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SkyWriter

Chartered Club #970
Skymasters R/C Club Newsletter - May 1998
See Skymasters on the Web at www.geocities.com/~skymasters

 

President's Message

Hi all,
I'm sitting at 33,000 feet on a wonderful Northwest flight to Florida, so I thought I'd use the time in an enjoyable manner and write this month's presidents message.

By the time you receive this ,we will have all had the chance to pay our real rent for the flying field and help out at Bald Mountain on the 18th of April. As has been the case in the last few years, Steve Fredericks leads the charge and hopefully, a good turnout will continue to embellish our image as a good citizen to the DNR. Unfortunately for us, there will always be a very small, but vocal , minority of individuals who would like nothing better than to shut us down, and we weaken their message strongly every time we do this.

This last weekend was Toledo R/C Expo, and I went down with several club members on Friday and stayed until late Saturday afternoon. This was the first time I ever remember that I did not buy an airplane! - The feeling was quite odd, not having to bend over sideways due to the plane in the car for the ride home, but it had to happen some time. I did however, keep up my ever increasing purchase of tools I like and want. I may never get around to using some of them, but I gave up trying to justify buying them because I "needed" them years ago !

There has been a significant change that has occurred at Toledo over the last 2 years and this time it really struck home. The swap meet which used to be crammed to the gills and have enormous choice has continued to shrink to a point that I no longer consider it the premier swap shop on my calendar. The Weak signals club (which runs Toledo show) made a choice to block out dealers from the swap meet and its effect is really showing. One encouraging piece, however is the increase in things available for purchase on the main floor. This pick up in the main floor has been as drastic as the decrease upstairs in the swap meet. The arguments as to if this change is better will probably never end, but I still enjoy Toledo immensely and will plan on 2 days next year as well!

I spent most of Toledo talking to manufacturers about the products they have and continue to be amazed at the wide array of talent some of these companies send to represent themselves. For the third year in a row, I was not able to find a strong engine expert in the Horizon booth (Horizon is the sole importer of Saito, everyone in the U.S. first buys a Saito from them!). On the other hand, listening to Dr. Diesel talk about the benefits and fun of diesel in R/C was a gut buster. This guy loves his work and it shows. I also spent some time trying to figure out if the time was right for me to make the plunge into electric's. This power plant type has shown vast improvements over the last few years and I have been waiting for the technology to be able to give me a highly aerobatic ship capable as one of my gas powered ones. It now appears possible. The interesting thing was that every single one of the electric people I talked to equated speed with aerobatics. When I posed the question, "can I get strong aerobatic capability out of these power plants?", every answer started with how fast these ships would go. Me thinks these electric guys have been trading speed for aerobatics (i.e. diving to get up speed for a loop) for too long to get out of that thought process! One other item that was abundantly clear to me about electric's, is that it is actually more expensive than our glow power. Looking to price out a power plant- motor, gear box, speed control, batteries for a 40-60 size ship was quite an eye opener for me. Perhaps it is time to wait a little longer to try this stuff out! (or perhaps get some more money into the hobby slush fund!)

If you have not done so already, I would suggest that you start waking up your R/C gear from the winter nap and check over a few things. I forgot to tighten my muffler bolts and I lost the back half of one last week. It normally would not be a major problem, but it was to my very old Como engine, and thank heavens for the swap meet at Toledo, it took quite a bit of poking, but I (Greg Cardillo actually) finally found a replacement. Battery checks and critical screws are the ones for you to look at here. Flying season is coming early this year and the urge to wiggle the sticks will soon strike, if it has not already.

April/May is always an enjoyable time at the club show and tell, as most of us (except me) have completed at least one ship to brag about by now. It is indeed an annual right of spring to watch all the new arrivals to the stage at Larson. Your club president continues to struggle with getting just one ship ready for June, but hopefully I'll have something for a show and tell by May!

The captain is calling for all portable electronic devices to be shut off, so it is time for me to give it a rest -

Happy landings!
Joe Finkelstine

Some pictures from Toledo, courtesy of your editor:


Hey Joe - Is this what your Super Stinker will look like!


