The Tonbridge Gassers and Rubber Fanciers Photo Gallery

Here are some more of our models, both on the ground and in flight. I will be adding more shots as time goes on. Thanks to Mike Lock and Terry Adams for these....

TIP:- After selecting a photo click the back button or the blue Photo Gallery button on the left of the screen to return to the main Photo Gallery page to select another!

 

a WW1 Nieuport 11 fighter

This tiny 13" scale model is rubber powered and classified for competion purposes as a Peanut model. Models flown in this class are judged on a combination of their accuracy compared to the real aeroplane and their duration of flight. This one can be seen gracefully traversing the indoor airspace in the sports hall.

Ornthopter

Ornithopters are made to flap their wings like real birds. This model is below 6" wingspan and powered by a tiny electric motor.

In the Pits!

Some models are rubber powered. The motor is wound using a winder. In this case every time the operator turns the winder once 15 turns are put on the model. Too many turns and the motor can burst and if no 'blast tube' has been used; the rubber will 'explode' inside the model and wreck it!

CO2 power.

Indoor models are usually either powered by rubber, electric motors or as seen here a tiny 2-stroke motor powered by compressed CO2. We use Soda Stream bottles or Sparkletts bulbs to recharge an onboard gas storage tank. The propeller is gently flicked to start the motor and off you go - don't worry the amount of CO2 used is probably not much more than is in a fizzy drink, so we don't effect global warming!

K2 Crawley

Is a typical interior of a regional indoor competition. This is K2 Leisure Centre at Crawley at The South Eastern Area BMFA Indoor Championships.

A typical if not rather tatty Hangar Rat.

We sometimes hold Hangar Rat comps where a mass launch of Hangar Rats fills the sports hall airspace with models flying and crashing in all directions! The last model flying is declared the winner. Click on the Hangar Rat button on the left to download your free plan and try your luck!

A bloke that seems to 'ang around adding 'atmosphere' to the proceedings - parp!

Here seen startled in the glare of the flash with a Micro X peanut J3 Piper Cub.

A busy table of Micro R/C and free flight models

Micro R/C is becoming more popular these days - the models weigh less than 5 grm!

Peanut j3 Piper Cub...

circles high in the rafters, narrowly missing basket ball hoops and the lights!

A Beginner's Foam Biplane

circles the rafters - these models cost two or three pounds and are easy to build for beginners - their performance is often quite remarkable!