PRESIDENT S CORNER Dave Rothbart

Transcription

1 DECEMBER 2000 PRESIDENT S CORNER Dave Rothbart Happy Holidays to our entire membership, family members and friends. It s hard to believe that another year has passed. This is my favorite time of the year (especially if the weekend weather cooperates with my flying schedule). I would like to take a moment to reflect on a few areas that could be incorporated in year 2001 Farm Club list of activities. Let the President and Board Members know which club activities are important to you. If you have an idea or suggestion pass it on for consideration. The idea you have will remain just an idea if not passed on for review. I therefore bring forth a few activities and thoughts that may add additional value to your club membership. During the cold winter months and even during the height of the flying season there are regional plane related events, airplane museums, RC shows that would be of interest to our membership. One of the best examples of a treasure trove of full-scale vintage planes is only about an hour and a half away. The Garber facility in Silver Spring Maryland is just such a resource. Private group tours can be arranged to tour this facility. The guides are well-versed in specific knowledge of the aircraft kept at this location. The planes will eventually be moved upon completion, to the Smithsonian Dulles facility. Another excellent museum is located at the Richmond Virginia International Airport. I see a need for an organized group within the club for retiree s. This group could meet at the field on a specific day during the week when flight activities are minimal. It would also provide an additional source of help for building and flight instruction. This group could also serve as a support group to the Board for assistance in accomplishing specific projects. It s always nice to have a group of friends one can relate to. The knowledge and experience of this group can be shared with each other as well as with the general membership. As an organized group both retirees and club needs can be furthered. The best part of this hobby is the wide selection of interesting subsections within the umbrella of RC planes. Two areas, which I feel our members would enjoy more interactions in, are gliders and float planes. Gliders could be further broken down into launched and electric. Both offer an exciting alternative to fuel or gas powered flight. Silent flight is dependent upon available lift, which provides both a challenge and relaxing way to spend an afternoon. We have an underutilized electric club wench, which simplifies the process of glider launch. Unfortunately, uncooperative weather closed out both planned events CD ed by Bill McMullen. Perhaps we can schedule additional weekend events covering both activities. The above mentioned ideas are for your consideration. Let the Board and President know if you are interested in pursuing any of above mentioned items. The mower drive is well under way. At the November meeting we went over the $1000 level. Do your part by making a contribution on behalf of the club to our club

2 Secretary, Ron Coen. Ron s address is listed in the club directory in the November newsletter. Happy Flying in 2001! Dave Rothbart Flyboy2734@aol.com SECRETARY S REPORT The November club meeting was held at TSG Hobbies (Shadow Lawn Center was closed) on November 28. Our thanks to Tony of TSG for using his shop on short notice. Notes from the meeting follow. until you see Shannon Lane. 6. Turn left on to Shannon Lane. Make the next right on to Bens Way. 7. Continue to the end of Bens Way. Our house sets at the end of Bens Way. For Sale: FARM Club T-shirts. L and XL are $15; 2XL and 3XL are $ Vince Tabacco has some airplane T-shirts on sale for $13. Charlie Koustenis reported on the club mower replacement project. Various members have contacts. If a mower is found, we may need to move quickly. PLEASE BEGIN GIVING NOW!!! Nominations for next year s club officers were made at the November club meeting. The following were nominated: Bud Hilker,, Ron Coen, Vince Tabacco, Craig Altenburg, Dave Rothbart, Charlie Koustenis, Nic Burhans, Ralph Graul, Bill McMullen, Larry Kauffman, and Bill White. Bill White s FORD Dealership ad bus. Card size Charlie Koustenis did a presentation on covering with Monokote. Nice job Charlie I learned a lot and I hope others did too! Dave Rothbart won the 50/50 drawing. Club Officers s Meeting The club officers met briefly after the regular meeting. We discussed the following: 1. A ham will be given to Don Rhynalds in appreciation for the use of his property. 2. Dave Rothbart will begin the 2001 calendar for next year. EDITOR S NOTES Club Christmas Party, Saturday, December 16, at Larry Kauffman s home, 7:00 PM. RSVP WAS DUE TO LARRY BY 12/9. Directions to Larry Kauffman s home are: 1. From 66 take the 234 by-pass. 2. Continue on the by-pass towards Manassas. 3. Exit on to RT 28 again toward Manassas. 4. Turn right on to Hastings at the 1st light. 5. At next light turn left on to Battlefield and continue Hours: Mon Sat, 10:00 AM 8:00 PM TSG HOBBIES: R/C inventory is growing daily at the intersection of Rt.. 17 and 29 in Warrenton in the Warrenton Center (Safeway, Rankins, Radio Shack). Show your FARM card and get a 10% discount on all R/C supplies (unless redtagged). Open Monday thru Saturday 10-6, Thursday 10-7:30 and Sunday TSG supports FARM with many raffle prizes at cost and by providing the "Goodies Box" (tax free!) through Vince Tabacco at the field. Tell us what you wish to have stocked regularly in the store or by special order so we can serve you better. Stop in soon to see our growth for your continued R/C fun, or phone to ask about what is new.

