RE: AMA 424 Race - Wichita Kansas
Thank you. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 9/6/2009 8:58 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9074690

RE: AMA 424 Race - Wichita Kansas
So it's now a two-day race? If so, then are the two 424 races on the two different days separate or combined? Originally it was only 424 on Saturday. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 9/6/2009 10:41 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9073531

RE: RCPRO Warbird Racing at Old Julian Airport
Hi All; This is great to hear. I'm interested. As you probably already know, we here in Nashville have a version of Warbird somewhat similar to that of RCPRO. Our rules are a tamer though. Our planes could just fly in slower brackets at your races, that's all. Am I to assume that the RCPRO Warbird rules and procedures will be followed fully, including the flying start? Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 9/4/2009 8:36 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Scale Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9069055

RE: Building My First 4Stroke Warbird
Barry; I thought I did answer your PM. I'll send you an E-mail regarding that. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 9/1/2009 12:00 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Scale Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9061647

RE: Building My First 4Stroke Warbird
Barry; Our last race is Oct [b]10[/b], 2007, not the 15th. "Maybe they will get some RCPRO Warbird races going next year in the East. " Maybe "they" means "you" Barry! Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 9/1/2009 10:22 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Scale Racing"
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RE: Building My First 4Stroke Warbird
Barry; None of us here in Nashville use the bubble-less tanks for our four-strokes. I suspect it's less likely that the lower frequency of these engines will "foam" the fuel in the tank the way that the high-reving two strokes will. Try to keep the center of the tank near the center of the needle valve assembly (standard practice). And yes, you will find the fuel consumption is much less than that of two strokes of similar power. On my OS .91, I'm using a six ounce tank and have plenty of fuel for an entire heat. Actually, I use about 3 oz per heat!. Also, four-strokes need to have a heavy prop load. Look at the RPM for max HP for your engine as stated by the manufacturer. Prop the plane for about 1,000 RPM below this on the ground; LOTS of pitch with as much diameter as you can manage. See if your Saito will spin an APC 12-9 or 12-10. They don't like to over-rev (they just won't). It's better to over prop them than under prop them. Needle as rich as you can and still be near max ground RPM. In the air, the four-stroke warbirds don't sound like they're going, but compared to the two-strokes they are just as fast if not faster (and they sound soooo good). My VQ Macchi with the OS .91 four-stroke is my favorite racer. One little peculiarity of four-strokes is that the prop has to be secured very well (large torque pulses). Use the special jam nuts and check them often. Re-enforce and pin the firewall a bit more than you would for a two-stroke because of the larger four-stroke power pulses. Sheet the H-stab if it's an open framework type. Make sure all hinges are very firm and well glued and pinned. Make sure all the linkages are solid, firm, and slop free. Apply a fiberglass/epoxy band around the center joint of the wing. Since you are using such a high-pitched prop (at relatively low RPM), you will probably find that on take-off, a lot of right rudder is required to keep it straight both on the ground and in the air until the plane is up to speed. Also, I've found starting a four stroke to be a little more intimidating than any two-stroke I've ever had. Be extra mindful of the larger prop diameter, the greater inertia, and gonzo torque while starting, tuning, and handling these engines. I'm not trying to scare you, but just be careful (standard practice, right?). That's what I've learned so far. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/31/2009 11:28 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Scale Racing"
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RE: Starting clock for Club 40 Race Horse Starts
Hi All; I would agree with those who say the clock should be 90 seconds for Club 40. If we are of the opinion that one of the prime reasons for Club 40 is to encourage novice to get into pylon, then they need all the breaks they can get. They need to be “eased� into pylon for the most part. A “sink or swim� attitude towards them may not be the best approach. A 60 second start time may be enough for us experienced guys, but to a pylon novice, it may not be so. Like Barry said, I too remember when AMA racing used a 90-second starting rule. It was up to the pilot when he chose to actually try starting his engine to reduce a prolonged full-power ground run before the launch (in Q-15 and F-1). We’ve probably all delayed starting our engines for this purpose. If you’ve prepared properly, then this strategy doesn’t usually bite you. How many of us have desperately needed that extra 30 seconds? I know I have at times. Now imagine how an enthusiastic and very nervous novice feels when he runs out of time at the start line. I’ve seen this situation with novices in Florida and here in Nashville. They are REALLY disappointed and REALLY peeved! Being “hard-nosed� with these people may not have long term benefits. Like others have said before, many new-to-Club 40-guys may have no intention of “moving up� to any of the AMA pylon classes. They may find it satisfying enough to stay with this class. I see this at our races. Also, I see that a number of our guys have moved up to our other classes. It is important to spur them into a form of pylon they feel they can handle; not to direct, railroad, or mainline them into or toward AMA racing right from the start. We (AMA pylon flyers) can encourage them to go toward AMA racing events if we’d like, but I think it’s a mistake to be too dogmatic and rigid in this respect. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/30/2009 1:55 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9056678

