During a slope soaring outing, whilst
waiting for the rain shower to clear, my good flying buddy Neil of some
40+ years ( yes the very same Slope-Dude Neil), suggested I join him in
some electric pylon racing. (We have been involved in many modelling
disciplines over the years and still are).
Neil suggested I join him at BMFA Buckminster to help him in an E2K
electric pylon racing event. The sneaky bugger wanted me to also partake
in the race as well and subsequently gave me a model and Tx to have a go
on the day.
Most of my modelling has had some form of competition element to it, so
I jumped at the chance. He knows me so well……… Well, it is better than
just helping out or watching, is it not? and one has to try something a
bit different at times.
Let me tell you, that first race meeting was a baptism of fire.
I didn’t do particularly well, but the experience was full-on and
exhilarating. Not only did I get to fly, but help launch and-sml.jpg)
also given a pylon flag role as well. Not much time to chill, but the
comradery and jovial banter was infectious. Everyone was so helpful, and
lots of guidance on offer.
To explain; the British Miniature Pylon Racing Association (BMPA) run a
number of race events for many different classes of aircraft. The E2K is
an entry level race using a strict criteria of design to keep all
aircraft on an even keel to essentially make sure that\ the performance
comes down to flying ability, not how much money you have in your
pocket.
The E2K design is a small model, powered by one of the specified
electric motors and the Rev limiting ESC. Kits are available for the
Model. Currently available are the Wasp, JPS2 and JPS3, all in around
£70 - £80 for the basic kit. There is also a JPS 3 ARTF model now
available for around £150. There are even some home designs with all
models meeting the strict design criteria.
Ive seen 3 models flying against each other up to now, but I think there
may be up to 4 models allowed at any one time depending on number of
entrants.
The race is held on a short triangular course made of 3 pylons. The
furthest pylon (Pylon 1) 115m up wind and 2 other pylons 40m apart at
the base of the course with the course being flown in an anti-clockwise
direction for 10 laps. The aim of course, is to go around or at least
past the pylon before turning for the next. The same course is also used
for another pylon racing class C32, which uses IC engines.
The pilots and callers stands between and just inside the two 40m base
pylons. One of the mandated Safety rules is that you must wear a head
protection if on the course (Pilot, helpers and flagmen) for obvious
reasons. Most people using inexpensive ski helmets, some even using a
motor cycle helmets.
All models are identified to a coloured flag which the pylon callers at
Pylon 1 hold. The other two pylon also have a caller at each, but just
report on any models that cut the pylon (turn too soon). As you approach
pylon 1, your flag man raises his associated colour flag then lowers the
flag to say you are past and can turn. The model is flown at full speed
for 10 laps after which, the 4 cell 2200Ah battery in your model is
almost depleted. That’s some serious amperage,,,,,,
All models are landed before any pilots or helpers are allowed to leave
the course. In practise, for the three pilots racing, there will also be
an additional 3 models on the ground that belong to the callers, so no
one has to leave the course other than to retrieve their models. You
then become the caller for the pilot that helped you. After the two
heats, then all personnel change over for the next heats and there are
many heats throughout the day, so you need at least 3 batteries with you
if you take part so you are not left waiting for a battery to charge.
The race is run to a matrix so you don’t always fly against the same
pilots.
Each race(10 laps) takes about 1 minute 30 second or a little longer if
you are like me. This is definitely a competition
where I feel out of my comfort zone.
Its seems alien to take a turn at full throttle, I normally like to fly
smooth and throttle back for turns, so this is a discipline that is
challenging for me. A totally different type of flying, but it is
exciting, I'll give you that……. So far I’ve escaped any mishaps, but as
you can imagine, there is the odd collision or contact with the ground
when the pilot gets distracted or something goes wrong.
Most events are held at BMFA Buckminster, but I have been to a race at
Deenethorpe Airfield, nr Corby. It’s a long way for the day, but most
turn up on the Saturday for a practise before the race on the Sunday.
Some people camp at Buckminster, others find local B&B. For me, well, my
flying buddy has to put me up at his home nr Sleaford, given that he
invited me down in the first place….
I'm now going to calm down and chill
and get back up my local slope for some force fed fresh air, and more
sedate flying for a while. Although I reckon one of these E2K models
would, if balance properly without the motor, would make a
reasonable slope soarer............. now thats food for thought......
I'll let you know if I try it....
However, if you are down in midlands - the central belt of the UK,
Leicestershire, Lincolnshire etc at the time of one on the future
monthly race meetings, and they fly a winter league, it’s worth going to
watch or have a go. If you have a go, then you will need a hard hat (Ski
helmet or such like). I leave it up to you why that might be.
More information can be found on the BMFA pages
https://bmfa.club/project/pylon-racing
or
BMPRA Facebook group page
Following photos from BMPRA Facebook Group:
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