Graham Vibert

My interest in model planes began when I was 12 years old. A Hearns Hobbies “Hotrod” with a Taipan 1.5cc diesel got me under way, followed by a “Frisky” with an OS Max .15. The local flying site was a paddock on the edge of Traralgon township, within earshot of my home. Upon hearing the model engine noise I would grab a plane, handle and lines, stick a can of diesel fuel up my jumper hop on the bike and join the 6 to 8 others flying.

Those days still bring back fond memories of a simpler time when noise and insurance issues were not a concern. My early models were predominately Hearns Hobbies kits as the local bike shop was an agent. I recall building a “Gladiator” and also a model called the “Cutlass” both being powered by a very fast OS Max .29, however I think the “Cutlass” was fairly short-lived as I don’t remember a second flight. The last model built in my teens was a “Nobler”, scratch built from a mail order plan. The “Nobler”, powered by a Fox .35, served me very well and is deservedly the stunt model by which others are measured.

At 18 my first job with a Chrysler dealership as a trainee spare parts person sparked an interest in performance cars, which I still have today. I later joined the Victorian Railways as an Engineman/Fireman working on diesel electric and steam engines; the hours were long and the work very hot. At 21 I was called up for military service and served in Vietnam, making it difficult for me to continue my hobby.

Now married 34 years and with 2 sons my interest in model planes is still with me, however my passion today is more for older type engines, the same ones I could not afford to buy new as a teenager.
 

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