December 2014 - Society of Antique Modelers

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: jlamont2@bigpond.com
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
actrain@ozemail.com.au
April 17 to 21
AFFS Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
Narrandera
G. Maynard
maynag@bigpond.com
April 23, 24
Southern Cross Cup
F1A, F1B, F1C
West Wyalong
T. Stowe
stowes@ozemail.com.au
May 16, 17
Qld. State Champs
F1A, F1B
Dalby
M. Campbell
actrain@ozemail.com.au
May 18 to 24
68th Nationals
F1A, F1B, F1C
Dalby
M. Campbell
actrain@ozemail.com.au
May 30 to June 1
WA State Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
Meckering
C. Behr
bcbehr@iinet.net.au
June 20, 21
NSW State Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
West Wyalong
T. Bond
karenand007@gmail.com
August 15, 16
WA Trial
F1A, F1B, F1C
Meckering
C. Behr
bcbehr@iinet.net.au
Oct 31, Nov 1
Vic. State Champs
F1A, F1B, F1C
West Wyalong
V. Morgan
vin.morgan@utas.edu.au
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.