Author Topic: Down but not out (Read 2112 times)

Ken Culbertson · « **on:** January 21, 2020, 01:08:21 PM »

My home burned to the ground Saturday morning and along with it my entire fleet of planes. It got all of the ones I have posted here over the years including my beloved Twister. I will post more when I have time and access to a computer but if you think it can't happen to you, think again.

Ken

Brent Williams · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2020, 01:15:44 PM »

Dang Ken, so sorry to hear this.

Tom Vieira · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2020, 01:17:16 PM »

man, that sucks!!!!!! so sorry to hear that...

Brett Buck · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2020, 01:24:18 PM »

Quote from: Ken Culbertson on January 21, 2020, 01:08:21 PM

My home burned to the ground Saturday morning and along with it my entire fleet of planes.

I know that there are higher priorities right now, but as soon as you get a place to store stuff, let me know.

Brett

Paul Wood · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2020, 02:45:38 PM »

Ken,
We have never met, but I wanted you to know how much I appreciate your posts and knowledge of this wonderful hobby. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Paul

Dave Swanson · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2020, 03:01:49 PM »

My condolences. Having your home burn to the ground is a nightmare just contemplating it. I hope your journey back is swift.

Steve Berry · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2020, 03:06:30 PM »

Ken, my deepest sympathies. I was really hoping to get a chance to fly that Nobler. Guess no one will now. If you need anything, let me know.

Steve

Phil Spillman · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2020, 03:17:29 PM »

FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE! What a horrible thing to experience. I have often worried about this very thing and would never wish it on anyone especially a fellow Control Liner. Best of luck for a speedy recovery with minimum of hassle from the insurance people. You are now in my prayers.

Phil Spillman

Serge_Krauss · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2020, 03:50:50 PM »

Oh, Ken! I am SO sorry to hear this. I hope you have the best of GOOD fortune in your recovery from this terrible loss, although I know some things cannot be healed. There is a lot of good will and caring out here directed your way.

Peter in Fairfax, VA · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2020, 04:24:14 PM »

Sorry to hear of the fire. You can be 110% sure that this group will help to our capabilities. While the location mentioned in your profile, Utah, is a ways from here to transport a Twister, we just may be able to help with smaller items. And, of course, comment. We have plenty of that.

best of luck getting things back together,

Peter

Will Hinton · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2020, 04:32:14 PM »

Wow, Ken, I simply cannot imagine the emensity of a blow like that. I am so sorry, and you are also in my prayers as well as many others.

Matt Brown · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2020, 05:17:18 PM »

Very sorry to hear this! I’m on the other end of a house fire. Ours burned on Tuesday after thanksgiving of ‘17. I only lost about half of my planes. We should be moving back into our home in about 3 weeks. We rebuilt on the old foundation/basement.
If you have any questions or anything feel free to message me.

Matt

Howard Rush · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2020, 06:07:17 PM »

That is just awful. I am so sorry to hear that.

Joe Gilbert · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2020, 07:02:47 PM »

Ken I Am so Sorrie keep us informed what you need.

Fred Underwood · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2020, 07:09:59 PM »

Sounds awful, I hope that you were able to save some irreplaceable articles and their memories.

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2020, 07:26:10 PM »

Ken,
I'm so sorry to hear about this. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2020, 07:39:55 PM »

What an awful thing to happen! My condolences and best wishes for recovery. I hope that the insurance people treat you kindly. After a tree fell on our house a few years ago, they were very helpful (but that is nothing like what you experienced, so I hope things work out well for you.)

Neil Rogers · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2020, 11:15:07 PM »

Very sorry to hear about this Ken.

Neil Rogers
Edmonton, Alberta

Gary Dowler · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2020, 01:41:42 AM »

Ken, I have never had the chance to meet you, but that doesn't matter. I'm praying for you and yours!! I can scarcely think of anything worse than losing your home and everything in it. I just can't imagine it, and yet I think I dodged the same thing this very night. Kept smelling something "hot", bit try as I might I couldn't find it. Finally, just before going to bed, I realized my washing machine had been running for hours nonstop, and the entire thing was hot to the touch. Shut it off, got it unplugged, and the smell has gone.
I just cannot imagine what might have happened had I just gone to bed.

Ken, I'm so sorry about your loss.

