WOW! RAY FIRKENS..

Attached here are photos that Les captured of Bob Gialdini's beautiful original STING RAY during one of Bob's "OVER-NIGHTER" at the McDonald's bed n; Breakfast pad...many years ago?

(This model of Ray's RAY' IS A REAL TRIBUTE to Bob Gialdini...CLPA ART AT ITS FINEST!)YES! SEND MORE PHOTOS AND INFO ON THIS AMAZING  VSC STINGRAY....

Ray sure builds 'em pretty. His plane last year was gorgeous too.

Thanks so much for the great pictures.  It brought back a rush of memories to the time when that issue of American Modeler with the article on the Sting Ray came in the mail.  Talk about airplane love at first sight!  I ordered the plans, of course.  But it was way beyond the building skills of this high-schooler at the time.  But still, every once in a while I'll get the plans out, unfold them and just sit and look and daydream.  What a beautiful, beautiful airplane.

Scott

Hey Tom, great idea!
That way I could blame my poor performance on Dave Gierke, Jim Kostecky, Bob Gialdini or Lew McFarland.
I hate to admit it but without a Stiletto I'm not much. Heck, even with a good plane I would probably be mediocre at best.
When I'm visiting a contest now I love the people. When I was flying, "back in the day", they were simply witnesses to the scoreboard.
I have been "stunt clean" for 27 years, I can't fall off the wagon now!!

Awesome looking model!  Ray has struck again.

Big Bear

Hey Tom, great idea!
That way I could blame my poor performance on Dave Gierke, Jim Kostecky, Bob Gialdini or Lew McFarland.
I hate to admit it but without a Stiletto I'm not much. Heck, even with a good plane I would probably be mediocre at best.
When I'm visiting a contest now I love the people. When I was flying, "back in the day", they were simply witnesses to the scoreboard.
I have been "stunt clean" for 27 years, I can't fall off the wagon now!!

Hi Les,

You *might* be able to protect yourself from yourself by the mind set that "this is just "Classic" (or Nostalgia 30 depending on venue).  Then you wouldn't be "falling off the wagon".    I know that there are many, many of us who would love to just see you flying again.  Of course, not to your detriment, though.  I know that no one but yourself would have "expectations" (wherein I am aware could lie the problems!).  A very "non competitive" involvement, strictly for fun and comradeship.  Building and flying for the pure joy of just doing it.    Then again, it might be true that "you can never go home again".  Just glad to see you when I can, and thanks for all the help over the years!

Bill

Hey Les,  if Al Rabe can build and still fly for fun, you should be able too.  I asked him why he didn't compete and he replied,  "What for,  I have done all of it".   The last time I seen him fly it looked like he still had a pattern to die for.  Besides we will put out the word that if Les gets serious we will kick his behind.   

Ray Firkins is one great modeler and gentleman.  I first met him a few years ago while judging Old Time and had to tell him he forgot to signal.  He also has one great helper in his wife also.  Have not run into him yet this years but I know I will.  I didn't realize how many people I know.

Mostly we put up with Ray because he brings 'Becky along with him.

Ted Fancher

I guess he builds all right, too.