December 2004 49
THIS YEAR’S Grand Event—AMA’s annual modeling
extravaganza—was held Father’s Day weekend, June 18-20, and
was hosted by the Evansville Radio Control Model Airplane Club
(ERCMAC) in southern Indiana.
The idea for the Grand Event, which was developed in 1996,
was to bring various segments of the hobby community
together, and it evolved into an event that was new, innovative,
and fun. It became a weekend gathering at which all segments of
the outdoor modeling industry were represented for a free, funfilled
exposition that offered hands-on hobby opportunities for
visitors.
Through the generous support of many industry leaders, it
became possible to expand the event to include free make-andtake
items for youngsters and a huge raffle. Local businesses are
approached each year for sponsorship and financial assistance.
The Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) has
provided generous financial support in the past and will
continue to do so. Thanks to outstanding contributions from Sig
Manufacturing and Hitec RCD USA, event administrators were
able to update the complete “fleet” of RC aircraft, which is used
for buddy-box flights.
The Grand Event includes model car and boat activities, but
not every flying site has a car track or a boat pond available.
The ERCMAC didn’t, but that didn’t deter its members; they
dug in—literally—and built a temporary boat pond!
Anybody who has tried doing that knows it’s a trial-and-error
project. If it’s something your club is interested in doing, stop
by Jack Charlier Field in Evansville, Indiana, and talk to the
ERCMAC club members. They will be happy to fill you in on
their experience. Compared to the pond, building the car track
was child’s play.
While you are at the field, say hello to club member Bill
Kleinhans. His AMA number is 101—the first number available
to the membership. (Numbers 1 through 100 are reserved for
AMA presidents.)
by Ilona Maine and Bill Oberdieck
An aerial shot of Jack Charlier Field in
Evansville IN, taken by a camera
mounted in an RC aircraft.
Could these be future astronauts? Photo by Ed Pruszynski.
Photos as noted
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:36 AM Page 49
50 MODEL AVIATION
place; old and young attendees enjoyed
the additional modeling venues. A total
of 600 rockets were built and launched,
and the Hoosier Kitefliers Society
provided 450 kites for visitors to
assemble and fly. Without a doubt, one
or two future NASCAR drivers raced on
the RC car track. Along with water
shuttled from a nearby creek, all of the
sweat poured into the pond surely helped
keep the boats afloat for the 557
seaworthy captains.
The Show Me Air Kings, which is
one of AMA’s air-show teams, ventured
to Evansville from Missouri to perform
Saturday. ERCMAC member Mike
Fuller demonstrated his proficient
piloting skills with Jack Mathias’s
turbine-powered jet, after which
International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
President Ron Kummer gave a helicopter
demonstration.
Ron was amazed by the number of
the general public who attended—
especially the youth. He believes that all
of AMA’s SIGs should participate, or at
least have an exhibit at the event. It is
the perfect opportunity to meet people
and spark some interest in future
modelers.
By just attending the event, the public
had the chance to win one of the many
door prizes which were generously
donated by model manufacturers and
All of the club’s hard work paid off. The
weather was beautiful during the three
days, and it brought out more than 2,800
people from at least eight different states.
There were even some visitors from Iowa,
where the event was held in 2003, in Des
Moines.
The hard work and dedication that
many volunteers from the surrounding
areas provided made it possible to give
825 individuals a first-time RC flight
using a buddy box. And all airplanes were
intact when the event ended Sunday
afternoon! There wasn’t even a broken
propeller.
The flight school wasn’t the only busy
Rocket-launch-site staff members take a rare break. Photo by Ilona Maine.
The performance by AMA’s Show Me Air Kings air-show team drew a considerable crowd Saturday. Pruszynski photo.
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:38 AM Page 50
Where the next Brickyard 400 winner learns the art of cornering. Maine photo.
local businesses. Some of the main
attractions were the 27-inch color
television and two Hobbico Yard Stik park
flyers, complete with radios. In addition,
the ERCMAC offered to donate flight
instruction.
The lucky winner of the television
faced the tough decision of which
passenger he should leave behind to be
able to fit his prize in an already crowded
vehicle. But in the end he was able to take
the television and squeeze all of the
passengers in.
