding ballast but she can't half go!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7r9bbINsr4JZsaH3evm5W9lpKl-0GsW6qM7OqEEmMhN200bBXQrhHTdEa7vdcJVK86oqJthyphenhyphen5Acxa1MhsWQzmmFXywEiILxtAjxgoVoHNRFX_qQW_RPaN3T9K-ha5ohEYVS78DC1SL7DjB44iMaazofbgFi-Ss_bzym1EvMNpqnO9yd10LSnSOExFQw/s3504/IMG_20240121_122810_187.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7r9bbINsr4JZsaH3evm5W9lpKl-0GsW6qM7OqEEmMhN200bBXQrhHTdEa7vdcJVK86oqJthyphenhyphen5Acxa1MhsWQzmmFXywEiILxtAjxgoVoHNRFX_qQW_RPaN3T9K-ha5ohEYVS78DC1SL7DjB44iMaazofbgFi-Ss_bzym1EvMNpqnO9yd10LSnSOExFQw/s320/IMG_20240121_122810_187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I'm not sure if it was conditions or Whitesheet's unique approach to protest parking but the number of other pilots were the lowest for a while. You don't know what you're missing!</p><p> Let's hope for a great race next weekend!</p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-10119800643896476352023-12-23T07:34:00.000-08:002023-12-23T07:34:21.289-08:00Just so much fun<p> I know this is the time of year when you're supposed to be writing a reflective postvabout the past year. After the year my models have had i will d that. But today was get out and hit the road before the sun was up to get some air time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchgmySHbX_I2DwGz6kfZPpgzkKoEe3nDUKtaeHXwPWST_FVWBLQ7nh9SPvozP1nPbnEVSGuS_7a-t7fq6iiQhj214PoVSinuOGZOeA7VqXy4u7LY2alcKX1LNeN_MY7YwV5c4f0jic4QH58bJWyWqlllnpB2NHv5SF_YY8CHs56UiH_w8oac6V-UAbcc/s3504/IMG_20231223_101621_602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchgmySHbX_I2DwGz6kfZPpgzkKoEe3nDUKtaeHXwPWST_FVWBLQ7nh9SPvozP1nPbnEVSGuS_7a-t7fq6iiQhj214PoVSinuOGZOeA7VqXy4u7LY2alcKX1LNeN_MY7YwV5c4f0jic4QH58bJWyWqlllnpB2NHv5SF_YY8CHs56UiH_w8oac6V-UAbcc/s320/IMG_20231223_101621_602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDHE0OM8m1tkFFgDXk-gBVibhPhfkessz8XWF6Nmo4WMirmbBBcUnCQMNiSeOhAQ7fkdq8JrOeifb-SzgRymnM9zbPvCDnFYMOCDS-APLehw4nVfcIuA36JkR4KQwlD9bY5c-y-zkcuB2TW3moEug_7BH_W3xl9jJKb2JCeBTQsUSYSPco4J4VSzjkx8/s3504/IMG_20231223_103922_114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDHE0OM8m1tkFFgDXk-gBVibhPhfkessz8XWF6Nmo4WMirmbBBcUnCQMNiSeOhAQ7fkdq8JrOeifb-SzgRymnM9zbPvCDnFYMOCDS-APLehw4nVfcIuA36JkR4KQwlD9bY5c-y-zkcuB2TW3moEug_7BH_W3xl9jJKb2JCeBTQsUSYSPco4J4VSzjkx8/s320/IMG_20231223_103922_114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>. Forget avoiding shopping, 15-20MPS winds and just a huge smile on my face! Both models ripped up the sky. Trusting the airframe is a big part of getting the most out of it and i do!</p><p>Simply joyful fun. </p><p>Happy Christmas </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-46768183429501321522023-12-17T07:29:00.000-08:002023-12-17T07:29:53.097-08:00Sharing at christmas<p> Just because the weekends race was cancelled was no reason to cancell meeting up with a few mates. It seems that a good number of other pilots also decided to do the same and whitesheet was the busiest I've seen it for a good while. </p><p> The gap between flights gave JP the chance to snaffle my new model and program it into his transmitter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfyUYFF3oMtKXvuBDE8b5R1HW_SKWYc0qGVpi5Wc_ZaDqisMDOicXzPEgBxtxVay0PJ3aBJ6lShgagf83yUCUyHfl8DPAbF-GIEwXOz0_tW01IgzO8RLmcRyQvyOIqQjnsIZ6zUmpVPeyoNdkkptW1k0BP2ZSb_kIyDftf0-LX_ASkCzk7xSVyyV7TzU/s3504/IMG_20231217_105234_335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfyUYFF3oMtKXvuBDE8b5R1HW_SKWYc0qGVpi5Wc_ZaDqisMDOicXzPEgBxtxVay0PJ3aBJ6lShgagf83yUCUyHfl8DPAbF-GIEwXOz0_tW01IgzO8RLmcRyQvyOIqQjnsIZ6zUmpVPeyoNdkkptW1k0BP2ZSb_kIyDftf0-LX_ASkCzk7xSVyyV7TzU/s320/IMG_20231217_105234_335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Turns out it can go go much faster with the right thumbs, resulting in a happy pilot!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ISnUpj4KUxSR0khsP2k6Y66IznUSd4CSgrU4q55Ubq_A8bow7UtrEVj_DIalZNzuEWm_ViGknMZpAp021K3JdNDJv7yMnxdbDvq2t5USsZwKoA4MAAwrGYu6zLWR4kHAvU-wZP1FmEzz5X9nqKtYFnWcncUBtlmkSHQYPYQrHqazeYi1j1on2a37f-Q/s3504/IMG_20231217_110715_477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ISnUpj4KUxSR0khsP2k6Y66IznUSd4CSgrU4q55Ubq_A8bow7UtrEVj_DIalZNzuEWm_ViGknMZpAp021K3JdNDJv7yMnxdbDvq2t5USsZwKoA4MAAwrGYu6zLWR4kHAvU-wZP1FmEzz5X9nqKtYFnWcncUBtlmkSHQYPYQrHqazeYi1j1on2a37f-Q/s320/IMG_20231217_110715_477.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>. While IM already looking forwards to the woollybacks 2023 continues to be a fun year!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-91912224249567518502023-11-28T07:43:00.000-08:002023-11-28T07:43:57.245-08:00New Wing fit out, new servo gearing<p> Although the weather hasn't been great for flying lately I've been busy putting a new wing together with some improvements made to the fit out.</p><p> The quality of the materials and fit in the wing continue to improve- and they have been good for a long time- just like the Kingmax servos.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5TOXptg8-dEu9Gu0Z69O1vUMK9y5c20tD6joC6UW6ONHsA9ZNyqLa8TDmxoajjQSr-7MeB2E4cz05AL-oMIxyvfU_0EIo3fhAot_HMvBdBPF8Iu-nzOMG5rkCDj6IDJFO-0fmEMTMF_04BOIY7MuSSJ_tcy35VkSj5WThSdxTtZ1ZC0g9D4JmVVTcgyQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5TOXptg8-dEu9Gu0Z69O1vUMK9y5c20tD6joC6UW6ONHsA9ZNyqLa8TDmxoajjQSr-7MeB2E4cz05AL-oMIxyvfU_0EIo3fhAot_HMvBdBPF8Iu-nzOMG5rkCDj6IDJFO-0fmEMTMF_04BOIY7MuSSJ_tcy35VkSj5WThSdxTtZ1ZC0g9D4JmVVTcgyQ=w360-h360" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> I have never taken to LDS systems, I'm not sure why, I've seen them work and they look great. But I just feel attached to horns and clevises in the wings. Luckily that lovely man at Flight tech has helped to develop a hybrid that allows me to use the very neat LDS servo arms and ball raced servo frames but connect to the horns I just keep using.