Apologies for the lack of articles since the July Hangar Talk. The problem is there has not been much to write about due to the winter weather putting a damper (literally) on activities at the field. Notwithstanding that, I thought I would write an update on the one club day we had, the annual dinner and what is happening behind the scenes.
Club Day – September 13
Club day was scheduled for September 6 but again poor weather forced a postponement to the following week. Initially 9 members indicated they would attend, but for various reasons only 5 were there for lunch, and that included Eddie and Royce Van den Berg (our 2 newest members). Royce again showed his enthusiasm and youthful skill, having no problem flying despite the wind on the day. Thanks to Mick for organising the BBQ. The lack of attendance does bring into question the merits of running a barbecue during the winter months as no-one can blame members for staying inside on some of these bleak days. I recall some years ago when Alice was in charge of the canteen, that a decision was made to close the canteen during the depths of winter. Maybe we need to have that discussion again?
Mid-Week Flyers
Some may recall that some time ago (March 2023), there was a request to see if some of our retired or semi-retired members, were available for mid-week flying. A small group became involved and flew with Peter D and Max at “Dalness”, which I believe is not happening anymore. Adrian has sought to re-establish the group to fly at Symmons. Here is his request.
Hello George.
As a member of the Launceston Model Aero Club I have been getting very little flying at the club field.
Not really the club’s fault, but I was used to do most flying during the week as many members in the MACS (Model Aircraft Club of Sunbury) were retirees like myself.
The MACS club is going strong and fly on the best days of the each week announced by email from one of the members.
I would like be able to find out if there are any members in LMAC that would like to fly weekdays also, if they knew that other members would be in attendance also.
If we can make contact with those that are interested, then each individual can decide how they would like to be contacted.
With a small number at initial start-up a ring-around or any other method would get a group started.
As I am coming up to my 88th year, I am desperate to get some more flying in with some of my fleet of models large and small that fill a room in the house.
At this age I can see the end of my modelling coming due to the possibility government deciding to make it harder for over 80’s to obtain their driving licence.
I have already had a couple of health checks as requested by my medical professional.
Please George help us get back to the hobby, it will make more use of that magnificent field and also make more happy modeller’s.
I am sure there are probably a few members who do go during the week, so the aim is to have these members form their own communication lines to coordinate the day/time to go flying. I’d urge anyone that considers mid-week flying, to contact Adrian via his mobile or email as listed on the Member List. A copy can be found here. Alternatively contact me and I can pass it on.
Annual Dinner – September 20
Held again at Steve’s Grill. Only eight in attendance; Mick, Peter D (Sue was unfortunately ill), Max & Janet W, George & Kerry and Ray & Micah Green. What was a bit unusual, and gave us all the opportunity to have a laugh, was for a venue that advertises itself as a predominantly “Grill” restaurant, was the absence of their prime steak – scotch fillet. Peter, Mick and Max ordered scotch fillet 350g. Peter asked for his “well done”, Max and Mick, “medium-rare”. A short while later the waitress returned “sorry we’ve only got one 350g scotch fillet” (by the way, the restaurant was nearly empty). The lads asked “do you have the 250g”. I’ll go and check” said the waitress and she returned with “yes we do”. So 1 x 350g and 2 x 250g. Mick won the ballot for the 350g. The meals were delivered and Mick tucked into his 350g steak and found it “well-done”. “Sorry” said the waitress, “I think we mixed them up”! Maybe the new owners need time to settle in? Despite the lack of numbers, those in attendance had a pleasant evening and enjoyed the company and a bit of banter too.
Whilst this was another event that was poorly attended, maybe the timing during winter is another reason for the lack of support. If you have some thoughts on this, please offer some comment at the end of this post or let the committee know your thoughts.
Clubhouse & Flying Strip
The clubhouse has been largely completed, with some of the old and worse for wear items disposed of to tidy up inside. Mick and Kerry spent a bit of time cleaning up and sorting through what was keep or dispose. The new filing cabinets will ensure that the contents are vermin proof. Mick has also spent some time filling in any remaining gaps to try to eliminate access for mice or rats. Talking about cleaning the clubhouse, Kerry has a battery operated stick type Bissell vacuum cleaner, that we no longer use (bought an upgraded Ryobi, that works with all my Ryobi ONE batteries). It is in good working order, so we thought we’ll donate to the club. The only problem was that it charges from a 240v adapter that outputs and unusual 27v! At the field we only have the 2 x 12v batteries in the machinery shed. After an online search I found there is always a solution. A scan of offerings on AliExpress, found a 12v DC to 27v DC buck-boost power supply regulator module. The cost – about $15 and the freight $12. I’ll set this up in the machinery shed, connected to the BUS bars, so you will know what that is for when you see it.
Outwardly it may seem that there has been no progress on improving the strip, but rest assured there has been plenty of discussion and scheduled dates to commence work, but unfortunately the weather has played havoc with our best intentions. Every time we make a date to commence work on the irrigation, it is ironic that the wet weather intervenes and we have to postpone. The constant rain interruptions have meant that the ground is too wet for Ron to lay the 150m of line (x 2) from the 300mm main line to our strip. Our next attempt was postponed because Ron contracted Influenza-A. We were hoping for Sunday, October 12, but Peter Stokell, who is trenching the strip irrigation will be away. Hopefully the weekend of October 18/19 will have everyone available, and Ron will have found time to install the 150m of line. Once the irrigation is in place, then we will top dress and re-seed to try to eliminate the ruts caused by the seed drill rows.
