Aspectivity March 2016

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11th March General Meeting

Car Boot Sale @ 6pm Meeting starts @ 8.30pm

1st April - Deadline for next edition

Cover photo:

VARMS member Brian Laughton about to launch his vintage glider at the P&DARCS 50th Anniversary event

John Lamont photo

Issue 496

March 2016

Wednesday at VARMS Field – The 3 F’s night Fly, food, fix

Aspectivity March 2016

Here we are, March already... We have had some good flying weather lately, although a bit hot. Things at the field have been good, and quite a few have been slope soaring at Camperdown and other exotic holiday places. What a great pastime !

There is not a lot to discuss this month. The Committee will be doing a budget for next year soon, so we can plan our spending a bit better. Things on the agenda are shade cloth structures, more bench seats (Council may have some help here), more work on the cameras. That should have Lindsay a little less nervous at the end of the financial year.

The only other thing I have is the best flying weather is coming up, with lots of comps about. The ALES comp has just been, a team for the VMAA is coming along nicely, and 2 aerotows coming up, first at Wangaratta, and another at Bairnsdale. Participate or spectate, it’s all good aeromodelling.

So, go chase some thermals Col

VARMS is hosting a car boot sale in conjunction with the March 11th General Meeting

6 – 8 pm

The meeting will start at 8.30pm

We will be also be providing a BBQ during the sale.

Nothing too difficult here – turn up with your boot/trailer/car full of stuff you wish to sell. You may want to consider producing a list of available goodies to hand out for people’s consideration.

The President Colin Collyer

Please send articles & photos for publication to

editor@VARMS.org.au

Aspectivity March 2016

Car Boot Sale...... Massive clear-out of started and unfinished projects Sport 40 C/W OS 46, flaps, taildragger, JR Servos......Pilot high winger c/w OS25 & JR Servos ......Piper Cub 56in electric......Piper Cub 80inch Ideal electric tug......Balsacraft FW190 elec......Funny Park GWS elec (virgin).....Hob King T34 elec (virgin)..... S&B Me 163 elec.virgin...Eastern Hobbies 40 trainer.......Kamco Kadet (virgin)......Flair Magnatilla........UK club 20 f/g fuz etc(virgin).......Bixler 2(virgin).......Balsa USA Etrich Taube.(virgin).....Epp slopers......Windrider Scout Bee 60 inch (virgin)...... Zagi.......Fox very small sloper.......Starters..... Chargers.... O&S's galore. I have also got for sale a few scale book copies by Martin Simons that are no longer in print. They are A3 format in folders....Slingsby Story.....Vintage Sailplanes.....Sailplanes ????

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to attend Friday’s meeting. Ifffffff anything takes your fancy give me a ring......... Colin Smith 9874 3480

The Victorian section of the above Association now meets at the VARMS Clubroom on the 4th Thursday in every month, except December when there is no meeting. Starting time is around 8.00 pm. Supper is provided and friendly discussion follows. Attendance fee $3.00 to cover costs. The meeting takes the form of a “show and tell” with members, and others, bringing along their projects to present to the gathering. Also there may be discussion on technical matters related to electric models. There is normally a lot of experience amongst those present, so it is a good time to sort out any problems. Max Haysom 9801 3899

Classifieds

Aspectivity March 2016

Meeting commenced 19:58 with approximately 40 members in attendance

Apologies: Colin Smith, Geoff Moore, Ian Slack, Tim Morland New Members: Alex Dimech Visitors: Terry Pollock (VP LDMFA)

Minutes of December Meeting as printed in Aspectivity be accepted. Moved Gary McDougall, Seconded Phipps Gay

Presidents Report

Thanks to Philip Rechter and team who supported our display at the Sandown F1 event. There was a good crowd over the course of the day and lots of questions and interest in VARMS.

The windsocks are located at either end of the pits for good reason. They serve as a visual indicator of the pit area is a no fly zone. Members are not to remove or relocate them.

We may be able to purchase an honour board that is approximately twice the size of our current board for $600. After discussion the majority of members present voted in favour of purchasing the new honour board. (4 members voted against)

On Anzac day power flying will be extended until 1pm for the warbird day.

VARMS has been invited to have a static display at the Scoresby Steamfest rally 12th – 14th March. After discussion Lew Rodman volunteered to organise our display for this event.

