It was a dark, dark night……..

By | March 17, 2022

……so The Phoenix MFC Dorset club held an evening indoor distance competition for Depron-constructed Chuck gliders. We had eleven entrants who were provided with a sheet of Depron, a stick of balsa, glue, Blue Tack nose weight –  and shown pre made balsa chuck gliders plus books like “The Eagle Book of Spacecraft Models” to provide a little inspiration!

Three quarters of an hour was allowed to ~perfect one’s creation, then some test flying (crashing) followed by the Competition …three attempts each. The aim was to be the one who’s “craft” travelled the furthest distance.

There goes Roly’s

As the competition progressed, the winning line gradually inched up until the hall’s distant wall was under threat, then Phil’s model bumped into it! Unmatched, Phil Burton was therefore declared to be the winner of the bottle of wine – with Peter Hudson a very close second; well done both! (Well done everyone!)

A low key “Concours d’Elegance“ was, I feel, won by a Keil Kraft “ Spook” look-alike by Brian, whose  modelling memory goes far enough back ! (- and he’s a very neat builder!)
Some undamaged planes made it home, and may even be used in the upcoming BMFA Guinness book of records attempt.
Considerable fun was had by all for minimal outlay and time…
David Bintcliffe

Many thanks go to David for heading up the evening and providing the written report!

Further snaps from the evening…….


A collection was made after the competition for the benefit of the Red Cross and Save The Children UK in support of their relief activities in Ukraine. At the time of writing, the total is nearly £100 and further donations are expected. Your Club Chairman wishes to thank those who have been able to contribute.