I haven't done much in the way of actual pursuit of the project beyond mental effort - and ordering a stronger rear shock support, which is where the tow line would be attached (about ten dollars including shipping).

Mental machinations have led me to explore two options, one for tow lines and the other for aircraft types.


1. Tow lines,
a. Traditional, no stretch light test fishing line like Spyder Wire.
b. Some variation of the standard Hi-Start that would have some stretching component – again in various weights consistent with the weight of the airplane.
c. The Stampede end of every tow line would be a clip (with a swivel perhaps to minimize twist transmitted to the model.
d. The aircraft end of the tow line would be a simple open loop – there is to be no ‘release’ mechanism on any glider.
e. My current pondering is to keep the towline length to a minimum – just enough to reach a launch height since our field is not very long and bounded by trees on three sides and a too-close foot path and road on the fourth. This is mainly a mental exercise, and excuse, to play with the Stampede.


2. Aircraft variations,
a. Smallest would be an 8 to 10-inch children’s rubber-band catapult ‘toy’ like my grandkids scattered all over the front lawn years ago.
b. UMX Radian with hook on the bottom. Likely have to experiment with strengthening to wing to prevent the dreaded ‘clap.’
c. UMX Radian-sized, scratch-built, pure glider similar in size to the Radian. Probably heavily reinforced too.
d. Adaptation of a current R/C DLG glider.
e. I think a key ingredient would be a finely tunable tow-hook position to allow release just before ‘popoff.’

I’ve also wondered if any other RCGroups personages (either glider of car oriented) have experience with similar launch schemes.

I wanted to play around with the idea of towing a Radian up with my old two-wheel drive truggy, Stampede. Success would be measure if it would just get the glider off the ground without damage and to a height safe enough for the motor to be started.

There were a couple of problems that would have to be overcome before an actual testing can begin:

1. On the Stampede itself I have changed the rcvr to accommodate my 16s xmtr rather than the ground xmtr that I had previously used – just to minimize the number of things I would probably forget to bring to the field. For some reason the original ESC just wouldn’t work so I have used an old 80 amp Plush ESC that I found in a drawer from my 6-cell days.

I don’t know how to arrange for ‘reverse’ with the airplane oriented 16s – this has not yet been resolved – and I don’t want to spend any money on a fancy ESC – so the no-reverse situation may never be resolved.

I have yet to arrange a ‘mast’ for the tow-line attachment but it will go on the rear body attachment structure through a small opening I the truck’s bed. No big deal – but not done yet.

2. On the Radian, I don’t want to have any release mechanism associated with an extra servo – or anything kludgy like a full back-stick release pushrod.

What I intend to install is a simple tow hook (from a bent paper clip) taped to the fuselage underside. I hope that a release can be affected by a reduction of the Stampede’s speed – resulting in towline slack – and a pull...Continue Reading

This week the Myd Weak flyers had another go at an UMX Ultrix race. We didn’t bother with trying the relay race idea again. The fact is that landing one model then launching another was problematic, we didn’t have reliable lap counters (an after thought actually), and it just didn’t add anything to the general fun.

We kept the figure eight format around the two pylons (traffic cones) that we decided were about forty yards apart (meters if you insist). And since there would be times when the models were turning toward the pilot line – the pylons were about half that distance away from the “red line.” Yes, the little Ultrices couldn’t do much damage if someone got hit, but you never know and we try to keep safety in mind when we’re being silly.

Six of us lined up pretty much in the center of the course – and launched at the same time, heading for the left-hand pylon. You would have thought that would have been our best chance for an early midair – but no luck.

And once the pack spread out a bit, you would think that the close, head-on, high-speed passes in between the two pylons would result in at least one dramatic contact – again no luck. Sigh.

Keep in mind that we all flew out full batteries – twice. Our first race lasted at least five or six minutes since each of us started with a full battery. The models were then gathered up, re-li-poed, and we did it again with ne li-pos. That means for a minimum of ten minutes, six Ultrices tore around a fairly close circuit – with numerous head-on passes – without a single accident! Not only that but this is the second week that we’ve done it.

Of course, you know what this means: eventually there is going to be a reckoning and there will be some damage – perhaps even requiring some non-field repair. Oh dear!

I suppose some brave (foolish?) person will insist that we try again before too long. But I’m wondering if we will do the SAFE ballet again next time? Or maybe “follow-the-leader.” Dare I say it, Combat?

Luv them liddle U’s.