We are in the process of updating our printed rules to include the “no flying on days of total fire ban” rule, which was omitted by mistake. The majority of members present were aware of the rule.

We have heard that Australia Post delivery times have increased significantly since the introduction of the 2 tier delivery system. This may mean Aspectivity is not delivered to all members prior to the monthly meeting as we have come to expect. Electronic delivery via email is one way to ensure you receive your copy on time.

General Business

Alan Mayhew introduced and explained the VARMS Level 1 achievement task. The task to be achieved in a single flight is: 100m launch, 5 min thermal task, land in the “box” 15m * 6m (using landing tapes as per ALES)

Defibrillator - there was a request form the floor that we hold a defibrillator refresher session for members.

Treasurer Thanks to keeping a close watch on our expenditure we have sufficient funds for normal operating expenses through to the end of the financial year.

Secretary Correspondence In

Scoresby Steamfest Invitation

VMAA flyers for various events hosted by Victorian clubs in the coming months

Correspondence Out

Scoresby Steamfest

February 2016 General Meeting Minutes Andrew Allen

Aspectivity March 2016

Competition Report

Bruce Clapperton advised the next round of the VARMS ALES competition is on 5th March.

There were a number of SAM events at the recent P&DARCS 50th anniversary event. VARMS members placed in most of these events.

VMAA Trophy is to be held on 14th & 15th May and we are looking to field a team. If you are willing and able to participate please see Graham Sullivan.

Danny Malcman – The January VARMS aero tow was a successful day. Well done to Anthony, Tim and Steve for a great display of aero towing at the Sandown F1 event. Shepparton aero tow enjoyed great thermals. Wangaratta on the long weekend in March is a memorial to Dave Roberts. Jerilderie is on again this Easter and will be sponsored by Model Flight, so no entry fees. There will also be a demonstration of GPS triangle racing during the weekend.

We have received an invitation to conduct a demonstration aero tow weekend at Bairnsdale State Field. Anthony Peate is coordinating this and will advise the date when confirmed. Tentative date is 16th & 17th April.

Training Good numbers at training with a couple of new trainees as a result of our Sandown display.

Show & Tell Terry Pollock, Vice President of Lilydale District Model Flying Association (LDMFA) gave us an overview of the program for the air show they will be holding on 20th March. Lots of flying action with all aspects of model flying represented.

Meeting closed 21:00

Flying Event Calendar

Name Date/s Location Further Info

Car Boot Sale (6pm) 11/3/16 VARMS Glider Field This Aspectivity

General Meeting (8.30pm)

11/3/16 VARMS Glider Field VARMS.org.au

Dave Roberts Memorial Aerotow

12 - 14/3/16 (Labour Day Weekend)

Wangaratta VARMS.org.au

Open Thermal #7 12 - 13/3/16 Milang (SA) rcga.org.au

VARMS Training 20/3/16 VARMS Glider Field VARMS.org.au

Aerotow 20/3/16 Lilydale VARMS.org.au

AEFA meeting 24/3/16 VARMS Glider Field VARMS.org.au

JR Aerotow 25 – 28/3/16

(Easter) Jerilderee (NSW) Facebook

National Electric Flight Rally

25 – 28/3/16 (Easter)

Canberra www.aefanet.com

VARMS Training 3/4/16 VARMS Glider Field VARMS.org.au

General Meeting 8/4/16 VARMS Glider Field VARMS.org.au

Please note 8.30pm March General Meeting start time

Aspectivity March 2016

Hi to all aerotowing participants. We've had a very good start for the year, with very successful aerotows at VARMS and Shepparton.

The next two months will be even busier with Aerotowing events. March Wangaratta inaugural aerotow March 12 - 14th (Labor Day long weekend)

Dave Roberts memorial

All proceeds go to beyond blue foundation

Sponsored by Albury Hobby shop

Jerilderie March 25 – 28 (Easter)

Sponsored by Model Flight

Free entry

GPS Triangle racing demonstration by a world champion John Copland

Lylidale Open Day March 20 Aerotowing demonstration by our team

April VARMS aerotow April 9th

Bairnsdale April 16 – 17 The BADMAC (Bairnsdale club) requested the VARMS aerotowing group to show case aerotowing over the two day event at their club.

ps ALES comps on 5th of March and 2nd of April, hence no VARMS aerotow in March

Come along to the inaugural Wangaratta Aerotow March 12th and 13th 2016.

