January 2007
Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Club
A branch of the Australian Hovercraft Federation Inc (Vic)

Dear Air Cushion Vehicle enthusiast, The Queensland branch held a planning meeting at the SAAA hall at Archerfield Aerodrome on Tuesday, 16th January 2007 which was attended by Des Goss, Phillip Audsley, Angus Kerr, Peter Venn, Arthur Stead and Steven Odgaard. Cruise report - Brisbane River, Goodna - Sunday 28th January 2007. The first Queensland club cruise for 2007 proved to be popular with four craft on the Brisbane River at Goodna. This was on Sunday, 28th January and we met at Richardson Park at Goodna for a cruise up the river. Taking part in this cruise were:- Des Goss in his Turbo Wedge 225, Peter Ledwoch and Ann Dickinson in a Simple Cyclone, Angus and Lucas Kerr in a white Turbo Wedge 240 and Steven Odgaard in the Billy Baker 2 Des, Peter and Ann travelled upstream as far as Karalee. Angus and Steven both had engine difficulties and only managed to travel a few kilometres. We both came back together although Steven's engine was quickly fixed with the change of a spark plug. Angus' white Turbo Wedge 240 was only running on one cylinder and was not able to be repaired on the river. The Goodna boat ramp Peter Ledwoch Peter Ledwoch The ramp at Goodna is long steep and narrow, and this added to the challenge of attempting a hill climb. Angus's craft was retrieved by a tow line attached to the truck with young Lucas at the controls to keep it even on the cushion. Steven tested the Robin lift engine and managed to achieve 100% power for a few minutes during which time the hill climb was successfully negotiated with the wonderful light weight but well tuned Chaparral performing at peak condition. Des, Peter and Ann returned at about 1:00 pm and Des used a rope tied to the back of his ute to pull the Maroon Turbo Wedge 225 all the way up the hill with several helpers walking along side to keep the craft on an even cushion. Peter and Ann made the hill climb in style with both remaining on board. The Yamaha 485PE also revved out to its peak performance and the little cyclonic craft skimmed noisily all the way to the flat roadway much to the amazement of the small gathering of children who were fishing from the bank near the ramp. Angus Kerr Angus Kerr Peter and Ann A hot cup of billy tea was enjoyed by all at the picnic setting overlooking the river from a high vantage point and Peter and Ann supplied a vast array of delicous snacks. For the next cruise, we need to think about our northern most club member who is currently on holidays at Evans Head. Neville Bennett has only one chance every year to come cruising with the club and his window of opportunity was missed last month due to the cruise being reported with only short notice after the January meeting decided a venue. Hope we can meet Nev in February or March before he returns to Magnetic Island in far north Queensland. Next Queensland branch meeting: 7:30 pm - Tuesday, 20th February 2007 SAAA hall at Archerfield Aerodrome. Beatty Road Qld 4108. Regards Steven Odgaard QSH secretary