Congratulations goes to Neil Baker on passing his Gold Wings for Multi Rotor. Neil has been flying his multi rotors for some time now and has provided us with some amazing footage of members flying with his great air to air shots. A lot of Neils works can be seen on the Video page on the club website.
Well done Neil, from everyone at TCMAC.
A report by Dave Tulk
Rob Sargent and I travelled to Shepparton last weekend to compete in the Victorian Flying Scale Aircraft Associations’ (VFSAA) State Championships. The event is held annually, usually over the Queens Birthday long weekend, but was postponed due to Victoria’s recent lockdown. As a result of the change of date, the entry list was down somewhat on recent years, but there were 10 entries over the 3 categories of F4C, F4H and Flying only.
The weather on Saturday was overcast with patchy clear skies but only very light winds with occasional gusts. It was however rather cold as you would expect for this time of year.
I was entered into Flying Only as I only had an ARF model ready to compete with, and this category is perfect for a newbie like myself to try competition flying. Well, I say competition flying but really the whole atmosphere is so relaxed and inviting that you don’t really feel like you are competing rather, you are just doing some flying with some new friends.
The Flying Only group (6 in total) started off first with 2 back-to-back rounds. I was the last to fly which allowed me to observe the others and see what was required. When my first fly arrived, I strode to the Flight Line full of confidence, looked at the judges and went straight to water. My 2 judges were both World Champions in Noel Finlayson and Noel Whitehead, no pressure. Rob was my caller and just reminded me that this was the same routine that I have been practicing and was no different to when we did it back at TCMAC.
Off we went and, 10 minutes later, I found myself taxiing back in with the round completed, I was still alive, the plane was in 1 piece, and the judges were happy and encouraging. Job done.
Rob’s group was next and I called for him, followed by the remaining rounds for all of the groups, 3 in total for the day.
Saturday evening saw the whole group have a meal and chat at a Hotel in Shepparton where I got to know everyone better. I was very impressed with the comraderie of the whole group and their desire to make me feel welcome and a part of it. I also received some great advice and encouragement from the judges about my flying and was determined to improve on the Sunday.
On Sunday morning we arrived back at the airfield to find drizzly rain and a cloud base of about 50ft, it didn’t look promising for a start. After several cups of coffee (the muffins were awesome too) and more advice sought and given, the clouds lifted, and we got under way with 1 additional round for each group to finish off the weekend. I concentrated hard to show the judges that I was listening to what they had to say, and I again improved, actually my scores improved with each round over the course of the event, which pleased me.
Hands were shook, backs were patted, and presentations made and, I don’t know how it happened, but I came 3rd in my group which was then elevated to 2nd as there was a tie for 1st and joint winners announced. Rob also came 1st in his group, so TCMAC has a new State Champion and a runner up within their ranks.
Overall the weekend was huge fun and I can only thoroughly recommend to EVERYONE to give it a go. You don’t need to be a Master Builder (a Scale ARF will do) and you don’t need to be a World Champion Class pilot, all you need to do is try it out.
The next VFSAA event is on August 29th at Bendigo and is a one-day event. Rob and I are planning to attend, so come along with us, I guarantee you will have a great time. I am happy to help anyone who wants to put a routine together and will gladly practice with you.
To check out what is required go to the VSFAA website by clicking on this link http://vfsaa.org.au/scale-flying/rules/
The TCMAC Committee would like to advise that the 2021 Annual General Meeting will be held on August 1st 2021 in the Clubrooms at Parker Field starting at 11am.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held for the purpose of electing a new committee for the 2021/22 year, and no general business will take place at that meeting.
Nominations for positions on the 2021/22 Committee are now open and a link to the nomination form is provided below. All nominations MUST be received by the Secretary NO LATER than 7 days prior to the AGM.
All members are encouraged to consider seeking election for the Committee as it is a very rewarding experience and ensures that you have a say in the running of your club.