$30 entry for the weekend, all proceeds go to Beyong Blue Foundation, plus a dollar or two per tow to the tow plane pilots to help cover the fuel costs.

Venue located at 100 Shanley Street, Wangaratta

VARMS Scale Calendar for 2016 Daniel Malcman

Aspectivity March 2016

The first Altitude Limited Electric Soaring event for the year was run on the 5th of March in fair conditions. After a bit of extra recruitment of pilots and the loan of a battery we managed to get 8 starters. Flights were in groups of 4 pilots and we ran two consecutive flights with the same people to save a bit of time. There was a good mix of models - two mouldies, three built up 2.5 meter models, Colin's smaller full house model and two 2 meter rudder elevator 2 channel models. Flaps are definitely an advantage on landings, but the lightweight 2 meter models seem to score well and are very competitive. Many thanks to Martin Hopper and the other volunteers who helped out with the timing and recording of the scores. The result after six flights was: 1. David Pratley (The Invincible!!!) followed by Danny Malcman and his electro First Plus, then Anthony Peate with the club (Rocket) Prelude. Next event is the 2nd of April, followed by the 4th of June. Scores:

1. David Pratley 6000 2. Danny Malcman 5336 3. Anthony Peate 5170 4. Zdenek Busek 4930 5. Colin Kahn 4866 6. Bruce Clapperton 4517 7. David Anderson 2340 8. Andrew Battersby 2000

ALES Competition Bruce Clapperton

Please send articles & photos for publication to

editor@VARMS.org.au

Aspectivity March 2016

Aussie Sailplane Day

VARMS is hosting a Australian Sailplane Day to coincide with the April monthly aerotow meet. The theme of the day is to bring along your Aussie Scale Sailplane.

What constitutes an Aussie Scale Sailplane?

Any sailplane designed and manufactured in Australia, e.g.: A selection of Australian Sailplane models: ES52 Kookaburra (short wing) ES52B Kookaburra (long wing) ES53 Granau Baby IV ES60 Boomerang

Any overseas designed & manufactured sailplane that has flown in Australia, or is currently flying here (model must represent the appropriate colour scheme and markings of the

Australian example), e.g.: LET L-13 Blanik, VH-GVT

We would like you to bring along your model, either for static display or aerotow (the latter conducted in a relaxed manner)

Invitations are being sent to other clubs who have known models that fit the theme.

A number of awards will be presented on the day.

Date Saturday 9th April Where VARMS Glider Field, Wantirna South

Please direct any questions to Geoff Hearn 97293889

Aspectivity March 2016

I thought I would share this review that I had done about 2 years ago, I believe it is still very valid for trainees wishing to fly an aircraft with a real ‘feel’. Besides being a great training aircraft, it will allow the pilot to progress well into the intermediate aerobatic stages if you want to. The project started after some interesting discussions with club members as to what constitutes a good all round training aircraft.

There is certainly a huge volume of information on the web, from manufacturers, wholesalers, retail stores, blogs, and many threads and comments from forums. Most claims are to the success and ‘best ever’, as well as some fairly outrageous statements.

There are no better resources for me than modeling people I know and respect and that the advice and discussions are based from people who have no commercial involvement. There seemed to be a strong feeling to use the time honored and hugely successful format of the original gas .40 or .46 trainer. For learning purposes, these models all exhibit good flying characteristics, some dihedral on the wings, generally trike landing gear, ailerons and generous wing areas. How do I translate this into an electric equivalent? (Gas engines rattle the airframe, electric – not so much, so a potentially lighter airframe is a strong possibility.

There are many models around; most are still gas dominant, with electric conversion options. Not really what I wanted and was guided in the direction of an identified Electric specific trainer – Phoenix Classic EP. There are quite a few videos on YouTube, with an interesting review by David Hipperson for the RCM magazine.

A call to Xerxes Cooper of XC-RC got a promise to place an order with importer and to try and get one into store, asking the rep to deliver, which he did. Collected model at shop approximately 5:00pm and with some concentrated work in the evening and next day had it ready to fly by midday on Friday. It still took approx 10 hours of work time, but some of that was self induced as I used smaller servos (mid size 3 kg torque), so new servo trays were required. Small changes in a couple of areas that I believed would enhance the flying and setup were done.

