JULY SAW THE PHOENIX AT ETSA PARK NETBALL STADIUM:
This turned out to be a fascinating evening with an almost record number of fliers turning up on, what was really, one of our coldest evenings. I wonder why. Well – that is not exactly correct – I DO NOT wonder why, as long as our flying friends turn up in their droves regardless of the weather. When I arrived, just before eight o’clock – well one must be prepared for an early start – there was Kirk, calmly sitting in one of the most expensive viewing seats, watching the leedies and I, like Kirk, never cease to wonder at the enormously high degree of physical fitness that these Netball players exhibit, even on a training, or practice night. I don’t think that I started to feel cold until the last of the ball players had left the stadium, but after that, it really was chilly between flights. Actually, it is quite kind of me to speak of the leedies again in this story, for tonight is their big match against New Zealand’s Silver Ferns and, whilst Australia is holding a good overall lead, someone should put some cyano on the soles of Irene Van Dyke’s runners. 
Those of us who were aware of his presence, opened our hearts to Dan Rodawig of Horizon Hobbies in America because most of we modellers have relied on his company to keep our flying interests going smoothly at some stage of our involvement. Jamie Nancarrow and Mike O’Reilly took him by the hand, most of the evening, when they were not flying Jamie’s Lightflight "BUG" (see Pix) and introduced him to things in the Adelaide manner. I hope that your stay with us, Dan, was rewarding and entertaining for the larger part of your visit. It is not often that we have an overseas visitor at indoor, the last one being Helicopter world expert, Colin McGinn (UK) and we also seem to find a warm spot for them during the evening. Sometimes, even after. Following Dan’s visit, Mike made the statement that some new and exciting “things” could be on the horizon – that’s OUR horizon, not Mr Bush’s. We eagerly await them and I suggest you keep reading the Phoenix columns, cos he does have a way of finding out some of these interesting topics.
I must mention one of the outstanding models of the evening and, at the same time, apologise for not having a photograph to cover the story. I promise that it will be forthcoming next month. I speak of Justin Galbraith’s Horse Fly. I did not really establish that it was a horse fly or moth, with its transparent and most impressive wings, it was a very realistic model – especially when Justin let it circle around one of the overhead lights. I am led to believe that he purchased it on the Internet, but that a visit to “Tarjay” and, after an outlay of 50 bucks or thereabouts, you too can have your own horse fly.
It was interesting to see that one of the original foam Tigers was still flying on this night, and regularly circumnavigated the area fairly close to the rafters, well away from the foam aerobatic thingies. They were one of the early models that one bought, opened the box, charged the battery and flew. A truly you-beaut model. 
The Darling Buds of May – Daly May to you, was another staffer from Model Flight who put in an appearance, together with Calvin Puah, who never ceases to amaze us with his outstanding skill with his Mini Titan type helicopter. It may have even started life as a Mini Titan – BUT, by the time that it has been ‘Calvinised’, it could be anything at all that is good enough to keep up with the skills of the pilot. Have you stopped shaking yet Calv?
Even though we had such a large gathering on this night, there are still a huge number of fliers who are not able to join us at this time of the year. The group of South Easterners, together with their cheer leader, Simon, have not been around for a while and I can only hope that they are building in readiness to surprise us all with some new and exciting models. Southern Soaring League should be grateful for their President, Mark Stone and his regular attendance for, how else would they know how their bank balance increases month to month? Whilst speaking of SSL, I hear that Len Fancourt has been on the sick list recently and I wish you a speedy recovery to your usual bubbling good health.
 Was great to see Jurgen (see Pix) making another appearance at ETSA Park. Jurgen is one of the stalwarts behind the continuance of The Hub flying venue at Aberfoyle Park and, in the only night that I recall missing indoor, he fronted last month at ETSA with his delightful Demoiselle. Okay – you accepted my spelling of Jurgen, so accept the Demoiselle, for it may even be Demoiselle.
One of my pickies shows Don Rosella in conference with Mike Schneider (The Red Baron) and one can only believe that they were speaking of Don’s Channel 7 News replique – ok – replica, helicopter. (I’m showing my French!)
That is it for this month dear friends. Until we meet again on August 16th, try and find time to follow Model Flight’s Web. It does make interesting reading, even without the Phoenix.
Phoenix Indoor Flight Reports
Indoor Flying at ETSA Park 2008
| Date |
Court |
Time |
| September 18th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| October 16th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| November 20th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
| December 18th |
1 |
8.30-10.30pm |
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I
want a quote on how much freight it will cost to send items to me.
