February 2015 - Ventura County Comets

The Comets Tail
President Dave Fishman (805) 340-0192
Vice Presedient
Dale Nash (805) 532-1433
Secretary
Alastair Brennan
(805) 388-0180
Treasurer
TJ Moran (805) 646-6084
Field Marshal/Safety George Lanquist (805) 646-5365
Park Liason
John Dugan (805) 646-6898
Webmaster
Don Sorenson (805) 968-4288
Comets Web Site: VCComets.com
Comet’s Tale Editor: Alastair Brennan, jet_a@yahoo.com
Board of Directors
Dave Fishman, Dale Nash, TJ Moran, George Languist,
Alastair Brennan
Instructor Pilots:
Emery Balasa, Steve Billings, Andrew, Carlson, Bob Root, Ron Scott, George
Lanquist, TJ Moran, Steve Steinmetz, Alastair Brennan
February
2015
The Comets’ Tale is the official newsletter and record of the Ventura Count
Comets, AMA Chartered Club #173 and is published monthly at the Comets’ Tale
Lair, in Camarillo, CA.
Editorial contributions are welcome.
Next Meeting:
Thursday, February 19, 2015 7:30 PM
At the Oak View Community Center
Upcoming
Events:
Feb 21 - Indoor Electric
fly @ Simi Vally Rec
Center - 5005 LA Ave.
March 1 - First Sunday at
Santa Paula airport
Pres Sez:
How’s your flyin’ goin’? Good I hope!
I’ve been having fun flying my 51” Popwing flying wing.
Pay your membership dues if you haven’t yet. You know who you are.
Don’t make me make T.J. kick your butt!
The April Float Fly is on the schedule. Thank you George Boston!
George has volunteered to be the C.D. for the event! He submitted the paperwork to the AMA,
and we have already been sanctioned to go ahead and have the event. The Float Fly will go on
providing we have enough water to safely stay away from boaters and the launch ramp. In the
coming days, we will venture down to the flying site to have a look. We’ll keep ya posted.
Calendar of events available on our website, thanks to Ron Scott for putting it together and Don
to post it to the site. Now you can plan your vacation!
The shed door was repaired by George Lanquist, Logan Hall and Chris Hudspeth. That door
was getting wobbly, thanks to all for your handyman work!
Shower-house gate - If you don’t know, the Lake staff has closed and locked a gate on the road
to the field near the Shower-house. We have one of our combination locks on the gate. If you
find the gate closed and locked, re-close and re-lock the gate after you pass through it.
Big thanks to TJ for emptying the trash cans.
Here’s a video on helping to keep your electronics water resistant. These guys fly a coaxial
helicopter from underwater inside an aquarium, out of the water flying in the room! Crazy! The
intention is not to fly your planes under water, but to keep electronics water resistant. I really
enjoy these guys, their name is “Flite Test” and you can visit their website (flitetest.com) to see
lot’s of interesting videos.
Here’s the video FliteTest Waterproofing Electronics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4z8QMgTEA4#t=17
Take care and see ya at the field!
Dave
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order by President Dave at 7:32. We had 17 members present; no guests.
The minutes and Treasurer’s report was approved and the Treasurer reminded the group to pay the club dues
The safety officer said the things were running smoothly and currently there are no concerns.
The April float fly was discussed and at the meeting we discussed the lake water level, yet are still planning the
event. George Boston volunteered to be the CD...Thanks George.
TJ brought up that he was contacted by a fellow model flyer from Chicago that wanted to sotp by the field.
A few members volunteered to have TJ give the guest cell phone
numbers in order to meet up and get him to the field. A couple
weeks later this all went as planned and the guest wrote a thank you
email stating that he (and his brother in law, the guest brought a
guest) had a great time.
Models of the month: 1)George Lanquist brought a “Primo” powered glider. It is a Buzz Waltz kit, electric motor, folding prop,
polyhedral wing.
2) Lynn Breedlove brought a “Tiger” powered by a OS 46AX
The winner...... Lynn!
Honorable mention went to Peter Perry, he brought an unfinished
gas powered (not nitro) Citabria.
The meeting closed with the usual raffle and some guys won some
nice stuff
Lynn and the Tiger
George and the Primo
Peter and the Citabria
Root’s Ramblings...
This month I will show a few pictures I took at the AMA show in Pomona, but first a few pictures of a nice
scale twin built by Dan Elsasser (pictures 1, 2, and 3). I took these pictures several months ago but hadn’t had a
chance to include them previously. He built this beautiful and great flying model from an old Jack Stafford kit.
Like all Dan’s models it is electric powered.
