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• Mayhem at Wicksteed 2012: June 02, 2012 - June 03, 2012

[Number 6]

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

Wicksteed Weekend Steering Group


This year instead of Martin having to organise the Mayhem Weekend on his own we are looking for some volunteers so the work load can be shared between a group of us. 

Now some of you have already indicated that you would be willing to help, so if you can send me a PM with what you are willing to do we can then start organising what is going to happen over that weekend and by who.

Can you also let me know when you would be getting to the event, that way we will know when to expect you and not panic that something is not going to get done

At the moment we have shipmate60, steamboatphil and myself in the group.


Brian

PM sent, Dave.

[Colin Bishop]

When asking for volunteers you might like to consider what 'set piece' sessions are likely to be run. Given that much of each day will be dedicated to free sailing there is a danger of trying to cram too much in which is what I think happened previously.

For example some likely popular set piece sessions might be:
Parade of warships
Parade of Sail
Straight running

This probably only leaves space for one or two more unless you have different set pieces on each day in which case people who can only attend on one day might miss the one they would be most interested in participating in. Once you know what sessions will be running and when then you can recruit the appropriate people to manage them and leave them to get on with it.

As I have said previously, and others have agreed, it also makes sense to make maximum use of the lake to avoid all the action being crammed up one end and my suggestion of a simple scale course in a designated area at the far end from the entrance would do this and also separate out the more vulnerable models from the bigger ones.

To save people being lumbered with a rather boring job, frequency control could be on a 'managed self service' basis. If boards for 27mhz and 40mhz were to be prepared for each day designating the available slots for free sailing in 30 minute blocks then on arrival boaters could block in a maximum of say three non consecutive sessions for their frequency. When coming to the end of their slot, if no one has at that time taken the next slot then they could carry on for another half an hour. If during the day it appears that there is no one else on your frequency you could block in additional slots with an asterisk against your name signifying that you are willing to stand down if somebody else does want to run on that frequency. That way the frequency control would more or less take care of itself and the boards could be kept in the control tent or on one of the participating club stands. A Frequency Control officer could be appointed to deal with any disputes or issues that might arise but wouldn't need to be on continuous duty.

Frequency control for the set piece sessions would need to be organised separately by the controller of the session.

Colin

[Number 6]

It looks like I'll be supervising the 27MHz and 40MHz frequency 'peg' board. I've suggested much as Colin and others have said:

1. 30 mins slots, after which the pegs should be returned. If nobody else wants to use said peg then the user can retain it for the next 30 min slot and so on. There should be a clock with the correct time by the peg board. This is the one the timings go off, not someones watch, mobile phone or whatever to avoid any argument. Slot times are on the hour or half hour.

2.  There should be a sheet on the peg board with time slots across the top, pegs down the side. Anyone using a peg MUST write their boat name/own name or both in the slot. This will help retrieve missing and non returned pegs, and help keep track of users and make sure everyone has a fair chance to sail.

3.  Nobody should expect to be able to 'reserve' a specific frequency for the whole day or weekend.

4.  There will probably be periods set aside for specific displays of certain craft such as:
     Warships/Naval
     Sail power
     Lifeboats/rescue craft
     Straight running

These periods should run on both days. There perhaps should be an hour at least between these specific displays for 'free' sailing.

I agree it would be a good idea to make better use of the bottom end of the lake. A scale course would be a great addition, especially for the more vulnerable boats. This I assume could still be used when the 'specific displays' are taking place (except straight running unless you're brave), priority for frequencies should go to those wanting to take part in the display though.

The system should pretty much run itself so long as everyone agrees to whatever the final 'rules' are. It's getting much less of a problem these days with 2.4ghz systems getting cheaper and cheaper. You now know what to put on your Christmas list if you've not already got one,
                                                                       Dave. 

