Electric fun fly in October
For the 12th year, Swan HIll Model Aero Club will be hosting the AEFA electric fun fly.
October 13-14 will see a large contingent of flyers from all over the place enjoying great (hopefully) flying conditions. Last year we were literally blown away - windiest weather I've ever experience since starting the hobby - but its gotta be better this year! Despite the wind, lots of flying took place and some fantastic models wereon show.
Some great sponsors are lined up, and the raffle is always popular.
SHMAC has ample free camping facilities, and a gas hot water shower, toilets and canteen on site, plus a flying field unrestricted by trees or obstacles. Half the SHMAC members camp at the site, and a big meal is served up Saturday night, and some flyers regularly hire a caravan from in town, while others choose to stay at one of the many close motels (we're only 4km from the CBD).
I'm looking forward to dusting off the electric warbirds (1400mm Corsair and Mustang, SE5a and my new Catalina) in addition to probably spending a lot of time behind the BBQ chasing locally-produced steaks.
Everyone is welcome, and we expect a healthy roll up of members from clubs nearby like Echuca Moama, Robinvale, Sunraysia and Cohuna.
October 13-14 will see a large contingent of flyers from all over the place enjoying great (hopefully) flying conditions. Last year we were literally blown away - windiest weather I've ever experience since starting the hobby - but its gotta be better this year! Despite the wind, lots of flying took place and some fantastic models wereon show.
Some great sponsors are lined up, and the raffle is always popular.
SHMAC has ample free camping facilities, and a gas hot water shower, toilets and canteen on site, plus a flying field unrestricted by trees or obstacles. Half the SHMAC members camp at the site, and a big meal is served up Saturday night, and some flyers regularly hire a caravan from in town, while others choose to stay at one of the many close motels (we're only 4km from the CBD).
I'm looking forward to dusting off the electric warbirds (1400mm Corsair and Mustang, SE5a and my new Catalina) in addition to probably spending a lot of time behind the BBQ chasing locally-produced steaks.
Everyone is welcome, and we expect a healthy roll up of members from clubs nearby like Echuca Moama, Robinvale, Sunraysia and Cohuna.
Making the most of the weather
Finally we had the crap weather during the week, and the fine stuff on the weekend. Saturday and Sunday were top fun at Swan Hill Model Aero Club.
I've got the week off now, so planning another big afternoon on Wednesday in amongst some rainy days around the Mallee.
Saturday saw four members out there in calm but overcast weather: I flew my new TWM T-34 Mentor with the Thunder Tiger 47 Pro, the Black Horse Eagle 40 with a OS 46la, the FMS 1400mm Corsair, and the trusty SE5a, which has gotta be past 100 flights now.
Hints flew his Phoenix Models PC-9 40-size, with an OS46AX, Todd had his Boomerang 60, and ran his new engine in the Black Horse Twister that might maiden next week.
Scott, our el Presidente, flew his big Stik with its 35cc petrol engine and his FMS P-51 1400mm warbird.
Fantastic day - and we didn't pack up until after dark.
Sunday was a bit breezy but still Hints, Todd and I flew most of the afternoon with the same models.
Hoping the weather stays predictable for Robinvale's fun fly on August 18-19 - looks like a few of us will be up there.
Aiming to finally maiden the Sea Fury - some minor issues with the retracts and engine tuning - raining today so not likely to make any progress on the latter.
Stay tuned for some flying video from the field over the next few weeks...
I've got the week off now, so planning another big afternoon on Wednesday in amongst some rainy days around the Mallee.
Saturday saw four members out there in calm but overcast weather: I flew my new TWM T-34 Mentor with the Thunder Tiger 47 Pro, the Black Horse Eagle 40 with a OS 46la, the FMS 1400mm Corsair, and the trusty SE5a, which has gotta be past 100 flights now.
Hints flew his Phoenix Models PC-9 40-size, with an OS46AX, Todd had his Boomerang 60, and ran his new engine in the Black Horse Twister that might maiden next week.
Scott, our el Presidente, flew his big Stik with its 35cc petrol engine and his FMS P-51 1400mm warbird.
Fantastic day - and we didn't pack up until after dark.
Sunday was a bit breezy but still Hints, Todd and I flew most of the afternoon with the same models.
Hoping the weather stays predictable for Robinvale's fun fly on August 18-19 - looks like a few of us will be up there.
Aiming to finally maiden the Sea Fury - some minor issues with the retracts and engine tuning - raining today so not likely to make any progress on the latter.
Stay tuned for some flying video from the field over the next few weeks...
Two new ARF's to maiden
Last week I got stuck into the Phoenix Models 60-size Sea Fury and the TWM T-34 40-size ARF's.
BOth projects almost completed, although I had a dodgy retract servo in the Sea Fury so have fixed the wheels while I wait for a replacement to arrive.