One of the Yard Stik winners arrived at
the event on his motorcycle. To ensure
secure transportation for his winnings, he
rode back home and got his car. After the
female attendee who claimed the winning
ticket for the second Yard Stik received
her model, she turned around with a big
smile and said “Happy Father’s Day, dad.”
AMA thanks the ERCMAC, its members,
and all other volunteers—modeling and
nonmodeling—for hosting the event and
for all of their hard work and dedication.
It made this a grand event indeed.
On behalf of the ERCMAC, AMA
extends its appreciation to Jack Charlier.
He donated the property for the flying
field to the club several years ago, and the
site was dedicated in his name in 1998.
The club also received his permission to
utilize adjoining property for this event.
The Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft
Club (HOTMAC) will host the 2005
Grand Event in Waco, Texas, August 26-
28. Come join the fun when we “round
’em up” in the Lone Star State. MA
Ilona Maine
Bill Oberdieck
The signs say it all. Thank you for your great support! Maine photos.
On the main transmitter Frank Granelli (R) assists a young
person on the RC buddy box. Pruszynski photo.
Schools of new infamous captains get their feet wet at the site’s
man-made boat pond. Pruszynski photo.
December 2004 51
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:40 AM Page 51
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/12
Page Numbers: 49,50,51
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/12
Page Numbers: 49,50,51
December 2004 49
THIS YEAR’S Grand Event—AMA’s annual modeling
extravaganza—was held Father’s Day weekend, June 18-20, and
was hosted by the Evansville Radio Control Model Airplane Club
(ERCMAC) in southern Indiana.
The idea for the Grand Event, which was developed in 1996,
was to bring various segments of the hobby community
together, and it evolved into an event that was new, innovative,
and fun. It became a weekend gathering at which all segments of
the outdoor modeling industry were represented for a free, funfilled
exposition that offered hands-on hobby opportunities for
visitors.
Through the generous support of many industry leaders, it
became possible to expand the event to include free make-andtake
items for youngsters and a huge raffle. Local businesses are
approached each year for sponsorship and financial assistance.
The Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) has
provided generous financial support in the past and will
continue to do so. Thanks to outstanding contributions from Sig
Manufacturing and Hitec RCD USA, event administrators were
able to update the complete “fleet” of RC aircraft, which is used
for buddy-box flights.
The Grand Event includes model car and boat activities, but
not every flying site has a car track or a boat pond available.
The ERCMAC didn’t, but that didn’t deter its members; they
dug in—literally—and built a temporary boat pond!
Anybody who has tried doing that knows it’s a trial-and-error
project. If it’s something your club is interested in doing, stop
by Jack Charlier Field in Evansville, Indiana, and talk to the
ERCMAC club members. They will be happy to fill you in on
their experience. Compared to the pond, building the car track
was child’s play.
While you are at the field, say hello to club member Bill
Kleinhans. His AMA number is 101—the first number available
to the membership. (Numbers 1 through 100 are reserved for
AMA presidents.)
by Ilona Maine and Bill Oberdieck
An aerial shot of Jack Charlier Field in
Evansville IN, taken by a camera
mounted in an RC aircraft.
Could these be future astronauts? Photo by Ed Pruszynski.
Photos as noted
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:36 AM Page 49
50 MODEL AVIATION
place; old and young attendees enjoyed
the additional modeling venues. A total
of 600 rockets were built and launched,
and the Hoosier Kitefliers Society
provided 450 kites for visitors to
assemble and fly. Without a doubt, one
or two future NASCAR drivers raced on
the RC car track. Along with water
shuttled from a nearby creek, all of the
sweat poured into the pond surely helped
keep the boats afloat for the 557
seaworthy captains.
The Show Me Air Kings, which is
one of AMA’s air-show teams, ventured
to Evansville from Missouri to perform
Saturday. ERCMAC member Mike
Fuller demonstrated his proficient
piloting skills with Jack Mathias’s
turbine-powered jet, after which
International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
President Ron Kummer gave a helicopter
demonstration.