A beautiful example of the level of detail… Unfortunately I hear this plane did not survive Top Gun.


Skymaster Matt Rowan looking at a Boeing 757 entered in the scale jet competition.


The Hass clan was represented in the static display - two entries, one from Joe and one from Chris.

From the Editor…

Welcome to another Skywriter. Please take a look at your mailing label. If you have renewed for 1998, the new gate combination is above your name! If you have not renewed, your label has a highlighted "Not Renewed" message. This will unfortunately be your last issue of Skywriter unless we hear from you! If your label contains "Courtesy Mailing", you are on our mailing list and will continue to receive Skywriter.

We received a reply from the Metroparks on the multi club request for a field at Stoney Creek. Our proposal was denied. We hope to meet with the park staff to discuss specific problems and still hope to pursue a field here. Take a look at the article in the June issue of Model Aviation - Persistence Pays Off on page 44. As in the article this may take some time but hopefully we can be as successful! Chet Brady has invested much time in this pursuit. Joe and I will be joining him in meeting with the park. We may call on you for some support as we progress.

And to end this month, congratu-baby-lations to Mark and Betsy Murphy on the birth of their second son Wade Joseph Murphy on Wednesday April 1. Mom, Dad, baby, and big brother Grant are all doing well! This must have something to do with why Mark's new Star has not flown yet…

Meeting Minutes

March 25, 1998 Meeting at Larson Middle School
· Minutes from previous meeting were read and one correction was noted. The March 11, 1998 meeting minutes should have stated that Herman Greif was the one who displayed the Florio Flyer 40 during Show and Tell.
· Treasurers report - Treasurer was not able to attend the meeting.

VISITORS
Mick Gainer
Don Gates

PRESENTATION
Al McGee did a presentation on fiberglassing wing halves together. Al's assistant was Gary VanHevel. Al used four different widths of fiberglass sheets. He applied a coating of Z-poxy over the glass then used a plastic scraper to remove the excess Z-poxy. The results showed a beautiful glass job that could hardly be seen. It was doubtful that sanding was even required. The different widths of fiberglass provided a nice gradually taper. Thanks Al and Gary!

SHOW AND TELL
Lou Young - Lou brought in a Hobbico Twin Star with twin 40's.

Gene Thuringer - Gene displayed a Sig Ultimate Fun Fly Bi-Plane. It is powered by a Saito 45 and is covered in UltraCoat.

Chris Knee - Chris showed us a 1/4 midget that he purchased for $15.00 at a swap shop. Weight was 3.7 lbs. and was powered by a KB 46.

Gary Weaks - Gary designed and built a 1930 Consolidated Aircraft Fleet Model 7 Bi-plane, which was originally manufactured in the US and Canada. The plane was designed to be a two place trainer and was originally powered by a Kinner five cylinder. Gary began drawing his own plans in November and building began in December (of 1997 that is). The wing span was 110", scale was 30%, weight is currently 25 lbs. w/o covering, powered by a 60 cc gas engine. (Gary won the gift certificate).


April 8, 1998 Meeting at Larson Middle School

· Minutes from the previous meeting were read and accepted.
· Treasurers report - Treasurer was not able to attend the meeting.

VISITORS
Bill and Nick Hand
John Krazer - Detroit Aero Modelers
Sam

PRESENTATION
We were proud to present John Myers (also known as "World War II Johnny". John was interviewed by our very own Pete Waters (Pete if you do not know is our AMA District VII Frequency Coordinator). John spoke about growing up in Toledo, being involved in R/C (started clubs) and spoke about various products his father engineered. John said he learned to fly full scale when he was 17. He went to Ottawa Canada, enlisted and learned to fly military planes. John spoke of his experiences in Brazil, Italy, Africa, and German, where he was a POW. (We may have a video for you if you missed it.) Thanks John and Pete!

SHOW AND TELL
Ron Sokacz - Ron brought in his F4U Corsair.

Ross Jones - Ross displayed his Top Flight P47. It was powered by an OS 91 4 stroke, had a Zpoxy fiberglass covering and Robart retracts. The weight was 12 to 13 lbs.

