GrnMtnFlyer
Sep 29, 2004, 12:56 PM
Well, it finally happened. Robin Hood (AKA the RC Archer) got his SS stuck in the top of a large poplar tree. I spent one whole day using the bow and arrow to launch a line (monofilament spooled out from a spinning reel) to thread a rope then used to shake the branch. No amount of shaking would dislodge the plane. I let a week pass and the plane remained.
I gathered the merry men (and woman) and together we were able to recover the plane. BTW the plane was impaled on a short branch through the wing which is why the other attempts failed. It sustained minor damage to the tail and none to the equipment.
1. The villainous tree, with YaYa pointing to location of target.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030001.JPG
2. The target as viewed from below with telephoto lens.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030003.JPG
3. Erecting the ladder
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030004.JPG
4. Extended ladder awaits volunteers. (Long wait.)
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030010.JPG
5. Official consultants and observers, offering support.
6. First layer of tools for recovery effort.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030014.JPG
7. Attempt #1, the extendable tree pruning hook. Too short.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030016.JPG
8. Shaun ties himself into tree before Attempt #2, the high pressure stream of water.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030018.JPG
9. High pressure stream of water diffuses among branches and leaves. wetting everything, accomplishing nothing.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030020.JPG
10. In preparation of Attempt #3, Doug delivers blunted arrows and bow to treeman and retrieves fire extinguisher.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030021.JPG
11. Archer in tree prepares to fire blunted arrows.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030023.JPG
12. Attempt #4--no joy. No hits.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030025.JPG
13. For Attempt #5, extendable fiberglass pole is lashed to extendable tree pruning device. Pole is now estimated to be .3 miles long.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030027.JPG
14. Hanging on for dear life, Shaun CONNECTS!!!!
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030031.JPG
15. Victorious team celebrates. http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030033.JPG
I gathered the merry men (and woman) and together we were able to recover the plane. BTW the plane was impaled on a short branch through the wing which is why the other attempts failed. It sustained minor damage to the tail and none to the equipment.
1. The villainous tree, with YaYa pointing to location of target.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030001.JPG
2. The target as viewed from below with telephoto lens.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030003.JPG
3. Erecting the ladder
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030004.JPG
4. Extended ladder awaits volunteers. (Long wait.)
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030010.JPG
5. Official consultants and observers, offering support.
6. First layer of tools for recovery effort.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030014.JPG
7. Attempt #1, the extendable tree pruning hook. Too short.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030016.JPG
8. Shaun ties himself into tree before Attempt #2, the high pressure stream of water.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030018.JPG
9. High pressure stream of water diffuses among branches and leaves. wetting everything, accomplishing nothing.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030020.JPG
10. In preparation of Attempt #3, Doug delivers blunted arrows and bow to treeman and retrieves fire extinguisher.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030021.JPG
11. Archer in tree prepares to fire blunted arrows.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030023.JPG
12. Attempt #4--no joy. No hits.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030025.JPG
13. For Attempt #5, extendable fiberglass pole is lashed to extendable tree pruning device. Pole is now estimated to be .3 miles long.
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030027.JPG
14. Hanging on for dear life, Shaun CONNECTS!!!!
http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030031.JPG
15. Victorious team celebrates. http://www.uvm.edu/~dsv/rcphoto/Tree%2030033.JPG