Pict 1
2
3
At the AMA show I saw a lot of nice scale models and it seemed like there were more old time models on display than in previous years. The 1933 to 1935 Curtiss Condor shown in picture 4 was built by Col. Lawrence
Klingberg. It is 1/6 scale with a wing span of 16 ft. and weighs 54 pounds. The 1939 WACO E in picture 5 was
also built by Col. Klingberg and is 1/3 scale with a wingspan of 12 ft. and a weight of 50 lb. Both models are
scratch built using balsa, plywood, pine, and some aluminum and fiberglass.
Pict 5
6
The P-38-J in picture 6 was built by Michael Pokorny from a Yellow Aircraft kit. The beautiful aluminum covering was achieved by Bob Parcell utilizing individual scale panels. The C-47 Skytrain in picture 7 was built
from Ziroli plans by John Redman in 1986. It has many flights and was refinished to this paint scheme 4 years
ago. It is still flying with the original Zenoah G-38 engines.
Pict 6
7
Besides the “biggies” there were several well done small scale models. The SE5-A in picture 8 was built from
a Gillows kit. I built one of these kits for rubber powered indoor scale in 1962! This model has a wing span of
24 in., weighs 6.16 oz. and is radio controlled with electric power. Another small scale electric radio controlled
model is the DH-4 in picture 9. It was built from a Dumas kit by Sanny M. Odulio.
Pict 8
9
I am always interested in the old time free flight models. The 1937 Sailplane in picture 10 was built by Tom
Hammond and is powered by an Ohlsson .60 spark ignition engine which is almost as old. The Sailplane was
designed by Carl Goldberg and is from the same era as the Quaker design (which is so popular in our club).
Pict 10
11
One of the most popular pattern designs in the 1960’s was the Phil Kraft designed Kwik Fly. Phil was one of
the best pattern flyers at that time, and his Kraft radios were also very popular. Two Kwik Fly 5 models are
shown in picture 11. Unfortunately I didn’t get the name of the builder but note that they are electric powered
(not glow) and he uses a Kraft transmitter with a modern 2.4 module. The fake glow motors sit on top of the
electric motor.
The AMA hung over 20 scale models from the ceiling which provided a nice back drop to the show. The follows pictures show a few of these models.
Tips on Buying Stuff at RC Swapmeets
By Ron Scott
When you go to a swap meet, garage sale or flee market you can find some real deals or some real junk or anything in-between. One of the questions I always ask myself when at the swap meet is “why is this person trying
to sell certain items?” Also, is this stuff stolen or is this person really in need of $$$$. Whatever the case, you
need to be careful or you may get stung. The following are some tips that I use in wheeling and dealing. I hope
you find them useful.
1) Don’t pick up or handle anything unless you ask the price first. If you do pick up an item, the seller will probably up the price depending on how interested or excited you appear. It’s a psychology game and you need to be
a good negotiator. If the price seems reasonable, then, pick it up and inspect it.
2) Inspection:
- Carefully inspect the item looking for good and bad points.
- Anything electrical, smell it – it may be burned internally and not obvious by looking at it.
- Look for repaired areas – and how well the repairs were done. Example: If the alignment of the repaired sections was slightly off, the item may never function as it originally did.
- Kits – check to see that all the parts are there – Cowel, wheels, elevator, rudder, etc.
- Engines:
A) Is it free to rotate and are there any rough spots as it rotates – this may indicate rusted or broken bearings.
B) Is the crankshaft bent - as it rotates does it wobble or appear straight.
C) Does it have good compression – as it rotates, it should be hard to turn as it approaches “TDC”.
D) Are there any obvious broken parts that may need replacing.
3) Haggling over the price. This is a real art. If you’re a millionaire, it won’t matter that much but if your like
me (and I am a real cheapskate) cost matters a lot. My rule of thumb, depending on the items condition is “
don’t pay more than 50 – 60% of the original cost of the item. Try to get the seller to give you a price first. If
it’s way too high, just walk away – you can always come back but there is a risk of the item being sold. If the
asking price is reasonable, then look more closely at it – pick it up and give it a real good look – “Inspection” as
noted above. If you think the price is a little more than you can afford, make a counter offer – he may say OK or
NO and you can negotiate further or ????? Hopefully you both feel good about the DEAL if you buy it.
4) If your spending a lot of money or if your not sure about the items operation, ask if you can try it out. Obviously he isn’t going to let you fly a plane, helicopter or quadcopter but in the case of a battery charger, transmitter, battery, or fit in your car, or whatever, he would probably allow you to check it out. If the item doesn’t work,
ask him if you can get your money back. Get a phone # incase you may have questions later.
5) Don’t spend too much $$$, sometimes you can trade stuff.