Vince Pettke - Vince showed an F18 kit that he has been building for the club. The plane will be used as the raffle prize at our Mid-West Regional Float Fly. Vince has worked numerous hours on this plane, which was evident by the outstanding craftsmanship. Please thank Vince for devoting his time to our club. THANKS VINCE!

Dave Shea - Dave brought in his Midwest 40, it was powered by a Supertigre 51.

NEW BUSINESS
· An Instructors meeting will take place after our 4/22/98 Larson School Meeting.
· Thanks to Ed Saumier for providing 4 12 volt batteries for additional 50/50 prizes.

OLD BUSINESS
· If you are interested in purchasing some fuel, Greg Cardillo has sign-up sheets. Thanks Al McGee!

Events of the Last Month
Bald Mountain Involvement Day

This year was our best turnout yet. The weather was perfect and our club members came ready to work. Involvement day is our most important event of the year to help insure the continued use of our location in the Bald Mountain State Park. With the loss of two full time park employees, our volunteer work is greatly appreciated by the park staff.

This year we had eleven projects to accomplish, from pouring cement to demolishing a shed. All these jobs are important as the park staff is preparing for the new season. Fifty members participated in these projects. These members can be proud to say "I helped" at the end of the day. The more members that participate the easier it is to accomplish these projects.

Most of the projects were completed by 2:00 p.m. with some members heading over to the field to fly the rest of the afternoon. Group leaders were assigned to the larger projects to help organize the work load. Thanks to Bill Stark, Harold Reuter, Bill Leppard and Paul Shurtliff for filling these positions.

New this year was a drawing for prizes at the April 22nd meeting for those members who participated. Given away were five $20.00 gift certificates to Riders Hobbies (and one extra $10 certificate that slipped in the pile…ed). Chrysler Corporation generously donated, through Darrell Watts, one Prowler RC electric car, four Tiger baseball tickets, eight tickets to the Detroit Thunderboat races and eight tickets for the Selfrige Air Show. Congratulations to the prize winners.

Skymasters would like to thank Bald Mountain Park Manager Bob Remer and his assistant Blake Smith for allowing us this opportunity to show our appreciation for the use of the park for our flying field. Also for the many improvement to our field which they helped us obtain. Number one on the list is our new handicapped restroom. Without their continued support we could be looking for a new field. Thanks again.

I would like to thank these members who went above and beyond the call of duty for Involvement Day: Marv Middleton for donating a bucket tractor to take down an out building, Jim Schwarz for organizing the kitchen and serving a super lunch, Harold Reuter who helped in the park workshop, and Darrell Watts for acquiring many prizes.

The continued growth of participation in Bald Mountain Involvement Day only helps to show the community and the State of Michigan that Skymasters is a first rate club that cares. Thanks to all the members who donated one day of their time for the improvement of our club and Bald Mountain State Park. Hope to see you all at next years Bald Mountain Involvement Day!

Steve Fredericks

Thanks to the following members for helping out:

Chet Brady, Paul Shurtliff, Jim Schwarz, Ron Greening, Chris Knee, David Andrus, Dave Shea, Ron Sokacz, Gary Weaks, Jack Fleming, Mark Murphy, Russ Cimmings, Rob Cote', Al Post, Mary Post, Gene Thuringer, Bill Leppard, Fred Johnston, Jerry Johnston, Jim Fritcher, Ross Hardy, Bud Howard, Harold Reuter, Otto Gutgsell, Greg Cardillo, Herman Grief, J. Kevin Ferguson, Doug Riley, Doug Riley J.R., Bob Donohue, John Verbruggen, Al Nelson, Mark Smith, Denise Cardillo, Craig White, Dick Kuhs, Kirby Elliott, Darrell Watts, Joseph Rubinstein, Carl Long, Aaron de Chazal, Joe Finkelstine, Gary Walling, K.C. Satchell, Marv Middleton, Linda Walling, Ross Jones, Matt Rowan and Bill Stark
(Pictures from Involvement Day are still in my camera! We'll get some in next month's newsletter and on the web! ed.)

