Wood Crafters 2009

[Ray Hayes]

NOTICE ... NO DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR WOOD CRAFTERS 2009.

PROBABLY WILL NOT HAVE AN EVENT THIS YEAR, IF I HAVE ONE, IT WILL BE LOCATED IN THE SMOKEY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK OR IN THE BLACK HILLS CUSTER STATE PARK. THESE ARE MY FAVORITE VACATION FLYING FIELDS. I HAVE FOUND GREAT FLYING SITES IN ALL THREE PARKS.

I WILL DEFINITELY MISS FLYING A WOOD CRAFTERS WITH ALL THE GREAT GUYS THAT HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PAST AT THE AMA FLYING SITE SINCE 2002.


Anyone interested if one of the locations ... ??? let me know, maybe we can get a Wood Crafters going somewhere this year. Nothing but Fun ...

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[scaflock]

Ray,

Given a choice I'll vote for the Smokey Mountains site. I love that area and it's the closest to me so I'd have more of a chance to make it there. I'll try and drag Sean and Hoss with me. (By their heels if I have to ;) )

Jeff

[Wylie Shaw]

My choice would be YellowStone, it's closer to me and I'd still drag Sean & Hossfly out to it.....


Wylie Shaw

[seanpcola]

Well, apparently it wouldn't matter either way as I'm goin'. :eek: :D

Wylie, I would love to head that way but guess that is a loooong drive. SM would be great, been there many times and have family close by. I would love to come though Ray.

Sean

[kzimmerm]

Ray;
Are you giving up the Wood Crafters event altogether? or are you just taking a break?

One of the things I have on my "bucket list" is to fly one of your Wood Crafters events.

Let me know.

Kurt

[Jim Deck]

I've always looked forward to Woodcrafters. A few days of flying at an excellent site with terrific company without any competitive pressure - who could ask for anything more? Well maybe gentle breezes the whole time. Ray, get a good rest then think about a Fall 2009 Woodcrafters.

[Ray Hayes]

Ray;
Are you giving up the Wood Crafters event altogether? or are you just taking a break?

One of the things I have on my "bucket list" is to fly one of your Wood Crafters events.

Let me know.

Kurt


Kurt,

You know the saying: He who hestitates ....

I do plan to have a Wood Crafters 10 and maybe one yet this year located somewhere other than AMA, Muncie.

I am very happy to see clubs from coast to coast sponsoring " Woody " contests. Seems like all of them are fun competiton, for many, a social event, and a place to show and tell their latest Woody build.

One of the competitons at Wood Crafters 08 was Man on Man from my 300' Hi Starts and was "One of a Kind" for Don Harris's favorite Nostalgia design "Gulf Coaster". I prefer Man on Man over open winch in competition.


Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[Jim Deck]

Ray modestly neglected to mention a clever innovation used with the histarts at Woodcrafters 2008. The device allowed for histart launching without the strain of standing there holding tension while waiting for everyone to get ready. Oh, and the launches did provide enough alititude for seeking good lift. All of the fun of winch launches without the hassle. Well done, Ray.

[GliderDriver45]

Tell me it is not so!

I look forward to WoodCrafters every year. Last year came home after work, spent a few hours doing the final repairs to my planes, could not get to sleep I was so excited about flying with friends. So, got in the car and drove form Columbus to Muncie, got there in time for breakfast. Had a great time, but had a wing failure in the wind on my Gulf Coaster. I need motivation to rebuild that wing! How about the Smoky Mt site. I have family in Cosby TN near by. Anyone sloped at Max's Patch before? It is near by.

Greg

[Ray Hayes]

Where is it located ??? Can you point it out on the map below ??


And before the Gulf Coaster gets a bad rep for blowing wings in the wind, it didn't have anything to do with the wing structure ,,,, it had everything to do with ...






Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[GliderDriver45]

Yes, Ray is right.

