During the weekend 29/30th September the club put on a static display of models at Lathalmond as part of the “Defend Fife” weekend. This Festival features Dunfermline & West Fife’s WW2 military history – Home Guard troops, alongside Polish Army allies in defending Fife against Axis invasion (1939 – 44). The festival was run at 2 venues – Dunfermline High Street and Lathalmond which is home to the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum & The Lathalmond Railway Museum.
The welcome mat is out.
It was blowing a hooly on Saturday which caused some problems with the marquee and was cold with a high wind chill. Sunday was much better with sunshine and a lower wind strength. The 8 x 8 metre marquee provided by our friends from the Cairney Hill Scouts via the “Defend Fife” organiser awaited us on the Saturday. This was quickly fitted out with 6 tables from Nigel at “The Glen”. These were supplemented by 2 more tables belonging to the Rosyth Model Ship Club whom we had invited to share the marquee.
Radio Control Mustang, Control Line Lancaster and PT19.
There were plenty of scale and semi scale models of WW2 subjects both air and sea borne on display to reflect the theme of Defend Fife. These models were a mix of Radio Control and Control line subjects and a few none scale including Free Flight to present a broad picture of the club. The club Radio Control simulator and slide show of club activities were set up and ran both days powered from our petrol generator which did a sterling job. The simulator was running a high wing trainer and many visitors had a go at “flying” this. After a request a model Spitfire simulation was loaded but no visitor was able to handle it and so we reverted to the trainer. The simulator was used steadily by the public on both days and greatly enjoyed.
Young radio flyer at work whilst a competition Free Flight glider floats above his head. Electric powered E36 hovers at the far end of the marquee.
John Carson of the Balbedie Club took up nearly a quarter of the marquee with his Large Model Harvard, it was big! On the Sunday John also brought the fuselage of a turbine powered (jet) “Boomerang” and gave conducted tours around the technology of this very impressive model.
The Harvard and a couple of the Rosyth Model Ship Club vessels are discussed.
Thanks to John Carson, Bill Greive, Peter Miller, Pete Brown, Michael Grimes, Michael and David Hambley for setting up and welcoming the visitors on both days. Also Drummond Greive for models for display and the Rosyth Model Ship Club for their company over the two days. Nigel Stevens for the loan of tables, Iain Thompson for loan of the slide show display screen and finally Rodger Pickering organiser of “Defend Fife”
At their annual awards ceremony on 22nd February, Dunfermline and West Fife Sport Council presented Jim Arnott with the CENTENARY MASTERS AWARD sponsored by Dunfermline Carnegie Trust. This award is made to the outstanding male or female athlete aged 35 years or over, who has achieved significant results in their sport during the past year.
Photo by Jim Payne for Dunfermline Press.
Model Flying has been recognised as a sport in the UK since 1993 and much longer internationally, for example top Soviet Bloc fliers were often designated Masters of Sport. The basis of this recognition can be seen by drawing analogies between various other sports and model flying disciplines, e.g. Control Line (CL) combat flying and fencing, Radio Control (RC) aerobatics and figure skating, Free-Flight (FF) and orienteering.
Jim launches a winning flight at the 2015 British National Championships. Photo D. Hipperson.
The Sports Council are commended for choosing a nominee from such a minority sport in the face of strong mainstream nominees from Athletics, Cycling and Bowling.
Jim has been a potent competitor in the UK FF scene for decades. so was nominated by Dunfermline Model Aero Club in recognition of his achievements in 2017. He won gold, silver, and bronze medals at the British National Free Flight Championship and, for the umpteenth time the Scottish Free Flight League championship. Unlike many of the top flight competitors nowadays Jim is “old school” in so far as he builds his own models from scratch.
