Suncoast Model Flyers Inc
Sunshine Coast
29 & 30th May, 2021
Fieseler Fi Storch
The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch was a small German liaison aircraft built by Fieseler before and during World War II.
Production continued in other countries into the 1950s for the private aircraft market.
A design feature rare for land-based aircraft enabled the wings on the Storch to be folded back along the fuselage in a manner similar to the wings of the Royal Navy's Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber. This allowed the aircraft to be carried on a trailer or even towed slowly behind a motor vehicle. The primary hinge for the folding wing was located in the wing root, where the rear wing spar met the cabin.
The long legs of the main landing gear contained oil-and-spring shock absorbers that had a travel of 40 cm (15-3/4 inches), allowing the aircraft to land on comparatively rough and uneven surfaces; this was combined with a "pre-travel" distance of 20 cm, before the oleos began damping the landing gear shock. In flight, the main landing gear legs hung down, giving the aircraft the appearance of a long-legged, big-winged bird, hence its nickname, Storch. Looking from directly ahead, the Storch with its very low landing speed, often appeared to land vertically, or even backwards in strong winds.
Production continued in other countries into the 1950s for the private aircraft market.
A design feature rare for land-based aircraft enabled the wings on the Storch to be folded back along the fuselage in a manner similar to the wings of the Royal Navy's Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber. This allowed the aircraft to be carried on a trailer or even towed slowly behind a motor vehicle. The primary hinge for the folding wing was located in the wing root, where the rear wing spar met the cabin.
The long legs of the main landing gear contained oil-and-spring shock absorbers that had a travel of 40 cm (15-3/4 inches), allowing the aircraft to land on comparatively rough and uneven surfaces; this was combined with a "pre-travel" distance of 20 cm, before the oleos began damping the landing gear shock. In flight, the main landing gear legs hung down, giving the aircraft the appearance of a long-legged, big-winged bird, hence its nickname, Storch. Looking from directly ahead, the Storch with its very low landing speed, often appeared to land vertically, or even backwards in strong winds.
Visualise this !
It's Friday night, everybody is rugged up as the sneaky cool breeze wafts across the airfield of Suncoast Model Flyers, on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. To our right you can see groups of pilots with their partners and friends sitting around "pig" fireplaces, eating fish and chips, with drinks in hand, telling stories. Yes, it is coool !
Early Saturday morning the sky was clear and the breeze had dissipated. However, by 9:30 the wind had increased to just over 15 knots (28-30 kms/hr) but it was directly up the South/North runway which presented very little problem to the pilots. Aircraft just needed to have a bit of extra power on when landing. Saturday was the pick of the two days as the wind was very constant and smooth.
Unfortunately, incorrect weather forecasts kept our farthest members from making the long journey to Coolum.
The airfield and camping areas were all dry and hard. If you went to the far corners you may have found a damp spot but overall it was absolutely perfect.
Sunday morning we were woken up (rudely??) to the sounds of a banjo playing the duelling banjos tune. In my sleepy state, I thought that someone had changed the ringtone on my phone's alarm, but the music was live. The banjo player was threatened that he may have to look for his banjo in a very dark place - but it was all great fun. It was time to fly the 'foamies' in the relatively calm early morning air. No point taking home charged up batteries, so you might as well discharge them flying around.
The atmosphere was a bit more bumpy and the air had a bit of a chill factor.
We thank Suncoast Model Flyers for being our host and for providing a great airfield, great amenities and great food. We look forward to out next visit.
A special thanks to Ray Dixon who acted as Flight Line Controller throughout the weekend, even though we all agreed to do a 30 minute voluntary rotating shift. We just couldn't release him from all his duties. Thanks very much, Ray.
There were no casualties to report during the weekend. All aircraft returned home safely from their sorties, ready to partake at our next event.
It's Friday night, everybody is rugged up as the sneaky cool breeze wafts across the airfield of Suncoast Model Flyers, on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. To our right you can see groups of pilots with their partners and friends sitting around "pig" fireplaces, eating fish and chips, with drinks in hand, telling stories. Yes, it is coool !
Early Saturday morning the sky was clear and the breeze had dissipated. However, by 9:30 the wind had increased to just over 15 knots (28-30 kms/hr) but it was directly up the South/North runway which presented very little problem to the pilots. Aircraft just needed to have a bit of extra power on when landing. Saturday was the pick of the two days as the wind was very constant and smooth.
Unfortunately, incorrect weather forecasts kept our farthest members from making the long journey to Coolum.
The airfield and camping areas were all dry and hard. If you went to the far corners you may have found a damp spot but overall it was absolutely perfect.
