District VII Report - 2005/04

District VII Report - 2005/04

District VII Website

If you haven't visited the District VII web site — www.amadistrictvii.org — you are missing something. The new site began in September 2004 with only a few registered members. From that very small number it has grown to more than 170 registered users, with many clubs having their own forums. I am very pleased with the results; the webmasters have continually outdone themselves.

Safety reminder

You have often read my preaching on good safety habits. Well, after almost 60 years without a serious incident, I have to admit I have succumbed to ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). What that means in simple terms is that I wasn't paying attention to what I was supposed to be doing.

I can tell you being smacked with a 22-inch propeller at approximately 2,000 rpm will get your attention real quick. I was adjusting the needle valves on a gas engine — as I have many times over the years — only this time I was in a hurry. The result was painful. Fortunately, I did not lose anything. I probably could have used at least six stitches, but being a former Army medic, I managed to put things together and save a trip to the emergency room — and I didn't file a claim. That's been roughly three weeks ago and there still is a little stiffness and soreness in my forefinger, but it's healing.

So, what is the point to all this? As I have said many times, safety is no accident. We must be conscious of what we are doing and what is going on around us while engaging in our hobby/sport. My incident proves it can happen to anyone at any time in a split second. Needless to say, I did suffer a lot of needling from fellow modelers.

Photo submission guidelines

Here is a reminder to all who may want to send me pictures with the articles:

• Please do not write on the back of prints; use a sticky note.
• Better yet, send me a floppy disk or a CD with the pictures on them. This is really the best way as they reproduce much better.
• Don't be concerned about spelling, unless, of course, it is a person's name.

Minnesota Valley RC — Stearns Scout Camp

Don Roemhildt from the Minnesota Valley RC club (MVRC) sent this report. Approximately every two years the club gets involved with the Boy Scouts at the Stearns Scout Camp. MVRC puts on demonstrations and introduces the Scouts to the great hobby we have. More than 1,300 Scouts and parents attend this jamboree.

MVRC members who put this show together were:

• Tom Barron
• Hal Brothers
• Mark Cater
• Terry Hartke
• Don Roemhildt

Flying Pilgrims of Canton — Annual fall fly-in

John Lane from the Flying Pilgrims of Canton, Michigan, sent in this information about the annual fall fly-in. The fly-in is typically a Big Bird event, but from the looks of the noon lineup on the 40 x 400-foot runway, it might be considered a warbird event.

There was a line of people waiting to take off. The warbirds lined up at noon for viewing. Among the models were:

• P-38
• Edge 540 (the big one)
• Extra 300
• Spitfire Mk IX

They were great-looking airplanes and it was a big turnout.

Till the next time, fly smart, fly safely, and have a good time. Bring a kid to the field.

C.A.V.U.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.