VMAA Bulletin Summer Edition 2024 - 300dpi

Visit our website at www.vmaa.com.au Summer Edition 2024
END OF YEAR MESSAGE: The VMAA Committee hopes you have had a good year in 2023 and you are
enjoying your Christmas and New Year festivities. We are continuing to work on background
matters that need to be completed but look forward to catching up with you all in 2024,
including even more club visits to provide opportunities for you all to give feedback on
what matters to you and your club. Regards and best wishes from the VMAA Committee.
Oded ‘Ted’ Gordon (MAAA 85248)
We lost our dear friend Ted on 5 October 2023. Ted was
a member of Caulfield Racecourse Flying Club Inc. for
at least 6 years and was currently our Vice President. He
passed away after a long battle with Lymphoma and
Myeloma. Ted’s tenacity to continue to enjoy his hobby
right up to a week or two before passing was incredible.
Ted, a prolific builder and designer, also built full size
aircraft before returning to models. He loved salvaging
old model planes and restoring them. He would sell them
on but only if they suited your needs. He also gave them
to new members. What he sold or gave he would often be there to help you get it in the air. Balsa was best. He
always had what you needed; if not he would source it, be they parts, equipment or just some friendly advice.
With his generous spirit, no-one was more encouraging than Ted. He always saw the positive side of things.
It was a treat to visit him in his workshop, building, tinkering or just messing about. He was ever so friendly
and hospitable. Ted was 71.
~ Committee of Caulfield Racecourse Flying Club Inc. ~
Since our last edition where I detailed the astronauts still
alive in 2023, another astronaut has died. Apollo astronaut
Colonel Frank Borman, who commanded the first mission
to orbit the moon, recently died on 7 November at Billings,
Montana, USA at the age of 95.
He will be remembered as one of NASA’s best astronauts.
Borman was a true American hero. Among many of his
accomplishments, Borman served as the commander of the
Apollo 8 mission in 1968. During the mission, Borman and
his crewmates, Jim Lovell and William Anders, became the
first people to orbit the moon and witness ‘Earthrise’. For
the first time, the crew snapped a photograph of our planet
as it rose above the desolate and scarred Lunar surface,
resulting in an iconic photo that has left an indelible mark
on public consciousness.
Pictured from left to right are Frank F. Borman,
the commander of the 3-man Apollo 8 crew,
William A. Anders and James A. Lovell Jr. on
21 December, 1968 prior to their orbital flight
around the moon.
____________________________________
From the editor.
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Click on the VMAA Calendar Of Events
Page 1

Report by Joe Finocchiaro
The Mammoth scale event was very successful with
excellent weather over the two official days. Pilots
and spectators enjoyed what was on offer taking in all
that is aviation. The event is about scale building and
flying, bringing with it the dedication that goes into
some of the models on display. No doubt they are the
pride and joy of the club members. Seeing some of
these models in the air immediately reflects a bygone
era with aircraft that were graceful in appearance and
had a presence to enjoy.
The Australian Scale Association members were at
the event promoting the discipline both nationally and
locally. The team has had great success at the world
championship level over many years. It was fantastic
to see four team members acknowledged by the
MAAA with the Hall of Fame award due to their
determination, competitive spirit and skills.
The event attracted over 50 pilots with many aircraft
of every type and vintage on display. The display
included an array of jets with a stunning presence,
which spectators enjoyed. The giant Fokker D3, flown
by Aaron Garle, was another graceful show-stopper in
the air; you could appreciate the size of the aircraft on
the ground and considering its size, it was amazing
that it only weighed 65kg. Modern construction and
materials certainly help with these size models.
Overall, the weekend was fantastic and it was great to
see so many pilots returning to a great event from all
over the country. I am sure 2024 will be even bigger
and if scale aircraft is what you love, then why not try
it and enjoy model aviation and be part of a great
fraternity of model flyers?
To view more photos of this event click HERE.
Fokker D3, owned by David and Aaron Garle. This giant
is an impressive sight both on the ground and in the air.
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Fly Safe, Fly Well
Page 2

