Flying Site Assistance - 2004/01
MANY YEARS AGO, as I was preparing to depart for my first
year of college, a longtime friend and advisor made the comment
that “... it is easier to get into college than it is to stay in college.”
Foam Carver
Since Day One I always used balsa, plywood, and basswood selectively when I built models; only recently did I become interested in using foam. I learned how to work it using a band saw, the hot-wire method, sanding by hand or power, etc. All of these ways were just fine, but they were all for straight lines; curves can be cut, but only in straight-line fashion. When it came to carving, I just was not able to find a way to carve or shape reasonably, because of the foam pellets dislodging. So I conceived and designed the Carver. It is really a simple device, and quite inexpensive to build. It employs the hotwire process, but in a form that allows one to carve foam, leaving a nice surface finish that can be final-sized with fine sandpaper.
Compact Field Box
It is always a challenge to carry the minimum amount of equipment, and at the same time satisfy your needs; try traveling a week with just an attache case for luggage, as I did for years during my travels while gainfully employed. We lug a gallon of fuel to the field, and end up lugging most of it back after flying. I find that most fliers do not use a quart of fuel during a flying session; why carry a gallon? Why not carry a quart of fuel in the field box and a quart or two in the trunk of your car? It is a great way to test different types of fuel for performance comparisons.
Master Puddle
We don't lack flying fields: three-fourths of the earth's surface is an RC flying field. With Electric power, you can fly anywhere there is water, as it is quiet. You could conceivably fly from any local golf course pond. Since I had never flown seaplanes, I acquired an ARF (almost-ready-to-fly) Lanier Sea Bird-the quickest way to get involved. I flew it powered with a Fox .40 glow engine and was immediately hooked on seaplanes. Shortly thereafter, at the KRC Electric Fly, I learned of the Ace R/C Electric-powered Puddle Master-a very fine model kit that is well designed, and very complete. Further interest in Electric models resulted in the inspiration for the Master Puddle: a Besharized creation.
The White Electrician
WHEN I SAW the RC Combat model built by Svetlana Filippova of Russia, I was so motivated that I began developing the White Electrician. I have never actively participated in control line flying, but I have always been intrigued by the extended wing-to-tail configurations flown in control line combat. When I saw Svetlana's RC Combat version, I immediately recognized the resemblance to the typical control line combat model, furthering my inspiration with imagination as to its potential in Electric aerobatics.
