RE: Carolina 1/2A Crew Fly-In and Reedie Race
Gene, I will have to wait a couple more years before my oldest grandson is ready for a 1/2A CL trainer (if I can tear him away from the video games). I will likely use the all-1/8-sheet design that my old club used for kid's classes years 'n years ago in Virginia. The kids quickly moved to racing and sorta-combat after they got bored with loops. Two ten year olds in the circle together was always a hoot! Thank goodness I have plenty of Cox Reedies carefully preserved and gently stored (read that: thrown in a shoebox) just ready and waiting for him. Bob, Jim Katz' Esquire is a beauty! Wow, tissue even. I'm looking forward to seeing his models fly. John, You force me to reveal that my 'lectric Flite Streak will be built from FFF - not balsa. I intend to build it just like our e-combat jobs - with a "solid" laminated fuselage and a Kline-Fogelman "airfoil". All dimensions (and performance) are pure Flite Streak.
Posted on: 11/17/2009 11:18 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9260097

RE: Carolina 1/2A Crew Fly-In and Reedie Race
John Tate, Darned if we didn't have some good times back in the day, huh? Mouse racing, Foxberg, combat. Ah youth (and cheap gas)! One of the things I recall with fondness is the 'discussions' amonst various people about which was better, Ringmasters or Flite Streaks. I myself come down on the Flite Streak side but I will defend to the death (well, maybe a small bruise) your right to champion the Ringmaster. So given that I am a man of passion, pride, and punctualness (I needed another "p" word) I hereby commit to producing a modernized Flite Streak to be flown in Julian two days after the "Big Federal Holiday" in April. Not control line I'm afraid. The kind with servos instead of bellcranks. Boy oh boy, will youse-all be proud of me when you see that baby do her stuff. No need for low-class smack talk by Jiminy. Why I'll wager people will be begging me for plans and specs after they see it in the air - and I won't even show off the fancy stuff I can do. Boy oh boy, I bet youse-all just can't wait! Hey Brian, you want your SharkFace back? I have been poised to 'lectrify it but haven't done it yet.
Posted on: 11/16/2009 8:08 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9258810

RE: Thinking outside the box.
Our club went through a dozen or so PBFs a few years back. I built a couple myself - and [size=3]loved[/size] 'em! We all discovered things we didn't know we could do - even after decades of R/C experience. Then 3D/electrics 'happened' and the heavier/messier fun of the PBF waned. I tired the 1/2A version (Cornbread if I remember right) and it was OK but it "flew" different than a good PBF. And since I couldn't help myself I made one in .010 size. Also fun but without a throttle it was not the same (yes, I tried you-know-what). But I still have a full sheet of 1/4-inch Coroplast tucked away somewhere. Hmmmm. FWIW (and because I can't help myself still) I would urge anyone to look at the NutBall (on the other 'place') for the ultimate PBF-like flyer. My olde, long gone, Ultra Hots is still my all-time favorite model but the FFF NutBall is nipping at its heels. Everything in the PBF repertoire - and in the space of a two-car garage (OK maybe three) - and you catch it at the end of a flight - and RTF for less than a new Black Widow.
Posted on: 11/1/2009 9:14 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219707

RE: rainedave ??
[quote]ORIGINAL: flyinrog there is a field this side of Raleigh on a lake or river that I have seen pics of but couldnt tell you where it is....Rog [/quote] Rog, you're probably thinking of the Flying Tigers of Jordan Lake. Picturesque place, no amenities. I haven't flown there in a couple of years. But when I did I was the only one who made noise with the little screamers. I didn't get a warm and fuzzy feeling from the members when I did - and I expect that a 'swarm' wouldn't be welcomed at all. If you remember, this is why I never had any more Carolina 1/2A Crew Convergences at my home field near Smithfield. People object to the unmuffled song of an .049 - yet drool and flex their muscles when someone cranks up a gas-beast. Don't get me wrong, I have a couple of gassies too - but some of them are [size=3]way[/size] louder and [size=3]more annoying [/size]than any TD I've ever run (to me anyway).
Posted on: 11/1/2009 8:56 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9219678

RE: rainedave ??
[quote] When did you get picky? [/quote] I say old chap, good shot what?
Posted on: 10/31/2009 8:57 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217218

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
[quote][b]Raymond made me crash my favorite old airplane[/b].[/quote] Moohahahahah! My evil plan was successful!
Posted on: 10/31/2009 8:55 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9217212

RE: rainedave ??
Jeeze guys, it sounds like we [size=3]need[/size] to get together for a "fix" - and soon!
Posted on: 10/30/2009 9:02 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9214652

