Issue No.31
AUSTRALIAN MODEL NEWS
December 2014
Contents
From the Editor The warmer weather is certainly making it a bit more attractive to venture to the flying field and there are a good number of events scheduled into next year. I’m still trying to extend my coverage of events to all parts of the country so any reports and photographs from other states are more than welcome. Unfortunately we continue to lose our older modellers and again this month I note the passing of Barry James and Moss Heard from the ranks of Victorian flyers together with Ken Burke from NSW. While the loss of old friends is always of concern the recent visit to Greensborough MAC by the HobbyKing organisation drew a lot of younger flyers which is encouraging for the continuing health of our hobby. Certainly this younger group shows an interest mainly in ARF aircraft but hopefully their enthusiasm will extend to the more involved aspects of the hobby as they progress and learn the intricacies and delights of aeromodelling. This issue marks the fifth year of publication for AMN, it’s been a good journey so far and I’ve met a lot of nice people on the way.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!
3.
BARRY JAMES 1933 - 2014
4.
“MOSHKOSH” THE ARARAT FUN FLY
5.
RINGMASTER FLY-A-THON AUSTRALIA 2014
8.
VICSCALE AT BACCHUS MARSH
10. ALBURY FLOAT FLY 2014 AT LAKE HUME 14. THE OLD AEROPLANE COMPANY AT TYABB 16. EASTERN STATES GAS CHAMPS AT WANGARATTA 18. F5J ELECTRIC GLIDERS AT DARRAWEIT GUIM 20. DAVID BALFOUR’S BOEING 80 21. “MONTY TYRELL” CLASSIC STUNT AT KNOX MAC
John Lamont.
22. VICTORIAN R/C SCALE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014 This newsletter is published bi-monthly to feature scale model building and flying together with other modelling events in Australia. Contributing material and requests for inclusion on the distribution list may be forwarded to —
John Lamont Unit 5, 1326 Main Road, Eltham, 3095 Ph: 03 9431 0044 E-mail:
[email protected] Visit our website at https://sites.google.com/site/australianmodelnews/
On the Cover. Joe Matthews’ float equipped “Antic” on a low fly-by over Lake Hume at the Albury Float Fly.
page 2
23. TONY SMALL’S PARTENAVIA P.68 24. AUSTRALIAN RECORD ELECTRIC DURATION FLIGHT 26. THE DH.71 TIGER MOTH IN AUSTRALIA COMING EVENTS VICTORIAN FREE FLIGHT SOCIETY INDOOR SCALE 2016 ASIAN/OCEANIC CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM TRIALS FOR F1A,F1B,F1C STATE FIELD EASTERN GRAND OPENING NORTHERN FLYING GROUP “TWINS AND MORE”
Australian Model News
Henry Barrymore Steel “ Barry” James February 10 1933 - October 4 2014
For the members of the Bairnsdale Model Aero Club Barry had always been there, in fact on his passing he had the longest continuous membership for as far as we can judge, the whole history of the club.
He was a willing teacher and was always happy to advise beginners or more experienced modellers how a particular manoeuvre should be performed and, if you were required to act as a judge, what constituted a mistake and how it should be scored.
Like all modellers he experienced the highs and lows of the hobby. The excitement of a successful maiden flight of a new model and the despair when a particular favourite crashed either for some obscure reason or what is commonly termed ‘dumb thumbs’. In the latter case he was always prepared to say ”it was my fault”, an approach not common to some modellers but when voiced by an acknowledged expert is very comforting when going through some of our Where some enthusiasts have a particular interest in a single aspect own mishaps. We thank you Barry for that, the smile, the shrug, and of the hobby be it flying the model, researching a particular aircraft to absolutely no rancour when things didn’t go quite right model, drawing up of the plans or the More recently Barry collaboratbuilding and finishing, Barry ed quite significantly in the seemed quite at ease and development of the design competent in all facets. He of a somewhat unique had a particular interest in event to promote and entwo types over the years, thuse current modellers those were the Tiger Moth, and spark an interest to none of us would even those who have not yet hazard a guess how many participated. While Barry of these he had over the was a scale modeller years - one of them feathrough and through he tured on the cover of the did appreciate that not all national publication people are willing to com“Airborne” in the late 70’s pete and just needed the early 80’s. The other being opportunity to fly a scale the P-47 Thunderbolt. model without the scrutiny There were others of of judges. So was born a course, but the latter two programme that will allow were built specially for the three quite separate facWagga Wagga military ets, a concours section, a aircraft competition held judged flying section and each year over the ANZAC time for non-competitors to weekend. fly their aircraft for fun. Adrianne always accompanied In recognition of Barry’s input him. Adrianne you need a medal to the hobby it has been decided for this support, but without it Barry that the judged flying component of the meeting will be called “The would not have achieved the results he enjoyed. It couldn’t have always been fun sitting in a caravan or motel awaiting his return and Barry James Flight Realism Award” - I’m sure he would approve. listen to the tales of woe or euphoria as was the case. He really did enjoy this meeting as it was the opportunity of catching up with many To Adrianne and your family we offer our sincere condolences. of his competition peers he had met over the years. We, his fellow club members, as well as those who have competed He was widely known and respected for his camaraderie, knowledge with and against him, will miss him dearly. and models. He was competitive, but this came with nerves. He Henry Barrymore Steel James — a wonderful man and modeller will would pore over his call sheet to ensure he knew the manoeuvres and the sequence he was required to perform them. To an outsider be missed by many. this seemed quite unnecessary as he was a constant practicer of the flight plan. The nerves were always evident during a competition but, Ian Waters like many competitors, he claimed this was a necessary part of competing — no nerves, poor flight. It obviously didn’t affect him as he was a regular participant. Barry was a modeller extraordinaire with a particular interest in scale modelling at a competitive level, and over the years achieved significant results. In his earlier years he was a regular contestant both in Victoria where he was one of the inaugural members of the Victorian Scale Association, and the National competition, mixing it with the best of the nation’s scale modellers.
