Tees-side Model Flying Club Annual Airshow 2005

Tees-side Model Flying Club's Annual Airshow was held on the first weekend of June in 2005 and was a two day event. It was attended by numerous traders including the likes of Inwood Models and Just Engines and was also supported by Cleveland Model Helicopter Club. Friday afternoon was set aside for setting up the events marquees and between this there was some 'off the peg flying' with most display pilots doing some last minutes model checks and whilst others (mentioning no names) did some last minute crashing!
 

Saturday morning dawned and the weather unfortunately was a bit of a let down. An on-crowd wind made flying difficult at the best of times but the occasional showers did slowly clear as the morning went on. The highlight of the day though had to be the fly past by the full size WW2 Lancaster which had been at an event at the nearby Durham Tees Valley Airport. All model flying was grounded whilst the aircraft made three extremely low passes across the field with tight banking turns. You could even see the traffic stopping on the nearby road as they watched in awe.
 

To add to the WW2 theme a huge B-17 Flying Fortress was on display from the Large Model Association and was built using the moulds that were used in the Hollywood movie 'Memphis Belle'.
 

There was an impressive 1/4 scale Pitts on display all weekend performing all sorts of aerobatics from rolling circles to prop hanging with it's smoke system bellowing out clouds of white smoke.
 

Saturday night had some more great 'off the peg' flying with both planes and helis taking to the air until the sky became too dark. Unfortunately there was no one with any gear to do some night flying but hopefully next year we can show everyone what that's all about.... For the CMHC members who stayed late and helped throughout the day a barbeque was put on with sausages, burgers and cold drinks flowing. Many thanks to Clair and Clare for getting the food in and bringing it along!
 

Sunday dawned to light rain which slowly and steadily cleared but the wind direction had changed to a light off-crowd breeze. The skies continued to be grey and patchy throughout the day but the flying continued all day long. The car park slowly filled thanks to directing from Cadets of the Air Training Corps and there seemed to be even more spectators than the Saturday. Eventually though the spectators slowly dwindled away until the show finally closed at 5pm in the evening and at that point it was a mad rush for everyone involved to pack everything up and head off home.

Overall it was a very well organised event with plenty of different models flying and trade stands to look around. Finally CMHC must than Tees-side Model Flying Club for their hospitality and letting us display there. Hopefully next year it will be an even bigger and better event and maybe the weather will be good to us.....