Page 23 - MFW Dec 2024

MODEL

BIGRALLY

Waharoa 19th & 20th October 2024

Report
Report from Wayne Cartwright
Report from W ayne Cartwright
from
Wayne Cartwright
Photos from Grant Finlay
Photos from Grant FinlayFinlay
Photos from Grant
This very enjoyable Big Model Rally was hosted by
Matamata Piako MAC. Eighteen registered flyers had 25
models on the flightline. The weather was dry but cloudy,
with a breeze that was stiff at times. The flying was relaxed
and safe and there was also a good amount of catch-up
conversation, as is usual at these events.

The eligible Big Models were in two categories. One
category is Large Models over 15kg that are in the MFNZ
Certification Programme because they fly under CAR Part
102. The other category is MANZ Classic, for models that
are lighter than 15kg and fly under CAR Part 101. MANZ
Classic specifies eligible models according to size.

MFNZ Large Models
There were five of these models – four in Cat 1 and one in
Cat 2. Gordon Mead’s venerable 1/3 scale Sopwith Pup
(see photo) was originally built by Lloyd Dickens from a
Balsa USA kit. Gordon made some repairs and a little re-
covering. The model now has the well-worn look of several
months on the Western Front, even including what looks
like bird droppings on the wings. It has a Zenoah G62,
which is just right for excellent realistic flying.

A different flying style came from a model flown by Philip
Churchill. This was based on the ‘Dusty’ character from
Disney. A full-size aircraft in the USA has been modified to
look like Dusty, and Philip’s model looked much like it (see
photo). The model is actually a modified Hangar 9 1/3
scale Pawnee. It is powered by a King Tech 45 Turboprop
and was flown expertly through a low-level sequence.

Grant Finlay flew a 30% 3.3m Piper Pawnee from a Bill
Hempel kit. Powered by a DA 100 twin, it flew very
precisely, although the speed and aerobatics were
probably a smidgin outside the clearance of the full-size
aircraft!

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