Australian Model News
page 3
ARARAT FUN FLY Roger Carrigg journeyed from Ballarat for this event and sent some photographs for inclusion in AMN. This year’s event was named “MOSSKOSH” in memory of the former Ararat president , Moss Heard, who passed away recently. From the photos It looks as if it was rather cool and a bit windy, particularly on Saturday, but Roger reports that conditions improved and there was plenty of flying on Sunday.
page 4
Australian Model News
RINGMASTER FLY–A-THON AUSTRALIA 2014 The 7th Ringmaster Fly-A-Thon was conducted early in October with Australia well represented by modellers in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Queensland. The 419 pilots taking part, world wide, put up a new record of 2589 flights. The Knox MAC in Melbourne flew only on the Sunday and the heading photograph shows members with their models. John Moody, in Tasmania, put in a great solo effort in testing conditions to make 43 flights using a stooge for release and the Kuringai club in NSW used team race tactics to achieve a staggering 409 flights. I received photographs from other states and have included these on the following pages, together with a list of participants in all countries. It will be a challenge for the 2015 event to exceed this year’s total.
Fly-A-Thon 2014 LOCATION
PILOTS
FLIGHTS
USA
255
1449
AUSTRALIA
52
604
SLOVAKIA
77
168
CANADA
17
132
BRAZIL
5
124
UK
4
42
unknown
37
SOUTH AFRICA
6
18
BERMUDA
1
8
SWEDEN
1
4
SOUTH KOREA
1
3
washed out
0
419
2589
CZECH REPUBLIC
ARGENTINA TOTALS
Australian Model News
Steve Vallve’s Pat King designed X-Wing powered by an Evolution 60 .
Page 5
Steve Vallve’s X-Wing in flight. This was its maiden outing and Steve made three successful flights at Knox MAC.
Peter Robert’s Ringmaster S-1 powered by a bright and shiny Fox 25 was also on its first outing.
Bob Marshall starting his Fox 35 powered Ringmaster at the head of the line up at Kuringai MFC.
page 6
Doug Grinham’s standard Ringmaster S-1 powered by a Fox 35.
Rick Bonomo doing a super fast pit stop on Walter Bollinger’s 80% Ringmaster powered by a CS Oliver.
John Elias cranking up his Brodak 40 powered Ringmaster for its fifth flight.
Australian Model News
John Moody was a lone soul in Georgetown, Tasmania but managed to fly with the use of a stooge until the airframe gave up in the battle with the wind and an excessive number of hard landings. John took a movie with a video camera attached to the handle and lifted these still shots from the video. A great single handed performance.
John Moody’s Ringmaster S-1 in flight.
The line up in Townsville, Queensland.
Allan Beggs (left) with Bob McKenzie at Townsville.
Bob’s Ringmaster had a landing accident on the 19th flight.
Australian Model News
page 7
VICSCALE at BACCHUS MARSH
Bacchus Marsh field looked promising when I arrived in the early morning — a bit cool, but with the promise of sunshine, and no wind. Alas, this was not to last and by mid-day, with the temperature well up, thermal activity stirred up strong winds causing the event to be called off after one round of Flying Only and a partial round of Scale. Bill Wheeler was unfortunate to lose his S-Bach to radio failure and Rob Dickson collected some damage to one of his two Me109s when it hit a boundary fence after a motor failure, Joe Finocchiaro was fortunate to only sustain minor damage when his Piper Cub cartwheeled on take off. Maybe next year will be better.
