My name is Ian Shaw, I'm 36 years old, and I live in Nottingham, U.K.
When I'm not working as a Mechanical Design Engineer or spending time with my young family, I'll be busy with my other love, building and flying model aircraft.
I am a member of Trent Model Aircraft Flying Club which flies mainly IC powered aircraft from two sites in Nottingham. The main site is at Colwick Park Racecourse, and the other in the lovely countryside setting of Epperstone. Epperstone is currently closed due to the F&M restrictions but will hopefully be available again later in 2002.
My 'hanger' currently stables the following models :-
Flair Cub
A 72" wing span trainer. This was my first model and on which I learnt to fly model aircraft. The old girl had a hard time with several re-builds and so is rarely flown nowadays.
My second model and first low-wing type. This model, from the Chris Foss kit, is fully aerobatic and is fitted with a SuperTiger 75 engine (2 stroke glow engine). A little overpowered but the vertical performance is excellent.
The Wingbat +P is the powered version of the very popular slope soarer 'Wingbat' from the Stan Yeo stable. This model (as photographed) was first fitted with an OS 40LA for its initial flights. Later she was fitted with a SP40 special Irvine racing engine and tuned exhaust system, which gives it a speed well in excess of 100mph. Presently though it is undergoing major repairs after an unfortunate incident where it met the ground rather earlier than intended !
My 58" wingspan Spitfire is my first and only venture into ARTF kits and this one is the Kyosho version. I've since realised that assembling virtually finished wings and fuselages is not really my thing, but she is quite pretty!. She's fitted with a 2 stroke 40 size engine and retracting undercarriage.
My loaded dice was built from a plan and is a competition standard aerobatic model (or 'Pattern Ship') is fitted with a OS61 Hanno special 2 stroke engine and tuned pipe.
For a 'fun' model, I recently built a Balsacraft 'Rapier' delta type aircraft. This is currently fitted with the engine from the ill-fated Wingbat - i.e. an Irvine SP40 and 3/4 tuned pipe.
My current building project is a 68" CAP232 from the 'Glens Models' kit. This model should fly by the end of 2001 and will be hauled along by an Irvine 120 2 stroke glow engine. I'm finishing off the model in a 'semi-scale' livery based on an actual aircraft flown in the USA by Mike Goulian.
My next project (for 2002) is currently sitting in a large box awaiting attention. This is another CAP232 but to 30% scale. At a size that is considered a 'large model', this will also be my introduction to petrol engines. The 30% model will be powered by a Zenoah 62 petrol 2 stroke swinging a 23x10 prop.
The British Model Flying Association - A must for anyone entering the hobby. These people look after the interests of all model fliers and becoming a member also gives you the all important insurance cover you should have before flying any model.
Incidentally, if you are into this hobby and need a source of advice and great service for engines, I highly recommend 'Just Engines'. They will sell via the Net and their mail order performance has always been great for me - give em a try !
I'd love to hear from anyone who has visited this page - Please sign my guest book
Or drop me a line : 
Thanks
Ian