The Sea Fury has an ASP 61 two-stroke, with a 12x6 prop, and was a fun challenge sorting out the cowl with fuelling point and access to the glow plug, mixture and idle needles. All up probably took me 9 hours, and I was playing it very carefully trying to minimise the inevitable idiot mistakes that I tend to make.
Have started and run a tank full of nitro through the new engine in the backyard, but it hasn't been put in the car for the trip out to the SHMAC field - that will be Saturday.
The T-34 Mentor was a bit easier and definitely lighter. I mounted my most reliable engine (TT 46 Pro) onto it and have done some taxiing at the field but it'll hopefully get airborne on the weekend too.
After only assembling one scale ARF in my vast 2.5 years of flying, to do 2 in a week was pretty cool. The kitchen table was occupied for nights on end after the kids went to bed (too cold to be out in the shed), and each morning everything would go back into the shed before they woke up.
Family away for a week soon, so between the two maidens and the five other nitro's in flying order, plus the stagnant fleet of electrics, there'll be some serious air time.
BOth projects almost completed, although I had a dodgy retract servo in the Sea Fury so have fixed the wheels while I wait for a replacement to arrive.
The Sea Fury has an ASP 61 two-stroke, with a 12x6 prop, and was a fun challenge sorting out the cowl with fuelling point and access to the glow plug, mixture and idle needles. All up probably took me 9 hours, and I was playing it very carefully trying to minimise the inevitable idiot mistakes that I tend to make.
Have started and run a tank full of nitro through the new engine in the backyard, but it hasn't been put in the car for the trip out to the SHMAC field - that will be Saturday.
The T-34 Mentor was a bit easier and definitely lighter. I mounted my most reliable engine (TT 46 Pro) onto it and have done some taxiing at the field but it'll hopefully get airborne on the weekend too.
After only assembling one scale ARF in my vast 2.5 years of flying, to do 2 in a week was pretty cool. The kitchen table was occupied for nights on end after the kids went to bed (too cold to be out in the shed), and each morning everything would go back into the shed before they woke up.
Family away for a week soon, so between the two maidens and the five other nitro's in flying order, plus the stagnant fleet of electrics, there'll be some serious air time.
Even more projects!
After spreading my TWM Mach II Sky Raider along a runway some months ago, I've really missed the little thing. Bought secondhand on eBay, it was my first nitro experience, it was the catalyst to go out and accumulate more.
Now with 6 flying nitro models, and the Sea Fury build underwater, I researched into getting another Mach II. finally found a supplier, and through the emails and phone conversations that followed, I discovered the 40-size T-34 Mentor. Having a small 800mm Skyartec version, I really like this plane - everyone seems to have a Trojan in their hangar, but the T-34 is my preference over the T-28.
So, ordered one for a very reasonable price and even scored a $20 delivery from suburban Melbourne to Swan Hill, paid for Friday, arriving at my house Monday.
This means some juggling of receivers and engines, and more brackets to be mounted on the shed wall...
Next job is to check out rcgroups for build logs, so today's windy forecast doesn't worry me that much now..
Now with 6 flying nitro models, and the Sea Fury build underwater, I researched into getting another Mach II. finally found a supplier, and through the emails and phone conversations that followed, I discovered the 40-size T-34 Mentor. Having a small 800mm Skyartec version, I really like this plane - everyone seems to have a Trojan in their hangar, but the T-34 is my preference over the T-28.
So, ordered one for a very reasonable price and even scored a $20 delivery from suburban Melbourne to Swan Hill, paid for Friday, arriving at my house Monday.
This means some juggling of receivers and engines, and more brackets to be mounted on the shed wall...
Next job is to check out rcgroups for build logs, so today's windy forecast doesn't worry me that much now..
Long weekend was epic
The weather forecast was accurate, the wife was undertanding and I scored 32 flights over the 3 days (remember it is only 4km from my place to the flying field, and takes longer to load the car than drive there).
Saturday at dawn (electric and nitro combo), Saturday afternoon (all nitro), Sunday afternoon (electric and nitro combo) and Monday morning (all electric warbirds).
Was great to fly 8 different models, blow some dust off some wings and generally chill out. I had air time of just on 4 hours, which is incredible considering that 18 months ago that was several months' worth of flying my small foamies with their little 1100mah lipos!
Sunday afternoon we had 4 flyers and a few spectators, so the time literally flew. After starting at 2pm, it was suddenly pushing 5.30pm and too dark to see our FMS warbirds when they hit the treeline on approach. PZ Wildcat, 4-stroke Decathlon and Cub, FMS P-51's and F4U, SE5a, Hyperion Extra 300L, various nitro trainers, some heli action, T-28's and miscellaneous other stuff.
Ordinary weather forecast for the upcoming weekend, but the boys at SHMAC will find some time for some air time.
