Topic: Nationals 2010

Just got home from the nationals, well folks it appears the BMFA’s demolition job on the showline is almost complete, what a monumental fiasco, what a shame.

m

In fairness to them the weather had a lot to do with the dissapointment

I got home a few hours ago,  My mate and I left several hours early due to the weather being atrocious. It killed the whole atmosphere

Keith

thats why, after checking the weather forcast, I'm going tomorrow instead

seems the best weather day?



Simon

Just got home from the nationals, well folks it appears the BMFA’s demolition job on the showline is almost complete, what a monumental fiasco, what a shame.

m

And how exactly are the BMFA responsible for today's unflyable weather?

I gather (third hand) there were several weather related "incidents" yesterday when it was presumably a bit better.....

i got back about 1.30pm mainly due to the weather keeping models on the ground and i don't blame them
i was disappointed in the stalls for years it was a day out and a time to get some new models and /or stock up on the nick knacks at a bit of a discount but to be honest all had shop prices so any new models will be bought online seeing as some are doing free delivery so in the long run it would work out more expensive by going to a show for new gear pity as i enjoy the nats the only show i goto during the hard times 
Ron 

My shortest stay at the Nats for years too  

Didnt go anywhere near the showline -  seen it all before - I like the Nats for the stuff you dont see anywhere else - c/l combat - each competitior takes 2 models for a 4 minute bout   - c/l speed pulse jets and the pylon stuff and scale  

Arrived 9.00 saturday with camping gear but weather was rubbish and forecast worse. Saw some of the stuff I like spent a few quid and met up with the people I wanted to - but camping in nice weather makes me feel my age so decided to be a wuss and come home  

Bit pricey at around £90 for the 300 mile round trip in a 3.0 Supra but i'm not unhappy  

The weather was the worst that I have ever experienced at the nationals. What a shame.

Phil

  I always go on the Sunday mainly for the swap meet, which wasn't affected by the weather, (unless you were outside the hanger), but there did seem to be a distinct lack of people this year. those that did turn up were not that willing to part with any cash and expected to get a lot for not a lot.

Still an enjoyable day though.

Went yesterday. Got there about 1pm.. In between retreating to whichever shelter was close to hand to escape the cloud burst (trade tent/car/trade tent) we started at the flight line..watched a couple of big aerobatic things. A few jets, the funjet display (two of the flyers being fellow club members), The WW2 mass fly round which was very impressive. Shame about the Typhoon nose  ..

Manny in his suit, The Stearman display with the wing walkers, which was really good and entertaining. The loooooonnnnggggg F15 landing and broken nose leg..The various other aerobatic flights... The Tonka, the lovely lovely Hurricane..

Gordon showed me the toys available on the M link Pro 16. Had the turboprop explained to us in the Wren tent when it really hammered down with rain.. Then it rained some more...The sun came out, steam rose from my soaking jeans...It rained again..

I think if it were me, I wouldn't have risked flying umpteen quidsworth and hoursworth of aeroplane; and I'm used to dashing for cover on the slope! So hats off to those who did, the conditions were nasty with a increasingly vearing north-westerly wind across the runway.

Not as busy I thought as last year..will I go again, possibly not unless the forecast is fine.

Thoughtful_Flyer, they were not responsible for the weather, they were responsible for the appalling shambles they created on the showline. The right hand had no idea what the left was doing and this was a direct result of upsetting one of the few people capable of organising such an event.

m

I made my first visit to the Nationals in 20+ years today. Awful weather. A few brave souls flew though.

Plenty of tradestands for those with bulging wallets.     I didn't make anyone a millionare though, with just a Permagrit rotary sanding drum purchased along with 4 gallons of Southern Modelcraft's finest.......

I did notice absolute mountains of Spektrum radio gear (along with DSX 9's)  piled on Ali's stand though. A final push to sell existing stock before the big changeover perhaps?

My shortest stay at the Nats for a long time too, and probably my last visit for a few years to come.   The showline was indeed very poor in comparison with any of the major shows, but then again, the Nats is primarily a competition, not a 'show'. Maybe the BMFA should just drop the showline altogether as it is never going to meet people's expectations of a 'show' in its current format?

There's usually at least one big bargain to be had (last year it was AL's selling Parkzone Sukhoi's for peanuts) but there was nothing much to be had this year, although I did pick up a Lander Panther from Overlander for 15 quid less than they have been at the other shows  

It must be tough for the BMFA to try to meet everyone's inflated expectations every year. There's no way they can deliver a huge national competition, a fantastic show, a feast of bargains and fantastic weather all in one weekend , but thanks to the organising team for at least trying.

A final push to sell existing stock before the big changeover perhaps?

What "big changeover" would that be 

You haven't been reading the forum regularly enough Jeezy, have you?.

Lots of info here........http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/index.php/topic,73700.0.html

With more still if you search around.......

You haven't been reading the forum regularly enough Jeezy, have you?.

I have, I just steer clear of the threads that are full of ill-founded panic and speculation   

Ah right, you're not a Sun reader then......?

