PETER Earl reckons cost shouldn’t stop anyone with an interest in model aeroplanes from joining the fledging Warwick Aero Modellers Club.

The club shares a clubhouse with the racing pigeon club at Henry Joppich Park and uses the same field as the Warwick Lure Coursing Club.

On Saturday, it hosts its first inter-club day when the South Queensland (Toowoomba) Aero Modellers Club will head to the Southern Downs with their aeroplanes to join Warwick members for a fun day.

Earl is Warwick club secretary/treasurer and said the aeroplanes of club members were either battery or motor operated.

“You can get in to a foam plane and controller for $350,” Mr Earl said. “Planes can cost up to $10,000 but the most expensive plane in our club is worth $1500.”

The Warwick club has been approved by civil aviation authorities and the miniature planes are allowed by law to fly up to 400 feet (in the air).

Club member Brian Clarey stressed the model aeroplanes were not toys but miniature aircraft.

“It is just a hobby for me,” Mr Clarey said.

“We are sharing facilities with lure coursing and help them with maintenance.”

Some commercial enterprises place a camera on model aircraft to take photos of development sites rather than use full-sized aircraft.

Rod Crossman is inaugural president of a club which has signed up 13 members since registration on July 1.

Anyone with an interest in model aeroplanes is welcome on Saturday from 9am.

There is a sausage sizzle for lunch.

The club will officially meet once a month but members can fly any day from 8am to 6pm at Henry Joppich Park. More information from Earl on 0427 512823 or go to www.wamqld.webs.com.au.