BMFA Open Speed meeting 27/04/2025 Barton club site.
The meeting was blessed with a sunny and warmish day, a light SW wind with a RAD of around 1 first thing which finished up around .98 by mid-afternoon. Joe Gough agreed to go first and be the guinea pig to find out which metering jet and we very quickly realized that the jets really wanted lots of fuel and Joe peaked out around 140mph which is a personal best for Joe.
Joe Gough setting PB 140.1 mph
Peter Harvey had a new Blue Thunder model (although painted in red) with him which showed a lot of promise but wanted to fly too low for the Transitrace. He elected to retire the model so that he could make adjustments at home. He brought out his second model which has flown loads of times before but not out of the current dolly we are all using. Turns out it doesn’t like this dolly at all and after a couple of run ins Peter decided enough was enough. With a little fettling the new model will be a better bet anyway so we look forward to seeing it fly at the next meeting.
Peter Harvey with a new Blue Thunder
Dick Hart flew his model and maxed out at 143.4mph.
Dick then flew Andrew Watson’s model which set off really well but blew a petal around lap 5 and continued to run the tank out at an ever slowing speed. Andrew changed the head and made a run of 142.4 mph. Andrew then decided to go out to check the head again.
Next into the circle was Ken Morrisey, Ken’s model was flown a couple of times by Dick Hart and maxed out at 143mph.
Ken Morrisey’s metal Sport Jet model.
Andrew Watson then came back to the circle, this time with Joe as pilot and he made a stonking run of 145.8mph. He tried again but could not improve upon this speed.
Start scene
In between all the jet pandemonium, Malcolm Ross flew his newly finished two-line Pink Lady model with a period KB15 series 64. It flies really nicely and grooves very well. He managed 110mph which is pretty good going first time out. Malcolm was talking through some of the mod’s that he is planning for this engine, there is surely much more to come.
Malcolm Ross with K&B 15 powered Pink Lady
So, congratulations to Andrew as this is the first time he has been the fastest on the day. Also, congratulations to Joe for his PB and piloting the winning jet. Thanks to everyone for turning up and helping to make a great competition day. A special thank you to Christine for running the Transitrace for the day.
