Ali in Kuwait
 

Hi guys.
Just thought I would drop you a line and say hello from warm and sunny Kuwait! I am here for a few days. A great customer of mine who has purchased quite a few of my display models has flown me out here to do some demo flying, set up some of the models and give some tuition.
Its my first time to Kuwait, and its a pretty amazing place. I haven't seen to much of the city as yet ( But that comes later ) I flew in on a red eye yesterday and after a quick refresh at the hotel I figured it would be better to get out to the field instead of letting jet lag take its toll.
At the field I was amazed how pro active and keen these guys are. Wow I thought I loved the hobby! These guys here live and breath RC flying. Jets especially it seems.
We got there quite late ( 2 pm ) but I dont think I have ever flown so much in one day. It was great, I am in heaven.
Not only have they made an amazing flying facility here, but they also have one of, if not thee best collection of models I have seen anywhere, and what made it better was that they were all there to fly, ready to fly and flown they were.
I have been to organized jet meeting that have not had as many great models there! Yesterday was only half a day so we only got to fly...
Boomerang Intro P-60
Comp-Arf Eurosport P-160
Comp Arf Tucano Wren
Skygate Viper Jet P-160
Skygate Hawk P-180 or 200 I forget
Jet Welt Strike master P-160
Comp-Arf 3.1m Super Extra Karona 180
Comp-Arf Extra 260 Da 150

All were flown a number of times. I lost count but recollecting it, I had at least 15-20 flights, which in approx 4 hours was quite some doing.
The temperature started dropping around 5 pm and it was time to go back tot he workshop and sort food out. if the flying field was impressive as far as planes go, I was in for a real shock when I walked in the workshop..... Well its hard to call it a workshop as its bigger than allot of houses I have been in!
I was like a kid locked in a Toys R us after the doors had been locked.
I will try to get some photos up on line shortly and update when I can. Gotta go now. Apparently today we are going to fly all the models we missed out on yesterday.
god....... I love my job
Regards Al

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Lets start with some photos...
This is just one part, of just one section of the workshop !!!!!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

and another, just to add some scale to it. Thats a Skygate Hawk in the foreground and a huge 50% hemple cub in the background

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

another room, and another

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Ali i'll be in the runway go lower ;)

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

oh and there is one more

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

I missed out an entire part of the first ( Main) Room
If your wondering why the empty floor space.... its not because shui cleared a section :eek: Its actually because the models are being loaded to go to the field.. Kuwait style!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

and if that were not enough there was always the smaller trailer... :D

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

It was then of to the field... Again Kuwait style ( This Kuwait style will feature prominently in this thread as I have experienced a few things out here that I have never anywhere else in the world that I have flown jets. thus the term Kuwait style)

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

We arrived at the field after a massive 3 minute drive :D
I dont know what I was expecting, but it was never as nice as this. A near perfect flying site privately owned for just a handful of like minded flyers.

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

"money" and "no object" springs to mind![8D]

Seeing a lot of those models must be like walking into your workshop 6 months ago!

Enjoy it and don't break anything ;)

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

unloading began. Again Kuwait style!!!!! Priorities. Jet A1 and Shisha!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

This isn't the CEO of Exxon is it? :D

USA calls it "TEXAS STYLE" still about 1/2 Kuwait style although.

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Where is the "work" part of the work shop?? ;)

V..

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Trust me there is work going on in there.. Big style! When we return from the field there are at least 4 guys in the shop working most of the night to gee the models serviceable and ready for the next morning! Quite a few of the models that you see here are built fully in Kuwait, and I am really impressed with the installations and reliability factor they have reached with their models.
In two days I think I alone have made close to 30 flights, and add that to another 20 by the locals, and I have yet to see a model land flame out, or a gear get stuck up that hasn't been released.
Oh and in the few days I have been here they have finished off a Comp Arf Pitts S12 and Boomer Xl !
Texas Style sounds good ;)
Regards Al

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Aint it wonderful what all that oil money can do ?

