it's creeping up on us all...

Can't quite remember when this was....

but we had a full compliment of white planes!

Charlie checks his phone for any clues as to what he might have been doing 

last week, while Bob wants to make sure we get his sizeable willy bulge in the shot

Mark, as ever, is on form with his launches....

Simon comes through with a screaming pass and starts a roll for the crowd.

Refreshments, seating and toilet breaks were made available

during the manoeuvre which was finally completed just before nightfall.

Charlie's new addition to the fleet; a Pat Teakle Salto

It's a winner! Not as frantic to fly as some of the modern versions, but

still a solid, confidence inspiring machine. The mown patch invites

an irresistible opportunity for touch-and-goes and despite Paul's more

'abrupt' attempts, the wheel stays firmly in place!

before they were no longer famous

As the Goodwind floor joists began to bow under the ever increasing weight of aeromodelling journalistic back issues,
it seemed like an opportune time to have a clear-out. Whilst consigning some of the dope splattered
history of pointless pastimes to the paper recycling skip in the sky,
I happened across some of Thurnham's usual suspects in resplendent,

front page technicolor looking back at us from an age long past.... 

dedicated to the pre-privatised monster from an age before email communication,

it is actual postie John looking like a young slip of a lad!

It's actual Eric P (or maybe J.R Hartly?) showing us the

height of sartorial sophistication during his pre-sloping era!

...and to top off such a treasure trove, how surprised was I

when the postman actually came up the drive with excitement,

showing me who was on the cover of this month's

scintillating, select publication of....

watch the skies....and the chimney!

Oh for some sloping action!

In the meantime, the demolition at Grain provided proof that the

quad-copter has come of age. We counted no less than four

airborne just in our immediate vicinity......

This operator appeared to get a bollocking about something or other..... 

The smoking gun!

Let's not hope it's a metaphor for

the future of aerial rc leisure pursuits!

spotted in Germany pt 04

In terms of aeronautical references, this is the best that Hamburg had offer!

Though next time it may be worth packing a little something

as this bit of river frontage looked eminently soarable!

spotted in Germany pt 03

Finally made it up into the mountains today, checked out

the access to a couple of great looking slopes,

the only problem being the paragliderists....

I started rethinking the wisdom of my chosen

location when I saw these two in trouble

lower down on a rocky outcrop...

luckily for them, they were only about 60cm from safety

spotted in Germany pt 02

spot the glider.....

it's there somewhere....

perhaps he has an E-Flite UMX ASK-21

packed in the topbox?

rider of the air and the tarmac!

spotted in Germany 2016 pt 01

Today we find the Goodwind inbox bursting with an email from our

erstwhile viewer Mrs Trellis from North Wales. She writes-

"Dear Mr Foss, I have so enjoyed the previous accounts of your soaring

adventures on the west coast of the United States, having spent many

happy years as a wing bender in the Hobie Hawk factory during the seventies.

Even if I may say so myself, I was held in very high regard by my fellow

workers, managers and husband due to my hyper mobile joints and

taut, tanned thigh muscles. I also worked briefly as a bending consultant at the

E-flight factory to help set-up the Radian production line, though it has

to be said that the newer EPP foam is no substitute for firm wood pressing

hard against one's thighs.

Anyway, I digress...but look forward to hearing more about your travels

from over the pond sometime soon"

Well Mrs Trellis, I am pleased to report that it is that time of year

again and as such, here is the first instalment of this year's gripping

'Spotted in Germany' saga......enjoy!

In the UK, one has to tolerate knackered fences, rows of leylandii

and shabby sheds. In North Germany you only have to tolerate

this glorious beauty and take time to imagine what might lie within!

the perfect storm

This is a public service announcement-

If the forecast comes good and Saturday 9th July is flyable please beware-

The Kent County Show is on from the 8th to the 10th

Leeds Castle Concert is on the 9th

super supra

A brief stop-off at the hill reveals

a shiny new toy ready for its maiden....

The Holly Hill Revivalists are upping their game. Moving on

from the classic, solidly performing balsa/film beauties of their

youth, their hangars are now graced with some glossy, moulded stiffness.

Having never before spent so much on a model,

Del's more than a little anxious so calms his nerves

with a quick 'in trouser tug-off' before the maiden.

But even with a clear head, we have to turn to Sir Bob

to sort the radio problems with a laying on of hands

and so we're ready to go!

What was all the fuss about? She flies straight off

the board (or should that be out of the mould?)

However, in all the excitement nobody notices Bob's

head slipping off his neck and down his chest.

The only other problem encountered is that she doesn't want to come down!

 In fact she stubbornly refuses to submit to gravity.... 

but finally......

she returns obediently to her owner.

the smile says it all!

the subsequent flight sees the crow settings fully dialled in

I see many hand catches in your future!

A wholesome glow of satisfaction masks the sadistic

schadenfrueudic smugness that since Friday

morning, the cost of a new Supra has increased

by a considerable order of magnitude!

long time no see

Just take a look at who surfaced on Tuesday evening!

It seems reports of his passing had been greatly exaggerated!