Issue 4392, August 2013

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Issue 4392, August 2013 Next club meeting: August 26th, 2013, 7:00 pm, West Side Café, Camp Bowie Blvd Presidents Corner: by Ken Knotts It is an honor to be president of such a successful model

1 Issue 4392, August 2013 Next club meeting: August 26th, 2013, 7:00 pm, West Side Café, Camp Bowie Blvd Presidents Corner: by Ken Knotts It is an honor to be president of such a successful model aircraft club. Thunderbird members always step up to the task whatever it may be. Our contest, our field and the help we provide to new members, trainees and visitors is very visible and I get a lot of compliments about you guys. I would like to take this opportunity to say I am ready to pass the gable to the next Fort Worth Thunderbirds president at the end of this term. I think the office of president of the Thunderbirds is very important and we should choose wisely and give the support that is needed. I continue to receive excellent support and I really appreciate it. I look forward to helping the transition to the next president in every way I can. A huge Thank You to all the members of this wonderful club for all you do to promote model flying and your commitment to making the Fort Worth Thunderbirds the best. Ken Knotts President, Fort Worth Thunderbirds Vice Presidents Report: by Will Campbell No report this month Will Campbell Vice President, Fort Worth Thunderbirds July Meeting Minutes: by Tab Bowland Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by President Ken Knotts. Ken welcomed all members present and new members. Reports: Will Campbell Vice President: No Report Gary Alphin Treasurer: Report that the club is in good standing with a total of 182 members and one new member joining at the meeting. Welcome to the Thunderbirds John Whatley. Tab Bowland Secretary: Thank you Woody, for doing the minutes last month. Jimmy Newton Safety Officer: Reminded everyone about safety out at the field and the three top causes of injury at a flying field are: #1 Airplane Propellers, #2 Burns, and #3 Trip and fall hazards. Woody Lake Newsletter: Woody would like all the members help in showing the diversity of our club. If you have an event and Woody is not available to take pictures, please try to get some pictures and pass them over to him so that they can be put in the newsletter. Page 1

2 Past Events: July 4 th fun fly: A good time was had by all, there were a couple of fun events scheduled for the afternoon in which several members participated in, followed by a night fly. #1 Climb and glide, which was won by Tom Blakeney #2 Dead stick landing, which was won by Terry Neel July 20 th Boy Scouts at the field: 8 scouts turned up for a fun day of training IMAC Proposal: Murray Adams proposed to the club to have a second IMAC event on August 10 th and 11 th to help Rick Byrd qualify for nationals. Second was made by Gary Rife. Motion Passed New Events: August 3 rd Summer Float Fly: CD Tom Blakeney. Time 9AM to 3PM Landing fee $20.00 August 10 th : Denton Swap meet August 11 th : How to build Drones class 9Am to 9Pm. Please contact Chad Frazer at for more details August 24 th and 25 th SPA event Tennessee: If interested see Ken Knotts September 7-8 SPA at Texas Wings October SPA at Thunderbird Field October 19 th Benbrook Heritage Fest October 19 th and 20 th Alliance Air Show October IMAC at Thunderbird Field Old Business: No news from the Corp of Engineers on the lease of the field. 4 th Quarter fun fly at this time has been cancelled Robin and Tom Blakeney will be donating their time to paint the concrete safety bumpers in the parking lot New Business: Tom Blakeney brought up the ideal of the Thunderbirds hosting the Fort Worth leg of a Trans Continental Relay, which would promote R.C. Aviation and the Wounded Warrior Project. This would take place sometime in Tom will keep us updated on this. Benny Thorne just wanted the membership to know that Mike s Hobby Shop in Carrollton, TX is going to have to move in 90 days. Gary Alphin brought up the subject of membership cards. The questions was, who uses them and to what good are they, since most everyone now uses their AMA card to enter the field at the guard gate. A motion was made by Joe Joplin to do away with membership cards for 2014; Dave Dingman seconded motion. Motion Passed. Steve Ehlers brought up to the club the ideal of the Thunderbirds being an AMA leader club. There was much discussion on this by the members present as to what benefits the club would gain from being a leader club. Tom Blakeney read to the members the rules for a club to be a leader member. Steve with the help of Tab Bowland will look into what it will take for the Thunderbirds to become a leader club and will report back to the membership. Dennis Niles brought up the safety concern about starting engines, especially the larger planes facing the flight box. A discussion was made about the safety of starting a larger motor and what could be done to create a safer environment. The result was to look for tie downs to be placed on the North and South end to assist the pilot in starting their motors. A motion was made by Gary Alphin to purchased tie downs. Randy Davis seconded it. Motion Passed. Meeting Adjourned at 8:20Pm by Ken Knotts Raffle Winners: Floats made by Tom Blakeney Woody Lake Sanding Block Benny Thorne 1 gallon of fuel Murray Adams 72 MHz Radio Murray Adams Glow Plug Driver Dave Dingman 10x magnifier with LED light Dave Cinnamon Prop Tom Blakeney Box of Rubber Bands Mel Wells Dead Center engine mount Woody Lake Balsa Filler Woody Lake Scruff Boards Mel Wells Tab Bowland Secretary, Fort Worth Thunderbirds Page 2

3 Treasurers Report: by Gary Alphin This past month we have received 9 more memberships since my last report at the July meeting, our membership is now at 191. I want to thank everyone for supporting the club and as a group we all have a great facility and a beautiful place to fly. I hope everyone is proud to be a member and is enjoying the field. Gary Alphin Treasurer, Fort Worth Thunderbirds Summer Float Fly Page 3

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Construction - Privateer Joe Jopling has been in communication with Phil Weisser a fellow modeler from Kentucky regarding construction of the McGovern Monster.