Well, it's a hard life Ali, but somebody has to do it and it may as well be you ! ;)

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Oil...what a business!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Oh I dont know Gordon. its that tough :D
First flight of today was on a new Kingcat. Locally built with a Booster 160. Wow it was fast! I have always been more of a Bobcat fan myself, but this Kingcat was hauling and tracked straight as an arrow to boot. I am only sad that I only managed 4 minutes before the booster decided to splutter, but not stop. I then found the throttle delay to be really really slow. ( Like 10 secs ) Strange as I have never experienced this before. ( Any ideas ) Still it carried on running and the Kc landed fine.

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

As fast as the king cat was, it wasn't even a scratch on what was to come next.
My old Firebird powered by a super hot AMT Olympus HP!!!!! Wow this thing is rapid. You just know how fast it is, one by the noises it makes, and two... how much sky it covers.
When I flew this model in the UK was never really that comfortable with it as the sky was always either overcast or not so clear, and low cloud bases with this beast are a no no!
Out here I had clear blue skies with super visibility so i could really let rip!!! one word for this model. Amazing!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Man! Do us a favor, clock that baby while you are there! I would love to see its top speed.

Andy

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Is that anything like Ha-Shisha:)
I hope they don't put the Jet A in the Hookah[X(]

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

You have a nice time don't worry about us over here.

What happened to the Airworld Hawk?

m

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

welcome in kuwait Ali, and you will make tomorow over 200 flight;) if we can.
one thing we want to say Ali is a good man and good pilot,welcom in kuwait and enjoy your time.
(don't forget the gear door):)

faisal

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Good to
see you had a good time Ali, see you at the next event in DR!

regards,

Leon

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Can we, us motrals[&o], have you come here to the land of smiles to join us "simpltons" in having fun and enjoying life's simple pleasures:):)...C'mon Ali, it is only a feww hrs east of Kuwait;)

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Which Airwolrd Hawk Mick?
So far I have only seen a Skygate hawk here at that belongs to Q8 Hawk ( on RCU ) Hi Andrew. I have a GPS reading ( Weatronic ) in the uk that shows the average speed of 3 runs into wind and 3 runs downwind of 298 mph. I was doing this because at the time I was looking at trying to break the current registered world speed record of 256 mph ( I think )
Fasisal is the main man when it comes to keeping this fleet of aircraft airworthy and a pretty good pilot as well. Thats another one of the things that has surprised me, and thats the flying standards over here. Again I didnt know what to expect, but when I was asked to come out and provide some tuition I kind of expected the worse. After the first day it became really apparent that there was not that much needed doing, and yesterday proved it, when my host pulled of a better landing with the big citation than I did! The likes of Faisal, achmoud ( Sorry for the spelling ) Q8 Hawk and a few of the others I have seen fly have really impressed me with how far they have come under self tuition. there is a real diversity of flying styles here. From the smooth precise flying of Q8 Hawk ( Which I think with a little bit of refinement would make a great jet masters pilot ) to the ball$ out 3d flying of some of the guys on the Loaner euro sport.
Ehab... I would love to come to the land of smiles, and I am trying my hardest to free some time up to spend with you guys, but I think my next trip sees my in the sunny dominican. :D:D:D
I need to convince Kraivuth to build a plane for me, then that way my trip to Thailand will be purely business :eek:
Regards Al

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Al, I think Mick is talking about the AW Hawk with the black dragon down the side. Seen in a heap briefly in one of the vids?

Perhaps it's him who needs that Skygate Hawk?!? ;) text me!

Or maybe he'd be interested in the new Comp-ARF Hawk just released. It's from smaller Skygate molds! [8D]

Mark

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Ahhhh that is in fact a Skygate Hawk, The Airworld Hawk with the Dragon on the side is still fit and well ( gets confusing I know) As to what happened to it.. I am not sure really as the videos are from Shuis trip a few weeks ago.
Mark... what do these guys need another skygate hawk for any way? They already have the finest model jet aircraft in the world! :D

I thought Graupner were producing the smaller Skygate hawk?? Too many hawks, its all getting to confusing for me! I think I will have to go flying. I will try to update some photos later tonight.

