Author Topic: how many guys in world are flying electric c/l? (Read 6278 times)

frank carlisle · « **on:** March 07, 2006, 03:42:07 PM »

how many guys in the world are messing with electric control line models? now i'm not talking foamies. there are a half dozen that i know of here in the states.

here's the ones i know about--
myself
rick sawicki
ron king
bill meirs (I THINK) he's on windy's video
bob hunt
mike palco

does anybody know of others?

frank carlisle · « **Reply #1 on:** March 08, 2006, 06:59:57 AM »

apparently i named them all.

is there anyone out there that i missed?

is there antone that wants to get one started?

Jim Thomerson · « **Reply #2 on:** March 08, 2006, 02:31:18 PM »

There is Walt Brownell, and the fellow who flew the eclectic Humongous at the VSC. I can almost remember his name. I think there are a couple of guys in England, maybe.

ash · « **Reply #3 on:** March 08, 2006, 03:03:27 PM »

In NZ I think Phil Smith has an electric CL model. Certainly losts of RC electric. He may post here if he does. Dave Wright is gearing up for an electric model.

There are several in Germany and at least one who has been flying an electric CL model since 1990. I think his name is Uwe?

Dean Pappas · « **Reply #4 on:** March 08, 2006, 08:07:55 PM »

Rene Berger is also flying electric Stunt, in Switzerland.
Dean P.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #5 on:** March 08, 2006, 08:27:12 PM »

Glen Alison flew sthe Humongous at VSC last year. Have picture of him on the CD's I hope I don't forget to take for the club. DOC Holliday

frank carlisle · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2006, 01:46:21 PM »

ty,
i am offering two dvd glow to electric conversion movies. please order them you won't be disappointed................

#1 ELECTRIC SMOOTHIE-glow to electric conversion.
this dvd is a video we made in my basement workshop. i hold up the parts and name them and show how they connect to each other and where they go in the plane. my buddy jan and i show how to solder the connectors. my friend scott and i show how to charge the battery. we also have a couple of flights that i did with the smoothie on the video. along with the video i am including a complete shopping list with part numbers, prices and where to order them from. the list contains everything you need to get started. $15.00

#2 FLYING the ELECTRIC SMOOTHIE.
this dvd has about 35 or 40 minutes of me and jan freezing our butts off and flying the smoothie. it's a pretty funny video. and it proves to the viewer that the electric smoothie will fly the whole pattern with power to spare for some extra lazy eights,loops or whatever you want to do. $15.00

i haven't held anything back all you need to know is right there. video #1 is the tutorial and video #2 is flying.

i guarantee that with video #1 you can put together an electric model. and with video #2 you can get a few laughs and a good look at how well the plane performs.

the vids are $15.00 each or you can get the pair for $22.50. (the price includes postage).

here is my address. i will mail the video/s the same day i get your cash check or money order.

frank carlisle
5930 hereford
detroit, mich. 48224

Jim Thomerson · « **Reply #7 on:** March 09, 2006, 03:16:12 PM »

Mike Palinko (?) had a comprehensive article in Model Aviation about a year ago. There was also a comprehensive article in Stunt News in a similar time frame.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #8 on:** March 09, 2006, 04:18:15 PM »

i can't help but think that my video would do the trick. call it ego.

BUT...............here's a way to get into electric i bet nobody thought of.....

research hobby lobby. they sell all sorts and sizes of electric r/c planes. start off by picking the c/l model you want to convert. determine the weight of your model and span then go shopping at hobby lobby. they'll have your size/weight plane in an r/c model. under the ad they list the motor, esc and recommended battery. buy that stuff and put it in your conversion plane. voila! ya got 'er done.

i spent some time this afternoon doing just that and it will work. i also checked out atlanta hobby-dragonfly r/c and castle creations. cross referancing the desired parts. some places sell for lower prices. also there are several different brands for motors and esc's and batteries.
I LOVE THE INTERNET!!!

Phil Smith · « **Reply #9 on:** March 14, 2006, 01:14:44 PM »

I don't have a large electric stunter flying yet, but have gathered all the equipment necessary. Had a go with old technology a few years ago, the gear available then was just too limiting. I've done a lot of RC electric and with that experience, I am confident of immediate success.

