INDOOR AT ETSA PARK GETS CRACKING IN 2011

Commencing our indoor activities for January 2011 may have seen a group of fliers, perhaps slightly lower in numbers, but sky high in enthusiasm unite at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium, which this year has introduced a new Manager in Nadine Hewson. Goodness, in my earlier days a lady manager was known as the Manageress, but then, my mum would not have been seen shopping in trousers, nor my dad seen at work in shorts. We must all be grateful for history changing itself.

We welcomed David Wearing-Smith back after a forced break due to his flying full size and Andy Hollitt quickly put him in control of the delightful and very popular Blade 120SR. Each night we see more and more of these great little single-rotor helicopters which have proved to be the next upward step from the numerous double rotored machines that have been flitting about like a pack of lost horseflies at most indoor venues. David had not flown a heli prior to this night and he was soon hovering Andy’s machine like a professional and, whilst I didn’t see him do it, it was reported that he was soon endeavouring to land on Andy’s little helipad. My picture shows them quite happily calling time out for a few minutes. David is the one with the larger smile on the right.


I was not of much value to the publicity side of our activities on this night for I was too busy introducing a pair (unmatched) of Go-carts, although the slippery floor and the slicks on the carts made them virtually uncontrollable and I was quite contented to hand the transmitters to a pair of my protégés, Mitchell and Matthew to enjoy themselves between flying their tiny Blade MCX. I’m pleased to report that they made little more progress than did some of the grown-ups. I have included a picture of my two “Goeys” and there is a short story regarding the red one. When I was painting the red machine, I thought it a shame to colour the driver for, with his white driving suit and dark faced helmet, he reminded me of a quite popular Englishman and I quote from memory …… “some say that he has never driven a go-cart and that his family jewels are too large to fit in the driver’s seat, but as for me, I just call him The Stig.”

Back to the serious side. I took two “go-eys” to ETSA – the red one is the cheaper of the two by quite a large amount and is a product eminating from Hong Kong. The smaller one drives its power through a very neat differential and the entire model is a work of art which you will find on the shelves at Model Flight’s Goodwood road store or online. Andy, who drives consistently at Hobby Habit a couple of days each week, tried in vain to control my cart outside in the car park and was heard to say that he will endeavour to source some sensible tyres for it.

I thought that the continual, lap after lap, hands free flights of the little Trojan were a sight to behold. I must apologise for not knowing the name of the pilot but he trimmed the Trojan so perfectly that it flew around the stadium with barely any deflection from its course for its entire performance. He is seen in my final picture, nursing this ever-so successful little model which, of course is yet another flying machine that you will find on the shelves at Model Flight.

We are back for another year at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium on Railway Avenue, Mile End, flying the same night, the third Thursday of each month right through to Christmas (Oh dear, I didn’t mean to frighten you by mentioning Christmas – we have only just waved goodbye to the last one and put some straw around the place on which to lay our eggs for Easter) with the usual flying time of 8.30pm to 10.30pm. We would truly love to see you come along and its still free if your wish is to be a spectator. If you fly it will only cost you ten dollars.

Greetings to you all for 2011 – sincerely from The Phoenix.

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.

Important Announcement

We have seen several e-mails from Chinese vendors offering the Spektrum AR6100 and AR6100E at very low prices. These receivers are not original Spektrum receivers, but are counterfeit copies, not manufactured by Spektrum, and do not use our specified components.

Consumers are cautioned to make sure they are purchasing original Spektrum receivers in original packaging. Chinese Vendors have the ability to make very visually similar copies, so unfortunately there is no way to easily distinguish between originals and copies. The best thing that consumers can do is to make sure they are purchasing their products from Modelflight or other established hobby and model shops who buy directly from OMP, the exclusive Spektrum Distributor for Australia. All original Spektrum receivers in Australia will carry the C Tick approval sticker.

In addition, some websites are now offering receivers that claim compatibility with Spektrum or DSM2 technology. Horizon Hobby and the Spektrum team have not certified or authorized any other company’s claim of compatibility.

Horizon Hobby (and it’s associated partners,) disclaims any and all liability for any damages or claims arising from the use of any counterfeit Spektrum receiver or any receiver claiming (DSM or) DSM2 compatibility. The consumer assumes all liability for using such products.

Horizon Hobby (Spektrum) and OMP are always striving to ensure your enjoyment in the hobby by developing and producing products to a tight standard of quality and performance. Don’t put your enjoyment at risk by utilizing imitation or untested generic components that could jeopardize the safety of your flying experience.

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

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Modelflight is a retailer of top-of-the-range radio control models and hobby products with an online shop and a retail store in Adelaide, South Australia. The O'Reilly family founded modelflight in 1975 and the shop recently moved premises to 130 Goodwood Road, Goodwood, Adelaide.

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