AIRCRAFT of all shapes and sizes took to the skies over the weekend for the Tamworth Area Radio Model Aircraft Club’s (TARMAC) annual flying rally.
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The two-day Phoenix Scale Rally saw 30 models on display at Somerton, with entrants coming from as far as Canberra and Sydney.
It drew the interest of experienced operators to kids wanting to check out the action, with a barbecue running throughout the day and a raffle with a drone and model sailing ship up for grabs.
Funds raised from the rally will go towards the rebuild of the clubhouse.
The name of the scale rally has been titled “Phoenix Rally” with the club rising from the ashes to put on a great day of flying.
TARMAC president Larry Hoskins said while numbers were down at the rally on previous years, he was humbled by the outpouring of community support to help the club get back on its feet.
“Unfortunately numbers were down on last year, but the weather probably played a part in that,” Mr Hoskins said.
"We had people come from Canberra, Sydney and the Central Coast.
“There was about 30 aircraft, all in different shapes and sizes.”
Despite losing almost everything in the fire, the club was determined to still host the rally, and the community played a huge role in making that happen.
“We’ve had so many people help us out,” Mr Hoskins said.
“We had dinner at Calala Inn on Saturday night and the manager presented us with a cheque for $250, which was just great.
“We’re still getting bits and pieces.
“Coates Hired donated a stack of chairs for us to use over the weekend.
“We’ve had lovely old ladies ringing up offering cups and saucers, and Northern Inland Credit Union donated us cutlery and a table.
“We still have a lot of stuff to replace that insurance won’t cover.”
Mr Hoskins is encouraging residents to check out the club and what it has to offer.
“Anyone is always welcome to come out every Sunday and have a look at our toys,” he said.
The club is located at 209 Racecourse Rd, Somerton.