Ron was amazed by the number of
the general public who attended—
especially the youth. He believes that all
of AMA’s SIGs should participate, or at
least have an exhibit at the event. It is
the perfect opportunity to meet people
and spark some interest in future
modelers.
By just attending the event, the public
had the chance to win one of the many
door prizes which were generously
donated by model manufacturers and
All of the club’s hard work paid off. The
weather was beautiful during the three
days, and it brought out more than 2,800
people from at least eight different states.
There were even some visitors from Iowa,
where the event was held in 2003, in Des
Moines.
The hard work and dedication that
many volunteers from the surrounding
areas provided made it possible to give
825 individuals a first-time RC flight
using a buddy box. And all airplanes were
intact when the event ended Sunday
afternoon! There wasn’t even a broken
propeller.
The flight school wasn’t the only busy
Rocket-launch-site staff members take a rare break. Photo by Ilona Maine.
The performance by AMA’s Show Me Air Kings air-show team drew a considerable crowd Saturday. Pruszynski photo.
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:38 AM Page 50
Where the next Brickyard 400 winner learns the art of cornering. Maine photo.
local businesses. Some of the main
attractions were the 27-inch color
television and two Hobbico Yard Stik park
flyers, complete with radios. In addition,
the ERCMAC offered to donate flight
instruction.
The lucky winner of the television
faced the tough decision of which
passenger he should leave behind to be
able to fit his prize in an already crowded
vehicle. But in the end he was able to take
the television and squeeze all of the
passengers in.
One of the Yard Stik winners arrived at
the event on his motorcycle. To ensure
secure transportation for his winnings, he
rode back home and got his car. After the
female attendee who claimed the winning
ticket for the second Yard Stik received
her model, she turned around with a big
smile and said “Happy Father’s Day, dad.”
AMA thanks the ERCMAC, its members,
and all other volunteers—modeling and
nonmodeling—for hosting the event and
for all of their hard work and dedication.
It made this a grand event indeed.
On behalf of the ERCMAC, AMA
extends its appreciation to Jack Charlier.
He donated the property for the flying
field to the club several years ago, and the
site was dedicated in his name in 1998.
The club also received his permission to
utilize adjoining property for this event.
The Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft
Club (HOTMAC) will host the 2005
Grand Event in Waco, Texas, August 26-
28. Come join the fun when we “round
’em up” in the Lone Star State. MA
Ilona Maine
Bill Oberdieck
The signs say it all. Thank you for your great support! Maine photos.
On the main transmitter Frank Granelli (R) assists a young
person on the RC buddy box. Pruszynski photo.
Schools of new infamous captains get their feet wet at the site’s
man-made boat pond. Pruszynski photo.
December 2004 51
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:40 AM Page 51
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/12
Page Numbers: 49,50,51
December 2004 49
THIS YEAR’S Grand Event—AMA’s annual modeling
extravaganza—was held Father’s Day weekend, June 18-20, and
was hosted by the Evansville Radio Control Model Airplane Club
(ERCMAC) in southern Indiana.
The idea for the Grand Event, which was developed in 1996,
was to bring various segments of the hobby community
together, and it evolved into an event that was new, innovative,
and fun. It became a weekend gathering at which all segments of
the outdoor modeling industry were represented for a free, funfilled
exposition that offered hands-on hobby opportunities for
visitors.
Through the generous support of many industry leaders, it
became possible to expand the event to include free make-andtake
items for youngsters and a huge raffle. Local businesses are
approached each year for sponsorship and financial assistance.
The Radio Control Hobby Trade Association (RCHTA) has
provided generous financial support in the past and will
continue to do so. Thanks to outstanding contributions from Sig
Manufacturing and Hitec RCD USA, event administrators were
able to update the complete “fleet” of RC aircraft, which is used
for buddy-box flights.
The Grand Event includes model car and boat activities, but
not every flying site has a car track or a boat pond available.
The ERCMAC didn’t, but that didn’t deter its members; they
dug in—literally—and built a temporary boat pond!
Anybody who has tried doing that knows it’s a trial-and-error
project. If it’s something your club is interested in doing, stop
by Jack Charlier Field in Evansville, Indiana, and talk to the
ERCMAC club members. They will be happy to fill you in on
their experience. Compared to the pond, building the car track
was child’s play.