Our group of Myd Weak flyers tried something new last week – UMX Ultrix Relay Racing.

In previous weeks we have put on Ultrix ballets with just two to four “dancers.” Last time we did it only six people showed up but each of them had an UMX Ultrix and we all “danced” at the same time. (The Ultrix is very popular with all our regular club members too). Our ballet is where each of us launch pretty much at the same time and fly the same left-hand pattern, fairly close. We start off in SAFE mode and after getting in the pattern, we hold the right stick all the way straight back – and keep it there. The rest of the “dance” is done using only the left stick (it’s okay to switch SAFE off if you have to - or want to do a solo from Swan Lake – but most of us stay in SAFE). The idea is to fly as slowly as possible and as close to any other Ultrix as opportunity presents – but not too close. Last time we put on three full-battery performances – sharing spare li-pos to keep the fun going.

Two things to be watchful for; One, don’t over steer to avoid starting a spin (unless you want to change position or do the Dying Swan thing). Two, never take your eyes off your model. Someone always ends up flying the wrong model. Which brings up the point that you hardly ever see a “plain Jane, stock” Ultrix in our bunch. You should see some of the color combinations and “art.”

Did someone ask about mid airs? Our record is the same two Ultrix’s “kissing” twice in the same flight – with no damage and we flew out the rest of the batteries, landing without further drama. After landing all we could find was a few small prop strikes. One of the pilots alleges that the other one was solely responsible for both hits – he has a reputation.

Oh, I forgot to tell you about the relay race – we have video and everything.

. . . Ain't what it used to be. The main problem with it is that even though good things are happening now, it ain't the same as it used to be. Most of my best aeromodelling memories involve the Carolina 1/2A Crew and flying CL combat at the Hobby Park in Winston.
Sure, I m thoroughly enjoying flying small quiet models now - but I still miss the sweet sound of a TD .010 at 22,000 rpm (the smell was good too).

I was thinking about the difference between what today’s teenage model airplane enthusiast might remember fifty-plus years from now – and what I remember from the mid to late 50’s.

Model Airplane News and Flying Models magazines at 35 cents an issue – more than the price of a 1/6 x 3 sheet of balsa. New Free Flight and CL designs to drool over every month. Dreaming about the single channel radios and models. Ambroid and Testors glue, Butyrate dope. Silkspan covering. The full-page ads from Polk’s and Americas Hobby Center.

Building models from magazine plans or kits that took weeks, if not months, to build. Boy, did I cut a lot of ribs using a used single-edge Gillette razor blades. The designers I looked for; Earl Cayton, Larry Scarinzi, Paul Del Gatto, Henry Struck, Walt Mooney, Sal Taibi. (Not to mention Fixit Wright and Bunny Talby.)
As opposed to today’s $300 SAFE “trainers,” ARFs, computer radios, receiver gyros, “kits” that take a few hours to assemble. Government regulation. Heavy sigh.

Here’s an imaginary conversation in 2070 (translated here to 2020 English), “Yes, grand-child-person we really went outside with no air-masks to fly actual, physical model airplanes that we almost controlled ourselves. No, it’s true! Not virtual hologram images regulated by probes connected to your brain. Oh, sometimes we didn’t even mark our FAA license number on our models - we were so bad!

I'm gonna write this here for two reasons; one is that I feel it is safe for me to write this here on a RCG blog since I don't expect too many people (if any) to see this and two, that means I won't get people fussing at me for having an opinion. But it makes me feel better to get things like this out of my system and if I send this to people I know or put it in our club"s newsletter, I might hurts someones feelings or make someone angry. This way I am pretty much anonymous.

I am not a big fan of SAFE. I keep seeing bad things happen to airplanes when the pilot can't exercise enough control to correct a problem. Yes, I know that one can flip a switch and change the setting, but pretty much new pilots in a panic mode don't think of that - let alone remember where the right switch is. Guys at my club have flown into trees and behind the pits when they can't make a sharp enough turn. The other thing is that when a person "masters" his $300 trainer and advances to a more challenging model that isn't equipped with gyros guess what happens. It just makes you sick to see nice World War II ARFs snap on takeoff.

On a positive note; I love my little UMX ARFs. I think it is a mark of our technological progress that someone figured out how to get gyros in those tiny receiver/servo bricks. And I'm betting that they wouldn't sell near as many without gyros. Heavy sigh.

Finally, has anyone beside me found it hard to find the old "bricks" for little scratch indoor projects?