To summarise our goals –
- Lay irrigation pipes and install sprinklers
- Smooth strip surface by topdressing with local sand to fill in the “furrows”
- Broadcast seed with fertiliser.
- Roll with the farm heavy roller
Other strip related matters that should be mentioned are –
- Mick has now sprayed the strip twice for weeds so hopefully we have been able to eliminate the cape weed that has presented itself again.
- The club is also extremely grateful to Bob Lockwood who has stepped in to mow the strip and has done so regularly over the last 4-5 months. Bob lives at Grindelwald so it is a fair hike for him to travel to the field. Bob can’t and shouldn’t do all of this on his own. Mick Green has offered to do the alternative week to Bob. Mick will do this along with his regular spraying and maintenance tasks. Thanks to both for giving up their time.
Think you can help with any of these ongoing tasks? Let Mick or myself know.
UPDATE Oct-19
On Sunday, Mick, George, Danny and Max met Peter Stokell at the field ready to install the irrigation line. We definitely lucked out with the weather. Saturday was a great day – sun shining and little or no wind. Sunday, as only Tasmania can do, was the polar opposite, windy as heck and stormy. The weather was not going to deter us. Peter unloaded his excavator and after a short site meeting that included Ron Davidson, work commenced. I came armed with all the tools, including a measuring wheel, and we marked out the centre of the strip. My job was occupy the “sheltered workshop” and assemble the sprinkler components. Peter the ripped the trench and Mick, Max & Danny installed the pop-ups. The data sheet on the pop-ups advise a radius of 12m, so we erred on the conservative side and installed 1 every 10m. On the northern end, Peter also dug a trench perpendicular to the pop-up line to allow for Ron to lay his 2 x 40mm supply lines. These will come from the 300mm main line (around 235m away).
Peter then went about backfilling the trench and then smoothing off the surface of the trench. Max then spread some seed over the trenched area, so hopefully the rain forecast this week will allow that to strike. There is a small pile of dirt in the middle of the strip, that will be moved once Ron installs the supply lines. If you fly before that is done, be aware of it when taking off and landing. It was a very successful day and the commitment by those that were there to get the job done was commendable. I took my electric wheel attachment which helped me negotiate up and down the strip, but it showed me just how bumpy the field is! We all weathered the rain and wind, especially Peter, who didn’t stop all day. A few pictures from the day. (Click the > to scroll forward through the images).
We are hoping to get material from the farm to spread over the strip and remove the ruts in the strip. Peter will make himself available again to bring his truck for Ron to load and Peter will spread on the strip. However if this doesn’t eventuate, Peter has offered to supply topsoil at no charge. He will bring a 10-yard load and spread it out. He has also indicated he will build a smudge bar to attach to his excavator that will ensure the soil fills the ruts. Once that is done and the irrigation is functioning, we will spread the seed and fertiliser. This all takes time, so patience from everyone please, we will get there.
From the World Wide Web
I am still short of any contributed material from members, so here are a few more clips from the web, that some might find helpful.
There are a few foamy’s flying and after a while, most that have the foam hinge, suffer from some fatigue over time. Another video from YouTube is on the basic connections of the electronics. These basic tips for the benefit of our newcomers to the hobby.
In the past I’ve posted some videos of dynamic soaring. In the video below, you might catch a glimpse of a 60″ glider setting a new record of 412mph (663kph). It’s not my cup of tea but here it is.
Well that’s it for another month. I am hoping that those promised member build stories come through for the next HT – No Pressure Guys! Feel free to leave a comment below on what interests you or what doesn’t.
STOP PRESS – Mick G has responded –
Last night, just as I pressed “Publish”, Mick responded to my query as to whether he had anything to report in HT, he sent the following article through.
Sopwith Land Clerget Tractor
Hi George,
I am currently building a 1/6 scale Sopwith Land Clerget Tractor, more commonly known as a 1 ½ Strutter due to its unusual centre strut arrangement. There were around 4500 Strutters built during the war, the majority of which were built by the French. There were three versions of the strutter, the most common being the two seater fighter, also known as the RNAS Type 9400, the single seat bomber known as the RNAS Type 9700 and the rare single seater Home Defence night fighter which was only operated by one UK Squadron. The bomber had its rear cockpit covered over and had bomb racks fitted internally. The bombs were dropped through doors in the bottom of the fuselage. The Home Defence fighter, of which less than two dozen were converted from two seaters, had the front cockpit space covered over and the controls moved to the rear cockpit. This gave the pilot better visibility and access to either a single or twin Lewis guns mounted on the upper wing. The Strutter was one of the first aircraft to be fitted with air brakes which were mounted on the lower inboard wing. These were removed from some Home Defence Strutters to improve downward visibility.
The kit that I am building and modifying is the VK Models kit which was developed by Proctor Enterprises after they supplied a Strutter model to George Lucas for one of the Young Indianna Jones movies. It has a wingspan of 1700mm and a length of 1310mm with an expected weight of 4 to 4.5kg. It will be powered by a Laser 80 4 stroke. Construction is fairly straightforward so far, but there are no suggested servo locations or mounting hardware provided, so some building experience would be recommended for one of their models. (Below are some pictures of the build underway)
Don’t Forget – Put a Spark in your life and fly electric!
George
Thanks George, Mick and others. Very informative as usual. Can’t wait for the new strip. Fred W