KMAC and Doncaster Carnival

Sunday 30th March was a KMAC and Doncaster Carnival Day. Weather was sunny with just a sniff of a breeze. It augured well for a good days flying. By 10am the car park was 3/4 full, and members and visitors were enjoying a pleasant chit chat, with the odd slanging match thrown in.

The Novelty Event

There were very few models presented that fitted the novelty mould so it was decided not proceed with a static competition. There were however some interesting new kids on the block.

Here is Dougie with his new home grown design for 4 Stroke. As we have come to expect, the workmanship and finish is outstanding.

Dave Nobes always seems to find interesting pilots for his models. Dave is also an excellent builder and finisher. Top left is his own design F2B Livewire III. In the foreground is his full fuselage Peacemaker with Shrek at the controls.

A long time absent flyer from KMAC is Bob Allison seen here with his Hearns Hobbies Skylark with a Mills .75 cc diesel up front

Bernie Cosgriff presented this Yates Dragon

The Rat Race

Just 2 planes up with ENYA 15's upfront. Six teams signed up for the race, with major bragging rights up for grabs. The tension was electrifying. The crowd was pressing up to the fence to get a good vantage point. There was a little jostling for position but safety officer Ken Taylor soon had them under control.

First heat was Berry/Dodds up against Vallve/Koch. It started off OK until a refuelling stoppage when Koch let the model go before Vallve had hold of the handle. The crowd went wild as the model took off tor 1/2 a lap on its own. That was the end of that, Berry/ Dodds 50 laps, Koch/Vallve 24. (Pathetic)

Second heat was Lacy/Berry against Cosgriff/Koch, now this was better. The quiet unassuming and fast talking Bernie Cosgriff took out the heat in grand style. I did see a couple of spectators cheering. But that was for Chris Berry , who actually started the motor for Dave Lacy.

Third heat was Nobes/Wilson up against Opperman/???? not that exciting. Some of the spectators wandered off for coffee & cake. Dave Nobes came out on top without too much trouble. He was ecstatic and dizzy. Unfortunately someone in the crowd yelled out "Pluck A Duck", to the amusement of Dave Nobes. Totally uncalled for!

A vote was taken and the 3 heat winners were to fly off in one 10 minute final. Quite interesting as none of the pilots had flown 3 up in a circle. Once the crowd heard this it was a stampede to get to the front row. Safety officer Ken Taylor was out of his depth here and he had no reinforcements, all he could do was wave his walking stick around.

When the starters flag went down (actually it was a whistle that Robin Hearn had and it only had half a pea in it), it was on for young and old and very much older. The fleet footed flier of Bernie Cosgriff got off to a slow start, not surprising as his mechanic was too busy fixing his new teeth and adjusting is smile for the crowd. Murray Wilson was booed for starting the engine of Dave Nobes in one flick as he got off to a flyer. Terry Dodds was the consummate cool calm and collected mechanic as he got Chris Berry away (that would be the last time we would see that ). Right on cue half way through the race disaster struck! It was what the crowd had come for. Bernie Cosgriff lost touch with his model and could not see it cavorting around the sky. Chris Berry immediately panicked and went inverted. Dave Nobes thought well in for a penny, in for a pound and dived for cover. You should have heard the crowd. They were speechless!

After everyone came to their senses quick thinking bought Nobes/Wilson over the line first, then came Cosgriff/ Koch second. Berry/Dodds did not finish.

What a race! There was plenty of discussion at the end, all of which meant nothing. At lunch the winners were presented with their trophy. Luckily KMAC's Treasurer wasn't there because the club did go a bit over board. The winners received a free lunch voucher at our next club meeting (consisting of a sausage and a cool drink). Dave Nobes gave a thankyou speech, which went on far too long, and was reminded by Ken Taylor the club patron and matriarch to speed thing up.

It was at that point Chris Berry made a quick exit from the club rooms as Terry Dodds came screaming like a man possessed after him shouting that he was going to get a new pilot for next years event.

The other major news which came as a complete shock to everyone was the announcement by Doug Grinham was going electric. I have never seen so many different reactions by our members. The look on their faces. One chap quickly went to his car and I am sure he had a cask of wine and took a large swig to calm down. Halleluiah, may the Lord have mercy on him.

After all the excitement of the day. I headed home a little tired but very happy, just in time to feed the DUCKS.

By President PK

The Balloon Bust and Streamer Chase

We had been wanting to try a balloon bust for some time. It was disappointing that there was little to no interest from members to have a go at this. Similarly despite the jocularity last year with the streamer chase there were no takers apart from the organisers this year.

Ken getting into the spirit of things, threatening to lance the balloons with his stick