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Ken; When I raced Club 40 in Florida on a 600' two-pole course with the OS 40 LA, the best prop was the APC 11-7, believe it or not! I'd go off the line at about 10,700 RPM! It seemed that the LA didn't like to rev like the TT GP 42. On our Q-400 planes, the 42 really unloads in the air and runs only a little less RPM than the Pro 40 on the ground. I'd go with a 10.5-4.5, even with the GP 42. Besides, 400', 500'; not much difference when you consider the acceleration time involved. I think it is similar to drag racing, what happens in the early part of the 1/4 mile has a disproportionately large outcome at the end of the 1/4 mile. So, I think the acceleration out of the turn is greater and there is less slow down during the turn using a larger diameter mid-pitch prop rather than a small diameter higher pitch prop. When the course is much longer than 400' (such as they use in Florida), then the pitch has time to come into it's own. Of course flying style plays an important part in whether a particular prop can work up to it's potential. I like to fly tight with turns that have a soft entry, a tight middle, and a soft exit, as opposed to flying "sweeping" turns, so maybe in that context the 10.5-4.5 is just right for my flying style. Where as, a wide sweeping turn flying style may better utilize a higher pitch prop on the same course; bear in mind you would be going farther. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/22/2009 9:50 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
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RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Ken; I'm using an APC 10.5-4.5 and no one is faster. The APC 10-5 also works well. It doesn't seem that any of the 9" props can keep up; they sound good but don't pull as well out of the turns. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/21/2009 10:14 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9033334

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; We don't time the planes (see our rules). Many of our procedures are designed to simplify and streamline the whole racing process and to keep things even. Also, in Warbird, we try very hard to have parity between the two and four stroke planes; so far so good. But, just to give you an idea of speeds, a WM Dago Red (with retracts)/OS 55 AX or a Phoenix Strega (no retracts)/Webra .55 are about as fast as my VQ Macchi 205 Veltro (no retracts)/OS .91 four stroke. I think the hot setup would be the Phoenix Strega with a good .72-.75 four-stroke or an OS .55 two-stroke. Of course, prop selection plays a major role in utilizing whatever power you do have. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/20/2009 6:29 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9031896

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; At Cane Ridge Park we run all classes on a 500' two-pole course. Previously, when we ran the Club 40 planes at Peeler Park, the course was 400'. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/20/2009 5:18 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9031709

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; Got it. Here is a short race report for the Huntsville AL Club 40 race last Saturday. [b]Club 40[/b] We had six pilots; five rounds of three-plane heats. There was a Competition Fun Fly in Nashville the same day, so only Greg Doe and I came down from the Nashville area for this race. It seemed like every heat I was in was a "barn burner" - - no milk runs at all; just the way I like it! 1st Doug Bebensee 2nd Greg Doe 3rd Al - Tied with Tim (broken by more 1st places than Tim through the day) 4th Tim Batt - Tied with Al 5th Ernie Duffy 6th Don [b]BlueRay Electric:[/b] There were only four pilots in Electric BlueRay. That's too bad, because they are so much fun to race. Tim says he will host no more Blueray races! People just won't come. This is odd, because I'm often told by various (non-pylon) pilots that "if you guys had [b]Electric[/b] racing, we'd come". Well, where have you been? In any case now, I can use my BlueRay for pylon practice here at home behind my house on a really short course which simulates the pacing and timing. This seems to sharpen me up just before a race, whether two or three pole. There were no mid-airs, pole-hits, or ANY other damage at all. Good job guys. A reminder: We have two more races this year in the Nashville area and both are at Cane Ridge Park. They are on Sept 26 and Oct 10. We race Q-400, Warbird, 1/4 Scale F1, and Club 40, all on the same day. See our rules and directions on the MTRCS website. http://www.mtrcs.com Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/20/2009 2:55 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9031325

RE: AMA 424 Race - Wichita Kansas
Change in plans, I'm coming. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/20/2009 10:04 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9030581

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; I didn't get a PM yet. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/20/2009 9:58 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9030560

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; You might want to re-check our rules, we don't allow any kind of "supercharged" engines, e.g. YS 4 strokes. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/13/2009 11:34 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9015004

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; The Q-400 class is a bit faster than the advanced C-40 class and the F1 class. Some of the warbirds are close in speed to the Q-400 planes; it depends. We run a 500' two-pole course for all classes with a flying start. A Phoenix Strega with an OS .72 FS four stroke or a TT .75 S four stroke would be super. We have an un-complicated scoring system. The bottom line is that a well prepared and flown plane, with few if any mistakes will do well - - as it should be. I agree about uniform rules. We're working towards that here. It takes time. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/13/2009 9:30 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9014678

