On a fine dry but cold Thursday afternoon the Caledonia Shield returned to DMAC for another year. This inter club competition has run annually since 1951 with only 5 missed. The shield was presented to the SAA by the Caledonian Model Shop in Glasgow and was for the Free Flight(FF) and Control Line(CL) disciplines. Radio Control(RC) flying was very much in its infancy at that time so was not included. Somewhere along the line CL was dropped from the event and so it is now for FF flying only.

Over the years 14 clubs have been holders of the shield with Dunfermline winning it at its institution and 15 times since.

It is a championship event with the top flier in specific Glider, Rubber and Power competitions throughout the year counting towards a clubs total points score. Team Dunfermline consisted of Jim Arnott and David Hambley, yes those two again! Jim had a fantastic season and  won the shield single handedly by dint of 1 first place and 2 seconds throughout the year. David could only manage a third and a fourth in the eligible events. Jim’s success in the other events of the year earned him individual champion with David trailing a distant fourth.

Previous winners are Dundee, Lanark, Glasgow, Kircaldy, Glasgow Hornets, Esk Valley, Clyde Valley Flyers, Hamilton, Cathkin, Paisley, Edinburgh, Dumfries. Sadly some of these clubs no longer exist and many more only fly RC models and so do not compete.

Click on top left thumbnail to run a slide show.

Press ESC key to exit.

Over the  weekend of 10th-11th September, I was able to join in with the Club’s display at the Festival of Dunfermline Event held in Dunfermline Glen.
On the Friday, the flying circle was established, a double rope barrier erected and grass cut where needed.  Early on Saturday, the Scouts erected two dining shelters. One used as a display area for an interesting array of Free Flight and Control Line models.  The other as a bad weather pits and video area.  Luckily we were not hampered by rain at all.  Saturday was calm and the Southern aspect caught the sun all day.  The Sunday was sunny, but too windy to allow a regular flying programme.
The models flown covered Scale, traditional and new programme Stunt and Combat. Only IC . Engines were flown, with an electric model on display.  We had all planoforms and of interest to me a biplane.
As a returner, having last flown control line in 1970, I was struck by several things, the speed and dexterity of the newer Combat designs, the smoothness and stability of a world class stunt model and pilot, the growth of Almost Ready To Fly (ARTF) and the continued influence of Eastern Europe on flying.  The easy atmosphere explains the distance Club members and family had travelled to support the event.  (Was there any body from England?)  The glow engines were impressive with their prompt starting and steady running.
I think the town fathers will judge the whole event as well attended and a success.  The flying circle drew spectators.  The commentator explained, the models flew and children of all ages stopped to watch.  For the Club, there were some firm membership enquiries.  I understand that the organisers of a Rosyth festival will approach the Club to provide another display and I am sure the Club will be invited back to the Glen in 2017.
The Club would like to thank the Glen, and Fife Council Staff for the chance to fly.  Also, the Cairney Hill Scout Troop for their help in equipment and manpower to set up and remove the shelters. Also Andrew Thomson Ltd. for the loan of “the big screen” on which the video presentation was played. The Public Address equipment was hired from “Sub Station” and powered by a generator provided by the Glen.
On a personal note, I must thank the members for the warmth of their welcome to me and their wish to encourage my efforts.  Technical aspects were explained, questions answered and thoughts provoked.  (It was interesting to meet so many motorcyclists.)  My loft has already produced one intact 50yr old “Dominator” and several carefully stored engines.  “Where’s my cheque book?”

Report by Michael Grimes.

Photos by the two Michaels (Grimes & Hambley)