British Model Flying Association National 2009

British Model Flying Association Nationals 2009

Held over the Bank Holiday weekend of
29th,30th,31st August the BMFA Nationals at
R.A.F Barkston Heath is the place to be if you
want to see or take part in the many varied aero
modelling disciplines and competitions that take
place over this three day event.

Every type of model is flown from the fragile looking free-flight models right up to and including some of the largest display models on the show circuit. In between these two extremes all manner of model aircraft take to the air including control-line, pylon racers, helicopters, aerobatic models and skilfully crafted scale models. Couple this with the amazing indoor model flying taking place in the large aircraft hanger on Saturday evening and the throw in the giant bring and buy swap meet held in the same hanger on Sunday and you have the makings of a fantastic aero modelling event,

indeed for many modellers the “Nats” is the Mecca of aero modelling.

When not watching the flying there is ample opportunity to go “shopping” with all of the big names from the model retail world in attendance and there were plenty of bargains to be had as we near the end of the show season.

Delightfull Stearman PT-17 Biplane from E-flite

Eager shoppers on the look out for a show bargain!

Conveniently situated at the end of one of the
traders rows John Norris set up the Horizon Hobby
display tent displaying all of the very latest models
from Hangar9, E-flite and Parkzone, the stunning
new 80inch Taylorcraft from Hangar9 along with
the new RV9 fom E-flite and the fantastic Messerschmitt BF109 drew particular attention from the

hundreds of visitors to the stand.

As with all model flying events the weather plays a key part in proceedings and despite a mixed bag throughout the three days with everything from hail-stones on Friday during set-up to very blustery winds throughout, Darren Goule and Perry Lambert

from HH managed to get in some great flights with their electric powered E-flite Sundowner 50,s on Saturday followed by indoor flights with their Parkzone Sukhois, Micro P51 Mustangs and E-flite Blade MX3 helicopters in the hanger on Saturday evening. Indoor pics with Sukhoi, Perry and Darren and Matthew poots

Darren, Perry and Matthew check there Sukhois prior to another indoor flight

Larger indoor models are becoming popular

IMAC competitors line up for a group shot after a fantastic weekend

Sunday saw the same blustery conditions on
the show line but this did not deter the guys from flying
and Perry and Azza Stephens flying the ever
reliable Hangar9 B25 Mitchell’s were joined by Darren
flying his electric powered Hangar9 Spitfire. Azza and
Ali Mashinchy also flew some lively display routines
with their Hangar9 35%. Extra 260s 35%.

Over the far side of the airfield our very own
Matthew Poots flying in the IMAC competition
placed first in Freestyle and a very creditable
second place in the sequence event, well
done Matthew! Click here to see the Matthew Poots Report on the IMAC competition

Freestyle winner Matthew Poots

All in all then another brilliant “Nats” and our thanks go to the BMFA and Station Commander R.A.F Cranwell Group Captain Wharmby for allowing us the use of this magnificent venue.