Blog Entries – Page 20 – Radical RC Workbench

B-25 Flight Adventure Rescheduled

Went to Grimes Field in Urbana Ohio today for my B-25 ride. It was a gift from my family for Christmas. Scheduled for 12am. It’s been beautiful around here all week until this morning. Drisely all the way there. Lots of people waiting. Turns out flights were scheduled to start at 9am. However the ceiling was too low for VFR (Visual Flying Rating)flying. It looks like the B-25’s are limited to VFR conditions only. Although, I am not certain, it is likely due to not carrying the equipment certified for modern day IFR (Instiment Flight Rating) flying. The crew was waiting for minimum of 1500 foot ceiling before flying. Thus the delay. We were early so we had a great breakfast at the Airport Cafe. The flight crew reported the flight would be delayed at least 2 hours.

So, we visited the Museum and the B-17 Champaign Lady under contstruction/restoration there. Got a wonderful up close Cleko tour from one of the volunteers. Sat with the family Band talked a while.

Back to the lobby to check the weather/ceiling, still a no go. We had some pie for which this cafe is well known. I choose peanut butter.

Close up, the Barbie III looks to be in excellent condition. For me, it’s not about an aircraft ride, it’s a little about riding in a warbird, but it’s mostly about feeling those two Wright R-2600-13 turbo-supercharged radials of 1,700 hp each pounding away from the inside of the aircraft. I can almost feel my spine tingling just thinking about it.

After lots of conversation and discussing if we’d have all 3 meals in the cafe today, I checked again at about 4:10 and they had scrubbed all the flights until Sunday. The ceiling never got above 1100 feet that I saw and at the time it was down to 700 ft.. I’m rescheduled for 10am on Sunday. It’s going to be colder, low tonight about 36 I heard.

Will report back tomarrow.

Radical RC to Visit SEFF Again In 2012

SEFF Logo

We’ll be at SEFF (Southeast Electric Flight Festival) held each year at Hodges Hobbies and flying field outside Americus Georgia. SEFF is one of the premier RC Flying events in the country. One of my favorite events to attend. Hodges Hobbies is on the field. This is place is RC Heaven. You won’t believe how beautiful it is. The photo below is a bit outdated, there is now a lake to fly from to go along with the golf green quality runway. This place is BIG. I’ve seen a full size Pitts come in and out of this field. The hospitality here is outstanding. Lots of good vendors and one of the best hobbyshops you’ll ever see is on the field. See the SEFF website for information about the show, camping, hotels and any other questions you may have. This event and location are “bucket list” quality. If you’ve never been, won’t you come this year? You wont’ be sorry!

: SEFF View From Aircraft

I look forward to flying my 1905 Wright Flyer many times at the event. We finished it about 2 weeks before Toledo. We needed it for display at the show and didn’t have time to complete another with all the show prep. So, after only 3 trim and balance flights, we had to pack it in for safe keeping.

When you see me on the flight line with the 1905, come on up. You can have a wiggle on the sticks. To me there is nothing more fun than sharing the a Wright Flyer. It flys like a big trainer except that you need to be comfortable flying with your left hand. She likes the rudder. I’ll see you at SEFF.

Find videos of SEFF’s at: Higher Plane and SKS Video.

PS: The home brew beer for the BBQ this year is an IPA.

W.O.R.K.S Buy-N-Fly Fun-Fly and Swap Meet

WORKS FIeld Photo

Carlisle Ohio (map to field). The event date is Saturday June 9, 2012. This is a great group of guys. No reservations are required. There is no vendor fee or landing fee. Raffle is advertised. Bring your own tables and canopies.

If you need further info, contact Randy Hatton – president@worksrc.net.

GPS Geeks: Latitude N 39 35.587, Longitude W -84 20.508

Fussstart (Foot Launch)

This is cool for real. However, I couldn’t help but imagine what he’d look like if he had a pair of costume store chicken feet. Maybe a beak painted on the nose and some feather leggings? Seriously.

RC Universe Video Post From Toledo 2012

Our newest product shown at Toledo 2012 gets a segment in this event coverage video. Thanks to Ken Issac of Toledo prep was 6 weeks of intensive work for all of us at Radical RC. We had a great show and are thankful for all of you that visited the booth. It’s always a boost to our enthusiasm to be reminded each year how many R/C’rs we get to have an impact on throughout the year. We had a great show and look forward to Toledo 2013. Thanks! Dave

Radical RC Toledo Week Hours Notice

Due to our efforts to get ready the Toledo Show, we are not open to walk in trade Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. We are shipping in a timely fashion of course. We just can’t get our packing and setup work done for this big show and open the retail shop at the same time. This will be in effect each year on Toledo week. The walk in shop will resume normal open hours Thursday April 12, 2012.

The Man Aviation History Almost Forgot

Charlie Taylor — Click Image to see Wiki Page

by Bob Taylor

Three men were involved in the invention and development of the first powered airplane-that’s right three. Everyone knows about the Wright brothers, but that third man was Charles E. “Charlie” Taylor, a quiet genius who loved cigars and the sound of machinery. Although he contributed to one of man’s greatest achievements, “Powered Flight,” his name was almost lost in aviation history–until now–and if it hadn’t been for Charlie that first powered airplane would never have gotten off the ground……

A worthwhile read, the history behind history. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. To read the full story on AvStop Magazine: The Man Aviation History Almost Forgot

Health of Trade Shows & Skunk Wurks Project For Toledo!!!

I have a strong conviction; if we want strong trade shows, vendors need to make sure they show people something new at the show. In todays world of instant internet communication, the moment some new product becomes available, it’s announced and the word is spread instantly. Back in the day, there was an extra level of excitment when attending Toledo or any other big trade show. It was you chance to see the newest stuff, your chance to get out a couple months ahead of the magazines. Your chance to know what was going on in our hobby. If you didn’t go, you were left behind, perhaps to be stuck behind the news and technology curve for the entire season.

For a number of years, we’ve worked hard to do our part to show people something new at The Toledo Show. It’s every vendors responsibility to contribute to a healthy trade show future for all of us. Our hobby needs healty magazines, healthy suppliers, healthy hobby shops and certainly healthy trade shows.

If your a vendor at a trade show, I encourage you do the same. Are you really so desparate and hungry you can’t hold back on exiting item a few weeks to do your part to add excitment to your favorite show? Think about it.

A recent meeting with national parks officials sparked my enthusiasm to work on a highly requested project. Sorry, can’t tell you what the meeting was about…….. However, you will see it in the booth at Toledo and you’ll want one. I’m very excited to test it out myself. It is perhaps the coolest thing to come out of our shop.

Mini Intern 2012 Kit-Build-Along Project Complete

Michael Hancock, host of The Crash Cast has finished a complete build video thread for the Radical RC Mini Intern . First video is embeded below. Below video, find link for the entire build thread catelog.

Find the entire list of video’s Here: All Things Crash. This is the website where you’ll find any files, video’s and etc related to the activities of the The Crash Cast podcast.

I would like to thank Micheal “Crash” Hancock for the high honor and all the work involved with picking the Radical RC RC Mini Intern for the 2012 build along project.

The Fluid Dynamics Of Drag

Excellent video from days of old that demonstrate some very important aerodynamic principles. The different drag produced by common objects is shown on a scale. You’ll be amazed.