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; Yes, all four classes are run the same day. We run a full round of each class and then go to the next class, and so on, throughout the day. I fly in all four classes. What a hoot! I get 16 heats in during the day (plus test and trim flights). It really keeps me on my toes. By the middle of the day, I'm right on the pylons. Yeah, our warbird class is different from what RCPro specifies. We wanted a simple wing area to engine formula (1000:1 two-stroke, with a 1.5X multiplier for four-strokes) and we don't allow modified engines. We also require mufflers. Also, we now have parity between the two and four stroke engines. We have designed our rules to keep the speeds reasonable and within the confines of our field. As it turns out, it is working well for us. A sport type warbird can be competitive if flown well. What is "non-Nashville" about your Strega? We consider an HS-225 to be a "standard" servo; an HS-55 is NOT - - that's the distinction we are addressing. What would be not suitable about your #1 SRMK II regarding our rules? The only "non-RCPro standard" thing I can see is we don't specify the WM LA Racer airframe. We HAVE allowed these to race in the past. There is no advantage or dis-advantage. We will be addressing this for next year - - I'm going to work to change the rules to allow this airframe. Our Q-400 class was specified long ago when they (the original race organizers) had a beginner class that used the TT GP42 engine. It was thought that a beginner could transition to Q-400 without buying a new engine. It has worked to a degree. Now we have the TT Pro 40 in C-40 Advanced. We are seriously considering (and voting) on switching Q-400 to the TT Pro 40. Then it will be a 424 plane. Where there's a will, there's a way . . . Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/13/2009 7:15 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9014342

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; Oh well, maybe we'll see you at one of our next races. We have two more in this area; Sept 26 and Oct 10. Both of these races are at Cane Ridge Park, south of Nashville, 1-1/2 miles south off of I-24, exit 62. We will be racing four classes, Warbird, Q-400, 1/4 scale F1, and Club 40. See our website http://mtrcs.com for details. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/13/2009 5:34 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9014087

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; I just heard from Tim Batt (the CD) and the race is definitely on the 15th, as had been my understanding all along. He will get the website clarified. Come on over and race with us. I don't have a regular caller either; I get whomever I can at the time. We'll make sure you get a caller. It's a two-pole 400' course, so all a caller does for you is count laps and otherwise advise and inform. You do your own turn timing. I find it works out better that way anyway. See if you can talk others you know in your area to come along and race. Food and drinks are available on site. Bring a shade shelter though. Just so you know, they will be racing BlueRay electrics first and then C-40. You don't have to get there really early. If you were to get there by 10:00 or so, you'd be fine. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/9/2009 8:04 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9003025

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; That's strange for sure. If you look again at the announcment, it [b]also[/b] says Aug 15 (in a larger font at the top). The 16th must be a mistake. So far, all there races have been on Saturdays. I'll check with Tim, but I'm 99.9% sure it's on the 15th. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/9/2009 7:16 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9002909

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Hi race fans; This is a reminder of the C-40 race on August 15 in Harvest AL, (about 11 miles NW of Huntsville). Tim Batt is hosting his second C-40 race there this year and hopes to have a whole series of them next year. A number of us from the Nashville area will be going there to support him and their fledgling racing efforts. See the NARCA website ([b]North Alabama Radio Control Association[/b] - - http://www.narca.net) for directions. Also see the MTRCS website ([b]Mid Tennessee RC Society [/b]- - http://mtrcs.com) for rules. They are essentially the same as the RCPro rules. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 8/9/2009 4:55 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9002610

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Barry; See our club website http://www.mtrcs.com/ for directions to our field and our rules. Cane Ridge Park is about 1-1/2 miles west of I-24, Exit 62. j.gibson; I believe Greg won C-40, but damaged his Q-400 plane early in the day (tree!). I don't have the entire results, but I think Chris Quinn won Q-400. I won Warbird and F1. I'll post the entire results and some photos soon. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 7/27/2009 11:40 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8967617

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Hi All; We have decided to combine the Club 40 races with the other three classes that we run at Cane Ridge Park, Nashville.  From now until further notice, we will be racing Club 40, Warbird, Q-400, and 1/4 scale F1 all on the same day.  The dates are the same as the former dates for the Cane Ridge Park dates - - June 27, July 25, Sept 26 (at Tupelo MS)*, and Oct 10. *Edited on July 26 - - The Sept 26 race will now be at Cane Ridge Park instead of Tupelo MS - - See our rules for all three classes and directions to our field at                http://www.mtrcs.com/ Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 7/26/2009 9:15 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8871439