--Good luck and happy wheeling and dealing,
From the The Economist (Jan 2015)
2015 R/C Flying Event Calendar – Ventura County and Around – By: Ron Scott (as of 1-24-15)
January
9-11 AMA RC/Hobby Show at Ontario Convention Center
25 T-28 Races @ Santa Barbara RC Modelers www.sbrcm.org
February
1 Fun Fly & Swap Meet – Valley Flyers Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
16 Fun Scale Event - Valley Flyers Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
21 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
15 Fun Fly – Camarillo Flying Circus - http://webefier.com/drupal/
29 Electric Fun Fly - Valley Flyers Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
March
14 International Drone Day - http://www.internationaldroneday.com - Las Vegas
14 Heli Fun Fly - Valley Flyers Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
15 T-28 Races – Camarillo Flying Circus
?15 Quickie 500 Pylon races – San Gabriel RC League – Whittier Narrows, www.sgvrcl.org/
21 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
29 T-28 Race @ Santa Barbara RC Modelers www.sbrcm.org
29 Electric Fun Fly - Valley Flyers Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
April
4 Simi Valley Flyers – Fun Fly, BBQ, & Swap Meet www.simivalleyflyers.com
5 Easter Sunday
?4-6 Warbirds over LasVegas–William Bennett Field http://www.lvrcc.org/
19 Swap Meet & Fun Fly – Camarillo Flying Circus
10-12 Q40/Q500 pylon racing – Apollo Field - Valley Flyers www.valleyflyers.com
18-19 Float Fly @ Lake Casitas – Camping, BBQ & Big Raffel - Ventura County Comets
18 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
?20-21 SC Scale Masters Event at Hemet Model Masters www.hemetmodelmasters.org
24-26 Wings over Prado – Scale Airplane Fly-in @ Prado Airpark, Chino, CA www.pvmac.com
May
9 Fun Fly – Apollo Field - Valley Flyers www.valleyflyers.com
10 Mothers Day
16 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
16 L A Jets Spring Fly-in – Valley Flyers www.valleyflyers.com
16 -17 RCX Model Airplane Expo (Orange County Fairgrounds) www.rcx.com or 317-236-6515
23 Electric Fun-Fly & Glowpower < .15”. + BBQ @ Comets Field – Lake Casitas
17 Warbird Day – Camarillo Flying Circus
?18 Quickie 500 Pylon races –– Whittier Narrows, www.sgvrcl.org, - Park 818-554-3517
24 T-28 Race @ Santa Barbara RC Modelers www.SBRCM.org
22-24 Float Fly – Visalia Russell Pond – for directions - www.CVRCSoaring.com
21-24 Giant Scale Fly-in, Castle Airport, Contact Scott at scottmalta@comcast.net or 209-617-5789
June
5-7 Q40/Q500 Pylon racing – Valley Flyers www.valleyflyers.com
?7 IMAC flying competition @ Fresno - www.mini-iac.com
?14 IMAC flying competition @ Riverside - www.mini-iac.com
14 Fathers Day
20 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
20 Simi Valley Flyers - Fun Fly, BBQ, & Swap Meet
20-21 Western States All Electric Fun Fly – Apollo Field - www.valleyflyers.com for details.
21 Quaker Fun Fly & Baloon drop - Comets Field - Lake Casitas
28 4 rounds of Combat – Camarillo Flying Circus
July
11 Swap Meet & Fun Fly - Valley Flyers Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
?13 Swap Meet San Diego – Don Madison
18 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
18 L A Jets – Valley Flyers – Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
19 Fun Fly – Camarillo Flying Circus
25 Warbird day & BBQ + Swap Meet @ Comets Field Lake Casitas $10 Entry fee includes lunch
August
1 All Scale Event – Valley Flyers - www.valleyflyers.com
?2-3 Glider – Slope racing @ Grass Mountain www.socalsloperacing.com
8 Simi Valley Flyers - Fun Fly, BBQ, & Swap Meet
?9-10 Pattern Contest at Miramar, San Diego (Bill Wallace; bwallace@bandag.com)
15 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
15-16 Camarillo Air Show
15 Fun Fly & Swap Meet - Valley Flyers Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
16 T-28 Races – Camarillo Flying Circus
September
?1 Swap Meet & Dawn Patrol Contest @ Hemet Model Masters – www.hemetmodelmasters.org
5 All Electric Fun Fly – Valley Flyers www.valleyflyers.com
19 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