3 TREASURER S REPORT Ron Coen November 2000 RECEIPTS: Member Dues $ /50 Drawing (two events) $20.00 T shirt Sales $ $ EXPENSES: Newsletter (stamps) $ $33.00 Cash in Checking 10/31/00 $ Cash in Checking 11/30/00 $ Mower Fund (Income-Nov) $ Mower Fund (collected to date) $

4 CLUB MOWER DRIVE Full page The good news! The current club mower has lasted well beyond its estimated life. The bad news! It s time to pony up for a new and improved mower. Your club board of directors under the leadership of Charlie Koustenis is currently working with a number of companies to locate the best commercial mower for the money (that the club can afford). Your help is needed for the acquisition of this vital piece of equipment. I would like to pose the following illustration to show how far a prior contribution for this piece of equipment actually goes on your behalf. Our current mower has lasted six years. If you had contributed $40 towards the purchase of the current club mower, your investment would have cost you t $6.67 per year, or less than a $.24 per week during the grass mowing season. As you can see this is an excellent return on your money for the services rendered. We are therefore asking that you contribute $40 towards the purchase of a new mower. Although there are no guarantees, it is our hope that a new commercial grade (used) mover will also last 6 years or longer. Why should I contribute toward the mower fund? If you belong to the Farm Club you must see some value whether it be the use of the field or the club meetings. Either way you pay dues each year in return for value that the club provides to you. The field however is the glue that holds everything together. The maintenance of the field is an ongoing endeavor throughout the growing season. Mowing is a necessary evil required nearly every week during that time. Therefore the mower is indeed as essential as the field that we fly off of. Why should I pay anything now? Because, if we find the right type of mower the money will be in the club account to make the purchase. The October Club meeting witnessed an immediate outpouring of support for this essential piece of equipment. I am asking that every member do his or her part to make this a successful drive. Let us know that you support the Farm Club with your contribution to the mower fund. Our goal is $3500 towards the purchase of the club mower. Please cut off and return the contribution slip below along with a check to Ron Coen. Thank you for supporting the purchase of this essential piece of equipment for our club.