P.S. I have been an active flyer and AMA member since the mid 70s and the good ole days were great, but today's models and systems are better - although I do miss having a winter building project(s).

I went to the swap meet at Burlington this morning. I guess I’ve been to this particular one eight or ten times since we’ve been here in North Carolina. I’ve been to Toledo, WRAMs, Lebanon, the Southern Show, and several local versions here and Virginia too over the years. I’ve seen some things change, some haven’t. Multi-rotors and electrics have certainly made an impact. Other “fads” have come along; some stay, some go. But one thing that seems to have remained the same, at least since the mid-70s, is the age of the participants. Actually, if anything, the age of the average aero modeler has risen (rose?, gone up.)
Another thing that I came away from today’s experience is that there just aren’t many things I want or need anymore. Oh maybe a BUSA kit (one that I don’t already have sitting in my attic) at a great price, or a nice Sagitta cheap. But I either have it stashed away upstairs – or I buy it via the Internet (and get it delivered in two days). Yes, that is certainly a comment on the times we live in now.
So back to today, I pretty much gave away the stuff I had brought. And frankly, I threw away most of the rest – except for the NIB 10 cc gas engine – watch for it here on RCGroups (cheesy plug, huh – I love it!)

How model aviation has “evolved” for me since the early 70s;

• CL racing and combat (the best of times and fondest memories)
• Mufflers
• First R/C, five channels, “I’ve been hit”, RME
• Wide choice of kits, great magazines and plans
• Hobby shops with what I need
• Better radios, more channels
• Acceptance and curiosity from the public
• Li-pos and brushless motors – no more frequency flags
• Fast forward to the last few years
o Rapid development and availability of new technology
o Irresponsible use of same, mostly ignored
o Regulatory scrutiny and restrictions
o Change in public perception (and reality) of model aviation safety
The result, I fear, is that the hobby that has been an integral part of my adult life is changing around me, out of control, and universally negative. Heaven help me, I may have to take up golf.
There, I’ve had my rant. I wish it had made me feel better. Alas.

I just found out that one of my best-ever flying buddies is not well.
I wish I could console him and talk about all the great times we shared.
But time and circumstances has kept us apart and I’m grieving for him and what could have been.
Get well soon – and stay that way old friend.

I went to the BARKS swap meet this weekend. Sold some stuff. Gave away some stuff. Left early. Had a good time. BUT I had a brain storm while I took a pass through the aisles, checking out what other people were selling. One of the things that caught my eye was the number of people who had piles of old two-stroke, glow engines that nobody ever buys.

I too have piles of old two-stroke, glow engines that I know I will never mount in a model or run again. I also know I couldn't sell mine either - so here's my brain "storm" (or fill in another word after you read the rest of this).

I'm thinking of taking a dozen or so of them apart; removing the crank shaft and piston, and drilling through the back-plate to make room for a hollow threaded rod so that I could stack them up to make . . . wait for it . . . a LAMP.

I'm thinking of a spiral type pattern with .60s on the bottom, .40s in the middle, and .25s at the top.

Since I have a few transmitters that are leftovers from when I flew with the Good brothers, I thought that the base made from one would be the cat's pajamas. Actually, I do have an Expert transmitter that would be perfect given its flat, square, boxy shape - and snazzy, non-black color.

I figure I could stick the whole thing together with JB Weld and have something that would become a treasure that my grandchildren would fight over when I leave this earthly realm.

Thinking about it some more on the hour-long ride home, and it occurred to me that I...Continue Reading

Are any clubs doing Fun Fly’s anymore? I found an article in a 1979 RCM on the subject recently and it reminded me of when my club used to hold a single-task event each month. It wasn’t everybody’s thing but I think it helped to keep interest up for the most active members. It only took an hour or so which meant that we didn’t tie-up the runway for too long.

The tasks were selected with the capabilities of the average pilot and the average plane in mind. None of the plane wrecking tricks specified in “real” competition; Just climb-and-glide, timed flight, taxiing through a course, etc.

We tried electric combat for a while but it didn’t last long. Super simple models, easy to fix at the field - but I think folks just didn’t like it when the models got bent; goes against Nature I guess. Mores the pity.

Anyway, now that I think of it, the fun fly thing probably wouldn’t work well with today’s foam ARFs. But I am curious if anybody is still doing it.