[6705russell]

Judging by how many people sail at once and the ratio of 2.4ghz kit to 27/40mhz I would of thought that a sailing time of 45 minutes would be closer to the mark Dave?  By the time someone as got the peg and started sailing 5/10 mins will have already passed...See what you think.

Russ

[Subculture]

To avoid the problems with disappearing pegs, at the Dive-ins I use a clipboard with a frequency sheet. Submariners use either 27mhz or 40mhz, 2.4ghz being out of bounds underwater. I go around and ask people at the start of the event what frequency they are on, including any spare crystals, and then advise of any clashes. It works quite well, although it could become unwieldy for larger events.

The only problem experienced was when one person gave me the wrong frequency, so we inadvertently had a clash. The only way around that one is to use a frequency checker, and ask the person to switch their transmitter on to check the frequency.

[Welsh Wizard]

In response to what Colin has allready Posted about his SMALL delicate models and others who are in the same boat so to speak, how about this for a Master plan or as Blackadder would say BALDRICK WE HAVE A CUNNING PLAN.

I suggest that we cordon off the straight running course so anyone who want to play can do so ALL weekend

The area to the left of the straight running course will be set out as a SCALE area ONLY,and NO large boats will be allowed to sail in it,I know a lot of work goes into the scale boats and I personally would not be amused if I had one run over.    In this area we will incorporate a small steering type course and a dock of some sorts.

The area to the right of the straight running course will of course be the main area of sailing,we could therefore put some steering obstacles in this part as in previous years.

I do hope this will be a suitable compromise that everyone will agree to as there is NO other way in my humble opinion of making everyone happy NOT THAT WE CAN !!!!!!

As one who seems to live in the lake all weekend I know this is a lot of work but hey ho if EVERYONE is HAPPY then I will have done something right.


One thing that immediately springs to mind is that we are going to need a LOT of weights this year to hold all the buoys etc down,if anyone knows of any sash weights going FREE or old Brake discs then MOORE the merrier as I am limited to how many I can carry down to the event.

Dave

[Colin Bishop]

Dave,

Yes, the 'scale course' could include the existing dock and extend up that side of the lake to the end. Then the other side next to the railway would be free for other stuff such as straight running. The limits of the scale area could be delineated by a series of buoys. This would give the scale guys a 'safe' area although they would be perfectly free to run on other parts of the lake if they wished to. So basically the scale area would then be the upper left quadrant of the lake when viewed from the entrance. I think that wpould work pretty well.

It would also be good if more of the traders and clubs could be located at that end of the lake to spread things around a bit.

Colin

[Number 6]

To avoid the problems with disappearing pegs, at the Dive-ins I use a clipboard with a frequency sheet. Submariners use either 27mhz or 40mhz, 2.4ghz being out of bounds underwater. I go around and ask people at the start of the event what frequency they are on, including any spare crystals, and then advise of any clashes. It works quite well, although it could become unwieldy for larger events.

The only problem experienced was when one person gave me the wrong frequency, so we inadvertently had a clash. The only way around that one is to use a frequency checker, and ask the person to switch their transmitter on to check the frequency.

Subs

I had thought about the issues with subs and them having to use 27 or 40MHz. The only problem with checking frequencies at the start of the days sailing is that there are people coming and going all day, in an hour or two the situation may be completely different.
I would imagine that there will be spare crystals around and if there is a problem it could soon be resolved.

Question? Would I be right in assuming it is most probably easier to change the crystals in a boat than a sub due to their construction? If that's the case I would recommend that ideally the boat should change frequencies. That seems fair enough to me?

Lake 'Segregation'

Welcome back to the Welsh Wizard, your idea sound interesting. Like you say though it's certainly going to need a lot of marker buoys, I thought the straight running ran virtually from one end of the lake to the other? I'm sure you or steamboatphil (ML Boater) can put us right...

                                                                             Dave.  

[Subculture]

Would I be right in assuming it is most probably easier to change the crystals in a boat than a sub due to their construction?

