Model Aerosport SA - Events Calendar 2011

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.

Losi TEN-SCTE Preview

We’ve been big fans of the TEN-T since we first saw it and have always thought that platform could be adapted to so many other vehicles. The first variant was the 810, a 1/8-scale buggy version of the TEN-T chassis. The latest edition to the TEN-family is perhaps the most exciting. Capitalizing on the popularity of the 4WD Short Course Class, Losi has taken this versatile platform and retrofitted it for use in this class with the debut of the TEN-SCTE.

Combining what was great about the TEN-T and 810 with some Short Course Truck magic, the TEN-SCTE promises to be one of the dominate chassis in this class. Losi’s Ryan Dunford was key in developing, first the 810, and now the TEN-SCTE. Ryan was kind enough to spend some time with us recently to talk about how the TEN-SCTE came into being, some of the design challenges, what this truck does so well and some options that are out there for this truck along with the 810 and the TEN-T. We’re sure you’re going to be just as excited as we are for the TEN-SCTE.

Team Losi Racing 22 2WD Buggy Preview

Team Losi Racing is back in the 1/10-scale electric game with a vengeance with the debut of their new 2WD buggy. Dubbed the 22, it marks a totally new direction in terms of design, features, tuning, materials and more from previous designs. Perhaps the most innovative new feature on this new platform is the ability to reconfigure it from a traditional rear motor configuration to a mid-motor configuration, totally altering how the car handles and jumps. The best part is that you’ll be able to make the switch without having to purchase any additional components. It’s quite literally like having two different vehicles in one box.

The 22 has a number of other outstanding and innovative features that, while unavailable or expensive options on other chassis, come as standard equipment on the 22. All-new top-filled shocks grace the four corners of the 22 and have been modeled after the ones found on the larger 8IGHT 2.0 Race Roller. Their larger 12mm diameter and thick, titanium-nitride-coated shock shafts provide the 22 with a plush suspension that is incredibly smooth. Speaking of titanium nitride all the hinge pins feature the gold sheen that it is noted for. The 22 also omits a traditional bellcrank system, instead opting for a unique slider rack that has nearly friction-free operation. And a car is nothing without a sturdy backbone and the 22 has just that thanks to the 2.5mm thick precision-machined 7075-T6 aluminum chassis plate. That’s right, I said aluminum.

Come along with us as we share the details with you on what is sure to be the pinnacle of 1/10-scale buggy performance in the Team Losi Racing 22.

Understanding E-flite's Carbon-Z Technology

Z-Foam planes have become very popular in the hobby because of their robust durability and overall great flying qualities. They are easily repaired by the CA glues of today or with new spare parts, the choice is yours. E-flite brings you a new level of Z-Foam, called Carbon-Z. Using an entirely new design philosophy in the structure, Carbon-Z structure combines a blend of carbon, plywood, and Z-Foam. No longer are wings completely solid, with Carbon-Z they are molded in a built-up format with ribs to include a full composite structure inside to deliver rigidity only found in the past in higher-level wood model aircraft. This composite blend gives you the highest level of quality in a foam model to help deliver only the highest level of performance at the flying field. Because of the internal structure there is no maintenance, incredible strength, and great looks for the most demanding modelers.

World renowned Quique Somenzini has imbedded his expertise and knowledge into this new design. This technology currently has patents pending and is the future of lightweight, extreme performance foam aircraft. The Carbon-Z Yak 54 has been designed for extreme 3D flight, but as Quique explains, this technology could be used in models of all sizes. We believe after reviewing the incredible strength, rigidity, and great looks you will find this new level of technology is just what you have been waiting for.

Specifications:

• Exceptionally strong and lightweight Carbon-Z airframe
• High-performance prop optimized for precision and 3D flying
• Low friction carbon rod hinges
• Replaceable wings, stab, landing gear and control surfaces
• Quickly disassembles for transport or storage in the box
• 
  

NEW! Spektrum DX3R Pro Racing System Just Announced!