I actually did see Jr's new upcoming XG7 DMSS radio on a stand (can't remember who's), so at least half the story would appear to have foundation?

I did notice absolute mountains of Spektrum radio gear (along with DSX 9's)  piled on Ali's stand though.

I hope so, Spektrum is the market leader. Was anybody selling Multiplex transmitters ?

A final push to sell existing stock before the big changeover perhaps?

Doubtless shifting the DX7's and DSX9's to make room for the DX8's and DX10's.

Steve

Was anybody selling Multiplex transmitters ?
Steve

No, they got their 2.4GHz telemetry system right first time so no need to off load!  

Can we keep this back on track please, there are other threads to suit most comments made here.

Can we keep this back on track please, there are other threads to suit most comments made here.

 

Well said that man.

In the meantime, was there any meaningful flying done. I'm 40 miles sout of Barkston and its been howling all day.

Charlie C

Just got home from the nationals, well folks it appears the BMFA’s demolition job on the showline is almost complete, what a monumental fiasco, what a shame.

m

Fully agree there Mick.

i got back about 1.30pm mainly due to the weather keeping models on the ground and i don't blame them
i was disappointed in the stalls for years it was a day out and a time to get some new models and /or stock up on the nick knacks at a bit of a discount but to be honest all had shop prices  
Ron 

You didn't look round all the stalls then.

I did notice absolute mountains of Spektrum radio gear (along with DSX 9's)  piled on Ali's stand though. A final push to sell existing stock before the big changeover perhaps?

That's funny,  Al's are still waiting for stock of the DX9.

They were there Taximan, I kid you not!

any info on today's flying...what happened etc etc would be great to know........i could n't go today...(Monday) as i have other commitments......much appreciated.......as i'm doing a report on the event

many thanks

dave

Well guys,

My weekend started on friday night.. a quick flight to east midlands, and a hire car to barkston to meet the rest of the team who had drove across in the van with the models and prepared my tent for me 

Weather looked promising on arrival, done a bit of indoor flying, cleared the hangar for a personal slot for the wings, flown by me and bigfeet.

Saturday morning.... Got the tranny's checked in and headed for the showline.. started of fine, put two flights on the hawk, got a spot of lunch and then it all went pear shaped.

The rain came...went.. and came.. and went.. and came... and you get the picture.
the winds picked up and i called it a day, peter (bigfeet) had another flight on the elan and even he packed it in after that.

We hung around in the hope it would pass, but gave up at 4pm.. Had a look at the trade stands briefly on the way down to the campsite and headed back for a committee meeting in the tent.

More flying in the hangar in the evening.. good crack as usual, but we decided if the weather didnt improve on sunday we'd have a look at some of the other events..

SUNDAY.. well, we got up and rushed like a herd of cows to the swap meet, and manged to flog everything bar one plane. success!! went up to the showline to see what the plan was.. NO PLAN.. far too windy to even get out of the van so we decided to see what else there was to do.  Unfortunatley that wasnt much, everyone else was in the same boat apart from the screaming pylon guys, even the control line guys had gave up, so we headed to the trade stand.

Trade stands didnt seem as good this year, but they were identical to last year, so it was probably the fact you were walking around with a 45 degrees lean. Radied Al's hobbies as i was wheeling and dealing with Al senior, picked up a Habu ready to go, hole pile of lipos and some recievers, and then that was basically it..

Nats 2010 in a nutshell... travelled over from Northern Ireland.. Had 2 flights, done a bit of shopping and got blown home by the wind 

Chris

The Showline flying was officially cancelled yesterday at 12am, due to weather conditions.
Flying was due to commence at 10am but it was decided to hold over to twelve to if the wind and rain would abate a bit, but that did not happen, it only got worse so the decision was taken to abort.

On Saturday we managed to get (nearly) a full days flying in with a couple of stoppages for heavy rain. My “Jet Jocks” did a great job of putting a show on as they were able to cope with the windy conditions more favourably, although “well done” to all the prop boys that ventured up to put on a great display
It was also good that there was not any seriously damaged models, just a few minor scrapes.

All in all, a very challenging day for the show pilots who did a fine damn job of keeping the public entertained, even though we had running problems, due to a lot of pilots who had booked in not turning up, or others that simply chose not to fly in the conditions, so a lot of slot juggling to keep the show rolling, so a “BIG THANKS” to all the pilots, jets and props, for making our job easier

Vince.

but then again, the Nats is primarily a competition, not a 'show'. Maybe the BMFA should just drop the showline altogether as it is never going to meet people's expectations of a 'show' in its current format?

At last - someone who agrees with my view of the so called Nats "showline"   

At last - someone who agrees with my view of the so called Nats "showline"  

Funny, as it's usually packed down there with viewing public, even with Saturday's dodgy weather, the crown were two to three deep, and yesterday there was a stack of vehicles and people waiting to see some flying, so I don't know who you are speaking for, you seem to be in the minority, you may not like the Showline but there are plenty of people who do

The only argument that has been on this forum is not about having a Showline but about the Top Gun event that has crept into it and spoilt valuable flying time

If you think something is broken join the team and help fix it!