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
Dear Sir - Sir, Well your diagram sure cleared up the wind direction question for me. Thanks. Y' know, I never thought about it before but now I wish I had been born ambidextrous. Then I would probably be bilateral or bidirectional or even ambivalent. ;) I could fly mode two [size=3]or[/size] mode one. :) I could have batted righty or lefty and who knows I might even be playing against those (fill in the blank - - - - ) Yankees tonight. Well I guess its all just wishful thinking. :( But thinking about flying into the wind brings to mind that military training field somewhere in the middle of the country that was a circle of concrete a mile in diameter. That way the fledgling pilots could always takeoff and land into the wind. If I am not mistaken (a rare thing by the way) they held some giant scale R/C events there in the distant past.
Posted on: 10/29/2009 10:01 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9213801

RE: 2009 Design Nontest
Follow-up report on TD .010 powered BITF. Eh! I think the engine I used may have to be relegated to the 'spares' bin. Next time I'll try a "real" red tank/gold case .010. That ought to put some zip in 'er. However, I won't get out to play again until Sunday which means that the stunning performance with the .020 will have to stand for the non-test proof of flight.
Posted on: 10/29/2009 7:04 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9213311

RE: rainedave ??
Whew, for a minute there I thought he had put on some weight! But seriously ladies and germs, I too have many different interests. I calls 'em my Honey-Do-List ;).
Posted on: 10/29/2009 6:58 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9213292

RE: rainedave ??
I've been reading a lot of detective stories from the 40s and 50s lately. I've also studied Humphrey Bogart's movies. So I know all about stakeouts and roughing up people. Armed with these skills - and with a modest retainer from youse-all (preferably paid in pre-Barack dollars) - I could bring him to justice. Tell youse what I'm gonna do, I will throw in for FREE a stakeout on the 14th of November. I will lurk in the dark corners of the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds and pounce upon him - and if I have to I will show him my gat - and make him report in. No need to thank me. Just remember to call on me any time youse needs a tough guy. or I offer special rates for sweet talking dames with legs up to here.
Posted on: 10/29/2009 2:21 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9212525

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
Oh Dear! Mr. Cox if I indeed lured you into risky behavior (as some usually deluded individual has suggested) I am indeed sorry. However, after studying your discussion on the subject (and all the others as well) for many headache-inducing hours, I have come to the following conclusion; perhaps I'm not the only one who has too much spare time on his hands :)! P.S. Sorry about your crash, glad you can shorten the nose.
Posted on: 10/26/2009 1:40 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9203352

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
I think it was Vicman (or someone equally mentally . . . er, let's say "proficient") who suggested that water swirls down drains the way it does because of some obscure sub-atomic attraction between water and the heated-up clay used in porcelain. Obviously, in Southern Hemi-Physics things are just - different. There, that was easy.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 7:51 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9197006

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
[quote]ORIGINAL: vicman So is Ray pronounced Yor down there?[sm=bananahead.gif] [/quote] " [size=4]Y [/size][size=5][color=#FF0000]O?[/color][/size][size=4]R[/size]" Silly Vic, they are used to being upside down - so it doesn't effect their brain. Sadly, the same can't always be said for 'upright' folks.
Posted on: 10/23/2009 8:38 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9195567

RE: Which way do they fly Down Under?
I should have known that some of youse-all would come up with scatological humor but I didn't expect such a direct connection via the toilet (loo, or WC). However (and thank you very much), I now have a mental image of a grown man standing over the primary porcelain fixture and marveling at the fact that your finest efforts always depart in the same direction. My hat's off to you. For the rest of youse, thank you once again for reaffirming my faith in your collective wisdom and willingness to share.
Posted on: 10/22/2009 6:35 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9194265

Which way do they fly Down Under?
Some years back I realized that if I needed an answer to a question, almost any question, but certainly about model avaition - this was the place to got. I mean this forum verily drips with expertise and wisdom. SO, a couple of weekends ago when there was a lull in the flying and there was nothing else to do but shoot the bull, someone wondered aloud why is it that most of us are most comfortable flying a left-hand pattern. There was speculation that it had something to do with the geometry of our well-known opposable thumbs, the effect of torque, or just that's the way we were taught. But a really, really smart individual wondered out loud if it had something to do with our living in the northern hemisphere and that perhaps the standard pattern was the opposite down below, upside down, in Oz (aka Australia and New Zealand). Well, I said that I'd go ask youse-guys and that surely I'd get the correct answer lickety split. So what pattern is most common down under and why? P.S. Just for the sake of clarification; our definition of the left-hand pattern was to take off from the left (wind not being a consideration) and landing with the model approaching from the left as well.
Posted on: 10/21/2009 10:45 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9192312