5 Model Airplane Engines: Cold Weather Operations John Hunton During cold weather the lower temperatures can make model airplane engine starting difficult. There are a few things that you can do to help to resolve this problem. We all know that in colder weather the needle valve has to be set somewhat richer than the summertime setting for a proper engine run. This effect is magnified at startup when the engine is really cold, say on a day when the temperature is near freezing. The engine needs a lot of fuel to even pop. Then all of the fuel in the crankcase that was needed to make the cylinder fire either flows up into the combustion chamber and cools the glow plug or causes liquid lock when we flip the prop. In the latter situation our freezing finger slides right up the back of the sharp plastic blade and the blood flows. One way to prevent the crankcase flooding situation is to choke up a little fuel to loosen the parts in the crankcase then prime into the muffler, perhaps through the pressure fitting, to charge the upper cylinder rather than the crankcase. When using a starter it is important to spin the engine in short bursts leaving time between spins for the glow plug to heat up again. Many fliers prime with lighter fluid. This seems to start the combustion process easier, and once the cylinder starts firing it will heat up rapidly. Following is a trick I have used for many years. Hold the cylinder head in your hand for a few minutes before trying to start up. Breathe on the cylinder using your hand to cup it, the cooling fins will conduct heat into the engine instead of away from it. Keep the cylinder cupped and insulated from the cold during the start-up process. Soon the engine will be giving heat to your hand instead of from your hand to it. With your hand on the cylinder you can even hold your finger half-way over the venturi to provide a rich mixture once the engine has started running, until it runs smoothly. Once you have flown, wrap a rag around your engine to hold the heat in until you have finished refueling, the restart will be easier. Remember that winter flying can be a lot more fun if you can get your engine started. If you have any other winter flying clues please send them to your editor. Radio Controlled Flight, the Basics - Part 1 John Hunton These notes are intended for those just getting into the sport of flying radio controlled airplanes. The notes will be presented monthly beginning before Christmas (when someone may be buying or getting a gift) and ending in the springtime when good flying weather is here again. The notes will begin with airplane selection and run through the basics of flying and operation of an RC airplane. It is hoped that these notes will improve your chances of success and lead to your complete enjoyment of our fine hobby. What to get There are many excellent beginner s models on the market today. They are found in various forms from kits requiring building to almost ready to fly (ARF) out of the box. The best size for entry level is an airplane that is powered by a.40 cu. In. Engine. Smaller models are much more sensitive to wind and weather, larger models make bigger holes in the ground. A good trainer, as described here, can last for many years and it can provide many hours of enjoyment and delight. It can also be flown in fun fly events, most of which are planned around this type of model. Look for a model that has a wing that is mounted on top of the fuselage (high wing). Look for a model that is covered in Monokote or other commercially available film. Look for a model that has washout in the wing panels for improved stall stability. Look for a model that utilizes four controls, elevator, rudder, aileron and motor. Be sure that your transmitter has a gold sticker on the back (new narrow band...all others illegal), particularly if used. Get four channels and four servos minimum. There are many complex and computer type transmitters out there, but for the basics a simple one is just fine, and less confusing to set-up and use. For accessories it would seem cool to come to the field with a new tool box and all possible support equipment, but it is not necessary at all. Get a couple of wood propellers (plastic are more efficient but they cut fingers better too). Get a gallon of 10% fuel and a squeeze bulb. Get a glow driver and a spare glow plug. You can bum the rest at the field. Where to get it

6 Mail order ads are attractive and the prices seem low. Add in shipping, however, and the prices may not end up so low. In our area there are some excellent hobby shops, most of which will match or come close to the price on any ad. The local hobby shop has something else to offer which is invaluable...advice. They know what accessories you will need: what fuel, what propeller size, and they have all of the little things you will end up needing. Assembling your model In many years of being in the hobby one will see almost everything with a first time model: controls hooked up wrong, airfoils upside down, fuel systems wrong, balance point wrong, etc. Let an experienced modeler check you model over before you try to fly. to fly anywhere other than the local RC field. Your radio had a very long range and you will be unpopular if you shoot someone else s airplane down. Local fields have good frequency control methods. Join the Academy of Model Aeronautics for good insurance coverage and a great magazine. Join your local club for access to a flying field and to get to know your fellow modelers, which you will find very helpful (most clubs will let you fly an introductory flight without joining). At the local field you will find that any experienced modeler will be glad to help you in any way. Next time: the basics of flying Now that you are all set to fly your model, do not try it on your own. It is virtually impossible for you to teach yourself to fly (more on this next time). And do not try