Gary

GERALD WIMMER · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2020, 03:12:13 AM »

Very sorry to hear of your fire Ken , hope things get back to normal for you soon.

James Holford · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2020, 08:51:56 AM »

Sorry to hear that Ken.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

john e. holliday · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2020, 11:04:00 AM »

I too am sad to hear of your loss. I worry a little about that ever since I was working on a plane and smelled something. Spotted the smoke and it was a Dremel type tool I had been using, Unplugged it an out the door it went. Now I make sure all rotory tools are unplugged as well as any electrical tools.

Hope insurance company does right for you. If you lived close enough you would not have to worry about a plane to fly.

L0U CRANE · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2020, 12:29:45 PM »

All of the above...
\LOU

Joseph Patterson · « **Reply #23 on:** January 22, 2020, 05:07:57 PM »

Ken, that is a bummer!!! Let us know through private mail what we may help you with and I don't just mean hobby stuff. Just as Brett said when you get some storage space I've got stuff for you. We will keep you in our prayers.
God Bless,
Doug

bob whitney · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2020, 05:08:14 PM »

[ have a twister in a box I belive is complete it is yours ,I will pay shipping RAD

Dennis Leonhardi · « **Reply #25 on:** January 22, 2020, 09:25:57 PM »

That is terrible news Ken, and you have our deepest sympathy. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, May God be with you and comfort you.

Dennis

Jason Greer · « **Reply #26 on:** January 23, 2020, 08:19:46 AM »

Man, that is horrible. So sorry to hear that.

Jason

Allen Goff · « **Reply #27 on:** January 23, 2020, 08:54:12 AM »

Ken, so, so sorry to hear this. Praying for your needs.

Blessings
Allen

Randy Powell · « **Reply #28 on:** January 23, 2020, 01:30:09 PM »

Damn, Ken, that sucks. You have my sympathy.

Mike Griffin · « **Reply #29 on:** January 23, 2020, 05:05:47 PM »

Ken I cannot even imagine the horror of something like that. I had a good friend who had the same thing happen and their world was turned upside down. I will say a prayer for you and your family and I hope the future will bring you relief and happiness once again.

Mike

Chris Cox · « **Reply #30 on:** January 23, 2020, 07:14:47 PM »

Devastating news Ken. I’m so sorry for you. Praying everything works out for you. Take care.

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #31 on:** January 24, 2020, 11:40:16 AM »

I am deeply touched by all of the support from a community that, most of whom I have only met through this forum. We are getting accustom to the fact that all is gone but we have very good insurance so we will get back on our feet. It will most likely be a year before we are back to where I can resume building and our local group has offered to keep me from forgetting how to do the third corner of the clover and I am sure they will be happy to have another judge.

Once I get into a permanent place I will have a new "shop" and I will be back. I may even have to fly some IC in the interim like I did for 50 years so we will see how that goes. Doesn't the prop have to be flipped or something like that? I had just gotten used to not having a CG shift. Maybe it won't be too bad.

I was extremely relieved to find that it was not one of my batteries that started the fire. It started on a deck that was under my shop (On Posts) and burned through the floor. I would imagine that everything went up in seconds. Nothing, absolutely nothing was left. I will be fine.

Again. thank you for all of the kind postings. The CLPA community is the finest bunch in the world and I am honored to even be a part of it. Maybe, just maybe I will be able to my old form again. I was so close with the help of the Moon brothers, Mike Scott, Matt Colon and Phillip Nichols. They were on my case at each session and I was nearly there at the circle. All of the advice I have gotten from the top guns here was instrumental in reforming me from a 70's flier to a 2020 flier. Special thanks to Brett for convincing me to change my handle and stance and Ted for confirming my "see the maneuver" approach. I hope I remember it all.

I hope my combative nature has not offended anybody and I plan to stay active here, plane to fly or not. If any of you make it to some of the Dallas contests you may find me judging. Just a word of caution, I learned from Gieseke.

Pictures are of my best friends, now departed.

Ken

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #32 on:** January 25, 2020, 06:12:04 AM »

Ken, I just now read this post. So sorry to hear this news. I am praying for you and your needs.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #33 on:** January 25, 2020, 09:58:06 AM »

If the neighbors don't call the men in white jackets on you, you can practice flying in the back yard using a stick for a handle. I have been trying that as my balance is way off when I try over head maneuvers. Just standing and looking up at the stars of a night I'm glad I have a cane close to keep from falling on my kister. Remember to let us know what you need.