August in Robinvale then our hosting the AEFA fun fly in October will get here very fast I reckon...
Saturday at dawn (electric and nitro combo), Saturday afternoon (all nitro), Sunday afternoon (electric and nitro combo) and Monday morning (all electric warbirds).
Was great to fly 8 different models, blow some dust off some wings and generally chill out. I had air time of just on 4 hours, which is incredible considering that 18 months ago that was several months' worth of flying my small foamies with their little 1100mah lipos!
Sunday afternoon we had 4 flyers and a few spectators, so the time literally flew. After starting at 2pm, it was suddenly pushing 5.30pm and too dark to see our FMS warbirds when they hit the treeline on approach. PZ Wildcat, 4-stroke Decathlon and Cub, FMS P-51's and F4U, SE5a, Hyperion Extra 300L, various nitro trainers, some heli action, T-28's and miscellaneous other stuff.
Ordinary weather forecast for the upcoming weekend, but the boys at SHMAC will find some time for some air time.
August in Robinvale then our hosting the AEFA fun fly in October will get here very fast I reckon...
Long weekend, and nothing over 8 knots
The forecast for the long weekend is bloody fantastic: frosty but clear mornings, maximum temps in the mid-teens, but more importantly, only light winds.
This creates heaps of opportunities and also problems.
There are opportunities to dust off and fly every airworthy model over the three days, and at least 6 flying sessions (solo after dawn, then with the SHMAC blokes each afternoon). The problems begin with the flying order, and which models to take out when.
The wife's VZ Commodore wagon can comfortably hold my flying gear, lipos and 3 nitros and one foamie, or 2 big foamies and one nitro, or 5 foamies, or 4 nitros.
See my problem?
Saturday dawn might be: HK SE5a, FMS Corsair, FMS P-51, low wing trainer.
Saturday afternoon (maybe): Cub 4-stroke, Eagle nitro trainer, FMS Corsair again, Extra 300L electric.
Not even thinking about Sunday and Monday yet!
Maybe it would have been easier to go the June races instead...
This creates heaps of opportunities and also problems.
There are opportunities to dust off and fly every airworthy model over the three days, and at least 6 flying sessions (solo after dawn, then with the SHMAC blokes each afternoon). The problems begin with the flying order, and which models to take out when.
The wife's VZ Commodore wagon can comfortably hold my flying gear, lipos and 3 nitros and one foamie, or 2 big foamies and one nitro, or 5 foamies, or 4 nitros.
See my problem?
Saturday dawn might be: HK SE5a, FMS Corsair, FMS P-51, low wing trainer.
Saturday afternoon (maybe): Cub 4-stroke, Eagle nitro trainer, FMS Corsair again, Extra 300L electric.
Not even thinking about Sunday and Monday yet!
Maybe it would have been easier to go the June races instead...
Updated hangar list
More as an easy to refer list for me, here are the items rapidly filling up my shed at the expense of space for kids' bikes and camping gear. Updated July 2012:
Electrafun XP - my first rc plane. A lot of fun in the early days (January 2010!). Will soup it up a bit for my son to have a crack when he gets a bit older.
Art Tech Cessna 182 1000mm electric, semi-retired.
Art Tech/Hobbyking F4U Corsair 1000mm electric, uses same lipo's. Used for training - been repaired that many times but a great little plane.
Thunder Tiger Easy 40 Trainer, now with ASP 52 engine. My modified trainer - bigger motor, bigger tank, up to 20 minute flight times swinging a big prop with not much clearance to make me nail those landings!
Skyartec T-34 Mentor 880mm electric, great little plane, semi-retired.
Parkzone UMicro SU-26 tiny little acro plane, good for end of the day fun or when out camping on the river.
GWS Zero 800mm a second hand plane from a former SHMAC member, has to be 15 years old now. Crashed and repaired after deans plug solder failed. Souped up with a brushless. Semi-retired.
FMS F4U Corsair 1400mm electric warbird - love this plane, the flying, the looks, the cool retracts with doors and 90 degree action. Towards 80 flights.
FMS P-51 1400mm electric warbird - this is another fallback plane - throw this all over the sky! Has had new retract gear installed, numerous prop blades and upgraded ESC but stock motor. Use 2200 and 2650mah 4S lipos, same as the...Continue Reading
Electrafun XP - my first rc plane. A lot of fun in the early days (January 2010!). Will soup it up a bit for my son to have a crack when he gets a bit older.
Art Tech Cessna 182 1000mm electric, semi-retired.
Art Tech/Hobbyking F4U Corsair 1000mm electric, uses same lipo's. Used for training - been repaired that many times but a great little plane.
Thunder Tiger Easy 40 Trainer, now with ASP 52 engine. My modified trainer - bigger motor, bigger tank, up to 20 minute flight times swinging a big prop with not much clearance to make me nail those landings!
