Guillows flying club in west Michigan?

[hunterdude]

I know this is not a build related question, if it is not a desired post I will remove? I read the Don Ross FF books this winter and was inspired to take up my childhood hobby again! I had hope to find a local club to fly with on the western half of Michigan...so far I am only finding Free flight clubs near Detroit. My interests are...duration flying...sport flying and WWII fighters...any thoughts would be welcomed.

[Wildpig]

I"m sure you've checked the Flying Aces Club? Also, AMA has a list of clubs.
It's kind of an esoteric hobby but, you probably already knew that.

[hunterdude]

I will have to see if flying aces has a squadron in my area....I do not know a single person that flys FF rubber in my area...hope to attend a contest or two in Muncie Indiana this summer.

[zoomie]

I don't know how much closer to you it would be, but there is/was a rubber power FF club in Indiana on the south tip of Lake Michigan (east of Chicago). They had the word "Calumet" in their name.

There might be FAC Squadrons in NW part of Ohio, but not sure if that would be too far away for you.


zoomie

[hunterdude]

Calumet is 176 miles away....like most I will probably fly solo and attend the occasional contest....I may post flyers at my local hobby shop and attempt to start my own small informal flying club

[hunterdude]

Does anyone plan to attend the contest in Muncie Indiana this coming weekend? I do not have a plane ready to enter at the moment but if the weather looks decent I may travel to my first contest to see how the events are set up...hopefully see some nice models and watch the Pro's fly and trim them!

[cliffm]

Have you checked out some of the contests on you tube. You may find some clues there!

[Mitch]

I am NOT going, but I have traveled pretty far to go to the Nationals. I see this is a LOCAL annual event. I do not know how many flyers will be there, but I would say it would be a GREAT experience for you to go. If it is not too far and you are able, I would say GO! Mitch

PS I have NOT flown with my local squadron yet, but its getting close...This last w/e was miniature war gaming (Enfliade) Next w/e is a train show ( HO modular) after that I have one more w/e before going back to sea. I hope to have my new Me109 flying before then!

[hunterdude]

It is about a 3 1/2 to 4 hour drive for me...if I rush I could get a P-30 ready...but I hate to rush, I am a Slow builder. I will watch the weather and if no rain storms or driving wind I plan to attend, I will bring a stop watch and offer to time and or pit crew in hopes of rubbing shoulders with some talented builder/ flyers. I also need to gather some rules for the different category's and perhaps score a set of blast tubes or at least see what others are using as well as field equipment. It will be a fun fact finding mission for sure.

[Mitch]

I will not tell anyone what to do but here are my 'suggestions' and what I have come to know...

Do not rush any build. Enjoy your builds and take your time.
P-30 is an AMA event NOT an FAC event.
The flyers will have stop watches, but if you have one you can bring one.
I expect everyone will be friendly and helpful.
You can get 'blast tubes' at a local pet store in there 'fish tank' supplies.
Not every event will have vendors selling stuff.
To fly at an event you MUST belong to AMA.

Do you know the categories they are flying. If not I will contact the CD for you or give you his info.

Mitch

UPDATE: I just went to the FAC website and printed the Flight List...

They have 2 mass launches on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. Those are very nice to watch. If anyone goes to the FAC website they can see the list. You do NOT have to be a member. If you have any questions of what's what I will let you know or will find out.

Mitch

UPDATE (AGAIN): Here's the link to the event flyer

http://www.flyingacesclub.com/14mccook.pdf

WOW... I'm getting more computer savvy every day!

[hunterdude]

Mitch, thanks a ton for the contest tips...I especially like the blast tube tip!! I am going for sure now unless the weather gets real bad. I feel like a kid again, I can't wait to go

[Mitch]

That's why I'm here... to help people and spread the word. You will see that there are very few contests that a Guillow model can fly in. Looking at the flyer now... let's see:

FAC Rubber Scale: That is just a general category (Rubber power) Scale model : Guillow's okay
FAC Modern Civilian Scale: My choice would be the 300 series Porter or Beaver
WW 1 Combat: Guillow's 200 series models will NOT be competitive
WW 2 Combat: This is an area where we stand a chance: My choice 400 series (Modified) I have flown the P-51, Zero, and Me 109 in FAC Combat!

ALL other categories are specialized and Guillow's does not make models that fit into those categories. There are other companies that make contest model kits or FAC'ers scratch build there own models. (That is beyond the scope of this forum)

Actually I was planning on building DPC models SRK of the old 100 series for WW 1 mass launch, but right now I have too many things going on.

DPCModels makes an SRK (short run kit). For WW 1, I would choose an SE5a or Fokker D7. So if you like the old 100 series they are available (ALL 12) for 18 dollars from DPCModels. Copyright from Guillow's is expired. SRK provides laser cut parts, and plastic parts where necessary. Builder provides plans, covering material and power plant. Plans are available over the internet or I could copy mine and send you copies!

DO NOT SPEND BIG BUCKS ON THE ORIGINAL 100 series FROM EBAY!

Mitch

[hunterdude]

I have several 400 series unbuilt kits in stock...including 2 me-109's. I will be studying your threads as this is a model I want to focus on. The other events I want to observe to see what event appeals to me. It looks like they have a contest at this field every 30 to 60 days all summer so I will have time to build and trim a model for the next event

[Mitch]

Okay. I am starting to get decent flights with my 109's. The challenge here is ALL 109's are at a disadvantage because of the small wing area.... So, I build to the extended wing, Guillow gives you the option. Follow my thread on the "Blitz over Poland" as I should be finishing up the 109 next week. If you are not good at bending balsa, build the tail as per Guillows and then scallop the inside. I have done this and cut the weight almost in half, saving 2 grams or more. With the tail so far back you are saving another 6 or more grams of ballast. I will go over this in detail on the other thread. I believe weight is of the upmost importance, then getting the proper motor/prop set up, and of course having your model trimmed.

Good Luck, Mitch

[hunterdude]

Update: the link you provided IS a bigger and Better contest at the SAME field but NOT "this" weekend...I plan to attend Both! This weekend is an AMA event put on by a group called the Aeronuts....there IS a P-30 event this weekend. I do not know how to create a link but the contest you linked is better. I want to attend this one the be more prepared for That one!