October Indoor a “Balls-Up” (Table Tennis Balls, that is)

A disappointing night was ahead for all those dedicated indoor fliers who turned up for our October Indoor meeting for the air was filled with, rather than model aeroplanes – balls! Yes, ETSA Park was hosting a round of the Masters Games Table Tennis Championships and, as far as the eye could see, every square inch of the floor space was occupied by a table tennis table. Many of our regulars arrived expecting to fly, only to be turned away at the door.

It was disappointing for Mike and The Phoenix because these activities have been proceeding for a couple of weeks, or more and, even though we had pre-booked the stadium for the third Thursday of each month, throughout the year, no one at ETSA had seen fit to advise us of the cancellation. Peter, from Naracoorte had been in Model Flight’s retail shop at 130 Goodwood Road and, hearing of the indoor meet that night, had delayed his return home to join us. He was one of many who were turned away.

We have always maintained that the Indoor Movement is the “poor cousin” when speaking of booking contracts with ETSA Park and that Netball S.A. always has first option and we religiously respect that but, THIS WAS NOT NETBALL!

Even though we are a comparatively small group of people who are involved in our indoor flying sport, we were treated in a fairly callous manner in not being advised of the cancellation. Mike and I apologise to all those who came along on this unfortunate night and we can only hope that there is not a repeat performance.

Hang in there dear friends – sincerely – “The Phoenix.”

Indoor Flying with Modelflight

Indoor flying is on on Thursday 15th July at ETSA Park in Adelaide, from 2030-2230!

All pilots are welcome with any model plane or helicopter up to 450 size, only $10 to fly and spectators get in free!

Come along and you may get a sneak peak of the brand new Blade 120 SR heli in action! (not available until early August!)

The Merry Month of May at 'Indoor' by Alan Marks, aka The Phoenix

I am quite sure that I have said before but, at the risk of repeating myself, I shall say it again… "Our fly-people at indoor are, as to their numbers, quite unpredictable.” This was the case at our May indoor engagement, when only nine fliers were active throughout the night. I had arranged with one of Australia’s leading motor sport photographers, Mr John Lemm, to have my r/c road train at ETSA Park for him to conduct a photo shoot at various times during our flying. I guess, to that end, we were fortunate in the small numbers as there was no interruption to their flying at any time.

One of the most attractive innovations to our flying, was the first-ever appearance of Brenton Wildman’s delightful little Sabre Jet, which was flown with his normal display of dexterity and all that other nice stuff that one can say in an effort to cover him with praise. My first picture shows Brenton displaying his Sabre but, unfortunately, I am not able to show in this article, how impressive was his flying display. So well controlled was this little ducted fan model that it was an absolute pleasure to watch.

There were a few little helis darting around the sky like radio controlled gnats through the two hours, with the degree of heli displays being enhanced by a couple of very patient “trainees” who contented themselves by hovering with their trainee-undercarriage no more than a metre above the highly polished netball stadium floor, and steady enough for us to read “Blade 400” on their fuselages.The very thorough Mr. Lemm got himself all spread-eagled when looking for his best angle for one of his photographs.

As can be seen from the shot of the Road Train at completion, its forty eight wheels roll along nicely, carrying the three trailers and two dollies to its next destination.

Brad Merryweather, his brother-in-law Adam and Peter, the father of his wife, showed considerable interest as Adam has just commenced construction of a similar model. Good luck Adam. For me, it is the end of a 6-year labour of love, sourcing kits and bits and pieces from, mainly U.S.A. but also from N.Z. and Germany. I am very proud of it so why shouldn’t I pose with my final production which could not have been done without enormous help from Mike O’Reilly and his company Modelflight.

Next month at ETSA Park, which falls on the 17th June, why not come along and join us, from 8.30p.m. to 10.30p.m. where it will cost you absolutely nothing to watch – BUT – if you toss a model in the boot, it will only cost you ten dollars to fly. What else could you do on a cold June night? Go to bed? Well – you know what could result from that and, dear readers, ask yourselves, “Wouldn’t it be cheaper to go flying where the fun will last for two hours???”

The Phoenix.

Indoor Flying with Modelflight

Indoor flying at ETSA Park was held on the 20th May with Modelflight staff taking the opportunity to get out flying themselves. Here is a quick update from Brenton:

"The cold may have been a reason there were a few less than last month arriving to fly. Alan had his Big Rig all set up and drove around a few times - the sound effects it produces is very realistic. At times there were a lot of micro planes in the air with some 'close formation' flying. Popular models flown were the Parkzone Ultra Micro J-3 Cub, HobbyZone Champ, Blade SR heli's and the Eflite Jenny JN-4 Slow Flyer

I managed to fly the F86 EDF jet during a break by the other flyers - for a plane to have only 40 watts of power(4 amps!), it can fly fast and turn quickly when the walls suddenly approach." Brenton

Next month's indoor flying will be held on Thursday 17th June, 2030-2230 at ETSA Park, Adelaide