Sydney Collectorates Meetup

Abraxas · 10-04-2007, 06:58 PM

Thought I'd start a new thread for this one (after massively hijacking Qantas Airway's thread about his new GJ terminal!)
See thread: http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...al-photos.html

Last night the Sydney collectorates got together for their first social meet and it went very well. That four people turned up in the end was far beyond expectation and a great start to something I think could be done quite regularly.

I'll use our usernames for ID to make it easier - QFA388 got in early, followed by myself, Unicorn and we eventually met up with Aerozo in Hobbyco - luckily we caught Aerozo before he was about to give up and leave! Sorry about that.

We all found there was no shortage of subject matter to talk about and I found it quite interesting and great to catch up with a variety of people, personalities etc. I hope the others were equally enlightened.

It was also the first time I had been back to Rhodes Hobbyco in ages and it was impressive to see how far they had expanded their 1:400 (and diecast in general) offerings. Items such as the PHX B787 Dreamliner in the rollout livery had me drooling, while the Magic "green unpainted" A380's had us in fits with their ridiculous unweighted undercarriage.

I had a great time, as I hope the others did. Would definitely like to do it again, and hopefully have more come along. We didn't take any photos this time around, but figured we could do so later when we get more of the collectorate involved.

We were also wondering, and probably thinking that this may have been the first time something of this nature (aside from model shows etc) has been done?

Certainly won't be the last!

Dan

Unicorn · 10-04-2007, 08:56 PM

Twas good fun meeting up with you, we should do it again.

Unicorn

nosegear · 10-05-2007, 02:06 AM

I ll be there next time, after i fully recovered.

Groover158 · 10-05-2007, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosegear

I ll be there next time, after i fully recovered.

Recovered? Hope all is well nosegear.

dc-8-556 · 10-05-2007, 03:57 AM

It must seem a wee bit amazing that this twisted little hobby can bring together people whom otherwise may not have a darn thing in common.

nosegear · 10-05-2007, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover158

Recovered? Hope all is well nosegear.

How are you going there Ray?
Had back surgery.
Lumber lamnectomy/discictomy interspinous device.
L4,L5.
Should be alright soon!!!!

Bangkok Lady La · 10-05-2007, 04:48 AM

I was dissapointed I could not be there. I worked the night shift and could not get out of it.
I would of liked to of been there.
Please let me know when you do another one and I will break a sweat to get there.
Hobbyco in the city has a few new Phoenix's in plus the latest GJ's including the QF 787. Was not as good as I expected.

Groover158 · 10-05-2007, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosegear

Lumber lamnectomy/discictomy interspinous device.
L4,L5.

It almost hurts my mouth trying to pronounce that. Seriously though, hope you get well soon.

Me; I'm fine, though I wish I could afford some sort of wind-down before I am posted off to Adelaide. Unfortunately for me, we are at the most busy stage of our Project since it started around five years ago.

aerozo · 10-05-2007, 06:23 AM

it was a very pleasant meet on a pleasant shopping night. i'm also grateful finally i get the chance to know someone in person who share the same interest!!Future meetup is a must do, but maybe in the city store this time,what d'ya guys suggest

Cheers, Jeff

QFA388 · 10-05-2007, 09:05 AM

Hi Sydney Collectorites,
just got in from SYD after a long and delayed flight home.

It was great to meet Abraxas, aerozo and Unicorn.

Hobbyco must have wondered what was going on and the leather sofas in the shopping centre plaza were a great place to meet and talk model planes and stuff..
Can you imagine how the staff at QVB would react with a pack of mad collectors scurrying back and forth around their cabinets

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all and look forward to meeting more and more collectors.
My TG346 looks great on the diorama btw.

While I have the opportunity to travel to SYD, I will certainly look out for these nights as a group and after my travel ceases, I sincerely hope you guys keep up meeting as a great bunch.

Thanks for the phone call Nosegear and glad you are on the road to recovery.