The wing went due to my building techniques. The brass tube that the wind rod was in had come free from the Epoxy that had the consistancy and rigidity of styrofoam and was just crumbling away. We were launching on 3 meter high starts in 15-20 mph winds. I had about 12-16 oz of ballast in the ship at the time as well.

Max Patch is a bald on the Appilachian Trail. You take I 40 twd Ashville the turn north on a dirt road just after crossing the boarder into NC. I will have to google it to get more specific. Does require a 20 min hike up a small grade to get to the bald from a parking lot. The view is awsome.

Greg

[Ray Hayes]

Thanks Greg, I see the gravel road on the Smokey map, your talking Big Creek. I'll take photos when I get up there. Really apprciate the tip.

I'm itching to fly my Gulf Coaster Man On Man, why not set up a time and place, Columbus, Dayton, or Ft Wayne for a Gulf Coaster show down ... ? Maybe we could inspire MR. Excuses ( Joe A ) to build his GC and join in on the fun.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[Ray Hayes]

Hmmmm, Smokies, slope soaring, thermal soaring ( at it's best ), the thought of it makes me twitter.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[gps3]

If it has to be the Smokies, then call it.

Greg Smith

[GliderDriver45]

Ray,

Max Patch is a bit farther to the East. It is not in the National Park. Here are some directions from a hiking site I found. :

Trailhead: From Knoxville: I-40 East to Exit 7 Harmon Den (NC). Turn left at end of exit ramp onto gravel road. Follow this road for about 6 miles then turn left until it ends. Turn left onto Max Patch Road, the parking area is about 2.5 miles on right.

And a picture of me at Max patch on the appilacian trail.[/IMG] :D


Will talk to Don H and see if we can come up with something for this year and the Gulf Coasters.

Greg.

[Ray Hayes]

for those that have tuned into Wood Crafters recently and wonder what it is all about, here is the link to an article on the first WC 02, published in the RCM magazine authored by Gordon Pearson.

http://www.skybench.com/nostalgia/articles/rcm_wood_crafters.html

Greg, fantastic, thanks for posting your pics.

Anyone interested in flying a Wood Crafters at the Smokies, let me know ??


Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[Ray Hayes]

This is a pick of Greg and Bill with their Gulf Coasters, Wood Crafters 2007.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[vintagesailplnr]

Ray:
I am interested in the WC 09 smokies..........

The 30 minute hike may be a problem......
Jim



for those that have tuned into Wood Crafters recently and wonder what it is all about, here is the link to an article on the first WC 02, published in the RCM magazine authored by Gordon Pearson.

http://www.skybench.com/nostalgia/articles/rcm_wood_crafters.html

Greg, fantastic, thanks for posting your pics.

Anyone interested in flying a Wood Crafters at the Smokies, let me know ??


Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[Ray Hayes]

"Does require a 20 min hike up a small grade to get to the bald from a parking lot. The view is awsome."

Jim,

I'm going to use Greg's path, it is only 20 minutes up a small grade. :-)

On the other hand, it might be a problem hauling Ken Bates Meryln up to the top.
I have the ribs for the Meryln kit, the rest of the stuff is coming, slowly.

My flat land soaring site in the Smokies has a parking lot too.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[scaflock]

Sounds to me like either of the Smokies sites would be a lot of fun to fly at. A 20 minute stroll would be just enough to stretch out the legs. If we do this I will have to bring the Minolta and get some good pics.

Ray, I'm glad to hear that the Merlyn kits are coming together even if it is "Slowly" I've been waiting for this one for a long time now. I think Georgia needs a little "balsa overcast" here as soon as possible. You know how hot it gets down this way in the summer. A little shade would do us all some good. ;)

Jeff

[Ray Hayes]

The Merlyn kit will be offered with buyers choice of the original airfoil or S3014.

The orignal airfoil is a thin flat bottom, Ken Bates the designer, will build his with the S3014 and so will I.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[scaflock]

LOl... I knew you couldn't resist making some changes Ray. When they're ready I'll go with the S3014 as well. I've read the construction article several times and am wondering what other changes/improvements are in store. I'm sure that they'll all be good ones!

