| Last month, you may remember that I made the feature of my report, the fantastic Vapor BNF from Parkzone, which is now available from Model Flight. The absolute versatility of this tiny model, which weighs in at 12 grams with battery, radio and ready-to-fly mode, was admirably demonstrated at ETSA Park at our indoor meet for July. As I had still only flown mine once, and that from the roof of my Mini Cooper across my back yard to a happy landing, I felt the need to arrive at ETSA early enough to, perhaps, get one flight in before all the experts arrived from Model Flight, including the Managing Director, Michael O’Reilly. I was fortunate as the Netball Leedies had closed down their training period quite early and, although I could not beat Kirk to an early start, I was right behind him and he, very politely (or sympathetically towards the old pensioner) allowed my Vapor to be first in the air. I shan’t go into the details of the first real flight, other than to say that it pleased me no end to fly around for approximately ten minutes and drift it in for a delightfully safe landing. I was wrapped. I even now know what that means – wrapped in excitement etc. 
When Mike first showed this model to me, I imagined that they would exceed the popularity of the little Blade CX. The Phoenix may have just got this right too, as the “hills were alive with the sound of music.” The “hills” being the airspace above the floor at ETSA Park and the “music” was the laughter and other sounds of enjoyment from the pilots of 9 – yes that is nine – Vapors. This was the first night that we had seen these in numbers at ETSA, although Matthew Waye had given us an exciting display of the versatility of the Vapor with the shop model, being the only one in existence last month and this, no doubt whetted our appetites. I must apologise for the fuzzy quality of the pix. I usually manage to get them much sharper than that. I shall have to find a rich widow and marry her – she might then buy me a new camera. Ah how we do all live on dreams? However, dear friends, my first fuzzy wuzzy image is of the 9 Vapor pilots with their tiny models at their feet. The Model Flight boys have been cheating a bit during their lunch breaks and this became most noticeable by their antics. It would appear that Brenton Wildman either has been taking longer breaks, or, and I say this with an inborn fear of upsetting some staffers here, he has a greater flying ability than the others. Okay, I’m running, and fast. Brenton’s showing of the maneuverability (have you ever noticed just how long that word is – nearly takes up a whole line on its own) of the Vapor was outstanding as he was the only one that I noticed to loop a few times and then come out of the loop inverted and proceed to fly in that manner for a short but most impressive distance. Great stuff Brenton. I guess one of the main advantages of the Vapor is that, as it is called BNF – in other words “bind ‘n fly.” Over the last couple of years, if one purchased one of the smaller models out of, shall we say, the Czech Republic, or the Republic of China, they invariably arrived with their own radio transmitter. As a result of that, if you follow my pattern, you have sufficient “trannies” to paper a room – al-be-it a small room. BUT NOW you take your little binding plug (it comes in the box) and bind the model to any radio that operates on 2.4 Ghz. The advantage of these radio systems was admirably shown in the fact that 9 little Vapors were all in the air at once, AND in a fairly confined space, and yet, NOT ONE moment of radio interference was experienced by any of the pilots. There was one slight disadvantage – if someone, unaware of the situation, was to walk into ETSA Park Stadium when we have such a scene, their first move would be to grab for the fly spray. From a short distance away, they did take up the appearance of flies around the honey pot, or even a colourful gathering of butterflies. One pleasant surprise this month, was the arrival of the MASA R/C Representative, Chris (Crash) Carpenter with his charming lady Samantha. It is some time since Chris last flew at ETSA and it was great to see that his interest still hovers around, even though it may have been an official visit. 
My second picture shows Chris, spending a little quiet time with Bob, and then Scott (Broad) Gage displaying one of his “own thing” foamies. It flew well too Broad! 
The afore-mentioned-early-arriving Kirk is seen having a chat session on the left of the threesome, formed by, in the centre, “My name is William, call me Bill” Kent, with Gerry on the right hand side. 
Brenton Wildman must surely be one of the most under-rated fliers in our group. He doesn’t say a lot, arrives with a variety of models (seen in the next picky with his red Flying saucer style model) and yet flies with enormous skill and knowledge. That knowledge is willingly shared with any who seek in that direction. The saucer is most impressive with its two, widely spaced lights in the leading edge that gives it a sinister appearance. It really only wants a tail and the Irwin family would need to beware. (Phoenix – THAT IS SICK!) 
We once had a writer who covered these events – who was he? Oh yes “Nite-al.” Long since deceased and there would be many who glean some pleasure from that statement Not the least would be one of the Darlings of the modelling world, the delightful Jenny, or is it Jenni? Nite-al had made mention of she being the only lady who had a flying Beaver – you may recall. I have included two pictures of Jenny – taken in exciting moments whilst she was sharing her Vapor skill with the rest of us. A lady who obviously spends exciting moments with the Vapors. Great Jen~ 
Finally dear readers, we come to my last picture but, unfortunately, the fuzzy malfunction by camera or operator, does not allow one to see the various flying surfaces that are built into this exciting model. Graham is shown with his latest acquisition and one cannot but help drooling over its design. It has some attachments that make side-sliding a piece of cake and others that aid inverted flight. It is called the “Enticement” and how it does entice one too. Any attempt that I might make in describing its appearance would have you believing that it is probably the ugliest model that you have ever seen. It needs a close up and personal inspection that one might understand the complex and yet extremely functional design of this fascinating Model. Graham is seen holding the model while Mike makes a few adjustments and says that it requires some work on it yet before we will see it at its true potential. Hang in there with it Graham, I’m sure that with patience and tender loving care, you will be on a winner. As I close this article, did I hear some ignorant person say – “Well – how much IS the Vapor. Well I did tell you last month and this even more shows the advantage of BNF Because you do not have to purchase another radio – bind it to your existing Spectrum Radio, or any other DSM radio on 2.4 gigs and it will cost you the all-up price, which includes the tiny Li-po battery pack and the charger – one hundred and twenty nine dollars!
1 Vapor- $A129-00. and they are in stock!
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.
