Houston,TX - Bayou City Flyers - June 28, 2008 [Archive]

ScottS

Jun 05, 2008, 01:21 PM

Link to the main web site - http://www.bcflyers.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

For anyone that isn't familar with the field we have a covered pit area with 120v AC power at all the tables. The main flight area features a large paved runway and we have a secondary flight area for helicopters / small electric (parkflier, 3d, foamy).

Thomas B

Jun 07, 2008, 01:15 PM

I just might make it down to that event.......

PaulBrad

Jun 08, 2008, 11:02 AM

Thomas,

The site where this event will be held will be ideal for your large electric birds. A very nice paved runway, excellent pit area, and an overall great field. I don't think you will be dissipointed if you are able to make the trip down from Dallas. I wish I could be there, but since moving to northern Kentucky the hike is just a bit too far.

Paul Bradley

yarsmythejr

Jun 09, 2008, 09:18 PM

Scott,

Is it the 3rd or 5th year? The website says 3rd. Sadly, I never knew there was a 1st or 2nd!!....and I live here! :)

You mentioned that there are other fellas in charge of the event this year. Are they members of RCGroups? If so, can you get them to provide a little more information on sponsors, raffle items, planned events, or contests?

I plan to be there so if they need help, let me know.

-Lee / YarSmytheJr

PS - Got anything new you plan on bringing? Did you ever recover your stolen plane?

Thomas B

Jun 09, 2008, 09:56 PM

Richard Ng is thinking about coming, but needs to stay in the area longer than Saturday to take care of some personal business.

Anyone from the DFW area want to carpool down there in my van? I promise to leave a few planes behind to make room....;)

I am thinking about coming down Friday night and doing the day at the event and driving back to Fort Worth after the event on Saturday, getting home late.

yarsmythejr

Jun 12, 2008, 10:23 AM

Someone has to promote this event...might as well be a Native Houstonian!

This is an aerial view of Dick Scobee Air Field. You can get a great idea of how nice the facility is.

- Large paved runway
- 10 pilot stations
- Covered Pits
- 110v @ each bench
- Bathrooms
- Concession Stand (should be open for event)
- Large grass field to the South (gliders, small electrics)
- Good group of pilots!

If you're reading this thread and plan to attend, please drop a line. Give a list of what you are bringing. Let's get this event on the map and make it grow!

I'll be bringing my eFour Star 40, Hobbico Trainer 40 converted to electric, Funder 'n Lightning(s), Yellow Champ, Stryker, and if we stay long enough, my LED Foamy.

Also, George Harrington from Falcon Batteries will be there with his LiPo's....so if you need batteries, he's your man.

Looking forward to seeing ya'll there!

-Lee

Aznisegi

Jun 12, 2008, 10:36 AM

my only concern is June heat in TEXAS :O . The difference between shade and direct sun is probably the difference between broil and bake haha

ekotil

Jun 12, 2008, 11:05 AM

Do you still have to carry all your stuff to the flight line? The last time I was there you could not put your rig close like at other fly ins! I have to much stuff to make several trips back and forth. The actual flying area is first class.

yarsmythejr

Jun 12, 2008, 11:13 AM

Do you still have to carry all your stuff to the flight line? The last time I was there you could not put your rig close like at other fly ins!When you say "rig" do you mean CAR? If so, there is no way to drive up to the flight line. A fence separates the parking lot from the pits, field, and runway. They have many carts you can use to tote your stuff from your car to the benches. That seems to appease most of the pilots.

Honestly, I have NO idea how many people are planning to attend. I wonder if the club will allow some folks to bring their 10x10' tents next to the pits. I've never attended a 'large' event there so I can't answer that.

Scott...do you know how Scobee handles overflow??

-Lee

ekotil

Jun 12, 2008, 01:21 PM

I mean my truck and trailer! Texans don't drive cars.

SRush99

Jun 14, 2008, 07:08 PM

Hey Lee, I'll be there with my son. He won some pretty good prizes about 3 years ago. Lipos, large scale ARF, it was a lot of fun.

-Stuart

ScottS

Jun 16, 2008, 11:47 AM

Nice aerial picture!

It is correct that you can't drive up to the flight line. Parking is generally restricted to the parking lot unless you have special permission from the county. They will write tickets if you park in the grass without authorization. I believe club can ask for permission for an event but typically it is not needed. As Lee said we do have several carts to help move stuff and normally it is acceptable to back your trailer near the front gate to unload/load. This is just how the field is setup and it applies to all the events - Big Bird, Turbine, Pylon, etc.