For those relatively new to our hobby, this is what us old timers spent hours of enjoyment doing.

5 Construction - Privateer Joe Jopling has been in communication with Phil Weisser a fellow modeler from Kentucky regarding construction of the McGovern Monster. I appreciate the information shared by Phil and to Joe for keeping me in the loop and allowing me to share with other modelers. For those relatively new to our hobby, this is what us old timers spent hours of enjoyment doing. Balsa dust, Ambroid glue, the smell of dope in the air not to mention sticking to your fingers, Ahhh, the good old days. The fruit of your labor and accomplishment is when you witness the first take off and realize all was not in vain and your creation will actually fly. Magazine article Custom Privateer (McGovern's Monster) in span RC, Berkley Plans. Note: The above may be the magazine plans from AIR TRAILS 1954 Berkeley plans. The Privateer was designed by Don McGovern, the former editor of Flying models, deceased, and a primary draftsman for Berkley models in the 50's. In fact the plane was called McGovern s Monster and was kitted by Berkley as the Custom Privateer at a cost of $19.95 which was all the money in the world to a young boy back then. The following are some photos shared by Phil during his construction of the Privateer: Page 5

6 Above two photos: Layout of the fuselage fore and aft. Fuselage framed and sheeting started. Close up of the hulls detailed planking Starting to look like a boat, oops wrong article. Above photo shows the aluminum wing joiners and mounting points. Page 6

7 Horizontal and Vertical Stabilizer. Where did all those ribs come from? Left wing panel with ribs, trailing edge, leading edge sheeted, spruce spars, and aluminum joiners. Just imagine this is only half the wing. (more ribs) Yikes!! We need a bigger boat! Did I mention the number of ribs? Left and right wing panels joined to laminated center section ribs/w pod mounting hard point Page 7

8 Pontoon construction, OMG more ribs Photo shows most of the main components; wing panels, fuselage, pontoons, and main spars. Plans are to cover the plane using Sig Coverall. Wings appear to be covered. Phil decided on electric power and the following 6 photos illustrate pod construction and motor mounting. Above two photos show the fuselage center section with temp placement of engine rib and pod location. Notice the gear installation as it is only used as a construction aid. Page 8

may share his project with other modelers. As can be seen by the quality, meticulous workmanship, and time spent in constructing this beauty Phil is a first class modeler and individual.

114 span, approximately 8lbs. Phil plans to power his with an AXI motor, 5 cell S6000 battery. About the builder: Born and raised on a farm in Northern Indiana.

020 powered bi-plane three years later and IT ACTUALLY flew!

9 Now we re talking. Almost ready to cover Privateer Above is a Stock Photo of Privateer ready for touch (splash) down Joe and I would like to thank Phil for his generosity in sharing his labor of love with us that we may share his project with other modelers. As can be seen by the quality, meticulous workmanship, and time spent in constructing this beauty Phil is a first class modeler and individual. What I m unable to show in the article are the many s corresponding with Phil and the true gentleman he is. This is the Custom Privateer by Berkley Models, circa span, approximately 8lbs. Phil plans to power his with an AXI motor, 5 cell S6000 battery. About the builder: Born and raised on a farm in Northern Indiana. Lots of room for gliders, kites and rubber powered Gillows stuff. He had no idea that there were things like gas powered free flight models till the age of twelve (1957). He designed and built a.020 powered bi-plane three years later and IT ACTUALLY flew! A year or two later is when he saw this incredible large model that Reverend Shearrer brought out to the family farm to fly - the Custom Privateer. That was mind blowing. Phil has a BSME degree with a minor in Aero. After graduation he enlisted in the USAF and was slated to fly in B-52's as an ECM (Electronic Counter Measures specialist) I wanted to fly. So, I signed up to fly choppers. That did not happen either. Following military service he taught school. Spent about 35 years as a field sales engineer in the Power Transmission field and retired in He learned to fly in 1972 in Biloxi and got his instrument rating. Proud owner of a C-172 that helps take care of the flying need. This brings us to the present, now doing what he liked to do since he could walk RC modeling. Phil commented he s constantly striving to learn more, I m still learning. Heck, I just started a CAD drafting session. Why, so I can draw things like wing braces. I can do it in a heartbeat with a board and T-square but that is old tech. I would like to add this skill. Wishing you blue skies and gentle breezes Phil; don t forget to send photos of the finished Privateer. I ll need them for part 2. Cheers Woody Page 9

Safety Corner As electric aircraft become more and more common the number of Li-poly batteries increases. The question that comes to mind is; What do I do with the battery if it goes bad?

