Filling the Great Man's shoes

I've been trying to do this ever since I took over editorship of Model Flyer from the Great Man - Boddo, so I know just how impossible a task it is - you just give it your best shot and hope the readers still find it interesting enough to continue buying the magazine. I had the same problem repeat itself very recently when I had to decide what to do about the last page of the magazine, now vacant following the last missive 'Touchdown' from El Boddo. I like the idea of the last page being words of wisdom, sometimes caustic, but always humorous and backed by a deep knowledge of the hobby and packed with aviation experiences, sometimes aiming a well aimed boot at the establishment - in the best possible taste, of course, but the problem was, who could - and would want to - attempt to follow in Boddo's footsteps?
A lot of people know Dave Bishop of DB Sound fame, having heard his commentary at various shows over the years, up and down the length of the country - and you may have your own opinion of his style and presentation, based purely on this show commentary. This guy has been in broadcasting for a large part of his life, has done National Service with the RAF and has been a life-long aeromodeller, so he has a wealth of knowledge and a deep well of anecdotes to call on. In addition, Boddo was his best man at his wedding, so he has very good memories of - and shared experiences with - the Great Man. Who then, is better to continue the 'Touchdown' tradition and, in the spirit of 'the last word...' developed by Boddo's monthly closing piece?
Thankfully I can report that Dave has agreed to take on this daunting challenge and has chosen as his by'line for the new format - 'Outline'. This is a broadcasting term used to tell the recording staff that the programme was finished, so it is very appropriate for the parting words in 'Flyer each month. In this issue, he starts by introducing himself...

Summertime blues
This recession is beginning to bite. Modellers, who would normally travel miles to attend a fly-in or model flying show, are now thinking twice before committing to the expenditure, given the price of petrol and diesel. We will see if numbers drop for this summer's shows and whether the regular shoe pilots become more selective about which shows they participate in. I know that my activities will be curtailed somewhat and that some shows that I love to attend and fly at, will be outside my affordable radius of operation. Some might sigh in relief at this, of course, but I think my flying will have to be a bit more localised and I will have to rely on local modellers sending me reports for consideration. Is this situation affecting you, too?

High quality
vinyl sticker sheets
«more»

WHAT'S NEW....

13/08/10 - What's in the Current Issue
21/08/09 - News update.
13/08/10- Full Back Catalogue »Shop

Find FLYER magazine in more WHSmith stores than ever before.
Click here for your nearest store