Since the last newsletter there has been very little activity on Rye Meadows. The field was not used at all until the last day or so of March thanks to wind and rain and general gloom. Thus far, April has been much the same. The saying is that "a good April can mean a poor summer". I don't know if the reverse is the case - let's hope so!
The Field
When you do get to the field you will find the sheep are back and the fence is up with two strands to help keep out the lambs. The attendance book is in operation so please make sure you use it each time you visit.We have had a report of a possible glitch (minor thankfully) caused to an after-market receiver in an electric model, probably caused by the wire in the fence even when it is disconnected. For safety it might be sensible to use one of the metal pegs which hold down the battery box to make sure the fence wire is well earthed. Please don't forget to put it all back in the rightful places when you have finished!
Membership
No change since the last newsletter.
Calendar
- The field willl be used for the annual Steam Rally over the weekend of 19th and 20th July. Of course the weather caused its cancellation last year.
- A music festival of some sort is being planned on the field over the August Bank Holiday weekend, although we do not yet have any details.
Both these events unfortunately make the field unavailable to us for some days before and after the events.
- Our own annual Show is on the weekend of 6th and 7th September.
- The Committee is hoping to run a simple competition on Sunday 1st June - details to follow, probably from Antony Redding. It will probably include having the Barbeque running - bring and cook your own food.
2.4 GHz
There has been a deal of debate about this topic and there was a good summary in the latest issue of BMFA News (issue no. 87). The upshot appears to be that the problem is now under control and that the sets are OK to use, with care.If you do experience any problems which you cannot deal with then please STOP using the set and contact the distributor immediately. Also, please advise a committee member.
Airframe Inspections
As we see more and more electric models of increasing size and power the Committee has discussed what we should do about checking models for safety purposes. It is agreed that ALL models should receive an airframe check as with i/c powered models. This can be carried out by one committee member without the need for a second observer and should be recorded on the appropriate part of the noise test form. This requirement is not just another rule but is intended to help ensure that we all fly safe models. A second pair of eyes can often see something we otherwise miss.(If the committee member feels that the electric model has a potential noise problem then he/she can require a full noise test).
That's all for now. Remember, if you have anything you want included in the next newsletter please let me know.
Bernard Morris