RE: HARVEST RACE MOVED TO MAY 18th
John: Tim was my caller for that A Main heat. I told him before we flew that both you and Greg were faster than me, my plan was to just stay clean, on the same lap as you guys, wait for one of you to cut and then cruise into 2nd. Knew that you guys would be fighting it out and the pressure would be on both of you. It worked. brad
Posted on: 5/20/2013 10:44 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11517267

RE: HARVEST RACE MOVED TO MAY 18th
Thanks for posting the photos there Cuts McGowan. They are appreciated - both the cuts and the photos. Thanks to Tim and the NARCA club for hosting the race, great job. brad
Posted on: 5/19/2013 6:00 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11516503

RE: landing gear brace
It would help to see a photo of the LG mounting area. Just an unsolicited suggestion on landing and you may already do this. Just before you touch down, focus your eyes on the actual wheels of your plane. This trick usually helps folks make landings much smoother. brad
Posted on: 8/29/2012 12:10 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Composites Fabrication And Repair"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210499

RE: Club 40 Nats TRASH TALK!!
"I'm gonna get the jump on you and then fly the course inverted " *** I actually saw a guy run a quickee race inverted and he won! John McDermott, in Nashville, back in late 80s early 90's probably. The fellas that he beat had steam coming out their ears, it was a hoot!
Posted on: 8/29/2012 12:05 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210494

RE: Club 40 Pylon Race at WAAM in Tuscaloosa Aug 4th, 2012
Greg uses the same prop as a lot of other folks. He has even loaned me one of them to try. It did not work on my plane very well so I gave it back to him. When I started racing in 1981, Greg is one of the few people that would help me learn the ropes. At that time, there were a lot of racers that had a rather high opinion of themselves and they would not step down to help out a new guy. There is much more to his success than what prop he uses - ever notice how he needles his engine, for example? brad
Posted on: 8/27/2012 11:32 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11207856

RE: NARCA (Harvest) C40 Race - August 18
If memory serves correctly, John McGowan had fast time with a 1:26 and backed it up with a 1:29. brad
Posted on: 8/23/2012 6:52 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11203228

RE: NARCA (Harvest) C40 Race - August 18
Good day of racing. 12 entries, good weather, minimal carnage. Thanks to Ernie, Tim, Rick and Kim and NARCA members that worked at the race. I do not recall that any heat races had to be re-flown. Ernie or Tim will probably post the final results here when they can. brad
Posted on: 8/20/2012 6:50 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11200309

RE: nylon bolt extraction / removal
Drill a small hole in the center of the nylon bolt and then use an easy out. But, I see that your OP makes note of doing this at the flying field. Drilling may not be an option at the field.
Posted on: 8/19/2012 1:49 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Tips & Techniques"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11198875

RE: Lost in the woods
In about 1983, I lost a Sweet Stik. Spent many hours searching without success. It sure feels funny to have a transmitter in your hand and no airplane to go back home. Anyway, several weeks later, I got a call from a fella, he had been fishing and found the Stik on a bank of the Tennessee river, removed the wing (held on with rubber bands) and found my name and phone # inside. We met up and I retrieved the plane, offered him some $$ which he declined. The plane was way too waterlogged, Kraft Sport Series radio was toast but I saved the landing gear and Fox 40 Deluxe.
Posted on: 8/16/2012 10:44 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195861

RE: NARCA (Harvest) C40 Race - August 18
I will probably make the race, brad
Posted on: 8/12/2012 3:54 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11190745

RE: Are the new Thunder Tiger 40s actually 46s?
Before thinking about another engine, does anyone remember "The engine of the month club?"
Posted on: 7/12/2012 3:33 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11153072

RE: Club 40 Pylon Race at WAAM in Tuscaloosa Aug 4th, 2012
If you want to trim some time off, look into reducing the 3 minute window to just 1.5 or 2 mins. Regulation 3 pole racing has a 60 second clock to crank, needle and get back in position for where you stand during the race. I know, with the flying start, it is a little bit different but the 3 minutes could easily be cut back. A well organized 3 pole race will have a new heat taking off every 6 minutes. Some places are even able to cut that down a bit. I would not think that 6 laps would be a good idea. Just think, a fella drives several hours, flies 5 rounds, and does not place in the mains. He thinks, I spent a gaggle of $$, drove a long distance and flew 30 laps. Worth the time and $$ he spent? Just something to think about. brad
Posted on: 6/26/2012 4:50 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133009

RE: LA Racer 40 - Mini servos in the wing
I put my hemostats (some folks have a neat sliding clip) on for 2 reasons. #1, it serves as a reminder that I HAVE fueled my tank. In the heat of a race, it is easy to forget to re-fuel. This is part of my pre-race routine that I do every time. Have you ever run out of fuel during a heat race? It stinks. The other reason is to make sure fuel does not siphon out of the tank while the plane is sitting waiting to fly. Overfill the tank? Don't think so. After feeling pressure when you fuel up, pull the plunger back just a little bit.
Posted on: 6/1/2012 10:27 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102597