Sunday morning we were woken up (rudely??) to the sounds of a banjo playing the duelling banjos tune. In my sleepy state, I thought that someone had changed the ringtone on my phone's alarm, but the music was live. The banjo player was threatened that he may have to look for his banjo in a very dark place - but it was all great fun. It was time to fly the 'foamies' in the relatively calm early morning air. No point taking home charged up batteries, so you might as well discharge them flying around.
The atmosphere was a bit more bumpy and the air had a bit of a chill factor.
We thank Suncoast Model Flyers for being our host and for providing a great airfield, great amenities and great food. We look forward to out next visit.
A special thanks to Ray Dixon who acted as Flight Line Controller throughout the weekend, even though we all agreed to do a 30 minute voluntary rotating shift. We just couldn't release him from all his duties. Thanks very much, Ray.
There were no casualties to report during the weekend. All aircraft returned home safely from their sorties, ready to partake at our next event.
Below, is a sample of the aircraft on show during the weekend.
Next Sortie will be at Tin Can Bay, Qld 4580
3rd & 4th July, 2021
Fresh Air of the Downs
TARMAC - Toowoomba
10 & 11th April, 2021
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Pilatus developed the next generation trainer: the PC-21, designed and built specifically with student pilots in mind. The Pilatus PC-21 is a turboprop-powered advanced trainer with a stepped tandem cockpit.
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The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas. United States Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas's design in 1967 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter.
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What a difference some good rain makes to the countryside. On the Tuesday before, the district received 200mm of rain so the airfield was at it's absolute best. Lush grass covered the entire paddock and airfield so there were no cracks and no puddles to be seen anywhere. The green was so bright you had to wear sunnies.
Winds were fairly light during Saturday becoming a bit stronger during Sunday, blowing straight up the main strip. This posed no problem at all - note the windsock in the background of the above photo of the F-15. Skies were clear and sunny although Sunday morning had a bit of early cloud which soon burned off. Nights were cooler than what us coastal residents are used to, down to 10 and just under (brrr..).
Winds were fairly light during Saturday becoming a bit stronger during Sunday, blowing straight up the main strip. This posed no problem at all - note the windsock in the background of the above photo of the F-15. Skies were clear and sunny although Sunday morning had a bit of early cloud which soon burned off. Nights were cooler than what us coastal residents are used to, down to 10 and just under (brrr..).
Below, is a sample of the aircraft on show during the weekend.
Here is a link to lots of other photos taken on the weekend by George Fricker:
https://pbase.com/junglegeorge/tarmacscaf2021
https://pbase.com/junglegeorge/tarmacscaf2021
Because the weather had been so poor during the previous two weeks, a smaller group of SCAF pilots ventured west up the range to meet with TARMAC members. Former SCAF members from Toowoomba, Mike, Peter, Steve, Chilli and Bruce joined us over the weekend. Also, Knoxie (from Brisbane) called in to say g'day. Hopefully, we may see these flyers re-join the SCAF when the new financial year begins.
The atmosphere was very light and casual and we are sure all had a lot of fun. We even got a laugh out of one of our members who flew his aircraft with the propeller put on back to front, even if he didn't think it was funny at the time as he struggled to returned his aircraft back to the airstrip (just).
We thank TARMAC for making their airfield available and George Fricker for helping to get the weekend organised. (George is another victim of Sharpie's ideal - "Have I got a deal for you").
Until we meet again - Happy Flying
Nick Case
SCAF President
The atmosphere was very light and casual and we are sure all had a lot of fun. We even got a laugh out of one of our members who flew his aircraft with the propeller put on back to front, even if he didn't think it was funny at the time as he struggled to returned his aircraft back to the airstrip (just).
We thank TARMAC for making their airfield available and George Fricker for helping to get the weekend organised. (George is another victim of Sharpie's ideal - "Have I got a deal for you").
Until we meet again - Happy Flying
Nick Case
SCAF President
Freedom! - Oh, What a Feeling!
Tingalpa Model Aero Club
6 & 7th March 2021
A great roll up of pilots and aircraft on the weekend at Tingalpa for our first Warbirds of the year. I haven’t seen this many Warbirds in one spot for a very long time. My count was 14 SCAF pilots flying plus a few others that just came to watch the spectacle, 5 Coffs Harbour “Black Sheep Squadron” members and dozens of TMAC pilots – great effort by TMAC (old accountants never stop counting). Also, flying were a couple of former SCAF members from Toowoomba and Coolum, with their own pit crews!!
There were plenty of spectators as well with the covered grandstand over the club house full.
There were plenty of spectators as well with the covered grandstand over the club house full.
The Avro Lancaster is a British Second World War heavy bomber. It was designed and manufactured by Avro as a contemporary of the Handley Page Halifax, both bombers having been developed to the same specification, as well as the Short Stirling, all three heavy bomber aircraft have four-engines adopted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the same wartime era.
