FPV at Hexham Field

New Naughty Boy, Mr J Dodger has perfected the art of FPV. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the dark art, it is the science of flying without looking. Whilst several members claim to have been doing this for years, none of them have managed to empty their wallets at the same time!

As can be seen from the illustration, the art of FPV requires the pilot to wear a rather stylish set of goggles. This enables the wearer to view the site of any crashes first hand. They may also be observed running about the field doing an impression of a five year old imitating the dambuster raid! Do not be alarmed, this is normal behaviour for FPVers. Flygeek and Sadfly have had a go at this new exciting extension of our hobby and were impressed enough to research budget alternatives for themselves!

Aerial Photographs of Kiln Pit Hill

Hexham Model Flying Club Website

Hexham Model Flying Club's website has been updated. With more content and a new look, it is hoped that there will be renewed interest in this resource. There are added photos of the clubs flying activities as well as some new videos. Check it out.

Please email in news and pictures for the site. Details on the site which can be found here.

Health and Safety Advice from the Club

A most unfortunate ailment has befallen chief of Naughtiness, Sadfly.
Glen had recently bought a bi-plane. Appropriately christened 'Steinway', this aircraft weighs 8kg. Being a rather excessive weight for a 48" wing span 40 sized model, Glen has been forced to fit larger engine (pictured here before fitment) obtained from a nautical supplier.

The 'Steinway' itself has been constructed from reinforced concrete sections. Once sanded into shape, it has been covered in lead flashing to give an authentic weathered aluminium sheeting appearance.

The flight envelope for the model, picture here prior to covering, is interesting. At full power, the model requires the full 800 metres of the Watch Currock runway before clearing the boundary fence by 2 cms! Once airborne, the model is surprisingly aerobatic. Gentle left and right hand turns are possible, with practice. Landing, like take off, requires full throttle. The landing speed is quite fast as is to be expected with a wing loading of 1.2Kg per square cm. To counter this, the model has been fitted with an undercarriage constructed from second hand RSJs. A couple of turns of gaffer tape have endowed the undercarriage with an attractive appearance, as well as that all important streamlining!

Sadfly had kindly volunteered to carry Glen's pride and joy to the runway. It was at this point, a pain was noted in the groin area. Following investigation by the stronger stomached members, a hernia was identified. As a result the following health and safety advice has been issued by the club;

Before attempting to lift Glen's bi-plane, all members must first wear the support truss provided. The club pair can be found in the mower box.

Sparks Fly

The Naughty Boys had a big night on bonfire night. Flo, proprietor of Stanegate Flyers had arranged a flying display to take part in front of the Hexham bonfire night crowd.

Providing the Naughty Boys with a pair of his SB42 Goflykites,the plan was to display at night in front of the 15000 strong crowd! Together with Flo and ace pilot son Meekle, 4 of the Goflightkite range would be put through their paces.

Despite being the most cynical and opinionated flyers at Hexham Field, Sadfly and Flygeek were forced to admit that it was one of the most awe inspiring episodes in their flying history. Night flying really works and the Goflykite range performed (and survived) beyond all expectation.

This unique event, displayed the hobby to a massive crowd who had no prevous experience of model flying and at night. The resulting response was overwhelmingly positive. Truly a first in model flying history.

Full story on Model Flying

Find the Naughty Boys

The Naughty Boys fly at Watch Currock near Hexham. Membership of the Hexham Model Flying Club and BMFA membership is required in order to fly at Watch Currock. Guests may fly on a maximum of 4 occasions a year with proof of insurance. We fly all week when the weather allows and will usually make newcomers welcome especially if they bring vittles!
We fly radio controlled fixed wing, helicopter and silent flight. Club rules can be viewed here.


The club also has a site at Kiln Pit Hill. Although smaller, access is easier after long periods of rain. The site is 1 mile ENE of the A68 crossroads at Kiln Pit Hill.

Meetings of the HMFC are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Hexham Ex Servicemans Club, Hallstile Bank, Hexham. Contact Clive Matthews at clive@medialoft.co.uk for further details.

24 Hour Flying at Hexham Field

Following years of complaining about; wind, rain, ice and snow, the Naughty Boys have recently faced a new adversary! A strange golden orb has appeared in the Northumberland sky's above Hexham Field. Some of the older members have managed to identify this as 'The Sun', previously only known to Sadfly as a source of carnal pleasure!

Of course welcoming such apparitions, or indeed anything new, is alien to Hexham club members and so moaning was the order of the day. 'How are we expected to fly whilst squinting and being blinded by that thing?' was a common whinge.

Fortunately, help was at hand in the form of Stanegateflyers. Proprietor Flo brought along one of the GoFlyKite range, the SB42 from the Hexham shop. Fitted with a plethora of LED lights, the Naughty Boys discovered that flying could now be done after that bright thing has left. Even in the calmest breeze (8 - 10 mph) Hexham Field has known, the model surprised all with it's turn of speed and maneuverability. No longer heard to mutter 'it'll never catch on' the Naughty Boys are now studying Ohm's Law with renewed interest and applying to their carers for late passes!