Ray,
when you move to Adelaide, we have the potential to initiate the same here as I do know a couple of other collectors that reside in this beautiful city soon to be your new home.

Once again, thanks guys. It was a great evening but damn the time went quickly.
Tim

qantascruiser · 10-07-2007, 03:08 AM

Hi guys,
I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the meet at Hobbyco. It sounds like you had a great time. I would definitely like to catch up at the city store whenever that may occur.
I was wondering if any of you guys may also know of hobby shops in Adelaide selling 1/400 or 1/200 diecast, as I'm off on a trip there for a few days.

Groover158 · 10-07-2007, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qantascruiser

Hi guys,
I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the meet at Hobbyco. It sounds like you had a great time. I would definitely like to catch up at the city store whenever that may occur.
I was wondering if any of you guys may also know of hobby shops in Adelaide selling 1/400 or 1/200 diecast, as I'm off on a trip there for a few days.

From a previous thread;

Quote:

Originally Posted by QFA388

ADL Hobby Centre has a good selection. I have been shopping there for years and know all the staff and I recently told/challenged them about their prices being ridiculously high and some have now appeared to have dropped.

Also Model Mania in Morphett Vale is ok for DW, Military Hobbies on Port Road at Hindmarch has some but they also exchange or trade which is great.

QFA388 · 10-07-2007, 05:11 AM

QFcruiser,

Ray is correct.

SA Hobby Centre on Pultney Street has a relatively good selection of most manufacturers and ask for Matt.

Model Mania is down south and a bit of a drive but good for DW's.

Military Hobbies on Port Rd which is a coupls of k's out of the city has an interesting range. Sometimes his prices are a touch high but Andrew is a good guy.

There is also Model World at Deacon Ave Richmond. John is a nice guy and has a limited selection of diecasts but has a good selection of plastic kits too.

Enjoy our beautiful city too.
Tim

** Look what you have available when you move here Ray.
You gonna luv it!

And while I'm commuting to SYD, would be good for you to join what may be a regular Sydney collectors get togethers at HobbyCo Rhodes or even their city store. I suggest you send a pm to Abraxas. He would be the main organiser for these meetings/catch-ups.
cheers.

Abraxas · 10-07-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QFA388

And while I'm commuting to SYD, would be good for you to join what may be a regular Sydney collectors get togethers at HobbyCo Rhodes or even their city store. I suggest you send a pm to Abraxas. He would be the main organiser for these meetings/catch-ups.
cheers.

I'm good with that... for the next few weekends I am mega mega busy preparing for my trip to China at the end of the month however, and I think this (weekends) works best for all of us if we're venturing to the city store.

I am better able to make Thursday nights at Rhodes though if that works for some, until after I get back in early November.

Regards,

Dan

qantascruiser · 10-08-2007, 08:28 AM

Thanks Tim and Ray,
I will check out those shops. I actually lived in Adelaide for one year way back in 1987. I'm flying back there for 3 days to see my old home, school e.t.c and to see how things have changed. I've wanted to do this for a long time and I have very fond memories of the place. It also gives me an excuse to jump on a 'full scale' A320 and check out Adelaide's new terminal.
Cheers,
Mark.

Unicorn · 10-08-2007, 07:54 PM

Yell when you want to arganise a weekend meet at Hobbyco in the City.

Unicorn

nosegear · 10-08-2007, 08:54 PM

Im Up For This One

Abraxas · 11-12-2007, 03:22 PM

Hi All!

Very late notice I think, but Tim (QFA388) and I will be meeting up again at Hobbyco Rhodes this Thursday (15th November).

Everyone/anyone else is welcome to join us in the evening for a chat and catch up.

Regards,

Dan

Unicorn · 11-12-2007, 04:48 PM

I will try and be there, about what time?

Unicorn

Abraxas · 11-12-2007, 05:27 PM

Ok, we'll meet around 7pm and probably be at the nice sofa's opposite EB Games I think, if we're not there, it'll be in Hobbyco or maybe finding a bite to eat.