10 Safety Corner As electric aircraft become more and more common the number of Li-poly batteries increases. The question that comes to mind is; What do I do with the battery if it goes bad? DO NOT place any battery packs in the mailbox at the field. The following is all the information that you will need to insure safe disposal of your Li-poly pack. Disposal of LIPO batteries Unlike NiCad batteries, lithium-polymer batteries ARE environmentally friendly. For safety reasons, it s best that LIPO cells be fully discharged before disposal. However, if physically damaged; it is not recommended to discharge LIPO cells before disposal see below for details. The batteries must also be cool before proceeding with disposal instructions. To Dispose of LIPO cells and packs: 1. If any LIPO cell in the pack has been physically damaged, resulting in a swollen cell or a split or tear in the cell s foil covering, DO NOT discharge the battery; instead jump to step 5 2. Place the LIPO battery in a fireproof container or bucket of sand. 3. Connect the battery to a LIPO discharger. Set the discharge cutoff voltage to the lowest possible value. Set the discharge current to a C/10 value, with C being the capacity rating of the pack. For example, the 1C rating for a 1200mAh battery is 1.2 Amps, and that battery s C/10 rating is 1.2A/10 or 120mAh can be used, such as a power resistor of set of lights as long as the discharge current doesn t exceed the C/10 value and cause an overheating condition. For LIPO packs rated at 7.4V and 11.1V, connect a watts resistor across the battery s positive and negative terminals. These resistors can be obtained at Radio shack. You can also connect it to an ESC/ motor system and allowing the motor to run indefinitely until no power remains. 4. Discharge the battery until its voltage reaches 1.0V per cell or lower. For resistive load type discharges, discharge the battery for up to 24 hours. 5. Submerse the battery (defective, damaged or destroyed) into a bucket or tub of salt water. This container should have a lid, but it should not to be air tight. Prepare a plastic container (metal container not recommended) of cold water and mix ½ cup of salt per gallon of water. Drop the battery into the salt water and allow the battery to remain in the tub of salt water for at least 2 weeks. 6. Remove the LIPO battery from the salt water, wrap it in newspaper or paper towels and place it in the normal trash. They are landfill safe. With that being said I hope that you never damage a battery pack (crash your aircraft) and need to dispose of it, but in case you do; you now know how to do it properly and safely. Jimmy Newton Safety Officer If an emergency arises at the field call 911 and provide our address: 4300 Winscott Plover Road Page 10

Nostalgia Three Thunderbirds long since gone to fairer skies. L to R: Chuck Cunningham, Porter Wallis, and Jimmy Mackey. THUNDERBIRD 2013 CALENDAR DATE EVENT POINT OF CONTACT October 12-13 Sr.

11 Nostalgia Three Thunderbirds long since gone to fairer skies. L to R: Chuck Cunningham, Porter Wallis, and Jimmy Mackey. THUNDERBIRD 2013 CALENDAR DATE EVENT POINT OF CONTACT October Sr. Pattern (SPA) Gary Alphin/Ken Knotts October 20th Benbrook Heritage Fest Woody Lake October 20th Alliance Air Show (tentative) Ken Knotts October IMAC Event November 2 nd Electric Fly In Tom Blakeney November 9 th Winter Float Fly November 16 th Q-25 Race (Rain date: November 30) December 21 st Club Christmas Party Club Officers Page 11

12 More Float Fly Photos President: Ken Knotts Vice President: Will Campbell Secretary: Tab Bowland Treasurer: Gary Alphin Safety Officer: Jimmy Newton Pilot s Log: Woody Lake at6pilot@att.net SUPPORT OUR ADVERTIZERS Page 12

Complete Fluid Top Off, Check Tire Pressure and Vacuum Interior + 16 point inspection.

13 Len and Debbie invite you to receive: $3.00 OFF Full Service Oil Change for Fort Worth Thunderbirds $3.00 Off a Full Service Oil Change including Oil, Lube and Filter. Complete Fluid Top Off, Check Tire Pressure and Vacuum Interior + 16 point inspection Fort Worth Highway Hudson Oaks, TX (817) Coupons must be presented at time of service. Offers cannot be combined with any other offer. One coupon per visit. Page 13

The Next Meeting is Saturday June 18, 2016 at. 6:30 PM at the Hermon D. Lowery Field. Officers. AMA Chapter #755. June, 2016

The Next Meeting is Saturday June 18, 2016 at. 6:30 PM at the Hermon D. Lowery Field. Officers. AMA Chapter #755. June, 2016 AMA Chapter #755 June, 2016 Newsletter of the Pekin RC Club http://pekinrc.com/ Officers This past week some members found some perfect sittin around weather at the field. Some even brought planes and