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Whoah, when you post pics of models like that I accept the Skygate is put to shame [&o]

Seems Mr Voelker 'shared' a less detailed mold to produce a same sized sport scale Hawk but still with exact outline.

Anyway, let me know re my text. You know what I'm like - need to start looking for what's next maybe :)

Happy Flying

Mark :D

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

cheers for that Mark.
Back to some photos.
Here are a couple of the firebird. If you know how solid this model is you should be able to get an idea of the speed its going from the flew in the wings!! [X(]
Whoever was on the camera did a great job of even getting it in frame!
one more showing that like any flying field in any part of the world the most social side of sitting down and talking toy aero planes is still the most common activity!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

One thing that did catch me out was the weather. Foolish me was expecting it to be hot, so it was hot clothes that I packed. In fact its turned out to be quite cold in the early evenings. Highs during are around the 20 mark and it drops down to as little a 2 at night!!
We had a stiff wind at the start of flying yesterday which made it a little colder, but thankfully straight down the runway. Today looks perfect with higher temps and a much softer wind..

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Hassan ( Sorry again for the spelling ) Q8 Hawk is easier :) Taking a break from behind the camera to get some stick time in on the team loaner Euro sport!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Has to be said Ali, I am jealous, but it couldn't happen to a nicer bloke, enjoy yourself, you deserve it. regards, Gary, ScancomRC.

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Looking at this thread those guys certainly like their toys! what a place to fly! fantastic facilities. Firebird is a stunning model, it must be really at home with all that space and clear skies. . . . . just a bit diiferent to Abingdon yesterday??

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Thanks Gary... Cheques is on the post :D
Jamie: Yep I never had this much fun with the firebird in the Uk. The sky hear is perfect so you can see this model for miles which makes it easier to set up on full power for a super fast pass!
The airfield is amazing and facilities spot on. Achmed has a massive chalet right on the coast about 3/4 of a mile away ( This is where the workshop photos are from ) So whatever we need is on tap. Looking at the photos of awesome Abingdon does kinda make me miss the banter! But definitely not the weather.

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

You may have seen earlier in this thread Q8 Hawk make a comment about being out on the Runway.... Well let me explain.
He is filming at the field and workshop for a program called Engine right. Its an Arabic look at things such as motor sport, cool cars and bikes and pretty much any of the cool toys us big kids find appealing.
Hassan is ever keen to get the "Special shot" and provide as much great footage for the program as possible, so at various times throughout the two days I would be flying away and hear a shout of " Ali I am on the runway... fly lower"
I have to admit that at first I was not to keen on the idea, but after we actually sat down and briefed through what he was looking for and where he would be, and I made sure everyone there was cool with it, and I was not breaking any major laws or regulations :eek: We began with the citation.
I really hope the footage came out as I was trying my hardest to get low enough for him!

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

A couple of Random photos,
Me, the Citation and Faisal. The hardest working modeler in Kuwait. I wish i could take him and Achmoud home to work on my models. Each night I go back to the hotel and by the time I come back in the morning all the models are ready to fly and usually they have another ready that was not the day before.
A Skygate Viper Jet. I mentioned to my host that I had seen a Lamborghini in an amazing candy green, and I wanted to paint my Skymaster Viper jet in that colour. He then showed me this beauty that was just being finished off! I asked where he got the paint from and two calls later I had 2 liters of it DHL'd to the UK. I suppose it helps when you are the Lambo dealer for Kuwait [X(] Thus explaining the lambo yellow viper as well I guess :eek:

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

hi mark
the AW dragon hawk is well ,
she was flown last week by david. and she is setting in the club with AW red arrows that henry built
i'll try to get the AW red arrow hawk tomorrow to the field , so ali can try it . he already flew my SG hawk and he loved it . DIDN'T YOU ALI :)

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

Low pass on the Citation. Well I thought it was low, but Q8 Hawk told me to go lower:eek:

RE: Ali in Kuwait
 

hey ali sorry i missed it today :(
i was filming motobikes GOLDWINGS .
and the name of the show is ENGINE RIDE.
i'll try to bring the airworld hawk tomorrow.

regards