?19-20Float Fly @ Lake Castiac Lower Lake– Canyon Crosswinds www.canyoncrosswinds.com
25-27 Float Fly @ Lake Mc Swane near Merced… Reservations – 209-354-2954
27 T-28 Race @ Santa Barbara RC Modelers www.SBRCM.org
?26-28Lake Hemet Float fly – Hemet Model Masters – www.hemetmodelmasters.org
26-27 Point Mugu Air Show – with the Blue Angels
October
?3-4 Classic Pattern Contest at Pomona (Robert Fish, akmotov@pacbell.net)
2-4 Glider Festival @ Visalia, CA ( www.CVRCSoaring.com )
?3-5 Tucson Aerobatic Shootout - www.desertaircraft.com
?5 Quickie 500 Pylon races, San Gabriel RC League, Whittier Narrows Rec. Park 818-554-3517
10 Simi Valley Flyers - Fun Fly, BBQ, & Swap Meet
11 Try & Fly- Public open house - Valley Flyers – Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
?11-12 Pattern Contest at Sacramento (SAM; Frank Capone; crcfrank@sbcglobal.net)
17 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
17-18 Float Fly @ Comets - Lake Casitas – Camping, BBQ & Big Raffel
18 Combat – 4 rounds – Camarillo Flying Circus
25 Electric Fun Fly - Valley Flyers – Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
23-25Float Fly @ Visalia – Russell Pond for directions check www.CVRCSoaring.com
?23-26Giant Scale Air Races - Rabbit dry lake www.usrainfo.org
November
7 Swap Meet &Fun Fly -Valley Flyers – Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
?8-10 London Bridge Float Fly, Lake Havasu, Az. (Desert Hawks Club) www.deserthawksrc.org
14 LA Jets - Valley Flyers – Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
15 Warbird Day – Camarillo Flying Circus
20-22 Float Fly @ Comets – Club members only
21 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
22 T-28 Race @ Santa Barbara RC Modelers www.SBRCM.org
23-25 West Coast all Electric RC Event – Fly-in @ Prado Airpark, Chino, CA www.pvmac.com
?24 T-28 Day – Camarillo Flying Circus
December
6 Toys-for-Tots Fly-in – Valley Flyers – Apollo Field www.valleyflyers.com
13 Holiday party – Simi Valley Flyers
17 Comets Christmas party
19 Electric Fly (indoor) @ Simi Valley Rec Center 5005 LA Ave. @ 7:30 PM
25 Santa Claus brings new stuff to replace all the planes & engines that Murphy broke during the year.
RC Event and Miscellaneous Contact info:
CLUB OR EVENT
CONTACT
PHONE #
AVTI (Lancaster)
?Jerry Budd
(805) 943-4970
Desert Hawks (Lake Havasu) ?George Field
(928) 855-1197
Comets (Ventura County)
Ron Scott
(805) 522-5455
Condors (Camarillo)
Robert Wagner (805) 491-2222
Camarillo Flying Circus
Giant Scale Squadron
?Dave Hendrix (213) 758-2935
Las Vegas R/C Club
?Tom Hart
(702) 566-0668
Port-A-Potti Pilots (Sylmar)
Robby Hombre R/C Marathon
Corona R/C Club
(208)486-6063 Santa Barbara RC Modelers
Lloyd Gibbs
805 688-4855
SGVRCL (San Gabrial Valley) ?Jim Riccio
(310) 973-3696
The Unlimited (Torrance)
?Lesley Burnett(310) 320-8369
Torry Pines Gulls
Valley Flyers (Sepulvida)
Simi Valley Flyers
Visalia Glider Festival
Ed Hipp
Canyon Crosswinds
Wally Briggs
(661)722-0029
Santa Fe Dam R/C Modelers
(626) 821-4133
Southern Calif - Slope racing Org.
IMAC(International Min. Aerobatic Club
Riverside RC Club
Simi Indoor Electric fly
Matt Keennon
Corona RC Club Internet Web Sites
AMA Calender of events
Club Links
Gliders
Visalia Glider Club
Web Site
http://www.avti.org/
www.deserthawksrc.corg
www.vccomets.com
www.cicondors.com/
www.RobinsHobbies.com
www.sbrcm.org
www.sgvrcl.org
www.torreypinesgulls.org
www.valleyflyers.com
www.simivalleyflyers.com
www.cvrcsoaring.com
www.canyoncrosswinds.com
www.sfdrcm.com
www.socalsloperacing.com
www.mini-iac.com
www.riversidercclub.org
keennon@avinc.com
www.coronarcclub.com
http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/iacevents.aspx
www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx
www.rcsoaring.com
www.socalsloperacing.com
www.gliderking.com,
https://cvrcsoaring.wordpress.com
Electrics
www.sefsd.org
Warbirds
www.rcwarbirds.com
Model Airplane Clubs in California: http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/california-rc-airplane-clubs.html
AMA Charter Club #173
Ventura County Comets
P.O. Box 333
Ojai CA 93024-0333