Several members from the current committee have decided not to seek re-election this year which means that replacements will be required. Once again, please consider applying for a position.
A short club meeting will be held after the AGM has concluded to attend to any new items of business and any business arising from the previous club meeting.
TCMAC welcomes 3 new members this month to join the aero modelling fraternity.
Father and son, Tim and Nash Farrugia have been seen around the club learning to fly for a couple of weeks and now have officially signed up to be full members. Nash also picked up his new club shirt today and is proudly showing it off to all his mates.
Nash has an Apprentice trainer that he is quickly mastering and dad Tim has put together a Calmato that is ready for test flying.
We also welcome Brett Lewis as a new member. Brett has been out at TCMAC a few times over the last month or so and has also commenced his training after purchasing an E-Flite Cub.
TCMAC members welcomes the boys to our club and hope that you all enjoy your new hobby.
Les Marinner, in his role as State Flying Instructor, travelled up from Melbourne to run this course, his 2nd last. Some 140 Instructors have been recertified, his last course is at Greensborough in 2 weeksAny Instructor who has not recertified, on the 30th June will no longer be an Instructor.One point Les reinforced was Safety Safety Safety.
Saturday’s Instructor Recertification course saw David Balfour, Graeme Frauenfelder & Tony Gyoles successfully complete the theory and flight sim training and accreditation course. Well done guys
Also, TCMAC now has 3 newly accredited Instructors in Tony Ball, Alwyn Bruton & Owen Gibbens, an extra well done to these 3 for stepping up into this role.These attendees did the course and at the end successfully demonstrated their flying proficiency If, I might add, in reasonably challenging conditions. Gusty 20 Kt winds, thankfully mostly along the strip, prevailed thorough the day. Les required 3 consecutive loops and 3 axial rolls to be demonstrated, as well as 2 manoeuvres chosen by each pilot.
Despite being held only a week after the annual Autumn Scale rally a small but enthusiastic group gathered at TCMAC last weekend for the 2021 EDF Rally. Made up of both locals and some guests all that attended had an awesome time.
The weather was again superb on Saturday and great early on Sunday before a change set in during the afternoon, but that did not stop some great flying taking place.
This is the 3rd EDF rally held at TCMAC and, it is becoming a very popular event on our calendar, but with the other events held at different times throughout the year. we hope to find a regular spot on our calendar to hold this event in the future.
Our 2021 Autumn Scale rally marked the 14th year we have held this event. Actually, we have only conducted 13 events having to cancel the 2020 event due to Covid restrictions.
This year we had 26 entries with 60 aircraft display. Entrants came from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Wangaratta and Ballarat plus our own TCMAC members. We had lots of local visitors come out for a look, no doubt brought out by the beautiful weather over the weekend, and we hope to turn some of these into members in the near future. It is great to see a renewed interest in the hobby.
Many visiting pilots took the opportunity to camp on the field and test out the club’s new shower facilities and enjoy a soothing beverage or two around the new fire pit of an evening, after the days flying activities had finished of course. On Saturday night we were all entertained by new TCMAC member Tim belting out a few tunes on the guitar, the backup singers however need a little work on their skills for next year.
We certainly enjoyed great weather, warm Autumn sunshine and no wind over Saturday & Sunday, in complete contrast to the Monday after the event when thunderstorms and heavy rain prevailed. The weather gods were smiling on us and all those that attended had a great experience and left promising to return.
The Albury field was in its best condition for years following a rather wet summer, plus the efforts put in by many members preparing the airfield. Major improvements carried out during the preceding year included concreting the pit area, the area in front of the club house, and the construction of about 20 assembly tables in the pits. The Canteen crew were also well up to the job with two days of breakfast and lunches provided along with cold drinks all weekend, thanks go to Ray and his team.
This is a non-competition rally, but awards are presented to the best Civil and Military aircraft displayed and flown, these being judged by an independent committee made up of both local members and visiting pilots.
