strangely enough its what a lot of people want (not to get hurt) but its like they are chosen - lol, its exciting hearing them come from all directions and not knowing I youll get hit
For anybody concerned about the chaotic nature of the 'event', please note that this isn't part of the official Nationals meeting, where there are flight lines and barriers and stewards and judges and security people and gloves and safety goggles and where all the rules are strictly obeyed. This is a traditional impromptu knees-up/get-together at the end of each day's proper competition flying when people just have a bit of fun. Pork pies, bags of crisps, pints of beer, ice cream, good company. Nobody HAS to turn up, but people love to. Late evening weather is usually flat calm, so the planes just drift about, diesels burbling merrily. Personal safety consists of keeping your wits about you and responding quickly to shouts of "Heads!" and "Duck!" If you do get clobbered you'll get a few cheers or a sarcastic round of applause but absolutely no sympathy - which is how things ought to be. In my experience, injuries to bystanders are unknown. Yes, really. Of course they COULD occur, but I've not heard of any in all my years of such mucking about (my first event was in 1977). Note that many parents are happy to let their young children roam free or retrieve their models for them. Also, this is old-school Britain at play, so nobody runs to a lawyer to sue for compensation if an uncontrolled UAV makes them drop their ham sandwich or a propeller accidentally cuts their head off. Heck, nobody here even HAS a lawyer. The planes weigh a couple of ounces each and couldn't really hurt you unless you tried to swallow one. I've been hit a few times, including once on the head. No damage, but I damn-near choked on my drink from laughing. Hmmm... I'm surprised the CAA isn't trying to get these aeromodellers to register these potentially dangerous free-flight 'weaponised drones' on a national database. And I bet that angry young Greta Iceberg person will want those filthy diesel engines banned...
Could have told the old boy who got his head in the way of my model’s wing in 2019 that attempting to claim for damages is not the done thing. Tore my model’s wing off with his ear as it was innocently gliding down to land and then demanded my name and address. At first I thought he was suggesting he compensate me and I was confused as to why he was being so hostile when I said that it was fine and not to worry about it. The marshall had to put him straight in the end.
I attended a "Night Scramble" event at an Australian Nationals some years ago. Similar situation. No fatalities. Unlimited fun. Bizzare designs present. All flew (sort of)
Artistic sunset moment at 1:38... many thanks Pete.....and everything else is laughter, joy, optimism and positive companionship.....and the winner is '' The Finger Killer '' at 6:35...
I love this so much that it hurts. In case anybody's alarmed, this frenzy only takes place after all of the day's very-thoroughly-controlled and regulated official action is over. People know what to expect - this is England, don't forget, so nobody ever sues anybody for anything. Personal injury lawsuits are something that happens to other people. Thus: rules are optional; beer is necessary; hard-hats are advisable; fun is compulsory. ;-)
That’s it, I’ve seen enough! I cannot go to my grave without having built an aeroplane and competed in this most serious, world class, highly regulated, precisely controlled, impeccably judged, unique epitome of British reserve and decorum. Time to dig out my wee Merlin diesel engine...
Brilliant fun and nicely videoed but I can't help wondering what the view was like from the camera on the pole? And dare I say it, a view from a couple hundred feet would have been fun (drone, ugh, was my mount out sorry)!
I would love to build and fly one of these old time Free Flight models - but I would want to cheat, and at least include 2ch rudder and throttle control, so I could avoid trees and fly-aways. I'd even be willing to leave the transmitter on the ground, and only pick it up in an emergency. Is that allowed?
@@tbobborap1 I say anyone not willing to dodge low flying diesel engines, get clipped in the noggin with the odd wingtip, and/or willing to keep your head up and accept responsibility for your own well-being - better go play somewhere else! I would absolutely love to come fly with this lot.. looks like tremendous fun.
No this is not safe regardless of the wingloading. Launching a plane in the direction of people, turning a plane around in close proximity to yourself with the engine running is akin to holding a lit Roman candle. Someone is going to get hurt - it's only a matter of time.
LOL 0:35 if your model is a bit on the underpowered side, it does seem best to chuck it between the groups of people so it can pick up some speed before climbing.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I was bitten by a prop...I'd be a wealthy man! When the glow fuel hits the cut it produces a burn you never forget...and provides as an antiseptic at the same time. Looks like a terrifically fun event.
Wow and here in the US we have bunch of Karen's worrying about a toy quadcopter flying so much now they are making people get basically a pilots license to fly a toy. Much respect for the UK they are out there having some fun good for them. Just like when I was young we all had bicycles ride them all over the town do stupid jumps etc. sure we had our bumps and bruises but we learned from them, now poor kids are expected to look like hockey players to ride down the street or they will get reported by some Karen that cant mind their own business.
thanks, great comments, your there at your own risk - its as simple as that, one year an 80 yr old man got smashed in the face by a model and rushed to hospital, the next day when they were flying again he turned up with a patch over his fore head and actually apologized to everyone for not getting out of the way of the quickly enough - after all he shouldnt have been standing there - bless him, we all gave him a round of applause !
I agree, Jair Martins! Generations ago, this was common here in the USA. Built-up balsa models (many of personal designs), little glow engines, everybody helping each other. But today, if it ever occurs, it's all Styrofoam ready to fly electrics from China. No soul. 😯
As the Brits say ! What the bloody hell going on here . Throwing gas powered airplanes into crowds of people . Pure blatant disregard for any kind of safety . Another words safety went out the window in this event . I just love it .
