MODEL PLANES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27058, 18 April 1949, Page 6

MODEL PLANES

SOUTH ISLAND CHAMPION- • SHIPS LIVELY ENTERTAINMENT Special to the Daily Times OAmArU, Apl. 17. Scores of children, and many adults, too, were treated to lively entertainment at King George’s Park and at Ferry road, Oamaru, during the weekend, when the first post-war South Island Model Aeroplane Championships were staged. A total of 57 amateur enthusiasts from Palmerston North, Christchurch, Ashburton, Oamaru, Dunedin and Invercargill, representing some 150 model aeroplanes, took part.. and among the planes flown were highpowered engine models capable of reaching over 100 miles an hour. Since the war, model aei’oplane clubs have staged a great revival and models have shown much improvement in design, flying capacity and stamina compared with pre-war days. One of the most interesting features of the programme was the controlled flying section, which was first introduced in America in 1941 and tame to New Zealand in 1945. This type of flying gives the enthusiast opportunity to fly in confined areas, and also adds scope to the stunting section. In addition, followers of the sport are able to construct models of full-sized aircraft. In pre-war days the power models proved to be cumbersome contraptions but during and since the war, motor designs have been greatly improved, enabling lighter and faster machines to take the air.

The largest entry in the championships was in the free flight section, and here again models have shown a vast improvement, engines being made lighter and more powerful. The average model in this section had a wing span of from four to six feet and varied in weight from half a pound to 61b. A oopular entry was the rubberpowered group, more commonly known as the Wakefield class. This class, which was' instituted by Lord Wakefield of Heath in 1921, has attained international fame, and the flying of these models requires a great deal of skill because of the rigid rules governing the class. Although the gas engine classes are proving increasingly popular, the winning of the Wakefield Cup is considered to be the highest honour that can be attained by any club. What is considered to be a New Zealand record was established by D. Kennedy (Oamaru) in the open rubber rise-off-ground, Kennedy’s model remained in the air for 17rnin 44sec, after which it became enveloped in cloud, and time was called. As far as could be ascertained, the previous record is just over 12 minutes, and it is intended to claim the New Zealand championship title. Results:—

South Island Duration Trophy (30sec motor run). —G. Dellow (Christchurch). 4min 16sec, 1; W. Clemens (Christchurch), 3min 27sec, 2; A. Williams (Dunedin), 2min 30sec, 3. Open Rubber Rise-ofT-ground.—D. Kennedy (Oamaru). 17min 44sec, 1; J. Burke (Oamaru), lmin lsec. 2: W. Clemens, 53sec, 3. « -

Towline Glider.—L. E. Napper (Dunedin), 3min 33sec (out of sight), 1: G. F. Newton (Christchurch), lmin lOsec, 2; L. Sutherland (Invercargill), 56sec, 3. Chuck Gliders.—McAulay (Timaru), 4min 15sec, 1; G. Westoby (Timaru), 33sec, 2; R. Hind (Timaru), 28sec, 3. Hand Launch Spar.—K. Lilley (Christchurch). 4min 27sec. 1: G. P. Newton (Christchurch), lmin 40sec. 2: A. King (Christchurch), lmin 12sec, 3. Gotch Precision Flight Trophy (50 point's for appearance and workmanship and 50 points for take-off. flight, and landing).—G. Gudsell (Timaru). 83 points, 1; E. Harris (Dunedin), 79 points, 2: p. Dyer (Christchurch). 78 points. 3. Wakefield Flight (average of three flights).—D. Kennedy (Oamaru), lmin 40sec, 1: J. A. Coker (Dunedin), lmin 4sec, 2- L E. Napper (Dunedin). 38sec. 3.