Jim however is not only a competitor. He started aeromodelling in his teenage years and has been flying ever since. His first love has always been FF but has had much success with the CL discipline of the sport. He has recently obtained a RC glider to add to his RC trainer which comes out every few years!. As well as being a competitor Jim is the Scottish Aeromodellers Association (SAA) Contest Director for FF. He was made a Fellow of the SAA for this work many years ago. Jim is an active member of Dunfermline Model Aero Club and is currently working to encourage youngsters into the Sport as exemplified by his recent indoor flying demonstrations at Kings Road Primary School.
When not flying Jim is a dedicated family man providing support to family members with mental illness and Cerebral Palsy .
At the end of November David visited Kings Rd Primary Schooland and gave a talk about model flying to P5 – P7 pupils. There were 120 kids and they were very quiet taking it all in. As a result the club was invited back to demonstrate Indoor flying in the school hall.
On Wednesday 24th January, David and Jim fulfilled this commitment. We arrived at the school as the debris of lunches was being cleared from the hall and had some 20 mins to get set up ready for action. The P7 pupils were scheduled from 14:00 to 14:30 and the P6 pupils would have from 14:30 until the school bell at 15:00.
At one end of the hall David set up three electric models, a Free flight (FF) E36 power model , Control Line (CL) stunt PT19, and a Radio Control (RC) thingy ( Mike’s Firebird ) and at the other end Jim set up his stall with Pennyplane indoor rubber duration models. Initial test flights with these models went badly when a heavy hit on a sidewall broke the prop on one of them , then the second settled on one of the six pendant light fittings and had to be retrieved with a perch pole. Jim was quite harassed even before the pupils arrived.
P7 comprised of 30 pupils who filed in very respectfully and sat on benches along the wall between David and Jim. David gave an introduction and then started demonstrating each of the static models. Jim took six pupils over to his table, armed two of them with stopwatches and one with a scoreboard then started “The Pennyplane Contest”. The models were set up with 300 turns and then each pupil launched a flight. When the first model went away there was a wave of gleeful gasps – “its still going” “its going to hit the light” etc. There were often two pennyplanes in the air together and near misses caused more excitement. Some pupils showed admirable determination and competitive spirit – “ I’m gonna to be the winner”. After they made their flight they were quickly over to the timekeeper to see what they had scored. One particularly bright lad realised how to win and asked to have extra turns put on for him. Models hung up on the lights about four times and then there was a cheer when Jim managed to knock the model off and amazement when the model pulled out of the resulting dive, sorted itself and climbed away again. “I want one !” “how much does it cost ?” “ where did you get it?” “ did you make it ?” “I will get my dad to make one” were some of the comments heard. Most of the flights were between 1 minute and 2 minutes, although one girl did record over 4 minutes – ( probably the stopwatch was not reset before that one ). We wanted to give every P7 pupil a flight, but we were unable get through all 30 in the half-hour slot , so the six P7’s that were still in the queue stayed on whilst their classmates were taken away to be replaced by the P6 class. Only about 12 of the P6 class managed to get a flight, but they were equally enthralled.
Whilst all this was going on David described and demonstrated the three different model classes, FF, CL, RC. He had made up a control-line handle with five foot lines so that the pupils could have a shot at wiggling the controls on the PT19. There was a wow of excitement when he started its motor and they felt the blast of the prop wash. The pupils were amazed by the weigh (or lack of it) of the Super Pearl E36 and enjoyed wiggling the sticks of the RC thingy. It was noticeable how the lads tended to run the motor flat out where as the lassies were content to actually control the speed. Several times David “lost” his charges when there was some form of drama with the Penny Planes.
The deputy head of the school thanked us for the session saying it was clear that the pupils had really enjoyed it. We left the school feeling more knackered than after a days flying at New Bigging but with the satisfaction of a good job done. Subsequently Jim recommended three proprietary model kits for indoor models and offered an e mail advisory service for building these models. We wait to see if any kids or Dads take up the offer.
Report by Jim Arnott with aditional material from David Hambley.
At the AGM the Sec/Treas job was split with Dummond continuing as treasurer and Michael G taking on Secretary. Michael also agreed to continue as Sports council rep. The Chairman’s job was not up for re election so David H remains in post.
