Nitro virgin's first time... with pjtyro's ex...

[unwind-protect]

So today after literally /years/ of procrastination, I have finally got around to joining my local model aero club (Cambridge Model Aero Club).

For my first visit, I took along my (originally pjtyro's) Knight 3D and my 3DX450. Never having flown a nitro (or anything that big!) before, one of the other club members gave the model a quick one over and helped me through the starting process; unfortunately they hadn't flown helis for a few years, so the flying was all down to me!

Anyhow after a cautious start I was soon flying huge circuits and eights, and even threw in some stall turns . Very happy with how the Knight is performing, even if it does get through fuel at a frankly frightening rate---about 10 minutes a tank, is that about right!?

The 3DX450 fared less well; I suffered a radio glitch and the throttle cut; the Jazz takes a 'long few seconds' (as it says in the manual) to bring the governor back up to speed, and I didn't have the sense to try an autorotation, so I suffered a very heavy landing. Anyhow, nothing that's not fixable, the only worry is I'm not sure why the signal failed. Previously I've tracked problems down to the antenna, but it looks fine now. All previous range checks have come up good

So, just one last thanks to pjtyros for selling me his Knight; once I'm comfortable with this heli in all the orientations it's going to be a lot of fun. Also thanks to anyone of CMAC who might be reading for giving me a warm welcome. I can see this hobby is going to cost me even more in the near future (in fuel, rather than bits, hopefully)! Wish I'd sorted this out years ago!

[matt27]

hi mate
im from near cambridge kinda and have looked at this club a couple of times
was thinking of joining and outdoor club next year
from what youve said sounds as if you like it
i might pop along one day maybe
have you got a link i can have a look at thanks
Matt

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They have a website at http://www.cambridgemodelaircraftclub.co.uk/ . They operate on the disused airfield at Waterbeach Barracks, so you need to have a membership card, or be signed in by an existing member. They are mostly aeroplane flyers, but there are (I am told) about a dozen heli flyers who turn up from time to time (I was the only heli flyer there today, but there was about half a dozen plane flyers there). They operate a separate heli pits about 2 minutes walk from the main pits, but my impression was that is to help prevent airspace clashes, rather than an 'us and them' thing you apparently get at some sites.

Probably the best thing to do is to contact the membership secretary (Allan Brooks) via the email address on the website. If you'd prefer to call him PM me and I'll send you his number.

[moonmanflyer]

Nice one mate, the knight flies fantastic and loved mine, half tempted to put mine into storage for a bit and pass it on to my youngest when he gets better.

[chemicalbro]

10 mins a tank is doing well (at least it only takes seconds to refuel.)

if you move up to 3d flying you'll be looking at about 6-7 mins. (but thats plenty if you're flying 3d.... your brain can't really handle any longer )

[unwind-protect]

Nice one mate, the knight flies fantastic and loved mine, half tempted to put mine into storage for a bit and pass it on to my youngest when he gets better.

Seems to me they're always changing, updating and improving models. They'll only discontinue some critical part, and then you won't want to fly it properly for fear of breaking it.