It greatly depends on the the way the sub is constructed. Some subs are easier to gain access to than others, but generally changing frequencies can be a bit of a fiddle. I wasn't suggesting any special dispensation for submariners, I just used that as an example because I've only ever organised events for model subs, and as we're restricted to the older lower frequency systems, frequency control is a still a big deal.

[Colin Bishop]

Welcome back to the Welsh Wizard, your idea sound interesting. Like you say though it's certainly going to need a lot of marker buoys

Maybe, but if it doubles the amount to which the water can be used it will be worth it. The overall objective for boaters and public alike should be to keep as many boats on the water simultaneously as possible. That way, everyone will be happy.

Colin

[Number 6]

What about using some of these for marker buoys? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110772960829&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

[Welsh Wizard]

Number 6 Thanks for the Welcome back.   

Thats what we normally use for course markers.What I was thinking of doing was utilising some of these with some palstic piping as this can be easily seen,especially if I spray them red or orange.

As for the straight running using most of the lake this is not true at all,we normally go cross corner so to speak so using the straight running course defined by a series of Markers would keep all the other boats off the segregated area


Dave

[craftysod]

Why not use plastic yellow gas piping,just see any gang near who is laying new pipe,we throw away tons of the stuff away each year for recycling.
I would help,but i'm a thousand miles from you 

[Welsh Wizard]

What a cracking idea  .....Now I must keep my eyes peeled



Dave

[shipmate60]

Dave,
That doesn't mean you can go round digging it up again!!!

Bob

[Welsh Wizard]

SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH please don't tell EVERYONE lol


BUT just had a rather good BRAINSTORM tonight heavens above I hear you all say,must be all this Welsh Air  what we really need to segregate the pond is staring us all in our eyes SWIMMING POOL LANE MARKERS.

So the ans to this is anyone know where they could be had CHEAPLY ANYONE GOT ANY CONTACTS I know there is some on Ebay for sale in Hartlepool but it's a bit to far for me to collect



Dave

[chingdevil]

Wicksteed Weekend 2012 Update

I will try and do this as we progress towards the event, but work might get in my way, if so I will volunteer shipmate60 to do it.

I have contacted Wicksteed MBC regarding running IC and fast electric boats, when I get an answer back from them I will let you all know.

List of volunteers so far

Martin - liase with the Wicksteed MBC and Wicksteed Park
Shipmate60 & myself co-ordinating the event
Steamboatphil, Klunk & Welsh Wizard – in charge of boat rescue and marking out the water
Number6 – Frequency control, if Wicksteed MBC are ok with that
Richtea – Car parking, still need another for this one
TugCowboy – Working out the schedule of events, again might need another to help with this
MMB – Is organising the traders

We still need some
Tea ladies or gentlemen
Publicity
On the day donations of tea coffee and biscuits

What is the thoughts of a bring and buy stall?

Finally I will get some badges made so on the weekend everyone will know who the steering group are.

That’s all for now, “time for bed said Zebedee”

Brian

[SteamboatPhil]

Always around to do things, as always I will sponsor the tea and coffee and bring my "mayhem" tea urn (now as well known as the event) and I've got 5000 cups ready.   

[Number 6]

SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH please don't tell EVERYONE lol

BUT just had a rather good BRAINSTORM tonight heavens above I hear you all say,must be all this Welsh Air  what we really need to segregate the pond is staring us all in our eyes SWIMMING POOL LANE MARKERS.

So the ans to this is anyone know where they could be had CHEAPLY ANYONE GOT ANY CONTACTS I know there is some on Ebay for sale in Hartlepool but it's a bit to far for me to collect

Dave

Did have a look around at lane markers, they're expensive though unless find somewhere getting rid of some. How about these? Used by children and excercise classes etc. Cut them up, hole in middle, thread them on a floating line...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pool-Noodle-Woggle-Swimming-Pool-Float-/120610705621?pt=UK_Swimming_Pools_Hot_Tubs&var=&hash=item61ca7682f5

[Welsh_Druid]

HMMMM ! Hate to sound slightly negative but with all this talk about dividing the pond into lanes - remember that sailing boats (yachts) are restricted by  the wind direction and may be tacking across the lake in order to get from one end to the other !!  They just cant conform to longitudinarily  placed "lanes".