While you are at the field, say hello to club member Bill
Kleinhans. His AMA number is 101—the first number available
to the membership. (Numbers 1 through 100 are reserved for
AMA presidents.)
by Ilona Maine and Bill Oberdieck
An aerial shot of Jack Charlier Field in
Evansville IN, taken by a camera
mounted in an RC aircraft.
Could these be future astronauts? Photo by Ed Pruszynski.
Photos as noted
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:36 AM Page 49
50 MODEL AVIATION
place; old and young attendees enjoyed
the additional modeling venues. A total
of 600 rockets were built and launched,
and the Hoosier Kitefliers Society
provided 450 kites for visitors to
assemble and fly. Without a doubt, one
or two future NASCAR drivers raced on
the RC car track. Along with water
shuttled from a nearby creek, all of the
sweat poured into the pond surely helped
keep the boats afloat for the 557
seaworthy captains.
The Show Me Air Kings, which is
one of AMA’s air-show teams, ventured
to Evansville from Missouri to perform
Saturday. ERCMAC member Mike
Fuller demonstrated his proficient
piloting skills with Jack Mathias’s
turbine-powered jet, after which
International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
President Ron Kummer gave a helicopter
demonstration.
Ron was amazed by the number of
the general public who attended—
especially the youth. He believes that all
of AMA’s SIGs should participate, or at
least have an exhibit at the event. It is
the perfect opportunity to meet people
and spark some interest in future
modelers.
By just attending the event, the public
had the chance to win one of the many
door prizes which were generously
donated by model manufacturers and
All of the club’s hard work paid off. The
weather was beautiful during the three
days, and it brought out more than 2,800
people from at least eight different states.
There were even some visitors from Iowa,
where the event was held in 2003, in Des
Moines.
The hard work and dedication that
many volunteers from the surrounding
areas provided made it possible to give
825 individuals a first-time RC flight
using a buddy box. And all airplanes were
intact when the event ended Sunday
afternoon! There wasn’t even a broken
propeller.
The flight school wasn’t the only busy
Rocket-launch-site staff members take a rare break. Photo by Ilona Maine.
The performance by AMA’s Show Me Air Kings air-show team drew a considerable crowd Saturday. Pruszynski photo.
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:38 AM Page 50
Where the next Brickyard 400 winner learns the art of cornering. Maine photo.
local businesses. Some of the main
attractions were the 27-inch color
television and two Hobbico Yard Stik park
flyers, complete with radios. In addition,
the ERCMAC offered to donate flight
instruction.
The lucky winner of the television
faced the tough decision of which
passenger he should leave behind to be
able to fit his prize in an already crowded
vehicle. But in the end he was able to take
the television and squeeze all of the
passengers in.
One of the Yard Stik winners arrived at
the event on his motorcycle. To ensure
secure transportation for his winnings, he
rode back home and got his car. After the
female attendee who claimed the winning
ticket for the second Yard Stik received
her model, she turned around with a big
smile and said “Happy Father’s Day, dad.”
AMA thanks the ERCMAC, its members,
and all other volunteers—modeling and
nonmodeling—for hosting the event and
for all of their hard work and dedication.
It made this a grand event indeed.
On behalf of the ERCMAC, AMA
extends its appreciation to Jack Charlier.
He donated the property for the flying
field to the club several years ago, and the
site was dedicated in his name in 1998.
The club also received his permission to
utilize adjoining property for this event.
The Heart of Texas Miniature Aircraft
Club (HOTMAC) will host the 2005
Grand Event in Waco, Texas, August 26-
28. Come join the fun when we “round
’em up” in the Lone Star State. MA
Ilona Maine
Bill Oberdieck
The signs say it all. Thank you for your great support! Maine photos.
On the main transmitter Frank Granelli (R) assists a young
person on the RC buddy box. Pruszynski photo.
Schools of new infamous captains get their feet wet at the site’s
man-made boat pond. Pruszynski photo.
December 2004 51
12sig2.QXD 10/25/04 10:40 AM Page 51