Upcoming Programs/Events

Saturday/Sunday, May 2-3: Q-500 standard/expert pylon races, Signal Seekers' field, Westland

Wednesday, May 13*: Skymasters Meeting, Larson Middle School - Multi Engine Program

Saturday, May 16*: Seven Lakes Spring Float Fly, Seven Lakes State Park

Sunday, May 17*: Bald Mountain Float Fly, Bald Mountain Recreation Area Trout Lake

Friday-Sunday, May 22-24: Frankenmuth Aeromodelers Club Memorial Day Weekend Camp Out & Fly-In

Wednesday, May 27*: Skymasters Meeting, Larson Middle School - Monokoting with Vince Pettke

Monday, May 25: Yankee Air Force Memorial Day Open House, YAF Museum, Willow Run

Saturday/Sunday, May 30-31: Greater Detroit Soaring & Hiking Society Sailplane Weekend, Addison Oaks

Sunday, May 31*: Chet Brady Memorial Mammoth Fly-In, Scripps Road Field

Saturday, June 6: UFO Swap & Fly, Contact Robert Eckel 248-685-9504

Sunday, June 7: Kid's Day, Scripps Road Field

Saturday/Sunday, June 13-14: Michigan Whirlybirds Helicopter 431-434, Contact Roy Dietz 313-839-4143

Sunday, June 14: Harold "Big H" Maseles 4 Stroke and Majestic Flyers, Scripps Road Field

Saturday, June 20: PMAC 4th Annual IMAA Giant Scale, Contact Frank Vella 248-627-8060

Saturday, June 20: Indian City "One Design" Fun Fly, Contact Pete Bergstrom 313-287-7405

Saturday/Sunday, June 27-28: RCCD 1st Annual Bill Stoner Big Bird, Contact Sam Monteleone 810-469-6913

Saturday/Sunday, June 27-28: Indian City Precision Aerobatics, Contact Bob Kane 313-281-8514

Sunday, June 28: Midwest R/C Pylon Racing 424 & AT6, Contact Chuck Wooley 313-326-6297

*See additional information for these events in this issue of Skywriter!
Event info from mailings received, Model Aviation Events Calendar, AMRCC, and Michigan RC Flying Times

Skymasters Events


 

May 13, 1998 Skymasters Meeting - Larson Middle School. Darrel Watts, Bill Leppard, and others will talk to us about setting up a multi-engine plane. From scale kits to 'kit-bashing' a trainer, multi engines can be a lot of fun. They sound great in the air too! Bring any multi engine planes you may have for Show & Tell, built or in progress as well as any questions you may have. There's still time to get one ready for August (well enough time for some of us maybe…).

May 16, 1998 Seven Lakes Float Fly - Big Seven Lake, Seven Lakes State Park, Holly.
Our first water event of the year. Break out the floats and come join us. Contact Chet Brady for more info.

May 17, 1998 Bald Mountain Float Fly - Lower Trout Lake, Bald Mountain State Park.

May 27, 1998 Skymasters Meeting - Larson Middle School. Vince Pettke will be revealing the secrets of Monkoting! You've all seen his work at club meeting or the field - the latest being a pair of Top Flite Cesnas. Vince does a wonderful job with Monokote. Hear and see how he prepares, covers, and maintains the great looks of his planes.

May 31, 1998 Chet Brady Memorial Mammoth Fly-In - Scripps Road Field, Bald Mountain State Park
80" or larger monoplanes; 60" or larger biplanes (or ¼ scale).

For Sale
Great Planes 60 Cub - Built and ready for covering, $130
Great Planes Fun One - New in Box, $45
Call Don (see print copy for phone number)

Community Events
The following was received from Lake Orion Community Schools. Thanks to Harold Reuter for his continuing efforts in this area! Activities like this are noticed!