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7NSPmDBDd_cHHVE_evUO1_-OCJJfgopnsPtvcTR2JwYDWJersqhK5TH_IwG5H5bUCj3wBV9qw60fOhNLVPooIfj4upxsN5kXanwK63_i2cBe45RfS6v6AUzS7kFhPAhCcQRqYeGTo8LfufMFIrzFummJKqlJOeTF_0_tCVVcWCIEEPhRWcBHfyOu-Y0U" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7NSPmDBDd_cHHVE_evUO1_-OCJJfgopnsPtvcTR2JwYDWJersqhK5TH_IwG5H5bUCj3wBV9qw60fOhNLVPooIfj4upxsN5kXanwK63_i2cBe45RfS6v6AUzS7kFhPAhCcQRqYeGTo8LfufMFIrzFummJKqlJOeTF_0_tCVVcWCIEEPhRWcBHfyOu-Y0U=w392-h392" width="392" /></a></div><br /> What was immediately obvious was that the fit is very easy to set up with effectively no slop. When I was setting up the servos, the throws would need to be increased to get the same movement. Greater resolution, lower strain on the servos and slop free- that all sounds good. After a few flights the controls actually feel more crisp and with more servo throw things like delayed and curved snap flap seems easier to set up.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-7559134223250723392023-11-05T01:13:00.004-08:002023-11-05T01:16:18.328-08:00What a blast!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Its that time of year when the family look at you as if you've gone mad, the weather getting colder and storms blowing across the county it should be a time for lighting the fire and staying at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Slope dog and I found ourselves drawn to the slopes instead. With the wind gusting between 25 and 40mph i had the falcon ballasted to 3.4kg and streaming around the sky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> One thing change I've made since last winter is to use the hybrid LDS links and clevises. Its on days like this where you want maximum power going to the surfaces and zero slop that it shows itself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">. Sometimes its good to just have a blast and enjoy yourself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi_RoZAwxnTOnUkU9z1hjyy-tWM9p_fgUcGoO56El9j23CIhgigclN_vSn8dVkX9aSJFmDOYNa29puDrtkxl-5Q8DDMJBE5zW8vVY-ArgI0MAa5O13WwfjdWDiR37ZlHwTc8VN3tvBRCXz91K_KEpbMrx-wR1JFeDq-JbNk18aJzmGvzGa8j_844BnAU/s3504/IMG_20231104_105950_346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi_RoZAwxnTOnUkU9z1hjyy-tWM9p_fgUcGoO56El9j23CIhgigclN_vSn8dVkX9aSJFmDOYNa29puDrtkxl-5Q8DDMJBE5zW8vVY-ArgI0MAa5O13WwfjdWDiR37ZlHwTc8VN3tvBRCXz91K_KEpbMrx-wR1JFeDq-JbNk18aJzmGvzGa8j_844BnAU/s320/IMG_20231104_105950_346.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-76683438600238625292023-10-09T04:14:00.005-07:002023-10-09T04:14:53.021-07:00The Saker cleans up across Europe!<p> Today was meant to be a considered pause after a great weekend at the HoH. I will do that justice soon but today looks to have been the day that all the league results are in for the UK and also the Eurotour.</p><p><br /></p><p>John and his Saker has swept the board-.</p><p> The British League climaxed this weekend, with JP edging out Mark Redsell in the final race. For me a great summer in a range of conditions and slopes that has shown the Saker's versatility over the months.</p><p><br /></p><p>The EuroTour- also a win for JP and the Saker.</p><p><br /></p><p>Not sure what to say, it's been an education to see JP fly the Saker this year. Practicing, setting up and learning the model. </p><p><br /></p><p>I can't think of better evidence of the Saker's quality and performance than such a dominant year's results.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-35865395767945451542023-10-07T05:50:00.001-07:002023-10-07T05:50:36.178-07:00Final weekend of the season<p> I've made the trip up to the Hole of Horcum for the climax of the summer season. After races the top 2 pilots are separated by fewer than 5 points so even when my thumbs put the brakes on it should be a great contest to witness. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN-PJanMFnep4dbWIhFMUA4lICpxBJ0-OUnEOFunZGVqeBaW3cENkdWEespjeKMHe-bBonCEsI2oz2PouFkhdhbsgvlZKdpjMWaReR4pU05ZTXPx8uyTZ7Yil0sE74TIbXW-LVrlZ4Sv7bAFazeuJqnxbangMVkSziWGFPjKLbjzOy6amrTgUej_7Ktg/s3840/IMG-20231007-WA0004.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN-PJanMFnep4dbWIhFMUA4lICpxBJ0-OUnEOFunZGVqeBaW3cENkdWEespjeKMHe-bBonCEsI2oz2PouFkhdhbsgvlZKdpjMWaReR4pU05ZTXPx8uyTZ7Yil0sE74TIbXW-LVrlZ4Sv7bAFazeuJqnxbangMVkSziWGFPjKLbjzOy6amrTgUej_7Ktg/s320/IMG-20231007-WA0004.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Its been over 10 years since my last flying visit here, that's been too long. Simply a great place to spend a Saturday and even better when There's the company of other pilots. Ignore the sat NAV distance and the early morning - today feels worth it before the race. </p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-74069127906328668022023-09-25T07:38:00.005-07:002023-09-25T07:38:39.526-07:00Storm force winds and Ballast<p>What a combination! the prospect of 30mph+ winds and the opportunity to get out with the Saker should definitely not be turned down. Flying is not all about racing between the bases and there's such a rush in ripping up the hill. The Saker's lateral stability makes flying in rough air a dodle.</p><p> I'm not sure that Slope dog was quite so pleased to be out in the wind!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEqxybMUySUFuMHhaQX6vKfVF-qSNjsV2Ai6PbVcZn_xNA2J9tDU4K4ZFMXC47ttROmmaDoAj9G6KKVnM7feJYoZdHgILFIp1Yo4DvOxU4o8OKFQgAshajfk-Xgp9i22F_Azs3svPePs_Amu382M9XqDAI0e2F2mLRGKdW4toJLKt5pxyHzKJRE_dYX4/s1752/IMG-20230924-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1752" data-original-width="1752" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEqxybMUySUFuMHhaQX6vKfVF-qSNjsV2Ai6PbVcZn_xNA2J9tDU4K4ZFMXC47ttROmmaDoAj9G6KKVnM7feJYoZdHgILFIp1Yo4DvOxU4o8OKFQgAshajfk-Xgp9i22F_Azs3svPePs_Amu382M9XqDAI0e2F2mLRGKdW4toJLKt5pxyHzKJRE_dYX4/w417-h417/IMG-20230924-WA0001.jpg" width="417" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-56828429704166397992023-09-18T07:03:00.002-07:002023-09-18T07:03:14.628-07:00A welsh Open victory!<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 round wins and JP’s
Saker takes the Welsh Open, following on from the English Open win I couldn’t
be more proud of the model’s performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My thumbs on the sticks this weekend had the effect of slowing the Saker
