Outings Report

May: David Hack Classic Plane and Car Show: Toowoomba Aerodrome

Hello members,

Thunderbirds are go.

It was about 9.00am when the call came in from the Monaro Club of Queensland. ‘Calling International Rescue.’ A catastrophe was brewing. Thunderbird 5 (BOM) reported Fort Lytton was facing cancellation due to water over the grounds. Thunderbird leader Jeff Tracy (Craig K.) called pilots Scott and Virgil Tracy (Sparkles and Darryl L.).

The trio quickly put together a rescue plan for the May Monaro Run. Normally the answer would have been a simple ‘No Run’. Calls soon went out to Thunderbirds John and Gordon Tracy, and Lady Penelope (Shane H., James M. and Leanne McC.) and the Toowoomba Rotary Club. We needed toilets, parking, food, entertainment, a good drive and no rain. Even for the Thunderbirds, it was a tall order.

The rescue mission landed on the David Hack Classic Toowoomba Aerodrome Rotary Club Charity Plane and Car Show.

The next three hours became a blur of organising and decision making. Tin Tin (Jayne M.) played a key role keeping Scott grounded. Forty-four hours later, thirteen cars rolled into the escape point at Goodna. Mission accomplished. FAB.

This was a first for the Club and may not always be possible.

Back to reality.

The Drivers Briefing was announced with the usual loud horn that stops everyone in their tracks. Members, family and friends were welcomed to Woomba Woomba, the original name of the extinct volcano now called Toowoomba. Thankfully, Wikipedia assured me it hadn’t erupted for 20 million years.

Radio etiquette on the run to Toowoomba was excellent. The convoy stayed tight and made a great spectacle for the public. One local told me she saw the Monaro’s climbing the range and thought, ‘I’ll go to the show.’ She hadn’t planned on it, proving the attraction of a slow-moving convoy on the highway.

A perfect gap for a dozen Monaro’s was laid out beside the airstrip. Pedestrian traffic flowed constantly, with plenty of admirers checking out the cars. The only transport missing was trains and boats. Constant take offs, flyovers and landings entertained the crowd all day. The sound and power of the planes was enough to give any petrol head goosebumps.

The ladies enjoyed a 40s fashion parade while food and beverage vendors worked hard all day. Most of us had packed lunches in our boots.

Joy flights in biplanes and other aircraft were available, but at $700 for twenty minutes most of us stayed grounded. Keith and Jan B. did manage one unaccepted ride though - a $580 tilt tray trip back to Brisbane after a clutch malfunction. The brains trust had to call ‘International Rescue’ once more: Clayton’s Towing.

Pete K. captured the day with a great set of photographs.

There was strong support among members to make this an annual event with marquees, cold meats, salads and drinks. The organisers have approved the idea, so keep an eye out for next May’s run and maybe save a few dollars for a plane ride you won’t forget.

Late news is that the Fort Lytton Run has been rescheduled for the Club August Run. Same details, just a new date.

Pat MacDonald (Sparkles)
Outings Coordinator