A good day's racing ...Continue Reading

This vintage looking 48"3ch IC plane had been in the family for a couple of years collecting dust in a dark corner of the workshop. I originally bought it off a neighbour who found it whilst emptying a customers garage. At the time I had no interest in IC let alone flying a motorised plane rather than my love of silent flight. However, after clicking on another plane ID request I thought I had stumbled on the planes origins. Was this plane a Bowman mini skyman? Well, after a bit of scrutinising it turned out it wasn't but this did prompt me to starting a new thread. Within the hour there was a shortlist of two and after a little more investigating it turns out that the plane with no name is actually a David Boddington designed Tyro Too. In it's original form the Tyro was designed in 1966 as a single channel RC plane, it then evolved into a 2-3 channel kit in the 70's hence the' Too' was added to the name.

The wings don't sit right in the seats so could be from another similar DB plane called the Craftsman and the undercarriage probably isn't original either. But she does have a certain charm and deserves to fly again. The constant problem I'm having with this plane is the engine. An IC engine is great if you're a member of a Club with a private flying field, are a proficient power flyer and don't mind the noise and mess involved. But I'm neither of the former so if I am going to get this plane airborne then it's going to happen with a brushless set-up which just doesn't seem fitting or right for such a model. What a moral dilemma!

It's had been almost 3 years to the day since I first met the Cosmeston Crew. They're officially known as the South Wales MYC and are a friendly bunch despite being from Cardiff! There's a bit history and local rivalry as Swansea is the biggest City in Wales yet Cardiff is the Capital. Similar I guess to New York and Washington, Sydney and Canberra. But in a far smaller scale ; >)
I had to go to Pennarth on business so just happened to pop the Edge in the van knowing full well that I should meet up and have a friendly sail. Thursdays are not a racing day but an excuse to get out of the house, have a chat, sail and cup of tea at the lake in this Club. It was good to catch up with the gossip par-take in a bit of banter and show off my new design. It was also refreshing to sail on a different patch of water which offered a different perspective and examine the two Tonics which were rigged and sailing.

What's that saying? No peace for the wicked! I must be very bad as my plate is very full and the glass is about to overflow. I managed to turn work into pleasure this morning and get some flying in with a prospective customer which isn't such a bad thing. On my return home I disposed of £25 in my local model shop on a new razor saw, CA and balsa sheet for a micro warbird build (RCM&E mag's Feb issue free plans). Whilst in the garage waiting on the bench is a quick build EPP 33" HK P51 and underneath that I'm about to commence work on a vintage 2m Balsa Cabin, Serrento powered glider. I'm hoping to mix business with pleasure agin this Thursday by having a social sail with a neighbouring Club prior to collecting some furniture for the new home. Talking of which is still a massive DIY project in itself. Oh well, every journey is started with a single step.

The Sun was shining and a constant stream of competitors rolled up and rigged. By 13:00hrs eleven IOM's were reaching back and fourth eager to start the first race of 2014 and the Spring Series. The hottest and sunniest day of the year to date and a light shifty breeze provided 10 excellent races. Nigel took the first bullet and sailed very consistently from then on to win with a total of 14 points. I skippered the Edge into second place with 19 points. Doug maidened his Winter build Goth project, his first ever boat build.

My little used Lintel is off to warmer climates. Some fair well snaps
P.S The new workshop is looking very clinical