Surname 1st Name AUS Club Rating
- Wings processed in August 2023 -
KEYS James 89857 VARMS Silver Glider
RIM Greg 26455 SADAC Bronze Power
RIM Cadel 89616 SADAC Bronze Power
DUFFY Robin 83299 BRCMC Silver Helicopter
THOMPSON David 89462 DAC Bronze Power
CAMPBELL Glen 43160 P&DARCS Silver Power
GIBSON Ray 89444 GMAC Bronze Glider
TRUONG Kha 89492 MRCHC Silver Helicopter
GRAEBER Peter 27401 TCMAC Silver Power
NICHOLAS John 52730 TCMAC Silver Power
VOSS Duane 89854 GMAC Silver Power
O'MEARA Linnton Craig 89913 VARMS Silver Glider
ADDICOTT Sam 84230 P&DARCS Gold Power
DALL'ACQUA Jacopo 87827 VARMS Silver Power
FERREIRA Leo 89461 DAC Silver Power
KEANE Ed 51718 BRCAC Gold Power
SCIBERRAS Christopher 89677 KDMAS Bronze Power
- Wings processed in September 2023 -
ALTENROXEL Mark 75781 MRCHC Silver Helicopter
HUBBARD Mark 76622 TCMAC Gold Power
MATHER Peter 4489 RAAF Gold Power
PHILLIPS Stuart 89656 RAAF Bronze Power
BECKER Paul 43204 NFG Silver Power
EVANS Graham 82993 DAC Silver Power
BADENOCH Ian 35305 VARMS Bronze Glider
LORAINE Kevin 68148 VARMS Bronze Glider
MALEK Don 55139 VARMS Bronze Glider
BOSCH Haimi 89874 KDMAS Bronze Power
SALUA Jenna 89898 PARCS Silver Power
SALUA Jenna 89898 PARCS Silver Glider
CHAU Duc 89243 PARCS Silver Power
HOLLAND Eric 264 TCMAC Silver Power
Surname 1st Name AUS Club Rating
- Wings processed in October 2023 -
GREAVES Jonathon 33279 NFG. Gold Power
MALEK Don 55139 VARMS. Silver Glider
LORAINE Kevin 68148 VARMS Silver Glider
BLAKEMAN Michael 82492 TCMAC Gold Power
BAKER Scott 82118 PARCS Gold Power
GRAEBER Peter 27401 TCMAC Gold Power
McPHAIL Lynton 30205 LVMAC Silver Power
SHARP Geoff 81730 VARMS Bronze Glider
CUDMORE David 89093 GMAC Silver Power
SCERRI Tony 87354 K&DM.C Bronze Power
- Wings processed in November 2023 -
SALEH Ihab 88954 P&DARCS Silver Power
BOSCH Haimi 89874 KDMAS Silver Power
SMITH Andy 34092 VARMS Gold Glider
NOLAN Philip 72624 PARCS Silver Power
SALAU Jenna 89898 PARCS Bronze Heli
SALAU Jenna 89898 PARCS Silver Heli
PHILLIPS Bill 89310 BADMAC Bronze Power
- Instructors Course in November 2023 -
EELES Chris 13508 P&DARCS Instructor
MADILL Ken 24482 VARMS Instructor
MAYHEW Alan 36921 VARMS Instructor
SMITH Andy 43092 VARMS Instructor
PEATE Anthony 58233 VARMS Instructor
SPRIGGS Grant 87281 VARMS Instructor
- Wings processed in December 2023 -
SMITH Gary 89360 NMAA Silver Power
SPRIGGS Grant 87281 VARMS Bronze Glider
PRISCO Gary 89831 BMAC Bronze Power
CLIFFORD Mick 85412 VARMS. Bronze Power
HOOK Edward 61246 SEMAC Gold Power
DUPREEZ Casper 73091 BMAC Silver Power
BURRELL Bob 89375 BMAC Silver Power
Slope soaring will be held all throughout the Xmas
holidays at Kilcunda. Sessions will usually be from
3pm onward until about 6pm, depending on the
weather conditions.
For those wishing to participate, some impromptu
competitions will be on offer for all levels of flying.
Slope soaring instruction will also be available using
our electric gliders.
Ideal conditions are for light to moderate incoming
winds predominantly from the southerly direction.
Join our contact list so that we can notify you of our
upcoming events.
Good takeaway food and amenities are at Tooradin
and Grantville. Amenities are also at Bass.
Contact: Fred West
0418 362 100
fwest@bigpond.net.au
Phone Ian on 0427 553 755
or
iancole1950@dodo.com.au
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Click on the VMAA Calendar Of Events
Page 3

John Bentley Family Scale Day
On Sunday 19 November, Western Port Model Aircraft Club held its annual John Bentley Family Scale Day
at its Crib Point field. The emphasis was on static judging by members, family and visitors with optional
flying. The weather was kind to us for a change and there was a great turnout with over 50 aircraft submitted
by over 25 members. There was a vast range of aircraft including fixed wings, jets, helis and gliders, as well
as a range of old timers, warbirds and civilian aircraft. Most members also had a fly to take advantage of the
weather. A great lunch was put on by members and family. Judging was by a ballot system and picking a
winner was difficult. Wayne Gorsuch took the 1st place trophy with his giant scale OV-10 Bronco, Trent
Smith came 2nd with his Focke-Wulf and equal 3rd were Mike Gibson with his L4 Grasshopper and Brian
Holmes with his Stinson. A great day was had by all and we’re looking forward to our next event.
Report by Barry Bush
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Fly Safe, Fly Well
Page 4