Skyartec T-34 Mentor 880mm electric, great little plane, semi-retired.
Parkzone UMicro SU-26 tiny little acro plane, good for end of the day fun or when out camping on the river.
GWS Zero 800mm a second hand plane from a former SHMAC member, has to be 15 years old now. Crashed and repaired after deans plug solder failed. Souped up with a brushless. Semi-retired.
FMS F4U Corsair 1400mm electric warbird - love this plane, the flying, the looks, the cool retracts with doors and 90 degree action. Towards 80 flights.
FMS P-51 1400mm electric warbird - this is another fallback plane - throw this all over the sky! Has had new retract gear installed, numerous prop blades and upgraded ESC but stock motor. Use 2200 and 2650mah 4S lipos, same as the...Continue Reading
Great Sunday afternoon at SHMAC
Yesterday was one of the best informal flying days at Swan Hill Model Aero Club.
Noel, our oldest member, was flying his electrics: FMS 1400mm Hellcat, PZ Trojan, with his Oleo retracts, PZ Wildcat, and T-33 EDF. The Hellcat had a bad landing in the reasonable breeze, and he busted a blade - fortunately my FMS Corsair uses the same blades, so got him airborne again. The spinner was a bit notched so it sounded like a chaff-cutter - he'll buy a new spinner.
Todd had his Boomerang 60 trainer going, with a .46 engine, doing touch and go's, and was tinkering with the Black Horse Twister he got for his birthday.
Scott our president was flying his Cessna 182 with the OS 45 FS, doing some serious non-scale stuff.
I was flying my FMS Corsair and Black Horse Eagle 40 trainer. Four tanks of nitro and 4 lipos.
Was a great, relaxing afternoon, with always someone in the air, once or twice 4 of us airborne.
If the weather behaves with the long weekend up next, could be a couple of big days!
Taking the SE5a out before work one morning this week - had some amazing morning frosts, so will venture to the local footy ground to make the most of the crisp air. Having clocked up well over 70 flights, I'm keen to try some non-scale stuff - the thing has plenty of power and I haven't really cranked it up which is a disgrace. Might put a light wooden prop on it and change the design to match the Aussie WW1 squadron colours....
Noel, our oldest member, was flying his electrics: FMS 1400mm Hellcat, PZ Trojan, with his Oleo retracts, PZ Wildcat, and T-33 EDF. The Hellcat had a bad landing in the reasonable breeze, and he busted a blade - fortunately my FMS Corsair uses the same blades, so got him airborne again. The spinner was a bit notched so it sounded like a chaff-cutter - he'll buy a new spinner.
| Sunday flying at SHMAC (3 min 20 sec) |
Todd had his Boomerang 60 trainer going, with a .46 engine, doing touch and go's, and was tinkering with the Black Horse Twister he got for his birthday.
Scott our president was flying his Cessna 182 with the OS 45 FS, doing some serious non-scale stuff.
I was flying my FMS Corsair and Black Horse Eagle 40 trainer. Four tanks of nitro and 4 lipos.
Was a great, relaxing afternoon, with always someone in the air, once or twice 4 of us airborne.
If the weather behaves with the long weekend up next, could be a couple of big days!
Taking the SE5a out before work one morning this week - had some amazing morning frosts, so will venture to the local footy ground to make the most of the crisp air. Having clocked up well over 70 flights, I'm keen to try some non-scale stuff - the thing has plenty of power and I haven't really cranked it up which is a disgrace. Might put a light wooden prop on it and change the design to match the Aussie WW1 squadron colours....
New projects
The approaching winter weather has been pretty crap for flying, but only on weekends - very frustrating looking outside from work at the calm clear skies, then that bloody wind kicks in on Friday and destroys the weekend!
We also need some rain, so would be fantastic to get a few inches of rain for the crops DURING THE WEEK, then calm stuff over the weekend, but hey...
Bought a Phoenix Models/SMC Sea Fury, with an ASP61 two-stroke waiting to go into it. Haven't assembled an ARF since the Cub last year, so first week of July is looking like the kitchen table will be busy after work each night while the family is away.
My trusty old Thunder Tiger 40 Easy Trainer is looking the worst for wear - will need to replace some covering and reinforce some spots after hundreds of touch and go's' on the dirt strips, two engines and a lot of fuel spray. Still a lot of fun and the extra power of a 52 makes it equal favourite for a quick fly...
The Cub finally has it's Cowl, a remote glow issue on the Black Horse Eagle 40 is fixed, and new blades and spinners on the FMS warbirds (Corsair and Mustang) have sorted out some vibration issues after dozens of flights.
Took a while to get around to all the minor repairs after the SHMAC Down then family weekends away.
Dates for Robinvale's fun fly have been locked in so looking forward to that in August (18-19), then we'll spool up for the hosting of the AEFA electric show in October. In the meantime, if the farmers get some wet stuff during the week, the air behaves on the weekends, Brucey will be a happy camper.