The Lancaster has its origins in the twin-engine Avro Manchester which had been developed during the late 1930s in response to the Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use".
The Lancaster has its origins in the twin-engine Avro Manchester which had been developed during the late 1930s in response to the Air Ministry Specification P.13/36 for a capable medium bomber for "world-wide use".
Below, is a sample of the aircraft on show during the weekend.
The Tingalpa field was in immaculate condition. Having received plenty of rain in the previous weeks the grass was lush and soft, the field all mown and all line marked. A credit to the members that look after the place. Of course I can’t forget to mention the excellent catering for Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday. A big surprise on Saturday night for all those camping was Will Simpa who cooked two roasts in the Weber plus a potato and vegetable bake. Heaps of food to feed everyone including the “Black Sheep” and the hungry wolves.
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings started off gloriously for the very early flyers (6am) when the conditions were absolutely still, great for the small foamies. By 8am the wind started to kick in. Saturday saw about 15 knots but it was at a 90 degree cross wind to the main strip and full of potholes.
Sunday was much improved, a steady wind 10-15 and coming in at a 45 degree angle.
3 SCAF planes reported damage over the weekend:
1. T28, minor nose dent, repairable – pilot put the wrong battery in. (Ok, that was me).
2. Bi-Plane, will require a full front end rebuild – no sure what went wrong here.
3. P47, complete write off – looks like an aileron servo locked up solid. The pilot on take off
was heading for the car park (and his own caravan) so he dumped it into the turf.
The pilot of the Bi-Plane cleaned up all the glue prizes in the pilots draw –we know that will be put to good use!
Finally, a big thank you to Noel Stewart for his organisation of this event.
Both Saturday and Sunday mornings started off gloriously for the very early flyers (6am) when the conditions were absolutely still, great for the small foamies. By 8am the wind started to kick in. Saturday saw about 15 knots but it was at a 90 degree cross wind to the main strip and full of potholes.
Sunday was much improved, a steady wind 10-15 and coming in at a 45 degree angle.
3 SCAF planes reported damage over the weekend:
1. T28, minor nose dent, repairable – pilot put the wrong battery in. (Ok, that was me).
2. Bi-Plane, will require a full front end rebuild – no sure what went wrong here.
3. P47, complete write off – looks like an aileron servo locked up solid. The pilot on take off
was heading for the car park (and his own caravan) so he dumped it into the turf.
The pilot of the Bi-Plane cleaned up all the glue prizes in the pilots draw –we know that will be put to good use!
Finally, a big thank you to Noel Stewart for his organisation of this event.
Nicholas 'Nic' Case Appointed President
After seven good years as president of the Southern Cross Air Force, Bill Sharpe hands the controls over to Nic Case who is an active member of the Tin Can Bay Club. Nic joined the SCAF in 2012 and has become well known to our members.
In appreciation of his faithful service, Bill Sharpe has been awarded 'Life Membership'. In the photo below, Bill (left) receives his 'Certificate of Life Membership' from the incoming president Nic Case at the recent end-of-year event 7-8th November, 2020 which was held at the SAAMBR airfield, Burpengary East.
Although the Saturday was fine the wind persisted from the South East to East. All 32 members present enjoyed good flights.
However, the wind and showers persisted over night and unfortunately, Sunday was showering with plenty of wind. No flights were seen prior to our general meeting which was held in the closed members shed.
Our appreciation is extended to the SAAMBR club for looking after us so well with their excellent facilities. We thank the caterers who provided us with plenty of yummy burgers, cakes, desserts. And what a surprise it was, to have pizza prepared for us by locals. Who wants to go to a restaurant with food like this????
We must mention our musical artist, Jason. He does more than specials on pre-loved aircraft and parts, he provided the entertainment on the Saturday night. Thanks Jason who came with his son Harley.
However, the wind and showers persisted over night and unfortunately, Sunday was showering with plenty of wind. No flights were seen prior to our general meeting which was held in the closed members shed.
Our appreciation is extended to the SAAMBR club for looking after us so well with their excellent facilities. We thank the caterers who provided us with plenty of yummy burgers, cakes, desserts. And what a surprise it was, to have pizza prepared for us by locals. Who wants to go to a restaurant with food like this????
We must mention our musical artist, Jason. He does more than specials on pre-loved aircraft and parts, he provided the entertainment on the Saturday night. Thanks Jason who came with his son Harley.
Suncoast - Sunshine
Suncoast Model Flyers Inc.
By Saturday morning the expected rain had disappeared leaving blue skies, dry runways and only a moderate southerly wind.
We thank President John Hansen, his canteen assistants and members of Suncoast Model Flyers Inc. for suggesting we come to their airfield on the 15th and 16th August, 2020. Our time together was appreciated and enjoyed by SCAF members who were able to share the excitement of flying warbird aircraft. Most pilots scored two or more flights during Saturday and Sunday with several members taking home a small prize.
