Portlaoise Scale Fly In July 5, 2009
By Paul Fetherstonhaugh
Photos from this event can be viewed in the gallery -- click here.
Thunderstorms, lightning, flash flooding and so called heavy showers merging to more prolonged periods of rain with sunny spells predominated in the days preceding the Scale Fly In hosted by Laois MAC for the Scale Model Flying Association. A particularly wicked mix.
A contingent of our usual attending pilots were put off by the bad omens for weather conditions predicted by Met Eireann and didn’t turn up. As with everything the devil is in the detail, and luckily the morning held well with sunny spells and light south easterly winds, which extended into the early afternoon when showers and then heavier rain became the feature of the day.
Good flying was there in the morning for those who made it early, and flying between the showers for those who came later.
Joe O’Sullivan flew a Pitts biplane with style, putting the aircraft through a varied menu of manoeuvres, as did Eamonn Keenan with his Harmon Rocket. Eamonn has a clipped wing Piper Cub on his building board and almost complete. The Scale boffins eagerly await it’s arrival.
Mick Murphy who is currently working on further improvements for his Curtiss P40E war hawk, flew his robust Corsair with gusto, as did Martin Sweeney his smart Cessna. Of interest, Martin has completed the fitting out of a large scale Cap with 50cc petrol engine, and Spitfire powered by a four stroke 120 from the SC stable, and the arrival of both machines are awaited.
Steve who flew his legendary Piper Arrow, has almost completed construction of his Spitfire from RCME plans and design by Tony Nuijhus, the first flight looms very soon. A brace of Spitfires in Laois will certainly raise the bar for other pilots.
Denis got his Extra 330L sorted, some fine engine tuning did the trick, and devoured the sky with nail biting manoeuvres. Paul Fetherstonhaugh flew his usual Spacewalker, which putters along nicely. Kieran McEvoy came for a part of the day, and offered advice where needed to distressed pilots. Kieran is working on a PC 9 for those prevalent windy days.
Good chat, banter and high spirits lifted the afternoon grey, and those who came enjoyed the day. Thanks to Joe and Eamonn for making it down for the day despite the dire forecast.