Old Timer

Old Timer

The competition flying of free flight and R/C model aircraft of vintage design is intended to be casual, enjoyable and interesting for both competitor and spectator alike. It is neither desired to advance the state-of-the-art of aeromodeling, per se, other than to increase participation in the sport generally, nor to reprove again that which is already recorded in aeromodeling history books.

The Doncaster Old Timer team for the 2002 VMAA Trophy (or is that simply 5 old timers?). Kevin Fryer, 2nd from the left, is the model owner.

Based on model aircraft designs that revolutionised free flight, three basic classifications exist:-

ANTIQUE -- Aircraft which were designed, kitted, or published on or before December 31st 1938
OLD TIMER -- Aircraft which were designed, kitted, or published on or before December 31st 1942
NOSTALGIA -- Aircraft which were designed and published on or after January 1st 1943 and on or before December 31st 1956

Both "ANTIQUE" and "OLD TIMER" models are used to compete in the Old Timer Events.

Typical Old Timer events like Duration involve an enormous rush of adrenalin as the plane climbs vertically under power for 30 seconds (or for a limited fuel load in Texaco), then the engine cuts and the hunt for thermals begins. Last one down or closest to specific flight duration wins -- depending on the competition. Not for low ceiling heights or noise restricted sites. So even though Doncaster Aeromodellers Club members fly Old Timer, they don't do so at Bulleen -- but feel free to come down and talk to them as Old Timer interest group members are frequently at Bulleen flying other types of planes.

More details of the how competitions are organised can be found through the Society of Antique Modellers Australia web site link below (under SAM600 Rules).

And it isn't only for Internal Combustion powered models. See details on Neil Spencer's electric conversion of an Old Timer here.

Model Gallery

To come

Relevant Links

VMAA

Society of Antique Modellers Australia

*** 10 January, 2010 10:27 PM +1000 ***

Last updated 10 January, 2010