May 2009 41
by William E. Locke
THE SITUATION THAT the Rag Tag RC Association of
Weslaco, Texas, has faced is common. We fly at an unused cropduster
field and are able do so because of the owner’s generosity
and love of aviation. We have no lease or formal agreement
regarding our use of the facility. The owner has allowed us to
mow and roll runways, erect a shelter for shade, build a portable
toilet, provide concrete boxes as tables, and establish a flightline.
When the aluminum-pipe-and-nylon-mesh shelter proved to be
inadequate as protection from the southern Texas summer sun, our
club discussed plans for a larger shelter with the owner. He was
Half of the roof is in place on the completed structure. Notice the
cables used on each side of the canvas. The two aluminum light
poles—a bonus find—make great poles for flags and/or a wind sock.
The basic structure with the gin pole in place. Plans are for a 20 x
40-foot shelter. A portable generator and tool trailer are in the
background.
Club members employed block
and tackle systems to erect the
shelter. Poles are guided into
place with ropes at each end. The
upper structure requires the use
of a safety belt, for the worker to
be able to drill and bolt the poles
in place while straddling a pole.
An RC club’s flying site shelter
suits a common lend/
lease condition
& FLYING FIELDS
F i n d i n g K e e p i n g
Photos courtesy the Rag Tag RC Association
(Mobile Aeromodeler’s Safe House)
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 10:49 AM Page 41
42 MODEL AVIATION
A full-size pickup truck was used as power for all hoisting. Both the truck and rope proved
to be plenty strong enough. Coordination between the truck driver and the hoisting
supervisor was crucial.
When possible, poles were drilled and fastened from a ladder or the back of a truck.
Block and tackle was used to hold poles in place until secured. Heavy tools were
suspended from ropes when needed for the upper structure.
Complex tools were unnecessary, as shown in the process of fastening the poles together.
This required long bolts, long wood drill bits, and a heavy-duty electric drill. Notice the
depth of the notching.
not as concerned about the size of the
proposed shelter as he was about the
requirement that it was temporary, so
we could move or remove any
structures placed on his land if
ownership changed.
A new member of our club became
the architect, construction engineer,
and foreman of the building project. He
is employed by a power company, and
he had experience in using old utility
poles as the basic structural material
for erecting a large shelter for another
model aircraft club to which he
belongs.
As a model airplane builder, it was
easy for him to make a scale
representation of an A-frame-style
structure. He would utilize old poles
bolted together to produce a 20 x 40-
foot building that would sit on the
ground rather than be anchored in the
ground; thus it could be moved or
disassembled.
The concept, which the model made
clear, was endorsed by the owner, and
the project went forward. However, it
did so with a few club members’
skepticism.
Building the Rig: The acquisition of
the basic materials (old utility poles) is
not as difficult as might be expected.
As highways are widened and new
poles are installed, the old poles must
be pulled out of the ground and trucked
away. Although the power company
may refurbish some of them, it is a
relatively costly process and may not
be cost-effective.
Some companies look for ways to
dispose of the old poles. Therefore,
they might provide the poles free of
charge if you ask. If your field is close
to a route that is taken in transporting
the poles from the point of removal to
the company storage yard, the
company may even bring the poles to
your field.
A word of caution is appropriate
here. The poles are treated with
chemicals, to prevent deterioration by
rot and insects. Handle them with care
and protect yourself from airborne dust
particles that arise from the wood.
After collecting the lumber that you
will recycle, the structural layout will
dictate the lengths to which the poles
should be cut and where they need to
be notched. Do the sizing and notching
with a chain saw and an ax.
Erecting the frame requires not only
a team that works together with care
and forethought, but also a leader who
has some experience with hoisting
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 11:30 AM Page 42
May 2009 43
Notching was performed with a chain saw and ax. A three-member team was a good
size to coordinate, but many tasks involved two teams. This project called for plenty of
rope!
The basic setup: gin pole, block and tackle, and utility poles. The poles are laid out on the
ground for notching before they are raised into place.
With the gin pole in place, a block and tackle was used to erect the main supports. The
longest poles (40 feet) were used for the base, which rests on the ground. The existing
shelter (10 x 20 feet) is in the background.
heavy objects. A utility lineman,
heavy-equipment operator, and/or
construction foreman would be a good
choice.
In the absence of a crane or powerlifting
equipment, a gin pole and block
and tackle system are used to lift the
wood and put it in place. The person or
people who climb the poles to bolt the
members in the proper locations should
use safety belts and have wellinstructed
ground personnel.