Peter Stefurak’s Fliteworks ARF Extra 300 in Red Bull livery is powered by a DLE111 petrol engine driving a 27 x 12 propeller. Model is 2.6m wingspan and weighs 14kg.
FLYING ONLY
SCALE
CONTESTANT
MODEL
RND 1
AVERAGE
CONTESTANT
MODEL
STATIC
RND 1
TOTAL
N. WHITEHEAD
RV-4
2009
1004.5
1
N. FINDLAY
FOX MOTH
2248
2168
4416
1
G. LEPP
PIPER CUB
1974
987
2
W. WHEELER
TURBULENT
1953
678
2631
2
D. WHEELER
YAK 55
1973
986.5
3
R. DICKSON
Me109
0
934
934
3
R. GAUMANN
PIAGGIO
1933
966.5
4
R. POPELIER
GIPSY MOTH
-
DNF
-
P. STEFURAK
EXTRA 300
1891
945.5
5
G.SUNDERLAND
PFALZ D.XII
-
DNF
-
T. GRIEGER
GEE BEE
1836
918
6
J. LAMONT
YAK 54
1676
838
7
R. DICKSON
Me109
1603
801.5
8
M. PETERSON
RV-4
1469
734.5
9
S. MALCMAN
PIPER CUB
0
0
J. FINOCCHIARO
PIPER CUB
0
0
page 8
Australian Model News
Bill Wheeler’s Druine Turbulent with son Daniel’s Yak and Steve Malcman’s Piper Cub in the background.
Rob Dickson, with caller Joe Finocchiaro, performing in front of the judging panel of David Anderson, Graham Godden and David Law.
Rob Popelier came down from Shepparton with his new DH60 Gipsy Moth to take part in the competition and to have the model static judged. Rob’s Moth is scratch built to 1/4 scale and is powered by an OS 120 four stroke engine.
Australian Model News
page 9
Albury Float Fly 2014
This event has been running for 31 years and I had been meaning to attend but had never quite managed to get there. This year I had a float plane in two boxes that had been sitting in my garage for a long, long time, so I spent a solid week putting the model together with the intention of having something to fly as well as my usual task of taking notes and photographs. The model looked good but it finished up with a wing loading of 46 oz/sq.ft. and on my one and only attempt to take off the model bounced into the air from a wave, the 91 four stroke could not generate enough airspeed, and that was the end of my flying. The model is not badly damaged so I’m removing the floats to reduce the weight, fitting the wheels, and trying it again as a land based tail-dragger. If that doesn’t work out then it might get a Viking funeral! Apart from my disastrous effort and a few other mishaps with various models it was a great weekend with 53 entries and more than 100 models on display, most of which flew at some time. The car park at Table Top Reserve was full of caravans and the foreshore of Lake Hume looked very colourful with an abundance of shade tents and models.
MAAA President, Neil Tank (left) and TCMAC President, David Balfour (centre) presented the Model of the Meet award to Joe Matthews (right) for his float equipped “Antic”.
The host club, TCMAC, had a great canteen operating for the weekend which was well patronised, rather disappointingly the Saturday night dinner arranged at a local hostelry was not well attended. Modellers came from many states and included MAAA President Neil Tank who presented Joe Matthews with the “Model of the Meet” award. The Twin Cities club members are to be congratulated on the continuing success of the Float Fly and other events supported by the club. Greensborough MAC members were there in numbers with a wide variety of models.
page 10
Australian Model News
Howard Cooper’s semi-scale Piper Pawnee about to touch down.
Beavers are popular. This one by Les Sawyer from Shepparton.
The electric foamie pylon race provided entertainment for pilots and spectators with a massed take-off.
A couple of the foamie racers on the circuit.
A SIG “Rascal” by Bruce Dutton, powered by a Saito 20 petrol engine.
Australian Model News
Scale models are more common but anything that floats is OK.
Even the most sedate aircraft can suffer a mishap, the “Rascal” is rescued minus the floats.
page 11
David Foster flew a Piper J3 and a Super Cub. Both models are 1/4 scale ARF’s by Hangar 9 with scale floats. The J3 is powered by a DLE 30 petrol engine and weighs 6.5kg. The Super Cub, at the same weight uses a DLE 35 petrol engine.
Peter Graeber’s electric powered Sikorsky S-43 about to be released.
Joe Matthews’ award winning ”Antic” taxies back after a successful flight.
Rod King’s Stinson Reliant is a TopFlite ARF. Wingspan is 2.5m and the model is powered by an OS 200 four stroke.
page 12
Not all landings are smooth. The Sikorsky bounces with a splash on a hard touch down.
Tim Nolan’s big DHC Beaver is scratch built with a fibreglass fuselage. Powered by a 3W 52cc petrol engine the model spans 3.6m.
