A local SV-11 ARF has been nailed together and flown (9/26/10). This example has a few issues, in particular very stiff controls and less than 15 degrees of up elevator, yet it flew well. I don't know the weight but it feels light, probably around 60 ounces. The builder is Scott Molck. Power is a Tom Lay tuned ST .56 with a locally made strap-on tongue muffler. Tank is a 5.5 oz. Brodak Magnum vented uniflow without muffler pressure. Lines are .018" X 64 feet (eyelet to eyelet). Fuel is Sig 10/25 all Castor and a Sig plug. Prop is a Zinger 13 X 6. Conditions were ideal: 70 degrees F, 6 to 8 mph wind.

Scott did most pattern maneuvers on the 2nd flight and the whole pattern on the 3rd flight. It looked really good in spite of the control system issues. Hopefully the controls will loosen up before something snaps. Rounds were smooth, corners sharp and it tracks well in level flight. The ST .56 purrs like a fuzzy kitten and provides excellent power for this "lighter than a Strega" model. Scott has owned 6 Stregas (4 ARFs, 1 ARC and one kit built). The .56 would pattern the lightest of these, but barely. The kit built Strega is 90 plus oz. and is a hand full, even for the ST 60.

Tom Egbert is shown holding his T-Rex powered by a T&L ST .60 with tongue muffler, pressure fitting, plastic tank, Sig plug, 10/25 all Castor fuel and .018" X 64 ft. lines. Prop is a 3-blade Master Airscrew 11 X 6. He probably has 60+ flights on it by now. Weight is just under 60 ounces. It's a nice flier. Tom is getting some quality stick time on it and getting better doing the pattern maneuvers. He also has an SV-11 ARF, but has not built it yet. I'll post something on it after it flies. Power will likely be a T&L ST .56 or sixty (Tom Lay tuned engines are popular in the Omaha area).  I'll probably be offered a flight or 2 on this one.

I am the one holding the 5 pound Score, which now has well over 100 flights on it with 6 engines. As pictured it has a T&L ST .60 installed, but I have a very good box stock ST .60 that performs about as well. Fuel is a blend that works out to about 23.5% total oil (more than half is Castor) and 10 to 12% nitro. It has an Aero Products tongue muffler and 8 oz. Pylon Flex Tank on pressure. Lines are .021" X 64 feet. Before the new rules took effect I was flying it on .018" X 65' lines and did not like changing to the heavier cables. The Score is fully take-apart to the extent that I can put everything back into the box it came in.

The ARF Nobler is owned by Wade Pearson. I built if for him about 8 years ago, but it has less than 100 flights on it and still looks new. Wade applied the nice trim job. Weight is around 47 ounces. The fuel tank is a Brodak medium wedge 4.5 oz. uniflow. Engine is a Stalker .40 RE with a Sig plug and no muffler pressure. Lines are .015" X 60 feet. The wing and stab assemblies are removable. The prop is probably an 11 X 6 but I don't recall the brand. I like the ARF Nobler and often recommend it to anyone in need of a .40 size quick and dirty full bore rig. There are about a dozen essential changes that should be made, but at around $100 for the kit, its a bargain and a good flier.

Wade built the electric ARF Super Clown and has since upgraded the power system. He also has an impressive electric ARC Vector 40 (not pictured). Electrics offer many advantages, but also high entry cost and a new technology must be learned. Given my age and limited resources I will probably remain a "gas man". ARFs and ARCs are very popular in the Omaha club. Active participation, especially the flying part of the hobby, would probably be only a third of what it is, without them.

As you can see, we have a nice field to fly on (Seymour Smith Park at 72nd and Washington). The land was set aside in the mid-1970s, but not developed until 1980. Many club members put in lots of hours working with various city administrations, but it was not until Vince Mankowski (former AMA Executive Director) got involved that the final push was made to get it done. There are also 2 grass circles with paved centers, but one was made nearly useless when a bike trail cut through the field about 8 years ago. EWP

st 51 will, I would not try a la 46 but that is me. I have a sv/22 at 61 ozs a PA51 and very happy with it at that weight.

that may work horsepower in a can. and if we can get nos in the picture horsepower by the button it may be more fun