down, but even with the damp conditions this weekend I couldn’t help smiling.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not a small
undertaking to produce a model design but when it comes off so well the rewards
make it more than worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since JP
switched to the Saker his domination of the league, English and Welsh Open
races has been remarkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot
remember another example of 1 pilot and model being so dominant.<o:p></o:p></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-14138850900879826792023-09-09T11:45:00.004-07:002023-09-09T11:45:36.643-07:00Hot day in Wales<p> Although life and family commitments are making my Welsh open participation very doubtful, I wasn't going to miss the chance of a day out on Mickies. I was slapping on the factor 30 and Slope dog was heading for the shade but such a glorious day.</p><p> After focusing on the race winning Saker for the last few weeks I took the chance of flying my Falcon models. I just love this model, in light air like today on a narrow edge it runs the edge so well but when I decided to head out and pick up some thermals, it's just so easy to read and centre the lift- can you tell I had fun?</p><p> With the wind/ sea breeze in single figures all day the ballast stayed in the box but the Falcon does carry the energy so well. My second model was a new model and test flight. I fitted out the wing with the Flight tech hybrid LDS system and frames. LDS servo arms linked to conventional horns. Zero slop and excellent gearing resolution from the servos all adds to the model's performance.</p><p>Just a really good day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA1rw3JNU5We0LqGMC5_cGxqkLHVlfVDWEI0C8ftfNxgMdtcGKmzKAhKShO-usK60bE_10oMjzcgc4VlOj0GPeyi-HjFCJWehG67U7Vql3uYP9aLQP3Yd8RK_7OqvbvBV1b7YzRHxB5fA4lUzXqyQkKDbkj4fesytG78JPbHg9Wth57LMxaLt5-GtiOQ/s3504/IMG_20230909_134126_373.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA1rw3JNU5We0LqGMC5_cGxqkLHVlfVDWEI0C8ftfNxgMdtcGKmzKAhKShO-usK60bE_10oMjzcgc4VlOj0GPeyi-HjFCJWehG67U7Vql3uYP9aLQP3Yd8RK_7OqvbvBV1b7YzRHxB5fA4lUzXqyQkKDbkj4fesytG78JPbHg9Wth57LMxaLt5-GtiOQ/s320/IMG_20230909_134126_373.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4rA_xFSlo0ulh2yMEEtmR-XlkE-gXbrnPuPrwnYpt1bC6FKUCq8jNxExZiDNdZORFirhekDXWfcXoIoqAEcsXq-m7MlheNQBI4-uPddVyPELcswtW_KCUIsyaKkIOLWrH3GNV02mUGVoVt5ePyKt5v5tA4r6slKmgPgqv8FPWE7Xql59DSG77hF__TM/s3504/IMG_20230909_134314_538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4rA_xFSlo0ulh2yMEEtmR-XlkE-gXbrnPuPrwnYpt1bC6FKUCq8jNxExZiDNdZORFirhekDXWfcXoIoqAEcsXq-m7MlheNQBI4-uPddVyPELcswtW_KCUIsyaKkIOLWrH3GNV02mUGVoVt5ePyKt5v5tA4r6slKmgPgqv8FPWE7Xql59DSG77hF__TM/s320/IMG_20230909_134314_538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-52043938015921466012023-08-23T06:09:00.001-07:002023-08-23T06:09:24.191-07:00Product development<p> Just before English Open, the latest delivery landed. Great fro me to be able to meet up with people at the English Open. I did get the chance to take a picture of the new wing joiner. The joiner will now allow for 12mm*8mm ballast. Adding to the ballast held in the fuselage.</p><p> I've never felt the need for more ballast once the Falcon or Saker are fully loaded but as JP loved his steel joiner, heres a much easier version.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_RaBB0g7AoogBpFy0uu5YaRxlwpXrS-Qv7fFcdt_CIReG6SZ3v_J9mk76KsjYt5uCrFimpGBB4GoRejao85VIPfGO4GLMVTJtlQyRjh_PbhXimV0NeOGeseC5EsEnRLmUAeWmfchiHIJiKtWHeDt5p2phpgK_2-mcsx0aaydLfLcSvC53Ni9Js8ZFyw/s3504/joiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_RaBB0g7AoogBpFy0uu5YaRxlwpXrS-Qv7fFcdt_CIReG6SZ3v_J9mk76KsjYt5uCrFimpGBB4GoRejao85VIPfGO4GLMVTJtlQyRjh_PbhXimV0NeOGeseC5EsEnRLmUAeWmfchiHIJiKtWHeDt5p2phpgK_2-mcsx0aaydLfLcSvC53Ni9Js8ZFyw/s320/joiner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-68082626460318424052023-08-21T02:05:00.006-07:002023-08-21T13:54:02.182-07:00Saker continues to prove itself as it wins the English Open<p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzGv2n34ET_bWYvcoKQ757xXGb18LNdMvMYwVMx1oV6kJ8Glp4MmeCn-kxXb429Xdqc74de-fGdUo3qtVocbPjHHLVOBqnV4v5UOyi-d0N3iSEy678ztq5s9e3uxOcNCxloZxQqmApmGsJ6J2UkXP2GLkXPzES-bbD2_iUho-O-1JmFFaCVESXZZYAfs/s3456/IMG_6787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzGv2n34ET_bWYvcoKQ757xXGb18LNdMvMYwVMx1oV6kJ8Glp4MmeCn-kxXb429Xdqc74de-fGdUo3qtVocbPjHHLVOBqnV4v5UOyi-d0N3iSEy678ztq5s9e3uxOcNCxloZxQqmApmGsJ6J2UkXP2GLkXPzES-bbD2_iUho-O-1JmFFaCVESXZZYAfs/w469-h312/IMG_6787.JPG" width="469" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqjMTP2Xq1WCCMqYd5-AJ9TO2U0oXV1FU_zAe1X_jL0yR5tzuGQqsJMf-jmqWAsw3WiZw7b62qks5ROKMswtNxjjfEabxp8YpEszAevod2TAh6TcfKwoZBg8aY6Nlkmnr_VJI1AMsEuY9Rrniwk6TAMh3N2B5h12-lvqJhQaqaUBsoDVM6xnstrcLp9Q/s3456/IMG_6776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqjMTP2Xq1WCCMqYd5-AJ9TO2U0oXV1FU_zAe1X_jL0yR5tzuGQqsJMf-jmqWAsw3WiZw7b62qks5ROKMswtNxjjfEabxp8YpEszAevod2TAh6TcfKwoZBg8aY6Nlkmnr_VJI1AMsEuY9Rrniwk6TAMh3N2B5h12-lvqJhQaqaUBsoDVM6xnstrcLp9Q/w470-h313/IMG_6776.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /> The English open has
become one of the fixtures in the F3F calendar and as a non league event has a
special atmosphere. The race showed just
how many pilots are now capable of winning rounds and making the most of the
air that they are given each round with a range of different models.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think that
there were any new models on show this weekend.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Producing a model in
my experience is by no means a quick or 1 man task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>12 months ago<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was able to hand over the first prototype Saker to the Dark lord for a
flight at the end of day 1 of 2022’s English open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a great deal of work just to get
