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Barrie Hill demonstrates the delicate art of propellor balancing

John Ellis shows how to get a professional finish with Profilm

Robin's scratch built 45" Tucano is powered by an Axi 282010 Outrunner. With 10 cells & 11 x 7 prop it goes like the clappers!

More than a dozen current and prospective members turned out for the second of our regular "show & tell" nights on Wednesday 22nd September at the Aurora Drive Clubhouse in St. Ives Chase.

Tutorial: Propellor Balancing

Barrie Hill gave an interesting talk about how to build a magnetic stand for a handheld propellor balance and a practical demonstration (photo at left) of the delicate art of propellor balancing. Many of us did not realise that you need to balance propellors vertically as well as horizontally, as the propellor boss can just as easily be a source of imbalance as the blades themselves. A properly balanced propellor can reduce vibration, noise and motor and gear-box wear and tear - as well as increasing efficiency and torque!

Discussion: Electrics versus Gliders and Sunday Flying Times

Peter Smith had posed the question: "Are we a glider club or an electric aircraft club? Each type has different preferences as to flying conditions and suitable times of day, and this could affect our timings as to morning or afternoon flying".

Members attending agreed that whatever their aircraft preference, the Sunday afternoon sessions over winter have proven impractical due to the large number of families, dog-walkers and joggers who want to enjoy the afternoon sun and inevitably encroach on the flying field.

Glider-guiders have also enjoyed some good thermals at recent morning flying sessions, and attendances at Sunday sessions have also risen since the changeover to mornings. Members suggested that the committee should consider permanent Sunday morning flying next year.

Tutorial: Professional Hinging & Covering Techniques

John Ellis gave a fascinating talk about control-surface hinging and balsa finishing and covering techniques. John had especially prepared half a dozen examples of two different hinge types (mylar tab and film) showing each of the stages of preparing a secure and professional looking hinge. John then went on to show (photo at left) some professional tips for covering wings, fuselages and the tricky joins between tailplane and fuselage with heat-sensitive films. He also brought along the flat-sheet wing of his part-built 45" Tucano - one half marked up for profiling and one profiled, finished and ready for covering. John's Tucano, scratch-built from the Nigel Hawes design featured in the May & June 2003 RCM&E magazine will be the third at the club - with at least one more coming! Robin brought along his Tucano (photo at left) to show what the finished model looks like.

Demonstration: AeroFly Professional R/C Flight Simulator

Robin brought along his laptop and a video projector so that members could see the club's AeroFly Professional R/C simulator in action. Even experienced R/C pilots train on this very realistic simulator - but it is ideal for beginners who don't want to sacrifice too much balsa and equipment while they learn! The simulator is available for hire to club members for only $5 per week plus a $50 refundable deposit.

Barrie Hill puts AeroFly Professional through its paces at the Show & Tell. Verdict: Very realistic!	Judging by the interest at the Show & Tell, members will be lining up to hire AeroFly Pro!

Next Show & Tell Night

The next club "Show & Tell" will be held in early December - and all current, new or prospective members are welcome! For details of the date and agenda, check back at our home page during November. As always, a counter will be available to sell any radio control goodies, 5% commision to the club.