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[red181]

Hi all,

I have taken up flying model planes, but water planes, on and off water. I go to Carr Mill, off East Lancs, to a club formed by ex model boaters, Wetwings.
Its a bit far to go regularly, so I have been trying to find a suitable location in Liverpool/Merseyside/Wirral etc, but to no avail, as most locations are close to a road, surrounded by trees, or have very limited water access.
There are only a few of us, we all are members of the British Model Flying Association, so hold the necessary insurance and proof of ability to fly. If you have ever seen a model water plane flying on and off the water, its real good. Anybody know of somewhere, preferably fresh water as the electrics will suffer if they get wet, and we need access to most sides of the lake. Doesn't have to be a big lake, but for reference the likes of New Brighton would be too short for take off and landings.
Most other Wirral water is a fishery, and sefton council have said we cant use Crosby marina.

Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks

[imsinking]

Gautby Road , North end of Birkenhead ?
The B M Y C are in residence there , maybe an approach to them might work ?
Bill

[red181]

Hi Bill,

Gautby is imo the best lake around, "proper" shape, big, water right up to paved area, no weed, access all around, couple of benches..... but, its the location. I live not far from here so don't mind saying it, its risky going there with anything on your own, and imagine flying a water plane!

I did a bit of water taxi testing not long ago, but the close tree line, and the road, then close houses, its all a bit tight for a plane. I was setting up proportional motor power by a mix setting on the transmitter, as the water rudder wasn't very effective

Most of my boat testing has been done there over the last several years, you just have to pick the right time, weekdays, and mornings usually attract no attention, if you know what I mean!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV10rwksBpc

[imsinking]

Yes, know what you mean (NUDGE NUDGE) I used to sail my Huntsman there , when it was I/C , didn't want to be there on your own , a lot better now the local scallies are spread further afield , looks good all the same , the Canadair , what would really be a stunner would be a SUNDERLAND    what a sight that would be . . . must be Brushless & LIPO'S setup your aircraft ?
Sounded like ducks or geese in the background , be hazardous anyway if their around . . .
Any reservoirs on the Wirral you could use ? there'd be no pollution if your all electric  . . . .
Good luck anyway.
Bill

[kinmel]

Check out Shotwick sailing lake off the A548 at Deeside industrial park. It is used by a yacht club, but you could possibly come to an arrangement

[red181]

Hi Kinmel,

funny you should say that, I have driven past many times, and cannot get down to the lake, even on a sat nav, cant work out what the access road is. I reckon the problem could be no flying with boats on the lake, and then, you would probably have to be a member, which could be expensive. Our club located at Carr Mill lake off the east lancs is run by the Lancashire power boat club, they are our landlords so to speak, and its £50 a year to be an associate member.
 Also, just next to that sailing club  is a smaller lake, maybe a reservoir? that looks more interesting.

Hi Bill,

its twin brushless, with 2200mah 3 cell lipo. Well spotted, its a Canadair, in the Expendables 2 film paint/decal scheme. Sundy eh? you mean like this one!

scratch built, light ply mainly balsa, 4 brushless motors, flies like a dream, and is very big!

[kinmel]

route is shown on... www.shotwicksailing.org/find-us/

you can contact them through...  www.shotwicksailing.org/home/contact-us/

[imsinking]

  The Sunderland looks the biz , have you put any video's of you guy's in action at Carr Mill on Youtube ?
Bill

[red181]

off topic I know,

but the Sunderland, owned and scratch built by David Baker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TEVdHSuqvo&list=FL20t846fWEkIur5RMiEkm3Q

My Canadair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7yiVa-_Jh8

My DH Beaver, with some others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7WhxdG_nBk

Lovely scratch built Short Sealand, build from plans by Christine Evans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWJpT3jk_k0

We are all ex boaters, just looking for that next level "buzz"!! You are welcome to come up any time, but it is very weather dependant as the models are all light electric (no ic allowed except on open days) Next open day is sept!

Thanks for links Kinmel, I will attempt contact

[imsinking]

Off TOPIC ? not at all , just shows what's possible these days , why not open another thread in 'other hobbies' as well , may get a cult following    today's electronics are opening up all sorts of idea's.
Good work.
Bill

[red181]

Hi Kinmel

sent very polite email to the sailing club explaining what we do, and could we come over for a chat etc, they said no, same reaction with most people, the lake isn't always in use, its private, way off the beaten track,  so they could have had some income when its lying unused, but don't even want to talk about it!

[kinmel]

Hi Kinmel

sent very polite email to the sailing club explaining what we do, and could we come over for a chat etc, they said no, same reaction with most people, the lake isn't always in use, its private, way off the beaten track,  so they could have had some income when its lying unused, but don't even want to talk about it!

Nowt so odd as folk.

Keep looking

[kinmel]

Check your pm's - someone at Ledsham on the Wirral is willing to talk to you - details in the personal message

[red181]

Hi Alan,
many thanks for the info, I have sent a pm reply, and will attempt contact tomorrow as I'm off work

Paul