ACTIO(n)Scale Rally....Grand Opening VMAA State Field Eastern.

Saturday March 7 2015, conditions were a bit blustery but there were plenty of modellers ready and willing to put models skyward.
The inaugural ACTIO(n) Scale Rally was underway.
ACTIO(n) means 'Aeromodellers Competition Three In One (n)', three sections of competition, either, or all sections available to enter depending on your level of excitement.
Section One, Static Scale Concourse,

judging from 4Mts.

Section Two, Flying for Realism.

Section Three, flying for enjoyment.
Entries received were for 21 Pilots, but probably 30 or more models.

Judging of static scale got underway along with some enthusiastic flying.
I thought the rules were rather complicated, but that's apparently because I have never been involved in this level of competition.
Saturday afternoon, the wind got to a speed deemed a little too high and so packing up proceeded about 2:00pm.

Our dedicated catering ladies were kept busy all day.
Sunday 8th was somewhat reduced in windspeed and everyone enjoyed flinging models of all shapes and sizes into the sky.
About 1:30 official stuff happened.
BADMAC President Graeme Martin started proceedings, then handed over to MAAA President Neil Tank,  then to Mayor of East Gippsland Shire, Councillor Peter Neal then to VMAA President Carl Bizon who performed the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the day.
Here are the Opening formalities in more detail.





Tim James flew Barrys old Tiger Moth, to much applause, opening the field.

The official duties over with, models took to the air again until results were collated and more official stuff took place.

Major sponsor 'Addies Hobbies' of Carrum in Melbourne provided a large number of prizes for the event and also put on some very good flying displays of various models by Lucas and his Dad Wayne Newman.

RESULTS:
Pilots Choice - David Chigwidden (SWAMPS) Fairey Gannet
Model of the Meet - Tom Prosser ( Highest sum Flying plus Static) Pace Spirit
Barry James Flight Realism - David Chigwidden (SWAMPS) Fairey Gannet
High Static Non ARF - Brian Hutchinson (BADMAC) SeaFury
High Static Modified ARF - Adrian Fasham (PARCS) Topflight P40
High flight score Day One - Carl Bizon (PARCS) Cessna 182
High flight score Day Two - Ken Nicholls (BADMAC) Chipmonk

A draw then took place so up to 20 registered pilots could select something from the "Goodies" table.
At the cessation of flying all present were invited to attend a wake for Barry James in the shed.
Monday 9th weather was about the same and a handful of pilots enjoyed flying and camaraderie.

BADMAC wishes to thank all people who attended the weekend, not all had brought a model to fly, some just came along to have a good look and enjoy.

Here is a Silent Video Slideshow of the weekend.  It's better quality than it looks here.

Wednesday

When I arrived at the field today this is the sight as I stepped out of the car.

Friday 27th

 Our member Gary (left) and his colleague John are pilots of Fire Bombing aircraft under contract to DEPI (or whatever they call themselves now) from a Canadian company called Field Air.
They generously gave of their time to show us their aircraft and to demonstrate water bombing.

 Gary in his office.

We were able to get a guided tour of the dashboard, one at a time.

Everyone present was impressed with the aircraft and with the demonstrated accuracy of the drops.

We thank Gary and John very much for the experience and look forward to their return next fire season.

Loading the hopper with about 750 US Gallons.















 We gather to watch the demonstration flight.


(Video to be edited and posted on Youtube)

The Aircraft: Air Tractor AT-802F Single engine air tanker.
3,200 Litres Load capacity, Foam, Retardent or Gel.
Engine Power up to 1600 HP 300kmh cruise speed to target.
Short take off/ fast climb, Remote/Rugged airstrip capability.
Computerised fire door with infinite selectability of coverage level.

Bee

Plenty of members turned up at the working bee today to tidy the place up, now that we have our 'Certificate of Occupancy' and the ACTIO(n) event is SO close.

Do you know just HOW easy it is for a T shirt to catch fire from a few silly little sparks????

Ian knows.

Gary puts his back into it!

Look who showed up in time to get back on the mower!

Carol-Anne gets things organised for catering.

 Shed is looking good.

 Kim has a slightly unorthodox way of levelling the ground.

















Charles smartens up the clubhouse.

Ken is doing such a good job.

So much so that the blokes all stand in total admiration of such dexterity and attention to detail.

Out of there

A working bee today was to be for tidying up rubbish at the old field so closure was assured.

 The eastern mountain appears to have doubled in size.

 A new dam under construction at the western end.

This quick stitched panorama shows a desolate overgrown landscape. I found it almost heartbreaking after the beautiful flyable, workable field that it was.
Obviously we changed to our new field at the right time.

Grey Sunday

A new area has been set up for starting the noise-makers.

Not a bad idea.

The guys congratulated Ben on his achievement with his heli and examined the you-beaut rotor blades he won.

 Yes, once again, the heli is all over the place.

Wednesday

Today was a tad on the windy side, but some of us flew, then hung around chatting while others were replacing belts on the red mower. This is getting to be a habit.



Kim did the test drive, narrowly missed getting a speeding ticket in the process.

NEWS

Ben recently headed off to a competition of Helicopter flinging (you know the way he chucks his about) and won his class.
WELL DONE BEN.
His antics were noticed by a retailer ( Zen Rc ) who subsequently offered some sponsorship!
Needless to say it was accepted with pleasure.
I reckon that's great news, congratulations Ben.