Winners this year were:
Best Military Aircraft:
Peter Graeber (from T.C.M.A.C.) with his SE5a.
Best Civil Aircraft:
Tim DeHaan (from the Northern Flying Group) with the Ercoupe.
Peter’s SE5a is a recent build and is of Museum quality and this is Tim’s second award in a row after winning the 2019 event with his Stompe.
We had a WW1 display on Saturday which involved 4 Fokker aircraft of varying types up against 1 lonely Allied SE5a. One by one the Fokker’s succumbed to the SE5a’s onslaught till only one D7, piloted by Rob Sargent, remained however Pete Graeber, with his award winning SE5a, could not down the last combatant and Germany prevailed.
Highlights on Sunday were Ross Bathie with his half scale Piper Pawnee towing a huge glider, great viewing for the entrants and visitors, and Rob Sargent and Dave Tulk putting on a WW2 display with Rob’s P47 and Dave’s P40 showing the crowd how to have a good time, again a display enjoyed by all.
Keep early May next year vacant so you can visit Albury for the 2022 Autumn Scale Rally.
For more pictures of the event click on the link below
A monster raffle was held during the Autumn Scale Rally with the winners drawn at the Presentation Ceremony.
We must thank our awesome sponsors of the raffle being:
AND THE WINNERS ARE:
1st Prize : Peter Webb
2nd Prize : Tony Gyoles
3rd Prize : Cyril Skinner
4th Prize : Graham Slingsby
A big thanks to all who purchased tickets and of course all of our sponsors. Also very big thanks to Rob and Ken at Albury RC Models and Hobbies who put the whole raffle together.
A full report on the weekends events will be posted shortly.
A report by Mike Guinness
I attended WMAC Military Scale weekend on Sunday the 25th. The Saturday saw excellent weather, with Sunday being very good until it became a little windy from midday. Luckily the wind was down the R/W. I managed to have my Spitfire static judged and had a judged flight after making up a quick 10 manoeuvre schedule. After the judged flights, the strip was open to non-competitors.
A total of 22 pilots and 45 models were present. I enjoyed my day, met a few of the WMAC committee members and entrants, and was impressed by the friendly atmosphere.
Award Winners
WW1 ARF – John Tennant – SE5a
WW1 Scratch Built – Ben Tennant – Fokker DVII
WW2 ARF – Dallan Pardey – Texan AT6
WW2 Scratch Built – Kevin Little – Wellington Bomber
Military – David Tennant – P51 Mustang
Model of the meet – Tom Panagiotopoulos – Bristol M 1C
Sensational prizes DON’T MISS OUT
Raffle-Poster-1Tickets available at the Club all weekend
or at
Albury RC MODELS & Hobbies until c.o.b. Saturday.
A report by Chris Henry
We attended another Pattern competition on the 17/18th April, at the Queanbeyan field.
The field is about 20 minutes from Queanbeyan, near Bungendore., on the huge flat plain that is the top end of the valley from Lake George. The club is quite small with only 17 members, but has a lease on ground that is adjacent to a 2km long radio telescope array, with a lovely flat outlook toward the mountains.
While it is a good place to fly, the runway is only 8 meters wide with a permanent fence on each side, so landings need to be just right. But no one seems to hit them. Go figure.
Fraunie dropped in for a while too, as he was in Canberra on grandparenting duties.
There were the usual people from NSW, mostly Sydney and Newcastle, and 3 from Melbourne, plus me. Phil had coerced 4 new Sportsman flyers into attending. All had never flown in competition before, but all said they will be back as they all learnt so much and were flying better.
The weather was just great. Nice and sunny with a few clouds, and light winds. Sunday morning was quite foggy for a while, so a late start with me up first. An interesting flight, with the plane disappearing 3 times at the top of some manoeuvres. That gets the heart rate up a bit and just hoping it reappears where you think it will be. Can’t have been too bad as I managed the highest round score on that flight. Perhaps I should fly blind more often.