As far as heat, that is always an issue in summer in Houston however we have a large covered pit area and it you get really overheated the club house is airconditioned.

Thomas B

Jun 17, 2008, 10:56 PM

That is really weird...a linear parking lot and pit area in a straight line end to end. What were they thinking when it was designed that way?

I am planning on being there at this time.....I like the idea of the air conditioned club house for the occasional cool down....:)

Will bring the my three big electrics....H9 Hellcat, Pica Waco YMF and H9 Pawnee....plus a couple or three EDF models and the venerable Sonic Liner.

USNAviationjay

Jun 21, 2008, 09:31 AM

I'm gonna try to come out will be bring a Trex450 and some smaller 300 series FPs if the wind is low.

going4speed

Jun 22, 2008, 08:53 AM

I just finished my mini telemaster. Is there someone that would maiden it for me and let me fly a bit? I want someone to land it for me :)

yarsmythejr

Jun 22, 2008, 09:29 AM

I just finished my mini telemaster. Is there someone that would maiden it for me and let me fly a bit? I want someone to land it for me :)Oh, I'm sure there will be several people out there willing to help you out. Members of the Bayou City Flyers should have name tags or hats on identifying themselves as members. I'd approach one of them and see if they can direct you to a trainer. See ya there!

Bombay

Jun 22, 2008, 01:05 PM

Hi. I am a non-ama. Can I drop by to check out the action?

yarsmythejr

Jun 22, 2008, 01:20 PM

Hi. I am a non-ama. Can I drop by to check out the action?You would not be able to fly but you are certainly welcome to come out and enjoy the fun.

michaelkramer11

Jun 22, 2008, 01:27 PM

Man, this event sounds like it is going to be a blast. I've never been to one before and am curious as to what it's going to be like... I'm from Brenham, not too far down, or should I say up the road from Houston, and I would love to see whats all out there!

Bombay

Jun 22, 2008, 01:36 PM

Perfect. Thanks.

my only concern is June heat in TEXAS :O . The difference between shade and direct sun is probably the difference between broil and bake haha

If you are not from these parts, you are advised to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of cool water, a chair, and a pop-up canopy (if permitted). I recommend SPF 50+ (not kidding). If you are prepared, you'll be fine. If not, the TX sun/heat can be brutal.

Thomas B

Jun 22, 2008, 01:39 PM

If I were gussing, I would bet that there will be 30-60 registered pilots there with about 100-200 models of all types...scale, 3D, helis, EDF jets, large electrics, parkflyers, sport models, micro models etc, etc.

I am bringing at least 8-10 models...so the model count could be even more....:)

Lots of flying, lots of good fellowship and chatting about our mutual love of models.

Does anyone now if any vendors will be there, like New Creations?

(yarsmythejr, if all goes well, i will bring along the details and kit documentation photocopies from the Estes Skysailer for you.)

ScottS

Jun 22, 2008, 08:24 PM

Last time I talked to Kirk at New Creations it appeared that he would not be able to make the event this year because of family issues. Normally he is at this event with his hobby trailer.

Thomas B

Jun 22, 2008, 10:10 PM

Bummer...I might have to pop in there and see him on the way down on Friday.

yarsmythejr

Jun 24, 2008, 01:34 PM

Mother Nature is not providing us with a nice forecast this weekend. I'm not trying to scare anyone off but if we get a lot of rain this week, the field surrounding the runway will most likely be flooded. The entire field is located "inside" a reservoir.

So...if you are brave enough to come out, might I suggest you bring something with floats!! I'll be bringing my floating Slow Stick!! ;)

Keep checking the weather maps.

-Lee

Aznisegi

Jun 24, 2008, 01:39 PM

I am from these parts! :( Sad part is... in houston ur worst enemy isn't the sun. Its the humidity. U'll easily sweat a gallon of water an hour :o

Perfect. Thanks.

If you are not from these parts, you are advised to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of cool water, a chair, and a pop-up canopy (if permitted). I recommend SPF 50+ (not kidding). If you are prepared, you'll be fine. If not, the TX sun/heat can be brutal.

Thomas B

Jun 24, 2008, 07:47 PM

yarsmythejr

Jun 24, 2008, 09:37 PM

Lee, can you give us a report on Friday?...I would hate to drive down and spend all the money and not get to fly there.....Tom, you bet. I'll be watching closely while I try to finish up a kit for the show. After many months I finally picked up a large air compressor on Craigslist to "attempt" some airbrushing. Ya gotta start somewhere. right?