Jeff

[ozmo01]

Hi woody flyers,
I have never been to a Woodcrafters. But I have a couple of wood birds and have been waiting for activities such as this to be schedule so I can put in for vacation time.
I would do the Smokies!!
And I would be tickled to help in any way needed. :)

2 meter high start (old but fine)
3 meter Hose Monster with 100' of rubber(new)
BBXL
Modified RES Gentle Lady
standard Gentle Lady
The wife says we could probably do this if it happens :D
OzMo

[scaflock]

I'm sure you and the wife would have a good time Oz. I've never been to a woodcrafters meet either but have seen the reports on them and they look like a ton of fun. I'd be willing to wager that the two of you are about ready to be anywhere that's warmer than your area has been of late. Rays' site has pics of several of the events from past years. Take a look see.

Jeff

[ozmo01]

yep a little cool here now. We JUST got missed by the ice. Good for building woodies though! The wife and I are new empty nesters and the Smokies would be an in budget option for our summer break.

[schrederman]

I have always wanted to go to one of these. I even signed up tentatively one year, but couldn't make it. If I'm not prying too far, why not Muncie? If that shouldn't be discussed, ignore the question. We have plenty of hotel space and restaurants... why not Clovis? Just kidding of course... I have never been to the NATS. I have only been to Mid-South once. I have been to TNT a few times. I have only been to SWC once, but I'm going again this year, and will fly in Woodie Class. Woodcrafters is something I want to do one day soon. I may get there this year, who knows?

Jack

[scaflock]

Sounds like a good option for the Balsa Brewers. Hummm Maybe we could get Don to host it so we'll have a pool to cool off in after a long day of flying.

Jeff

[Ray Hayes]

It is all about time:

After due consideration, I decided during December not to put on my Wood Crafters event ... anywhere. It takes a lot of prep time and the older I get, the less efficent I become. I truely enjoy creating the Sky Bench kits, it is a way of keeping the real hobby of MODELING alive. My stuff sells around the world to guys that are like me, they enjoy the hobby of building model aircraft. I truely enjoy flying my woody stuff in contests, but have given up building time for kit mfg. time. This year is going to be my year for building time by way of eliminating Wood Crafters time. We all know, our most valuable asset is time and how we chose to spend it.

The first good thing to happen from this is Greg has given me an additional flying spot in the Smokies. We go to the Smokies up to 3 times a year, learned my lesson about walking a trail alone a long time ago. Best time for us is Spring and Fall, way to hot in the summer.

I have decided I should stick to my original December decision and won't get involved in a Smokie Wood Crafters.

I have received a few emails from folks considering having an event in their area, I prefer that the clubs use the name Woody instead of Wood Crafters. There are some minds that think I am attempting promoting Sky Bench by way of Wood Crafters, so using the name Woody is probably the best universal approach. I will always call my event Wood Crafters.

There are already minds that have publicly said they don't want an AMA woody class.

If enough clubs continue to hold Woody events, this will prepetuate the class without the hassel of the human mind conflicts.

So much to build and fly, so little time.

My favorite woody contest is a "One of a Kind" , Wood Crafters has done this for the Windfree and Gulf Coaster using the Man on Man format. Builder - flyer aginst builder flyer on a truely level playing field. I see it as a total human skill talent test.

It is currently minus 3 degrees here in Ft Wayne, the epi center of global warming.
No, I'm not anti global warming, I just know my dog is not a happy camper right now. Meet Bart .

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[scaflock]

Ray,

I can understand your point of view and reasoning. I know it takes a lot of work to set up an event like Wood Crafters and it's not an easy job to say the least bit. You've done a great job already and deserve to take a break from it if you desire to do so. All work and no play is not a good thing for anyone.

I do hope that you will set up another Wood Crafters event sometime in the future because you do it with class!

Jeff.