Tony Gyoles’ “SeaDart” is all composite construction, 1.44m wingspan and weighs 3kg. Tony is offering kits for this electric powered model in three sizes.
Australian Model News
Chris Henry’s Spitfire is scratch built from an old Sterling kit dating back to the 1960’s. The model is 1.4m wingspan and is powered by an OS 91 four stroke.
Darren Mecklem’s scratchbuilt “Seamaster”is 1.8m wingspan and weighs 3.4kg. Powered by an OS 40LA two stroke driving a 10x6 propeller.
Tim Nolan also flew this large version of the Anderson “Kingfisher” powered by a Saito twin four stroke.
A matched pair of all foam ARF “Beavers”.
Another model by Tony Gyoles. His Sopwith Pup is actually a Flair “Puppeteer”, electric powered and with scale floats.
Lots of “Beavers”. This one is an ARF, owner unknown.
David Nichols concentrating on flying his model. The rescue boat in the background was kept busy over the weekend.
Australian Model News
David Nichols’ scratch built “Seahawk” is a Supermarine S6B look-a-like. Model is 1.6m wingspan and powered by an OS 75AX two stroke driving a 14x6 propeller. page 13
THE OLD AEROPLANE COMPANY TYABB - VICTORIA
It’s been a few years since I last visited the Old Aeroplane Company so when I learned that Don Bladier of the Victorian Free Flight Society had organised a visit by members a number of modelling groups I took advantage of an invitation from Lew Rodman to take part.. The visit served a dual purpose as, apart from seeing Judy Pay’s aircraft collection once again, I was able to photograph the recently completed single seat DH Vampire which has been restored to taxiable condition. The OAC comprises two hangars, the first is a busy working area with all types of aircraft undergoing repair or servicing and the second a strikingly clean and tidy building containing a magnificent collection of restored and new build aircraft. Also housed in this hangar is the Sopwith Snipe built by Nicholas Caudwell which alone is worth a visit .
The OAC’s Curtiss P40-F “Warhawk” is Rolls-Royce Merlin powered and was rebuilt from a 1942 wreck recovered from its Vanuatu crash site.
An immaculately finished NA-26 Harvard in WWII US Navy training colours.
This well worn Bedford van has been fitted with a DH “Goblin“ jet engine for fast runs down the strip. The green blob in the passenger side is a fuel tank from a DH “Vampire”.
page 14
A fine example of the DH-87 “Tiger Moth”.
Australian Model News
A Pratt & Whitney “Wasp” radial engine waiting for installation in a Harvard.
This is the front end of a Fieseler Storch which is under restoration to flying condition. The engine is the original Argus As10, an inverted V8 rated at 240HP.
A replica Sopwith Snipe built in Melbourne by former Cathay Pacific Boeing 747 captain, Nicholas Caudwell. The Snipe was powered by a Bentley radial engine but this replica is fitted with a modern Continental seven cylinder radial. The aircraft took 91/2 years to complete.
The Rolls-Royce Merlin engine installed in the OAC’s P-51 “Mustang”. The aircraft is on jacks and opened up for servicing.
Australian Model News
A full size wood mock-up of the Bell X-I rocket plane in which Chuck Yeager became the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound.
page 15
EASTERN STATES GAS CHAMPS WANGARATTA - 2014
This year’s event marked the nineteenth year of the championships, the inaugural event being held at Wangaratta Airport in 1995. Entry numbers were again down on previous events, but for those who did attend it was two days of excellent old timer flying. Good to welcome Graeme Gulbin and Greg Mitchell to our old timer competition events. First event of the weekend was ‘38 Antique with eight entries. Preferred engine was the GB5 diesel for five flyers, the rest spark ignition types. Good weather conditions saw four flyers through to the fly-off, some twenty five minutes in all. Fourth placed Peter Van de Waterbeemd flew a very good flight of twenty two minutes plus but landed out, a disappointment for Peter. Next was the Burford event with nine entries. A mix of Taipan PB, BB and T2 engines with five flyers making it through to the fly-off. Duration event after lunch Saturday with twelve starters. Good conditions saw ten flyers in the flyoff, and a lack of timers. First event on Sunday was Cabin Scramble with four entries. Peter
Van de Waterbeemd took this out achieving 25 minutes plus in 30 minute timeslot. Condo Smith recorded 24 minutes and Grant Manwaring 23 minutes. 1/2A Texaco next with eight entries, five flyers in the fly-off. all with fairly shorts flights. Final event for the weekend was Texaco with ten entries. A variety of engines including spark ignition types. Excellent weather conditions but only four flyers in the fly-off. Fly-off times were around fifteen minutes. Overall points score winner for the 2014 Eastern Sates Gas Champs was Grant Manwaring with 38 points, runner up was Peter Van de Waterbeemd with 29 points followed by Dave Paton with 27 points. An enjoyable weekend of old timer model flying with dinner on Saturday night at the Pinsent Hotel. Thanks to the Wangaratta Aeromodellers Club, especially Russell Clough, for their assistance over the weekend.