7 FACTS ABOUT FUEL No. 5 - Storing Fuel for Maximum Shelf Life Don Nix (The following is the fifth in a series of articles exploring all facets of model engine fuel. The writer is Don Nix, President of GBG Industries, Inc. Readers are invited to contact Don directly via - FLYERDON@aol.com.) During the Q&A part of countless "Dog & Pony Shows" at hobby clubs all over the U.S., one of the frequently asked questions is, "What's the shelf life of fuel?" The answer if both simple and easy: Properly stored, model engine fuel will last almost indefinitely. So.what constitutes "properly stored"? Let's take a look. Contrary to many things you might have read or heard, just about the only thing that adversely affects model fuel is the absorption of moisture from the air. Keep the air away from it, and your fuel will likely be potent longer than you are! Methanol - the major ingredient in model fuel - is hygroscopic. This means it's virtually 100% soluble in water, and absorbs moisture from the air like a vacuum cleaner sucking up dirt. Most modelers have no idea how rapidly this can - and does - happen, and tend to be rather skeptical about the idea. Let me paint a picture for you: Almost everyone has spilled a little fuel on the top of their fuel can in their flight box. If so, you've no doubt noticed that the shallow film of raw fuel takes on a cloudy, milky look. What you are seeing is the methanol sucking moisture right out of the air. Since the quantity of fuel is thin with a lot of surface area, the absorption is rapid, the water won't mix with the oil and the fuel turns cloudy. Just remember how quickly this happens..almost immediately.and it might give you an idea of just how quickly your fuel can be ruined if you leave the cap off, allow a vent tube to remain open, etc. The wide surface area relative to the quantity of the fuel exposed is disproportionate, of course, to leaving the cap off the fuel jug, but I think you get the idea. In a humid condition such as exists in parts of the U.S., it doesn't take very long at all to adversely affect your fuel. And it doesn't take a large opening.a cross-threaded cap, a small vent line, etc. is all that's needed to do the damage. condensation of moisture as the air trapped inside the jug cools. Until about a year ago, there was little we could do about this, but there is now a method to take care of this problem. Since it's not the purpose of this column to commercially promote our own products, those interested are invited to contact the writer at the address above, and we'll be happy to tell you about the product that will solve the problem. For the reasons above, it's our opinion that it is rarely a good idea to buy model fuel in 55 gallon drums. Unless all the fuel is poured up the first time the drum is opened, a substantial volume of air is trapped inside the drum each time it's opened. Steel containers of any kind warm and cool much more readily and rapidly than plastic, and condensation is much more evident in this type container. The result is that the last portion of the drum of fuel is quite likely to be contaminated with moisture, sometimes to the point of being unusable. There is another downside to buying fuel in drums, especially if more than one person is using it. With no control over the type container the fuel is dispensed into.perhaps not bearing sufficient or proper warnings, etc., the liability is incredibly high if an accident of any sort should occur. Model clubs considering this type of fuel purchase for their members should be particularly aware of the potential liability.which is huge! While it's true that the UV in sunlight (or in fluorescent lights, for that matter) will cause pure nitromethane to deteriorate over time, it's our experience that once the nitro is in solution and substantially diluted, the deteriorative effect is relatively minor. To test this, some years ago we put a gallon of 10% fuel out in direct sunlight (in sunny Southern California) for a month. At the end of that time, we tested that fuel in an engine vs. fresh product and could see no difference. While it certainly won't hurt anything to store fuel away from direct sunlight, etc., it's our personal opinion that the adverse effect of sunlight on fuel under normal operating conditions is too little to worry about. Next Installment: Oil Tests The solution is simple, of course.just keep it tightly sealed. And yet, sometimes that's not enough. Most of us have seen small droplets condensed inside our fuel jugs after it's become partially empty. This is the result of

8 FARM OFFICERS for 2000 President Dave Rothbart Vice President Charlie Koustenis Secretary Treasurer Ron Coen Field Marshall Bill McMullen Safety Officer Craig Altenburg Member at Large Larry Kauffman Member at Large Phil Coopy FARM Newsletter Staff Editor Printer: Classic Printing Center Chantilly, VA, (courtesy David Malkin) The FARM Newsletter is published monthly by the Fauquier Aero Recreation Modelers, AMA charter #1654. It is mailed to FARM members and to other clubs on an exchange basis. Articles related to all types of aviation are welcome. Opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of FARM Inc. Publishing deadline is the 2 nd Tuesday of the month. Please mail all input to: Woodmont Ct. jeffkillen@erols.com Manassas, VA Our web site is: FAUQUIER AERO RECREATION MODELERS Woodmont Ct. Manassas, VA