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
We had a great race yesterday at Cane Ridge Park. There were 22 entries among the four classes that we raced; C-40, Q-400, Warbird, and 1/4 scale F1. This was the largest race there since I moved to Nashville two years ago. We had four enthusiastic pilots come up from Huntsville to race in the C-40 class. They are now talking about having a C-40 racing series among two clubs in the Huntsville area. Our next race at Cane Ridge Park is on Sept 26. Y'all come. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 7/26/2009 9:13 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8966192

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
There will be racing tomorrow at Cane Ridge Park, Nashville TN; see previous post for details. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 7/24/2009 10:58 AM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8960203

RE: Flying Below the Pylons
Hi All; I totally agree with ChrisAtterby and "luv to race" on this issue. Looking at this from a CD who is trying to promote entry level racing for new-to-pylon pilots, I will do anything I can do to minimize carnage. One major source of grief is a pole hit. As was said before, "the pole always wins". Encouraging the pilots to stay above the pylons is very important, especially for the beginners. They don't have the fine control of their planes and the reactions that the more experienced pilots have. Also, they can be easily turned-off pylon racing by a pole hit or mid-air early in their racing "career". And yes, when you are low, there is less room to recover from some form of upset such as a gust, turbulence, etc. The old full scale pilot adage, "the most useless thing to a pilot is altitude above him", applies here also. And yes, staying high gives you a wider "cone of uncertainty" in the minds of the pylon judges. When you are low, it is very clear whether or not you have cut from the viewpoint of the judges. Sure, you (the pilot) may be able to judge your turn a little better down low, but the judge has less uncertainty, so it's probably a wash from that standpoint. Here are three items I stress during pilots meetings at races where I am CD. 1. STAY ABOVE THE TOPS OF THE PYLONS 2. Don't slash upward or downward as you make your turns. i.e. STAY LEVEL. 3. When two planes are going into a turn, one behind the other at the same altitude, the trailing plane should change altitude BEFORE entering the turn. The typical scenario is that if the leading plane turns a little long and the trailing planes turns shorter, and if they are at the same altitude, they will be VERY close to each other coming out of the turn. This is the most common mid-air scenario that I see. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 7/16/2009 12:39 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "General Racing Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8938370

RE: JB Weld that Thunder Tiger 40 Muffler
I too have had excellent results with JB Welding the two halves together. I clean muffler with acetone as Don S. suggested and also skuff-off the oxide layer at the joint/glue area. I've never had one work loose after this remedy. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 7/5/2009 5:00 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "General Racing Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8908467

RE: Club 40 racing in Nashville TN
Hi race fans; Our next Music City Challenge Club 40 race will be this up-coming Saturday, June 6, 2009 at Peeler Park, Madison, TN. This race is hosted by the Music City Aviators and the Mid-Tennessee RC Society clubs. It looks like the weather will be fine. See directions to the field at http://musiccityaviators.net/ We provide two classes; Novice and Advanced. See our rules at http://www.mtrcs.com/ Registration opens at 8:30 am and racing will start by 10:00 am or so. Grilled food, snacks, and drinks will be available for purchase. "ARE YOU FAST ENOUGH?" Y'all come. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 6/2/2009 8:03 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Club 40"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8820817

RE: AMA 424 Race - Wichita Kansas
Just returned to Nashville after a great 424 race in Wichita. It was thier first 424 race in many years. I thought the race went VERY well. There was tight racing and very little carnage. Good job guys. It was great to meet and talk to so many of you racers. Up unitl now, I've only known them by their discussion forum names. Thank you Scott for letting me fly your Q40 Sport plane. I am very tempted to get one. This is a very appealing combination of airframe and engine - - faster than 424, but very manageable for someone who is only used to 424 speeds, and they have great visual appeal. I could see myself racing in this class. We need some races for these planes. It's like the chicken and the egg situation. Hardly anyone has them, therefore no races; no races therefore no reason to build one. I'll state right here and now that I'd fly in that class if there were races. Heck, I'm getting one anyway (for a winter project). I'd work on having a Q40 Sport race here in Nashville, but it would have to be two-pole, for a number of reasons. I strongly suspect that no-one would travel here for a two-pole Q40 Sport race, so . . . Thanks again to Mike Tallman and his crew for hosting and running an excellent race. I'm looking forward to one of the Kansas City area races next fall. I can't make the fall Wichita race though - - conflict with one of our local races. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 6/2/2009 12:44 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8819686

RE: AMA 424 Race - Wichita Kansas
I'm coming. Doug Bebensee
Posted on: 5/20/2009 9:19 PM by Author "dwbebens" in the forum "Q-500 Racing"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8785902