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A very happy Jim Romer and his Hotliner. October 11th. Electric Day Although the day dawned a little overcast the field was looking good following recent rains and a mid-week mowing, Only a few of the local pilots had made it to the field, many of the others succumbing to the urge to stay home for the big Bathurst car race that was televised that day. Flying commenced after a pilot's briefing and the handout of score sheets, at about 10.00am There were to be 6 flights on the day with an extra round if time permitted. The final, extra round, would be a carrier landing. Great emphasis was given to safety, staying in the pilot box until you had landed, talking to other pilots in the box. . The weather was fine, cool and a little breezy, but settled to a fabulous flying day, with plenty of thermals. As usual at these events, a good variety of models filled the pits. Joe Frost had made the trip from Coff's Harbour and brought along a veritable fleet of aircraft, about 12 in all, including a magnificent C130 Hercules Transport plane that had formerly run on 4 OS52 four strokes. Joe explained that the conversion to electric had reduced weight and increased the thrust, making a much nicer flying model. Although not entered in the flying events, the big bird caused everyone to stop flying and watch as it flew realistically around the paddock. Joe also had several EDF jets that handles the breeze well and performed the required tasks for the seperate rounds. Jim Romer again flew his Hotliner another of his home made beauties. Jim's gliders all seem to be very succesful, a credit to his building. Brian Carwardine brought a few very different models down from his Runaway Bay home,including a flying bed, complete with reclining Rip Van Winkle. There were pilots from several Queensland clubs and our own Peter Pine, flying that 7 cell skyrocket that he campaigns around the various events. It goes up like a scalded cat and then floas like it's on a skyhook. Greg Spencer, who took home the first place trophy last time, again headed the score-sheet but in a truly sportsmanlike gesture, defferred to the visiting pilots, citing local advantage and prior knowledge and practice of the day's flight requirements. All pilots enjoyed the day and it is hoped that that the club can convince the very adept organiser, James Spencer, to arrange another of his events.
The very realistic C130 of Joe Frost lifts off on another mission. |