Phil.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #10 on:** March 14, 2006, 07:41:45 PM »

phil keep us posted as you go along with your ecl plane. have you picked a model to electrocute yet?

john e. holliday · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2006, 04:41:08 PM »

I read about Sarpolous control line planes in Flying Models in which he tells all needed for the planes in the article. DOC Holliday

PS: Charley Bruce was flying an electric until a breeze got to him. De Hill already had one flight on it. I think he said his son designed the setup.

frank carlisle · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2006, 02:46:16 PM »

axi 2826/10 motor-a castle creations pheonix 45 speed control-a poly quest 3700mah battery-a timer from windy-an appropriate charger and a plane is all you need to get going in electric.
the articles and videos are for collecting, the actual plane is for flying and learning.
hobby-lobby has all the stuff.
still.........i like collecting the material. i have windy's electric dvd and i have the gscb electric video and i have some articles. the best thing i have is the electric smoothie. the smoothie is 100 times more useful than all the other stuff.

Dave Cook · « **Reply #13 on:** March 20, 2006, 03:53:05 AM »

Frank,
Will Moore from RI is flying and competing with electrics very successfully up here in New England.
He has published in Stunt News and is one of the real inovators. He was one of the first I saw competing. Check out his articles in Stunt News.

Daave Cook

BYU · « **Reply #14 on:** October 05, 2015, 09:07:51 PM »

Mike Keville · « **Reply #15 on:** October 05, 2015, 09:27:25 PM »

TOO many.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #16 on:** October 05, 2015, 09:33:57 PM »

Quote from: frank carlisle on March 07, 2006, 03:42:07 PM

how many guys in the world are messing with electric control line models? now i'm not talking foamies. there are a half dozen that i know of here in the states.

here's the ones i know about--
myself
rick sawicki
ron king
bill meirs (I THINK) he's on windy's video
bob hunt
mike palco

does anybody know of others?

Really. Only 6. I thought there were more. My latest SN shows more.

John Cralley · « **Reply #17 on:** October 05, 2015, 09:47:00 PM »

I've Been flying electric control line since 2006. The equipment keeps getting better and better and the prices keep dropping too!!

Howard Rush · « **Reply #18 on:** October 05, 2015, 09:52:06 PM »

The US national champion, the European champion, the world champion, and the whole 2014 US stunt team. We should have outlawed it early when we had the chance.

Mike Keville · « **Reply #19 on:** October 05, 2015, 09:56:01 PM »

Quote from: Howard Rush on October 05, 2015, 09:52:06 PM

. . . We should have outlawed it early when we had the chance.

==============================================

AMEN!

Target · « **Reply #20 on:** October 05, 2015, 10:04:22 PM »

Not just for experts and competitors, but good also for the new kids around 50'ish that have some RC 'Lectric experience. They always get a good engine run!

Regards,
Chris,
With one of each and torn on future builds.

Daniel_Munro · « **Reply #21 on:** October 05, 2015, 10:30:15 PM »

Was going to jump in here, realised how old the post is.

Anyhow, now in 2015 I am gearing up for my first electric stunter.

Howard Rush · « **Reply #22 on:** October 05, 2015, 11:36:07 PM »

Quote from: Daniel_Munro on October 05, 2015, 10:30:15 PM

Was going to jump in here, realised how old the post is.

Aha. I just now noticed. That Bob's-your-uncle is a rascal.

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #23 on:** October 06, 2015, 05:57:12 AM »

One of the guys in our club flies electric, so that makes seven!

Oh yeah, and Tim Stagg too. So that makes eight!

I could have sworn there were more....

badbill · « **Reply #24 on:** October 06, 2015, 06:22:08 AM »

I have been for a couple years, and have a friend here ( Dave Fountain ) that does also.

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #25 on:** October 06, 2015, 07:04:50 AM »

The only electric planes I fly are used to fire the spark plug in my Anderson Spitfires, Orwicks, Atwood Super Champions, Ohlssons, and Super Cyclones. The rest are baffled piston glow motors. Once you have had a tug of war with and Anderson Spitfire on a large plane, the rest just don't give much of a thrill. "Electric" Bah Humbug. There are getting to be fewer and fewer of us that love the old stuff.

It seems that with new technology there is always a down side along with the good. I have been an engine guy, (lover), all my life. I am one of those guys that gets an engine and then looks for a plane suitable to fly it in where most pick a plane and then look for an engine to power it with.

To paraphrase Mike Keville, what turns you on, another Cessna, or a Stearman with a radial? To many of us have lost our first love. I don't hate electric, I just love the old stuff and in it just seems like I hate electric in comparison. Just call me Old School.

Will Davis · « **Reply #26 on:** October 06, 2015, 07:11:17 AM »

I fly electric,but

I love the smell of castor in the morning

bob whitney · « **Reply #27 on:** October 06, 2015, 07:33:17 AM »

the Smith Brothers , Dave Hallas and Bob Whitney from Florida,all with full size stunter's

john e. holliday · « **Reply #28 on:** October 06, 2015, 11:04:03 AM »

Too expensive for me to go electric this late in life and I also have too many IC engines(diesel & Glow). All my ignition stuff went over seas. Too bad they didn't keep electric in a class by itself.

