NDMAC CHRISTMAS DINNER 2018

The 'Salty Dog'.   The venue of our 2018 Christmas dinner

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL   -   A GOOD NIGHT WAS HAD BY ALL

OUR MAN OF THE YEAR

Stephen Hamilton

Bill pased away peacefully on Tuesday 4th December 2018

He was a highly esteemed, long serving member of NDMAC, always immaculately turned out with collar and tie and shoes polished.

1927   -   2018

Generous to a fault, his mind was sharp as a razor despite his 90 odd birthdays and his hearing difficulties, which he never allowed to isolate him.  A gentleman of the 'old school', I never heard him say a word against anyone and he was always interested to hear the latest Club news.

Bill flew regularly up until the last couple of years, under the tutelage of Michael, with the aid of his buddy system.  He wasn't the greatest fan of electric propulsion, much preferring smoke and noise, and was determined, to the end, to get that elusive 'A' certificate.  On his other liking for smoke, he would say that it was easy to give up the habit, but it was even easier to re-start!

After Bill's road accident a few years ago, Michael, at no small gift of time and effort, also provided his much appreciated and caring transport to and from Kirkistown and other Club events.

Bill was a great example for us all and will be very sadly missed.

G Elliott

WE NOW HAVE A NEW BBQ WHICH REPLACES OUR ORIGINAL GAS UNIT

The new BBQ is available to anyone wishing to cook their burgers, sausages etc. on any flying day at the field, so feel free to make use of it.

Ricky and David struggle with the assembly of an ARTF (Almost Ready To Fry) BBQ unit
The good news is the unit is now complete and ready to use.  Thanks lads.

NOW FOR SOMETHING QUITE DIFFERENT

The 'Prof' has been busy recently labouring away in his workshop at the bottom of the garden.  Under construction was a kit from Great Planes known as the 'Slow Poke'.

This is the 'Slow Poke' sporting a wing span of 62-inches and a wing cord of no less than 18-inches!  Should make for some interesting flying!  Tony has selected an ASP .61 four stroke to power the model and he hopes to have its maiden flight shortly.

Tony commissioned Peter to build the model and today it was on display at the 'field'.  A truely beautiful and professional job as we've come to expect from the workshop of the Prof.  All that remains is for the plumbing to be connected and the C og G checked.

Peter hands over the completed project to its proud owner

Covered in parts with Oracover and others with Hobby King covering.  Stunning.

Let's hope it flys as good as it looks.  I'm sure it will.

TD43

I ALWAYS LIKE TO HAVE MY CAMERA TO HAND.  ONE NEVER KNOWS WHAT OR WHO WILL TURN UP

Recognise the chap in the middle?    Yes, he's a fully paid up member!   Often sought after, rarely seen but always welcome.

TD43

JUST LOOK AT WHAT WE'VE GOT NOW!

On behalf of the Club, George thanks Stephen for his generous donation of a superb Starting Bench which will be of great benefit  to members, both young and old.

MTK is first up to try starting his 50cc Sbach.   The model is well restrained and at a comfortable height for swinging the prop.
Adjustments to the engine are more easily managed which will surely add to the safety of pilots when working with their plane.

Stephen built this bench from a set of plans provided by Manny Williamson (BMFA).  The unit is very well constructed (no surprise here!) and with its wheels it can be moved to any location and strored in the Shelter when not required.

Thank you very much Stephen for your hard work and generosity.

TD43

A BIG WELCOME TO DAVID WHO HAS JOINED THE SQUADRON AT NDMAC

David had his first flight courtesy of Ricky's donated Sedona.  Although connected with a 'buddy lead' he managed extremely well requiring hardly any intervention by his instructor.  Very well done indeed.  David has joined the 'Taranis' brigade and invested in a new transmitter. Hopefully he'll soon get his head 'round' the menuu sustem with some help from Keith and the supplied instruction manual!  Good luck with that!

A keen sailor, motorcyclist and 'motor-homer', David hails from Bangor and hopes to be down at the field as often as possible.

Welcome a'board David.

TD43

NEW MODELS MAIDENED

Ricky brought along his new H9 'Meridian' for its first flight.

Electrically powered, the model flew well needing only a few clicks of trim, so Ricky was a very 'happy bunny' when he landed the plane successfully and recovered his nerves.

Another model maidened today was Taildragger's foamie 'Seawind'.  ARTF by ST Models.

This plane was bought specifically for flying off Lough Cowey.  It's a true amphibian with retracts.  It can be taxied down the slipway into the water and then the undercarriage retracted.  Neat!!  When the u/c is retracted a water rudder is automatically deployed.

Flaps are standard as is wing tip strobe lighting.

The maiden flight was uneventful; a few clicks of elevator trim had the model flying straight and level.  It's powered with a 3-S LiPo 2200 mAh capacity and is a pleasure to fly.  Purchased from Slough Radio Control Models and delivered for under £200.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BvtkfgzDAI

TD43

BELIEVED TO BE COMING OUR WAY

This beautiful 'Xcaliber' Jet is believed to be destined to fly at Kirkistown.  The lucky new owner is playing his cards close to his chest so we'll have to wait and see!

TD43