Taken out by a Xplorer Moldie!

[Mr B....]

All statements made in my post are not to harm anyone or point a finger at one person that is my friend!

I went to the SWC with a perfect flying model and came home with a broken flying model! How can one say this nicely Mid-Aired by a moldy and he's a friend to boot!

Here is my story, after my best first round ever I started the second round with a great launch. Everyone before me went right and found nothing. I was thinking of going to the left deep to find something over the lumber yard out front. As soon as I launched the plane went straight into very light lift. The wind was at my back so it was going away from us. As it was flying further and further away from us it started going up ever so slightly. I then turned and it was game on! Next thing Mike Lee said, he's got something. Thanks Mike! Tuan, my friend, launched after me and went the same direction I was in. Big green moldy! I was already turning into it and started to move over to the right with the wind as all good sailplane pilots do. Here comes the big green moldy screaming around me in the sky. I was thinking that it was moving anyway so I started to move with it and at that time here comes that big green plane again! As I turned to the south he made one more turn around me right into my back side! SMACK right into me from the back hitting me with his right wing tip. On impact some how they locked together then I yelled at him "YOU HIT ME!" Both of them started to spin very slow helplessly into the ground like a auto-rotating helicopter. I tried left, right, up, down and even spoilers nothing worked. He also tried the same but with flaps. Then out of sight behind the tree's you here a thud! Mike hoped in his little red car and raced of to find them. They rested on top of a metal barn right in the middle of the lumber yard! When I got there you can plainly see both planes on the roof and the big green one was under my plane, the Marauder. It looked like it was in a Compromised position. I felt Violated but I can safely say I had protection with the #64 rubbers!

I couldn't do anything at that moment. We tried to contact the owner with luck. After walking around for a while wondering what to do, I came up with a recovery plan. It was much later in the day so I helped run the winches and waited for the contest to end for the day.

There is a lot more to this story so I will take the 5th for the rest of it. Lets just say it was a successful covert operation. Or, a gust of wind could have suddenly come up and blown them off the roof and I could have picked up off the ground, NOT! If you want the rest of the story it would have to be in person. Both planes fared OK. I had a broken fuse in front of the tail. He had impact damage on the right wing tip with rubber hanging out of the skin. It took me about a hour to fix the fuse that night. I wanted to fly it Sunday and I am glad I did.

I had one of the best flying contest days ever! Got a test flight before the contest started and everything looked good. The first round went good and I got a landing (100). On the second round my son (12 years old) asked if he could time for me. The only thing to say was Oh Yes! He was timing for Arthur most of the day on Saturday and having blast. It was that time all Dad's are proud to say "My son timed for me the for the first time"! The last round of the day was starting to get tough all we had was a five min flight to do. When they called me up to fly he was right there with the watch in hand ready to go. Launched like always right into some light lift to the South. I moved over to a large gaggle to see if I could find lift. With planes all over the place going up, left, right and down I found the lift dead center of the group. With it being the last round I wanted to make it count and that plan worked I hit the time right with a 100 point landing. M Jr. turned and said "that was perfect Dad"! That made my day! Now it's the start of a new adventure for both of us. He will be flying on his own some day and that means one more Marauder pilot in the family.


Tuan it's not over, the ribbing has just begun!

Your friend the guy you shot down!

Merrill

[rdeis]

I saw a big glass slipper rear-end a Gentle Lady that way once. The GL whipped around and smacked his aileron with her tail, locking it full up. She spun once more, recovered, and floated on her merry way.

He wasn't so lucky- her slap of retribution put him in an unrecoverable spiral dive that ended most spectacularly.

Moral of the story: Leave the Lady alone!

[mlee8249]

Actually, there was a bit more to this story than what Merrill has let on.

Yes, Merrill was leading the way to lift when the rest of the planes were floundering out to the south. "He's got something. Go get him!" And away we went, in search of good air being used only by the cruising Marauder. We came in on the opposite side of the circle, calling "Tally-Ho, bandits at nine o'clock". Tuan broke left in a gentle pull, just enough to maintain altitude and still come around, but the Marauder pilot spotted us as we rolled in. He began taking evasive action, also rolling to his left to prevent us from tailing him. As the Marauder found air, she pulled slightly up and came around but was unable to gain or close the circle on the Xplorer as Tuan pulled equally with the Marauder. By this time, both planes were coming close to completing 270-degrees of the circle, and the Marauder pulled through the circle tightly. The Xplorer rolled away and then re-engaged after letting the Marauder pass by him in the circle...it was a classic fighter move! Tuan brought the Xplorer to bear and we heard the crew chief scream, "Ramming Speed!" The drummer pounded on the tom-tom hard and fast as the ship bore down on the Marauder, who had no idea the Xplorer was now on his six and accelerating. A moment later, the captain gave a warning, "Brace for impact!" Then the gut wrenching sound of exploding lite ply, balsa and monokote could be heard searing the sky as the carbon fiber and kevlar nose harpooned the now helpless Marauder.