De Hill · « **Reply #29 on:** October 06, 2015, 11:54:34 AM »

My Fox and my Ringmaster ; they comfort me.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #30 on:** October 06, 2015, 02:26:17 PM »

When we have a bunch of guys get together for testing, practice, trimming, or contests, it's pretty normal for glow power to be half or less. I had hoped that OTS and Classic organizers would completely ban electrics or give them some sort of a penalty, like negative 5 points. But at least they don't mind us glow guys using tuned pipes in an attempt to make things almost equal in the OTS and Classic events!

FWIW, I've seen a lot of electric failures, from not starting, to batteries going south during flight, props/prop driver coming off, to motors coming out of the plane on the ground, and batteries coming out during flight. There is a considerable learning curve and at least as many potential ways to embarrass oneself. Oh, add "refusing to move the CG forward enough" to that list.

Steve

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #31 on:** October 06, 2015, 02:38:49 PM »

Quote from: De Hill on October 06, 2015, 11:54:34 AM

My Fox and my Ringmaster ; they comfort me.

Good one Dee!

But; you forgot to mention your U-Reely control handle!

Jerry

petermick · « **Reply #32 on:** October 09, 2015, 10:31:40 AM »

I will add two more names to the list, myself and Mike Strand both members of the Milwaukee Circlemasters. I have been flying an Oriental Arf for over a year and a half and find that there is no comparison between my E Flite 15 and the original LA 46. I will never go back to IC.

Peter Mick
AMA 9581

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #33 on:** October 09, 2015, 11:11:25 AM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on October 06, 2015, 02:26:17 PM

FWIW, I've seen a lot of electric failures, from not starting, to batteries going south during flight, props/prop driver coming off, to motors coming out of the plane on the ground, and batteries coming out during flight. There is a considerable leaning curve and at least as many potential ways to embarrass oneself. Oh, add "refusing to move the CG forward enough" to that list. Steve

Ditto. You don't see the top electric guys having many power system failures -- but then, you don't see the top slimers having power system failures either. I think the total complications of either one is about equal to the other, although electric is quieter.

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #34 on:** October 09, 2015, 12:22:35 PM »

A good chunk of the jersey and NYC stunt types

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #35 on:** October 09, 2015, 12:30:07 PM »

At least 4 Expert level fliers have been flying electric for several years here in Tucson. John Callentines newest georgeous bird the Rabe Sea Fury is electric.

Larry Renger · « **Reply #36 on:** October 09, 2015, 01:39:43 PM »

Andy Borgogna, Stan Tyler and I, locally.

Dennis Moritz · « **Reply #37 on:** October 09, 2015, 02:58:45 PM »

173

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #38 on:** October 09, 2015, 03:13:34 PM »

Quote from: Dennis Moritz on October 09, 2015, 02:58:45 PM

173

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ROFLOL

Randy Powell · « **Reply #39 on:** October 09, 2015, 03:14:27 PM »

We don't need to stinking 'lectric. (says the guy that is flying electric).

aba183210 · « **Reply #40 on:** October 09, 2015, 07:03:32 PM »

The reason I have started the control line aviation journey is because of the availability of electric systems and the possibility of being able to fly alone (i.e. no need to have an assistant to hold the model while one walks to the center of the circle). Model fuel gives me adverse reactions and this is why I have flown RC unpowered sailplanes for 15 years (I started to fly RC in the year 2000, and RC unpowered sailplanes is virtually what I have flown in my entire life). When you are able to make your plane climb to more than 1500 feet after throwng it into the air via a discus launch, and by being able to find thermals and ride them, you will be hooked for life.

Where I am (Los Angeles County), there are only 2 places that I am aware of where you can legally fly fuel powered control line planes: Whittier Narrows in South El Monte, and the Apollo XI model airplane field in the San Fernando Valley. As for RC fuel powered planes, you can also fly at one private club that is located near the Santa Fe Dam in Irwindale, where the 605 and 210 freeways intersect.

Electric control line opens more possibilities where one can fly. Although there are many cities in the county that forbid any kind of model airplane flying, there are places like the Rose Bowl park in Pasadena (Lot H parking lot) that are havens for electric flight. There is a very large paved parking lot to the left of Lot H that is ideal for flying electric control line (as long as one does not fly fuel planes, you are welcome to fly your electrics). And if you find a rather large area that is hidden from street traffic (and I am aware of some such places), you could also fly because the plane is so quiet (at least mine) that people don't even notice.

At present, I fly an electric Flite Streak Trainer. At the Whittier Narrows field, I have shown it to some of the RC pilots and one of them told me that he has not seen an electric control line plane before.