At least four of us should recognise each other if we turn up

Dan

qantascruiser · 11-13-2007, 05:21 AM

Hi guys,
I would have loved to have met up at Rhodes this Thursday night, but I've already organised to catch up with friends and a movie.

I was very impressed with the increase in stock they have there. I was there 2 weeks ago and also went to the Marcarther square store the weekend just gone. I may have seen some of you guys there, but obviously not known.

A catchup at the airport sometime would also be great. I sometimes drive around to the beach area next to the old control tower (usually after I've been to Hobbyco first).

Abraxas · 11-13-2007, 05:24 AM

Airport idea sounds good qantascruiser... I've often been to the beach too, as well as the 'Tower mound' and just off Airport Dr at the top of 16R is good for spotting.

I myself have never been to the observation deck which is supposed to be at the International Terminal?

There'll be other meetup opportunities, so watch this space, or, by all means, start planning ahead now!

Dan

nosegear · 11-13-2007, 06:10 AM

Im up for that this Thursday.

QANTASCRUISER- i was the hobbyco Macarhtur two weeks ago on the weekend too.
and i normally drive around to old tower too.

Bangkok Lady La · 11-13-2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosegear

Im up for that this Thursday.

QANTASCRUISER- i was the hobbyco Macarhtur two weeks ago on the weekend too.
and i normally drive around to old tower too.

Doh - again I am working the night shift.

i'm up for a airport photo shoot

The SQ A380 operates in at 0715am and leaves at 0830am each morning - so that is my next target. Was supposed to go this morning but my car f**ked up so was left stranded.
The same aircraft just flew over my house just now - very quiet.

Unicorn · 11-14-2007, 04:24 AM

See you at 7.00 guys.

Unicorn

Groover158 · 11-16-2007, 02:40 AM

Do'oh, I was in Sydney just last week and in Brisbane this week. Would be great to see the faces of some of the celebs in this group. Perhaps we better start an Adelaide Chapter next year.

Unicorn · 11-16-2007, 03:13 AM

Twas good fun for us all. The Hobbyco people were happy as a group of their newly arrived QF 767-300ERs in Rugby livery waltzed out the door in succession.

It was suggested that the next one be held in the city so we can terrorise the Hobbyco staff in there.

Alternatively we could hold a spotting morning one Saturday down on the mound near the tower adjacent to the runway overpass.

Unicorn

Bangkok Lady La · 11-16-2007, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn

Twas good fun for us all. The Hobbyco people were happy as a group of their newly arrived QF 767-300ERs in Rugby livery waltzed out the door in succession.
It was suggested that the next one be held in the city so we can terrorise the Hobbyco staff in there.
Alternatively we could hold a spotting morning one Saturday down on the mound near the tower adjacent to the runway overpass.
Unicorn

I actually mentioned it to Phil @ Hobbyco that the DAC mob may wander down and hassle the staff there during the week.....
They have a better selection there - their selection of GJ's is increasing each visit!
The airport mound photo shoot would be a good alternative.....

Abraxas · 11-16-2007, 07:26 AM

Am enjoying these meetups with other collectors and having the opportunity to geek out about our crazy obsession

. Was good to meet nosegear as well on this occasion.

Definitely up for a change of scenery, let's plan it ahead and hopefully this can guarantee more people will come along. Weekend is definitely the go for a Hobbyco QVB visit, or airport spotting.

Dan

aerozo · 11-17-2007, 02:14 AM

Good to hear you guys had a great time. I hope I was there but was too busy to make it on THU. Hope I can be up for the next meet and get to know more collectors around the region.

waiping · 11-17-2007, 04:45 AM

There was an inspirational article on flying from KL to Gold Coast on the budget airline Air Asia X, then make it to Sydney for the return to Singapore on an A380!!!

Bangkok Lady La · 11-17-2007, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waiping

There was an inspirational article on flying from KL to Gold Coast on the budget airline Air Asia X, then make it to Sydney for the return to Singapore on an A380!!!

