Larry Renger in Australia

Hi,

Early 2012 was a very busy time for me which is probably why I didn't get a chance to share this with you all sooner, and thanks for reminding me!

Larry contacted me just before Xmas 2011 and said he was doing a tour downunder and asked if I could show him around as he was only in Sydney for a day or two at the end of a week long around Australia tour which took in some of Australia's greatest tourist attractions. I arranged to pick him up from his motel in Sydney and take him out to our best flying field in Sydney, the Kuringai Model Flying Club at St Ives. www.kmfc.com.au

I had spoken with Larry many times previously by email and on the 049collectors forum so it was easy to get talking with him on the way to the flying field. We spoke about, what else, Cox engines and his different roles he had over the years at Cox, and occasionally interrupted by a question about a car or landmark that we drove past that interested him.

After a short 1/2 hour drive out of the city we arrived at the field. I had told the guys I was bringing Larry out so there were more people than usual at the field for a non contest day and the KMFC club graciously put on a nice lunch of cold meats and salads and soft drinks. Just the thing for a summers day in Sydney.

The other guys, most of whom weren't Cox fanatics like me, enjoyed talking to Larry and enjoyed discussing the technical aspects of Cox engines, the company and what it was like to work there. A few of us had brought some of our engines along to show and tell and we got Larry to sign them for us! (How many of you have a Larry Renger signed original Black Widow?)

I didnt have a 1/2A model handy for Larry to fly, silly me I should have brought one along, but I did have an electric powered Brodak Pathfinder F2B Stunter which I though Larry might like to have a go of. Which he did and he handled it with ease.

Larry liked the place and was amazed when a storm came through and on one side of the club house it was raining and on the other side it was dry. Just a freaky thing that happened as the storm missed us.

After a bit more flying, watching others fly and a lot of talking, I drove Larry back to his motel. He was very happy that I had taken the time out to take him out to do some downunder flying. There were the obvious jokes too about flying in the same direction and upside down handles and it was all good fun.

It was a good day.

Larry out in the middle


Larry having a bite to eat with John Goodwin and Geoff Goodworth


Larry signing engines with keen on looker Steve Rothwell


Larry and me.