We also need some rain, so would be fantastic to get a few inches of rain for the crops DURING THE WEEK, then calm stuff over the weekend, but hey...
Bought a Phoenix Models/SMC Sea Fury, with an ASP61 two-stroke waiting to go into it. Haven't assembled an ARF since the Cub last year, so first week of July is looking like the kitchen table will be busy after work each night while the family is away.
My trusty old Thunder Tiger 40 Easy Trainer is looking the worst for wear - will need to replace some covering and reinforce some spots after hundreds of touch and go's' on the dirt strips, two engines and a lot of fuel spray. Still a lot of fun and the extra power of a 52 makes it equal favourite for a quick fly...
The Cub finally has it's Cowl, a remote glow issue on the Black Horse Eagle 40 is fixed, and new blades and spinners on the FMS warbirds (Corsair and Mustang) have sorted out some vibration issues after dozens of flights.
Took a while to get around to all the minor repairs after the SHMAC Down then family weekends away.
Dates for Robinvale's fun fly have been locked in so looking forward to that in August (18-19), then we'll spool up for the hosting of the AEFA electric show in October. In the meantime, if the farmers get some wet stuff during the week, the air behaves on the weekends, Brucey will be a happy camper.
First SHMAC Down
After finally locking a date into the calendar, Swan Hill Model Aero Club really appreciated the 20 flyers who stayed over the weekend for the first annual SHMAC Down fun fly.
We didn't have sponsors, weren't looking to make any money, but the weather conditions were fantastic Friday and Saturday, and the action continued Sunday despite the wind picking up (and a storm overnight that threatened to blow a few tents and planes away). Even the mosquitoes behaved themselves.
Travellers from Mildura, Robinvale, Echuca, Melbourne and even Warracknabeal attended and stayed for the weekend, and we kept them fed on a diet of BBQ.
Rough guess of 30-40 aircraft, from a tiny 3-channel indoor thing, to a Panther IC ducted jet, to a huge P-51, some foamie warbirds, plenty of 2 and 4 strokes and some big petrol bangers, and a few helicopters of various size and power.
I flew 26 flights myself - more than an average fortnight! - so even I had a ball.
Plenty of people came out for a look, and at least two new members will be doing some buddy box time, so that's great as well.
Hopefully everyone had a great time, and we look forward to making the event grow in 2013 and beyond.
Will post some photos when time permits.
We didn't have sponsors, weren't looking to make any money, but the weather conditions were fantastic Friday and Saturday, and the action continued Sunday despite the wind picking up (and a storm overnight that threatened to blow a few tents and planes away). Even the mosquitoes behaved themselves.
Travellers from Mildura, Robinvale, Echuca, Melbourne and even Warracknabeal attended and stayed for the weekend, and we kept them fed on a diet of BBQ.
Rough guess of 30-40 aircraft, from a tiny 3-channel indoor thing, to a Panther IC ducted jet, to a huge P-51, some foamie warbirds, plenty of 2 and 4 strokes and some big petrol bangers, and a few helicopters of various size and power.
I flew 26 flights myself - more than an average fortnight! - so even I had a ball.
Plenty of people came out for a look, and at least two new members will be doing some buddy box time, so that's great as well.
Hopefully everyone had a great time, and we look forward to making the event grow in 2013 and beyond.
Will post some photos when time permits.
Swan Hill Model Aero fun fly this weekend
The boys have finished cleaning up the strips, the camping areas and the entrances will be checked out tomorrow, and SHMAC Down is nearly here.
Already have heard that we'll have a minimum of 20 flyers, most camping Friday and Saturday.
The weather forecast has been looking like some rain around, but fairly confident we might see a couple of showers late on the weekend. Wind is supposed to be light until late Sunday, so something for everything. BBQ lunch and dinner Saturday night and cooked breakfast Sunday.
Hoping we can lock this in as our own regular annual fun fly, and next year try for some sponsors for a raffle and some items for display and sale. But for now, hoping everyone that comes along has a great time and spreads the word.
Then we'll load up for August at Robinvale and the AEFA electric show here in October.
Stay tuned for some photos after the weekend...
Already have heard that we'll have a minimum of 20 flyers, most camping Friday and Saturday.
The weather forecast has been looking like some rain around, but fairly confident we might see a couple of showers late on the weekend. Wind is supposed to be light until late Sunday, so something for everything. BBQ lunch and dinner Saturday night and cooked breakfast Sunday.
Hoping we can lock this in as our own regular annual fun fly, and next year try for some sponsors for a raffle and some items for display and sale. But for now, hoping everyone that comes along has a great time and spreads the word.
Then we'll load up for August at Robinvale and the AEFA electric show here in October.
Stay tuned for some photos after the weekend...
