District XI - 2006/05

MODEL AVIATION
THE NORTHWEST Model Expo was held
February 3-5 in Puyallup, Washington. This
was the latest of many in the last years. I have
attended each one and have seen the time
when the normal five-hour drive took 11
because of winter storms.
Before the expo format there was an
annual show of models in the hotels around
the Sea-Tac Airport. There were not many
vendors but many models were on display
and there were some very good clinics.
Throughout the years the format has changed
as has the location, and the show hosted
many venders and manufacturers.
When I spoke with many of the
manufacturers, they were generally saying
that they were reducing the number of
shows they attended citing cost as the main
reason. This year at Puyallup there were
many hobby shops represented and the usual
booths with electronic gadgets and batteries.
In the last two years the modelers were
complaining about going to the show to see
the hobby shops which are something they
can see every day without paying to get in.
They further complained that they miss
seeing the latest offerings of the
manufacturers.
Could this mean the end of all but the very
big trade shows? Drop me an E-mail and let
me know what you think.
I enjoy seeing friends whom I don’t get to
see very often and would make the trip for
that alone. There were not too many models
on display but here are some that were there.
SR Batteries had this 100-inch Eindecker on
display. It has more than 50 flights and can fly
for 30 minutes.
Dave Wilcox of Auburn brought his 40%
Extra 300.
Robert Parker of Orting, Washington, showed
his red-and-yellow CL Tarpon.
Nick Stratis of Auburn had his scratch-built
CL Stearman PT-13D.
These are just a few of the boats that were on
display.
Buz Hampton, Aloha, Oregon, had his highly
detailed F4U-5N on display.
Ed Mathews of Federal Way, Washington, had
his detailed Boeing Stratocruiser complete
with ground-support equipment.
Last but certainly not least, Gill Coglin had his
outstanding display of vintage aircraft,
engines, and accessories.
It was suggested that we not try to have the
District XI meeting at this show (as we have
done for many years) because of the low
attendance, but to move the meeting or to
have several meetings in different locations
around the district.
I have no problem with doing that if it is
your wish. Let me know your thoughts on
this and your thoughts on the show.
Dust off that gear and charge those batteries
spring is almost here.
Associate Vice Presidents
Rick Allison, Issaquah WA;
[email protected]
Darrell Anderson, Great Falls
MT; [email protected]
Al Culver, Wilder ID;
[email protected]
Jerry Holcomb, Vancouver
WA; [email protected]
Reeves Lippincott, Wasilla AK;
[email protected]
Gene LaFond, Wenatchee WA;
[email protected]
Dave Legard, Salem OR;
[email protected]
Mike Mosbrooker, Oak
Harbor WA;
[email protected]
Claude Tanner, Boise ID;
[email protected]
Frequency Coordinator
Phil Tallman, Medical Lake
WA; (509) 299-5102
District RC Coordinator
W.T. (Bill) Smith, Seattle WA;
[email protected] D
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Volunteers
District XI
Bruce Nelson, District XI Vice President; [email protected]
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
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