This large model, with crew (l-r Todd Crowe, Simon McCann and pilot Ray Clarke) from the Grafton club, is a one third scale model of a FIAT CR.42 FALCO [Falcon]. The full sized aircraft was the last biplane to enter frontline service with the Italian Air Force in WW2.

This model was recently awarded second place in the Wagga Wagga scale rally. Image: Erlita Lane

Geoff Helisma Organisers of the Grafton Model Aircraft Club’s annual event at Clarenza – in conjunction with the Australian Model Flying Day – were chuffed at the response from the public. “Sunday [October 22] was a brilliant success,” the club’s PR and events office Daryl Woolfe said, “with over 250 spectators coming through the gates at various time throughout the day.” Mr Woolfe said the club also gained three new members “directly from the event”, following the day’s festivities. “I think every person who turned up at the field mention that they read about the day in the paper [The Independent],” Mr Woolfe said.”And a good number of people came into [Grafton Shoppingworld] as a direct result of reading that we were running a static display.” Mr Woolfe said his club is speaking with “the CRANES [Community Support Programs] people about getting facilities to cater for disabled pilots – we have had a couple of wheelchair-bound pilots over the years – and the Grafton Cub Scouts are looking to participate with the club as well”. “We have the date set for the model air show next year and it will be Sat 19 and Sun 20 May 2018,” Mr Woolfe said. “The Saturday will be a static display and the Sunday will be the flying day.”