P.S. Bart looks like a good ol boy for sure.

[Mark Miller]

Can't be to cold if there is no snow and you are outside roasting kabobs.

Thanks for the past WCers. Hope there will be more.

Mark Miller

[schrederman]

It is always a big effort on the part of a small group to run a major contest. My hat's off to you, Ray, for having done it in the past. I can only selfishly hope you run one next year. Even if you never do, I certainly understand.

I know there are factions that don't want an AMA Woodie Class. However there are factions that do want it. Those that don't want it DO NOT HAVE TO PARTICIPATE. Let's face it, I don't, and never have, flown helicopters, or pattern, or U-control... That doesn't mean that I'm so narrow minded to think that those people can't enjoy what they like... I personally think that there are enough people out there that still build their own stuff to support a class at the NATS. We're still flying 2-meter amid the cries of many to abolish the class... I don't fly 2-meter, either... I'm not sure but I'd bet a woodie class would attract as many as 2-meter, especially if placed strategically in the middle like 2-meter has been over the years. So why not have an official woodie class... and alternate the NATS for 2-meter one year and woodie the next?

Jack

[Ray Hayes]

Can't be to cold if there is no snow and you are outside roasting kabobs.

Thanks for the past WCers. Hope there will be more.

Mark Miller


Hey Mark,

You asked for snow, you got it, just added a more recent pic of the mutt in the snow.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[Robert Burson]

Hi Ray,

Well, Spring must be on the way here in Northern Indiana, the deer are starting to move.

The Best

Robert

[Ray Hayes]

Jack,

The reason I started the Wood Crafters was simply to fly with other Woody fans and to try and show how to have fun with our toys in ways other than defined by AMA rules.

Not picking on AMA rules or how the Nats are run and that is a real work load performed by a bunch of great guys that deserve our applause.

I have learned that if a person wants to have a meet of some sort that is different from what a club has been doing, the best if not the only way to get it done, is do it yourself outside the club. Got an idea ... run with it ... let the attendance be the judge.

I do hope that more clubs or individuals put on Woody contests with or without an AMA class. My observation of club members around the country that build and fly woodys is they are not real strong contest goers. When the ARF's start showing up and winches became very powerful, it kinda blew the woody guys away from the clubs. A woody event within the club maybe a good way to attract them back. The current reality of the AMA Nats is it is relatively expensive when you combine: A. AMA membership, B. Nats entry fee, especially if you enter all of the events. So I'm not so sure a woody class would be that well attended. I think 08 Nats Nos had about 35 contestants that was run on weaker winches than used in the other Man on Man size classes. I think the stronger winches will be used in 09 Nats Nos, but not the Man on Man format.

Anyone can propose a woody class to the AMA rules, takes time, effort, politics. But, I think it would be more benifical to soaring's interest to use the time and effort promoting clubs to put on a woody event. To hold a woody class as part of the AMA nats is more or less already taking place via the Nostalgia class.

The best thing going in the woody world is the advancement of e power.
All over the country, guys are flying outside of club membership with their electrified woodys.

Woodies for ever ... It takes talent and produces pride.

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[Ray Hayes]

Hi Ray,

Well, Spring must be on the way here in Northern Indiana, the deer are starting to move.

The Best

Robert


Great photo Bob ... Yours ??

Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[Ray Hayes]

Ray,

I can understand your point of view and reasoning. I know it takes a lot of work to set up an event like Wood Crafters and it's not an easy job to say the least bit. You've done a great job already and deserve to take a break from it if you desire to do so. All work and no play is not a good thing for anyone.

I do hope that you will set up another Wood Crafters event sometime in the future because you do it with class!

Jeff.

P.S. Bart looks like a good ol boy for sure.


Jeff,

I will set up another Wood Crafters.

The number of clubs sponsoring a Woody has been increasing. It helps the clubs budget and can increase their membership. It can be a win win for the clubs.

