Christchurch and District Model Flying Club
Sloping Off - our newsletter

The end of the line, by Brian Wiseman

It is hard to find much flying to write about. I knew that I am coming to the end of flying but I bought a foam Sukhoi which I mentioned last time. I did put it together but the speed controller would not work. I did the usual of taking the motor etc out of the plane and running it with a different controller which went well So It all went back together with the second controller this meant that it was December before it flew. After some trimming problems it flew well. A nice if unspectacular plane. I will try to fix the elevator so it goes to nearly 90 degrees up or down and then try to make to loop in its own length. But I am not going to get much more flying. I like Ian Hammond out on the flightline with me in case the vertigo clicks I and I start to stagger about. This has not happened yet.

I am moving to a small house owned by my daughter in Amersham. No Workshop a small garden. We are being sensible and moving whilst we can still do it . Itis no good waiting till I have stroke or get really ill before moving. There is a club at Chesham but I feel that I am getting past it . I have flown until I am 85 years old so I have had a good innings. I have the model flying simulator which is very good so I shall still keep my hand in. If l get very bored I might be able to set up an N gauge railway but we will have to see how it goes.

I certainly have enjoyed the hobby. I retired from it in 2010 for two years when I became ill but to my surprise I recovered well enough to fly for another six years what a blessing. I have also enjoyed writing for you. Including the exploits of B Leonard Wise. I started his exploits in 2004 and I though that I would be able to keep it going for two years. That would be eight episodes but its nearer to 12 years. 48 episodes Some people think it was rubbish and some people liked it. It is always the same with writing. My favourite was when he passed his A certificate.

So this is the last time I shall communicate with you. I guess I shall have a few more flights before the end of April then I shall give my planes away most of them are old and decrepit like me but they fly well. Over the last twenty years I have collected  small dinky type planes and had about 150  of them I tried dealers but they were not interested in so many. Most of them were only cost a few pounds. I actually had the history of flight from The Wright brothers through the first and second world wars to the stealth planes. I tried the Bournemouth  Aviation Museum who were very pleased to have them. In the fullness of time they should  be on display in cabinets in  one of their rooms. Keep flying and enjoying it as long as you  can.

Brian Wiseman