Flying Aces Club

[Mitch]

Hey Guys,

I joined this club at the beginning of the year and got my first newsletter. The next event/contest is in southern CA about a month after I am off my ship... I am planning on driving down with about 6 of my newest models (some not started yet) and enter in the WW1 class.

Here is there link...
http://www.flyingacesclub.com/

I appreciate the help and support from all of you and will keep you posted about this event.

Mitch ... Go Team Guillow"s

[Steve Blanchard]

Hey Mitch,

Welcome to the club! Do yourself a favor (If you haven't already) and download the latest rule book before you go to be sure your planes meet all of the compliance checks. You should do well in scale judging with your WWI crates. WWI is a mass launch event. Those are my favorite. Also, you can enter one or more of them into the Rubber Scale event. That is judged for scale accuracy and then flight times are recorded. Some squadrons use the 3 flight average and some are best of 3 flights. Be sure to check before you start flying. Can't wait to hear how you do!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Steve

[Mitch]

Thanks Steve,

I have not done so, but plan to review the rules and bring as many planes as I can. Too bad I did not install landing gear on my WW2 planes as some of them are trimmed out fairly well.

I have one more month on the ship and then one month at home before the event.

I am going to Staples today to scale up my 100 series Sopwith Camel and Nieport 28 to 1/14 scale.

I plan to build all the framework of the Pfalz and the and new planes aboard the ship. Bring them home for weighing, covering, and balancing.

I have a day off today so I should get started on my "to do" list

Mitch

[Steve Blanchard]

Hi Mitch,

No landing gear needed on WWII models for FAC competition. So enter your best flier in the mass launch if it's on the list of events!

Steve

[Mitch]

Thanks Steve,

I thought they needed gear... maybe thats for other contests... for display and judging?

Okay then here is the plan... 2 months to go. Just got back from Michael's with $15 of balsa. Enough for at least 3 more planes. I enlarged the 100 series Camel and Nieport 28 and reduced the 400 series Nieport 11 (Bebe...aka Baby) she will have a 21 inch ws, just slightly larger than the Dr1. I had the Firewalls of the Dr1 and Morse Scout with me, and I think the size adjustments are spot on. The Camel will have a 24" ws and the N28 will be 25"

1. I will work on the frameworks of the Pfalz and these Allied planes for the next month.
2. I will be home for a month before the event. Cover and finish the WW1 models
3. Add details to my WW2 models (Aieleron lines etc)
4. Test Fly and increase rubber in P-51, 109, and the 190
5. Plan to drive to southern CA in my truck with as many models as I can take.

I plan to take 3 days to get down to LALA land and have friends along the way I can visit. I plan to get to the Event for the first day of judging and 3 days of flying and stay for the celebration banquet... Then drive over to visit Dad in AZ, then back home... whew! Well at least thats the plan...

Mitch

[Steve Blanchard]

Mitch,

Sounds like a great plan! I think you will come back very happy that you went and wanting to go again!

Good luck and take lots of pictures.

Steve

[Mitch]

Just started reading though the rule book for FAC...

I will have to do a bit more work on my WW2 models... AND my WW1 models will need more work as well...

I am too late for early registration, but am still planning to go... I really need to get working on finishing these models... Mitch

UPDATE: I just joined AMA (required) for the event

[Mitch]

Hey Guys...

Just got in the mail my new issue of FAC News...

The inside cover has a few pics of models they say are going to be in the contest at Perris CA... I'm starting to get nervous... I hope these are the HEAVY hitters. There models are beautiful...

Thanks for your help with mine, and I will preview mine to you here before I go... Mitch

PS. After I test fly my Bf109 again and if she lands on her blue side I will install the radio antennae...

UPDATE: Something I learned from reading the magazine... Tan rubber will break at about 10x its relaxed length. One really needs to streach out the rubber when winding...that is 4 or 5 x the relaxed length before putting in the first turn! For more good info... join FAC!

[atesus]

I wanted to go WestFAC this year (was going to be my first too) but the event being a long one, and far away (OK, I'm much closer than you are ), and coinciding with NorCal Champs which is much closer and only two weekend days, I decided against doing it. Plus I have not much to fly in the hangar this year. I'm looking forward to your report though, I'd be interested to know about your experience as a first timer. Best of luck to you!

BTW, another good newsletter with tidbits of information and unique S&T plans is Mike Nassise's Tailspin. I'll dig the info tonight if there's any interest.

--Ates

[Mitch]

Just came across this picture from the WESTFAC site...

WW1 Mass Launch:


Okay... Back to work now... Mitch

[Mitch]

Hey Guys found this video and thought I would share:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EpghGssjVw

Although there are not many Guillow kits present at the last contest, everyone knows of Guillows and most who build models at least started with a Guillows Kit!

Mitch