The whole event ran very well with no real issues, everyone did what was needed, when it was needed. The computer scoring system worked well, no damaged planes except for one of Con’s wheel spats falling off somewhere
The only issue was a disruption caused by me being carted off in an ambulance with a suspected heart attack. Not a nice feeling really, but the situation was handled very well by the 2 AFP guys in attendance. Spent a nice evening in Queanbeyan hospital, but returned on Sunday to fly the best score of the round and place 3rd.
Overall, a really good and interesting weekend with good weather and good flying with good friends.
A report by Warren Leach
The Victorina Precision Aerobatics (VPA) event was run on the weekend of 10/11 April at TCMAC. We believe that this was the first 2-day event held in Victoria for 18 months due to Covid 19.
4 TCMAC members entered with 1 in the Sportsman class, 2 in the Advanced and 1 in F3A.
The smart entrants arrived on the Friday for some practice and were able to get the hang of the conditions with a strong wind over the weekend making it challenging. Unfortunately, I was not one of these smart entrants.
After setting up we got underway with Peter Webb up first in the Sportsman’s class and he did a great job resulting in good scores from the judges.
Next up was the Advanced category and I got my turn, but the strong wind dictated that I flew my routine in a direction that I have not flown for 12 months resulting in an OK flight but not a high points earner.
Adeh was the next TCMAC member to compete and he put in a very good run and was well pleased with his new models’ ability to handle the tricky conditions.
Expert class were next away with no local entrants but an old mate in Rob Lauder showed silky skills with his YS motor running like a swiss watch. All 3 entrants in the class flew very well.
The big boys in F3A were next away with TCMAC well represented by Chris Henry.
Overall there were 18 entrants with one pulling out late due to a reaction from receiving his Covid shot. This allowed us to use just the one flight line over the weekend and all classes managed 5 rounds each.
Final results had a good result for Peter Webb, a second in class for Adeh but my weekend went south on Sunday after finding myself in second after the first two rounds I had a brain fade on Sunday and finished down the order and off the podium. Chris Henry wasn’t feeling the best all weekend and struggled a bit also not making the podium.
Despite the conditions not being ideal (actually cold and windy is more accurate) there were no issues or crashes sustained.
Our thanks go out to Ray and his helpers (consider volunteering for a shift in the canteen yourself its very rewarding) in the canteen and the ground staff who presented a magnificent airfield for us to use. We all tend to take what we have for granted but when a visitor points out to all who would listen to him about how great our setup is and how helpful all TCMAC members were, it is great to hear, and to be a part of this club.
The next event for the F3A flyers in the club will be the Vic State Championships at Bendigo in May.
This Saturday will be a working bee at the club to prepare for the upcoming Autumn Scale Rally.
Tasks include general tidy up of the area, whipper snipping along the runway and taxiways and chopping some wood for the fire.
Please come along and share the load with your fellow members and it won’t take too long.
Start Time : 9am Saturday April 24th, should be finished by lunch time.
A report by David Balfour
This annual event held each March on the Sunday closest to Craig’s passing in 2011. Craig was renowned for his long flights, so this fun event is a good way to remember him.
The aim of the competition is to fly for as close to 30 minutes without the use of any timing device, you must guess the time.
Points are deducted for every second over or under the 30 minutes. Pilots may fly any type of aircraft, fly solo or as a team.
This year’s winner was Mike Guiness, with a time of 29 minutes and 54 seconds.
Second place went to Adeah Becker with 29 minutes and 44 seconds.
In third place was Geoff Williams with 30 minutes and 20 seconds.
The event also coincides with the clubs’ annual Swap Meet. Many interesting goodies were available this year with a lot of items changing hands. Some items from the Des Piltz Estate were also available for purchase with those proceeds going to the club. Des was forever a great clubman.