Club Fees remain the same Full Member £30, Junior and Associate £10, these are the lowest in Scotland. Insurance is not covered by these club fees.
The Marchetti Shield (Clubman of the Year) was awarded to Michael G and Herman (Wooden spoon) to David H.
Thanks to the THIRTY 30 boys and girls, who came and tried Model Flying. All Sizes and Ages, running after Chuckies, and being dizzy after Control Line. All, flyers, helpers, children and parents, went home smiling. There may be some young aeromodellers now asking Mum, Dad or Miss???
On the 9th of September, we returned to fly in Pitencrief Park (the “Glen”) Dunfermline. The intention was to run our F2b “Bob Hutton” competition, a “Sport Fly In” and “Come and Try.” Would they come?
Good weather beckoned and we set up early on the South Lawn as Fitness Runners circulated. A Come and Try Orienteering circuit was also being laid out nearby. Flying-wise, a large area for two circles was staked, roped out and a windward semicircle mowed for the F2b.
Iain readies his Nobler for flight.
The static display shelter was erected by the SCOUTS and flyers and their families began to arrive. Planes were assembled, readied or placed for display, the Radio Control Simulator was fired up. Engines were started and a warm up flight of F2b commenced.
The first of the Come and Triers, were soon catapult glider flying. Lots of laughter and chasing as it flew several times before escaping to hide in some trees. Oh well that is free flight for you!
The Come/Try model with a Double Control Handle was readied for its first customer. Away! A good flight and landing, the first smiler. So it continued in groups of three to six throughout the day. Thanks to David Hambley for “Instructing” and MANY thanks to Eddy Burr and Willy Wallace for handling the Engine Starting and Launching all day.
Come/Try Model: A profile Phantom, No wheels, PAW 1.5, on 40Ft. lines, Y shaped double handle
The sun was out and the seats that overlook the Lawn were filling up. What did they see? Spitfires, Martin Bakers, a Twin Tiger engined Combat model and the aerobatic F2b models. The F2bers were suffering from very turbulent air caused by the numerous trees within the park so the competition was abandoned and demo flights only were flown.
A combat bout attracts a lot of smiles.
However the Combat men were up and entertaining as usual. So all were treated to excellent Aerobatics, Sport and Combat Bouts.
Eddys Bi Slob floats around before its demise due to turbulence.
The sun won through and around 16:00 we started to wind down. BUT not the Come/Triers or the people at the Display and Simulator tent. (Thanks Michael H). Lots of SMILES.
Thanks:- The town of Dunfermline, Fife Council and the Carnegie Trust for the use of the Glen.
West Fife Sports Council and Dunfermline Delivers for web publicity.
Cairney Hill SCOUTS.
Andrew Thompson Ltd for Slide Show screen.
The Dunfermline Club Helpers.
The Public who watched and THE CHILDREN who made us smile.
Whitsun Bank Holiday Weekend can mean only one thing – the British Free Flight Nationals! The self indulgent joy of three days of Free Flight contests on an airfield instead of the blasted heath. The “FF Nats” is the biggest free flight jamboree in Europe with a multitude of events to suit all tastes. Three SAA members travelled South this year, David Hambley and Jim Arnott from Dunfemline and Chris Edge from the Borders, David and Jim sidestepping the usual weekend under canvas in favour of the comforts of a lodge room at Woodlands Waters caravan park. It was a problem free journey down until South Yorkshire and then a bit of a stop/start drag for the remainder. On Friday evening, there was full size aircraft activity on the airfield until about 7pm. A stiff breeze thereafter put paid to thoughts of an evening trimming session, so we settled for a relaxing walk along the woody tracks around the fishing lakes followed by a meal and bevyin Woody’s Bar.
Woody’s Bar at Woodland Waters.
What you have just read is the first paragraph of a comprehensive report written by Jim, if you want to continue to read it click here. Alternatively read on for an abridged version.