the model to that point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Greg and subsequently
JP’s feedback on the Saker was positive- the CAD work by Mike Frances is
stunning and we have been working in conjunction with the manufacturer to
improve the layup. This summer JP has started to campaign the Saker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The South of England Euro tour and now the
English open have been dominated by the Saker.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being able to see a
model that you have put so much effort into deliver is a fantastic
feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This weekend’s English Open saw
the Saker win 1 round in my hands and 8 I JP’s, along with the FTD and the
overall competition by a mile. Perhaps my round win is an illustration of the
Saker’s performance more than Johns!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks have to go to
those member of the Whitesheet club who helped to put on such an excellent
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll post some pictures when I
get the chance.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTbyKFO_7fyg--QN4Is-z51djrsRW1YEbkVVmlMz2LAoOwjlG92IAyWhKwTipDn0gv1dcD21i2EAR8yoeHq27g_byXzLHOe7tFVyCR1tGo3Lj56yUmOXViNB7vKJOML4xvk1BnQv5DapdiZg8mdckJCaY9ldMtq1jGiJHVIXOMBvblawyzltPZhs6bSk/s3456/IMG_6810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTbyKFO_7fyg--QN4Is-z51djrsRW1YEbkVVmlMz2LAoOwjlG92IAyWhKwTipDn0gv1dcD21i2EAR8yoeHq27g_byXzLHOe7tFVyCR1tGo3Lj56yUmOXViNB7vKJOML4xvk1BnQv5DapdiZg8mdckJCaY9ldMtq1jGiJHVIXOMBvblawyzltPZhs6bSk/s320/IMG_6810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-88595578678802389542023-08-12T13:05:00.001-07:002023-08-12T13:05:06.637-07:00Fun flying but wheres the sun shine<p> </p><p><br /></p><p>Feels like chances to get out to fly have been few and far between in recent weeks. Last weeks race at the mynd was one of vastly differing conditions.</p><p><br /></p><p> The Sakers predictable behaviour and reactions to different lift made the race much easier. I even found myself keeping up with the Saker master himself - JP.</p><p><br /></p><p> Whist I should be talking about summer time thermals, today's flying was very similar to the Mynd. Variable air coming through meaning the turn style to use seemed to change turn by turn. It's so nice that the Saker is easy to read and react to. I'm not sure my thumbs still won't slow it down but it's good to know that the Saker is proving so capable.</p><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-86495798651154502442023-07-04T08:42:00.000-07:002023-07-04T08:42:30.489-07:00South of England open- one of the best<p> The south of England
Eurotour was one of my first races for a long time and it turned out to be the
first competitive outing for JP and his Saker.
Although my own limited thumbs mean that I am always very much an
outside bet I love multiday events. The prospect
of meeting up with some European as well as more local friends had me heading
off to the glorious slopes of East Sussex.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is an argument that
many F3F models have come together in terms of design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3m span models certainly dominate and to the
untrained eye you’re very much relying on trademark colour schemes to separate
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not decrying these models-
they clearly work but it does tent to draw you eye to those models that stand alone.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Caldera T, flown
by Deiter Perlick really stood out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Deiter makes beautiful models which have tended to the smaller spans
over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not surprisingly the T
ailed model flew ‘as if it was on rails’ and showed a remarkable ability in the
turn.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deiter, in common with
many of the better pilots, did not stick to 1 turn style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the weekend unfolded you could almost see
him learning what worked on the hill as the conditions changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one was better at doing this than the
eventual winner Markus Meissner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Markus
was 16<sup>th</sup> after the first round but hunter England’s Mark Redsell
down, round after round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark lost first
place in the very last round of the competition.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The greatest change in
fortunes came for John Philips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
day 1 he was in 17<sup>th</sup>, including a fight with the local plant life-
que John bringing out his Saker and producing one of the most dominant day’s
flying that I can remember- Day 2 was JP day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t think her was ever out of the top 4, as the Saker showed the way
through some challenging conditions.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My own performance was
also improving and more than keeping up with the improving form of many
pilots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being able to watch John fly my
design with such success was almost as good as flying them myself- the Saker is
without doubt capable of mixing it with just about every other model out
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell you about the bad
luck I had with the lift fading as I flew the last flight of the day but lets
not…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weekends like this are
about far more than the podium finishers or just the racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those long days in the sunshine and wind were
finished off perfectly with a ‘debrief’ over a cold drink or 2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s at times like that when friendships are made