Oggie and the team do a job with limited help, they could do with more flyer's supporting the event.

I've flown in the event and Judged over the years, I managed to do both this year except in the class we were flying in! That would have been a fix!!!

Thanks Steve

For goodness sake Steve, I and others have been banging on about this for four years. If the stupid, unwanted Topgun competition is axed from the showline it can be restored to it's former glory!

The showline was born to attract the paying public to the nationals and was very successful it was never a competition and shouldn't be now, in my opinion.

I fully appreciate the nats is largely competition but in general competition is for the competitors and a little boring to the public. I do know a little about competition I have competed in F3d, club20, sport40 and Fai pattern and have had national wins in all four having said that I do not want to compete any more!

In the past a quick look down the spectator fence has clearly shown where the public interest is (was). Bring back the showline as it was get Ali to run it, problem solved.

m

For goodness sake Steve, I and others have been banging on about this for four years. If the stupid, unwanted Topgun competition is axed from the showline it can be restored to it's former glory!

The showline was born to attract the paying public to the nationals and was very successful it was never a competition and shouldn't be now, in my opinion.


In the past a quick look down the spectator fence has clearly shown where the public interest is (was). Bring back the showline as it was get Ali to run it, problem solved.

m

exactly nail hit firmly on head totally agree 

I wont be going again for a few years.   

Very poor trade deals. TJD would not offer to match Inwoods price on an MX2!! Fools.

I enjoyed it  

Saturday Morning was good. The airshow looked alright from where I stood i.e. right next to it for a good hour or so. Wingwalkers really funny and enjoyed the Multiplex Funjets with (what sounded like) Professor Von Duck commentating.  

Thai food to go was fantastic. Five quid for a huge stirfry and rice  

Trade stands also good and bought..... a Funjet plus lots of other stuff.

Indoor flying looked like fun with at least 10 aircraft in the air at any one time. Lots of kids and adults all having enjoying themselves for ages. Should have taken my indoor stuff...


The weather was shocking after lunch though and sounds like it went downhill after Saturday  

I wont be going again for a few years.   

Very poor trade deals. TJD would not offer to match Inwoods price on an MX2!! Fools.

So buy it from Inwoods.  What's your problem with that?

So buy it from Inwoods.  What's your problem with that?

They probably had none left at Inwoods!? Sometimes there is not that margin there for traders to price match. They may as well keep the stock and sell with reasonable margin in store. 

Shaun

They probably had none left at Inwoods!? Sometimes there is not that margin there for traders to price match. They may as well keep the stock and sell with reasonable margin in store. 

Shaun

Exactly my point.  Calling a company "fools" because they operate on a different business model from someone else is obnoxious.

Sure is interesting to get the feel of the 'Nationals' - I think if you got there and saw any models at the Nats your very lucky. I wish I was there - I just get to read about it in posts currently or the mag reports when they come out. I'd prefer to have been there. I shall try and make it next year. Maybe B&B somewere near.

Taking of my 'modeller' hat and putting on the 'interested LMS owner hat'

SWM packed and sent on one of the only DX8 Tx's on to one of the folks that was using it at the Nats ( the Rep showed it us and then asks us to get it to the people who needed to use it). I was told it was one of two sets that were very much hand built one off's that represent the new DX8 when it comes out (soon). I can't wait to get my hands on one myself as it looked like simple programming and it also felt correct in the hand.

Did anyone see DX8's for sale? as I didnt think they were out yet?

Back to being aermodeller - how did anyone cope with the weather. It was unflyable in the North yesterday, looks better today, but a little breezey.

Any pics yet? any Vids? Come on you Media Modellers - where's the jpg's and M4's...

Thanks to those that have posted for the info.

Steve

I also know from being involved in retail that while some people requesting a price match are just doing that but some are trying to play two traders off of each other several times....

I am not saying that is what happened here but I can appreciate how a trader may get annoyed with the practice.

On the flip side, I would like to congratulate TJD as I took my four year old son in the tent on Saturday to look for a CC Lee P40 Warhawk that he had been looking for all day. He had one last year at the Nats and it broke a couple of months ago.

He had some pocket money to spend and all he wanted was this plane. Not only were TJD the only trader to have it but the guy that dealt with him (can't rmember his name but it began with D, could have been daniel?  ) was brilliant with Sammy, joking about him keeping the plane under the bed!

Well done TJD, I think my Son is another loyal customer!

Sheridan

Definitely no DX8 for sale.  And that applies world wide at the moment.  They are going to launch in all regions at the same time.

As for the flying.  Quite a lot on the Saturday between the rain.  However on Sunday the wind was really strong.  As usual I spent most time with the control line combat guys.  Their flying was cancelled in the morning with another inspection at 4PM.  I'd left by then so no idea if they got things going or not.  I did see a few helicopters and pylon races in the distance.  Not sure if they were practicising or competing.

Definitely one up to Mother Nature.