Late 2022, our esteemed Club Secretary (No names, but it was Simon) suggested a club model for ’23. There were eleven takers, including your scribe, who each purchased a “Bill Kits – Big Fun”.
The general idea was that Big Fun owners would compete against each other during the year in various novelty events orchestrated by Simon.
The first gathering, 9th April, was inked into the diary as a “Set-up” flying day; all gather and see how we go. Of the original eleven, six were ready for the Big F’ day. One had already been written off, mine is still only ¾ complete (I should never have retired, I have so little spare time these days) and the remaining three? Likely same excuse.
We had the choice of built-up or foam ready-made wing, I went built-up and found it more work than expected – but I enjoyed doing it and reliving some of my care-free youth; a real tonic!
So the day has been and gone and the weather, relatively kind. Fun and games were indeed had by the bucket-full. Simon has prepared a written report which is reproduced below, along with a photo-snap selection…..
Bill Kits Big Fun – First flying session report.
Well, that went well didn’t it?
The general opinion was that the BIG FUN was probably not the best model that I could have chosen, but everybody seemed to be “up for the challenge” of getting them to fly properly.
The batting order and result:
Simon. despite researching fun fly models to death, decided that the plan c/g was wrong and it need to be 1/3 rd of the chord. First mistake. Second mistake was sticking to the advised throws. Result?. Uncontrollable beast which decided to roost in the top of the tallest tree in the quarry. Great team effort to retrieve with virtually no damage. Second flight marginally better, but not much!
Peter. Having learnt from my mistakes took to the skies. Bit of a missile and again c/g to far back and too much movement. Subsequent flights better.
Phil. Another missile, it only survived due to his cat-like reactions. Smaller elevator and other minor modifications are on the cards. Oh, and a trip to the dry cleaners to get his brown trousers laundered!
Keith. A relatively stress-free (?) flight, as he had already modified it to be a BIT more user friendly. Power was “adequate” to say the least.
By now, and after a LOT of chatter in the pits, we were getting close to the optimum c/g.
Roly. He decided to strip down a spare garage door he had on his person, to use as nose weight. Result?, Climb to six inches and then belly in the long grass. After removing copious weight, he / it flew very well.
Fuzz. Being an oily there were the inevitable taxi trials, tweaking, more tweaking and yet more tweaking. After mucho fettling, Fuzz took to the air without incident, and landed to rapturous applause. Biggest smile of the day.
So what did we learn?
It has the characteristics of a flying wing / breeze block due to the VERY short wing/tail moment arm.
- It’s ugly (even after a few Stella’s / bottle of Coat Der Roam).
- The C/G needs to be no more than 3″ back from the LE. Pete’s was 2.75″.
- The elevator is more sensitive than the most sensitive wife after you have forgotten her birthday. Reduced size (1/2) is on the cards.
Needless to say, before I arrange the first competition there is a fair bit of “Midnight Oil” to be burnt to get them user friendly.
But after all that, we had a fantastic day. Weather was perfect, usual “banter” and above all………………FUN.
The pictures speak a thousand words!
Now you see it!
Now you, err, umm…….. Ah, there it is!
Happy days!