ROD GOVIER MEMORIAL AEROTOW
By Tony Morgan

Way back in the wet winter of 2001 our esteemed chairman Terry Antell announced that he intended to resurrect the Rod Govier Memorial Aerotow, with the help of some TVSF members using the White Horse Model Clubs excellent site near Lambourne, Berks. The necessary formalities were completed and the date set for September 23rd 2001.

And so the autumn day arrived. Richard Thornton phoned in sick at 7 am, a dose of food poisoning means no go. One tug pilot down, oh well. The trusty LS3 is loaded and slope clothing 'just in case'. An early morning mist looks set to clear, the weather forecast 'guessing' sun with cloud , a moderate breeze North West (the ideal direction for safety and slope lift), Terry's weather order appeared to be in place. Approaching Lambourne village the mist became fog, then nearing the field on high ground the description would be low cloud, no radio mast to be seen! The TVSF troops T.Antell, C.Hannah, I.Lancaster, G.Stallard, V.Thomas, D.Willis, P.Newell and V. Newbold were on site preparing the field, and Martin Spackman from WHMC to oversee club procedures and safety were adhered to.

Gates opened at 9 am and slowly but steadily the car park field, and scale gliders were assembled. Tug pilots were regulars, Colin Bond with 42% scale (yes that's correct nearly half scale!) Cap 232(pictured below), engine 160cc flat twin Z.D.Z that was transported in a 2 door Renault Cleo! And Bill Maisey quarter scale Wilga immaculately finished (in background pictured below). Terry briefed all pilots at 10am, there then followed much talking, standing around, drinking coffee, eating sandwiches etc. But no flying due to the 'low cloud'. At approximately midday the large Cap 232 'tested the air'. This showed a cloud base of 300 feet as the model stealthed into the murk. The weather slowly picked up a breeze blowing up and visibility improved markedly. To prove this out Terry's Flair Hunter was lofted vertically by the Cap. A short but uneventful flight convinced the masses less expendable machines should also take to the skies. Visibility was now good revealing superb views and a moderate North West wind meant slope lift was a possibility.

(Hunter behind Cub pictured above at White Horse M.C. Field)

A short queue for the tugs formed and slick flight line control, coupled with quick turn around between tugs and gliders soon produced a regular 6 to 7 sailplanes airborne. The air was good with regular thermal activity, and at a lower height slope lift to allow models to loiter for the next thermal. This was ably demonstrated by one Mr. Stallard who's Alpina required very few launches, a lack of gloves inducing a landing if my memory serves me correct. Scale guru Chris William's flying his own design mu-13 Bergafalk had an on board vario to indicate lift and sink, the results of which appeared to require some interpretation! Other models of note amongst the predominately quarter and third scale sailplanes (3.5 to 5 meter wingspans) were Phil Hoegers third scale Fox, from the Purbeck sailplanes kit, excellent finish and a very crisp performance. A third scale K7 scaled up from the Cliff Charlsworth plan, weight 35 pounds, a very scale flight performance and detailed finish. Apparently two machines were constructed by the pilot and a friend, the project taking 2 years to complete. That's what I call dedication! Tony Baker the Southampton Soaring Society's (SSS) supremo, his quarter scale Multiplex DG 300, excellent cockpit detail and wing trestles made this model stand out on the ground. Unfortunately it did not fly due to the event being curtailed by an approaching weather front, which did contain rain. The tugs were low on their fuel reserves and receiver batteries were indicating only just OK. So at approx 4.40 pm flying stopped.

Models were now rapidly dissembled and packaged into vehicles, disappearing as quickly as they arrived. The TVSF team was now into action to return the site to its original condition for WHMC members, remove the signs, dismantle the Transmitter tent, empty the portable toilet (thanks Vic!?). As the rain started at 6 pm the aerotow was over, it was a success with the weather co-operating, a good turn out of aircraft, good flying standards, producing a safe, no pressure, fun, well organised event. Nice one Tel.

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