John Bentley Family Scale Day continued
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Click on the VMAA Calendar Of Events
Page 5

ECHUCA AEROBATICS SMACKDOWN
Echuca Moama Model Aero Club (EMMAC) held its inaugural ‘Aerobatics Smackdown’ fun fly event on the
weekend of 18 and 19 November 2023. Perfect weather saw a gathering of many types of model aircraft
having a ball at the fun fly event. Many pilots camped at the field and enjoyed the club’s excellent facilities.
One highlight of the weekend was the catering, which included roast pork rolls on the menu and a 2-course
roast dinner on the Saturday night. Another highlight was the foamie twilight flying under a light tower. The
club had excellent support from many sponsors, which meant there was plenty on offer to entice those who
entered. Major sponsors were Aussie Aeroworks, RC Depot, Radio Active RC, J&J Models, Land Downunder
Aerosports, Albury RC Models and Hobbies, RC World and Kingtech Australia. The club would like to thank
all of those organisations for their support.
Report by Fred West
Foam Fun Flying
A large array of aerobatic machines on display.
Busy pit area all weekend.
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Fly Safe, Fly Well
Page 6

ECHUCA AEROBATICS SMACKDOWN CONTINUED
Golden hour action.
Perfect conditions for flying.
Foamie fun flying.
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Click on the VMAA Calendar Of Events
Page 7

BRAG Fun & Float Fly
What a great weekend at the Brag Club with visitors
rolling up from Friday onward. Friday was top flying
weather and although it rained that night we still
managed some night flying. The weather cleared for
an awesome Saturday with lots of flying from the
water and the runway. The bbq was fired up for lunch
and the snags and burgers, everyone’s favourite, went
down as quick as they were cooked. More flying was
had in the afternoon, then a relaxing evening around
the fire was had with plenty of silly stories and more
night flying.
On Sunday we woke up to a shower that turned into a
bucketing downpour, which looked as though it may
end the day before we started. However, the rain
cleared and the flying commenced. It did get a bit
windy but there were plenty of hardy flyers still flying
off the water and the strip throughout the day. We
stopped for the presentations at 3pm.
A very big thank you to our sponsors for all the
prizes. They included Albury RC Hobbies, Warragul
Forest & Garden, Club Goat for the fabulous weekend
retreat and Bawbaw Aeromodellers (BRAG).
We had some very happy, lucky winners of the great
prizes. Most people then started to pack up and head
home shortly after, while several BRAG members
remained to pack up before leaving at around 6:30pm.
Despite the predicted bad weather forecast, we ended
up having a pleasant weekend with minimal weather
interruptions.
BRAG would like to thank the MAAA for supporting
our Float & Fun Event by providing funds toward the
food and drinks that everyone enjoyed. The MAAA
has been a great help toward getting our new club up
and running, as have the VMAA. Without their help it
would certainly be much more difficult to get these
events happening, not just for our club but for other
VMAA affiliated clubs.
We are now looking forward to the next event where
we hope to see you all there again.
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Fly Safe, Fly Well
Page 8

BRAG Fun & Float Fly continued
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Click on the VMAA Calendar Of Events
Page 9

