Page 20 - MFW March 2024

hand mangled in the prop at the start of the race. Being on sort of clerical error or that it was some sort of weird joke.
Warfarin blood thinners makes for a fair amount of blood This wasn’t me. This couldn’t be me. I’d just been having
and it was getting messy, flicking blood all round the place fun and not taking it seriously at all. What were they talking
at pit stops. The model landed 2 laps short of the end and I about. That couldn’t be me ! But it was me. It wasn’t a
couldn’t restart it and with the blood still flowing, I decided mistake.
to throw in the race. Friends helped me pack up and off I
went to the emergency department at the Masterton Kevin Barnes, this Nats, Champion of Champions,
Hospital. I was facing 4-5 hour wait and would miss all the explained how the points thing works and said that I was
Prizegivings including the meal and Main Prizegiving. Not only 1 point behind him and that it was a pity I didn't do just
the way I wanted to finish these Nats. a bit better in Vintage Catapult Glider. Well, we all know
what happened there, don't we ?
Fortunately the laceration was considered minor enough
to be dealt with at Triage stage and we escaped in less I now have a big dilemma. Do I continue my lazy laid back
than an hour and had enough time to wash and change approach to the Nats or next year do I try to match or better
before heading for the Freeflight, Vintage and Control Line this years result.
Prizegivings scheduled to start about 3pm Friday and
followed by the delicious catered Dinner about 6pm and I think more effort would not equate to more enjoyment. I
then the Main Prizegiving after that. may have to consider this result as, maybe the pinnacle of
my achievements and keep my laid back approach and
There were some good results in there, for me and I was just see how much fun I can have in the future and if Lady
pleased with what I had achieved. I’ve never understood Luck should gaze upon me with favour, next time, then so
what all the Points allocation business was about and it be it !
certainly didn’t really affect me in any way anyhow
because I was only flying 7 events and I considered that I would like to say, that some of my wins at these Nats
what I was achieving was about 10 % of what was needed have been due to the efforts of others, friend and club
for those that become Champion of Champions. So, no mates. I would like to thank Rod Brown for his efforts in
need to even think about such lofty titles at all. modifying motors for me, Brian Howser for building good
models for me, Robert Bolton for various supplies and
Jo and I, had had some adventures and had fun together emotional motivation and especially Andrew Robinson for
and I had got a couple of First Places, to sweeten it all and being a good pilot for my Control Line events. Jo would like
even Jo got a first in one event. What more could you ask to thank Rob Wallace and Rod Brown for their
for ? encouragement on the freeflight field.

When they announced my name as Runner-Up I think, I am looking forward to the next Nats now, with just
Champion of Champions, I thought there had been some the right amount of excitement and anticipation.

LMANZ Rallies

The article in this issue of MFW describes the new approach
that LMANZ is taking to its Rallies.

This is the schedule:
March 16th-17th 2024 at Tokoroa Airfield

LMANZ rallies are open to all MFNZ members

who are enthusiastic about large models.
BBQ will be on with burgers .
The models eligible for LMANZ rallies are:
Models certificated in MFNZ Large Model Categories 1, 2, and 3 Camping is available on site
Honouring the original traditions of MANZ: monoplanes with wingspan at least
2m, biplanes with wingspan at least 1.5m, any model that has length plus $10 landing fee
wingspan at least 3.5m, and any scale model that is at least ¼-scale.

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