Scott, do you know how many of the 'regular' pilots out at Scobee plan to attend?

-Lee

USNAviationjay

Jun 25, 2008, 10:00 AM

as of today its a 40% chance to rain on Sat.

But its a scattered shower type thing.. but us Texans know that even a scattered can get nasty.

last couple days we been having severe rain squalls during the day but it clears into very nice afternoons.

mainly worried about standing water myself.

michaelkramer11

Jun 25, 2008, 03:42 PM

Man I sure hope it clears up. I was really looking forward to seeing everyones planes and power set-ups. I'm a member of the club here in Brenham and I am pretty much the only one who actually enjoys flying electrics. It'd be nice to chat with some people who know a lot about that part of the hobby.

Bombay

Jun 26, 2008, 10:58 AM

Although the forecast did not look good at the beginning of the week, it seems like the chance of rain has gone down a little.

Also, since I live less than 1/4 mile from the field, I can tell you that although parts of the Houston area received downpours a couple times this week, our area did not. In fact, most people in my hood have been watering their lawns each and every day.

Also, the retention areas in the park (aka ponds) are below normal levels.

I am not saying that it won't rain, but if the weather for the first 4 days of the week are any indication of the rest, things are in good shape.

Feel free to ask at any given time for a weather report in the immediate area, and I will provide it. Ciao

USNAviationjay

Jun 26, 2008, 12:02 PM

Thanks for the update Bombay.
Looking forward to coming out.
Amazing how funny Houston weather can be.
I'm in Sugar Land and have been hammered every day almost.

but it does clear into nice days/evenings.

glad to hear it only 2 more days!

yarsmythejr

Jun 27, 2008, 08:22 AM

Mr. Weatherman has posted a 40% chance of rain and thunderstorms for tomorrow. For those of you driving down from other cities (my Dallas friends), it might be 20% too much. On the positive side, the rain this week hasn't been coming down until late in the afternoon. We might have a fairly nice morning for 3-4 hours. With that, I plan on arriving between 8 and 9am. It'll be nice to visit with a few of you and see what everyone is building even if the weather isn't favorable.

Tom, I'm not going to tell you to stay home but I understand if that percentage is too high. But on the other hand, even if BEST 2008 had an 80% chance of rain...I'd still be going! :)

To all of you attending the event, see ya there!

-Lee / YarSmytheJr

Bringing: Sig Four Star, Hobbico eFlightStar, Mini Funtana, Funder & Lightning(s), Cessna Cardinal 177, and possibly my Slow Stick on floats!

USNAviationjay

Jun 27, 2008, 09:37 AM

Well also keep in mind fellow Texans... that this is Texas weather.. we may get a storm but 1 hour later its gonna be hot and clear.. and stay that way.. these are nothing more than passing afternoon showers.

Is there a covered paddock area with electricity? where we can all seek shelter if it does roll in?

USNAviationjay

Jun 27, 2008, 09:46 AM

yarsmythejr

Jun 27, 2008, 10:13 AM

Just another question.. I don't see anyone else into small electric helis is it still ok for me to come? RC Hobby Shop said it was for anything that flies as long as it was E powered.

I will have my AMA receipt from purchasing it online as well is that sufficient proof?As far as I know...it's anything "electric". I hope George Harrington (Falcon Batteries) brings his TREX.

I think the receipt is fine. They'll probably look at it when you pay your pilot's fee.

-Lee

USNAviationjay

Jun 27, 2008, 10:36 AM

ok great! thanks for the answer.

Bombay

Jun 27, 2008, 12:33 PM

Is there a covered paddock area with electricity? where we can all seek shelter if it does roll in?

I went by at lunch and snapped these photos. All areas are dry at this time. There has been a 40-50% chance of rain the entire week, but our immediate area got very little. The isolated/scattered t-storms usually pop up anywhere in the 12-3pm time. If so, they usually don't last long (maybe 45-60mins), but they can be heavy. The good thing is that there has been some cloud cover to keep the brightness and heat down a little. Still in the 90's though.

There is a covered area with stalls within the flight field and another over on the control-line field, but other than that, it is fairly open...with scattered trees for maybe a little shade. Usually, when events are held, people bring their pop-up canopies. I would recommend it if you are going to be there any length of time. On adjoining properties, there are a few covered pavilions if you find yourself overheated and in need of some shade. The BC Flyers' clubhouse is very small. There is another building (restrooms?), but it won't afford much shade.

