Australian Free Flight Nationals 23-29 October 2026

[THB]

The New South Wales Free Flight Society is hosting this year's Aus FF Nats at the Adrian Bryant Field in West Wyalong NSW. The field was donated to the club by the late Mr Bryant who was a very active modeller and wanted to provide a home for the activity - a very generous and successful gesture. The field is now in constant use for modelling events.

They also host indoor classes (Hangar Rat and Peanut this year) at the local stadium and that's where most of my effort is focussed - though I will also enter outdoor scale.

Anyway, for those unfamiliar with Australian landscapes, here is a picture of the drive through central NSW on the way to the field. You can see why they fly F1A, F1B and F1C in this neighbourhood! It's actually an amazing sight and never fails to impress.

Also below are the two Rats I bring with me. The orange and black one was finished about a month ago and I couldn't get it to fly... it either raced around in tight circles or ballooned up into a power stall. I tried more noseweight, less noseweight, downthrust, sidethrust, mystical incantations.... I believe the cause may have been a 'too-bendy' motorstick. So I have replaced this with a stiffer one and also built another 'super-light' version which came out at 4.98g. The Japanese Kanji symbol on the light one is the symbol for Rat - as used in the Japanese Zodiac (Year of the Rat etc). Neither has flown in current configuration so it's a bit of a gamble. I'll provide some updates if that would be of interest!
Tim

[billdennis747]

No need for poles to get models out of trees! But no landmarks to walk towards when retrieving either.

[OZPAF]

That's a long drive for you Tim - good on you! - this brings back memories. Your rats look great - you are trimming for a left turn? I found that flying to the right made wash in on the inside wing unnecessary.

I flew Rats at a few nationals including Waikerie - there were mass timed flights - none of this gentlemanly one at a time timed flights Great fun.

Definitely let us all know how you get on if possible.

John