Gentle Flyers,

Here is a photo of my electrocuted Hangar Rat. I was motivated to build the little thing by my recent trip to a nearby indoor event that was characterized by numerous UMX ARFs (mine too) zipping hither and hence around a very nice venue. There were a couple of Vapors and such that flew in a manner that was more like what I remember from the 70s when my club had free access to a basketball court in a National Guard Armory. Back then there weren’t any ARFs let alone micro R/C equipment. We built Peanuts, Pistachios, EZBs, Manhattans, HLGs, etc. and spent many happy days enjoying the slow, graceful flight of these beauties.

There were a couple of entry-level models that were popular back then like the Peck R.O.G. and the Hangar Rat. A few feet of 1/8-inch rubber, some lube, a winder, and a stooge put you in business for maybe ten or twelve dollars. The Hangar Rat was a little bigger than the others and could be flown outdoors at dusk when the wind dropped. Ah, the good ole days!

This one has the R/C innards from a defunct Parkzone something but is “traditional” in all other respects – including the non-doped, but crinkled, Esaki tissue covering. I hope to take it with me to the GAMA swap meet to play with in their indoor area in a couple of weeks.

Gentlemen (I always have to smile when I write that word here),
In keeping with my commitment to provide the tiny airplane world with the best opportunities to increase their pleasure, I hereby present a way for modelers to “invest” for their hobby. Picture it; the latest issue of your favorite model magazine arrives in your mail box. You tear off the envelope and race to the porcelain seat where you settle down for a good ‘read’. You normally flip past the same full-page ads that are unchanged from month to month – but wait! What’s this; a thing of beauty ARF that has your name written all over it - you say to yourself, I MUST have one! But, whoa look at that price! How can I work that into the household budget . . . walk to work, sell the dog, talk to the wife about her working for a dating service? Well dear friends, there’s a better way. Sign up with RL Nvestment Survices, llc. Stand back and wait for the hobby dollars to start rolling in! You really, really want that OctoCopter that flies itself don’t you? PM me after midnight tonight with your credit card number and I’ll get back to you pretty soon. (As always, results may vary.)

A few months ago I “discovered” the blogs on RCGroups. Years ago I had made one entry in my own RCG Blog shortly after I joined the group – just to try out my new “personality”.

Fast forward a couple of years and I decided to make one or two more entries just for fun. After that I started scanning each day’s blog entries and – I quickly became . . . well, bored; photo after photo of yet another ARF or photo after photo of yet another quad/drone. Rarely is there some information about a model that someone actually built.

Don’t get me wrong I’ve gotten a couple of ARFs myself. In fact, I fly my Fun Cub more than anything else – even my previous favorite Electro-Hots (built from plans) and my relaxifier Lanzo Bomber (also built from plans). I have known for a long time that I derive as much pleasure in the workshop as I do on the flight line – and that my flight line experience is enhanced by knowing that that thing in the air is really “mine”.

Ah there, I feel better now. Here’s a photo of my ‘Bomber and ‘Hots.

When you post a blog entry apparently RCG takes you to it so you can see how it looks. Gee, I didn't realize what a great looking guy I am 'til I looked closely at me holding the 'Bomber. I look wise and knowledgeable too doncha think?

Hey, stand up and be a man! Deny the influence of the Media who only promotes “larger sizes” to increase sales! Yes, I am man enough to admit it; the “petites” do turn me on. There, I’ve said it out loud for the entire world to hear - and I’m not ashamed!

“Oh”, you drool, “look at the D’s being boldly displayed over there. Aren’t they wonderful?” Well, just because, thanks to the current fashions, our proverbial “cup runneth over” are we too timid to stand up for the “little people” and their small “endowments”? I say, NOT!

Give me a modest C or even a delicate B any day.

Alright, alright here’s the deal; I do hereby expose my manhood to ridicule – but I don’t care . . . my favorite models have . . . up front . . . As - and dare I say it – even 1/2As!

This epic tale of love and denial was born in a time when different social classes were kept strictly separated – and yet these two impetuous young people would let no mere polite conventions make them keep their eyes on the ground. Follow the tale of two star-crossed lovers of things altitudinous through their ups and downs - soaring flights to humiliating crashes – and finally to – well you’ll just have to buy the book.

The author has refused to reveal the sources and inspiration for this ground-breaking work – but regardless, it remains the sole and only account of the true beginnings of our beloved hobby/sport – R/C Sailplanes. So, find a copy of this literary classic and prepare yourself to plunge into the very souls of Keith-Kliff and Kate.