Swan Hill Model Aero Club Fun Fly - SHMAC DOWN
ONE MONTH TO GO (APril 21-22) - so in the meantime, here's a history of the Swan Hill Model Aero Club and some more info...
Swan Hill Model Aero Club (SHMAC) started in the early 70’s with blokes like Peter Jordan, David Scott, Bill Arblaster, Greg Cairns and Greg Wilson. The original flying site was on the salt pans over the Murray River in NSW at Murray Downs, about 5 kms from Swan Hill.
During the early ‘80’s the club moved to an area on the former Swan Hill water treatment plant, right on the edge of the town at that time. That site is now a pond, which forms part of a major housing development, and is a park with walking tracks and at least 500 houses nearby.
The next move was to the current flying fields onto Council-owned land 4km west of Swan Hill, on Blackwire Road. Clubrooms, toilet block and storage sheds were established as well as crossed over runways of gypsum, all on the edge of 40 acres of flat stubble. Affording 360 degree views, no risk of hitting trees unless you're flying very low over the carpark area or the pits, the venue is ideal for learning to fly or maidening that new aircraft.
Despite summers of extreme heat, and winters with frosty early mornings, generally the weather is excellent for flying, and the period daylight savings, before dusk is a favoured time of the week for the hangars to come out and a few beers to be consumed afterwards.
During the next 20 years, SHMAC hosted events and also ran events of its own, with peak active...Continue Reading
Swan Hill Model Aero Club (SHMAC) started in the early 70’s with blokes like Peter Jordan, David Scott, Bill Arblaster, Greg Cairns and Greg Wilson. The original flying site was on the salt pans over the Murray River in NSW at Murray Downs, about 5 kms from Swan Hill.
During the early ‘80’s the club moved to an area on the former Swan Hill water treatment plant, right on the edge of the town at that time. That site is now a pond, which forms part of a major housing development, and is a park with walking tracks and at least 500 houses nearby.
The next move was to the current flying fields onto Council-owned land 4km west of Swan Hill, on Blackwire Road. Clubrooms, toilet block and storage sheds were established as well as crossed over runways of gypsum, all on the edge of 40 acres of flat stubble. Affording 360 degree views, no risk of hitting trees unless you're flying very low over the carpark area or the pits, the venue is ideal for learning to fly or maidening that new aircraft.
Despite summers of extreme heat, and winters with frosty early mornings, generally the weather is excellent for flying, and the period daylight savings, before dusk is a favoured time of the week for the hangars to come out and a few beers to be consumed afterwards.
During the next 20 years, SHMAC hosted events and also ran events of its own, with peak active...Continue Reading
SHMAC Down! New Fun Fly
Swan Hill Model Aero Club invites you to its first fun fly event for a long time, where flying model enthusiasts can come along and show off anything radio-controlled that flies.
No competition, no stress, no worries mate.
SHMAC Down! (I didn't make up the name so that's why it sounds pretty cool).
April 21-22 at the flying fields, Blackwire Road, 4km outside Swan Hill in NW Victoria.
Hosting the Australian Electric Flying Association Fun Fly for the past 11 years, SHMAC is going through a revival, and is keen to establish an annual fun fly event of its own. This will help build interest in the hobby, and more importantly, make visiting flyers welcome and let them sample the great climate we locals enjoy (almost) every day.
Looking at the VMAA calendar, there aren't many free weekends, so we’re not trying to compete with other events, just provide a stress-free event to relax and have some fun.
Registration is free, the food is cheap, and relaxation guaranteed. We even have free camping, hot shower, toilet facilities and SHMAC will run a canteen on site, plus organise Saturday dinner, BBQ breakfasts etc.
Please contact me on bmyers@shmac.com.au for more info...
No competition, no stress, no worries mate.
SHMAC Down! (I didn't make up the name so that's why it sounds pretty cool).
April 21-22 at the flying fields, Blackwire Road, 4km outside Swan Hill in NW Victoria.
Hosting the Australian Electric Flying Association Fun Fly for the past 11 years, SHMAC is going through a revival, and is keen to establish an annual fun fly event of its own. This will help build interest in the hobby, and more importantly, make visiting flyers welcome and let them sample the great climate we locals enjoy (almost) every day.
Looking at the VMAA calendar, there aren't many free weekends, so we’re not trying to compete with other events, just provide a stress-free event to relax and have some fun.
Registration is free, the food is cheap, and relaxation guaranteed. We even have free camping, hot shower, toilet facilities and SHMAC will run a canteen on site, plus organise Saturday dinner, BBQ breakfasts etc.
Please contact me on bmyers@shmac.com.au for more info...
Is anyone doing any flying?
This unseasonal windy summer weather has been a 
!
During the 10 days I had off over the silly season, I managed a few good flying sessions, but generally the weather has been ordinary. Now back at work for nearly two weeks, last weekend was a write-off with a dust storm, rain and thunderstorms.