The accompanying photographs
show construction progress, the old
shelter, and the use of indoor/outdoor
carpet to cover the lower portion of the
four support poles, to prevent contact
with possible toxic substances on the
wood.
Once the framework is completed,
the selection of roofing depends on
such factors as cost and locally
available materials. We decided to use
canvas, and that was the only
substantial expense incurred in building
the shelter.
Because of the wind’s impact on the
canvas tarp, grommets were installed
every 6 inches and nylon ropes were
used to limit the ballooning effect. The
roofing was the only maintenance
requirement.
At the time of this writing, it has
taken a crew of four or five club
members approximately eight
weekends to build the shelter. Wind
conditions will dictate the time
required to complete the roofing.
This system is versatile and can be
adapted to suit almost any condition or
imagination. The KISS principle (Keep
It Simple, Stupid) is probably the best
philosophy to employ, but there’s no
reason to think that such a structure
can’t be improved upon or modified.
Whatever you do, be sure to put safety
first.
With land at a premium these days,
field locations are gained and lost
almost overnight. This type of shelter
can be built at a minimum cost to a
club and be an asset that is transferable.
Be sure to check with the property
owner or management before
considering such a project, and the
local town officials should be consulted
regarding zoning and building-code
information. MA
William E. Locke
Rag Tag RC Association
secretary-treasurer
1501 S. Airport Dr. #214
Weslaco TX 78596
[email protected]
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 10:59 AM Page 43
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/05
Page Numbers: 41,42,43
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/05
Page Numbers: 41,42,43
May 2009 41
by William E. Locke
THE SITUATION THAT the Rag Tag RC Association of
Weslaco, Texas, has faced is common. We fly at an unused cropduster
field and are able do so because of the owner’s generosity
and love of aviation. We have no lease or formal agreement
regarding our use of the facility. The owner has allowed us to
mow and roll runways, erect a shelter for shade, build a portable
toilet, provide concrete boxes as tables, and establish a flightline.
When the aluminum-pipe-and-nylon-mesh shelter proved to be
inadequate as protection from the southern Texas summer sun, our
club discussed plans for a larger shelter with the owner. He was
Half of the roof is in place on the completed structure. Notice the
cables used on each side of the canvas. The two aluminum light
poles—a bonus find—make great poles for flags and/or a wind sock.
The basic structure with the gin pole in place. Plans are for a 20 x
40-foot shelter. A portable generator and tool trailer are in the
background.
Club members employed block
and tackle systems to erect the
shelter. Poles are guided into
place with ropes at each end. The
upper structure requires the use
of a safety belt, for the worker to
be able to drill and bolt the poles
in place while straddling a pole.
An RC club’s flying site shelter
suits a common lend/
lease condition
& FLYING FIELDS
F i n d i n g K e e p i n g
Photos courtesy the Rag Tag RC Association
(Mobile Aeromodeler’s Safe House)
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 10:49 AM Page 41
42 MODEL AVIATION
A full-size pickup truck was used as power for all hoisting. Both the truck and rope proved
to be plenty strong enough. Coordination between the truck driver and the hoisting
supervisor was crucial.
When possible, poles were drilled and fastened from a ladder or the back of a truck.
Block and tackle was used to hold poles in place until secured. Heavy tools were
suspended from ropes when needed for the upper structure.
Complex tools were unnecessary, as shown in the process of fastening the poles together.
This required long bolts, long wood drill bits, and a heavy-duty electric drill. Notice the
depth of the notching.
not as concerned about the size of the
proposed shelter as he was about the
requirement that it was temporary, so
we could move or remove any
structures placed on his land if
ownership changed.
A new member of our club became
the architect, construction engineer,
and foreman of the building project. He
is employed by a power company, and
he had experience in using old utility
poles as the basic structural material
for erecting a large shelter for another
model aircraft club to which he
belongs.
As a model airplane builder, it was
easy for him to make a scale
representation of an A-frame-style
structure. He would utilize old poles
bolted together to produce a 20 x 40-
foot building that would sit on the
ground rather than be anchored in the
ground; thus it could be moved or
disassembled.
The concept, which the model made
clear, was endorsed by the owner, and
the project went forward. However, it
did so with a few club members’
skepticism.
Building the Rig: The acquisition of
the basic materials (old utility poles) is
not as difficult as might be expected.
As highways are widened and new
poles are installed, the old poles must
be pulled out of the ground and trucked
away. Although the power company
may refurbish some of them, it is a
relatively costly process and may not
be cost-effective.
