If there is a Disneyland for RC enthusiasts, Triple Tree Aerodrome is the place and Joe Nall Week is the event. Although I wasn’t at the first Joe Nall Week, held in Woodruff, South Carolina, I have been going long enough to remember when there was a single flightline. Now there is a main line, a 3-D flightline, a helicopter line, an electric flightline, a CL area, and more! Every year there are new additions to the grounds, and this year is no different.
The folks at Triple Tree have been working hard to make the 2014 event even better. Gates will open at 5 p.m. on May 9 and run through May 17. I talked with Rob Traynham, the official spokesperson for Triple Tree. He reviewed all of the new additions that we can look forward to this year. This is what he had to say:
For those of you who have been to Joe Nall Week, you know that this is the highlight, the most awesome, the most fun event each year. For those of you who haven’t been, well, you’ve only been missing the best model airplane event of the year!
To say that the Triple Tree Aerodrome grounds are “nice” is similar to saying that a Boeing 747 is “cute.” Words cannot describe the beauty of the rolling green hills, the trees, the facilities, and the ideal model-flying venues. The main flightline runway is gorgeous. Its bentgrass surface is more than 400 feet wide! Length is not a problem either—the runway serving model and full-scale aircraft is more than 7,000 feet long! Unrivaled camping, fishing, hiking, dining, and bathhouse facilities are also provided.
Each year, the event’s crew tries to offer new and exciting things to make sure Triple Tree is remembered as the “Home of Fun, Fellowship, and Hospitality.” This year will be no different. The crew has been working hard to bring you an even better Triple Tree experience. Let’s review some of the new and exciting additions.
Last year, three new CL circles were installed. These were a big hit, and more than 600 people (of all ages) either discovered or rediscovered the joy of experiencing CL flying. This year, we are improving this CL area by building another Triple Tree gazebo. This will provide shade and protection for models and should be a welcome addition.
As the event has grown, so has the demand for camping spots. This year, 15 additional acres have been cleared, leveled, and planted with grass. These sites are located between the Enoree River and the lower bathhouse. These campsites may be some of the most beautiful on the property. If you already have a favorite spot, you may want to check out these before settling in!
Near this freshly cleared camping area is a new pond. This pond improves drainage in the area and will likely be a favorite for camping and photos. The drainage project will ensure that the lower end remains dry when we have the inevitable spring showers.
For every pond there must be a bridge. At Triple Tree, there are two! The staff and volunteers have constructed two bridges to cross the new pond. One goes to an island, while the other provides an easy crossing from the camping area to the bathhouse. Both are replicas of the bridge at Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, France.
Triple Tree’s overall mission is “to ignite and expand the passion for aviation.” To this end, we have been hosting school children for half-day classes that apply to their current studies, but also cater to their dreams and aspirations. These classes have an aviation theme, but include life lessons. They have been well received by students, teachers, and parents.
During our big events each year, training seminars are held to educate RC and full-scale pilots about various subjects. At Triple Tree, we feel that education is an important element of igniting and expanding our passion for all things that fly.
Although we have been successful in our start-up phase of the Triple Tree educational function, we have struggled with the lack of a dedicated facility—one that has good HVAC, great presentation equipment, and a satisfactory educational environment.
Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we at Triple Tree are excited and proud to announce that in the near future, construction will begin on a dedicated Triple Tree Learning Center. The learning center will be ready for Joe Nall Week 2015 and will be utilized for classes, seminars, and multiple other uses where classroom space is needed.
Triple Tree always needs volunteers to help with the ever-expanding events and keeping things running. Here are ways you can help:
• Transportation: bus driving
• Food and entertainment, especially on barbecue night
• RC flightline safety
• Parking, ropes, and signs
• General assistance
If you’d like to help, email Rob Traynham at [email protected].
It was great talking with Rob and learning about exciting things to look forward to at Joe Nall Week this year.
If you haven’t been to Joe Nall Week, then I will tell you what I tell everyone who is into RC: you have to go! I don’t care what expectations you might have—they will be shattered by the reality of the event. The people, the airplanes, the grounds, and the general vibe of the gathering will blow your hat off! I guarantee!