I have ordered a Magician stunt plane to begin to learn the concepts of aerobatic flight. Like the Flite Streak Trainer, this one has also been ordered with an electric setup.

If the image shows, you will see one of many examples of restrictions put on models in schools, parks, etc.

John Tate · « **Reply #41 on:** October 10, 2015, 09:52:34 PM »

There are 3 Norfolk Aeromodelers that fly electric models. They have to stay anonymous due to the nasty glow power modelers that do not like them.

Don't you hate holding a glow powered model that has been flown earlier while the pilot is taking forever to start the thing? It seems like the model is covered in SLIME. Plus it seems like the pilot takes a long time to walk to the handle. After the glow powered model takes off, you have to find a towel to wipe all that oil off of you hands.

aba183210 · « **Reply #42 on:** October 11, 2015, 01:29:25 AM »

As long as the modeler is happy and comfortable, it does not matter if the model is powered by fuel or an electronic system; IMHO there should be no animosity toward other modelers solely because they choose one method of power over another, as seen in the post referring to the Norfolk Aeromodelers.

As for me, in addition to health issues regarding fuel, it is also the issue of practicality. I do see many Youtube videos of fuel control line planes flying from nice parks and soccer fields. Try this where I live and you will surely get a ticket from the local authorities because, as I mentioned, there are only 2 places in the entire county where one can fly control line glow planes. So, if you want to expand your flying options, the best way to go is to go electric.

If they show in this post, here are more signs from local parks that clearly show the ban on model airplanes of any kind, in addition to many other restrictions. This is typical of where I am. In the few parks that allow models planes besides Whittier Narrows and Sepulveda Dam, the only ones allowed are either electric planes or sailplanes-zero tolerance for glow.

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #43 on:** October 11, 2015, 09:44:55 AM »

Has noone visited the "Getting All Amped Up" tab on this site? It shows many electric rigs.

At least, in my part of the world, electric stunt is about equal with glo power.

Clancy Arnold · « **Reply #44 on:** October 11, 2015, 12:27:00 PM »

Frank
Add the names of Jack Sheeks and Clancy Arnold to the list.
See the attached picture of our efforts as shown in the April 1985 Model Aviation. The models were powered through the flying lines, which was insulated magnet wire, from a 24 Volt NiCad battery pack. We were flying inside a School Gym.
Clancy

Andre Ming · « **Reply #45 on:** October 11, 2015, 12:57:10 PM »

Quote from: aba183210 on October 11, 2015, 01:29:25 AM

If they show in this post, here are more signs from local parks that clearly show the ban on model airplanes of any kind, in addition to many other restrictions. This is typical of where I am. In the few parks that allow models planes besides Whittier Narrows and Sepulveda Dam, the only ones allowed are either electric planes or sailplanes-zero tolerance for glow.

Wow... talk about over-regulation! I would hate to live in such a locked-down environ. Makes me glad I'm a backwoods Oakie from OK!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #46 on:** October 11, 2015, 02:03:57 PM »

Electric vs Fuel engines:

Hm. Between us C/L enthusiasts, it really should be a non-issue, I suppose. Each person must decide what turns their crank and follow accordingly. There is no "wrong" way enjoy one's hobby in regards to what powers the model, unless you're trying live under the iron-fisted legislation as illustrated above, but then it looks like NO model airplanes are acceptable, regardless of power plant.

As for me, wow... toughie. For me, the smell and sight/sounds/feel of glow engines is so intrinsic with the things that I enjoy about C/L that I actually wonder how it would impact my enjoyment of the hobby if glow engines are somehow made illegal and I had to switch to electric? I seriously doubt I would be able to make the switch, for the flying of a C/L airplane is not the ONLY thing that gives me enjoyment. No, a great part of my enjoyment is the glow engines as well.

Of course, all of the above is FWIW and merely reflects one niche flier's opinion. After all, there's not too many C/L fliers that pretty much indulge almost exclusively in vintage combat planes/engines as I do.

Bottom line: Have fun!

Andre

John Cralley · « **Reply #47 on:** October 11, 2015, 04:12:33 PM »

Well folks, the number one man on the USA World Championship team (decided today) is flying electric!

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #48 on:** October 11, 2015, 07:44:52 PM »

Quote from: John Cralley on October 11, 2015, 04:12:33 PM

Well folks, the number one man on the USA World Championship team (decided today) is flying electric!

Well, yeah but my bet is He would still be there if he was flying one of his Slimers!!! Paul has proven he can win with whatever he wants to fly! I think the same goes for the other two guys...David and Orestes.

Randy Cuberly

55chevr · « **Reply #49 on:** October 12, 2015, 05:08:52 PM »

Just about everyone that flies at Flushing Meadow Park is electric now.

Joe Daly