HOW WAS SANDOWN THIS YEAR

[mo]

Going to Sandown tomorrow and have heard that the trade stalls are again going to be further reduced in numbers.I hope someone can tell me this was not the case so I can look forward to a good day tomorrow.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE?

GOOD FLYING.
MO.

[Amit]

It was ok, I managed to arrive at 3:30pm. Altogether I spend about 350 on a Fatuba FF7 radio package and a sim.
(Please look at my post in Beginners as I need help)
Good day out.
Too bad for that model apache that crashed...

[G-DAVE]

Sandown

Best show for some years especially for Heli Fliers - and electrics in particular.
Bought some Li Poly's and a sutable charger , about time I learned about them.
And if you were there and missed the big turbine Jet Ranger de-kit itself in mid air -- looked like someone used the wrong glue and the mechanics parted company with the Fuz. --where were you !!!!
Bob Jonson did the book and some, outdoors with the Hornet 2 - unbelievable stuff.
Bargains - Futaba Digital servos --S3151's 18 .
401 gyro with digital servo 156 --
Don't tell me Sandown is finished - I think it's a rumour put about by so called Modellers who can not be bothered to make to effort to go.
Dave D

[dabba]

So what did you guys manage to buy?

I picked up a Pro-Peak Mercury Ex for 65
And a pair of cell holders for my starter.
I was a bit peeved at the pricing of stuff, It wasnt cheap enough.

I mean I tried to get some decent discount by offering to buy in bulk and the most I got offered was 10 off a pair of raptors n radios etc.

All good fun though, I did enjoy the eurofighter jet.

[chappers]

why does every one expect things to be cheap at sandown? shops have to make a profit too!

chappers

[G-DAVE]

Hi dabba
You say 10 off but what was the price.
In most model shops the advertised price is already discounted to get your attention.
Dave D

[antsis]

Got myself a pair of NHP carbon blades. No discount, but did get some OS no. 8 plugs for 2.75 ea as opposed to 3.50 ea. The flying was awesome. Loved the jetranger until it fell apart. Spoke to one of the guys at Al's Hobbies and they think a blade came loose. They also told me that the setup was worth 10 000.00 and that Ali was just a little upset.

[smiggsy]

I went to Sandown on the Sunday. Had a good day, although I thought last year was better. Seemed to be lacking in heli trade stands this year.

I had a list of things to buy and only bought 2 items! I use JR stuff and noticed that their DS811 servos have come down in leaps and bounds recently. Not long ago they were 38 each, then they dropped down to 27 and at the show Inwood Models were selling them for 19 ! Just how much profit are these guys making at these prices?

Was anybody impressed with the Reflex XTR flight simulator on demo? I want one! Forgot to ask how much it was though.


Shame about Ali's crash. Looked to me like a rotor blade parted company and the rotor head followed suit, but I'm not sure.

Bob Johnston never disappoints. What a flyer!!

Happy flying guys. Keep burning that fuel!!

[G-DAVE]

SANDOWN 2004

I thought the Heli Trade was well represented the only one missing from previous years was John White Models ( Vario ) . But we gained Skyline .
Dave

[johnb80]

As far as I'm concerned Sandown is just dieing away, I have been in this hobby for the last 15 years and I've visited Sandown every year, almost like a pilgrimage. I always save so that I've got lots to spend on the bargains that can be found. For the last 5 years it's been going downhill at an ever increasing rate and this year I feel is it's final death nail. Big names were not there Ripmax, Perkins etc. I know a lot of people in the trade and ALL of them were saying the same thing, too expensive and therefore they can't afford to discount and now with the more centrally located Model Expo I really can't see there being another Sandown next year.
Im also very concerned about safety, I witnessed Ali's heli breaking up, a terrible site and a beautiful model. Clearly he had no control over it once the break up had started but what if it had gone into the crowd. The turbine powered Eurofighter was awesome, it's speed incredible but again so close to the crowd and there's no way you would get out of it's way.
I've always spent between 500 and 1200 at Sandown, this year 115 on the superb Reflex Sim. For the 1st time in 15 years I will NOT be going next year.

[G-DAVE]

Hi Johnb80
Well if Sandown isn't dead it will certainly be in intensive care if enough people read your last post.
My club mates and I have never missed a Sandown weekend in many more years than most , and we will continue to support the show which we think is on it's way back this year unless your a plank flier. Ok Ripmax and Perkins are still missing nothing new there!
Sandown Safety - in the 15 years you have been going - anyone hurt ??
When your dealing with radio control there will always be a risk - as there is in a lot of motor sport .
The Model Expo is welcome especially those of us who live in the North - will it be a subsitute for Sandown? - well lets have a look at it first before we hold the last rights.
Dave D ops:
ps welcome to Heliaddicts

[mo]

SANDOWN

Hi.
I have heard a lot of stories about the demise of Sandown, and the fears of "Johnb80" seem to be commonplace.The life blood of the show are the trade stands and the discount that they can offer,but if some of the stories that I hear are true, the amount now charged for floor space at the show is nothing but extortion, and it is the general public that meets this cost through the lower discounts offered from the traders who are brave enough to chance their luck.I personelly think that Sandown is on a downward trend through over pricing, but can only hope I am proven wrong, for in my estimation of all the shows, Sandown was the one I would never want to miss.
GOOD FLYING.
Mo.