We are fortunate to see the A380 here on a daily basis when the rest of world waits...
they reckon SYD will be the A380 capital of the world with QF, SIA, MH, Virgin, EK amongst others operating their aircraft from here......

Abraxas · 02-13-2008, 07:49 AM

Hey All,

I'm reusing this old post for the Sydney (and Aussie) collectors. I think it's about time we had another get together, and our first for 2008. The consensus from what I've read, and talked with others about for the moment is to meetup at Kingsford Smith for a bit of spotting by the 'beach', Old Tower and of course, Runway 16R/34L.

I'm up for this, preferably on a weekend morning so we can see the A380 come in and go out later as well as the morning traffic of 747's, 777's and whatever else. I took some nice video and photos from there on New Years Eve so I think this should be a load of fun for us all. See thread: http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...rnational.html

Post up your thoughts here. Am thinking of this, or next weekend in February if people can fit them into their schedules quickly enough lol

Dan

VNAB777ER · 02-13-2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abraxas

Hey All,

I'm reusing this old post for the Sydney (and Aussie) collectors. I think it's about time we had another get together, and our first for 2008. The consensus from what I've read, and talked with others about for the moment is to meetup at Kingsford Smith for a bit of spotting by the 'beach', Old Tower and of course, Runway 16R/34L.

I'm up for this, preferably on a weekend morning so we can see the A380 come in and go out later as well as the morning traffic of 747's, 777's and whatever else. I took some nice video and photos from there on New Years Eve so I think this should be a load of fun for us all. See thread: http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...rnational.html

Post up your thoughts here. Am thinking of this, or next weekend in February if people can fit them into their schedules quickly enough lol

Dan

I'm up for this one, the spot at the beach as Dan mention above is one of the best place to see A380 along with other aicraft taxiing/landing & taking off. If anyone have someother spot in mind we can tag along on the day.

Mac

Abraxas · 02-13-2008, 03:48 PM

Depending which runway is in use... if 16R is being used for landings, there's a good spot on Airport Dr to park your car and walk over to the threshold. There's also the 'Tower mound' but to get close to the action, the beach wins. The beach is about the only option if 34L is in use.

Dan

nutsXplanes · 02-13-2008, 10:13 PM

Great for you guys. I hope in your next meeting more collectors can make it. Perhaps from other closer countries as well.

Dominic · 02-13-2008, 11:07 PM

I will be on the A380 flight arriving into Sydney on 25th Feb. I may be able to spot you guys instead while approaching into Kingsford Smith !

I have tried getting to the nice spots you mentioned by the beach & so forth to do some spotting but somehow can't seem to find to find my way around. Perhaps the nice Aussie mates here can give me clear directions to take & something I can easily explain to the taxi driver. Thanks.

On another note, does Kingsford Smith have any tarmac tours presently. If I am not mistaken, they had this some time ago.

VNAB777ER · 02-14-2008, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominic

I will be on the A380 flight arriving into Sydney on 25th Feb. I may be able to spot you guys instead while approaching into Kingsford Smith !

I have tried getting to the nice spots you mentioned by the beach & so forth to do some spotting but somehow can't seem to find to find my way around. Perhaps the nice Aussie mates here can give me clear directions to take & something I can easily explain to the taxi driver. Thanks.

On another note, does Kingsford Smith have any tarmac tours presently. If I am not mistaken, they had this some time ago.

Dominic, print this map out and give it to your Taxi driver, numbers indicated are spotting area, e.g the "Beach" are @ spot number 3 ect..
Sydney Airport Spooting Guide

If you like tarmac tours check out this Untitled Document, i think it cost about $33 Australian. Also you need to booked in advance as the tour happen on weekend twice a month.

Mac

Abraxas · 02-14-2008, 02:02 AM

Absolutely we'd welcome anyone from anywhere with aviation interest! We've had a couple meetups at the local Hobbyco with interstate member QFA388, and so why not international?