Saturday was dry, warm but windy and that caused problems. In the BMFA Rubber power event. Jim in his usual inimitable style put in 3 solid maximum flights to secure his place in the 3 man fly off. This was held in the teeth of a gale with extreme turbulence across the whole length of the airfield. All the flyers did extremely well to get their models away safely and Jim securing a very worthy second place. David had one attempt at a BMFA glider flight but had to ditch the model due to the strength of the wind. This resulted in a 24sec flight time so he withdrew from the contest. Chris travelled down to Barkston on the Saturday so did not fly that day.
Sunday again was dry and much less windy, the air was however treacherous. Jim dropped a couple of flights in International F1a glider so did not make his third successive Nationals win in the event. David’s day was poor with each successive round yielding shorter flights than previously. The third one was 0 with the model stacking into the ground due to an overzealous tow, he withdrew, again! Chris on the other hand handled the conditions with exemplary skill resulting in him lining up for a 3 man fly off. By this time the conditions had changed dramatically with the wind gone and buoyant air everywhere. The fly off did not produce a winner before the light was fading so a second fly off was scheduled for the next day.
Monday started dreich which turned to rain in the afternoon. Before the events of the day Chris lined up for the second fly off and produced a magnificent flight under the conditions to secure the top spot.
Chris Edge with his victorious F1a
After this fly off the days events started. Jim maxed out in Classic Rubber and won the fly off in the rain. David’s fortunes improved and got 2 maxes in Classic Glider and an excellent 3rd flight in the conditions to secure third in that event. Jim also flew our recently deceased friend Ron Sabey’s Vintage Odenham glider to good effect overcoming towing problems to secure 3rd place in that event.
Jim Arnott with Ron’s prize winning Odenham.
Chris quietly went about his business in International F1h glider collecting five maximum flight times putting himself into another fly off. This was a dramatic affair with Chris’s model tumbling to earth due to a malfunction at the start of the towing phase. A quick correction saw the model in the air again with 1 minute to go before the end of the fly off period. By this time the other two contenders were airborne. An excellent launch placed the model in helpful air and the model floated away to secure the top spot again for Chris. As a result of this second win Chris also won glider champion of the British Nationals.
Overall a successful three days for DMAC. and a superb boost in Chris’s preparation for the World Championships in Szentes, Hungary this August.
Jim Arnot Chris Edge David Hambley. The Three Wise Monkeys or Medals Galore.
The Fresh Air Festival was run on 27th March from 12:00 – 16:00 in the “Public Park” Dunfermline. There was a yellow warning for thunder & torrential rain at 3PM, this rain duly arrived but did not last for long. The DMAC flying and static displays were held on the upper lawn of the park with the flying circle placed adjacent to the Donald Fountain. This fountain is on a raised area and gave an excellent viewpoint for the public, at times it was reported that spectators were two deep watching the flying action below.
The upper lawn in the Public Park.
The flying started right on time at noon with an F2B flight by Ian Galt with his Joelle in what was a stiff breeze but flyable. At the request of the club to the Fresh Air Festival organiser Jim Stewart the grass had been cut very short to give a good take off and landing surface. The Joelle having spats on its undercarriage wheels appreciated this short grass. F2B is the international class of control line aerobatic model flying in which the pilot guides the model through a set schedule of manoeuvrers receiving points from a panel of judges in a similar way to the compulsory figures in ice skating.
Ian Galt concentrates on an inverted pass with his Joelle
John Davidson and Dave Hill, the combat boys, put on their usual spectacular flights all over the sky with the models towing paper streamers with each pilot attempting to cut his opponent’s streamer with his model’s propeller. This discipline of model flying is akin to fencing.
The combat boys battle it out overhead.