We thank President John Hansen, his canteen assistants and members of Suncoast Model Flyers Inc. for suggesting we come to their airfield on the 15th and 16th August, 2020. Our time together was appreciated and enjoyed by SCAF members who were able to share the excitement of flying warbird aircraft. Most pilots scored two or more flights during Saturday and Sunday with several members taking home a small prize.
Tyson Dodd the secretary of MAAA - Model Aeronautical Association of Australia is pictured above with his magnificent looking Tucano aircraft.
The Super Tucano is a trainer aircraft that features faster speed and higher altitude capabilities.
The prototype of the Super Tucano first flew in 1992.
Both Tucano and Super Tucano have been developed and built by Embraer of Brazil.
The Super Tucano is a trainer aircraft that features faster speed and higher altitude capabilities.
The prototype of the Super Tucano first flew in 1992.
Both Tucano and Super Tucano have been developed and built by Embraer of Brazil.
Jason's S/H Bargain Centre
If it's a wheel, propeller, spinner, servo, a slightly used engine, a muffler to fit or some other item you have been looking for, Jason's S/H Bargain Centre is for you.
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Jason has some near-new aeroplane kits and a few pre-loved aircraft you may like to take home. Some come with an engine whilst others are without an engine.
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When at Warbirds, don't miss out on a bargain. Join the others fossicking through various boxes and tables in hunt for the 'Lost Golden Gem'.
Below, is a sample of the aircraft on show during the weekend. Click on first photo to see 'Full View' slideshow.
Up, Up and Away !
Our first get together since the outbreak of Covid-19 was on the 18-19th July, 2020 at
We were blessed with fine, blue skies on both days, although the mornings were cold. On Saturday, the light winds which arrived in the morning, dissipated during the late afternoon making ideal flying conditions until sundown. Sunday which had only a light breeze, was perfect for flying.
Our appreciation is extended to the Tin Can Bay Model Flying Club Inc for opening their airfield and for the warm hospitality we received over the weekend.
Most pilots brought with them three or more aircraft, making a very impressive line-up of various makes and scale of aircraft.
The Airco DH.2 was a single-seat biplane "pusher" aircraft which operated as a fighter during the First World War. It was the second pusher design by aeronautical engineer Geoffrey de Havilland for Airco, based on his earlier DH.1 two-seater.
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This year the Rick Rogers Memorial Trophy was presented by our president Bill Sharpe to Neil Low of the Tin Can Bay Club Inc, in recognition of his building skills as seen in the de Havilland DH.2 above and in his other scale aircraft.
It is good to have RCMA Model & Hobby Shop of Brendale as a SCAF sponsor. Their assistance (which we appreciate) is the 'icing on the cake'. It has allowed more members to participate in the prize presentations.
Below, is a sample of the aircraft on show during the weekend. Click on first photo to see 'Full View' slideshow.
Warbirds - The Way to Fly!
Since 1998 when our late founding member, Rick Rogers, formed the Southern Cross Air Force, members have been flying warbird aircraft from airfields throughout South East Queensland.
Events consist of either one day or week-end trips away to other airfields hosted by clubs who look forward to seeing our favourite aircraft in action.
Ample time is allowed for us to talk with other pilots, visitors, and our good friends who enjoy looking over warbird aircraft. |
Whether the aircraft is powered by a jet engine, propeller driven glow, petrol or electric motor, all add to the excitement of flying radio controlled warbirds.
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Our Objects
The SCAF was formed for the purpose of fostering, advancing the construction and operation of radio controlled Warbird aircraft (of all sizes) where pleasure, recreation, fellowship and co-mingling can exist amongst individuals who enjoy the sport of Warbird aircraft.
Warbird Aircraft
The SCAF defines a Warbird aircraft as a model of any aircraft used for military purposes by any country at any time. It must be a scale or semi-scale rendering, recognizable as such, and marked accordingly. Any prototype offered to the military but not accepted by them would also fall in this category.
The SCAF was formed for the purpose of fostering, advancing the construction and operation of radio controlled Warbird aircraft (of all sizes) where pleasure, recreation, fellowship and co-mingling can exist amongst individuals who enjoy the sport of Warbird aircraft.
Warbird Aircraft
The SCAF defines a Warbird aircraft as a model of any aircraft used for military purposes by any country at any time. It must be a scale or semi-scale rendering, recognizable as such, and marked accordingly. Any prototype offered to the military but not accepted by them would also fall in this category.
ARF Warbirds are also quite acceptable assuming that they display a good scale quality.
Scale Military Helicopters also are included in the Warbird aircraft class.
Scale Military Helicopters also are included in the Warbird aircraft class.