Radical RC Workbench – Page 28 – Thoughts from the workbench of Radical RC. The online retailer of electronics and kits for radio control aircraft. Dave Thacker shares his thoughts and knowledge of electronics, batteries, kit design and overall enjoyment of the hobby.

B-25 Flight Complete At Last

I was cooler today but the ceiling was high and visibiliity was good. Mostly cloudy, nice that some blue was showing. I was in the second flight of the day so the engines were already warmed up, didn’t take long from strapping into to engine start and down the taxi way. It was a great flight. I tool lots of pictures and video. I hope it all comes out well. Soon as I have it processed, I’ll stick it up here.

I have to go to the shop and finish packing for SEFF which is running at this time. We plan to be open in the vendor area Wednesday through Saturday. Not sure how well my tether from laptop to phone will work there. If it works well, I should be able to get some shots uploaded.

Our flight was the last one of a long week of flights the Barbie III crew put in. It was a great time. I heard they were anxious to head for home. After disembarking, I asked one of the crew if he remembered his first warbird flight? He said oh yes! I told him that I just had mine.

Eddy Noble and son Curtis (remember Nikitis Aircraft) were on the same flight. What a surprise to ride with people I knew. They were kind enough to show thier 1946 Cub to my family. It is in excellent condition. Well over 100 youth have gotton a ride in Eddy’s Cub. Meeting Ed’s son, I can tell you he’ll be a successful postive force in the world. What a gentleman.

I’ll try to stick up photo’s and more details about the experience later in the week. I noticed a big uptick in visitors since I put the post up yesterday. Thanks for following!

Happy Flying All!
Dave

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.

F.A.S.T

FAST Logo

Location: RAMS is located behind the US Airforce Museum on the Grounds of Wright Patterson Airforce Base in Area B.

Website: http://www.fastrc.org/

Contact Email: Check Website

Access to the field:

GPS Geeks: 39.897681,-84.452741 ( 9.772873, -84.097123 Station is accessible ‎)

Address: Bridenbaugh Field, 10368 Baltimore Phillipsburg Road, Brookville, Ohio 45309

AMA Club Charter: #500 Formed: ???? History: FAST History

Club Dues: $105, $80 subsequently Average Membership: 55

Memebership Limit?: No

Google Maps Satellite View
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Flying Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9:am to Dark, Sunday 11am to Dark.

Membership Information: The club is open to all AMA Members.

Guest Flying: I have flown at this field as a guest. These are a good bunch of guys. FAST and the (Dayton Wingmasters) share a number of common members.

What you’ll find: The FAST club field is a beautiful site blocked off into the side of farm field. There is ample ditchable ground around the field. The field has a shelter with picnic tables and a storage building. This is an active group with flying every weekend.

Special Notes From Dave: It’s always “Gentlemanly” to observe the AMA Safety Code as a baseline at any new field until all local rules, etiquette and customs are learned. Be aware some fields have routine full scale air traffic nearby, others very little or none. It takes time to become aware of all the special concerns and routines at any new flying field.

Wright State Renegades

Wright State Renegades Logo

Location: located at 3688 Byron Road near the town of Byron Ohio. This field is North East of Dayton proper.

Website:http://www.wsrenegades.org/

Contact Email: wrightstate.renegades@gmail.com

Access to the field: Combination lock

GPS Geeks:39.792098,-83.979385

Address:From Dayton Yellow Springs Road, driving North on Byron Road about 1/2 mile, gate is on right in tree’d area.

AMA Club Charter: #4208 Formed: ????
Club Dues: $50, Juniors $15 Average Membership: 15 Memebership Limit?: No

Flying Hours: Open 24 hours.

Club History: This club formed out of a loose group of flyers that gathered to fly at a Wright State University Parking Lot for decades. After some construction projects rendered the lot less useful, they formed a club.

Renegades at Wright State Lot Freeze Fly

Membership Information: The club is open to all AMA Members.

Guest Flying: I am aware this club allows guests of members to fly. Stop by on a Saturday or Sunday and your sure to find some flying going on.

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What you’ll find: The Renegades have an interesting cloth runway over hardpack. It’s the same material used under Astro-Turf sports fields. There is some paved pit area, a storage shed. Bring your own shade, power, seating and work surface. The Renegades are very active night flyers.

W.O.R.K.S. (Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society)

Location: Works is located south of Dayton in the country outside Carlisle.

Website: http://www.worksrc.net/

Contact Email: secretary@worksrc.net

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

Address: 10491 Carlisle Pike, Germantown, Ohio 45327

AMA Club Charter: #524 Formed: Oct/1958 History: Works History

Club Dues: $100 (Junior 25) Average Membership: ??? Memebership Limit?: No

Flying Hours: 10AM thru 9PM. This site is on a full scale grass strip. Although full scale visitors are rare, right away must be given.

Guest Flying:I have flown at the field as a guest during events in the past. I am sure they would welcome any vistors if you want to check out the field.

Map from US Airforce Museum to WORKS:
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What you’ll find: This is an outstanding grass strip with plenty of flying room and depth. I was immeadiately comfortable flying there. There is a shelter with picnic tables, safety fence and worktables near the flightline. FThe club extends and open invitation to Old Timer flying every Thursday.

Satelite Image with PILOTS and MODELS

View Larger Map
Special Notes From Dave: It’s always “Gentlemanly” to observe the AMA Safety Code as a baseline at any new field until all local rules, etiquette and customs are learned. Be aware some fields have routine full scale air traffic nearby, others very little or none. It takes time to become aware of all the special concerns and routines at any new flying field.