On September 13-14, 2014, the Prince Georges Radio Control (PGRC) club in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, held its 22nd annual Giant Scale Fly-In. Like last year, the warbird event was combined with the Giant Scale event into a single gathering.
Day one was met with rain in the forecast, but thankfully it held off until early afternoon, allowing for some good flying and an opportunity for fliers and spectators to make new friends. Cub Scout Pack 731 showed up and the boys were thrilled with the variety of airplanes.
One of the notable airplanes was a Hangar 9 P-47 owned by Ed Lane and piloted by Archie Stafford. The pilots were delighted with the inclusive portraits that were printed on the spot of them posing with their favorite model.
Sunday brought clear skies and light winds. Rick Greer brought out his Bob Violett KingCat powered by a 160 JetCat in full military scheme. Not to be outdone, Basil Roper made some smoke-on passes with his K-170 turbine-powered MB-339. Near the middle of the day, Neil Wesdorp dazzled the estimated 600 spectators with his freestyle routine flying his Hangar 9 Extra 300.
Probably one of the most impressive airplanes was a 110-inch Skymaster A-10 Warthog owned and flown by Kwnag Ko from Chantilly, Virginia. The aircraft features twin JetCat 120 turbines with simulated turbo fans that rotate, a working canopy, scale flaps and decelerons, and scale retracts and doors. Words can’t convey the detail work put into this project.
With a larger-than-life facility, PGRC plans to host many events this year, including an annual open house. Be sure to check your calendar for next year’s Big Bird/Warbird Fly-In. It’s getting bigger every year.
—Dave Deacon
PGRC President
Congratulations to James Taylor, fondly known as JT, for receiving the Carl and Beth Goldberg Vital People Award. JT is a member of the Raleigh Aero Masters in Raleigh, North Carolina.
This award is presented annually to a fellow modeler whose efforts enhance the enjoyment of the hobby and whose accomplishments are seldom formally acknowledged. JT is one such fellow. Here is a comment from a member in his club.
“JT is one of the most humble, knowledgeable, friendly RC-loving individuals we have ever met. He is a true ambassador to the RC flying sport/hobby.”
It’s hard to know exactly where the website development will be when you read this in March. (I’m writing it on New Year’s Day. Got to get used to that.) We have several talented volunteers to help with the website, creating the district Communications Committee, and we will have begun the design in January.
More up-to-date information will be sent out via email through the DISTRICT IV NEWS on items of interest to our community. Look for the announcement that we have a district Facebook page and be sure to friend us.
The district is gearing up for a great flying season. Seek out me or any of the AVPs as we attend your events and meetings. We are there to ensure you are getting the most out of your membership, so ask questions and give us your comments. We represent you.
CDs and clubs, be sure to submit event reports to me so I can let the rest of the district hear about it in this column.
Go fly and have fun safely.
