The West Slope of Tinkers

The South Slope of Tinkers

About the events

Introduction to EPP60 Racing

It doesn’t get more exciting than this. Three, Four or even Five models with a maximum wingspan of 60” racing against each other over 10 laps of a 70m course along the slope edge. Flagmen at the far pylon signal when a model has passed this point and can return down the course. With up to five models competing for the best airspace and racing line, incidents can and DO happen. The models though are made from crash resistant Expanded Polypropylene foam which does help them withstand some of the rough and tumble involved in racing. Sometimes the rough and tumble is too much though which is when a back up model is a good idea!
For more information about the EPP60 Class and the official rules please  CLICK HERE  to be taken to Mike Shellim’s excellent RC Soar site.
And, if you want to see what EPP60 racing is all about then CLICK HERE to see a report of  last year's Slope Nationals that the Huddersfield club hosted. There is also a great feature by Steve Clarke on 2006's epic event at the Hole of Horcum. To see this  CLICK HERE

Introduction to F3F

Often known as the Formula 1 of slope racing F3F is all about speed with the racing involving just one model at a time and purely against the clock. The models are generally of all moulded glass and carbon composite construction and range in wingspans from about 2.5 - 3.2m. All models are quite evenly matched in performance making set-up and superb flying skills essential to succeed.
The course is 1km long which is split into 10 x 100m legs involving 9 turns at the pylons. Buzzermen are stationed at each pylon to signal to the flier when he can execute a turn. Timing is all done electronically and fed into a computer for result processing.
For more information about the F3F Class and the official rules please  CLICK HERE  to be taken to Mike Shellim’s RC Soar site.

About Tinkers

The hillside at Tinkers is one of the best slope soaring sites in the North of England. The site which is on private land is usable for wind directions NNW through to SSE.  
The Club is very fortunate to enjoy unlimited sole access to the land due to the very good relationship we have with the landowner and we are grateful to him for allowing us to use his slope for this National Event.

Cheesegate Nab / Tinkers Monument - Altitude 380 metres (1250 ft.)    O.S. Ref. 174066 

To find where Tinkers is on Streetmap  -  CLICK HERE

Finding Tinkers

From Huddersfield
Take the A629 from Huddersfield towards Sheffield. Pass the A635 junction continuing on the A629 for 1 Mile, come to Birds Edge village and turn right immediately by the school. Proceed to the T Junction and turn left. Take the 1st road on the right (after ½ mile) called Windmill Lane . Continue to the end of the road and proceed down the rough track opposite. The gate to Tinkers slope site is 100 metres on the left.

Alternative Route
Leave Huddersfield on the A616 Sheffield Road.  Continue through New Mill on the A616 and look for the sign post to Scholes on the right. Continue on the main road and take the next left just after the Red Lion Public House. At a small T Junction follow the road to the left  and continue up the winding road for about a mile passing Intake Lane on the left. At the top look for Windmill Lane on the left and take the rough track opposite on the right. The gate to the slope site is 100 metres on the left.

From Sheffield and M1 Junction 35a
Follow the signs for Huddersfield on the A629. Continue along the A629 until you reach Birds Edge. As you enter the village you will see a School on the left. Turn left up the road immediately before this school. Proceed to the T junction and turn left. Take the 1st road on the right (after ½ mile) called Windmill Lane. Continue to the end of the road and proceed down the rough track opposite.
The gate to Tinkers slope site is 100 metres on the left.

Local Rules for the Event Weekend

Please park neatly and do not block any gate entrances. Do not enter the field with vehicles.

Access to the Slope
Access the slope site through the main gate on the left down the track. Please shut this gate after you have passed through. Walk along the rutted track to the next gate. Don’t pass through this gate but turn right and walk along the outside of the fence to the slope edge. Turn left and walk along the slope to the flying area.

Frequency Control - IMPORTANT
The main club flying field is situated within radio range of Tinkers so the following frequency controls will apply for the weekend.

The Slope Nationals EPP60” competition on the Saturday will have ALL frequencies available as the club flying field will be closed during the event.

The F3F event on the Sunday will be limited to using ONLY EVEN FREQUENCIES

Frequencies are controlled by means of a Pegboard which is kept in the Slope Hut.

Keep children away from any cattle or sheep that may be grazing in any of the fields.

No dogs are allowed - not even on a lead

No I/C engine powered models are permitted on the slope

Accommodation

The following are Hotels and B & B's that are situated fairly locally for Tinkers. I have no information regarding the standard of any of these establishments. I'm sure there must be quite a few more around the Holmfirth area as well.

Foxglove Village Inn  - Kirkburton - About 5 miles from Tinkers

Midgley Lodge Hotel  - Midgley - About 10 miles from Tinkers

The Red Lion Inn  - Jackson Bridge - Very close to Tinkers

The White Horse  - Jackson Bridge - Very close to Tinkers

Uppergate Farm  - Hepworth - Very close to Tinkers

How to Enter the Competitions

Information regarding entering the the events will be provided soon.