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MAAALogo.
Gregor Kruberg is a Queensland
member who has loved
aeromodelling and had an interest
in aviation since he was a child.
His father paid for joy rides in
light aircraft and encouraged his
interest in aeromodelling. Travelling
unaccompanied by air as a child to
see his relatives further fuelled his
thirst for aviation adventure. Gregor
shares his passion for warbirds with
Wingspan and shares some flying tips.
Whyareyoudrawn to
flyingoldbirds?
There is a huge admiration and a
following of warbirds throughout the
world. Somany aviation advances
weremade out of necessity during
the war years, which created great
gains in civil aviation in later years.
This is the era when aviation
technology expanded rapidly and
the exploits of our fighting forces
createdmany heroic events worthy of
recognition.
I was born immediately after World
War 2 so I’mdrawn to that era of
aircraft. I admire the achievements
related to these aircraft and of the
people who flew them. I guess I just
like to keep thememory alive.
Howwell doyouneed to
flybefore takingonawar
bird?
To fly a warbird usually requires
a reasonable level of experience
and skill. Models usually mimic
the full size flying attributes to
some extent and extra things like
retractable undercarriage and flaps
complicate themodels mechanics
and concentration needed to fly
them successfully. If you are new
to aeromodelling start with a basic
trainer. With the introduction of fully
completed foammodel aircraft the
introduction to themore complicated
warbirds is made easier.
What is your favoriteplane
to fly?
Without a doubt the Japanese Zero is a
great aircraft to fly. However, there are
many other World War 2 warbirds with
great performance as amodel.
Because of the short nose proportion
of the Zero it is often difficult to get
the centre of gravity correct, but
having achieved this I have not seen a
model Zero that does not fly well.
A less demanding aircraft to fly is
a Fairchild PT-19. As a trainer in full
size it was designed with good flying
attributes. Although it has flaps
(use would be optional) it has fixed
undercart and as amodel it is one of
the best warbird trainers to fly.
Whatmodelswouldyou
recommend for someone
just startingout in the
sport?
This depends on the expectations
of a new flyer. I’d recommend
spending some time visiting your
local model club to see what is being
used. There’s somuch on offer
in both internal combustion and
electric poweredmodels. I’d also say,
spend a reasonable amount of time
researching both locally and on the
internet. Think about the availability
of spares, particularly if you are a
beginner. Local suppliers usually fulfill
these needs better than an internet
purchase fromoverseas.
What areyour top flying
tips for someonestarting
out in thesport?
Have an understanding partner! But
also, become involved with a local
model aero club.
Conform to the requirements of
aeromodelling convention. Learn from
others.
Ask plenty of questions, but don’t
necessarily believe everyone’s
opinions!
Areyou involved inother
categoriesof flying?
I love aviation and although I don’t
have a pilot’s license I’ve havemany
opportunities to participate in light
aviation. Aeromodelling is full of
knowledgeable people fromall walks
of life. Many have extensive aviation
backgrounds and you can gain
knowledge from these associations.
Areyou involved in
competitions?
Somemodellers enjoy competition.
However, I ambetter suited to non-
competitive events, which fortunately
aremore prevalent.
Howwouldyou
recommendpeople
improve their flyingskills?
Fly often and fly a lot. I have seen
incompetent flyers improve their
ability markedly by practice, practice,
practice!
LEGENDARY
WARBIRDS
FOCUS ON MODEL AIRCRAFT FROM THE WORLD WAR 2 ERA.
Gregor Kruberg is a Queensland member
who has loved aeromodelling and had an
interest in aviation since he was a child.
Calling on MAAA members who
love warbirds... What can you
tell us about the history and
experience of flying a warbird?
Let us know and we’ll feature
some responses in our next
edition of Wingspan, which will
feature more information on
these grand old ladies!
