Hangar Talk – July 2023
I have tried a piece of software to convert the online Hangar Talk into a pdf. It’s not perfect but not a bad conversion. It means a few pages to print but if it is of interest, let me know. Of course any videos will not play in the pdf! The pdf is here
Club Day – July 1
We don’t often say this about winter, but Club Day was a fantastic day for flying. The sun was shining and little or no wind. Not a bad turnout on the day either, with 17 in attendance – Alan J, Daniel H, Fred W, George & Kerry C, Ray, Jo & Micah G, Greg R, Jacques W, Liam & Phil E, Mark H, MeiLin H, Mike H, Rodney K and Vince B.
One of our new members, Daniel Heazlewood, brought along an older IC equipped model that I understand he had in storage for some time. It looks to me like a Thunder Tiger Easytrainer 40T. After a bit of fine tuning, assisted by Vince Burling, Vince flew the model for it’s successful maiden flight at Symmons Plains.
Greg Robertson brought along his Bird Of Time electric glider. This was a very popular RE (rudder, elevator) glider in its day. As usual with Greg’s models, it was built and covered to perfection, an art that is rapidly being lost with the increased sale of ARF models. Of course there is nothing wrong with ARF if all you want to do is fly the models, but for me I get the greatest satisfaction from building from a kit or scratch built from a plan. Typical Greg, he had to have a matching jacket!
Mark Holman spent a lot of the day supporting our newest members, Daniel H and Ray and Micah Green. We saw the first solo flights for Ray and Micah and it was hard to wipe the smiles off their faces as they successfully completed the solo flights. The benefit of having a stabilised model was evident, but if it saves the disappointment of going home with a crashed model and losing confidence, stabilisation is a great learning tool. By the end of the day, Mark looked to be run off his feet, but the club is very grateful to any member who can help our newbies and Mark is one of those helpers. Thanks Mark!
Our other junior member, Liam Ellmers has grown in confidence and is flying solo now with his glider and appears to be ready for his wings test. I understand that Mark H is going to loan him his Trojan when he is ready so he can take his Power Wings test. On the day, Liam’s dad Phillip, provided the ground crew work for Liam and launched his glider for him. It’s great to see families enjoying the hobby.
Vince B flew his L-4 Grasshopper. The Grasshopper was a military version of the J-3 Piper Cub. The model is from VQ Models and was powered by a DM33 gas engine (Chinese copy of the DA engines I think?) Vince, as only Vince knows, threw the model around in the sky, akin more to a pattern plane than a military reconnaissance aircraft. Great to watch. Some specs on the model (Click on links for more information) –
- Vince Quang Models
- L-4 Grasshopper
- Wingspan: 2.7m
- Engine: DM33 (33cc Petrol)
- Weight: 6kg~ est.
Kerry put on another nice lunch for the day and also included some nice potato and leek soup as a starter. This was welcomed by all as whilst the day was clear, it was crisp and wrapping your hands around a cup of soup was a welcome addition to the morning. Thanks to MeiLin for her assistance too.
Here are some shots from the day. Thanks to Kerry for stepping in and taking the photos. (Click on each image to enlarge and then scroll through).
Mark Holman’s Motor Collection
Mark has come to the fore again to supply some material for Hangar Talk. Thanks again Mark! Here is what he had to say.
Hi George,
Just some boring old stuff, some of the old guys may be interested.
Pictured left to right are the 10 cc. Australian line class championship winning engines from 1946 to 1948.
1st engine is a American Hornet 10 cc.
2nd engine is an Australian Tempest 10 cc.
3rd engine is an Australian Hurricane 10 cc.
4th engine is another later model Hornet, also 10 cc.
The only other engine missing is the 1947 Dooling 61, I can’t find one anywhere!
The first Tempest MK. I was embossed with HTH and had the serial numbers M55xxx
My engine is a MK.II , embossed Tempest, and L.E.W, serial # M6647
The only engine numbers recorded at this time are Mk.I M5512, M5517,
The MK. II engine has seven examples, M669, M6624, M6647, ( my engine ) M6658,
M6637, M6678, M6651.
The Tempest engine is one I inherited, it was made in Melbourne Au.
In short , it was designed by Hearns Hobbies, Buit by L.E.W. Lynella Engineering Works.
It was originally a spark engine, then converted to glow, the engine I have was fitted in a boat at some stage.
The engines were supplied in a box with the label in the picture.These engines were sold at 10.95 pound.
More info can be found on Adrian’s model Aero Engines.com under Engine
I am sure all will agree, this is not boring, it’s what our hobby is all about. To understand aeromodelling today, you need to see the humble, but innovative background that built the hobby. Thanks to all (as Mark puts it) the “old guys” that ensured this hobby has survived many generations and decades!
Oh, and anyone is wondering what the “Dooling 61” is that Mark is missing, I found this so check it out here
Full Scale Visitor
Max & Mark were kind enough to share some images and video of a full scale visitor to Symmons Plains. Here is what Max had to say –
Hi George
Just a couple of shots of the Thrush working near our strip yesterday.
Mark and I were the only members at the field and we enjoyed the flying display while this aircraft was was working near our strip. This aircraft is turbine powered very quiet.
You might be able to use the photos in our next newsletter to show our members how low the aircraft fly.
Regards, Max
Some images and a video – that’s as low over the fence as I’ve seen some of our models fly over the fence! If you want to know more about this aircraft, check here. Thanks again to Max & Mark.
Membership Renewal
It was pleasing to have most of the renewals processed at the end of June. Whilst we lost 3 members due to ill health or moving away from Launceston, the club has increased membership thanks to the new members that joined this year. Membership stands at 35 (LY 34). The updated list is available for download to enable members to collaborate with each other. (See here but remember you will need to login to view) Some details are missing to comply with members privacy requirements. If you believe I have yours wrong, please drop me an email or call.
Maintenance works
Ron has provided an update on the seeding of the strip. Previously it was thought the end of August but Ron believes we are having an early Spring, so he will confirm with their agronomist and expect to be seeding the strip sooner than late August. We expect they will spray capeweed soon and the strip will be rolled as well.
August Events – Don’t forget to mark your diary!
- Club Day August 5 (weather permitting)
From the WWW..
This is an oldie so apologies if some of you have seen it, but I thought it was worthwhile seeing again.
BEGINNERS TIPS
Here is the 7th video in the series. Battery safety is something we should all be aware of, particularly with LiPo batteries. Incorrect charging may result in a fire and you could lose your house or worse. More information can be found here.
- Episode 7 Batteries & Safety
Next Month – Episode 8 Transmitters
Well that’s it for another month. For Hangar Talk to remain interesting, it is important for members to share images of their models, their workshop or really anything of interest. As you can see from Mark, sharing even his collection of old engines and their history is of interest. I know a few guys who have similar collections and it would be good to share those with members too. Let’s not leave all the heavy lifting to Mark. It doesn’t take a lot of work and I can even fashion some images and basic notes into a (hopefully) readable article.
Don’t Forget – Put a Spark in your life and fly electric!
George
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