Black Hawk Models is getting a package of 20, 1/2a, model kits ready to send to an Orphanage in North Carolina. All of the models will go to the kids there. They are learning to fly control line models thanks to a local control line flier who donates his time to help the kids build and fly their models. He also puts in his own dollars to buy fuel, props, glue, paint and other necessary items. If anyone else is interrested in making a donation contact me and I will forward his name and address. I will not post it because I do not have his permission.
Thank You
Larry

          WOW!!!! I thought that there were more people who would be interrested in helping this group of kids. I called David, the man that is helping the kids to learn to build and fly control line planes, and asked him what else he needed. I told him that Black Hawk Models would get him anything he needed if we could. The two things that he said that he needs are Spray Paint and engines. I called Sig and bought all of the spray paint they had left and sent it to them. David said that used engines would be great........so how about it guys? Clean them up make sure they run and lets get some .049's to him. Don't have an engine you want to send.....I can send NEW engines cost $27.00 each so how about a little help.
Larry

Larry, what a great cause!  Right now all of my .049 engines are tied up trying to interest the grandkids, nephews , neices and local kids. I had a thought that maybe some of the kids would like to design their own plane from coroplast, core foam or balsa. Just need some bellcranks, and on the coroplast you can make the bellcranks from leftover scraps , also can just cut out holes for leadouts and use spiderwire and tie knots to hold. The mounts can be made for any of these flat wings from square vinyl downspout and 1/8" ply. The coroplast just needs to be sanded before glue and on core foam (available at Target, Micheals,etc. for about 3.00 a sheet) needs to be glued with Elmers type glue on all the edges. Also Aeromaniacs has a great little Platter design on their website that flys great. I have pics of some of my little planes if you would like, just e-mail.   Good Luck and thanks for your hard work!  Ray Copeland

I just came across this thread today.  I'm the guy who is working with the kids at the orphanage.  I received the kits, glue, spray paint, and handles. Thanks Larry!!!  The kids will enjoy building and flying them.  FYI: There was an article in the September 2006 issue of Flying Models (under C/L Stunt).

We're still looking for some Cox Babe Bee, Golden Bee, Black Widow, etc. .049 engines with the tank attached.

So far, the kids have built the Brodak trainer and the OK Cub. Next we'll be building the (Musciano) Stuntmaster kits which Larry provided.

Some of the kids are getting the hang of it, and they really enjoy both the building and the flying.  (and there's also a lot of crashing.)  I'm planning on rigging up a baloon pop sometime soon.  (Has anyone done a baloon pop before?  Any hints on how to do it without damaging the planes?)

Regarding having the kids designing their own planes: that wouldn't be practical at this time.  I usually have between two to four hours with the kids at a time.  And I like to be able to have them complete their kit within two visits.  If it takes longer than that, they end up with too many missing or broken parts before the planes get finished.

The kids are from about 4 to 16 years old.  With some of the smaller kids, I hold them up while we hold the control handle together. 

The kids live in groups of from 6 to 10, with a set of house parents.  One of the house parents said last month that he has participated in many activities over the years that were provided by many organizations.  But this was by far the best one in his opinion, because the kids are so excited about it, they learn something, and they enjoy doing it.   He said the kids are so excited starting from the day before I am scheduled to arrive.  And when I get there, they all gather around and ask me dozens of questions. 

So, let me know if anyone is able to help with supplying engines.  We could also use some more cans of spray paint in silver, gold, and other metallic colors, as well as red and black.  Does anyone still make clear in a spray can?  We use spray cans because there's no other way that I can help the kids to paint six or eight planes in one evening.

Thanks.

PS: I attended the Huntersville contest.  That was the first time I saw such a contest.  Now I'm looking for someone in my area who can help me to get a couple of planes tuned up, and to help me learn to fly the patterns, so that I can try to compete in a contest in 2008.  It might also be possible for me to bring some of the kids to a contest if I can get some of the house parents interested.

Dave Nyce
Apex, NC    919-362-6923

David as for the baloon bust or Pop I entered one with my Brodak F4F wildcat. wpowered with a black Widow. I hit the balloon dead center with the engine, and the plane bounced backwards without poping the balloon.    It would probably poped the balloon if I hadn't had the little rubber spinner on the engine from an old  Cox plastic PT19.

Leroy

PS: I attended the Huntersville contest.  That was the first time I saw such a contest.  Now I'm looking for someone in my area who can help me to get a couple of planes tuned up, and to help me learn to fly the patterns, so that I can try to compete in a contest in 2008.  It might also be possible for me to bring some of the kids to a contest if I can get some of the house parents interested.

Dave Nyce
Apex, NC 

As I said on the phone, David, we will be more than happy to help out!  Monday (Veteran's Day Holiday) *might* be a flying day.

Bill <><

David,
You are indeed fortunate to have Big Bear (aka Bill Little) offer to assist in your project.
He is a great guy and will be a big asset to your activities.
Roger V.

OK.  A 1/4" balsa stick sounds good.  Thanks.

Hey, Fellas, I met David on Monday, Nov. 12, and we spent the day flying and talking (model) airplanes (he's a full size airplane and helicopter pilot).  His heart is in the right place, for sure, and he is one SHARP Dude!  He *invents* (or whatever you would call it) *sensors* of all kinds.  A great addition to our Hobby!

I've been flying with the kids at the Oxford, NC orphanage about 4 or 5 times per year.  We fly 1/2 balsa planes with Cox Babe bee or Golden Bee engines or OK Cub engines.  We just flew again on Sunday (Nov 7, 2010).  I tried something new this time.  I pushed a balsa stick into the ground and used it to suspend a balloon about 3 feet above the ground.  I suggested that the kids keep flying around the circle while getting lower on each pass, until the plane arrives at the same level as the balloon.  i.e. don't dive on the balloon.  But they just kept dive-bombing and crashing the plane into the ground near the balloon.  The balloon ended up being safe, but a lot more work will be needed to repair the planes than the usual amount.  Next time I visit, we will be building some more planes.  If anyone has any old 1/2A engines with integral tanks not being used, the kids would be happy to have them.  I can clean them up and usually get them working.

Dave