158 Model AviAtion
ON SATURDAY, February 21, 2009,
modeling history was made in the great state
of West Virginia. The first ever WV R/C
Hobbies and Modeling Exposition was held at
the Charleston National Guard Armory.
The event was the brainchild of Chuck
Westfall, president of the Jackson County
Aeromodelers of Ripley, West Virginia.
Chuck knew he needed help in pulling off this
big event so he contacted the Flying Hillbillies
RC Club of Winfield, West Virginia.
The event turned out to be a huge success.
Modelers rented more than 100 tables to
sell/swap items and paid attendance at the
door exceeded 400. The event included model
cars, rockets, trains, RC cars, etc.
The beauty of having all model hobbies in
attendance is that it gives modelers exposure
to all genres of the hobby. Because of the
attendance of nonflying modelers, AMA
District III area associate vice presidents
(AVPs) Mark Radcliff and Dave Ellis set up
an AMA information booth. They had many
interested nonmembers stop by for
information. AMA members stopped to talk
about issues facing modelers today.
The International Miniature Aircraft
Association (IMAA) hosted an informational
table with a few static airplanes on display.
The Jackson Aero Modelers hosted the
concession and the Flying Hillbillies hosted
50-50 drawings and the auction.
The date for next year’s event is February
27, 2010. Another building has been secured
so that additional static displays can be seen as
well as modeling seminars presented. It was a
great day for modeling in West Virginia.
Above: District III
AVPs Mark Radcliff
and Dave Ellis offered
AMA information
while (left) Chuck
Westfall provided the
enthusiasm.
Right: Bennie
Warden and
his C-130.
Last fall, the West Virginia State Pattern
Championships was held at the new flying site
of the St. Clairsville, Ohio RC Flyers club.
CD Wes Stafford explained that previously
the event was held in Ravenswood, West
Virginia, until they lost their site. He teamed
up with the St. Clairsville club to continue
having the event.
The meet was a perfect christening of the
club’s new flying field, located in a wide-open
area donated by a coal company. There are no
obstructions for miles and the flat backdrop
makes it perfect for Pattern flying. The
weather was rather windy; however it made
for good crosswind practice for the pilots.
With a flying site like this, I’m sure the
word will get around, so look for a large
number of Pattern fliers attending in the
future. Thanks to Wes and his staff for
keeping Pattern alive in District III.
Participants at the West Virginia State
Pattern meet.
On February 14, 2009, the Dayton
Wingmasters club held its annual swap meet
at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Dave
Thacker of Radical R/C was the CD.
This event gets larger each year. Even with
all of the media hype about the poor economy,
all the tables were sold out and more had to be
set up to accommodate everyone.
A large crowd had gathered at the entrance
when the doors were finally opened for the
public at 9 a.m. Several different clubs from
the area had tables set up from which their
members could sell. Several of the local
hobby shops had tables as well. I saw many
deals being made throughout the morning.
Even when the auction started, many
people were still in the crowd and bidding on
the merchandise. It was a good day. I hope
you can attend next year’s “Modelrama.”
Modelrama 2009.
Chris Brown, president of the Seneca
Highlands Aero Radio Kontrol Society,
provided the necessary leadership for the club
to obtain the Silver Leader Club award for its
activities during the past year. Hopefully this
year the club will achieve the Gold Leader
status.
Chris Brown and Harold Johnston proudly
display the club’s Silver Leader Club award.
District III
Bob Brown, District III Vice President; [email protected]
Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Bob Brown
Vice President
35 Sanford St.
Bradford PA 16701
Tel.: (814) 368-7655
www.amadistrictiii.org
Associate Vice
Presidents
Randy Adams, Fairfield
OH; (513) 858-3154;
[email protected]
Mike Barbee, Delaware OH;
(740) 362-5545;
[email protected]
Jeff Black, New Oxford PA; (717)
965-5634; [email protected]
Dave Brown, Hamilton OH;
(513) 738-1576; dbrown@
dbproducts.com
David H. Ellis, Cross Lanes WV;
(304) 776-1408;
[email protected]
Nelson Gould, Macungie PA;
(610) 395-9159; [email protected]
Dan Luchaco, Sayre PA;
(570) 888-1856;
[email protected]
Jim Martin, Franklin OH;
(937) 260-0143;
[email protected]
Mark Radcliff, Saint Marys WV;
(304) 684-2133;
[email protected]
Leo Rodriguez, New Stanton PA;
(724) 925-0159;
[email protected]
Matthew Turowski, Drums PA;
(570) 788-0661;
[email protected]
Joseph S. Vislay, Monclova OH
(419) 878-8843;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinator:
Ron Morgan, Scotland PA;
(717) 264-7425;
[email protected]
Di s t r i c t I I I Volunt e e r s
06amanews:11amanews.qxd 4/21/2009 12:05 PM Page 158
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/06
Page Numbers: 158