A great day in Italy

At the middle of June I went to Italy where I visited Marco Riva, the owner of a well equipped Model shop "NonDireModellismo" with his partner Samuele. He invited me to spend an afternoon at their flying field. What a nice and organized set-up. Parking separated from the field, a shed and a beautiful "Blanket-Grass-Field".





















They do both, motor and gliding. Firstly, Samuele with his fantastic 150cc Plane,




















an absolute ACE flier, he has been appointed to do the Tug for the afternoon. They use a 25m long line (cotton) with a breaking strength that if the glider or the tug-plane is in difficulty and the release mechanism is faulty, a strong pull at the line would cause it to break.


















After a nice show of expertly done loops, stalls, inverted flying, etc, etc, Samuel started his "Job" as the tug-pilot. There were a 4-5m Discus, a Nimbus and other three models, all in perfect condition and majestic looking.

A 120cc red V-tail tug with a wood prop is normally used to do the "Donkey-Work". First to go is the Discus Piloted by Mauro, a very gentle and clean takeoff and in less than half a minute the glider is at an altitude well over our winch launch. The glider hooks-off, turns to the left, the tug dives after a sharp right turn and comes to land to pick-up the next waiting glider, just like in full-size.

Unfortunately the tug had an engine problem, no sweat, another plane was brought in, a made-shift harness was tied around the wing joiners and the new tug was ready for the next launch.
















The thermals were great and the scale-gliders were just magnificent to watch in the late afternoon sky. Sunset was towards 21.30-22.00 hrs and this felt that the entire afternoon was an entire day.
















I had great fun watching and participating in the action.














I like to thank Marco for the invitation, Samuel for a Champion display, (he is by the way an Italian champion!), Mauro and all the other members for a great day. Next time I will take along a glider and will contribute to the spectacle.

Michel (alias Amzimmy)

BTW: if you need some special parts, servos, radios, receivers, motors or anything else in the modeling spectrum that you cant get in SA, call me and I'll put you in contact with Marco, his prices are very reasonable and will be sent (a combined order) with UPS and in two days you will have your goodies!