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The DX3R PRO is packed with first-class software, including servo speed adjustment, ABS, traction control and 50-model memory. It’s marine-compatible and comes with four timer functions—including a rolling lap timer. When it's time for software updates, the DX3R PRO's SD card functionality makes it simple.*
*SD card not included.

Advanced Ergonomics. Designed to Fit the Way You Drive. 
The Spektrum DX3R PRO is an advanced-level surface transmitter system. So naturally it comes with advanced-level ergonomics. Everything about the DX3R PRO is made to fit the way you drive, from the optional dropdown steering wheel to the easy-to-read backlit screen to the large grip. Right- and left-hand settings are also included.

Built-In Telemetry: Check temp, speed and voltage in real-time. 
Drive smarter with the DX3R PRO. You can monitor your engine or motor temperature, keep tabs on your engine rpm's or vehicle speed, track battery voltage, and check your lap time. The DX3R PRO and integrated telemetry let you do all this right from the large LCD readout. Transmitter also includes vibrating and audible alerts.

Spektrum TM SR3100 DSM2TM 3-Channel Receiver 
The SR3100 is specifically designed to take full advantage of the DX3R PRO’s advanced DSM2 spread spectrum. This technology provides glitch-free performance and the fastest response of any spread spectrum receiver. It’s all yours in a package that can easily fit on a 1/18-scale chassis.

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Indoor with the Phoenix in December 2010

A quite sufficient number of flyers attended ETSA Park for the usual fly-in to enable the Southern Soaring League to expand its waist-line a little. I could not help but to open my photo gallery this month with a shot of a smiling “Candyman” aka Peter Smythe. With his major task at this time of the year being to fill the tummies of the little children with lollies, if he did not keep up the supply, then their Christmas celebrations would be non events. But, even with all that pressure on him, Pete would not have been there without the enormous power-over for him to attend by his best mate, Viney who is aka Vincent Pike.
The smile that is visible on Peter’s face was there the entire time that he was flying and it was even visible shortly after when he was joined by from the left, Mike O’Reilly and Vin. A lot of pressure was placed on Peter by the rest of his friends with the numerous offers to “Hey Pete, fly this” or “give this a go Pete” as yet another transmitter was thrust into his hands. His history of being one of the most skilful fliers in the State put little, if any risk to the owner’s property and it seemed to go on throughout the evening. I feel sure he will return.

Jenni Rudloff, as well as her husband Klaus, had brought her mum along to see what we get up to at ETSA Park and I hope that mum appreciated the many friends with whom both Jenni and Klaus usually associate, when they go to indoor flying.

It is too late now for me to tell you that your wives would like “The Beast” for Christmas, so I guess you’ll all have to go and buy one for yourself. I have included a picky of the gorgeous little aircraft, again just to whet your appetites a little more. I cannot heap sufficient praise on this little beauty as one of the best models of this type to come from Horizon Hobbies in the USA and the best thing to come to ETSA Park so come and look for yourself. Not really for the beginner as Matthew Waye showed all present on this night, there are few manoeuvres that The Beast cannot accomplish. especially in Matty’s super skilful hands.

My final picture is of expert indoor flyer, J.J. and a flying mate of his. I don’t know who cracked the funny, but golleeee, they were out of control. The Blade helis are still proving to be ultra popular from the smallest MCX through the 120 SR to the Blade 400 which is the largest permitted helicopter at Indoor and it is pleasing to see the progress that Greg and others through their perseverance are making. Keep up the magnificent job chaps – well done. I have been holding back on the publication of this month’s story dear readers because we have not had our programme for 2011 confirmed by the ETSA Park Netball association manager. We are fairly confident that it will be and that we will still meet on the third Thursday of each month from 8.30pm to 10.30pm with no change in the costs. However, when available, the good people at Model Flight on Goodwood Road will post a notice to that affect.