District X
Delta Valley Modelers Grand Opening
The Delta Valley Modelers (DVM) club celebrated the grand opening of its new field on May 21, 2006. The flying site is located on Farmington Road (Highway 4), roughly three miles east of Highway 99 in Stockton, California.
The following report was provided by Mike Brown, newsletter editor for the Northern California Radio Controlled Unlimited Flyers of Anderson, California. Mike traveled to Stockton to assist the DVM members and serve as CD for the event.
"We hear too often of clubs losing their flying fields to development and the DVM story is no different. Unfortunately, the club lost its old field on Rough and Ready Island and had been searching to no avail, then a generous club member decided to allow the club use of a nice piece of land only four miles off a major highway, right next to the town of Stockton.
"I was privileged to CD the grand opening. When Sunday morning came, the weather was not cooperative but this didn't stop the modelers, their friends, and much of the public from stopping by to check out the new digs.
"I was impressed with the layout: plenty of runway, permanent shade, a small radio impound, and ample shelter for the spectators. They built what looks like a baseball backstop in front of a set of bleachers to keep visitors safe from errant airplanes.
"I applaud them for their effort. For the DVM club, safety comes first. This kind of thinking is what we all need to emulate. It was a large expense they didn't have to pay out, but it will be appreciated and will certainly pay dividends in the future.
"Good food and lots of fun were had by all. If ever you are in the Stockton area, check out the DVM. They are a friendly group and a great bunch of modelers. I hope this club gets to fly from this field for many years to come. It's nicely laid out and in a good location. The generosity of others really makes this hobby what it is. Donations, volunteers, and just good old sweat labor help keep the hobby going strong."
The new impound and shade structure provides shelter during inclement weather. It was a bit wet at times, but there was still plenty of flying.
Club president Tim Cassidy announced the raffle prize winners.
2006 Rally of the Giants
The 2006 Rally of the Giants was again held over Memorial Day weekend at the old Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, northwest of Merced, California. This venue has proven to be an ideal setting for the International Miniature Aircraft Association's (IMAA) annual event, attracting scores of participants from around the country with its open spaces and fantastic weather.
Contest Director Ken Shapiro and Air Boss Robert Bloomfield briefed the participants on the day's events at the Sunday morning pilot's meeting.
Local resident Rhonda Jenkins and her daughters Beverly, Brittney, Rachel, and Rebecca treated the crowd to a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner during the Rally of the Giants opening ceremony.
The Section "8" Air Force's fleet of P-38s, P-61s, and B-25 Doolittle Raiders attracted spectators as they traversed the flightline. The Northern California special interest group presented a midday airpower demonstration with a reenactment of Jimmy Doolittle's 1942 raid on Japan.
Till next time, keep 'em safe and keep 'em fly'n.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