‘38 ANTIQUE 1. G. Manwaring 2. K. Fryer 3. P. Scott
RC1 Cumulus RC1
Burford 5cc diesel Forster 99 GB 5cc diesel
1800 1800 1800
1504 1360 589
GORDON BURFORD 1. G. Manwaring 2. J. Rae 3. P. Scott
Dixielander Amazoom Eureka
PB(T) BB PB
900 900 900
543 402 352
1260 1260 1260
889 751 712
1260 1260 1260
399 334 142
1800 1800 1800
1037 896 436
DURATION 1. P.J. Smith Playboy 112% 2. P. Van de Waterbeemd Bomber 3. K. Fryer Cumulus 92% 1/2A TEXACO 1. J. Rae 2. D. Paton 3. P. Van de Waterbeemd
Pine Needle Stardust Special Lil Diamond
TEXACO 1. S. Gullock 2. G. Manwaring 3. D. Paton
Bomber 85% Bomber Bomber 85%
page 16
McCoy 60 McCoy 60 McCoy 60 spark
Enya 53 4/s OS 60 4/s Irvine 40 diesel
Texaco flight line.
Australian Model News
Brian Dowie preparing his OS 40 powered “Playboy” for the Duration event.
1/2A Texaco winners — from left, Peter Van De Waterbeemd 3rd (Lil Diamond), Jim Rae 1st (Pine Needle), Dave Paton 2nd (Stardust Special).
Duration winners — from left, Kevin Fryer 3rd (Cumulus 92%), Peter J. Smith 1st (Playboy 112%), Peter Van De Waterbeemd 2nd (Bomber).
Burford event winners — from left, Peter Scott 3rd (Eureka), Grant Manwaring 1st (Dixielander), Jim Rae 2nd (Amazoom).
Sport Cabin scramble.
Texaco winners — from left, Dave Paton (Bomber 85%) 3rd, Steve Gullock (Bomber 85%) 1st, Grant Manwaring (Bomber) 2nd.
Australian Model News
“38 Antique winners — from left, Kevin Fryer (Cumulus) 2nd, Grant Manwaring (RC1) 1st, Peter Scott (RC1)3rd.
page 17
F5J ELECTRIC GLIDERS at Darraweit Guim
(Report and photos from Russell Wiltshire)
Nine pilots lined up for an afternoon of electric thermal duration at the Victorian State Flying Field at Darraweit Guim. The numbers showing consistent interest building up in this new variation of thermal flying. A great day was had for the first F5J event for the season. Conditions were calm to light winds with thermals of all sizes from small and weak to huge. Even more so than usual, it became clear that it didn’t really matter what size of model you were flying, the air you flew it in was the biggest factor. We had 2m Radians head to head with 4m Maxa’s, showing that F5J is the big leveler, just fly anything and have fun. All that is needed to get started is a Parkzone Radian glider and an altimeter such as the Altis V4. Well done to Jim Houdalakis for taking out the event on the day with his 3.6m Pulsar. And a big “shout out” to Marcus Stent, just missing out on third place with his 2m Radian. Dave Pratley preparing his 4m Maxa.
RESULTS Rank
Name
Score
%
Raw Score
Rnd 1
Rnd 2
Rnd 3
Rnd 4
Rnd 5
Drop 1 Rnd
3882.6
100
4477.6
923.5
959.1
595
1000
1000
595
1
Jim Houdalakis
2
David Pratley
3712
95.61
4409.2
712
1000
1000
697.2
1000
697.2
3
Tim Lennon
3636.4
93.66
4135.9
782.5
894.1
959.8
1000
499.5
499.5
4
Marcus Stent
3630.9
93.52
4287.6
1000
932.8
722
976.1
656.7
656.7
5
Alan Mayhew
3568.8
91.92
4000.5
1000
1000
581.2
987.6
431.7
431.7
6
Bob Wilson
3182
81.96
3480.9
427.5
915.6
935.9
298.9
903
298.9
7
Russell Wiltshire
3153.2
81.21
3665.6
512.4
877.4
869.2
824.9
581.7
512.4
8
Wrenford Brown
2527.1
65.09
2955.2
437.8
428.1
1000
637.6
451.7
428.1
9
Andrew Price
2368.5
61
2738.9
370.4
663.8
508
532.5
664.2
370.4
page 18
Australian Model News
Dave Pratley’s Explorer.
Russell Wiltshire’s 3.8m Stork 6.
Wrenford Brown’s 3.9m Hyper Ava.
Alan Mayhew’s 3.6m Pulsar Pro.