Dominic, tell your Taxi Driver to take you to the old Control Tower for Sydney Airport at Kyeemagh. From there, it's a short walk to the beach for some awesome spotting.

As for the Tarmac tours, they are well worth it, but unfortunately, since they don't allow photography, it's only for education purposes and to get up close, the real fun is taking the memories home with you!

Dan

Dominic · 02-14-2008, 09:23 PM

Dan & Mac,

Thanks so much for the information. This will come in handy when explaining directions to the taxi driver.

As for the Tarmac tours, I guess I ahve to give this a miss this time as I will arrive on Monday morning, 25th Feb & head back to Singapore on Friday afternoon.

Dominic.

Bangkok Lady La · 02-15-2008, 02:35 AM

Check my website below to see some of the vantage spots you can get from that beach location.
Remember in the morning the sun will be in front of you so shots can be a little tricky - afternoon is always best when the suns behind you and you get perfect light (if its a fine day of course )
The shots on my website were all taken between 6am -10am so the light could of been better. I am planning on doing a few arvo sessions and posting them - just trying to find time seems to be the biggest problem.

Heh - what do you guys think of the Hobbyco at Macarthur Square near Campbelltown - its better than Rhodes I think!

QFA388 · 02-15-2008, 02:45 AM

I won't be able to join this time round but enjoy and have a great time.

Dan, I would like to see some great A380 pics.
T

Abraxas · 02-15-2008, 03:45 AM

Looks like the spotting event is a go... now, Bangkok Lady La, we could spend a whole day there? The only thing with the afternoon is no A380, so that's why I suggested the morning. And I managed to get some decent footage last time I was there in the morning hours.

We could though spend a fair bit of time there, have lunch, try out different vantage spots etc...

As for Hobbyco Macarthur, last time I was there I thought it was comparable to Rhodes, and for the extra distance travelled, Rhodes offers more for me :P I'm still yet to go to QVB though.

Tim, I'll try and compress down my video footage of SKA from NYE 07 and send it to you, I think you'd like it

Dan

QFA388 · 02-15-2008, 04:10 AM

Thanks Dan,
Look forward to it.

BTW you should get into QVB cause if nothing else, the range is more extensive.
Enjoy!!!

Abraxas · 02-19-2008, 05:59 AM

Okay guys, so far I think the 'Spotting Day' is the most liked option brought up, and it seems Mac (VNAB777ER) and Pop (nosegear) are ready to go on whichever weekend is convenient.

So, while I'm free this and next weekend, if anyone else is interested in coming down, do post up so we can arrange a nice big event where we can meet up and check out 1:1 versions of our models lol

I might send some PM's around to some of the other guys who've met us at Rhodes in the past...

Dan

Abraxas · 02-29-2008, 08:20 AM

Hey All,

Mac (VNAB777ER) and I caught up last week at Sydney Airport for some spotting. Unfortunately Mike (Unicorn) and Pop (nosegear) couldn't make it in the end, so it was just Mac and I. We met a few other photographers during the day though and it was quite an interesting time out in the sun... I got pretty burnt! But it didn't matter, it was all worth it!

Anyway, to check out our snaps, I put a thread up here:
http://www.diecastaircraftforum.com/...th-2008-a.html

We'll have to try it again some time guys and get more of us along

Dan

Dominic · 03-03-2008, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominic

Dan & Mac,

Thanks so much for the information. This will come in handy when explaining directions to the taxi driver.

As for the Tarmac tours, I guess I ahve to give this a miss this time as I will arrive on Monday morning, 25th Feb & head back to Singapore on Friday afternoon.

Dominic.

Dan & Mac,

Again, thanks for the information provided. It came in handy when directing the taxi driver to the spot by the beach. I arrived into Sydney on 25th Feb morning on the SQ B744 instead (9V-SPN). Was scheduled to be on the earlier A380 flight but since I had a telephone conference at 7.00 pm on 24th Feb, I had to make arrangement to take the later flight that departed Singapore at 12.30 am.