The Silent Generation: Born 1928-1945.
The earliest followers of this era would have been 19
in 1964 when Thunderbirds first aired on television,
so this group may not have become avid watchers.
Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964.
For those born between 1950 and 1956 as youngsters
leading into their teens, this would have been one of
their favourite afternoon shows to watch. As a fan, I
well-remember watching Thunderbirds after school.
Gen X: Born 1965-1979.
In all likelihood, an emerging breed of Thunderbirds
fans would have had to get out of bed very early to
watch the repeats airing on television at this time.
Millennials: Born 1980-1994.
The majority of people of this era would have been
introduced to the human movie brought out in 2004
called Thunderbirds Are Go, not to be confused with
the 1966 supermarionation movie of the same name.
While fans of Thunderbirds would have loved it, if
not just for sentimental reasons, sad to say it was a
box office flop. In my opinion the producers strayed
too far from the original designs of all the vehicles.
Gen Z: Born 1995-2009.
One could surmise that only the Gen Zs, who were
aged around 7 or a bit younger in 2004, would have
appreciated Thunderbirds and more than likely only
after being dragged along to the local picture theatre
by their parents or even their grand-parents.
In 2015 a new animation series called Thunderbirds
Are Go came out. The Gen Zs would have been keen
to tune into this. While the technology was good, the
characters lacked facial expression. Yes, the original
marionettes also lacked expression but the characters
in the 2015 series resembled humans, so they needed
to have more human-like features, in my opinion.
THROUGHOUT THE
GENERATIONS
Gen Alpha: Born 2010-2024.
This generation would also
have taken an interest in the
2015 series of Thunderbirds.
Article compiled
by the Editor
In General: A Thunderbirds mini series with only
three episodes came out in 2020 to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the show’s original series. These were
produced by the same company but with a younger
crew, including the late Gerry Anderson’s son. New
marionette look-a-likes had to be specially made for
the occasion, as well as new vehicles and ancillaries
because most of the equipment had been sold many
years prior. The three episodes were aired on English
television in August 2020 and these were based on
the storylines of three of the original episodes.
One other variation of the show aired on television in
1982 called Scientific Rescue Team Technoboyger
(the latter being a blend of Technology & Voyager).
This was a Japanese production dubbed for English
viewing and renamed Thunderbirds 2086. However,
this series may not have reached Australian shores.
Summing up: Some of the finer details have been
left out of this article to keep it brief. They included
airing times throughout any one decade and specific
viewing times. But it’s safe to say that Thunderbirds
is still being watched somewhere around the world in
a myriad of formats and in many languages. You can
also see episodes on YouTube and 9Now television.
And let’s not forget the scale models, comics and an
array of merchandise that are available. Thunderbirds
memorabilia is also on display at most sci-fi expos.
Do you possess a sci-fi RC aircraft or do
you know anyone who has one? Perhaps you have
seen one in a magazine. If so send me the details. If
there’s enough interest we may organise a fly-in. Ed.
Thunderbirds fan-atics - obviously.
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Fly Safe, Fly Well
Page 10

VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Click on the VMAA Calendar Of Events
Page 11

MAAA Latest
Newsletters
The MAAA Newsletter brings you information
on a number of areas at the National Level. This
includes reports from the Committee and contact
details, Manual of Procedures (MOPs), National
and International event/competition dates and
reports on the said events.
Click here for further information.
From the VMAA
Contest Director
To all club secretaries and special interest groups
(SIGs). If you wish to have your event advertised,
send an email with your associated flyer to the
address below.
contestdirector@vmaa.com.au
The Calendar of Events is updated regularly and
provides a heads-up on the goings-on throughout
our great association.
When possible, your flyer will be placed in the
VMAA bulletin to get the word out. The members
who can get their dates organised and uploaded
quickly are likely to get the best response.
Fees for Financial Year
2023/2024
as from 1 August 2023
MAAA VMAA Total
Seniors $90 $54 $144
Juniors $45 $27 $ 72
For half year membership details
starting 01 January click here to go to the
VMAA website.
VMAA Committee
Reeve Marsh
Jon Goudge
Joe Finocchiaro
Arthur Bablis
Geoff Herbert
Keith Quigg
President
0405 001 008
president@vmaa.com.au
Vice President
vicepresident@vmaa.com.au
Secretary & Public Officer
PO Box 854
Bacchus Marsh 3340
0418 878 168
secretary@vmaa.com.au
Treasurer
treasurer@vmaa.com.au
VMAA Registrar
PO Box 354
Kilsyth 3137
0473 544 048
registrar@vmaa.com.au
VMAA Contest Director
0448 749 865
contestdirector@vmaa.com.au
Contact the CD to submit Calendar of Events dates.
Ian Cole
Les Marriner
Phil Mohr
Mark Sills
Vacant
VMAA Bulletin Editor
0427 553 755
iancole1950@dodo.com.au
State Flying Instructor
0401 622 613
sfi@vmaa.com.au
Committee Member
cm1@vmaa.com.au
Committee Member
cm2@vmaa.com.au
Education Officer
education@vmaa.com.au
Contact the Secretary to organise a presentation by the
VMAA on aeromodelling. We welcome inquiries from
groups the like of scouts, cadets, schools or any group
with a general interest in aviation.
Ivan Chiselett
DVD Librarian
9898 4379
videolibrarian@vmaa.com.au
The VMAA DVD Library has one of the best collections of
aircraft stories, model building and modelling techniques.
Meetings are held via Zoom Video Conferencing on the
second Thursday of each month, except for January.
VMAA Bulletin Summer 2024
Fly Safe, Fly Well
Page 12