RE: .010 free flight video!
Always a treat to see some activity/interest in the little jewels. However, I have to admit that ther are two reasons why I could not see myself with a Free Flight model powered by this engine. The thought of losing one brings tears to my eyes. I was actually going to switch out the TD .020 in my Blue-in-the-Face for an .010 this evening - the weather was perfect! Alas, I forgot to load the tote with my glow fuel, starter, lighter, etc in the van. Anyway, swell video. Nice model. Great sound. Thanks for sharing.
Posted on: 10/21/2009 10:32 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9192275

RE: SMALL Fly-In coverage
Yeah I saw Nathan's picture in there too. Reminds me of when Bob Harris brought his little CL model to one of Rog's Reedie Races for the children (and Vic) to try.
Posted on: 10/21/2009 10:20 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9192238

RE: Micro telemaster
Ah the good ole days! Reminds me of the time I got ready to launch my sure-to-win Reedie Racer during one or Rog's events. There I was with the engine screamin' its little heart out . . . I was walking confidently forward to the flight line . . . The the engine fell off and landed at my feet. Oh the shame of it! Yes, a little front end reinforcement might be in order.
Posted on: 10/19/2009 10:24 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9186805

RE: What did you get up to this weekend?
Darn Vic, I'm sorry you haven't found that Predator yet. But having seen that wild, untamed area beyond your field I can't help but wonder if a curious sasquatch didn't pick it up to bring to his mate. Actually, a guy pulled up to our field Sunday. He dropped the tailgate on his truck and revealed a profoundly sad trainer that had been lost back in the Spring. It was so water-logged that it was actually hard to lift. He said he had been out to set up a ground blind for deer when he came across it. The engine was all rusted, of course the radio components and airframe were useless - even two of the three wheels had been chewed on (maybe by a baby sasquatch?). Hmmm, but I'm sure by the time you find your model(s) you will have learned how to land on the runway ;).
Posted on: 10/14/2009 10:34 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9174171

RE: 2009 Design Nontest
In response to the numerous requests for more words about my flying exploits (this is the NON place right?) . . . Sunday it was windy here, so I used that as an excuse to leave the TD .020 attached to the Blue-in-the-Face (herewith, BITF) - even though I designed the model with an .010 in mind. So there I was having filled the tank, drawn fuel into the venturi, and a drop or two onto the piston. Back flip, back flip. Several skeptics standing nearby gleefully anticipating fruitless attempts at starting the engine. Attach the lighter. Winding the spring, releasing, nada. Winding again, release . . . ah that lovely sound (this little engine is a sweety). The skeptics push forward, the better to see the sure-to-come crash they think. Hah, I laugh on them! Boldly I stride to the flightline. I render the thousand yard stare into the stiff breeze, my long (but still manly) hair wafting straight back from my smooth, wrinkle-free brow. I draw my right hand back, level the little plane with the screaming engine, and with a throw worthy of my Olympic-winning javelin days - another story) off she goes! Narry a wing-wobble, narry nose-dip, but a picture perfect, gentle climb-out over the soy bean patch. I could have left the transmitter laying on the ground! What perfection! Large, straight loops. Flashing rolls - one, two, three. High speed, low passes. Then silence as the little model glides safely and surely to a stop a few feet from where I stand. Skeptics no more. Admirers all. I feared that they would hoist me to their shoulders - but thankfully they confined themselves to a chorus of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow". Well, it could have happened that way . . . But I did have a good day and I'm well pleased with BITF. Next week I'll mount the .010 fer shur.
Posted on: 10/13/2009 10:51 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9169433

RE: What did you get up to this weekend?
Jeeze youse-all make me feel bad (well, almost). It was windy here in beeootiful rural (not any more, alas) North Carolina this weekend too but it seems it has been like that all Summer (Barack will fix that soon I bet, I wonder how much he will charge). But since I had the choice to stay home and attack the honey-do list or brave the elements - I hiked up my trousers (girded my loins?) and set off for the field. We built a new table to support all the extra li-po chargers that keep showing up, cooked some hot dogs and keilbasa on the grill, and . . . oh yeah, flew some electric races. And I even got in four flights with the Blue-in-the-face with the TD .020 still up front (it was too windy to risk switching back to the .010). Excuse me now please. I have to get ready for my morning nap.
Posted on: 10/12/2009 9:48 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9166218

RE: 2009 Design Nontest
Hey! Where did my photo go? Whew, I thought for a minit youse-all wouldn't get to see me. Edit: (Make sure you click on the enlargement to see me in the best detail!)
Posted on: 9/28/2009 10:31 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9129715

RE: 2009 Design Nontest
I wus gunna call it "Blue in YOUR-face" but I chickened out. What I wanted to do was experiment with BlueCor FFF and balsa to see if I could come up with a light airframe. I declare success! Bare weight was 35 grams. RTF with the .010 was 3.2 ounces. I haven't weighed it with the .020. Flew five flights yesterday. What a HOOT! Could easily keep up with our 'unlimited' Reedie Racers. I will put the .010 back on since it is now trimmed (I had WAY TOO MUCH elevator and aileron throws). Details: Span 15 inches chord 4.5 LOA 17 110 mah nimh (2) Cox red (cheapo) servos Construction: Wing BlueCor FFF Fuse conventional sides and formers balsa, firewall 1/8 ply. top and bottom FFF finish three thin coats of WBP, light Rustoleum, 2 thin coats Ultracote clear sealer
Posted on: 9/28/2009 10:28 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9129709