Some companies look for ways to
dispose of the old poles. Therefore,
they might provide the poles free of
charge if you ask. If your field is close
to a route that is taken in transporting
the poles from the point of removal to
the company storage yard, the
company may even bring the poles to
your field.
A word of caution is appropriate
here. The poles are treated with
chemicals, to prevent deterioration by
rot and insects. Handle them with care
and protect yourself from airborne dust
particles that arise from the wood.
After collecting the lumber that you
will recycle, the structural layout will
dictate the lengths to which the poles
should be cut and where they need to
be notched. Do the sizing and notching
with a chain saw and an ax.
Erecting the frame requires not only
a team that works together with care
and forethought, but also a leader who
has some experience with hoisting
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 11:30 AM Page 42
May 2009 43
Notching was performed with a chain saw and ax. A three-member team was a good
size to coordinate, but many tasks involved two teams. This project called for plenty of
rope!
The basic setup: gin pole, block and tackle, and utility poles. The poles are laid out on the
ground for notching before they are raised into place.
With the gin pole in place, a block and tackle was used to erect the main supports. The
longest poles (40 feet) were used for the base, which rests on the ground. The existing
shelter (10 x 20 feet) is in the background.
heavy objects. A utility lineman,
heavy-equipment operator, and/or
construction foreman would be a good
choice.
In the absence of a crane or powerlifting
equipment, a gin pole and block
and tackle system are used to lift the
wood and put it in place. The person or
people who climb the poles to bolt the
members in the proper locations should
use safety belts and have wellinstructed
ground personnel.
The accompanying photographs
show construction progress, the old
shelter, and the use of indoor/outdoor
carpet to cover the lower portion of the
four support poles, to prevent contact
with possible toxic substances on the
wood.
Once the framework is completed,
the selection of roofing depends on
such factors as cost and locally
available materials. We decided to use
canvas, and that was the only
substantial expense incurred in building
the shelter.
Because of the wind’s impact on the
canvas tarp, grommets were installed
every 6 inches and nylon ropes were
used to limit the ballooning effect. The
roofing was the only maintenance
requirement.
At the time of this writing, it has
taken a crew of four or five club
members approximately eight
weekends to build the shelter. Wind
conditions will dictate the time
required to complete the roofing.
This system is versatile and can be
adapted to suit almost any condition or
imagination. The KISS principle (Keep
It Simple, Stupid) is probably the best
philosophy to employ, but there’s no
reason to think that such a structure
can’t be improved upon or modified.
Whatever you do, be sure to put safety
first.
With land at a premium these days,
field locations are gained and lost
almost overnight. This type of shelter
can be built at a minimum cost to a
club and be an asset that is transferable.
Be sure to check with the property
owner or management before
considering such a project, and the
local town officials should be consulted
regarding zoning and building-code
information. MA
William E. Locke
Rag Tag RC Association
secretary-treasurer
1501 S. Airport Dr. #214
Weslaco TX 78596
[email protected]
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 10:59 AM Page 43
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/05
Page Numbers: 41,42,43
May 2009 41
by William E. Locke
THE SITUATION THAT the Rag Tag RC Association of
Weslaco, Texas, has faced is common. We fly at an unused cropduster
field and are able do so because of the owner’s generosity
and love of aviation. We have no lease or formal agreement
regarding our use of the facility. The owner has allowed us to
mow and roll runways, erect a shelter for shade, build a portable
toilet, provide concrete boxes as tables, and establish a flightline.
When the aluminum-pipe-and-nylon-mesh shelter proved to be
inadequate as protection from the southern Texas summer sun, our
club discussed plans for a larger shelter with the owner. He was
Half of the roof is in place on the completed structure. Notice the
cables used on each side of the canvas. The two aluminum light
poles—a bonus find—make great poles for flags and/or a wind sock.
The basic structure with the gin pole in place. Plans are for a 20 x
40-foot shelter. A portable generator and tool trailer are in the
background.
Club members employed block
and tackle systems to erect the
shelter. Poles are guided into
place with ropes at each end. The
upper structure requires the use
of a safety belt, for the worker to
be able to drill and bolt the poles
in place while straddling a pole.
An RC club’s flying site shelter
suits a common lend/
lease condition
& FLYING FIELDS
F i n d i n g K e e p i n g
Photos courtesy the Rag Tag RC Association
(Mobile Aeromodeler’s Safe House)
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 10:49 AM Page 41
42 MODEL AVIATION
A full-size pickup truck was used as power for all hoisting. Both the truck and rope proved
to be plenty strong enough. Coordination between the truck driver and the hoisting
supervisor was crucial.
