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Report: National Convention 2006 |
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Written by Anton Dyason - IPMS SA Media Group
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Monday, 17 April 2006 |
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Page 1 of 9  | Surrounded by cold steel, IPMS Free State presents a warm Scale Model National Convention in Bloemfontein. |
During 1994 Nationals, IPMS Free State set the bench mark for hosting the Nationals in South Africa. The format used became the now familiar mini and in later years fully fledged conventions in South Africa. It even inspired a convention attendee to start-up a club in his home city and this is how the Kimberley club originated.  Rooivalk from 16 Sqdn. | Nats 2006 started very early for most on Thursday, 13 April as the time for the 16 Sqdn visit was altered to early morning due to SAAF requirements. This did not deter the enthusiasts (some left home at 03h00) as 16 Sqdn is “Home of Rooivalk!” - South Africa’s indigenous attack helicopter which enjoys huge popularity with the aviation enthusiasts. Following the security briefing and clearance procedure, members were transported by bus to the Sqdn were the “Boss” of 16 gave a welcoming message and a brief introduction to the aircraft. To accommodate modellers some of the latest items altered on the aircraft were highlighted.
| | This included the brush system called the “toothbrush” to clean the optics of the pilot’s visual enhancing system. No photos were however allowed of the cockpit area. Following the 16 Sqdn visit we headed over to 87 Helicopter Flying School – the “Centre for helicopter training excellence” in the SAAF. This is the current home of the A109 helicopters while being integrated into the SAAF. |  A 109 from 87 HFS. |  Alou IIIs serviced by 6 ASU. | Deliveries of the A109 to 87 HFS are on schedule with the training programme of pilots on the new type well on track. Last visit was 6 ASU with a large number of Alouette IIIs. The visit to AFB Bloemspruit was very informative and members of the SAAF went to great lengths to accommodate the attending scale modellers while at the same time presented the various aircraft from the perspective of a scale modeller. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 28 April 2006 )
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