"Eject! Eject!" But no dice. The Xplorer hit so hard that the tremendous G-forces prevented crew members and servos from getting out. As the pilot of the Marauder cried out, "YOU HIT ME!" it was Tuan who then realized his attack also left him helpless in the sky. The Xplorer was hopelessly impaled and stuck to the Marauder and both ships were falling rapidly. Now both planes saw servos and recievers desperately trying to fight for survival, but the planes were locked into the G-rushing spin that made movement within the airframes impossible. They were all doomed! The only thing that could be done was for the troops on the ground to try and effect a surface rescue.

It was for naught, as the wreckage of both aircraft had not hit the ground. Instead, they were in....the Twilight Zone!

Merrill Brady thought he had this flight sewn up. Submitted for your approval. A great start to a contest, a great piece of air that nobody else had found, and a big, beautiful RES Marauder that was doing its' best. He didn't know that just around the corner, coming up the winch line like a guided missile with carbon fiber teeth was plane with his name on it. Not just a normal plane, but a plane with a mission...to take him down. Down a new path, a path not of mind but of matter. A matter that would spell disaster. Merrill has just flown into....the Twilight Mid-Air Zone.

Tune in next week for the ending.

[capnkids]

Merrill,

I am sorry to hear that this happened to both of you. But, I guess all is well that ends well. Now you have had a great bonding moment with your son, and he got to see that his dad is a class act whether things are going his way or not. I great life lesson learned. The last time i drove through those parts, the motor home was nearly picked up and blown off the road, so if you say the wind blow both gliders off the roof and into your out stretched arms, I'll go with that.

Rich

[scootertrash340]

Maverick is in a flat spin and he's headed out to sea! :D

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

Mark Gauding

[onethermal]

Taun
next time out of consideration for others you should put a little rubber cover over the nose of your plane to help stop the transmission of mid air diseases.

So I would guess the moral of the story was wear your rubbers size #64 to protect yourself from STD's from moldy violations.


Clarence

[slozuke]

Hey Merrill, you can tell me the whole story around the fire when I see you at the Bent Wing. I'll bring the Top Gun music! :eek: :D :rolleyes:

Brian

[dlgdude]

But what was with that red dot that was seen on Merrill's plane after launch?

Mike, do you know anything about that?

-l

[fnnwizard]

That Marauder is a very tricky plane. I had to circle completely around it a couple times before being able to zero in for the kill ;).

[target]

When I get my Red Xplorer up and running, we can cover Merrill's port and starboard sides; I'll take port and your green Xplorer can attack from starboard.

T

[FLY F3B]

Taun
next time out of consideration for others you should put a little rubber cover over the nose of your plane to help stop the transmission of mid air diseases.

So I would guess the moral of the story was wear your rubbers size #64 to protect yourself from STD's from moldy violations.


Clarence

See, this was sorta along the line of my thinking too. However, I wasn't worried about disease, since I did not plan on coming in contact during some mid-air matrimony. I just started wondering what the offspring are going to look like? Could be anyones guess right? One ear up, one flat with and aileron and a flap..... But you never know, the kid could come out looking real good. You just never know when dealing with moldies and woodies genetics...

Sorry that happened to you both Merrill and Tuan, but it was nice to see that you were both all smiles. Good form guys.

Mike Smith

[mlee8249]

That little red dot on the Marauder....Oh yeah. What you saw was the laser designator emitted by the gun sight onboard the X. Unfortunately, it is easily seen by the human eye but does a lot for the pilot as he puts the pipper on target. Typically, if you are the hunted, and you find a red dot glowing on you, you have about enough time to place your head between your legs and kiss you butt goodbye. Ask Merrill.

[Mr B....]

All I said to my timer was "I am getting out of _____! And out of no where SMACK!!!! That's how fast it happened.


Yes camp fire storys in May and bring the cold ones!

Merrill

[ozmo01]

Glider combat ? who knew!
Sounds like a great memory! glad you shared it with us.

[onethermal]

That little red dot on the Marauder....Oh yeah. What you saw was the laser designator emitted by the gun sight .

That Red Dot could be fun it looks like I need to bring my laser level to a contest and have some fun...look out Xplorers :eek:

Clarence

[Mr B....]

Tuan

Remember the thermal streamer from the tape I gave you right before the contest! I said it came off a old burned tape I had in the flight box. You'll light this one! The Band is Boston!

The song list goes like this,
More than a feeling
Peace of mind
Foreplay/long time
Smokin
Hitch a ride
Something about you
Let me take you home tonight

Merrill

[fnnwizard]

That Red Dot could be fun it looks like I need to bring my laser level to a contest and have some fun...look out Xplorers :eek:

Clarence

Lol Clarence, now that we are on red dots and sighting devices, I myaswell share this. Photo is part of my collection taken for insurance purposes. And of course they are all California compliant :). The one with the arrow pointing to it (SIG P220ST), it is pointing right at the laser in the grip. My wife is deadly accurate with this one. 3" groupings @ 50ft. Truth be told, this one (and another) came with us to SWC.

There was one place where we had stopped for gas in the night where I had to remind my wife what the procedures were in case there was trouble. But thank God nothing happened.

