Monty and Vintage Combat 2013

This year the Monty Tyrrell shared the day with Vintage Combat and a disposal sale of books together with the remains of Tony Cincotta's kits, engines, plans and accessories. Although overcast there was very little wind and only a few light showers.

We had a good line up of competitors again this year and although many of the faces are familiar to us all it was a different mix from last year. Somehow time seemed to slip away from us and we only managed to get through 2 of the intended three rounds. Whether this was due to bargain hunting going on at the sales tables or just the fact that everyone was enjoying catching up with one another, it didn't seem to matter at the time. There is no doubt that PJ is making it hard for the others and gives some credence to the fact that having a model that you can fly across all the classes of events breeds greater familiarity and consistency, of course you have to have some talent as well. Dougie, last years winner changed to a Brodak .40 Mk1 to try and solve some harmonics issues in the his Geiseke Nobler. Despite the engine running a little too hard in the first flight he controlled it well and looked in reach of PJ. He softened the run in the second round and was posting some good scores when the motor flamed out in the triangles putting and end to the challenge. The underlying battle then loomed to the fore between Kochie's relatively new Horricks Larikan and Dave Nobes tried and trusted Shark 45. These are both big aeroplanes and fill the frame for the judges. Even with the Merco .61 upfront the Larikan just seems to hang in the air and corner like it is on rails. It was a good battle and the friendly rivalry between the two just adds to the dimension. Dave was just not able to bridge the gap in the end.