or strengthened as well as many of the best memories of the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>F3F at it’s best is about more than racing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Possibly more than
anywhere else, UK racers know that you can go from last to first and back again
very easily and this does not affect your welcome each evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have suffered some damage, you might
even get a pint put in front of you!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although my car was
full of models and I carried 2 Sakers to the tope of the slope each day, my
Saker was rock solid and was the only model I flew all race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In some conditions that would have challenged
many models in previous years the Saker was always well behaved.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a weekend like
this, my enthusiasm is certainly re-invigorated to get things ready for the
next UK summer league.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now how about a bit of
sport flying fun and an evening out before the summer league outing?<o:p></o:p></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-78997393966874289112023-06-24T11:42:00.003-07:002023-06-24T11:42:38.817-07:00Mynd weekend<p> In a summer of memorable days, I found myself on the Mynd with Andy. A mid summer day with a good breaze and thermals a plenty to enjoy. </p><p><br /></p><p>. Both Andy's PB2 and my own saker enjoyed some variable air. Both models showed that when the air is good they take off funny that. </p><p><br /></p><p>A glorious day finished with a pint. Simply whats not to like on days like this?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy8g6EoR10in7uc7dPwsK87Z7uT5Lf4eOC63fJ-hu5rKo7nxa1P6fQymAsmd22-F5Kcxr-hjcPlEDOpqmSgdA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-43684190860626450342023-05-30T01:44:00.002-07:002023-05-30T01:44:24.354-07:00What a day!<p> </p><p><br /></p><p> After another week of NE winds made our usual slopes less fun, the call of the Wrecker meant that for a second weekend in a row I found myself on the Motorway heading into Wales. This time I was greeted by William setting up his automatic F3F course for a little bit of practise and within an hour our numbers had swollen into double figures. Bright sunshine tempered by the 25mph+ winds.</p><p> The day was by no means an exclusively expensive toy F3F session, A good few of us had brought something different to fly- it was all going to go on a day like this.</p><p> The model's ranged from Les's 2m Screamer, thought the Needle 100 and my own Falcon 100 to some bigger F3F models. I did take my Saker but as usual I ended up only flying the first model out of the car. The air did cycle through, alternating between good to 'hold on'. It wasn't a great surprise when Andy B told me that he had started filming my Falcon just as the air dropped off, he was heading back from landing on my last flight as the air got ridiculous and the Falcon's speed kept building and building.</p><p> It was good to see the Screamer model, I've not see this one in the flesh before and it can certainly go, at just 2m it's a little small for my own taste but t put a big smile on Les's face.</p><p> A couple of blasts from the past were the Needle 100 and Mike Evan's Alliaj- not the most attractive but Mike had the wings bending some in the turns at times.</p><p> After JP had flown his Fox it was time for him to bring out his Saker. I know that he had been looking forward to really testing those wings for a while and as he added 1.6KG of ballast I knew that he wasn't going to hold back! For the second weekend in a row I got to sit back and admire a model of mine taring up the sky and really being put through it's paces.</p><p> EM, reversals Philips specials the Saker just seemed to keep on flying though them all and keep on getting faster. Whilst part of my was a bit gutted that it's clearly my thumbs holding back the Saker, knowing that it can more than keep up with the rest of the racing field is fantastic.</p><p> The Vantage was also a model which stood out, flown by Les and Andy, both showed the benefit of consistently flying the same model.</p><p><br /></p><p>A fantastic day out in the sun!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLPRqIPmOmsoLhmh6qDC1xV5gVHvPW8DlN2-VuFCRaW9RPl8VWv9Cq3b6bhq4KVdpNzbUeci1ifu2FvuF9Zn4rbwIbOTH2sFdPs08--12Y-lMD0kCRa2GqPdyxejV0f3701cf8Sh3UpAFDcq7-xM-ARdI0nZyIjRWokLeM8uAik0j6NzRAxq5-znI/s2713/IMG_6667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1601" data-original-width="2713" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLPRqIPmOmsoLhmh6qDC1xV5gVHvPW8DlN2-VuFCRaW9RPl8VWv9Cq3b6bhq4KVdpNzbUeci1ifu2FvuF9Zn4rbwIbOTH2sFdPs08--12Y-lMD0kCRa2GqPdyxejV0f3701cf8Sh3UpAFDcq7-xM-ARdI0nZyIjRWokLeM8uAik0j6NzRAxq5-znI/w399-h236/IMG_6667.JPG" width="399" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhJPanTEyRDD69EG3JClB9fWgg9Gyoq4yjz_GOgKxKJsz1IAnP4oWRWyiJLSMhbmWhAKSonvkYi_j_bfggXO6i2_dc_HqrdEkj4uhDgvawPzo9djL_cdPZKQX3jscDIVLavYTnX0N32_pSC5esOGZILOxr0uye3ECPbZ0WE0RJwTXMjh4ipslxh1D/w400-h266/IMG_6709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-81213615896034577672023-05-22T07:06:00.006-07:002023-05-22T07:06:45.412-07:00EM turns on the wrecker.<p> Sunshine and NE winds can only mean one thing- a trip to the fabled Wrecker. I have always had mixed feelings about the slope, clearly epic lift but the long walk to land has often caught me out. This dislike of the walk s actually one of the reasons I try to go sometimes, to try and get over this.</p><p> After flying the Falcon with a Cheshire grin on the edge, I managed to tear myself away from the Falcon and rig the Saker. Although the wind speed of 10mps would usually have me looking to put 800-1000g of ballast in, I tempered back due to the large variation in the lift. When the lift came in I know that she will go!