Australian Model News
page 19
David Balfour’s
BOEING Model 80A
The aircraft is powered with three Redback brand 60 amp electric motors using three Redback speed controllers. Initially the motors were powered with three 4-cell 4000 mah Lipo batteries. This gave about seven minutes duration but both motors and speed controllers were running too hot. On advice from the importer the batteries were replaced with 3 cell 5000 mah batteries and the props reduced from 10/6 to 9/6. This solved the heat problem, but reduced both the duration and thrust.
The aircraft has now completed four test flights and is flying well, not an aircraft to take liberties with it needs a lot of rudder input in the turns and gentle aileron control. I think this is due to there being almost no dihedral in the wings. Initially we thought the aircraft to be tail heavy until we realized that the tail plane did not have enough positive incidence. Once this was rectified the aircraft handled much better.
David Balfour
This being my first venture into electric power, it has been a steep learning curve. I am now considering replacing the electric motors with three OS 52 four strokes. The reason I went to electrics initially was so I could replicate the complex exhaust system from the original aircraft. Having now looked at the size of the OS engines, I think it possible to install the internal combustion engines and still retain the original exhaust systems, only time will tell! The model has a wing span of 2.8 m. and weighs around 12 kg, much of this weight is due to the three large batteries.
page 20
Australian Model News
Monty Tyrrell Classic Stunt
The 2014 winner, Peter Rowland, receiving the perpetual trophy for the sixth time.
Australian Model News
page 21
This event was held rather late in the year due to difficulty in obtaining the use of a suitable field. With P&DARCS agreeing to allow their field to be used for the two day event the first day was affected by strong winds which forced flying to stop around midday, fortunately the weather improved on Sunday and all events were successfully concluded.
Victorian Scale Championships
Entry was low, probably due to the poor weather forecast for Saturday, but contrary to the usual entry the largest group turned out to be the F4C flyers despite a couple of the regular F4C entrants being unable to attend due to family commitments.
2014
Sorry, no photos as I was also unable to attend.
F4C RESULTS CONTESTANT
MODEL
STATIC
RND 1
RND 2
RND.3
FLIGHT AV.
TOTAL
2672.5
2070
2038
2078
2074
4746.5
1
2283
1790
1521
1841
1815.5
4098.5
2
1667.3
1879
2171
2298
2234.5
3901.8
3
N. WHITEHEAD
CT-4
G. SUNDERLAND
PFALZ D.XII
R. GAUMANN
DORNIER Do-17
W. WHEELER
TURBULENT
1953
1666
1920
1562
1793
3746
4
R. DICKSON
FW 190
1835
1296
1800
1911
1855.5
3690.5
5
LARGE SCALE RESULTS CONTESTANT
MODEL
RND 1
RND 2
RND 3
FLIGHT AV.
G. LEPP
DECATHLON
2151
2313
0
2232
1
D. WHEELER
YAK 54
2197
0
0
1098.5
2
FLYING ONLY RESULTS CONTESTANT
page 22
MODEL
RND 1
RND 2
RND 3
FLIGHT AV.
S. MALCMAN
PIPER CUB
2083
2222
2100
2161
1
N. WHITEHEAD
RV-4
2052
2187
0
2119.5
2
D. WHEELER
YAK 54
1986
1993
1991
1992
3
A. SMALLRIDGE
SUKHOI 26M
1979
1565
1899
1939
4
Australian Model News
Tony Small’s
PARTENAVIA P.68 Tony spent his apprenticeship as a fitter in the steelworks and is more at home with a heavy hammer and cold chisel in his hands than the small tools required to construct a detailed model. Barry, on the other hand, is an experienced builder of houses, and large scale models. At times Barrie’s house building techniques show up in his models! The consultant engaged in the project has had some difficulties explaining to Barry that aircraft are constructed with stringers, frames, spars and The aircraft under construction is an Italian built Partenavia P.68, more on the subject aircraft a little later but first the builders or, to be intercostals, not rafters, purlins and beams. That aside the aircraft is more accurate, the builder and the client. The client is Tony Small, the coming along well and is a credit to the builder. builder Barry Kilpatrick, the consultant shall remain nameless. The model is being totally scratch built from a plan by A. Searl and J. Tony, while a very accomplished pilot, is not comfortable building Lebot of the Victor P.68 Partenavia, which has been enlarged by 10% detailed scale models from plans. to a wing span of 2.6 m, constructed from traditional materials and powered with two OS81 four stroke engines. The finished aircraft will be painted in the colours of the Royal Bahamas Self Defence Force. Two of our Members, here in Albury, are currently engaged in the a project which is best described as a ‘joint project’, actually there are three members involved, but the third member seems to have been engaged as a consultant and has recently been involved in daily inspections as the project progresses.
