2 Mustangs in 2 Weeks

[Mitch]

ALL my models flew in Denver. All my model crashed in Denver. My little PT-17 came out without a scratch. The other models will be repaired and go back into service soon!

Mitch

PS: I think "Battle Scars" on my models gives them character!

[Wildpig]

Being consistent is a good ingredient for winning.

You had a great time. I'd like to participate in a big flying event like that, some day.

[Phugoid]

Well done mitch, I agree about the battle scars!

Andrew

[duk774]

"Battle Scars"... I like that!
Hope you had fun though.
I imagine I'll have my share of battle scars to brag about...all pilots do.
Just curious...how many were at the event? How many in your category?

Bill

[Mitch]

Do as I say... Not as I do! I made my fair share of mistakes and took short cuts. I was on a very tight timeline... blah blah blah...excuses. But I learned more and had a great time and my friends were happy I was there!

This was a local event for the Magnificent Mountain Men Flying Club. If you goggle search it you will see. It was mostly high flying gas powered endurance models (not my cup of tea) with an FAC contest for Scale Models and Rubber Endurance models thrown in... Now you talking! That's what I like. The overall CD (contest director) was my friend Don DeLoach who loves Rubber Scale... and he was the guy I beat at Perris, CA. (He lost his plane and did not make the second round)

At the dinner there were 25-30 chairs. I think everyone came to the diner. For scale there were about 6 or 8 contestants. I wish I had more models ready as they did NOT fly the Racer event as there were only 2 entries. I COULD HAVE BEEN GUARANTEED a THIRD PLACE!

The low wing trainer and WW2 event were the fullest at about 6 or 7 entries.

I just got home so give me a little time to post some pictures. I will post them on the "gathers no dust" thread. Mitch

PS: The Mustang flew very well during trim flights. She will get a new tail, and I need to adjust her Prop/Power set up and I think she will be a contender!

[Mitch]

Hey Guys, here are a few pictures from the contest:


I made up a little folder for the 109, the P-51 just had a 2 sheets I printed at the motel 1: a three view and 2: a color scheme


The P-51 getting judged


The P-51 at the field. Note: I flew w/o the spinner. I added trim tabs to wing and elevator and rudder. I adjusted the thust to the right with a stip of bamboo under the nose button. This worked well for trim flights, but I only did trim flights at half power.


Another view in the stooge. I used Tom's stooge for test winding!
The tail was destroyed during the "Combat Mission" I will replace and do not think I need trim tabs on tail.

Mitch

PS These are pictures I took, I have some more of the contest that Wayne took... will post latter.

[davidchoate]

i bult the guillows p-51 402. it was my 2nd model after the 505 me 109. the laser cut kits assemble quicker, and they seem to have better wood. those both i made exactly to plan. i only flew the p-51, but it did ok. i didnt time it , or anything, but it was alot lighter than i thought it would be. that was 2 yrs ago. i have bult 3 others since, but now im hooked on converting them to RC. a few wks ago i got the old me 109 plan out of the box and am now doing an RC one from scratch. this forum has been alot of help with it. thanks.

[Mitch]

Thanks Dave,
I post what I build and learn here to give back to Guillow's and you fellow modelers all the enjoyment I have received from building these kits over the years...

Just received this in an email from FAC member:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc ... 5a2c#gid=0

I hope this will help you guys that fly with rubber motors!

Mitch

[Mitch]

Here are the Pictures that Wayne took, my friend Fred is my "Mechanic and Timer"

We got our instructions and waiting for the order to start winding.

"Start Winding, you have 2 minutes"


Here is where I first realize a problem. I have MORE power than I ever handled. I could NOT hold the rubber and wish I had a pin to hold the CROCKET hook. That is why the crocket hook has 2 holes! I know I still have time and I move the winder to the back hole so I can hold this beast and hook the prop to the front hole!


Here I am finishing seting up the propeller.


Now another problem... I see the power of the motor will easily turn my entire nose piece. I get set and hope for the best.


The order is given "1,2,3,launch"... and away they go...


For the first moment things look good, but as other planes fly skyward, mine just rumbles and shakes and flies straight forward.


I was the first one eliminated. I recover my plane and think... "I'll be ready next time!"

Mitch

[Wildpig]

Initially, your airplane appears to be doing better than the guy's plane to your right.

Nice flying field.

[Mitch]

The Flying Field is 5 miles by 7 miles. An old Artillery Range. Most guys had MC's to recover there endurance models.

You are absolutely right. I had high expectations for Miss Scarlet, but knew I had an issue with the nose block. I was hoping for the best. She went zooming off straight ahead. Shacking under the load of that powerful engine... and slipping nose piece. I was hoping she would climb away and turn to the left, but she kept shuddering and shaking and then dove in to the ground veering to the RIGHT! Almost hit the CD!

My friend Fred appreciated the building and effort that we all do. He builds wonderful plastic models. (Museum Quality) His friend Wayne flew R/C years ago and was very interested in what we do!

Here are a few pictures from the trip home:

Fred lives in the mountains and I flew my little PT-19 in a park where he says his "Air Hog" does not fly (too high altitude) proving the "Balsa Flies Better"

Here is a shot of one corner in Fred's house... Battle of Midway:


In the small town of Hudson (near Denver) there is a WW1 museum:


Here is the owner, Andy, Third generation owner with one of his feline friends:

He saw my enthusiasm about the planes and let me get into the cockpit of the D-7!


On the way home I went to other museums and bought a raffle ticket for this little Blue Convertible:


I think if I win it I will donate it back to the museum. I don't have room in my garage, and I CAN NOT take away room for my GUILLOW MODELS!

Mitch

[Mitch]

Hey Guys,

I got my new issue of FAC news in the mail, and at the same time a letter from Don DeLoach from Colorado.

As per my request he sent me the score cards for my 2 Guillow models that went though inspection...I felt like a kid getting my report card in the mail. My result will NOT be posted in the FAC as the models did not fly the minimum time. But I asked Don for these Judging Sheets so I know how my models rank up against others!

There are 3 categories:
1 Construction and Details, maximum 30
2 Coloring and Markings, maximum 20
3 Workmanship, maximum 12.5

A perfect score would be 62.5, then you have to fly the model and add the best 3 of 6 flights for your final score.

Here is are the models again so you do not have to scroll back:

Here are my scores:

Me 109

1. 28 out of 30
2. 17 out of 20
3. 12.5 of 12.5

Total 57.5

P-51

1. 21 out of 30
2. 13 out of 20
3. 9 out of 12.5

Total 43

I am very pleased with my scores. Remember, I built the Me-109 in about 2 weeks, then spent another week on details. The P-51 was NOT intended to be judged, went from box to competition in less than 2 weeks.

I need to work on my Motor / Prop / Thrust set up and get better flight times and then... If I do not win, at least I will get in the record books!

Keep Building, Keep Flying, Keep Having Fun like a 10 year old! Mitch

PS I plan to continue to enter these models in FAC competition. The Me 109 will be getting a new wing and new cowling. The P-51 will be getting a new tail and adjustment to the nose block! Keep them flying and Keep the dust OFF!