In saying this, I am really impressed with the kit, how it goes together and component quality. From the outset, I recommend that any newcomer to the sport asks for some advice and help, both in choosing the model, as well as the variables like motors, speed controllers, servo’s and batteries.

Phoenix Classic EP Trainer Kit Review Colin Kahn

Aspectivity March 2016

This is an ARF kit that does not have a high part count. Follow the instructions (easy for me as nearly all in pictures with a small amount of writing) and you will be rewarded with completed aircraft in a reasonable time.

Wing: The wing is supplied in 2 halves with a dihedral brace to join. Marking appropriately and ensuring dry fit, used epoxy to glue one side of the brace into one wing half and let that go off. Dry fit check again and then using 30 minute epoxy joined the wing halves and used masking tape and a couple of light clamps to ensure that the two halves remains aligned and tight up on each other. As I was using a mid-size servo and not full size, made a new servo tray and epoxied into place. Please note the offset placement of the push rods to give mechanical differential.

Fuselage: Once again, follow instructions and all will be OK. Horizontal and vertical stabs were perfect fits. Remove covering where required and really ensure alignments then glue with medium and thin cyano.

The rudder push rod was binding a little, so removed some timber where it exits the fuselage to go to the moving surface which helped. When fitting the push rod to the steerable nose arm for the nose wheel, I needed to drill another hole slightly higher than the existing on in the firewall. This allowed a more direct connection and limited the servo from binding.

Where the holes are drilled for the main landing gear, I relieved the top a little so as to take care of the bend in the wire, which allowed the gear to drop a little lower and be flush with the bottom of the fuselage.

A little work in both the battery bay, as well as in the wing mounting area were required to make everything fit as I required. Dremel tools rock!!!!!!

Even using a 12 x 6 propeller there is enough space to clear the runway without touching.

Aspectivity March 2016

Flying: The proof will always be in the success of the final product.

I arrived Saturday afternoon at the field with some fairly strong and turbulent weather. Had another pilot do an independent check of the airframe and build and then checked the amp draw with a fresh pack and a range check. All good to go.

The weather a little more turbulent and gusty than I would like, but this is supposed to be an airframe and power plant that will take on most situations….. so time to fly. Double checked the control directions as well as all moving surfaces.

Take off was straight down the runway with required up elevator to bring the aircraft off the deck. (The aircraft is set up with a very slightly shorter nose wheel which means that pilot has to induce the climb out, with a resulting suck down onto the strip when landing. A fantastic bonus that limits landing bounce.)

The flight was a dream, no trimming required and a joy to fly, roll, loop, stall turn, fly inverted and do most maneuvers easily. As a trainer aircraft, stall is a very big factor and concern. Went high and into wind, cut throttle and eased high rate elevator until it stalled. Just a small bob and recover, bob and recover. Same downwind with a small turn drop of the left wing. Brilliant!!!!!!!

Glide is surprisingly good and tests done both into and downwind. Landings are great, power on or power off. Just set up and let it fly itself to the strip. Roll out is extremely short, possibly due to the limited weight of the aircraft and the ability to slow up well.

Did a batch of take-offs and landings with a variance of set ups, including some gusty and crosswind landings. You have to fly it in, this should be normal for all aircraft, so a great learning tool.

Next step was to get a student onto the controls. This was done with a fresh pack and a very happy pilot after 7 minutes. Multiple students had a go over the next few weeks and within approximately 6 weeks, had 5 in the air. Awesome!!!

Specs:

Weight: 1820g (including 4s 2650ma battery Motor: 2820 Tiger 830kv Speedie: HobbyKing Plush 40a Battery: Turnigy 4s 2650ma - 40c Prop: 12 x 6 electric Servo's: 3 x 20g Current draw: 38amps on fresh pack

