Not long now until we go racing for the first time in 2012 and I think we’re all itching to go. First up is the VMPRA Trophy at Camperdown on the weekend of Feb 18-19. See the calendar for details.
Note the course restrictions and details of the VMPRA meeting.
There has been some minor changes to the calendar so make sure your diaries are all up to date so you don’t miss any of the action.
See you at Camperdown.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Hughan, who finally lost his battle with cancer on the morning of Jan 30, 2012.
John, a member at LDMFA for many year, started pylon racing back in 1969, and was an active participant until recent years.
He was present at the formation of The Australian Miniature Pylon Racing Association (AMPRA) and was elected to the position of President. A position that he held for some 23 years. He was chairman of the MAAA pylon technical sub committee, was involved at the state level through (VMPRA) and had also been a contributor to the Australian Airborne Model Magazine for 15 years – writing a regular pylon articles.
Our thoughts go out to his family at this most difficult time.
The Preliminary calendar for 2012 is now on-line, see calendar >. August and September details are still to be finalised. There is also a schedule of how events will be run for the 2012 calendar. Events schedule >>>
Our thanks go out to Mick Kellett for coordinating with all the clubs and for putting all of this together.
Have a Merry Christmas and Safe Holidays and we look forward to another year full of pylon racing.
Quickies on the line before going on time
This was our last event for the year. We had 8 x Q500 & 4 x Sports entries including an EF-1 flown Alan Swift and Andrew Davies bought down a new EF-1 for a test flight during the day.
Alan Swift & Andrew Davies with their EF1 models
Also in the sport class was the battle of the Boomerangs between Matt Young in his 2nd event & David Axon.
David Axon doing some last minute tuning
It was windy as usual, the rain stayed away & it was a good day of flying with Some good close battles.
Toni Axon carrying out the starter's duties
Thanks to Joe Finocchiaro for the photo taken on the day.
The results for the Hamilton VMPRA State Championships have been posted.
See Results>>>
Now on this site are the rules for the 3 currently raced classesin Victoria.
The results for the munro weekend have now been added. See Results >>>
VMPRA members were well represented at this year’s F3D World Championships. Not only was 2 of the 3 senior Australia team members and their callers from Victoria, but members of other national teams are members & regular flyers at VMPRA events.
Igor Buchler & Rick Townsend (Team Brazil) and Tom Wetherill & Jim Orenshaw (Team New Zealand)
Jim Orenshaw (caller), Tom Wetherill (pilot) & Andrew Davies (supporter) - Part of team New Zealand
Igor Buchler (pilot), Rick Townsend (caller) & Vern Gibson (team manager) - Team Brazil
Igor Buchler (pilot) & Rick Townsend (caller) - Team Brazil
Among the faces in the photo below, are many VMPRA members who spent the week helping in the many official tasks that needed to be carried out for the smooth running and the success of this event. From my point of view, it was well worth making the trip to take part in this terrific event. – John Schmidli
Helpers at the F3D World Champs in Bunderberg
Fantastic results for our members Beau Murphy & call, Barry Murphy (2nd place) and Leigh Hocken and his caller, Frank Casella (6th place) as part of the F3D world championship winning team. Also congratulation to Chris Callow and his call Kevin Callow for their 1st place and Tyler Mees and caller, Warren Mees on 4th overall and highest Junior place.
If you had been at the Bundaberg Aeromodellers’ field over the above period you would have been able to feel the very positive vibe that was surging through the Australian Camp. This positive vibe translated into the performances of the Australian team which I believe was the “Best” we have ever achieved. Read more >>>
This competition was a Q500, Sports and Trainer pylon event. We had fairly good weather with the wind coming up mid morning but not too much.
13 competitor turned up with most planes flown being Q500s except for Gary Davidson flying a Boomerang Trainer, Tom Wetherill a 3D Fun Fly & Alan Swift giving us a demo of the new electric class – EF1 Pogo. This aircraft flew well, handled the windy conditions very well, flew times about 1 second or so slower than the Q500s & was very quiet. This class is being promoted as a chance for electric flight enthusiasts to get into pylon. 
Five rounds were flown but the last round was dropped due to the computer missing a couple of race time for the 5th round. There was some good racing, notably, a couple of very close scraps between James Hurley and Ian Haigh. Good to watch!
Thanks again to the Werribee Club helpers and caterers.