John Leidle · « **Reply #34 on:** January 25, 2020, 10:29:57 AM »

Ken,
Thank you for letting us know of the loss. It's a reminder to me of how easy the firetrap in my basement could go poof. I'll be looking things over because of it. A few years age we went to dinner when I returned I smelled something in the basement . A transformer in an old Packard Bell console had lost it's insulative properties & smoked. Luckily that's as far as it went.
Best wishes to you in the recovery.
John L.

Air Ministry . · « **Reply #35 on:** January 25, 2020, 12:49:37 PM »

relieved to hear your insured . You can move on , at least . Without it would not be good .

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #36 on:** February 27, 2020, 12:32:35 PM »

Just a quick update. There are things that can be replaced and there are things that are simply lost. All of the plans for my designs for example and all of the trophies and certificates accumulated over a lifetime - gone. But in the ashes, one thing that caught my eye had survived undamaged, and it made my day.

All of us, regardless of the level we have achieved, have that one pattern that you simply can't forget. In my case it was the 1st round of the 1979 Southwesterns. It was like someone took the handle and I watch as my plane did things I didn't think possible. I was last to fly in the round since I was judging the other PAMPA classes on another circle. When the score was posted my friends, who were looking on in disbelief, informed me that I had just posted a 585 which was a personal best (one that still stands) and won the round. But there was a certain gentleman that did not like having to fly twice (in '79, rounds were not drawn like they are now) and politely put up a higher score after lunch with that "Damn little red airplane". That 2nd place was a solid glass trophy and it is all that survived the fire.

In fairness, I probably should have had third but Al had elected not to fly the second round. If I remember right he had engine troubles and didn't finish the 1st round.

Sorry to bore you with my trip down memory lane - Ken

Avaiojet · « **Reply #37 on:** February 27, 2020, 03:46:17 PM »

Ken,

Trips down memory lane can be a delight. I'm sure others will agree also.

Thanks for that.

Charles

Paul Wescott · « **Reply #38 on:** February 27, 2020, 06:57:35 PM »

Leonard Neumann,
Matt Brown, and
Ken Culbertson, that I know of.

The only three people I know or know of who have ever had a major house fire are ALL CONTROL LINE GUYS.

What the heck is up with that?
I may have to switch hobbies.
Very glad you and yours are ok Ken.
Glad you have insurance (whole new nightmare but the lesser of two evils).
Like Brett - If I am able to contribute anything I will do so when you have the storage.
How did the fire on the deck start?

Paul W.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #39 on:** February 27, 2020, 07:05:24 PM »

Quote from: Paul W. on February 27, 2020, 06:57:35 PM

Leonard Neumann,
Matt Brown, and
Ken Culbertson, that I know of.

The only

Paul W.

I believe it was Matt Neuman, not Leonard.

Paul W

Matt Brown · « **Reply #40 on:** February 27, 2020, 07:08:05 PM »

Quote from: Paul W. on February 27, 2020, 06:57:35 PM

Leonard Neumann,
Matt Brown, and
Ken Culbertson, that I know of.

The only three people I know or know of who have ever had a major house fire are ALL CONTROL LINE GUYS.

What the heck is up with that?
I may have to switch hobbies.
Very glad you and yours are ok Ken.
Glad you have insurance (whole new nightmare but the lesser of two evils).
Like Brett - If I am able to contribute anything I will do so when you have the storage.
How did the fire on the deck start?

Paul W.

Wasn’t sure if the deck question was directed at me but mine was an unused outlet on the patio. No idea what the issue was but there was nothing left of it but the metal frame. The wires were melted back about 6” from where it mounted. Our fire was November 28 of ‘17. We have spent this past week finally moving back into our new home. Virtually the identical house we had before on original lot! It has been an adventure.

Matt

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #41 on:** February 27, 2020, 07:42:00 PM »

Quote from: Matt Brown on February 27, 2020, 07:08:05 PM

Wasn’t sure if the deck question was directed at me but mine was an unused outlet on the patio. No idea what the issue was but there was nothing left of it but the metal frame. The wires were melted back about 6” from where it mounted. Our fire was November 28 of ‘17. We have spent this past week finally moving back into our new home. Virtually the identical house we had before on original lot! It has been an adventure.

Matt

You give me hope. We are going to rebuild on the same lot a bit smaller.

