JOIN USAero models set to dot city skies
Aero modelling is the hobby of making and flying scale down models of planes. This has already gained a lot of popularity in Bangalore and Mysoreans are getting a chance to learn about this for the first time.
Aero modelling which was once confined to only the Air Force wing of the National Cadet Corps is becoming a hobby among the general public.
International Academy of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (IAMAS) and Rotary Club of Mysore jointly organised an eight-month-long aero modelling workshop under the leadership of M M Prasanna Kumar, retired associate officer of the National Cadet Corps.
The workshop which will be culminating, in an air show on June 19 was co-ordinated by two aero modelling enthusiasts and engineering students of the city. Sheryas K, a second year student of SJCE and Ananya Balasubramaniam, a final year student of NIE.
Expensive hobby
“Aero modelling is a very expensive hobby and requires a lot of financial assistance,” said Shreyas who has personally modelled five aircrafts along with Ananya. The wood which is used for modelling is balsa wood which is available only in Chikmagalur.
Balsa is very light but sturdy. Other materials which are needed include rubber adhesive, sandpaper for shaping, plasticine and basic wood cutting and shaping tools.
Well designed workshop
The participants were taught basics of modelling, aircraft design and modelling techniques.
The models of aircraft which were chosen for the workshop included more of simple designs and a couple of advanced models. A total of 35 students participated in the workshop and have designed models of chuck gliders, catapult gliders, Dihedral and double dihedral models, control line models and Towline gliders. They have designed more than 50 models over a span of eight months.
The aim of the workshop was to introduce and make people aware of the hobby of aero modelling in Mysore.
“The real fun of aero modelling lies in the model crashing and then repairing it and flying it again,” said Shreyas. “ You can never be an expert in aero modelling, there is always a scope for improvement,”added Ananya.
The hobby is a combination of creativity and science opined both youngsters. More such workshops should follow now that the city was aware of the hobby. The workshop would end with a grand finale, an aeroshow on June 19. The finale would include an exhibition and an air show of all the models made during the workshop. The show will have Wing Commander Nanjunda Saravan, Commanding Officer of the 4 Kar Air Squadron as the chief guest.
The aeroshow would be held between 10 am and 12 noon on June 19, at Jagadish Prasad Stadium, near Mahajana’s College, in Jayalakshimpuram.