Even before and after work has been too windy - 12-15 knot winds for days on end. That's normally September weather for here! Living here all my life, I've never seen so many windy days - since our blown-away electric fun fly in mid-October, I reckon we've had two good weekends.
So here we are, 12 days into the new year, and only two flying sessions. The forecast is ok for the weekend - finally! - so looking forward to a big afternoon session on Sunday.
Makes me appreciate all the poor buggers out there who have to travel to their flying fields, or have windy conditions all year round! Somehow they survive, so I better stop whingeing...
One aspect of this hobby I haven't really got 'into' is the constant upgrading/tinkering/modifying. I've just wanted to load up the planes and fly. The weather being what it has been, it's forced me to check everything more regularly, make improvements and make sure stuff is in good form.
Gotta be a plus side I suppose...
We're still working on a 'anything that flies' fun fly for April 21-22, so will start promoting that shortly when all the crew are back on deck and we can actually get a decent flying session in and some beers to enahnce creativity.
Have a good one.
!During the 10 days I had off over the silly season, I managed a few good flying sessions, but generally the weather has been ordinary. Now back at work for nearly two weeks, last weekend was a write-off with a dust storm, rain and thunderstorms.
Even before and after work has been too windy - 12-15 knot winds for days on end. That's normally September weather for here! Living here all my life, I've never seen so many windy days - since our blown-away electric fun fly in mid-October, I reckon we've had two good weekends.
So here we are, 12 days into the new year, and only two flying sessions. The forecast is ok for the weekend - finally! - so looking forward to a big afternoon session on Sunday.
Makes me appreciate all the poor buggers out there who have to travel to their flying fields, or have windy conditions all year round! Somehow they survive, so I better stop whingeing...
One aspect of this hobby I haven't really got 'into' is the constant upgrading/tinkering/modifying. I've just wanted to load up the planes and fly. The weather being what it has been, it's forced me to check everything more regularly, make improvements and make sure stuff is in good form.
Gotta be a plus side I suppose...
We're still working on a 'anything that flies' fun fly for April 21-22, so will start promoting that shortly when all the crew are back on deck and we can actually get a decent flying session in and some beers to enahnce creativity.
Have a good one.
Flying to beat the heat
Went out early this morning with the trainer, thought I'd put the ipod on the side to video the flight.
Bloody hot day - was 27 degrees by 7am going for 42.
The explanation in the vid tells the story...
Bloody hot day - was 27 degrees by 7am going for 42.
The explanation in the vid tells the story...
| RC trainer flying at SHMAC (12 min 55 sec) |
Goodbye 2011
Three good men took to the dawn skies earlier before this heat kicked in.
Flying today was an 84" Stomp biplane with 120 Saito, two 40-size trainers, the little electric Hyperion Extra 300 and an FMS P-51 foamie.
Bloody good fun with no wind until 8:30am when the sun started to kick in as well.
Flying today was an 84" Stomp biplane with 120 Saito, two 40-size trainers, the little electric Hyperion Extra 300 and an FMS P-51 foamie.
Bloody good fun with no wind until 8:30am when the sun started to kick in as well.
The wind is gone, now the heat...
Finally the bloody unseasonal wind has abated, now a kick-bum summer is hitting us in Swan Hill - few days of mid-30's and forecast is for 40, 41, 42, 43 for the start of 2012. But no floods!
Flying restricted to early morning or pre-dusk to beat the heat and leave time for beers.
Latest flying has included some maidens - Eagle 40 is finally running well with the 46 LA, and a secondhand Hyperion Extra 300 was maidened and trimmed with new Hobbyking gear - running 3S 1300mah lipos and loving it! My first built-up/non-foamie electric, could be a new trend.
Tomorrow at dawn will see off 2011 with those two planes and my trusty FMS P-51 and 40 trainer with the 55AX. Might even rake out the PZ ultramicro Sukhoi for a laugh as well.
Happy new year!
Flying restricted to early morning or pre-dusk to beat the heat and leave time for beers.
Latest flying has included some maidens - Eagle 40 is finally running well with the 46 LA, and a secondhand Hyperion Extra 300 was maidened and trimmed with new Hobbyking gear - running 3S 1300mah lipos and loving it! My first built-up/non-foamie electric, could be a new trend.
Tomorrow at dawn will see off 2011 with those two planes and my trusty FMS P-51 and 40 trainer with the 55AX. Might even rake out the PZ ultramicro Sukhoi for a laugh as well.
Happy new year!
Xmas and New Year flying
Looks like summer has finally got here to the Mallee - Christmas day is forecast for 37 degrees and storms, but either side the weather is looking pretty good.
10 days off, so hoping to get some flying in early on the hot days, late afternoon on the cooler days.
