Sloping Off - September 2004
Editorial - Trumpets, one's own, the blowing thereof...
by Mike Roach
About 3 years ago I made a 1/9th scale model of the Airco DH2. The plan was published by Tony Dowdeswell in FSM and a laser-cut short kit was prepared by TurnKey.RC in America. I thought no more of it at the time, but gradually began receiving the odd email question (such as - "where is the balance point: you havn't put it on the plan"). Then 3 months ago this question was asked by one Frank von Jaerschky and gradually we exchanged views and opinions on building techniques. Then last month he said it was nearly ready to fly, and invited me to look at his thread on RC Groups.com. He had documented his building efforts and as I read through 10 pages and 146 posts by a wide variety of correspondents I realised the huge amount of goodwill there is in the aeromodelling world. Lots of people had built my model, only one of them said it flew like a dog and there were pictures of "my" DH2 from all parts of the world.
On the 17th of August he had a series of very successful "first" flights and posted the pictures and comments which drew lots of replies and praise. Now he's saying he could get a free flight to Brize Norton in the autumn (he works in the RCAF as an ATC) and how about showing him the Shuttleworth Collection?
I found the whole experience thoroughly motivating!
And so will you, if you take a few minutes to write about your aeromodelling for "Sloping Off". I'm very grateful to Terry Antell, Brian Wiseman,Terry Sullivan, Trevor Hewson and Chris Morris for doing so this month. They have pushed out the continuing history of the Sopwith Tabloid for this month
Please though, will you all take a camera next time?
If you are interested in seeing the Thread I mentioned, it is at:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/ and look for Mike Roach Airco DH2