With all of this said, the weather is always up in the air...but don't be too afraid to venture out.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/RTice/filedpics001.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/RTice/filedpics005.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/RTice/filedpics002.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/RTice/filedpics006.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/RTice/filedpics004.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/RTice/filedpics003.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e180/RTice/filedpics007.jpg

yarsmythejr

Jun 27, 2008, 12:59 PM

Bombay - EXCELLENT!! Thanks for posting these images. It'll surely help motivate others to head out for the event.

Thanks again,

-Lee

PS - How is it that you live 1/4 mile from the field?? There's nothing but open field, soccer fields, and a GUN range nearby. :)

Bombay

Jun 27, 2008, 01:10 PM

PS - How is it that you live 1/4 mile from the field?? There's nothing but open field, soccer fields, and a GUN range nearby

True. There is a subdivision right past the west end though...and more right over the "hump" at 1464 and 1093. I wanted to stress how close I live to the field...and that we have not received rain like the rest of the houston area. Perhaps it is half a mile or a mile, but it is very close.

I'll be the guy walking around outside the fenced area (since I am not a member). Stop by and say hi.

turbine50

Jun 27, 2008, 01:33 PM

Miraculously, I'll be there! Work has been busy but I'm off. I'll bring a 3DHobbtshop Asprea, SebArt Alngel 50, and a 50 size Hughes 500 with T-Rex 600 mechanics. I will also have a Hyperion Katana F3a for sale.
See ya there!!!!

USNAviationjay

Jun 27, 2008, 02:35 PM

wewt Turbine love that MD500! hope you bring it =D

Thomas B

Jun 27, 2008, 11:29 PM

Richard Ng and I are on site...we are staying in the nearby hotel area at I-10 and Highway 6.

Went by the field this evening....a really beautiful site and by far the strangest field layout I have ever seen...:)

Forcast looks like a fair chance of occasional thunderstorms marching through the area with SE winds at 10-20 mph, according to Intellicast (they usually have the best wind forcast). Might not be a great day for parkflyers.....

See you folks out there in the AM.

yarsmythejr

Jun 28, 2008, 06:40 AM

On my way out the door....the skies look great!

Stop reading this and get yourself out to the field!! :)

-Lee

USNAviationjay

Jun 28, 2008, 03:14 PM

Welp except for the excessive wind in the afternoon it was a nice day.

My condolences to Turbine for his Trex600 Mishap and the gent with the B17 that was totaled.

got to fly a few packs in my 450 and was a good time.

going4speed

Jun 28, 2008, 03:42 PM

The wind was blowing enough to move lawn chairs and some peoples lunch plates but it was a great day to be out.

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1930/img1501lj5.th.jpg (http://img403.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1501lj5.jpg)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/144/img1512mv8.th.jpg (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1512mv8.jpg)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/6392/img1534lb5.th.jpg (http://img235.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1534lb5.jpg)

I need to get one of these:

http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/1810/img1539nk1.th.jpg (http://img56.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img1539nk1.jpg)

This thing flew great. I forgot to get this persons username but damn the boy can fly :)

SRush99

Jun 28, 2008, 04:31 PM

Just got back from the event. The wind was blowing 20 - 25mph crosswind to the runway. My son and I did manage to get a few flights in. No rain, even as I pulled into the driveway here in Spring, Tx. It was great seeing everybody.

-Stuart

yarsmythejr

Jun 28, 2008, 04:40 PM

Thought I'd share a few photos from today's event.

The winds really kicked up after 11am. I had 20mph gusts on my wind meter with steady winds around 15mph. I'm glad I got there before 8am to fly my 'slow' stuff first.

To all of those I met out there (new and old), thanks for the friendly chat and enjoyable day. My next few weeks will be taking care of a new baby so my flying days will be quite limited. The wife "promised" I could attend BEST 2008. :)

-Lee / YarSmytheJr

.

going4speed

Jun 28, 2008, 06:48 PM

I showed up planeless due to the wind. :eek: Maybe next time

Oh, I'm sure there will be several people out there willing to help you out. Members of the Bayou City Flyers should have name tags or hats on identifying themselves as members. I'd approach one of them and see if they can direct you to a trainer. See ya there!