This is a great fun event, so you have 12 months to practice for next year.
A report by Chris Henry
THE EVENT
The F3A (Pattern) Masters were held this year in The Barossa Valley in SA over 4 days in Early March.
This event is the premier event for Precision Aerobatics in Australia, and is also a round of the World Cup. Usually, we have a number of the best in the world attend including the World Champion. He has attended at Albury in the past. However due to the Covid-19 issue, none were able to come this time.
In fact, the event was to have been held last year in April but was delayed for that reason. However, most of the country’s best were there with pilots from almost every state except NT. One pilot drove from Perth by himself. A 3-day trip each way.
TCMAC was represented by Rob Hulett, flying in Advanced class and Chris Henry in F3A class. And it is certainly a long way, especially driving across the Hay plains, arriving at 3pm and doing 3 practice flights. I did sleep well that night.
THE LOCATION
We stayed in the town of Tanunda, in the heart of the Barossa Valley. A very picturesque place with grape vines on almost every available piece of ground and wineries everywhere. The flying field was only 9 minutes from our cottage, and on a ridge above a winery.
The field is owned by the original winery owner who is into ultralight flying and has a hanger for his plane. We were able to leave our models there at night which saved a lot of time with rigging each day. The club has great infrastructure, nice clubhouse with a good kitchen area for catering, toilet and shade area with grape vines around it.
I had a good look at the solar power setup which powers the on-filed charging station, the fridge, computers etc. Very simple and a good model to emulate.
The strip is grass, but is mown and watered almost every day, producing a near bowling green surface. Easy take-offs and landings. Except where the jets take off, there are some burnt patches.
The only problem with the field was being on a ridge at the end of a valley means quite a lot of turbulence when low to the ground. And while the weather was nice, most days were calm in the morning with very strong winds in the afternoons, or vice-versa. I even landed from one flight at over half throttle. Made for some interesting flights.
Dinner was at various places. There are plenty of eateries in the valley. We tried the 1950s diner one night. Quite good, with photo opp. with Elvis, of course. The event dinner and AGM were held at the Lyndoch Hill Estate winery. Quite excellent meal and service.
Some guys even bought some wine. Imagine that. Including Norm purchasing a couple of $500 bottles of port for his brother and daughter. And Phill bought a 1945 port for $10,000. Yes, really.
THE FLYING
Rob had a problem with his plane, blowing up his speedie on a practice flight, and competing with his new plane that he only had for 2 weeks. He flew well, but the plane needs some trimming yet.
I few well too, with only around 10% difference in the scores between all of the F3A class fliers and even managed to score an equal highest score in one round. The plane performed perfectly, and I really enjoyed the event, with my favourite caller, Ralphie from Tassie. Great fun and banter during the flights.
Overall, a great event. Good to see lots of friend we haven’t been able to see for so long, and for the guys from Melbourne to attend too. They only had a few days of notice that they would be able to cross to SA. The atmosphere is what really makes these events, and at times it was very relaxed, but also could be very intense when the guy flying before you does a good flight.
Only one real loss, when Normies plane appeared to “go off the air” or perhaps he was a bit disoriented while flying too far out. Either way, it speared in at full power from 600 feet, into a vineyard. Nothing left. Oh, well only a $12,000 plane (maybe he can console himself with a $500.00 bottle of Port, ed). But considering the 400 odd flights over the event and practice, that’s pretty good.
The next Masters will be held in Casino in Northern NSW, and will be a practice for the committee who will be running the World Champs in Australia in 2023. That will be great to see.
THIS SUNDAY
don’t forget the
CRAIG COLEMAN TIMED EVENT
and of course the
ANNUAL SWAP MEET
Craig-Coleman-2021-1BE THERE OR BE THE ONLY ONE TO MISS OUT
A report by Mike Guinness
Saturday 13 March 2021
The day’s weather was excellent until the wind came up after lunch, but this did not deter a few members from continuing to fly.