RE: LA Racer 40 - Mini servos in the wing
Some clarification on the fuel tanks. They are not "bladder" tanks. The liner in the tank does not supply any pressure - it simply keeps air bubbles out of your fuel supply. There is no problem with supply of the tanks. Call Dub Jett or order at Jettengineeringdotcom. As to the usage of the tank on the flight line, just unclip your hemostat and crank her up - no issue at all. But, since they are not allowed here in AL, it does not matter.
Posted on: 6/1/2012 5:40 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11102246

RE: baffle
The wineglass shaped one? I can not tell that it makes any difference in performance at all. brad
Posted on: 5/8/2012 7:03 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11072847

RE: First Alabama C40 race of 2012-Alabaster RC March 10,2012
Looks like I will be there. brad
Posted on: 3/8/2012 6:31 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10991258

RE: natural wood color filet
I use some Elmers wood putty, it is tan colored and comes from Lowes or Home Depot. As it comes, it is pretty thick. I add a few drops of water and stir in a bunch of micro balloons. After you apply the mixture, wet your finger and slick it down/smooth it out. If you need to sand after it dries, it sands great. Cover it up with epoxy, CA or water based polyurethane before painting. brad
Posted on: 1/13/2012 11:55 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10907052

RE: a little big for 1/2A but 15 size
The general tone of the discussions in the 1/2A forum is great. Lighthearted, helpful and folks seem to be able to keep the HOBBY in perspective. Go over and read some of the rancorous vitriol in the Jet forum some time. Man oh man. they call each other everything except a human over there. Something about the bigger size of a guys ...... airplane (airplane, yeah that is it), the more that there is at stake or something. 1/2A folks seem to know how to laugh at ourselves. brad
Posted on: 11/30/2011 11:16 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10836483

RE: Hurrikane Build Thread
Cotton flock with epoxy makes a great structural fillet material. Buy a pound of flocked cotton from Alexanders aircraft supply, it will last you half of a lifetime. To make the strongest joint, spread some bare epoxy on the surfaces to be joined. Mix some flock into your epoxy (consistency should be somewhere between peanut butter and shaving cream), and then make the fillet out of the epoxy/flock mixture. Using the correct filler/additive to epoxy makes a huge difference. The full size composite builders use flock extensively. Micro balloons are for making a sandable fillet - they are not added for strength. Silica (cab-o-sil trademark) is used for making a slurry that will not sag when put in a vertical surface - also not for strength. Cotton flock is the filler to be used for strength. Chopped up fiberglass or carbon fibers can be used but they are not the best choice. Reportedly, the epoxy stays on the outside surface of these fibers and does not soak in as it does with flock. Word is that when examined after curing, the cotton fibers link together, somewhat like hook and loop fastener material. It makes strong stuff. Do not breathe in the cotton. It is not toxic but the fine particles are the correct size to fill in the little holes inside your lungs. brad
Posted on: 11/13/2011 5:51 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10809559

RE: Hodges Hobbies Race 9/17 Georgia
We had a good race yesterday. The new Judgeman system was up and running and it is great. A big thank you is due to Mike and Robin for all the work in building this new system. Had a small turnout but that was OK for testing the new system. Minimal carnage only 1 plane destroyed that I can remember. David Grantham planted his Quickee between 2-3 and had an awesome sounding shaft run. results: Club 40 1 Rob Jones 1:53.86 2 Wayne Thompson 1:52.88 3 Barry Reade 2:00.47 4 Glen Burns 2:13.95 Quickee 424 1 Bill Johanson 1:20.82 2 Sam Shimizu 1:20.99 3 Brad Clayton 1:22.37 4 Keith Douglas 1:25.71 5 Mac Hodges 1:30.62 6 Robin Drake 1:35.13 7 David Grantham 1:28.09 We had a couple of regular racers that could not make this race but will be back next time. Always looking for more folks to join the fun. Thanks to Mac Hodges for hosting races at his wonderful facility. brad
Posted on: 9/18/2011 4:25 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10723012

RE: Hodges Hobbies Race 9/17 Georgia
I have a 426 engine that has not been broken in yet, thought about bringing it but did not get it ready. Remind James to pre-register (he may have done it by now). Dave is not going to make it to this race, he has a car show in TN. see you tomorrow brad
Posted on: 9/16/2011 4:44 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10719157

RE: Hodges Hobbies Race 9/17 Georgia
Registration is open for the race this weekend. Sign up at Hodgeshobbies dot com Weather forecast at this point is for a high of 80, low 57. Sounds like racing weather to me. brad
Posted on: 9/12/2011 5:41 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10712552

RE: Hodges Hobbies Race 9/17 Georgia
Sounds great Bill, see you there.
Posted on: 9/8/2011 11:35 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10707405

Hodges Hobbies Race 9/17 Georgia
The next Hodges Hobbies race is September 17th. Racing quickee 424 and Club 40, 3 pylon racing. Sign up at Hodges hobbies dot com Not a certain thing yet, but Mac hopes the new racecourse equipment will be ready to go. brad
Posted on: 9/8/2011 5:44 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10706946