Please send articles & photos for publication to

editor@VARMS.org.au

Aspectivity March 2016

Steve Stosic photo

Colin teaching Sharon how to operate the winch. Steve Stosic photo

Eyes all upwards at the sky. John Lamont photo

Brian Laughton receiving the Roy Robinson trophy John Lamont photo

P&DARCS 50th Anniversary day Steve Stosic & Brian Laughton

Aspectivity March 2016

Don Gray’s Lanzo Bomber. John Lamont photo

Competitors for the Foam Glider event. John Lamont photo

Col Collyer launching his “Tomboy”. John Lamont photo

Kevin Fryer preparing his “Cumulus” John Lamont photo

Foam glider mass launch. John Lamont photo

Aspectivity March 2016

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Mowing Roster

Field Alan Gray Graeme Hollis

Martin Hopper Robert Kassell

Tim Stewart Geoff Moore

Runway & Pits: Ken Thompson 1st week

Peter Griffiths 2nd week

Paul Van Tongeren 3rd week

Alan Taylor 4th week

Heliport: Geoff Moore

Standard Operating Times for VARMS Glider Field:

*Aerotow: Second Saturday each month, 12.00 Noon till 5.00 pm "Glider" is any Glider, or electric glider, flown as a glider, ie. climb and glide Clubrooms: All days 7.00 am till 11.00 pm

For queries or problems regarding this timetable, please contact Max Haysom or Colin Collyer.

All material published in Aspectivity is the copyright of the author of the article.

Any Problems with the field, ring Henry Wohlmuth

9764 1921

Training Dates

20th Mar & 3rd Apr

Training radio Frequencies are now

on 2.4 GHz

VARMS Training is kindly sponsored by:

Hyperion Australia

The Keyboard

Your frequency key should have your full name written clearly on it so that you can be easily recognised and contacted in case of a frequency clash. Mobile phone number on the key is a good idea too, in case you have departed and left your key in the board thus stopping someone else using that frequency. Members using 2.4 GHz sets should still insert a standard key in the appropriate section of the keyboard.

Mon Tue Wed Thur Fri Sat Sun 8am-Noon (power) Power Glider Power Glider Power Power Glider Dawn-Noon (glider)

Noon-5pm (AEST) (power) Noon-5pm (AEDST) (power) Glider Power Glider Power Glider Glider Glider

Noon-Dusk (glider)

Aspectivity March 2016

Opinions expressed in Aspectivity may not represent the view of VARMS Inc. Editor or Printer. VARMS Inc., the Editor and the Printer accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the content.

President Colin Collyer 9561 9097 president@varms.org.au VP & Site Liaison Max Haysom 9801 3899 vp@varms.org.au Secretary Andrew Allen 97238303 secretary@varms.org.au Treasurer Lindsay Henderson 97527415 treasurer@varms.org.au Contest Director Alan Mayhew 0412 994 213 cd@varms.org.au Editor Glenn Salisbury 9404 2157 editor@varms.org.au Ordinary Member Martin Hopper 9873 8256 ordinary@varms.org.au Membership Secretary Tim Morland 97032696 membership@varms.org.au Heli Group Rep Geoff Moore 9802 2044 heli@varms.org.au Sports Power Rep Graham Sullivan 95297095 power@varms.org.au

Asset Manager Ken Thompson 0401819564 asset@varms.org.au Webmaster Michael Best web_master@varms.org.au

VARMS Web Site: http://www.varms.org.au – for up to date info on VARMS

Current Members: If you change your address, please notify the Registrar and VMAA,so that we can maintain the correct addressing of this Newsletter.

Potential Members: If you are interested in joining VARMS, or learning more about our activities, please contact the Secretary, or other Committee member.

VARMS (Inc.) was formed in 1968 to get together aero-modelers who were interested in building and flying radio controlled gliders. Members fly at many places, but have a home field, within the Knox Regional Sports Park (South Wantirna) some 60 metres west of the rear of the State Basketball Centre- Entrance off George Street, where Training Classes with dual controlled gliders are held every second Sunday 10-1.00pm. A calendar for training is attached to the flying field gate.

VARMS Training is kindly sponsored by Hyperion Australia.

VARMS organizes regular competitions in both Slope and Thermal Soaring, from fun-fly, scale, open competition and self launching (electric) gliders. General Meetings are held on the SECOND FRIDAY of each month (except January) – at the VARMS Clubroom near State Basketball Centre (as above) and, during daylight saving time there may be limited flying allowed before Meeting starts at 8.00pm. Visitors are welcome. Formalities are usually followed by lively discussions on matters of interest to all modellers followed by a cup of your favourite brew.

Victorian Association of Radio Model Soaring Inc. Organisation No. A0001504U

Affiliated with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI)

The World Air Sports Federation