Ringmaster Flyathon 2014
Well PK had the grounds looking a treat and the wind from the previous day had all but disappeared. All was set for a great day of flying for this years Ringmaster Flyathon. The shelter was erected (not without difficulty we might add for those who will remain nameless). The new walls installed providing shade and protection from the little wind there was.
The change to daylight saving only caught one or two sleepy heads, notably yours truly who should have been champing at the bit to show off a new model looking like something from the insect world.
Les our trusty chef was first into the air posting 3 flights with his Merco .29 powered S1 on 50' lines. Consequently he made good use of the speed pole in the centre. Les ended clocking up 8 flights which was a fantastic effort for someone we hardly ever see in the circle. He has decided to make up some 60' lines for the next outing. Well done Les!
Peter Roberts presented with a new S1 powered by a Fox .25. As could be expected from Peter it flew as cleanly as the finish on the model, a superb example of this design.
Dougie Grinham built this S1 a couple of years ago powered by an Enya .19. So there is no prize for guessing that it is a pretty light plane even by Dougie's standards. Now with a Fox .35 and longer lines he has model to fly in the stiffest winds.
Alan M-Harrison brought two models. A pretend S1 with a fox .35 and a Trainer with a Taipan Tyro 1.9cc diesel. The Fox let Alan down in the first flight shedding a needle valve but the stalwart for the day was the little trainer which completed a total of 34 flights, 19 by Alan individually and another 15 later in conjunction with Peter Koch , alternating as pit crew in team racing fashion. Good effort lads!
Mark Usher always presents with something a little bit out of the ordinary. This year One of his S1's was powered by a mint looking Torpeo .32. The other S1 is closer to the Norm with a Fox .35
Steve likes things that are a little bit different. After the demise of his custom Ringmaster last year he thought he might try for something even more different than before, we do have a novelty day after all. He had a couple of special .60's yet to be run so he started looking at super sized ringmasters. (he likes profiles) His search landed him in the Brotherhood site where he discovered plans for this Ringmaster Xwing designed by Pat King. Although Pat had a small number of Laser cut kits done they were all sold but as yet none built. So commenced Steve's folly. Here was a 60 sized novel design that filled the gap for the Ringmaster Flyathon. For him it was irresistible.
This leaves two veterans to be accounted for on the day, The Combat Kid - Ken Maier and Dave and Vera Lacy.
Here is Dave and Vera sharing the fun, two finer folk you would be hard pressed to find:
As for the Combat Kid, 10 flights was a good effort. Unfortunately he got up too late to make the pics.
Here is Ken Taylors, Williamson Ringmaster presented by Peter Koch.
Here is PK on the day getting a young one acquainted with the wire. Seems Dad is more anxious than the son.
And the final flight tally was:
