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 MONDAY.
Wind Westerly about 15mph with bright sunshine. This time with a bit of
local knowledge we parked in the Church Car Park and deposited our
gratuity in the collection box. We paid the same as the Private Car Park
but it was closer to the hill footpath and it was going to a good cause.
Colin decided upon his Pilatus B4 and Mini Milan and I ventured forth
with a SHK and Mini Milan. Did I mention before that the climb was
strenuous? Try it with a Bergen, ¼ scale SHK, Mini Milan and wind. Upon
arriving at the top we found that the Para-gliders were out and liaised
with them. Shortly after one of the local flyers arrived and explained
that the information given to us about the location of model flying from
the Para-gliders was somewhat economical with the truth. Enough
said. We were then able to fly from the best part of the hill with a
good lookout maintained to prevent any clash between the two groups in
the air. What was the lift and flying like. Absolutely b*****y
fantastic. The lift was huge without a trace of turbulence and extended
out over the sea to the point that it was still working when the SHK was
at, for me the limit of visibility. As previously mentioned the landing
area was prefect again without any rotor or turbulence. If there is such
a thing as an afterlife I hope that this is it (must put more in the
Church Car Park box). The three of us then spent the rest of the day
flying in beautiful surrounding with a view to die for until we had to
make our way back to the car. Once we had dissembled the models we then
decided that as there was some daylight remaining to go part way up the
hill with the Wannabe’s and we managed about another 45 minutes flying
as we watched the sun go down. Even without the young German ladies life
certainly doesn’t get any better than this.
TUESDAY.
Rain, rain and even more rain. Due to the
weather we decided that we should gain some smartie points and accompany
the ladies who wished to visit Swansea. Have you ever witnessed a
reluctant dog being taken for a walk? Well I think that we gave a pretty
good impersonation. The only good point was that we could be on
immediate call to prevent severe damage to the credit cards. Not only
that upon being dragged into a craft/sewing shop I came out with some
really nice building pins and Colin a lovely pair of scissors for
cutting glass cloth.
 WEDNESDAY.
Wind South Westerly and very light. Once
again we parked in the Church Car Park and thought upon which models to
take up the hill. Colin decided upon his Pilatus B4 and a moulded Luna
whilst I decided upon a ¼ scale Standard Libelle and a moulded Typhoon.
On the way up we passed a large party of Para-gliders who were waiting
for the wind to develop. At the top of the hill the wind unfortunately
was almost non existent. So we too waited. Shortly after the large group
of Para-gliders joined us. These were a much more social bunch which was
only to be expected as they were from the Joint Services Centre at
Crickhowell. We then spent some time with them enquiring and exploring
the different needs, restrictions and limitations of our various flying
interests. Occasionally the wind would stir sufficiently enough to
prompt us to throw off the two moulded models and with the assistance of
any passing thermals enough height could be gained for the odd bout of
aerobatics. At irregular intervals individual Para-gliders would lay out
there wings and with a good run inflate it and take off. As the wind was
insufficient for them to maintain height and was effectively a “one way
ticket” to the beach we were able to always maintain a safe distance
between us. The two Scale models remained firmly grounded as neither
Colin or I fancied landing and retrieving from the beach. Ever the hero
Colin volunteered to return to the car to collect the two Thermo Speed
Kings. Unexplainably I mentioned that I would also need my Futaba TX as
well which Colin also collected. This I can only put down as a senior
moment with resulted in me having an extra TX which was not needed. I
did think of asking Colin to nip down and bring up a model for the TX
but pain was never a strong point with me. The day continued like this
until we eventually made our way down to the cars. We did however out
last the Para-gliders who had departed earlier.
THURSDAY.
Wind very light from the East. Light winds
we could deal with. East winds we could deal with. Light East winds did
make it difficult around Rhossili. We therefore decided to drive to the
Bwlch and upon our arrival the wind had moved to the South-East which
dictated a trip to the slope on the rear of the Wrecker overlooking
Nant-y-moel. We both decided to take our Solanges which whilst being a
general all round/aerobatic model could also handle light winds. Once
again the flying whilst not thrilling was nevertheless satisfying,
consisting of mainly cruising the edge of the hill with the odd thermal
assisted foray to enough height for some aerobatics. Shortly after we
commenced flying a couple which had arrived on a motorcycle sat down on
the hill about 50 yards away. As the grass was medium length they sat
down and proceeded to enjoy a nice picnic complete with a bottle of
wine. Whilst we were flying it soon became apparent that the wine had
reached other parts and their clothes were soon off and by the movements
you didn’t have to be on Mastermind you understand what was going on.
This did provoke a chain of thought connected with a different approach
to
model competitions. However for the life of me I could see no way of
calculating the various K Factors involved. I don’t know if it was
connected but once the lady had replaced her knickers the breeze
dropped. We then departed the hill detouring only for a very nice ice
cream on the way down.
