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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Thresher Reunion, 2004-09-09, Page 49Myth Festival's 2005 Packages Now on Sale Register online to receive regular updates on all Blyth festival activities www.blythfestivaLcom BLYTH FESTIVAL el)@4 P.O. Box 10, BLYTH NOM I HO plat I -877-862-5984 toll free • 523-9300 local Blyth (519) 523-4204 Now Also Available Complete line of pre-galvanized and hot dipped galvanized buildings to 105 ft. wide Free standing & wall mount models LEASING AVAILABLE Alternative Building Systems Armand Roth - 42978 Walton Rd., RR #3 Walton Toll Free: 1-877-447-2008 Phone: (519) 887-8373 Fax: (519) 887-8370 E-mail: altbuild@on.aibn.com www.alternativebuilding.on.ca PAGE A-I6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. Thresher Reunion 2004 The younger the student the faster they learn Continued from A-15 months and Vogel said the younger the student the faster they learn. "Younger people are generally faster learners because their reaction time is quicker and their fear factor isn't as high." Students learn how to fly on the trainer planes and if the interest is there after completing the training, they are advised to invest in their own model. Instructors take students to the club's field, located five minutes south of Goderich on Hwy. 21 behind the Bluewater Centre. The space not only includes .a large flying area, but a landing strip as well. Training begins with the instructor, a plane and a buddy-box system, consisting of two transmitters, one for the student and the other for the instructor. The student uses what is called a dummy transmitter allowing him or her to control the plane, while the instructor uses a control transmitter, granting him or her complete control of the plane at anytime, simply by holding a switch. Students start off by learning to fly the plane by performing numerous figure-eights in the sky. Once proficient, the instructor begins teaching the art of landing. "It takes time and experience to learn the different -techniques. You really have to pay attention. The tricky part is trying to advance too fast. Have parience and it will come," said Vogel. He explained that different planes, depending on the wing span, engine size and the flyer, can travel anywhere from 50 mph to 180 mph and there are such models known as jet planes which can go 200 mph. Vogel said model planes.can either have a gas-powered or battery- operated engine, which give about the same amount of power. The battery is re-charged after each use. The tank size in gas-powered engines ranges from 24 - 80 ounces. One of Vogel's planes uses a gas engine that holds 18 ounces of fuel which lasts up to half-an-hour, but he usually only flies for about a 15 minute period. "The most important aspect to learn first is how to fly right and to have insurance in case of an accident," said Vogel. "Everyone has a crash at some point, I don't care how experienced you are, you will have one at some point. People make mistakes." A model aircraft system can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, depending on affordability and what the flyer wants. Helicopters and jets are more expensive. "It's not expensive to get into the hobby. Just buy used equipment. In fact that's what we recommend students do," Vogel said. "We help students find what they're looking for. We don't want them to spend a lot of money and end up not liking it. Usually we start at about $300 and work up." He said most planes are made of balsawood, a light wood perfect for model planes, and plywood. The plane is finished with either a plastic or cloth covering to insure the stability of the wood. Vogel said he uses the cloth as he finds "it's a stronger material and more realistic looking." Including the engine, an average plane weights about 24 lbs. He said every model plane is design in smaller proportions of life- sized planes. "There is probably a model plane for every type of life-sized out there. There are even models that aren't life-size planes as people design their own." Vogel said he likes the challenge of building the model planes then taking them out to fly in the summer, enjoying all the hard work from the past winter. He said most model planes take three months to build, but some have taken up to three years. Not all have to built though as many can be bought from other members. Vogel said members usually build their models during winter months and fly during the summer. Club meetings are held once a month where they discuss upcoming events that the club hosts and safety concerns from recent experiences. When members meet in the field to fly their planes, specific channels or frequencies are used for different transmitters. For example if the pin for channel 60 is not on the frequency board when a member arrives, he or she will have to wait until the other flyer is finished. This prevents over-riding frequencies which can cause a plane to crash. "Again, this is why we strongly recommend that every member has the knowledge and understands the rules and regulations. Safety always comes first," said Vogel. For more information on becoming a member of the Goderich Radio Controlled Modellers Flying Club contact Vogel at 519-524-6792. The old way The threshing demonstrations are held each afternoon of the Reunion at the southern side of the grounds near the ball diamond. Carefully-tied sheaves are fed into the thresher by industrious hands for the curious and the nostalgic to watch. (File photo) J & H CAMPBELL TRANSPORT LTD. 1946 - 2004 58 years of serving Blyth and surrounding area. We welcome the Threshers and wish them many more successful years. Manufactured in Canada since 1988 Better By Design Sizes: 15' - 160' Wide by any length Styles: Wall style, Free Standing, Regular & High Profile Fabrics: 12.5 oz. available in various colours Fire Retardant also available Up to 15 year pro rated warranty Custom-made replacement covers available Engineering: Agricultural & Commercial Independently done with wide safety factors) Custom Features - Side Entrances, Awnings above side curtains, open sides, ridge vents, customized widths, wagon covers, etc. Frames: Powder coated for maximum protection plus colour options - or black steel. • No joint taping needed • 12 gauge steel (heaviest in industry) • Fully cross braced - bolted in • Deep Trusses - web height up to 42 in.