A little about the prototype: The Partenavia P.68 is an Italian built six-seat twin engine, high wing monoplane built by Partenavia and later by Vulcanair. The aircraft was designed by Professor Luigi Pascale and originally put into production in 1972. It was intended for private or business use, but has also seen use as both a training and transport aircraft. First flown on 25 May 1970, the prototype P.68 was built at Arzano, Italy. It was powered by two 200 hp (149 kW) Lycoming IO-360 piston engines. Production of the P.68 began in 1972 with 14 preproduction aircraft at new facilities in Casoria, Italy. Over 400 P.68’s were built in various models and used all over the world; several found their way onto the Australian register including use by the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter service. David Balfour
Australian Model News
page 23
Australian Electric Duration Record
It was anticipated that these changes would increase the flight time to 15 or 16 hours, not enough to pass the current World record of 18 hours but enough to add a substantial amount to the Australian record already in Anthony’s name. To take advantage of the usually calmer night flying conditions the take off was planned for 7:30pm but unexpected strong wind delayed departure until nearly 9:00pm. As can be seen in the photographs it was very gloomy and with the wind still gusty and the only vision of the model being the red, green and white navigation lights it proved difficult to get the model trimmed for the conditions. After some worrying moments the model settled into a steady pattern and we settled down for the long night vigil. The weather forecast for a calm night did not prove to be very accurate and with a cold, gusty wind varying from south-east to south west the chill factor was a bit high and the temperature felt a lot lower than the predicted 10ºC. Even though we wrapped up in blankets and various other coverings it was a very cold and tough night! Huddled under the roof over the pit area we reflected on the fact that we were now surrounded by 240v power outlets, installed for use by the electric flyers, and a suggestion that electric blankets might be a future consideration sounded like a good idea. Apart from a few occasions when the model got a bit too low for comfort the night passed and morning saw the model still airborne and the previous record overtaken. From now on it was only a question of how much longer could Anthony keep the aircraft in the air in the unstable weather conditions. By 10:00am it was evident that the effort to maintain altitude was becoming too much and Anthony elected to land, the model touching down 155m from the take off point after a flight time of 13hours 14minutes and 53 seconds.
Anthony Mott has been quietly working at extending his current Australian electric duration record, with a view to a future challenge at the World record, and in late afternoon on the 27th of November the usual crew assembled at Greensborough MAC. This will become the new Australian record and, while still some five hours short of the World record, a check of the batteries showed that Anthony has replaced the previous Lithium-polymer battery packs with there was still 12% capacity remaining so, with a bit of power tweaking, maybe a rethink of the airframe and with better weather, it would Lithium-ion cells which, on test, looked to give a considerably longer output. Additional changes are a new motor and a reduction gearbox seem that the World time might be within reach. driving a larger two blade folding propeller
Assembling the model in the gathering gloom of evening.
page 24
The gusty wind made it necessary to weigh the model in the GMAC clubhouse. All up weight was 4.935kg, 65g inside the max weight allowance of 5kg.
Australian Model News
“Tedium E” commences its take off run into the rapidly darkening sky.
The pilot and crew wrapped up for the long, cold vigil.
From left: Laurie Baldwin, David Anderson, Anthony Mott, Trevor Pugh, Keith Schneider.
The model on its landing approach, cruising over the north boundary of the GMAC field.
Australian Model News
The approach was a little too high after a previous incident with the barbed wire fence on the northern boundary but touch down at 155m from the point of take off was well within the FAI requirement of 500m. page 25
DH.71 TIGER MOTH in AUSTRALIA Carrying the same name as the more familiar DH.82 Tiger Moth the DH.71 was designed as a racing aeroplane to take advantage of the new 130HP Gipsy engine designed by Frank Halford. While visiting Jim Fullarton recently he produced copies of extracts from various magazines and newspapers of 1930 relating to the design and construction of the DH.71 and the final demise of one of the only two built in a crash at Hargrave Air Park in Mascot, Sydney, taking the life of the pilot David Smith. The design was a low-wing monoplane based on the earlier Moth biplanes with a stressed plywood covering and the cockpit designed around its test pilot, Hubert Broad, to make it as streamlined as possible: this resulted in the fuselage sides being sloped outwards to accommodate his shoulders. The Tiger Moth had a fixed conventional landing gear with a tail skid. The first aircraft built (registration GEBQU) first flew from Stag Lane Aerodrome on 24th June 1927 and was fitted with a 85 hp (63 kW) ADC Cirrus II engine to check its handling characteristics. This was then replaced with Major Halford's prototype engine, by then named the Gipsy. The second example, GEBRV, was fitted with a Cirrus engine and first flew on 28th July 1927.