WALDON MIDDLE SCHOOL
2509 Waldon Road
Lake Orion, Ml 48360

PRINCIPAL
Alice Seppanen

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Donald Hammond

Letter of Recognition

Mr. Harold Reuter has been a volunteer at the middle school level for more than two years. His passion for keeping students involved with various hobbies has provided a lifelong learning opportunity for the students he has worked with. Week after week, Mr. Reuter attends our dragon day program to assist students with model airplane kits and various woodworking projects. He feels that by promoting these activities that we are promoting healthy choices, and also building the confidence of students. By building this inter-generational relationship, he is crossing the barriers that so many others are not. It is wonderful to see the students interact with Mr. Reuter in such a positive light. His efforts sometimes go unseen, but we truly appreciate his dedication and excitement.

Angela M. Batten
Learning Today - Leading Tomorrow

Hints and Tips
Fuel Container Uses
Drill and slit a piece cut from an empty fuel container as shown above. Force it over your aileron connectors, etc., before plugging them together. You can feel confident that the connection will not slip apart in flight. The plastic from empty fuel containers also makes excellent clamps for tying down wire harnesses, antenna strain reliefs, push rod retainers, and many other uses.

from Valley City R/C Club Newsletter
Carol Kochn, Editor
5853 Doxmere Drive
Parma Heights, OH 44130-1746

Dead Batteries?
by James Prillaman
"Do you have a Hobbico tach with dead batteries? Seems like every time you lend it out you get it back in the 'on' position and it is dead when you need it. I had one like that laying around for years because I couldn't see paying $4.20 each for four little batteries. But we have discovered a way to replace all 4 batteries for a total of only $3.50! Go to Radio Shack and pick up a DURACELL PX28A alkaline battery. Peel the thin metal case off and you'll find 4 of the little cells that will fit right into your tach. You'll save enough to buy a gallon of fuel."

from The Millington Barnstormer via e-mail, courtesy of Lomax Springfield

Recommended Iron Temperatures (degrees F)
submitted by Herm Greif

Film Attaching to Foam Attaching to Wood Partial Shrink Maximum Shrink
MonoKote NO 215-240 230-270 270-350
EconoKote 225 225 225 225
Ultracote 170 240-270 240 450
Black Baron 150-175 250-275 220-250 270-300
Micafilm NO 220-240 240-260 270-300
Solarfilm 175-200 190-215 200-220 220-230
Multikote
Flitekote
Solartex 175-200 220-250 240-280 300-350
World Tex

Source: Coverite 21st Century, Ultracote

The Flight Students Prayer

As we start the flying season, this seemed appropriate (and I only had to change the spelling of the name… it really was Finkelstine!)

Our instructor, who art on the flight box,
Finkelstine be thy name.
The ground check is done,
the engine has run,
on earth as it will in heaven.
Forgive us our daily inverted passes
and forgive those who low pass against us.

Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of past presidents,
I shall fear no evil for thou art with me.
Thy buddy box and thy cord they comfort me.
They maketh me lay down on the green runway
and I shall dwell in the house of the AMA forever.

And a happy flying season to all!

Skymasters Information

Skymasters field is located within the Bald Mountain State Park (see map). State Park Permits are required and can be obtained from the Park Headquarters located on Greenshield Road or at club events. Flying is permitted from 10 AM to 8 PM. The noise limit for 1998 is 95dB at 10 feet - this noise rule is strictly enforced.

Wednesday evenings during the summer is Student Night and there are usually instructors around all afternoon. Student night is also 'pot luck' buffet night so that you can fly-n-feed (though not usually at the same time). Students are encouraged on other days and weekends. It is a great idea to come on Wednesday, meet the Instructors and arrange for more instruction time together. Our Chief Flight Instructor is Pete Foss. Assistant Chief Flight Instructor is Graham Overton.

From June to August, Club Meetings are held at the field on the first Saturday of the month at 12 Noon - a great chance to fly and gossip too! Winter meetings (September to May) are held at Larson Middle School (on Long Lake just east of John R - see map) on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Show and Tell, coffee and donuts, and model-speak are the order of the evening. Come along - they are fun.

The Skywriter newsletter is sent to all members, local hobby shops and other local R/C clubs. Any and all contributions are welcome, please pass any articles to the Editor. If you know of anyone who may be interested in our hobby (friend, relative, neighbor, colleague or acquaintance) - please give them a copy of this newsletter or a copy of an AMA magazine - it may spark their interest and get them into our hobby!


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