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The Tauranga Modelling Spectacular 2001 The Tauranga Modelling Spectacular was held on Saturday and Sunday the 24th and 25th Feb 2001. The public turned out in the thousands for the two day event at the Tauranga Airport. Article by Peter Rumble - Chief Executive Editor of “SkyHigh” Magazine. The official magazine of the Matamata Piako Model Aero Club. Held Saturday and Sunday the 24th and 25th Feb at the Tauranga airport and organised by the Tauranga MAC, this was an awesome two day event. I went along on the Sunday and was amazed. What a show! As well as R/C gliders and powered aircraft there were displays by full size Ultralights, Microlights, Jodels, and Warbirds with a Harvard, Tiger moth and a De Haviland Chipmunk. Tractors in beautifully restored condition, stationary engines, a massive model train display, plastic kitset display featuring aircraft, people and aircraft, and boat engines. They had pretty much an Olympic size pool area for the R/C boats and of course plenty of food stands, train rides for the kids and several hobby shops exhibiting, but more about those a bit later in the article. What I was most impressed with was the overall scale of the event, over 10,000 people through the gate over two perfect hot summer days makes for a very successful event, and I am sure the Tauranga MAC must be feeling PBG with themselves! I was blown away by Frazer Briggs’ display as always with the big Extra and the mini me “su-do-khoi” (who let the dogs out !). Aaron Williams was awesome with his helicopter display and I think he is way up there with some of the best in the world. I was also impressed with our own member participation! I saw young Kelly and Russell Wade, and Granddad Bruce, with their growing aircraft collection. Gerry Boltons display with the Corsair was so realistic!, he really gave it some stick and it looked and sounded awesome. Warwick Gatland had his big glider there and how sweet it looks in the sky ! Yours truly got to have a go as compere and funnily enough most questions, apart from “who the f&%# are you?” were about the gliders “When are the gliders flying again?” So those with silent flight aircraft it seems you do have sex appeal after all! There was also a flypast of the full size aircraft, which was great. I had missed a lot of the exhibitors on the way in, but on the way out I spent quite a bit of time looking at what was on offer and the Bay Hobby Supplies tent was a definite winner for me with their range of Vmar ATRF planes. These planes are superb! The models on display were a Harvard (Texan), Spitfire and Trainer. I know there is huge discussion among RC fliers about the introduction of ATRF with those for and against them but there is no denying the market for these aircraft has really taken off. I could not believe the quality of these Vietnamese assembled kits, all balsa construction with excellent covering and super detail even down to a pilot in the cockpit. They are very well priced as well at $489 for the Spit and Harvard and $289 for the trainer. The aircraft were .40 size with .60 and 120 versions available. Simply assemble, add your engine and radio gear and away you go. I spoke with Collin from Bay Hobby supplies whilst ogling. He tells me they are selling really well, and why not – do the math on building costs verses ARTF and you can see for yourself why they are becoming a popular way of enjoying RC. Especially for all those “on the go types” and I am sure they will encourage a whole new breed of RC flyer. Someone who has perhaps been discouraged by the sheer enormity of building a model plane and has perhaps stayed away from the hobby as a result. Now this person will turn up at the field with a beautifully presented model and really enjoy the adventure, fellowship and friendship that we all do most Wednesdays or Sundays. For some building is the thrill and for others flying is where it’s at, and if they come ready made, why not! Incidentally
If you have gotta have one then call Bay Hobby supplies on 07 577 6240 or call
in and see them at 1354 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga - just opposite Pumpkin
planet! Photos by Peter Rumble
Photos by Bruce Henderson
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