General characteristics Crew: 1 Length: 18 ft 7 in (5.66 m) Wingspan: 22 ft 6 in (6.86 m) Height: 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) Wing area: 76.5 sq ft (7.11 m2) Empty weight: 618 lb (280 kg) Gross weight: 905 lb (411 kg) Powerplant: 1 × ADC Cirrus II inline piston, 85 hp (63 kW) Propellers: 2-bladed
Performance
Maximum speed: 166 mph (267 km/h; 144 kn
Both aircraft were entered for the 1927 King's Cup Race to be held at Hucknall on 30th July, 'QU was withdrawn but Broad flew 'RV in the race but retired following handling problems. In August 1927, Broad flew G-EBQU on a 62-mile (100 km) closed-circuit record for Class III Light Aircraft of 186.47 mph (300.09 km/h). Five days later he flew to 19,191 ft (5,849 m) without oxygen in an attempt to break the altitude record for its category. For these record attempts the aircraft was fitted with a new set of mainplanes with a reduced span of 19 ft (6 m). The first aircraft G-EBQU was exported to Australia in 1930 and registered VH-UNH, on 17th September 1930 it crashed when the engine cut out while practising for an air race, killing pilot David Smith. The second airframe was for a time displayed outside de Havilland's Hatfield factory, eventually being destroyed there in a Luftwaffe air raid on 3rd October 1940.
page 26
Australian Model News
Australian Model News
page 27
DH.71 TIGER MOTH Extract from The Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 18th September 1930
page 28
Australian Model News
FOR SALE Stinson SR-9 Reliant Built from the 1/5 scale Top Flite kit the model spans 2.6m and is complete with servos and Saito 180 four stroke engine.
Price: $500
The model is located at Albury, NSW and interested parties should contact -
Harry Swinson Mob: 0400 248 222 Home: (03) 6071 2881
Australian Model News
page 29
VICSCALE Victorian Flying Scale Aircraft Association The Special Interest Group for Scale Modelling in Victoria.
General Meetings of the Association are held bi-monthly on the first Thursday of the even months at the Field Naturalist Club of Victoria, 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn. Visitors are always welcome and a highlight of meetings is the presentation of new models as they are constructed, and discussion on
The VFSAA Calendar of events is available on the VFSAA website at http://vfsaa.org.au/
page 30
Australian Model News
Seasons Greetings
Australian Model News
page 31
GRAND OPENING! State Field Eastern
Bairnsdale And District Model Aero Club, hosts.
March 7th and 8th 2015 New & Unique Event!
y l l a R o r e A l e d o Scale M
Catering will be available each day
It’s different, it’s called ACTIO(n). Running over three segments, you choose between scale concours, flying for realism, and importantly, free flying. Better still, participate in all three for a single entry fee.
Any fixed wing
scale model is eligible, we are looking forward to seeing modified ARFs and mammoth scale aircraft to name but two.
INTERESTED? Check out the blog to discover the event detail.
www.actionscalerally.blogspot.com 1125 Bengworden Road opp. Boundary Road Goon Nure Victoria 3875
Schedule of Team Trials 2014/15 for Team Places in the
2016 Asian/Oceanic Championships for F1A, F1B and F1C. F1A, F1B, F1C Free Flight Team Selection is held in a multi-trials format. The trial period runs from 1st Dec. 2014 to 30th Nov. 2015. Eligible events are — The Australian Free Flight Society Championships, The Southern Cross Cup, State Championships, Australian Nationals and Special Trial Events in Western Australia and Queensland. The timetable for events is: Date 2015
Event Name
Classes
Location
Contact
Contact Address
March 21
Qld. State Champs
F1C
Dalby
M. Campbell
[email protected]
April 17 to 21
AFFS Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
Narrandera
G. Maynard
[email protected]
April 23, 24
Southern Cross Cup
F1A, F1B, F1C
West Wyalong
T. Stowe
[email protected]
May 16, 17
Qld. State Champs
F1A, F1B
Dalby
M. Campbell
[email protected]
May 18 to 24
68th Nationals
F1A, F1B, F1C
Dalby
M. Campbell
[email protected]
May 30 to June 1
WA State Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
Meckering
C. Behr
[email protected]
June 20, 21
NSW State Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
West Wyalong
T. Bond
[email protected]
August 15, 16
WA Trial
F1A, F1B, F1C
Meckering
C. Behr
[email protected]
Oct 31, Nov 1
Vic. State Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
West Wyalong
V. Morgan
[email protected]
Notes. Contestants may include the results of one FAI listed overseas open contest in their scores to establish their position in the order of merit for a team place. If there is a need to separate contestants tied for team places, additional scores (fourth best, fifth best and so on) will be used to establish final order of merit. Even if more than three scores are used, only one overseas score is allowed. The dates for extended events e.g. Nationals, AFFS Championships, are given as a block to allow minor changes to the program if adverse weather conditions occur.