The spotting at the beach was really nice. Immediately on arrival, I took a taxi straight to the beach area just beside the airport. It didin't make sense for me to travel back to the Sydney CBD area & head back for spotting.......taxi's fare in Sydney are quite expensive. Had to pay nearly A$90to A$100 for a trip back & forth to Kingsford Simith ! The taxi driver thought I was a little crazy. In his mind, here was a passenger who wanted to get from one side of the airport to the other ! I spent a close 2 hiurs at the beach area before booking a taxi back to the Sydney CBD. The highlight was seeing MH B744 "Hibiscus" scheme & off course the QF B744 ER "Wunala".

After checking into the hotel, I went searching for Hobbyco. Then came the surprise. The mall was not there. Asked around & found that Hobbyco had shifted to the 03rd floor at Queen Victoria Building. Went there & got a Phoenix MH B743 in the special "KL to LA" scheme.

All in. It was a nice trip to Sydney and this time, I didn't get lost trying to find a nice spotting place at Kingsford Smith, thanks to you guys.

After Sydney, I headed to Brisbane. Had a chance to see the Kingsford Smith memorial near Brisbane Airport. One word to describe this place.....beautiful ! Then headed back to Singapore on SQ B772 (9V-SRF).

Regards.

Dominic.

aklein707 · 03-03-2008, 01:54 AM

Nice trip! I managed to fly 9V-SVC & 9V-SPO last month! The ultimate flight, was in F/CL on 9V-SWF a few months prior!

I'm hopefully soon due for my biennial visit "down-under", and hope to catch up with a bunch of you all then!

Hope to make it to SIN again around May.

Abraxas · 03-03-2008, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominic

Dan & Mac,

Again, thanks for the information provided. It came in handy when directing the taxi driver to the spot by the beach. I arrived into Sydney on 25th Feb morning on the SQ B744 instead (9V-SPN). Was scheduled to be on the earlier A380 flight but since I had a telephone conference at 7.00 pm on 24th Feb, I had to make arrangement to take the later flight that departed Singapore at 12.30 am.
...

Regards.

Dominic.

Dominic, that's awesome that you had a great time at our airport. Really glad you could maximise your stay in Sydney and enjoy some of our spotting sights! To think it was only the day after Mac and I were down there! Your Taxi fare sounds like a bit more than a rip off than we're used to down here though!? Crazy!

AK, do let us know when you're due 'down under' and I'm sure there'll be enough of us to give you a warm welcome and catch up. One thing us Sydney (and Australian alike) collectors do like doing is talking about and sharing our passion for these diecast models!

Cheers,

Dan

steve kicic · 03-03-2008, 01:43 PM

Hi fellow collectors.
this coming saturday is the first meet up of the Adelaide collectors and we are meeting at a local pub for drinks and some nibbles around noon, and can only hope this is not a one of, but a beginning of great friendships that can last forever. A classic example of this is a stranger contacted Collectors Aircraft Models in Melbourne regarding airport model dioramas and was enquiring as to who had made them etc (me of course) so contact details were passed on and we now are the best of friends, I am making dioramas for him and we exchange models from time to time, so I think meetings that we have amongst ourselves to discuss ideas, model wishes, model airport dioramas, aviation photography etc, etc and just socially i think are very important. I would very much like to meet up with many of you Sydney collectors at some stage , And as soon as possible, as i think we can all share the hobby interest and help each other along the way. What is important is that once we get to know each other, we can get together in each others city's occasionally and tour around airports, shops etc, nothing better than local knowledge I say.
Anyway, will post some photos of the Adelaide get together soon, and hope you have enjoyed reading this and also hope it gives you inspiration to continue your meetings and continued friendship.
Whether you have 10 models or a thousand, its good to share the interest we have and if you feel the same as I do, make it happen. Get a group together and enjoy this crazy hobby and I look forward to meeting some of you soon.
Steve Kicic