</p><p> I gave the Saker to the Dark lord Greg Dakin to stir the sticks and let me know just what she can do and how much I am holding back the Saker. She was soon doing huge pumps with some excellent energy retention and then ripping up the edge with some speed building EM turns that looked like an effortless high speed figure of 8.</p><p> Greg does like his loops and it wasn't long before he was DSing the edge, with the speed climbing with every loop. After taking the Sticks I attempted to follow Greg's EM turning style. It was just easy, only my own aggression diving into the compression after each turn prevented me from going faster (honest). The Saker felt like it wasn't going to over pull/scrub speed in the turns, as long as possitive reasure was kept on the wing, the faster we went.</p><p> After landing safely each time I put my models away with a huge smile.</p><p> I have to give a word to the Raptors that Greg was flying. A 2.4m thin winged aerobatic smile maker. Most certainly the best model I have seen in this class for a long time.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIc6DLPBOl9d00HbTc1cLWhHvJka3NhKktDFzCZNRlKs9TmX3isfxQEowtMUkdIof9bIXk4DbRyl-bxM5zMLQ_05jcvp4aQfv1qwFDY5hLjt_Ii--ZOy3U5FcpgazwxNtrFY-naiCEiY0PU55nh26S0DbXqL6bksrVQ9ntbf4LkTFBz0DjHXd604T/s2405/IMG_6619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="2405" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIc6DLPBOl9d00HbTc1cLWhHvJka3NhKktDFzCZNRlKs9TmX3isfxQEowtMUkdIof9bIXk4DbRyl-bxM5zMLQ_05jcvp4aQfv1qwFDY5hLjt_Ii--ZOy3U5FcpgazwxNtrFY-naiCEiY0PU55nh26S0DbXqL6bksrVQ9ntbf4LkTFBz0DjHXd604T/s320/IMG_6619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUz66U0WS_P-Ga3NIScwnI5DwSEFr26iC9ilhyoEpWRNSdGuXIPlrbMCn4kBOD3TGQMvQiKfoeEhmijH4u1n0f5S7hH2Ju-qqLQnZpb_Se7704CzoUudKiWuCMYzampRTMfpmCC3ounoacYOJOJgF735xO3miQhZJf5gQqD4qSWRjf1IyTaKyXXI-/s3456/IMG_6660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIUz66U0WS_P-Ga3NIScwnI5DwSEFr26iC9ilhyoEpWRNSdGuXIPlrbMCn4kBOD3TGQMvQiKfoeEhmijH4u1n0f5S7hH2Ju-qqLQnZpb_Se7704CzoUudKiWuCMYzampRTMfpmCC3ounoacYOJOJgF735xO3miQhZJf5gQqD4qSWRjf1IyTaKyXXI-/w409-h272/IMG_6660.JPG" width="409" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWU4LQezyQiXE9YIRI-qz9AZVuLGcT7igeVkDu1DKFlil83JueDg7LerMMwuI4i-JaYJ2J_2L5AjrhIA2LJn19F_b6u9F6bkbG0gOlYvWhKwIu6HdprLolUVptwrugC_lfVVGHioIItNfmZYVob4__Q3tzHpz4QsJmFaJet4VQos8XGLEOBunLf6/s3456/IMG_6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkWU4LQezyQiXE9YIRI-qz9AZVuLGcT7igeVkDu1DKFlil83JueDg7LerMMwuI4i-JaYJ2J_2L5AjrhIA2LJn19F_b6u9F6bkbG0gOlYvWhKwIu6HdprLolUVptwrugC_lfVVGHioIItNfmZYVob4__Q3tzHpz4QsJmFaJet4VQos8XGLEOBunLf6/w415-h276/IMG_6661.JPG" width="415" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb2dp5t_V7Li6RHqxf_tua9W_gHopuJLWVh0a1mQGLAxaOEnF18JXSVmxeOocu7za5pZ6aN4QZM_ei94BiRGf67mV5oswyLgI53GoVGj4LC3V2zCRSpWmEYkcyramKX0z4LBloxdAEm21ABy84G8V4drOd91Xy2VTTl9y1Kb9bpUzkBL0iel_p3KU/s3456/IMG_6662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQb2dp5t_V7Li6RHqxf_tua9W_gHopuJLWVh0a1mQGLAxaOEnF18JXSVmxeOocu7za5pZ6aN4QZM_ei94BiRGf67mV5oswyLgI53GoVGj4LC3V2zCRSpWmEYkcyramKX0z4LBloxdAEm21ABy84G8V4drOd91Xy2VTTl9y1Kb9bpUzkBL0iel_p3KU/w414-h275/IMG_6662.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzHQvwderegeMRMDvPBM4seDPDIITJI5uy1dXMt3tq0QJk1b1AzOFDVox8gCx0w1vGMVy1mjIQSuzxYHduYY56bm9BrQI9Bdtp5fhiXGzXSn2njEBNcvoByC4IvxsBTd0azySHRRhFPk5nM0mn-yablHK89XLMt7p-q4_lMty-ERljGVj4Jz14W3t/s3456/IMG_6664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzHQvwderegeMRMDvPBM4seDPDIITJI5uy1dXMt3tq0QJk1b1AzOFDVox8gCx0w1vGMVy1mjIQSuzxYHduYY56bm9BrQI9Bdtp5fhiXGzXSn2njEBNcvoByC4IvxsBTd0azySHRRhFPk5nM0mn-yablHK89XLMt7p-q4_lMty-ERljGVj4Jz14W3t/w413-h275/IMG_6664.JPG" width="413" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-60661554532664112792023-05-15T05:31:00.005-07:002023-05-15T05:31:59.856-07:00A trip to the Mynd, but no wind<p> Dad'd taxi being directed to the midlands usually gives me the chance flr some soaring on the Mynd in Shorpshire. Conditions here remind me of Whitesheet, with the variability of lift making it a great sport fly spot. Unfortunately this weekend there was so little breeze that the wind direction was swinging 180deg at times as the thermals drifted through.</p><p> Room in the car meant I took the Falcon rather than Saker but after a few deep breaths I hurled it into the air and hoped. I've forgotten just how clearly the Falcon reacts and indicated thermal lift. It wasn't long before I was comfortably flying from thermal to thermal. </p><p> A good day and the first time this year I've come away from the slope wishing I'd packed the sun cream rather than waterproofs. Another cool Falcon day</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C1t0_ICZgeUoppx_yAlshIJvwfYgR5EiRbRC3e68oMwdR30X7QXki6DObwKTA_37Zy1HwGfyca07edbIGRXCUBlLo_wivKlSE99EOMQHhmGPpYqfa0Pt5ziwkL6gB-pbvgwfZNip4OjomsAhbbzuyVp3nsWcIVntY3f4LpEDtQ8hMHS-ILor2AVG/s3504/falcon%20mynd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C1t0_ICZgeUoppx_yAlshIJvwfYgR5EiRbRC3e68oMwdR30X7QXki6DObwKTA_37Zy1HwGfyca07edbIGRXCUBlLo_wivKlSE99EOMQHhmGPpYqfa0Pt5ziwkL6gB-pbvgwfZNip4OjomsAhbbzuyVp3nsWcIVntY3f4LpEDtQ8hMHS-ILor2AVG/w428-h428/falcon%20mynd.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-50731504312635174012023-05-01T08:11:00.003-07:002023-05-01T08:11:48.714-07:00A summer social<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Getting a bank holiday pass to go and fly was a bit of a surprise but not to be turned down. It won't be news that the Saker and Falcon both got a day out to Whitesheet. It's always fun to chat with other pilots and have the chance to compare your own flying and use of the the air with theirs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The Saker and Falcon didn't let me down at all. Keeping up as the lift died and accelerating away as the thermals came through. The Saker was ballasted up to well over 3kg and does seem happy at that weight in summer conditions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> A good day out for slope Dog and me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bnZHR5rW3xcivi-Yh5oJzIb_Rit84Ng3MxubIg5ktU3jepVrszgbyU2GC-AZqcLjRRPKrqpjg5CJYQfOqAc88L9sMQ6s9Oq0AFIQflRKnf2KLPF30PAzGNZCOVi9b_Tns0KQK5d2P17iDcTkiB37XOjCs237rnIhazWyxlL5dZiP1FE2KauMiZpi/s3504/IMG_20230501_121355_939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3504" data-original-width="3504" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bnZHR5rW3xcivi-Yh5oJzIb_Rit84Ng3MxubIg5ktU3jepVrszgbyU2GC-AZqcLjRRPKrqpjg5CJYQfOqAc88L9sMQ6s9Oq0AFIQflRKnf2KLPF30PAzGNZCOVi9b_Tns0KQK5d2P17iDcTkiB37XOjCs237rnIhazWyxlL5dZiP1FE2KauMiZpi/w400-h400/IMG_20230501_121355_939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-76275864624239678502023-04-24T12:42:00.002-07:002023-04-26T04:29:22.276-07:00The Summer league has started!