Anyway, is there an outdoor shooting range in Visalia near? Maybe I can bring some of these with and let you guys have a ball with them. :D

[SmokinJoe101]

looks like your ready for Armageddon :eek:

sj

[jtlsf5]

looks like your ready for Armageddon :eek:

sj


Or something to rival the old spud gun days at Visalia...

[SaltyOne]

I'm surprised that Comrad Pelosi and her friends in Congress let you own weapons like that. They look pretty serious. :D

George

[fnnwizard]

I'm surprised that Comrad Pelosi and her friends in Congress let you own weapons like that. They look pretty serious. :D

George

CA is one of the tougher gun law states. I felt I needed a law degree to build the rifles.

I will have to have my cousin send me a picture of his collection to show you guys. I would say he has to have at least $200,000 worth of just rifles alone! He's in MN and will never move to CA just because of the guns laws.

Over a year ago I was to start my classes to obtain a CA CCW permit until our Sheriff got caught up in the scandal. That's been on hold for me and now most of the CCW's that were issued under Corona are being "recalled" :mad:.

[ClayH]

Damn Dirty Tuan,

Not so sure that we want everyone at a contest to be packing heat when those "you hit me" scenarios arise and two planes come crashing to the ground. Although it might not be a bad idea for the contest director and winch line director to carry just to keep those sandbaggers moving along in the launch lines!

On second thought perhaps Merril would second the idea that your Xplorer should be registered as a lethal weapon " capable of blowing your Marauder wing clean off your fuselage"

Apparently you didn't send Sherriff Corona a big enough endorsement check to get that carry permit scuttled thru the system pronto. Ain't lilely to happen with the new sherriff in town!

No intent to turn this into a right to carry discussion. Let's get back to watching Tuan demonstrate the benefit of RDS when replacing a damaged outer wing panel! :D

Clay

[mlee8249]

Tuan...

Uh, don't get me wrong....you're a great guy and all, but...you didn't tell me you were packing heat while I was timing for you. (Guys, ya gotta wonder what would have happened if I guided him into sink!) ( My widow would end up auctioning off my Xplorer's).

You're not a member of the Tong, are you....maybe I shouldn't ask.

I should buy some kevlar...the type custom fitted to my shirt size...and wear that more often around this guy. Just joking, dude! Okay? Dude?......

[onethermal]

[QUOTE=fnnwizard]
My wife is deadly accurate with this one. 3" groupings @ 50ft.

Boy you better not piss off your wife it sounds like she could castrate you from 50 feet away :eek:

Clarence

[jcstalls]

Ya, Kevlar will stop a Pro hit just as good a an LSF V carbon caped spruce would. :rolleyes:

Jared

Ah,

Looking back, on the pics and the expalaned situation, and to sum up; A song comes to mind that perhaps Tuan could have been singing;

"I shot the Sheriff, but I did not shot the Deputy, no.. no. no. " LOL

[mlee8249]

Ohhhh, great Jared...Now I have no hope to survive!

[Mr B....]

There was something I forgot to add! On Sunday morning he had the gall to show me the kill mark that was added to the nose of his plane. :D All I said to that was just wait for mine! I am still trying to clean off the green off my back side.

See you all Sunday M Jr. is geetting ready with his Easy glider (SAM)!

Merrill

[onethermal]

There was something I forgot to add! On Sunday morning he had the gall to show me the kill mark that was added to the nose of his plane. :D

Merrill

Now that is adding insult to injury.

looks like we will have to put on board weapons and anti tracking measures on our planes to keep that Green Moldy away so we have a chance to finish our round.

Clarence

[ACooper]

Note to self...don't rob Tuan's house :D

[slozuke]

There was something I forgot to add! On Sunday morning he had the gall to show me the kill mark that was added to the nose of his plane. :D All I said to that was just wait for mine! I am still trying to clean off the green off my back side.

See you all Sunday M Jr. is geetting ready with his Easy glider (SAM)!

Merrill

Okay Merrill, now I see where you're going with this.
You're teaching Jr. to be your wingman. Along comes the next Xplorer zeroing in on the Marauder for a kill.
Then, WHAM!!! out of nowhere comes an Easy Glider making the sacrifice to save dads' Marauder. :eek:
Score - Easy Glider - 0, Xplorer - 0, Marauder 1

You should nickname Jr. as Woodstock, we all know who Snoopy is. ;)

[mlee8249]

Hey Tuan,

I got your six....Xplorer on the attack! Tally ho!

[Freakflyin]

Hey Mike,

Does all this mean your're gonna offer crunchy kill markings in our choice of vibrant color vinyl?

Mike

[mlee8249]

Uh, gee....nobody ever asked me about that before. I just made them for the heck of it! Never thought much about making loads of them.

Now, I don't want to promote the idea of thermal combat or nothing. I mean, they're just stickers, and we should not be using our big beautiful birds for harpoon exercise. On the other hand, it does make for a great spectator sport!

Mike

[Mr B....]

Well just as a chance this happens again I have started on a new Marauder. It will be the new primary and move the other to a backup. It really su@@@ that I had to sit out three rounds of Saturdays contest flying.

Hey Mike I need two kill makes, one black and one Green!

Merrill