Thomas B

Jun 28, 2008, 07:14 PM

Had a pretty nice time in spite of the wind, which really got ugly mid afternoon.

I was doing a little repair on the Waco (broken wheal pant mount) from 7:30 till 9AM and missed out on the light wind conditions for my light models....my bad.

Got a few flights in and enjoyed those I did get to make.

Had an invite to stop at New Waverly and fly there on the way home tomorrow afternoon and just might do that...wind looks to be laying a bit tomorrow.

going4speed

Jun 28, 2008, 07:43 PM

Thomas,

I was very impressed with your flying. That wheel pant did not want to stay put. :(

Had a pretty nice time in spite of the wind, which really got ugly mid afternoon.

I was doing a little repair on the Waco (broken wheal pant mount) from 7:30 till 9AM and missed out on the light wind conditions for my light models....my bad.

Got a few flights in and enjoyed those I did get to make.

Had an invite to stop at New Waverly and fly there on the way home tomorrow afternoon and just might do that...wind looks to be laying a bit tomorrow.

AirX

Jun 28, 2008, 08:08 PM

Enjoyed the day, thanks to the Bayou City Flyers for puting on a fun event. Good to see Thomas B flying and met Yarsmythejr(Lee). Thomas the Alfa Huck had a lot of power and he flew it very well. Lee had the Funder and Lightning flying in 20+ winds and making it look easy... :)

Cheers,
Eric B.

turbine50

Jun 28, 2008, 09:35 PM

It was a great day despite the wind. My fleet took some damage but nothing too bad. The Hughes 500 crashed due to loss of power. I normally set the timer for 4 min but more power was used to compensate for the high winds. At 3.5 min, it came down and I botched the autorotation because I got disoriented. The angel 50 had a hard landing and broke the prop. The airframe I had for sale was taken airborne by one of the errant wind vorticies that popped up and it hit a guy in the legs. Minor fuse damage. That's the first time I crashed a plane with no motor and radio installed. It was great seeing all the electrics and meeting everyone.

here's a video of the Hughes's first flight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyDTvkvs81E

The Huges 500 is being looked at... (see pic)

Thomas B

Jun 28, 2008, 10:22 PM

Thomas,

I was very impressed with your flying. That wheel pant did not want to stay put. :(

Well, thank you...The Waco was not liking the gusty conditions much..it is pretty lightly loaded......one really bad landing did in my temporary repair.

No problem doing it up right when I get home, though.

Thomas B

Jun 28, 2008, 10:28 PM

marineA4

Jun 29, 2008, 09:56 AM

I had a great time at the event. First landing on the A-4 caused it to cart wheel and broke the fuselage just under the intake trying to do a crosswind landing. I should have known better considering the Alpha A-4 does not have rudder.
Thanks to Thomas B I was able to repair and get two more flights.

It certainly was a pleasure meeting all of you at the event. Lee and Thomas B, it was great meeting you both and looking forward to doing some more flying.....

Thomas B, let me know when you guys are having a fly inn, i'll try and make it up there....My brother in law lives in Irving so its pretty easy for me to go up there and have a place to stay......

Orlando

Bombay

Jun 29, 2008, 12:54 PM

Great event. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to participate by watching and asking questions.

I hope to see some of you at BEST.

Lee: Thanks again for your hospitality. When you aren't changing diapers, send me a pm with some of the details to BEST...and how about a link to the Funder 'N Lightning build thread? Congratulations on the new baby!

going4speed

Jun 29, 2008, 02:07 PM

Being new to this I have no idea, when where what is BEST? :confused:

Great event. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to participate by watching and asking questions.

I hope to see some of you at BEST.

Lee: Thanks again for your hospitality. When you aren't changing diapers, send me a pm with some of the details to BEST...and how about a link to the Funder 'N Lightning build thread? Congratulations on the new baby!

Bombay

Jun 29, 2008, 04:00 PM

Hi G4S: BEST is another flying event coming up in Oct in New Waverly. It is supposed to be good. Check the Electric Events calendar.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=880838

mopar_man

Jun 29, 2008, 10:28 PM

Had a great time in spite of the wind yesterday. I took 8 planes and flew 7 of them. I didnt get around to flying the shuZZle before the wind really picked up. I even won a $20 gift certificate in the raffle! Thanks to Randy's Hobbies for donating...and the other contributors. Always good to see familiar faces out at Scobee. Lee and a few folks used my camera to take photos of my planes and others. Here are some low-res versions:
Terry