As a conscientious reviewer, I cannot allow myself to divulge the most riveting passages to you, dear reader. However, I will tease you with the following exchange that takes place in the very first chapter.

“Oh Keith-Kliff, this wondrous model you have built makes me all warm – deep inside!”
“Stifle yourself Kate, and watch me hurl it off this castle turret with my suntanned, muscular right arm.”
“Oh Keith-Kliff!”

Later towards the end of the saga where there may be a glorious ending waiting for you – or not (heh, heh) – I tease you again with quotes directly from the book.

“Oh Keith-Kliff, what insightful and clever name will you give to this launching mechanism you have so brilliantly devised?”
“. . . I will...Continue Reading

I’ve been thinking that I need a nickname; something in keeping with my reputation among the miniature aviation community. I mean a lot of politicians and other superior people have monikers in quotes in between their front and back names. So why shouldn’t I? Do you remember Abraham “Abe” Lincoln, Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson, George “Babe” Ruth, and Jim “Reverend Jim” Ignatowski”?

The first thing that leapt to mind was “Ace” of course; Raymond “Ace” Leflyr. Has a certain ring to it don’t it? Conjures up images in my mind of a combat hairball where my SST model (electric powered) is festooned with numerous streamers that have been deftly plucked from the dozen other models in the sky.

Alas, as appropriate as “Ace” might be, I fear that it has been overdone. “So”, I said to myself; “what could be fitting, correct, and accurate – yet humble?” I thought of some examples that might represent my many skills such as, “Flash”, “Champ”, and even “Super Man”. Then I thought it might be humorous to ordinary people to refer to myself in completely absurd terms like, “Crash”, “Goofy”, or . . . “Honest”.

Then inspiration struck (it always happens to me that way), I think Raymond “Genghis” Leflyr says it all. Watch out Tartar peasants!

P.S. Seriously, I know that nobody reads blogs (I myself am a regular reader of only one blog, Heilig’s, here on RCG) so I take this as an opportunity to just be silly and amuse myself – since I no longer have another outlet for wurds. To prove my point; what blogs do you read regularly?

I remember the discussion V** and I had one time. There we were sitting in an upscale dining establishment (the exterior featured stylized arches if memory serves) basking in the warm glow of contentment that follows a fine meal served in an environment of casual graciousness (urp). As is always the case between us, the subject was focused on things that fly - up, up, and away. Way far away in this case as we were discussing how best to distribute the ashes of a dear departed fellow aeromodeller. As our minds soared (heh, heh) I revealed that I had recently completed a forty-size Telemaster. How easy it would be to fit a recess into her belly to hold the revered remains that could be opened to dispense same over a model airfield, garden, or a favorite motel/trysting place (!)

I recall that we sat silent for a time; as if in the grip of reverent contemplation . . . then V** suggested that we could perhaps market the service and thereby finance many glorious modelling projects. In that way, he suggested, we would become the envy of our fellow club mates (and also relieve the never-ending pressure from our wives’ to stem the flow of funds into the coffers of various foreign and domestic toy-stuff vendors).

For myself, I saw “Final Flight llc” as a sacred calling to bring warmth and feeling to a process of honoring the passing of a fellow hobbyist. Whereas the person I had just shared a repast with was interested only in crass commercialism - feathering his own nest as it were. I was outraged and disappointed of course. As I choked back tears of frustration I turned the discussion to other subjects (which was easy to do since V** has an incredibly short attention span). In a flash he was staring vacantly off into the distance (toward the “dollar” menu I believe), mumbling something about a speed rally.

I was recently pondering my eventual demise and wondering how best my hobby cohorts may celebrate (?) my passing. Then in a flash of brilliance (as it often does) it came to me; a procession (a somber parade if you will).

Picture it; a line of pickup trucks (mini vans would be acceptable but no semi’s) slowly passing by the end of our driveway. Each one pauses briefly as my wife grabs handfuls of toy stuff and tosses it into the truck’s bed until the mourner beeps indicated that he/she has enough to mollify his/her grief (or there is no more room). The driver then rolls gloomily off (no wheelies or burning rubber – that would be disrespectful). Hark, is that the barely audible sound of melancholy bagpipes in the distance?

There are two major benefits to this plan; my pals would think of me fondly as they used (or sold) my many treasures, and my wife would finally be able to rid herself of all that “trash” in my playroom (garage, attic, and hidden under beds).