Don B.

[carlmt]

Like it Dave  Safe for fragile boats, clear enough to see....

WD - I think the intention is to just hive off maybe 1/3rd to nearly 1/2 of the lake to segregate the slower/more delecate/fragile scale boats from the faster/larger/more wake inducing scale boats.

Lets face it - ALL boats are scale....it is just to which degree

I think there would still be plenty of room to sail a yacht............
Carl

[pugwash]

Like the idea and don't forget one of the cheapest floating lines available is polypropolene - I know it floats because some barmpot of
a lobsterman did his potlines with this and I got one round my prop one night in the North Sea just north of the Tyne.

Geoff

[chingdevil]

Just a thought guys, foam pipe insulation already has a hole in it to thread it on the rope, and I can get hold of some red and white hazard tape to wrap around it. It will be much cheaper.

As carlmt has said it is only to segregate the smaller boats from the larger boats and their wake, we are not talking about lanes for boats that would just not work.

Do you mean this stuff pugwash? 
http://www.ropesandtwines.com/products.asp?cat=1

Brian

[Number 6]

I think it's a big enough area for part of it to be put aside for smaller fragile vessels. There are usually people that don't sail because they feel their boats are just too vulnerable to being damaged, that's a real shame for anyone that's decided to come along.
The area being looked at is usually pretty much devoid of users anyway. I think the organisers are just trying to make the best use of the area available, whilst giving everyone a chance to sail safely. Dave.  

PS. There's loads of different types of line and rope that floats. The rescue type throw lines would be good as they're brightly coloured. I thought the water pipe type foam insulation eventually soaks up the water and would sink? I've got some in the garage, I'll cut it up and leave it in a bucket and see how it does.

[chingdevil]

 


Brian

[wartsilaone]

My ferry isn't exactly small but I consider it quite fragile and if the wind blows like it did this year I shall be down the far end taking shelter behind the catch net again.                                                                                                                                                     Maybe Carl can resurrect the the floating dock idea and I can practice my manoeuvring as well as giving a safe haven. The existing jetty is a bit restrictive and harsh on my boats delicate skin

Ali.

[Number 6]

I'll hopefully be taking my 8ft container ship so a floating dock would be good to practice with. Dave.

[wartsilaone]

It would give the tugs something to play with too.

Ali.

[carlmt]

I will see what I can knock up guys.............probably be only a 'basic' set-up by then....................I am hoping to sort something out where these will be available through Linkspan models along with dock / harbour buildings etc.
I will base it on the drawings I did a few months ago......how deep is the lake?
Carl

PS - Dave, what scale is your container ship?
As for tugs - i think we need some of the smaller Deans Marine compact kit versions.........those at 1:48 and above might be a tad to big!!!!

[Number 6]

Container ship is being done on 1/96 scale, it's not based on any specific ship and will have interchangeable deck panels so can sail it as a tanker possibly LNG carrier too. Should be good for sailing around and as a plaything for the tugs, but be gentle when towing and pushing it please... 

[Colin Bishop]

The lake is this deep:

[Number 6]

That'll be Stavros Welsh Wizard taming the depths then...

[Tug---Kenny]

The floats would have to protect the small boats from going over the tops and tangling up in the ropes.

The sub mariners would have the whole lake to themselves.   

ken

[klunk]

It's not thAT deep, he was crouching to take a picture, anyway it only comes unto the water line on my Atlantis yacht!

[Colin Bishop]

It's not thAT deep, he was crouching to take a picture, anyway it only comes unto the water line on my Atlantis yacht!

No, this is more like it. Not sure if it gets a bit deeper in the middle though.