164 Model AviAtion
ARVADA ASSOCIATED MODELERS
(AAM) in Arvada, Colorado, puts on a
spectacular mall show every year. Betty
Shuster, Rosa Smith, and Terry Steinborn
filed this report chronicling this year’s event.
“This was one of the best Mall Shows
ever. The move to Dillard’s Square in the
Westminster Mall infused us with
excitement as well as trepidation. There
were minor glitches, but everything worked
out pretty well.
“There were 78 models entered, mostly
airplanes, with some helicopters and even a
car and truck. The ‘I Built It’ contest table
was jam packed, but, as always, a huge hit.
Next year, there will be more room, so start
those flying works of art now! Remember,
you can enter anything that you finished in
this calendar year.
“The biggest problem we had was the
cross breeze in the miniature helicopter
demonstration area. The flying
demonstrations had to be shut down
completely. But, as always, something great
came along to fill the void.
“Frank Dilatush and Pete Weller brought
the aeronautics class from the University of
Colorado that they are working with. The
team built two large Rascals in the
helicopter demo area, with a lot of ‘help’
from many club members. This was a huge
hit with the public as well as great fun for
the club members.
“As we know, ‘kibitzing’ is one of our
favorite pastimes. The location outside of
Cinnebon was a blessing and a curse. Every
time we looked over there, an AAM member
was in line (and it wasn’t always Howard!).
But, it kept us sustained, and for this
weekend at least, the economy boomed.
They love us. (But who doesn’t?)
“Set up and tear down was way too easy
this year, thanks to the talented creativity of
our illustrious vice president, Jim Manley.
He built some ‘table-hauling carts’ that fit
the bill perfectly, and made table transport a
dream. His friend with the horse trailer made
the whole process so easy we want to do it
almost every weekend! (Just kidding, Jim.)
“All in all, great show, guys! The Mall
Show Queens salute all who helped set up,
tear down, brought planes, talked to people,
and ate Cinnebons. Thanks for a great show;
we have even better ideas for next year!”
Pat Vachon and Jim Manley demonstrated
how to build.
Real entertainment for the mall crowd.
Kit-built airplanes were a big hit.
Daniel Adamson reports on an interesting
event in the Rocky Mountain area.
“The Fifth Annual Rocky Mountain
Aeromodeling Expo brought 14 local clubs
and vendors to the Wings Over the
Rockies Air and Space Museum for fun
static displays and indoor flying
demonstrations. The event is hosted every
year at the museum to promote
aeromodeling to the general public and
was well attended this year.
“Club members were invited to enjoy
free admittance to the museum simply for
displaying a model, so there were hundreds
of models on display! Indoor demos
included micro CL aerobatics, 3-D
helicopter flying, and run-ups of hand-built
motors. Outside the museum were CL
demonstrations and turbine airplane runups.
“A big hit this year was the new micro
indoor fliers, which filled the air all day
long. There were many activities for kids,
young and ‘older,’ including flight
simulators provided by local clubs, and
static models to paint and assemble, as
well as many helpful and friendly vendors.
“The chance to display our models and
meet and greet the public was a lot of fun,
and I look forward to next year!”
Club Corner: Add a little pizzazz to your
monthly club meetings. Once you get past
the report on finances, notices of upcoming
events, and safety issues, add a special
feature such as Show and Tell.
Everyone has an interest in new and
creative ideas as well as taking a look at
the latest project a member has completed.
Isn’t everyone interested in a special
configuration of magnets to hold hatches
in place?
Special tools are always of interest.
How many times do you open your new
magazine issue and immediately zoom in
to the “new tool and ideas” section?
Members have an uncanny ability to
design special tools that make building
easier. We all like to take a look at the
latest kit that was built.
Even ARFs can exhibit creativity in the
building process. Kit bashing always gets a
few chuckles. Are you proud of that old
engine you dug out the other day? Bring it
in to the meeting and chat about its history.
Don’t forget to reward those who take
the extra step and bring in an item to talk
about. Small rewards and recognition go a
long way in promoting members’ interest
and keeping them active.
It’s often the little things that keep your
meetings more interesting and well
attended.
Till then.
Jim Wallen
Vice President
7322 E. 82nd Way
Arvada CO 80003
Tel.: (303) 421-9061
www.amadistrict-ix.org
Associate Vice
Presidents
Steve Culver, Omaha NE;
[email protected]
Fred Hildebrand, Casper WY;
[email protected]
Troy Lapp, Bismarck ND;
[email protected]
Bruce Ream, Highlands Ranch
CO; [email protected]
Brenda Schuette, Auburn KS;
[email protected]
Mike Tallman, Wichita KS;
[email protected]
Jim Tiller, Rapid City SD;
[email protected]
Webmaster: Jim Shaw,
[email protected]
Contest Coordinator:
Mac Strader, Overland Park KS;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinator: Steve
Mangles, Denver CO;
[email protected]
District IX Volunteers
District IX
Jim Wallen, District IX Vice President; [email protected]
Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
06amanews:11amanews.qxd 4/21/2009 12:12 PM Page 164
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/06
Page Numbers: 164