Eddie Burr, after some teasing by Bill Greive on the Public Address System, put on a wonderful display of special manoeuvrers and terrain following with his Bi Slob. This model being a biplane flies very slowly but has a powerful engine and so is capable of hovering and flying backwards. He also flew some of the F2b aerobatic schedule with David Hambley’s electric PT19. Eddy flew this model as David was away at the British Free Flight Championships at RAF Barkston Heath in England, more of that in another report. The first flight was rather short due to a low charge battery being accidentally used. During the second flight with a fully charged battery Eddy really put the model through its paces. Bill commentating during this flight pointed out the noise difference between Electric and Internal combustion powered motors.
Eddy Burr guides the electric powered PT19 quietly by.
Dave Hutchinson flew his semi scale twin engined Mosquito and did some pitting with Dougie Groome for other pilots.
Flying continued more or less non stop with slick changes between flyers and there were no no engine starting problems. The combat boys entertained the crowd with a bout some five minutes long during which time it was obvious that both pilots were enjoying themselves. A spectator was so amused by the gyrations of the pilots that he took a series of photographs one of which is included in this report, thanks Ian.
The two Bills and the Gallery enjoy the flying whilst Bill G imparts his pearls of wisdom.
Bill on the PA mentioned that these bouts quite often ended with a mid air collision, no sooner had he finished speaking there was a loud bang and the models fell to earth in a shower of balsa wood bits to the great delight of the spectators. A little voice piped up and said “do it again mister”! There is some video of one of the bouts, sadly not the part where they hit each other.
Fortunately they were both old models which were pretty much at the end of their lives so the pilots were not upset by the loss. The rain then started just after 3pm and bearing in mind the forecast, particularly the lightning, we hastily packed up. The rain then stopped!
Whilst the flying was underway there were all kinds of Control Line and Radio Controlled aircraft on static display both in a tent, at the top of the hill and in the pits where the flying was taking place. Unfortunately due to the wind strength no Free Flight models could be displayed as they were too light to stay on the tables. The club prides itself on being the only club in Scotland that caters for all three disciplines of the sport so the lack of Free Flight models was a loss.
A selection of control line models for close inspection in the tent.
The display was ably manned by Bill Crossan who was regularly plied with burgers from the adjacent scout tent. Due to it being quite windy brown parcel tape was used to secure models and one of the club banners, this turned out to be not a good idea as we now have a very sticky banner! Mike Hambley did great job with the electronic side of the static display by setting up and looking after the photographic slide show and Radio Control Simulator which the public were encouraged to try. One mum had the greatest of difficulty prising her son off this simulator! The two Bills, Crossan and Greive, were kept busy handing out fliers and fielding questions.
Eddy tries his hand on the simulator “Flying” a Radio Controlled Trainer. The second screen was running a photographic slide show of club activity.
There were three tables of models in the tent. Mike Rouse was displaying a 6ft span Radio Control foam slope soarer which was so tough that our visitors were encouraged to handle the model. The late Bill Browns “Bitsa” consisting of a Thunderbird wing, Crusader tail plane and an own design jet style fuselage and a simple profile model completed Mikes offering. Bill Greive had an Almost Ready To Fly (ARTF) and a ready built “Russian” style combat model on display.
Unfortunately due to position of other exhibitors tents public access to our tent was severely restricted resulting in a low number of visitors to the static display.
The Fresh Air Festival as a whole appeared to suffer from a limited number of visitors possibly due to the date clashing with other events both local and National. A change of date should be considered for next year which would remove the clash with the British Free Flight National Championships and we hear the championships of other sports.
Thanks to Bill Grieve who masterminded the whole DMAC event. Pete Brown and Dougie Groom were there at setup and helped out for the duration. Mike Rouse helped setup but then had to leave for another appointment.
Report by David Hambley with material from Ian Galt, Dougie Groome, Bill Crossan, Bill Grieve. Mike Hambley. Photo credits Mike Hambley and Ian Muir.
Tent kindly supplied by Cairney Hill Scouts, Slide show screen by Andrew Thompson Ltd, Public address system by Fife Leisure Trust (Dougie Gordon).