FRIDAY.
Once again the wind was very light and
from the East so we returned to the Bwlch. As the wind was East this
time we flew from the Wrecker slope. For those who have never flown from
this area the Bwlch was the centre for RAFMAA slope events for a number
of years until the availability of accommodation at RAF St Athan
disappeared. The Wrecker is very well named and is an almost sheer drop
into the valley above Treorchy. Due to the sheer face and the sharp lip
when the wind blows a fierce rotor is created therefore you need to land
well back from the edge and never, never overshoot. On the plus side the
car park is right on the edge with only a low wall between you and the
drop. However the wind was light so the rotor was not a problem. What
was a problem was ensuring that you were always in a position with
enough height to land if required. Colin decided to use the Thermo Speed
King whilst I once again used my Solange. The flying was again adequate
but not thrilling. A word of warning, do not fall for a sob story
delivered by a local lass concerning her broken down car. I did and
ended up being used as a free taxi between villages before I caught on
and ejected her. I rather suspected that she was visiting her drug
dealer, but such is the rich tapestry of life. Upon my return, Colin set
off to collect his model which was about 100 feet down on the gentle
side of the Wrecker. After lunch I assembled my little Speed Astir wing
twist model and launched off during a brief interval of breeze. Big
mistake as it headed earthwards faster than a division one footballer in
the penalty box. At least I managed to drop further that Colin’s model
so could claim the moral high ground in the exercise stakes. As before,
we departed via the ice cream man before heading to the cottage to first
pack and then head out to cerebrate Colin’s birthday.
 SATURDAY.
Wind from the East, 15-20mph. Typical as
this was our last day and we were departing Rhossili that morning.
However after some pleading and much promising of various shiny things
the route was planned to go via the Bwlch. This gave me the opportunity
to introduce Colin to a slope that he had never flown before. The Crest
is a very large and steep/sheer bowl just around from the Wrecker. Due
to the strength of the wind it was time to break out the Dudes and the
Jarts for some serious big air time. On our arrival there were some
local flyers who when the wind shifted slightly moved further around the
bowl. As we were restricted by time and could not afford the extra mile
or so walk we stayed and flew from the centre which apart from some
landing turbulence and occasional rough air to the right of the area was
more than adequate. Now over the last year both Colin and I have always
wondered what all the hype about these Jarts was. To be fair, to date we
had never had the opportunity to try them in really big air. The grin on
our faces indicated that at last we understood. The speed and size of
the manoeuvres was awesome and acted as an incentive to finish off our
other Jarts which will have a faster wing section and the capacity for
ballasting. For me the best moment was once again being able to fly both
the Dude and the Jart in conditions in which they really belong a
sentiment I think that Colin shares. All good things unfortunately must
come to an end and only too soon it was time to pack up for the journey
home.
Despite the lack of wind and unseasonal directions experienced I counted
the week as thoroughly enjoyable. The size and scale of the Rhossili
hill is fantastic. It is our intention to repeat the format at probably
the same location and I am at present canvassing support via the RAFMAA
RC Groups site for other interested parties. Concerning the after
thought on the title we managed to squeeze twenty four models into the
car with room for I think another four. Whoever has the most toys when
they die wins?
Neil & Colin
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top of the
west facing Rhossili hills. After a short but rather strenuous walk, for
me at least, we discovered that the site was a slope soarers Nirvana. A
45 degree drop of 400-500 feet to the sea combined with a rounded top
and what can only be described as the smoothest and level area of
heather to land on. Pity the wind was nowhere near being on the hill.
After the trip down we picked up a couple of models each (Wannabes and
Thermo Speed Kings) and hiked about a mile around the point to where the
very light wind was blowing onto the cliffs. Luckily the variation in
height of the cliffs ensured that providing you gave a hard enough
launch you could in the absence of lift circle around and land slightly
lower down. In
this vein we continued for about an hour with flights varying between 30
seconds and five minutes of very gentle “stick stirring” which in some
ways both Colin and I find quite challenging and satisfying. Enter stage
left a party of German female students who made a bee line towards us
explaining that they were interested in the models and could we fly them
again. Colin immediately went into his Ex-RAF instructor mode and
explained that at the moment the wind was not sufficient. Whilst Colin
was in full flow I noticed that the wind had picked up slightly and
threw the Thermo Speed King off. In fact this was the best flight of the
day with enough wind to gain height for mild aerobatics or as the German
ladies would say “Salto” Unfortunately when Colin had finished his
impromptu lecture to his audience the wind totally died, our partners
arrived and swept us away before we could be tempted further. Young German ladies
and model flying, life doesn’t get much better, or so I thought.