Apart from the chance to take a selection of models out each time, also hoping to finally maiden a Black Horse Eagle 40 high-wing trainer, which I've put an OS 46LA into, and also the 72" Cub with my first 4-stroke.
Tonight will be the trusty 40 trainer with the OS 55AX, the SE5a (now have 6 lipos charged up for it!) and the (hopefully maiden flight) Eagle 40, then a few cold beers or Bundys. Tomorrow morning will be the maiden of the Cub, along with a few lipos in the FMS P-51 or F4U, and then a few trips to the tip after a shed clean-out!
Later days will depend on the mood, but aiming for most of the 17 planes to get a run during the break.
The great thing is, even when I go back to work, I can still sneak out for an early fly, or after work (wife and kids permitting). The weather will be hot, and hopefully this unseasonal wind has gone, and daylight savings rocks.
Happy silly season everyone.
10 days off, so hoping to get some flying in early on the hot days, late afternoon on the cooler days.
Apart from the chance to take a selection of models out each time, also hoping to finally maiden a Black Horse Eagle 40 high-wing trainer, which I've put an OS 46LA into, and also the 72" Cub with my first 4-stroke.
Tonight will be the trusty 40 trainer with the OS 55AX, the SE5a (now have 6 lipos charged up for it!) and the (hopefully maiden flight) Eagle 40, then a few cold beers or Bundys. Tomorrow morning will be the maiden of the Cub, along with a few lipos in the FMS P-51 or F4U, and then a few trips to the tip after a shed clean-out!
Later days will depend on the mood, but aiming for most of the 17 planes to get a run during the break.
The great thing is, even when I go back to work, I can still sneak out for an early fly, or after work (wife and kids permitting). The weather will be hot, and hopefully this unseasonal wind has gone, and daylight savings rocks.
Happy silly season everyone.
New annual fun fly - suggestions welcome!
Here at Swan Hill Model Aero Club (SHMAC), we know that to kick start things again, we need to go back to the old days when the club was thriving with more annual events.
Currently the only regular event is when we host the AEFA Electric Fun Fly.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1509286
Feedback from everyone who attends each years is fantastic: even when the weather is shite, like the past two Octobers, heaps of flyers have turned out, travelled long ways, camped overnight and had a relaxing fun time...
The facilities include toilets, gas hot water shower, plenty of room for camping, a canteen running for the duration of each event, and BBQ lunches and spit roast dinners at the field. The 61 hectares of tree-less paddock around the runways is also stress-free for fun flying experiences. Plus the field is only 4km from the centre of Swan Hill and very easy to find.
We're looking at an 'anything that flies' event in the first part of the year, while trying to avoid clashing with other regular events from those clubs nearby.
Looking at the VMAA calendar, there seems to be something on every weekend, but we've got three suggested weekends: one in April, May and June.
The working title is SHMAC Down! and we'd value your thoughts. Any comments and suggestions are welcome.
Currently the only regular event is when we host the AEFA Electric Fun Fly.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1509286
Feedback from everyone who attends each years is fantastic: even when the weather is shite, like the past two Octobers, heaps of flyers have turned out, travelled long ways, camped overnight and had a relaxing fun time...
The facilities include toilets, gas hot water shower, plenty of room for camping, a canteen running for the duration of each event, and BBQ lunches and spit roast dinners at the field. The 61 hectares of tree-less paddock around the runways is also stress-free for fun flying experiences. Plus the field is only 4km from the centre of Swan Hill and very easy to find.
We're looking at an 'anything that flies' event in the first part of the year, while trying to avoid clashing with other regular events from those clubs nearby.
Looking at the VMAA calendar, there seems to be something on every weekend, but we've got three suggested weekends: one in April, May and June.
The working title is SHMAC Down! and we'd value your thoughts. Any comments and suggestions are welcome.
The plan
After starting with an Electrafun XP almost 2 years ago, moving up to small foamies then my first nitros this year, the time has come for a 4-stroke.
Ordered an ASP/Magnum 61, and have 95% completed a 72" Cub ARF to chuck it into. With the way this crappy weather has been going - every weekend for the past 5 weeks has been stormy and windy - it looks like flying will be after work, and shed time will be on the weekend.
Thursday night have planned a big session with two 2-stroke, 40-size trainers, plus whatever foamies I can fit in the VZ wagon (FMS P-51 and SE5a are definite starters). The forecast is for 31 degrees, clear and calm.
Bring it on!
Ordered an ASP/Magnum 61, and have 95% completed a 72" Cub ARF to chuck it into. With the way this crappy weather has been going - every weekend for the past 5 weeks has been stormy and windy - it looks like flying will be after work, and shed time will be on the weekend.
Thursday night have planned a big session with two 2-stroke, 40-size trainers, plus whatever foamies I can fit in the VZ wagon (FMS P-51 and SE5a are definite starters). The forecast is for 31 degrees, clear and calm.
Bring it on!
