Last week's trip to bake bits at Shoreham went well - Roddy Kesterton & I
put various bits in the oven, had breakfast in the terminal building (=A33.50
for a cracking 'airmans breakfast' - best value for money I've come across)
and after checking the oven temps again, left the staff to look after
things until meeting up again at 17.00 hrs to load up our trailers for the
journey home.
It was very reassuring to see the digital readout hovering around the 49/50
degree level and know that it was correct and even throughout the oven. A
great improvement on home built ovens from foam/fibreglass and a fan heater
plugged in at one end.
I've been asked to put the word out that they (Northbrook College) would be
very happy to see other builders down there to bake their bits as the oven
doesn't get used enough. The availability would depend on whether the
students need to use it as this has to come first, but anyone interested
should telephone Mr. Belva (sorry, not sure of his first name) at
Northbrook College on (01273) 234350. Very helpful chap and very
accommodating.
Cost - At present the cost is =A325 start up charge and =A33.00 per hour.
Therefore, an eight hour bake costs =A349 + VAT. However, this cost is under
review although I've been assured that it's not likely to go up very much
as they are not looking to make a profit - only cover the running costs.
Size - I had everything in there including the fuselage and wings on the
trailer (factory one) with tailplanes and rudder on stands. Roddy had
everything except his fuselage and no trailer. The oven was quite full but
we guestimate that if the trailer was not there it might be possible to get
two complete sets in with the fuselages top-to-tail. Without fuselages it
should be possible to get four sets in with wings on their home-made
cradles, but don't quote me. I'm sure the college would be able to tell
anyone the internal size if asked.
For some reason they have fixed ramps up to the oven which is about 450mm
off the deck. The factory trailer had one inch of each tyre on each ramp,
if that, and was a bit hairy loading it in! If trailers are not being
loaded into the oven it will be necessary to take a ramp of your own if you
don't want to have to lift the fuselage into the oven.
For those in the South, I would recommend this system of baking as it's
controlled rather nicely. It also has the advantage over yer local spray
painter that, although the oven is mainly used for car spraying/baking, the
staff are used to seeing 'planes around and so tend to appreciate the
higher tollerances/care required.
Dave W - Might it be a good idea to put something to this effect into the
next 'Flyer' publication as most builders are not on the 'net? That is
assuming you have not disappeared over the horizon forever in your new-born
creation!
Regards,
Peter Davis (C154)
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