RE: Hodges Hobbies Race 7/30/11
Results from the race of 7/30: Club 40 1st Rob Jones 2nd Wayne Thompson 3rd Doug Lee ***** Quickee 424 1st Dave Torre 1:21 fast time 2nd Brad Clayton 1:25 fast time 3rd Sam Shimizu 1:20 fast time Fast time: Mac Hodges 1:19.xx **** It was a rather warm day, temp was 99 - 100 degrees. No mid-airs, only carnage was me: cartwheeled a new plane on test flight. Thanks for the loaner to fly, Dave. Next race is in September. Will post a definite date when available. We hope to have the Judgeman system ready by the next race. Had a great turnout of workers for this race. Thanks to all as we can not race without you.
Posted on: 8/2/2011 2:52 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10651843

RE: Question on competive 426@428 racing?
Jason: I live in Decatur, AL, about 2 hours from Memphis. I am not the fastest guy out there (cough cough) but willing to help you with what I can. We had a race in Andersonville GA yesterday. It is about a 5.5 hr drive from here so it would add about 2 hrs for you, maybe less, depending on the route. The Kansas guys are getting quite a bit of racing going, that may not be too far for you to drive. Yes, you will have to drive a bit but it is well worth doing just that. In the Memphis area, there used to be 2 guys that raced quite a bit: Mike Pate and Jeremy Chin. They do not currently race but I am sure if you can hook up with them, they would help you learn the ropes. Haven't seen Mike since he was a teen-ager but Jeremy came to Decatur to race about 5 or 6 years ago. Send me a PM if there is anything I can help you with. Greg Doe lives in Smyrna TN and is a treasure trove of info since he has raced since dirt was young (sorry greg) brad clayton
Posted on: 7/31/2011 1:21 PM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10648056

RE: Overall Finish Order?????
I will try to make the race. We are remodeling the bathroom from Hades and it is eating all of my time.
Posted on: 7/28/2011 11:30 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10643398

RE: Overall Finish Order?????
Tim: I think you are doing great work, have no criticisms of what you are doing. You are a stand up guy, doing a difficult job, and doing it with integrity. I just think you can make it easier on yourself and maybe remove some perception issues. There is a post in this discussion that is really eye-opening (bluedawg?) Your last 4 points would help tremendously. In addition to those, have the starter or "poster of the score" call out the results of each heat race. If the heat is disputed, it can be resolved right then, while it is fresh on everyone's mind, not 2 hours later when all has become a blur. Keep up your good work. Do not let us nabobs of negativism get you down. brad
Posted on: 7/28/2011 9:59 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10643274

RE: Overall Finish Order?????
For some UN-INVITED comments: Pylon racing has been going on for over 40 years. All of the bugs of scoring ... have already been worked out. The A-main, B-main XYZ main makes my brain hurt trying to figure out what is going on. What is wrong with just running 5 or 6 rounds of a matrix and using points to determine the winner? A tie can be settled with a fly off if it is in a position for a trophy. If 1 of the guys chooses not to fly-off, he takes the lower result of the 2 tied participants. Post the results after each round. A dry erase board or a big piece of poster board work just fine. Or, a print out from the computer. You would be surprised how many racers you will see crowding around the score board as the race day progresses - folks want to know how they are doing, not have to wait until the end and hope that there were not any human (or computer) errors in entering the results. Keep the race moving. I can remember races with over 60 entries, flying 5 rounds and finishing in time for everyone to hit the road before the sun sets. A well run race should have a heat taking off every 6 minutes - or less if you really push it. If someone is not ready to take off on time, too bad. Being prepared is part of competing. The scoring has to be transparent. Participation in racing is largely a perception issue - especially on the "sport" level. If people think that some folks are getting special treatment/results, they will then end their racing career. Passing out props that have been marked (tips painted or whatever) is not a bad idea. Just one more item to level the field. I have a couple of props that I know work better than others. They have not been tweaked, but with testing and practice, I have found some better ones. When you buy a bag of props, 1 or 2 will stand out to be better. Once again, the perception issue, of making everything level. Out of about 6 TT 40's, I have one that is much stronger. It runs about 4 seconds faster (on a Quickee) than my next best engine. Do not sport fly or practice with your #1 engine. Keep it oiled up and save it for race day only. Racing only appeals to a small part of the RC world. People that race tend to have their rubber bands wound a little tighter than the RC population at large. Thus, tensions can run a bit higher. Do not mean to step on any toes but I have seen a few items that I think would help. Several folks have been doing tons of work to get racing going in this area, and are truly appreciated. brad
Posted on: 7/28/2011 6:37 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10642914

RE: Hodges Hobbies Race 7/30/11
Trey: I set it at 2 7/8" to 3" back from the leading edge. brad
Posted on: 7/25/2011 6:05 AM by Author "Alabama Racer" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10637710