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf_TgJWlaEWMkeghei_GbSKG0LqUB54F5hbVjtOTqDUkgb6OxCsi5sOGAaVKX1epr3TJSc_fIuEbmqLOltit-5gy2xaKZ5cdSJzahhb0tbrJfy00m4nYVhPgglBn833Ro66g2FhIaC-yVi2-YbcrPQcVmSqGX5emwNf1-an-fWHW8K0WdkHfVSZNn/s1680/PG091797.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1680" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf_TgJWlaEWMkeghei_GbSKG0LqUB54F5hbVjtOTqDUkgb6OxCsi5sOGAaVKX1epr3TJSc_fIuEbmqLOltit-5gy2xaKZ5cdSJzahhb0tbrJfy00m4nYVhPgglBn833Ro66g2FhIaC-yVi2-YbcrPQcVmSqGX5emwNf1-an-fWHW8K0WdkHfVSZNn/w453-h267/PG091797.jpg" width="453" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
a fun weekend and day of challenging British F3F!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the sun shining and barely a breeze to hinder
our merry band as we skipped up the trail to the Ice cream slope it was great
to have the chance to catch up with some old friends as we waited for the wind
to join us.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoLgQYu7osUkWLVfz3myVC-eBj5PL5gZ6yMwDKpZgi7c5xoqDTCah4XQGh0m8_jBjtE1n3QMI4mwGlfij87HUapEeoJ8bTmhbNxCnVS5Q7Td1W9i91GRBfB41LrPue3bVmrs95GrJKATkp9NoY6KxlJqmCiWmeBgZsw7AhXilCe2hAS7bXKVyr_ke/s3456/IMG_6559.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoLgQYu7osUkWLVfz3myVC-eBj5PL5gZ6yMwDKpZgi7c5xoqDTCah4XQGh0m8_jBjtE1n3QMI4mwGlfij87HUapEeoJ8bTmhbNxCnVS5Q7Td1W9i91GRBfB41LrPue3bVmrs95GrJKATkp9NoY6KxlJqmCiWmeBgZsw7AhXilCe2hAS7bXKVyr_ke/w454-h302/IMG_6559.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
gave the chance to look around at the variety of models being raced, from
memory the field included.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;">Device, Mamba, Freestylers, Extreme, Toxic,
Pitbull, an Orden and of course the Saker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a judge of models the weekend wasn’t very scientific, the Mamba won
and Devices cam second from the top and second from the bottom of the leader board.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jlkB74GWcZ0JDsqc-BHGC5pMjYFcijOQVRjEdYU4hksxGLPwYvuV3dpwtU2Y4Xa7kjvWXaEROVswpFSooJSVW1EIiIPANFlgWWHFUQ5kPIU8hLGMMEHvtLnTfQ1NEqvgdMcXhW5RBpcjevinfW-ya0JEZn28MWs2ItprGM3i4isA2wOnfHSp9pU4/s3456/IMG_6582.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jlkB74GWcZ0JDsqc-BHGC5pMjYFcijOQVRjEdYU4hksxGLPwYvuV3dpwtU2Y4Xa7kjvWXaEROVswpFSooJSVW1EIiIPANFlgWWHFUQ5kPIU8hLGMMEHvtLnTfQ1NEqvgdMcXhW5RBpcjevinfW-ya0JEZn28MWs2ItprGM3i4isA2wOnfHSp9pU4/w435-h290/IMG_6582.JPG" width="435" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;">2 sleek models</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom_uN0grDk4msciAXwt4wsGWaArH52-SJ5xk_NKErQA3d-sTPEDSEYn1cowS7fFzqi8kUqMek31afLeSyvPlpr397VrEkwD1Ls1bwT-KLD99lWvDzJmZFuZUbIoRZcQ1OPkVobkOZgxHcSQcrHbPwfmAIxSheJkGIrbam-QHeZkgPRj5gsh1h1lS-/s3456/IMG_6592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiom_uN0grDk4msciAXwt4wsGWaArH52-SJ5xk_NKErQA3d-sTPEDSEYn1cowS7fFzqi8kUqMek31afLeSyvPlpr397VrEkwD1Ls1bwT-KLD99lWvDzJmZFuZUbIoRZcQ1OPkVobkOZgxHcSQcrHbPwfmAIxSheJkGIrbam-QHeZkgPRj5gsh1h1lS-/w457-h304/IMG_6592.JPG" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF042FDPeHFnguJ0WnDjSdYWbJqzhEcHvL7sgcysioPLFUkUOCYnpoERxD0fJXb0Rw3dBIisbrKuWfzIQ02vOs4ujnPyve9gn_d5C6hI-zOUIZQN-FcRI8iM7FgzytGXC6lcEg-RXZHZE34bMq2XjaSWhi3IZsM3E-tYRcPKd3dy3drYnhovyEuQkw/s3456/IMG_6580.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF042FDPeHFnguJ0WnDjSdYWbJqzhEcHvL7sgcysioPLFUkUOCYnpoERxD0fJXb0Rw3dBIisbrKuWfzIQ02vOs4ujnPyve9gn_d5C6hI-zOUIZQN-FcRI8iM7FgzytGXC6lcEg-RXZHZE34bMq2XjaSWhi3IZsM3E-tYRcPKd3dy3drYnhovyEuQkw/w458-h305/IMG_6580.JPG" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_BiCG6bdiw9pp96xuuzgdAfb3V8vXJwmy48AyeDcYhJoYsGO6lmzDU2cuPveqYcgWGDxUdDgqJ9JZ87fFEUsS9G1ci8i_MyutA-gGfgUYTQVwV3aBhn1DIbdhwnDtIObit831YaST_DCLKGNbLpzwI_NiMKWmQV4QFgS4KyfPQv-NWR5ydT8Io4w/s3456/IMG_6563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_BiCG6bdiw9pp96xuuzgdAfb3V8vXJwmy48AyeDcYhJoYsGO6lmzDU2cuPveqYcgWGDxUdDgqJ9JZ87fFEUsS9G1ci8i_MyutA-gGfgUYTQVwV3aBhn1DIbdhwnDtIObit831YaST_DCLKGNbLpzwI_NiMKWmQV4QFgS4KyfPQv-NWR5ydT8Io4w/w483-h321/IMG_6563.JPG" width="483" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
own day could be summed up quite well in the first 2 rounds, both times I found
myself pushing out from the slope in desperate search for a thermal as my Saker
lost height.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Round 1 had a re-flight and
a top 5 time, round 2 didn’t have re-flight and I ‘enjoyed’ a sedate 88 seconds
on course before heading off in search of lift.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
the wind built and kept swinging around, a heavier approach to ballast seemed
to deliver results for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different
pilots were clearly wrestling with the issue of ballasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be harsh to suggest that “if you got
good lift you go fast- if you not you don’t.” didn’t have a large amount to do with
the results with in each round but the better pilots made the most of the good
stuff and managed to minimise the damage of the poor air.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Saker was proving itself to be more than competitive in the conditions, only to
be let down by my thumbs on the last round of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s 2 land out avoiding flights did make me