The Rotary Club of West Fife hosted a “Community Exhibition” at the Keavil House Hotel Crossford on Sunday 12th March. The exhibition was the first of its kind in the village and was intended to showcase the many leisure activities available in the village and surrounding area. DMAC was one of the first to book stand space and offered to put on a control line flying display in the adjacent King George V public park. This offer was enthusiastically received by the Rotary and so the club set about gaining the necessary permissions from Fife Council.
Bill enjoys himself, little did he know about the deluge coming up from the ground.
The Friday before the weekend saw Bill Grieve burling round the park on the club’s ride on mower cutting the grass to a usable height for model take off. Due to the days of rain previously everywhere was very wet and Bill got soaked from water being thrown up by the mower wheels! Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny so that the stake and rope barrier around the circle was set up easily. The Cairney Hill Scouts arrived at 11:00 and erected a Gazebo type tent for the flyers to use as a base. The forecast for the Sunday was light wind but with a shower just before flying was due to start and this came to pass with the afternoon being grey and very wet underfoot.
Inside the hotel the Rotary club weren’t stingy with table allocation so Mike Rouse oversaw the set up of the DMAC stand. This was the most interesting looking for anyone coming through the door with a good variety of models and accessories displayed. A large screen driven from a lap top computer running a Radio Control model simulator was available and some visitors to the stand took up the invitation “to have a go” A second screen kindly provided by Andrew Thompson Ltd was used to run a slide show to give an overview of the many facets of our amazing sport. After the official opening with Mike Rouse and David Hambley manning the stand a trickle of visitors was received.
The stand awaits it’s first visitors. Flower arrangement courtesy of the Dunfermline Floral Art Club.
It got really busy later on but most of the visitors seemed to be in the hall to see their daughters/grand daughters dance! The simulator was well patronised by visitors with quite a few showing interest in what the sport is about but most were more interested in drones, which of course are model aircraft! Mike Rouse did a great job of manning the stand and talking with people the whole time with assistance from Michael Hambley. During the exhibition the Rotary club mentioned several times over the PA that DMAC were doing flying demonstrations outside. Unfortunately very few people took the opportunity to visit.
In the park after the rain it was dull and with poor light making it hard to see the aircraft below the horizon, it was all but impossible to hit good base heights. The wind was light, however there was still some dirty air coming from the trees, it would be very difficult to fly there if it had been windy. The site was less than ideal, take off and landings had to be done carefully with as little air speed as possible, all pilots did this well with no one sustaining any damage.
Combat Models ready for action.
There was a decent amount of flying including several combat bouts with Dave Hill, Willy Wallace and John Davidson using both modern “Russian” and Classic British designs of models. Dave Hutchinson and his 10 year old Grandson showed how it should be done with a mini Goodyear Racer. Ian Galt flew his own design “Scotia 7” which is now 3 years old having completed 191 flights, it is powered by a Super Tigre G51 using model technics GN5 fuel. Ian flew the F2b schedule in all his flights. In contrast to Ian’s IC powered Scotia Eddy Burr flew David Hambley’s electric powered PT19.
Eddy throws the PT19 about the sky.
Thanks must be given to everyone who did their part and a good show was put on by all pilots and helpers. After flying had finished the scouts arrived to take down the tent. Ian generously took another flight and performed the F2b schedule as a display for the scouts since they have put up tents for the club numerous times for years but had never seen models flying.
Ian nurses Scotia 7 into the air whilst Bill explains the finer points of flying
Thanks must go to Bill Greive and Mike Rouse who put in their usual sterling effort with trailer, poles, rope etc and organising the Scouts for the tent.
Report by David Hambley with additional material from Michael Hambley, Mike Rouse and Ian Galt.
SAA FF Contest Director Jim Arnott presents the Caledonia Shield to DMAC Chairman David Hambley
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.
The Caledonia Shield with its 14 club plaques on display and 5 on the back, this will soon to be 6!
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.
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?”
