AMA News District III - 2009/06
West Virginia R/C Hobbies and Modeling Exposition (Charleston)
On Saturday, February 21, 2009, modeling history was made in West Virginia when the first-ever West Virginia 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 enlisted help from the Flying Hillbillies RC Club of Winfield, West Virginia, to pull the event together.
The exposition was a huge success. Modelers rented more than 100 tables to sell or swap items, and paid attendance at the door exceeded 400.
Highlights:
- Types of models on display: model cars, rockets, trains, RC cars, and more.
- AMA District III associate vice presidents Mark Radcliff and Dave Ellis staffed an AMA information booth and spoke with many interested nonmembers and members about issues facing modelers.
- The International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) hosted an informational table with several static airplanes on display.
- The Jackson Aero Modelers ran the concession stand.
- The Flying Hillbillies hosted 50-50 drawings and an auction.
The date for next year’s event is February 27, 2010. Another building has been secured so that additional static displays and modeling seminars can be presented. It was a great day for modeling in West Virginia.
West Virginia State Pattern Championships
Last fall, the West Virginia State Pattern Championships was held at the new flying site of the St. Clairsville, Ohio RC Flyers club. Contest Director (CD) Wes Stafford explained that the event was previously held in Ravenswood, West Virginia, until that site was lost. He teamed up with the St. Clairsville club to keep the event going.
The meet provided 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 ideal for Pattern flying. The weather was rather windy, which offered good crosswind practice for the pilots. With a site like this, expect more Pattern fliers to attend in the future. Thanks to Wes and his staff for keeping Pattern alive in District III.
Dayton Wingmasters Annual Swap Meet (Montgomery County Fairgrounds)
On February 14, 2009, the Dayton Wingmasters held their annual swap meet at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Dave Thacker of Radical R/C served as the contest director.
This event grows each year. Despite media reports about the poor economy, all tables were sold out and more had to be set up to accommodate everyone. A large crowd gathered at the entrance when the doors opened to the public at 9 a.m. Several area clubs and local hobby shops had tables, and many deals were made throughout the morning. Even when the auction started, many people remained in the crowd and continued bidding. It was a good day—plan to attend next year’s "Modelrama."
Seneca Highlands Aero Radio Kontrol Society
Chris Brown, president of the Seneca Highlands Aero Radio Kontrol Society, provided the leadership necessary for the club to obtain the Silver Leader Club award for its activities during the past year. Hopefully the club will achieve Gold Leader status this year.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