When possible, poles were drilled and fastened from a ladder or the back of a truck.
Block and tackle was used to hold poles in place until secured. Heavy tools were
suspended from ropes when needed for the upper structure.
Complex tools were unnecessary, as shown in the process of fastening the poles together.
This required long bolts, long wood drill bits, and a heavy-duty electric drill. Notice the
depth of the notching.
not as concerned about the size of the
proposed shelter as he was about the
requirement that it was temporary, so
we could move or remove any
structures placed on his land if
ownership changed.
A new member of our club became
the architect, construction engineer,
and foreman of the building project. He
is employed by a power company, and
he had experience in using old utility
poles as the basic structural material
for erecting a large shelter for another
model aircraft club to which he
belongs.
As a model airplane builder, it was
easy for him to make a scale
representation of an A-frame-style
structure. He would utilize old poles
bolted together to produce a 20 x 40-
foot building that would sit on the
ground rather than be anchored in the
ground; thus it could be moved or
disassembled.
The concept, which the model made
clear, was endorsed by the owner, and
the project went forward. However, it
did so with a few club members’
skepticism.
Building the Rig: The acquisition of
the basic materials (old utility poles) is
not as difficult as might be expected.
As highways are widened and new
poles are installed, the old poles must
be pulled out of the ground and trucked
away. Although the power company
may refurbish some of them, it is a
relatively costly process and may not
be cost-effective.
Some companies look for ways to
dispose of the old poles. Therefore,
they might provide the poles free of
charge if you ask. If your field is close
to a route that is taken in transporting
the poles from the point of removal to
the company storage yard, the
company may even bring the poles to
your field.
A word of caution is appropriate
here. The poles are treated with
chemicals, to prevent deterioration by
rot and insects. Handle them with care
and protect yourself from airborne dust
particles that arise from the wood.
After collecting the lumber that you
will recycle, the structural layout will
dictate the lengths to which the poles
should be cut and where they need to
be notched. Do the sizing and notching
with a chain saw and an ax.
Erecting the frame requires not only
a team that works together with care
and forethought, but also a leader who
has some experience with hoisting
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 11:30 AM Page 42
May 2009 43
Notching was performed with a chain saw and ax. A three-member team was a good
size to coordinate, but many tasks involved two teams. This project called for plenty of
rope!
The basic setup: gin pole, block and tackle, and utility poles. The poles are laid out on the
ground for notching before they are raised into place.
With the gin pole in place, a block and tackle was used to erect the main supports. The
longest poles (40 feet) were used for the base, which rests on the ground. The existing
shelter (10 x 20 feet) is in the background.
heavy objects. A utility lineman,
heavy-equipment operator, and/or
construction foreman would be a good
choice.
In the absence of a crane or powerlifting
equipment, a gin pole and block
and tackle system are used to lift the
wood and put it in place. The person or
people who climb the poles to bolt the
members in the proper locations should
use safety belts and have wellinstructed
ground personnel.
The accompanying photographs
show construction progress, the old
shelter, and the use of indoor/outdoor
carpet to cover the lower portion of the
four support poles, to prevent contact
with possible toxic substances on the
wood.
Once the framework is completed,
the selection of roofing depends on
such factors as cost and locally
available materials. We decided to use
canvas, and that was the only
substantial expense incurred in building
the shelter.
Because of the wind’s impact on the
canvas tarp, grommets were installed
every 6 inches and nylon ropes were
used to limit the ballooning effect. The
roofing was the only maintenance
requirement.
At the time of this writing, it has
taken a crew of four or five club
members approximately eight
weekends to build the shelter. Wind
conditions will dictate the time
required to complete the roofing.
This system is versatile and can be
adapted to suit almost any condition or
imagination. The KISS principle (Keep
It Simple, Stupid) is probably the best
philosophy to employ, but there’s no
reason to think that such a structure
can’t be improved upon or modified.
Whatever you do, be sure to put safety
first.
With land at a premium these days,
field locations are gained and lost
almost overnight. This type of shelter
can be built at a minimum cost to a
club and be an asset that is transferable.
Be sure to check with the property
owner or management before
considering such a project, and the
local town officials should be consulted
regarding zoning and building-code
information. MA
William E. Locke
Rag Tag RC Association
secretary-treasurer
1501 S. Airport Dr. #214
Weslaco TX 78596
[email protected]
05sig2.QXD 3/25/09 10:59 AM Page 43