Thanks - ken

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #42 on:** February 27, 2020, 07:58:13 PM »

Quote from: Paul W. on February 27, 2020, 06:57:35 PM

I may have to switch hobbies. - You seem to agree with my wife on that one!

How did the fire on the deck start? - Oil filled space heater in my wife's Avery caught fire. When it hit my stuff it went up like a bomb.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #43 on:** February 27, 2020, 08:28:36 PM »

Jeez, I guess I've been missing more than I thought. Very sorry about your fire, Ken. DO LET US KNOW if you need any CL bits and pieces. I have come to realize that I have been collecting a lot of engines, kits and hardware that I'll never live long enough to use, so whatever you need, ask. Only thing is, I don't have any of that electrical chit, so you're on your own there. And it happens that's part of the reason I don't have some...the potential of a house fire. Have you figured out what started the fire? I'm sure we'd be interested in knowing, for the potential learning experience.

Add Berry's to the list of CL folks whose house burned down. Derek's Dad, as I understand it; I think while Derek lived at home. It's almost surprising how seldom that happens, with all the wood, dope, fuel, NITRO and batteries/chargers we all use. I've got a gallon of nitro in the basement...ummmm. Maybe I need a new plan? But on the other hand, folks think nothing of having 3 car garages, each with 20-50 gallons of highly flammable stuff in them. Not to mention, going to fill those puppies up at the gas station...all kinds of strangers nearby, smoking weed or vaping or whatever...you just don't know. Jeez, I hope I can sleep tonight. Everybody be safer than usual, and say a prayer or send good vibes to Ken, would ya?

Steve

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #44 on:** February 27, 2020, 08:53:52 PM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on February 27, 2020, 08:28:36 PM

Jeez, I guess I've been missing more than I thought. Very sorry about your fire, Ken. DO LET US KNOW if you need any CL bits and pieces. I have come to realize that I have been collecting a lot of engines, kits and hardware that I'll never live long enough to use, so whatever you need, ask. Only thing is, I don't have any of that electrical chit, so you're on your own there. And it happens that's part of the reason I don't have some...the potential of a house fire. Have you figured out what started the fire? I'm sure we'd be interested in knowing, for the potential learning experience.

Add Berry's to the list of CL folks whose house burned down. Derek's Dad, as I understand it; I think while Derek lived at home. It's almost surprising how seldom that happens, with all the wood, dope, fuel, NITRO and batteries/chargers we all use. I've got a gallon of nitro in the basement...ummmm. Maybe I need a new plan? But on the other hand, folks think nothing of having 3 car garages, each with 20-50 gallons of highly flammable stuff in them. Not to mention, going to fill those puppies up at the gas station...all kinds of strangers nearby, smoking weed or vaping or whatever...you just don't know. Jeez, I hope I can sleep tonight. Everybody be safer than usual, and say a prayer or send good vibes to Ken, would ya? Steve

Fortunately, it was not my stuff that started it but it went up like a Roman Candle when the fire found it. When we rebuild I will have a new hobby room made out of 6" cinder block. I never slept well with 20 or so Lipo's sitting around. It is almost enough to get me to go back to slimers when I can build again.
My old shop was a 10 x 20 room at the top of the stairs.......

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 28, 2020, 08:06:25 AM »

curious about the unburned wood in the photo....put in after fire?

Andre Ming · « **Reply #46 on:** February 28, 2020, 08:46:13 AM »

Very sorry to read of this, Ken.

My hope for you and yours is to get back to a semblance of normal asap.

Now would be a great time to plan for the future and eliminate stairs/etc. If not, and provided you live long enough, stairs will complicate (and possibly forbid) access to places you can go to now. I have a friend that's entering his late 80s, and his hobby haven was up steep stairs. He hasn't been up there in years.

Andre

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #47 on:** February 28, 2020, 11:28:01 AM »

Quote from: Fredvon4 on February 28, 2020, 08:06:25 AM

curious about the unburned wood in the photo....put in after fire?

The posts were 6" metal. The fire department stopped the fire at the base of the steps. Today was a banner day in the recovery process. Our security DVR was finally dry enough to see what happened. My shop was the victim, not the perpetrator. An oil filled heater in my wife's Aivery blew up. The fire report says it probably started in the "hobby" room. The damage behind the picture was too much for him and he never even went back there.

Ken

Author Topic: Down but not out (Read 2112 times)

Tom Vieira