We had the use of the clubs’ bungee and Charlie’s electric winch. The launches off the winch were excellent, enabling us to achieve twice the heights we were getting off the bungee. Having the bungee/winch enabled members to fly non-motorized gliders for a change and challenge themselves to look for those elusive thermals.
A fun competition was held for all motorized gliders with eight contestants participating. The rules where simple: a two minute flight starting with a 30sec engine run, followed by a 90sec glide, to land as close as possible to the spot. Points were scored for every sec over or under two minutes, and for every metre from the spot. Quite challenging, as most of us don’t practice this type of flying. Positions were determined by least to most points scored. This event was won by Mike Guinness.
TCMAC put on a sausage sizzle lunch with tea, coffee, soft drinks and a variety of sweet slices. This was well supported by all the members, visitors and spectators who attended the event.
Despite the wind, after lunch, Rob Sargent used his Katana to tow Rolly’s glider to about 800 feet before the release. A few more members would have taken advantage of this tug tow, but the wind prevented this.
My thanks to everybody who came to support the day, I’m sure we all enjoyed ourselves.
The old Kumagutza has had some improvements made during the week to improve both the look, functionality and safety of the interior.
A big THANKS goes out to Dave Balfour for doing the work, it is a big improvement.
The boat can now be safely used with both oars and motor power.
A new motor is being sourced at present so that we can quickly attend a crashed model on the water, however until that arrives, we will be reliant upon the old school manual rowing which is still better than not having a rescue boat at all.
Once again thanks to Blowie for the work he has done.
ANOTHER UPDATE
ONCE AGAIN T.C.M.A.C. MEMBERS IMPRESS
Our project to renew the Prep Benches at the club is moving so fast that Alwyn is struggling to find time to build them all. TCMAC members have generously contributed nearly all of the required money to have these benches completed. And to think that we started this project less than one month ago.
Not much to go now.
So if you are still thinking about donating, DO IT, your donation may be the one to finish off the fund raising campaign, and if you have already donated once or more times, THANK YOU.
Bench-Barometer-2YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME
A HUGE thanks goes out to all those members who have contributed to the building of the new Prep Benches, this awesome response has seen our total swell to $1000 already, which is just over half of the total needed.
For those who are still thinking about a donation, ITS NOT TOO LATE, and ANY amount adds to the fund. If you are one of the many to already contribute again THANK YOU and don’t forget you can donate more if you feel compelled too.
Bench-Barometer-1Well done to all those who have already donated to the building of the new benches, we have updated the Barometer below to show the amount now raised.
Don’t forget you can still donate (event if you have already donated) by either handing the cash to Alwyn, Tim or Adeh, or by direct debit into the clubs account (the same details as when you pay your membership subs) but just the deposit as “Bench Donation” so the Treasurer knows the intent for the money.
And remember you can donate as little or as much as you are comfortable with.
Bench-BarometerDear Members
After much consultation and deliberation a design for replacing the preparation benches in the pits area has been decided upon. The design was agreed upon at the recent committee meeting.
Alwyn Brunton has agreed to manage the responsibility of fabricating the benches. One bench has been fabricated for all members to observe and give feedback
Fabrication of up to 12 benches has been identified. The estimated cost of fabricating 12 benches is $1900. Benches will be fabricated progressively as funds become available.
Some members have indicated a desire to contribute to the cost of fabricating the benches due to the current tight financial situation brought about by expenditure on concrete and other costs
To this end, if any member feels a desire to contribute towards the cost of replacement of the benches, and this is encouraged, please see Alwyn or Tim Knight who will gladly receive your donation. Every $ counts so please feel free to donate even a small amount. Donations will remain anonymous however contributions and expenditure will be carefully monitored by the committe.
A Bench Building barometer will be placed in the clubhouse so members can monitor the progress of this activity.
Bench-Barometer-new