RE: Quiet 40cc engine
Thanks Tom, That's goof information about the 50 cc class and something I had not considered. Also, apparently the canister setup is the way to go.
Posted on: 9/26/2009 1:52 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9125514

RE: Quiet 40cc engine
Oops J***y, don't tell the guys I complained publicly about their way-loud planes please. I have enough trouble with my 'reputation' as it is. Anyway, silly me, I suppose I was searching for a magic bullet. I want to build a big airplane this Winter and I didn't want to get into 6-cell electrics (yet). I just wanted to make sure that people don't complain about my flying . . . well the noise anyway.
Posted on: 9/26/2009 7:51 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9125024

RE: 2009 Design Nontest
Yeah Bipe, "Mighty" indeed! I already have a never-run TD .020 earmarked for the rescue effort. Given that TD .020s are even harder to come by than my favorite .010s - I am resolved to run it in on the bench first before risking - er, I mean - mounting the engine to my as yet unproven Blue-in-the-Face design. I hasten to make it absolutely clear that although it may sound like I lack confidence in B-i-t-F (the "t"is silent) I utterly repudiate such a notion. Next Sunday I will report resounding success. Nyah, nyah.
Posted on: 9/22/2009 7:40 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9116245

RE: 2009 Design Nontest
Picture it: Sunday afternoon. High clouds, light breeze. The usual contingent of my fans and admirers clustered around the table where I have proudly placed my non-entry. A hush falls over the crowd as I inject 35% fuel into the black-tank TD .010. Having forced fuel up into the venturi I attach the glow-lighter and wind up the spring starter. One spin. two spins. three spins and THAT sound is heard by all. Some faint of heart observers take a sissy step backwards as many in the group have never heard an unmuffled exhaust. But I smile to reassure them. Ailerons and elevator are checked for appropriate response and I stride confidently to the flight line. There are muted voices behind me but a few words come through clearly, "wotta a man", "hero", "a gift". I pretend not to hear. The little engine is still singing sweetly and I raise my arm for the perfect into-the-wind launch. The model, affectionately known herewith as Blue-in-the-Face, leaves my hand in the classic and correct attitude . . . . . . then slowly drifts earthward in the classic and less correct UNDERPOWERED attitude. The cheering dies abruptly - as if a switch had been thrown. My former admirers disperse. No one makes eye contact with me. Quickly I clear the work table of 'evidence', and casually wipe some moisture from my eyes - must be windier than I thought. A lesser man might be broken by this experience. Not I!!! In the words of some old military guy, "I shall return"!
Posted on: 9/22/2009 4:00 PM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9115744

Quiet 40cc engine
I've been flying electrics pretty much exclusively for the past three years or so. I enjoy the heck out of them but I'm in the mood to get a "full size" model back in the air again. However, having gotten rid of my gas stuff to finance batteries, motors, and ESCs - I'm in the position of having to buy a new 40cc engine. That's the first issue. The second issue is that having gotten used to flying electrics I find I really, really like a quiet source of power. That and there are two guys at my field who fly very LOUD gas-powered models. We smile and joke about the noise with them but when they are not around, everybody complains - you can't hold a conversation while they are in the air. I do not want to be one of those offenders. So, I have two questions or maybe a question in two parts, or maybe . . . well, here it/they is/are. What is the quietest [u]2-stroke [/u]40cc engine . . . and/or . . . what good value-for-money engine that I can quiet down effectively . . . and what mufflers/pipe would be most effective? (Oh yeah, I'm not convinced the big Saito is worth the money but if your consensus is that"s the way to go - OK.)
Posted on: 9/17/2009 8:43 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9102771

RE: This whole hobby is dying fast
Oh Rog, Every day when I read the morning paper (I no longer listen to tv "news") I come away angry and scared. Angry that incompetance and greed continue to run our country. Fear at how delicate it all is and how quickly it crumbled. I also can't help but notice all the for-sale and foreclosure signs in my neighborhood (two currently on my street). But then my wife fixes me with her best exasperated glare and reminds me that there are still more wonderful, hard-working people out there than "takers" and I should have more faith. Well, I guess there is a parallel here in little toy airplane land - I guess it means that maybe time does heal all wounds. Or said another way, keep the faith baby.
Posted on: 8/23/2009 9:13 AM by Author "Raymond LeFlyr" in the forum ""1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9037491