Also, guys that are getting back into RC are mostly doing it through ARFs, but for the same reasons you and I are Woody fans, they are now either trying to build a woody or are coming back to building woodys. So this can be another reason for clubs to sponsor Woody events. I'm witness to this almost everyday via e mails I receive. I try to start them off with an OLY ll, but they tend to buy what ever has eye appeal for them. For some, they start at the top and end up working their way down. My web site has a page for the beginner, pointing them to the OLY ll. But, sometimes that gets ignored and sometimes Sky Bench is blamed for their failure at building kits like the Big Bird series and OLY lll and other more involved kits.

The number one thing the new guy has real problems with is READING THE PLAN. Number two is looking at the parts and determining by their shape, where the part belongs. But, we all go thru the learning stages of anything new we try.

You do a great service to many newbies answering their questions.


Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[scaflock]

Thanks Ray,
I answer questions for the new guys mainly because someone was kind enough to do the same for me when I was starting out. I feel that it would be a disservice to those that helped me to not do the same for someone else that is just starting out.

I agree that many of the new people to building either don't read the instructions or look at the plans. I was lucky to have been taught how to do both by my grandfather and my high school shop teacher. Both were great guys and very patient with me. (I'm still having to work on the patients part at times when helping someone else)

Jeff

[atmosteve]

The number one thing the new guy has real problems with is READING THE PLAN. Number two is looking at the parts and determining by their shape, where the part belongs. But, we all go thru the learning stages of anything new we try.
Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

Sadly this seems to happening over here in Australia also, aeromodelling appears to be losing its culture to ARF convenience, which can make it easy for new RC pilots to be ambitious without first going through the usual progression of general aeromodelling learning experiences, and increasingly they do so without the true benefit of a club to back them. Why do some people find that asking for help and having to learn the ropes as embarrasing or demeaning? surely thats better and more character building than smashing up poorly prepared rc aircraft and learning the hard way.

Its no wonder some newcomers today run into difficulties and wasted expense, and its sad to hear that some have complained to Ray about the problems they find building some of the kit planes like the ones Sky Bench provide, which are outstanding value for money when built well, and offer enough plan and build detail for anyone to build them well- if they just apply themselves and are willing to take the time to LEARN, rather than have everything prepared for them on a plate which seems to be the way of our world these days. :(

Hey Ray, nice to hear a Wood Crafters is happening, sad I can't attend, thats a definite high up on my bucket list. Hopefully the guys will take lots of pics and talk here about the event. Jeff- thats heaps of time to buy that new digital camera. :D

[schrederman]

I was just thinking, and posted this in another thread... If the economy gets REALLY bad, those with the skill to build will be at a true advantage, because the expensive toys will be the first thing to go... Sharpen those #11s, boys, you're gonna need 'em.

Jack

[scaflock]

Yeah... They're already knocking at my door. Good thing I'm not greedy or it would be "CHA-Ching" time.

...And people wonder why I buy my #11s by the gross.

Jeff

[Ray Hayes]

Maybe this will cheer things up. Photo sent by Sky Bird customer in South Africa.


Ray
Sky Bench
http://www.skybench.com

[schrederman]

Sorry for the gloom and doom...

Jack

[AndyTheLegend]

Hmm, that picture reminds me of my Bird Of Time (ARF)! :D Don't worry, I'm thinking about getting an Oly IIS to build...

Andy

[scaflock]

WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP!!! :eek: DANGER WILL ROBINSON! DANGER!!! DANGER!!! :eek:

Someone compared a Skybird to an ARF B.O.T.? ...And in a Wood Crafters thread no less!! Oh... The pain! :p :eek: :p

I'd make him have to buy two Oly IIs for that one Ray! After all, it never hurts to have a spare! ;) :rolleyes:

(And yes Andy, I'm just giving you a hard time in fun. I don't mean anything by it.)

Jeff

[marc 540]

The BOT ARF is the plane that got me hooked on soaring, so I'll never knock it!! As heavy as it is it's still a great thermal ship!!

Marc 540