feel more confident with the air frame and the race conditions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;">and thats league 1 done</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwJ4rLzYXoJpnKJ3J8MUDLxGyuhAj_Hx-icKNSOrSoumlkEsP31Pt08QgCy-e3gxtoc1fSA1qfx0eI3xzZ2YBGwUeDv9hRjDFLqhKEL5O2s4twtDOaXKjYtoSFpGw1tN0DexIK2izkDjWd_sDQWO_6Sy7sLLGzKSFYSUem1CLhaFKyyz8eIPxdFj-/s3456/IMG_6574.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwJ4rLzYXoJpnKJ3J8MUDLxGyuhAj_Hx-icKNSOrSoumlkEsP31Pt08QgCy-e3gxtoc1fSA1qfx0eI3xzZ2YBGwUeDv9hRjDFLqhKEL5O2s4twtDOaXKjYtoSFpGw1tN0DexIK2izkDjWd_sDQWO_6Sy7sLLGzKSFYSUem1CLhaFKyyz8eIPxdFj-/w305-h458/IMG_6574.JPG" width="305" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 6.0pt; margin: 6pt 0cm; tab-stops: 244.5pt;"><br /></p>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5608971066957812084.post-51730781284632666342023-04-03T12:41:00.007-07:002023-04-03T12:42:58.254-07:00Champion of Champions race<p> The weekend saw what I believe was the 13th champion of champions race. A 2 day race over a full weekend that has regularly provided some great racing and even better memories- one of my flying ideas tht seems to have worked out pretty well.</p><p> As Slope dog and I set off into the drizzle this year, there was certainly more hope than expectation but even as the morning rain fell the Welsh hill tops were visible and the course was laid out on the VR98 slope before lunch.</p><p>Regardless of my own performance (I even managed to stand on my sunglasses before round 2), for many pilots it was their 2nd race all winter and we were loving it- isn't that the point? Stefan and Mark were clearly the class of the field but as the sun came out just about everyone had some air to enjoy. With 9 rounds in the day there was the chance for everyone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr8_Z0oTtX9Vq1SykdiIqQjycYbreYlDOqNPDF57oYwJr6EnXVVkDr4fR-BqRlCHbnT_537NkSb6WezsJKUC6cXFmw9W8HGr4e1pGAdIDB6lmX_iEj_RvTheQCPHJHHWBjYP5qtnBg7V-28jNhPVV1U61GXcpILHyKuqhmiFavoBrIvABm4ZpmKpc/s3456/IMG_6519.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr8_Z0oTtX9Vq1SykdiIqQjycYbreYlDOqNPDF57oYwJr6EnXVVkDr4fR-BqRlCHbnT_537NkSb6WezsJKUC6cXFmw9W8HGr4e1pGAdIDB6lmX_iEj_RvTheQCPHJHHWBjYP5qtnBg7V-28jNhPVV1U61GXcpILHyKuqhmiFavoBrIvABm4ZpmKpc/s320/IMG_6519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div>We're off and William had every right to be happy with his performance</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cZ1JrMaMIHljjnxvxrqAc4ZSVMqPYafEwhEy7NetrEvJY6eXq2iOb8ZNrCS1GESUdTEz82EZaiuiSrCWalF9JwacSAt9upfKkHSixaI5ykvzHV-p9EpxUaEXOGyS3r1FFXnicrPsaIYR94lWSRKV8Zk3lmaV1VU2CVaVSY0mI2GuGrfihjMzsGxa/s3456/IMG_6555.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cZ1JrMaMIHljjnxvxrqAc4ZSVMqPYafEwhEy7NetrEvJY6eXq2iOb8ZNrCS1GESUdTEz82EZaiuiSrCWalF9JwacSAt9upfKkHSixaI5ykvzHV-p9EpxUaEXOGyS3r1FFXnicrPsaIYR94lWSRKV8Zk3lmaV1VU2CVaVSY0mI2GuGrfihjMzsGxa/s320/IMG_6555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mark colouring his Device nearly worked as a disguise, if the model names weren't on the flaps<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscjNrJ6-8GkZsnepTvBFNNHQF7aV_v_EjuzFz00rg3RCCW5R6_p4toVaJs_7WcOwYNHYKQFdVrGgo_faoH_gPc-AKeJsLKBcLrh287fY3rCJbSysQMDdwLkKRk19uPasLq5-K-R3Qvqn5-_qG2jonhdqNWBxnpFj9GM29a8ExGwa5eKtOzsJtp9cu/s3456/IMG_6542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscjNrJ6-8GkZsnepTvBFNNHQF7aV_v_EjuzFz00rg3RCCW5R6_p4toVaJs_7WcOwYNHYKQFdVrGgo_faoH_gPc-AKeJsLKBcLrh287fY3rCJbSysQMDdwLkKRk19uPasLq5-K-R3Qvqn5-_qG2jonhdqNWBxnpFj9GM29a8ExGwa5eKtOzsJtp9cu/s320/IMG_6542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv94lJ-tuwUQMda4zZK2jkY4N_bLahXsN7qKphsF5jbKglu8QrnAEhDLdxraXozApMcFpJF1TRViPm87knbWcykwWAtjGiKlV4nOKt2xvAsNsRdSTVnrJ9xnIXTPNBl0HFstlh8D4yVmy2_TATajpQVv9AKAvINzqOD84SyGyCWE7LyTmnTkavjoTh/s3456/IMG_6548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv94lJ-tuwUQMda4zZK2jkY4N_bLahXsN7qKphsF5jbKglu8QrnAEhDLdxraXozApMcFpJF1TRViPm87knbWcykwWAtjGiKlV4nOKt2xvAsNsRdSTVnrJ9xnIXTPNBl0HFstlh8D4yVmy2_TATajpQVv9AKAvINzqOD84SyGyCWE7LyTmnTkavjoTh/s320/IMG_6548.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>More smiling pilots, A wining smile from Stefan and Super CD Graham</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPU89Qg_T6C1qIoorjoBICFaGy5BVX2U4exKCh4x0xgRnhKBSiaOm4WHN5TlvPr7CnkaaW9rwiD9npp24BTliDPDHnhz69_9m_lRoq2m7fGVNqgjHe49W_tHgp-FFS8ODdJDoo7iu66pmBpQ2Trhpen1BubpL1YNdDLS7Rv6pyN3hZ5n8EbCsUExT/s3456/IMG_6515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPU89Qg_T6C1qIoorjoBICFaGy5BVX2U4exKCh4x0xgRnhKBSiaOm4WHN5TlvPr7CnkaaW9rwiD9npp24BTliDPDHnhz69_9m_lRoq2m7fGVNqgjHe49W_tHgp-FFS8ODdJDoo7iu66pmBpQ2Trhpen1BubpL1YNdDLS7Rv6pyN3hZ5n8EbCsUExT/s320/IMG_6515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUQSvLYnSsmSPE73-nAYJvFaxynzVRbdDn59fOZzZzrjjhdbH4KBkabEZD-fmvQL_B3IN_WEtvQ8qJR3qRcxkKwP5z8Y6SFVvEMqUdJX3MDs7Kwd_nGdowOl1WdSK7erIQD25soQ_Do-hjCunA3bgKQeHResNYPNCw0nx5xYjVf-fKn5sgoHgrLF1/s3456/IMG_6554.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUQSvLYnSsmSPE73-nAYJvFaxynzVRbdDn59fOZzZzrjjhdbH4KBkabEZD-fmvQL_B3IN_WEtvQ8qJR3qRcxkKwP5z8Y6SFVvEMqUdJX3MDs7Kwd_nGdowOl1WdSK7erIQD25soQ_Do-hjCunA3bgKQeHResNYPNCw0nx5xYjVf-fKn5sgoHgrLF1/s320/IMG_6554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">all that fun can just get too much some times!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINJhUMe31FEfNnSg0b0esVF44GBt-2ZTGlvqvhm5ffcp-l7eEeK2S1FAfwuUf3U5V1bN3rqtOFk8VCXsivrrJwp8ZUZ4xu5s2t276-WowHYb4vbIdDQzqb1TwIbSfBMrmRXITE-wK8bNJXA1w9k_ZWmnDLPdxS-F9hXiUnku5We3x7nOoT34yWAz_/s3456/IMG_6552.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhINJhUMe31FEfNnSg0b0esVF44GBt-2ZTGlvqvhm5ffcp-l7eEeK2S1FAfwuUf3U5V1bN3rqtOFk8VCXsivrrJwp8ZUZ4xu5s2t276-WowHYb4vbIdDQzqb1TwIbSfBMrmRXITE-wK8bNJXA1w9k_ZWmnDLPdxS-F9hXiUnku5We3x7nOoT34yWAz_/s320/IMG_6552.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If a weekend like this doesn't wet your appetite for the summer what will? See you in 3 weeks</div><br /><div><br /></div>ianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12460445885315740101noreply@blogger.com0