|
Model Quality
On arrival at the airfield, all eyes were immediately drawn to the immaculate DH Comet 4C on the flight line. As you look along the line more gems meet the eye, two Eight Air Force B17s, Regia Aeronautica Fiat Cr.32, Avro Lancaster B Mk VII 'Just Jane', Focke-Wulf Fw 190 carrying spectacular JGr.10 markings among many others. However, this event is the Large Model Association show at Longhorsley in Northumberland, the only way we're likely such a variety aircraft flying at one show in the UK. Steven Hadlow takes a look at this ever growing side of aviation.
The Large Model Association was formed in 1982 to provide representation for the CAA and other aviation bodies. The LMA see scale modelling as a hobby and recreational activity rather than as competition and, through high standards of safety and instruction aim to prevent the hobby from becoming a nuisance n the eyes of both the public or aviation authorities.
Steve did, however manage to get his P-38 Lightning, marked in the colours of ex Duxford resident 'California Cutie' into the air on Sunday, performing as a guest with the USAAF Model Display Team which consisted of three P47s, a single C47 and an A-24 Banshee. Sadly on it's final pass the P38 suffered a failure of the tail plane section and hit the ground at high speed. Steve, however is not discouraged and promises to use surviving components to put another one together.
The pilots at the event were some of the most experienced model pilots in the UK, many of whom have been flying for decades. The models were all flown in a manner fitting to the types they represent further enhancing the illusion that these could almost appear to be their full-size counterparts. In these days when full size airshows are struggling these kinds of events form a healthy addition to the circuit, given the superb quality of airmanship and build evident. Visit the LMA Website at www.largemodelassociation.com/ |
The LMA hold
several events across the country aimed at giving the public a chance to
see many of the large models belonging to the many members of this group
all in one place. With the event regularly taking place over the May bank
holiday the weather often proves awkward for the event. However, the show
got lucky this year with the strange North/South divided weather
conditions over the weekend, with the North getting the better of it. 
Many of the
models present over the weekend were well into the 'Giant' category of
models. The star had to be 180" wing-span DH Comet 4C present at the
event, flown by Steve Rickett. Unfortunately the high winds meant this
outstanding jet only took to the air on the private Saturday prior to the
first public day of the event.