Event Director Frank Noll and his
team really know how to put on an
enjoyable event. This year’s eighth
edition was a little different from
the previous format. In response to
attendee requests, the event was
primarily “fly when you like,” rather
than the tighter flightline control that
was exercised in prior years. Also,
helicopters were limited to 130 size
and smaller. These changes resulted
in a noticeable decrease in the scale
models that have characterized
past E-Fests, but it allowed a lot
more flying time for the large field of
attendees.
While the bulk of the flying time
was “open flying,” there were flight
windows for EDFs, scale machines,
micros, etc. The floor is divided into
three main flying areas, and this year
an RC car track was added to the mix.
The Saturday evening scale
competition featured some
phenomenal indoor scale models. The
huge popularity of micro ARFs has
made reliable micro radio systems
and tiny linear servos available to
indoor scale modelers, and they
have taken the ball and run with it. As
always, I was impressed and humbled
by the beautifully detailed models
on display. The competition was
closely contested, with high static
and the overall championship going to
Champaign local Sean Cassidy for his
amazing Vickers Vimy.
E-Fest truly has something for
everyone, and it’s a great way to
kick off the year’s event schedule. If
you haven’t attended this indoor RC
event, by all means, make your plans
for next year! More information on
the E-Fest is available at hobbico-efest.com.
The range of great-looking and low-cost ARF warbirds now on the market is incredible. ElectriFly will soon be releasing
this sharp Me 109. The vendor row at E-Fest is always well worth a visit.
The Gauntlet
This obstacle course race is a huge crowd favorite. Pilots race around a course through lighted gates of vari-
ous sizes, and the competition is fierce. This year, RJ Gritter survived the carnage to take first place by nar-
rowly edging out Joe Smith.
Jim Fassino’s outstanding Antoinette ghosts overhead during the scale
competition. The detailing on this beautiful model has to be seen to be believed, and
the amazing low-speed performance really added to the realism.
The 3D flying area was extremely busy all weekend. Here, renowned aerobatic pilot
Joe Smith does some close-in work with his ultra-lightweight TechOne Sbach 342.
Joe uses a Futaba T8FG, and the Sbach runs a Hacker motor and Castle Creations
speed control.
