TOPIC: Old Warden May 2022

It was good to be back for the first Old Warden model meeting of 2022, and, possibly because there won't be another one until September, we had a good turn out, especially on the Sunday, which was blessed with light winds, shirtsleeve temperatures, enough sunshine to justify factor 50+ sun cream and regular thermals.

So we saw many models in the air disturbing the buzzards kites and Kestrels and we rocketeers put on a good show. If this doesn't encourage others to have a go at rocket flying I don't know what will!

Saturday's conditions were far less benign with a lot of turbulence coming off the eastern bounday hedge which could shoot down a model just when it appeared to be up up and away. Nevertheless Luke and I had some good flights with a Draken, T-38 Talon, Lansen and particularly Jetex Viper, which responded well to a CE TSP L-2 HP and made some magnificent sorties around the field in tricky conditions.

As I said, Sunday was a far better day and Daniel Rackstraw, John Holman, Bob Pickernell and I were on the field and making smoke trails by 11 o'cclock. Luke joined us mid-afternoon and we all had fun. Mind you, you had to keep one's wits about you to avoid models which could come at you from all angles.

Some photos:



Above: Daniel has brought an extensive fleet. He made some splendid flights with the ever-relable Flitzer; the MiG 15 and Opel Rak went well (once he'd sorted out the right motor for them, and spent time trimming the new Cutlass and Hawker Hunter.





Above: the estimable John Holman was (as ever) flying genuine Jetex, and had some great flights with his javelin,



and Shooting Star





Above: John Emmet was also flying Jetex as well as with (new for him) 'one shot' motors.



Above: John Launching his 'Fizzlequick' powered by an L-2. For a first (trimming) flight it went well and climbed high despite some stalls. He was lucky to get it back!

John also flew his brightly coloured Viper. This went OOS vertically and (so we later found out ) landed in the Swiss Gardens.

After some frustrating flights with Daniel's Hunter, we fitted a thrust tab in its trough. This transformed the flight pattern and it made an excellent sortie around the field.



Above: Daniel not looking as pleased as I think he should after sorting out the Hunter!



Above: Daniel's unusually decorated Hunter. Note the effective down thrust tab in the trough. If your model is loopy and spirals in after you add nose weight, these are well worth trying.

We tried the same 'trick' with Luke's new F-15. This transformed the model's flight pattern and it then flew very impressively.




Above: F-15 with thrust tab.



Result! One very happy Luke, who says he will now build a 'Mk 2'.



Luke then gave his delightful small L-1 powered OD Hawk its maiden flight. It flew 'off the board' and impressed us all. I hope to feature this model in the 'building' thread in due course.



Above: the estimable Bob Pickernell with his well-campaigned Kk Syjet 50. L-2 powered, it was flying well and he nearly lost it on more than one occasion.

Daniel's rounded T-38 Talon was also flying very well. One flight, a long flight, at least was memorable: With a 170 mN L-2 up its jet pipe it made low passes ove the two flight lines before climbing away to quite a height. It's what jet flying is all about!

The T-38 Talon, in several guises, flew well on both days. My 'Aeromodeller' version flies best with a 150 mN motor; I tried it on Saturday with a 170 mn motor to ensure it flew above the turbulent air. Which it did, but seemed to adopt a rather 'un-jet like' nose up' attitude despite the thrust tab being at the optimum angle. In contrast, Daniel's rather larger and more refined T-38:



relished the extra power. Perhaps I can persuade Piotr to produce the T-38 as a kit!

Having somewhat tired myself out on the Saturday, on Sunday I flew only my more sedate (electric powered, hush hush!) Arbalete:




and the decidely unsedate Jetex Viper:



Above: two Vipers. My authentic version is in front, John Emmet's larger (though lighter) 'ersatz' version is behind. These robust all-sheet models fly well and relilably withmotors of different ratings and glide much better than they have any right to. Which is why they have a tendency to go AWOL with more than 200 mN! But they are very exciting, especially with a new CE TSP L-2 HP!

What was also delightful about this meeting was that we saw several fellows who used to fly jets but who, for one reason or another (and it's been a few tough few years!) have not actually flown anything rocket-related for some time. I hope that the wonderful flights they witnessed, the performance and relability of the new TSP motors and the ready availability of Piotr's splendid profile models from the Vintge Model Company will encourage them back into the fold!

Nice review
In germany we dont have many free flight meetings sadly. A totally interesting topic.
Looking forward to try my Skyray. Thank you for the insights.

Hi Chris,
perhaps you could try to get over for our September meeting? You would be very welcome!

Meanwhile, here are some more photos, courtesy of Daniel:



Above: Andy Blackwell launches Chris Richard's Flitzer. Both Chris's and Daniel's models flew very well indded.



Above: I launch the Viper with a powerful TSP motor - note the 'underarm' technique and the exhaust plume!



Above: Luke and I sorting out the new TSP 'Iskra'.



Above: the Iskra seems to prefer a less powerful motor than the recommended 'L-2HP'. At least whilst it is being trimmed. Not my best launch (a bit too quick I think). Note the thrust tab. We were definitely 'getting there' .... but it was time to go. Here's to the next event!

My goodness, you all seem to have had a great time. Some faces from the past too! I wish I'd been there.