Event Review

January 2006 Albermarle Event Review

Probably not the best time of the year for it, but a resilient group of North Eastern and Scottish R/C model and C/L fliers braved the freezing temperatures and got together at Albemarle Barracks, a few miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne, to be present for the Chester-le-Street Radio Model Club Fly for Fun Day. A total of 34 R/C modellers and as many spectators eager for a day’s flying away from their squelch club fields, took advantage of the dry tarmac runway. The unbelievable turnout rewarded the efforts of the host club, considering the time of year!

Fortunately the wind direction was almost straight down the main runway allowing departures & arrivals to be made with relative ease. But once in the air, some found the going a bit bumpy due to the turbulence created by wind whipping over the trees on the left side of the runway. But not to be discouraged the ”Geordie Lads”  were intent on making a good day of it regardless.   

Flying got underway shortly after the planned 10.30am fire up and among the early starters was the ever present Norman Robinson flying an OS 61 powered Suprastar pattern ship. Not one of his best looking models, but it did all that was asked of it as Norman carried out his incredible aerobatic schedule. Albemarle being an ideal location for jets. Blyth Valley member Alan Laurie was soon in action with the L39 Albatross entertaining spectators with his fast precise manoeuvres as the Wren 44 power plant propelled it along. Electric model specialist Brian Collins was also on the flight line early showing how his battery powered P51 Mustang could perform.  As time went by the sky got busy with a mixture of craft, trainers being flown by novices, large scale aerobatic stuff by experts and in betweens by in betweens!

Not a nice day to be rigging a big biplane, but that didn’t prevent LMA member Gary Armstrong giving his large scale Bucker Jungmeister an airing. The Bryson 70 up front easily delivering adequate power to perform those splendid scale manoeuvres.  Chester-le-St member and 2004/5 International IMAC Champion Tony Robinson was using up a lot of sky with his 40%Aeroworks ZDZ160 powered Edge 54, giving a freestyle display showing how he won the IMAC title with his vigorous flying display.

One of the scale models in attendance included a nicely finished Cessna 02 Bird Dog flown by Craig Blevins from the Blyth Valley club. The two 4 stroke engines sounding quite healthy as it zoomed around the circuit.  Surprisingly Cap models were few and far between on the day, Gerhard Ferhinger flew a nice 30% Glens Cap, a Zenoah 62 powered 232 finished in a nice Subaru livery.

One of the most popular models on the day turned out to be the Funtana, seen in various versions. One flown by Scotsman Alistair Nichol from Cumbernauld, the Hangar 9 product powered by a Roto 25 and others by Chester-le- St Clubmen Derek Hunter Moki 135, and Paul Metcalf with a 40 version SC61 powered. Fighter aircraft were scarce unfortunately, Besides the electric Mustang, Dick Wilson of the host club turned out with his well proven 1/5 scale Top Flight models, a P49 Thunderbolt with ST .91 and  a Spitfire with the smaller ST .75 fitted.

Steve Wilson’s was changing prop’s now and then to find the best match for the ZDZ 50 in the 26% Dave Patrick Extra 330. It seemed to be performing quite well so he must have found the right match in the end. Neil Hannon from Washington, was flying his first large model, a 1/3 scale Hangar Edge 540. He seemed quite happy with this new venture. Tony Robinson was having a go at it at one time and gave it favourable reports!

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