Model Aeroplane Notes

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 78, 2 April 1932, Page 3 (Supplement)

Model Aeroplane Notes

Continued interest in official records by club members is being shown by the letters I am constantly receiving. At the present time the figures are as follow: — in. s. Indoors — Spar model, liaud launched HO Spur model. U.O.G 3 45 Fuselage, i 1.1- 0 47* Fuselage, 1t.0.G .* •' • r,! 's Biplane IT Outdoors — Spar model, 11.1. - -7 Twin pusher, lI.L - 1■" Fuselage, 11.1. 1 -- Fuselage, R.O.t; 1 U From the list of words available for establishment it can be scan that there are plenty for everybody to have a try at. I have been surprised that no one has yet (to my knowledge) endeavoured to establish a rise-off-water record. Surely with all the harbours lakes and rivers in New Zealand, some boys must have wanted to build and fly seaplanes. I have seen a number of scale model seaplanes and one or two ordinary spar models fitted with floats. In fact, at a recent meeting a member brought along such a model, and had it flying quite well indoors, but as tlie only tank available was about two feet long and nine inches wide, no great success made of the attempt to vise off water. However, it occasioned a lot of fun until the water was spilt on the floor, and the Schneider Cup was '.hen considered over.J The pool of water, however, proved a great attraction for other models not fitted with floats and not doped, unfortunately for their owners. After a few involuntary baths some of these machines were put on the retired list and possibly hung out to dry. I noticed that the " Star " Model Aero Club of Christchurch had some events in their list of competitions for outsiders or non-members. This is an excellent idea for a variation, and should not only make the competitions more interesting, but be a means of getting liew members to join up. I have repeatedly seen that when a boy has been struggling along on his own for a long time and then j joins in with a club and competes against others his flying goes aliead much faster.

Club secretaries would be well'advised to try out this idea at some meeting. To all you boys and girls who are keen aero-modellists, but have not yet joined up with a club, I would also urge that you come along to a meeting and see what fun there is, the various members of the squadrons criticising in a keen but good-natured manner the efforts of the others. The helping of the younger members by the experts is a line thing to see. Someone breaks a propeller. Are they out of the competition? No, for one of their squadron members conies to light with a "Here, Til lend you my propeller. Don't break it too." And so on. "Anybody got a bit of cotton?" "Who'll lend me some cement?" "My word, Dick, your bus flies well —what's the size of your propeller?" All these and more are an indication of the interest and keenness shown.

Mind you, the careful model builder •will always have a spare kit ready for emergencies, ' but it is fine to see the friendly and helpful spirit that pervades these meetings. Boys; if you haven't joined a-club yet, you don't know what you are missing. If you do not know the address of the

nearest model aero club secretary, drop me a line and I will be pleased to let you know. The formation of the New Zealand Model Aeroplane Association has caused gie.lt interest, and should undoubtedly bind together a great band of boys and girls who are interested in this fine sport. One .of the things that I Weed was the idea of a national badge. This will be immediately available to all members of affiliated clubs. It is a fine piece of work, showing, of course, a pair of wings. It is intended that it should be worn over various coloured cloths to indicate the rank of the wearer.

With regard to the Puss Moth competition, this has been postponed in order that the New Zealand Association will be able to run it, and thus make it a truly national affair. I think it will be held in June or July of this year. Good notice will be given all intending competitors. I hope you will remember that I still have plans available. Send mo along a stamped envelope if you want a plan, and I will send it back by return mail. Don't fdrget that this is the get together column for all model aeroplane enthusiasts, so send along your suggestions, records of lliglits, etc., and help to make it representative of the sport.