CHRISTCHURCH AND DISTRICT MODEL FLYING CLUB

the diary of a flier

by b leonard wise. part 4

The story so far: B Leonard Wise, a newcomer to modelling, has at last bought his dream - a second-hand model Spitfire

I have my Spitfire, I brought it home. Then where can I keep it? It has dawned on me that I am going to need a shed or workshop to keep the plane in. At present it must go in the Garage. Carefully 1 took it in and hung it up. I had to pause to admire it and imagine the fun it would be to see it flying around the sky. Crispin our son and Clarrissa my wife had obviously been watching me through the window. I rarely communicate with Crispin mainly because he seems to speak in grunts and nods and single words which to him mean a sentence but to me mean nothing. Here comes Biggles he said. Achtung Achtung Spitfire there then followed an impression of flying and what I assumed was a dogfight. Ending with a victory roll and a crashed German.

Clarissa thought it funny and laughed I could not really understand what he was doing so as is my usual way I ignored him. They asked when I would fly it. I need some fuel I will get some now I said firmly. You can't do that they chorused. We are going to buy Crispin some new Jeans. You can come if you like Crispin said. We could move you out of the 1950s. I am content as I am 1 snapped. 0oohh get him he said.

I shall have to Cycle and put the fuel in my pannier. I arrived at the shop. Hello Squire said the shopkeeper got your Spitfire yet. As a matter of fact I have. I said with some considerable pleasure. No thanks to you. Get it from Charlie did you, he had Mike Flints old plane. His widow offered it to me but whilst I might have been able to sell the plane but not the rest of the stuff. She wanted £15O for the lot. Should be alright Mike was a good builder. Anyway what can 1 do for you?

I want some petrol I said. Go to the Garage for that he said. Some fuel for the engine on the plane. Ah. ..what sort of engine is it he said, what size. I started to show him with my hands. No what number is it. 1 looked Blank. a 40 46 S3 60 two stroke four stroke?

Why is it always so confusing? I do not know I said. Let me think what would he have put in there I think it was a 60 two stroke. So what fuel would you like, I want the best fuel you have, I said. All our fuel is the best, he replied. You can have methanol with 20% 18% 17% or 15% oil. Synthetic or Castor or a mixture. Then you can have it straight or 5% or 10% Nitro. You are the customer, I am here to serve Last time you came in here you said the customer is always right. So now tell me.

If there was anywhere else to buy the stuff from I would not have to deal with this clown. It is clear to me that there are technical parts to this hobby which I shall have I to look at. Thinking of getting my own back I responded with my usual quickness of mind. What do you recommend? I asked. Try this one he said. This should get you off the ground. Good luck you will need it. I took the gallon of fuel and departed. Now I have the plane and the fuel. I will show them.

Will B Leonard get his Spitfire into the air?  Next time......

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