Author Topic: A trip to the Walker "Stunt Ranch" (Read 6218 times)

Alan Resinger · « **on:** May 12, 2015, 10:52:51 PM »

Last weekend Chris Cox and I headed South and then East to Spokane to visit and fly with Paul Walker at the infamous "Stunt Ranch". It's about 7.5 hours drive from Vancouver. We left Friday morning and arrived at Paul and Shal's about 2:30 in the afternoon. After getting the car unpacked and doing a bit of bench flying we headed down to Paul's circle which is about 600 feet from the back door of the workshop. It was pretty gusty but both Paul and Chris put in some flights. I was a bit under the weather with some major indigestion so decided not to fly. After about 4 flights each we headed back tot he shop to do some major prop work. After a great meal and bit of the grape we sat up to about 11:00 talking all things stunt. Early next morning Shal treated us to a pancake breakfast with lots of coffee and juice. By 9:00 we were down at the circle with lots of charged batteries.
Paul's circle is about 180 feet in diameter with closely mowed grass. After he retired from Boeing, the move from Seattle and building the new house, shop and garage buildings have kept him pretty busy. There were many stacks of sod sitting in back of the house that were scheduled for the back yard starting on Monday. The only thing left to do at the flying circle is to put a paved center circle in. The circle in completely fenced with a sprinkler system to keep the grass nice and lush. Every serious stunt flyer should have one like it.
After our morning session we retired to the house for lunch while we recharged batteries. We headed back to the field after lunch and we all got in a bunch of flights. The great thing about these sessions was that we got to get some serious trim work done and some much needed help with our installed Igor Burger "active control systems". We also got some work done on some prop tweaking of our carbon electric props. I'm working on another new model but it wasn't quite ready for testing.
Later in the afternoon, we provided some entertainment for a large gathering of people at the home just to the West of Paul's, as there seemed to be some sort of party going on. With all our charged batteries used we retired to the house for burgers before Chris and I decided to get in a few more flights before it got dark.
Sunday morning we got down to the circle to get in 3 flights each before Chris and I loaded up the car for the trip back to BC.
All in all a great weekend with lots of flying and some great advise from the "Master" himself.
Thanks Paul.

Pictures
Paul's workshop wall with some of his best models. There is everything from his newest Predator models to his P-51, both his B-17's. I was really tickled to see his "Bad News", built for the 1986 WC in Hungary. We cut the foam wing for that model at my shop in Vancouver. Other pictures show he and Chris lounging and making airplane stunts in the air with their hands. The last picture shows Paul's first place Nats awards and his concours trophy that he won with one of his Mustangs. I think Paul is the only person to win the "Concours" and the Walker Trophy the same year.

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2015, 12:48:52 AM »

Wow, truly a "dream" weekend.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and good times!

Randy Cuberly

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2015, 07:02:44 AM »

Grew up in Missoula and in-laws used to live in Post Falls. Hard to pick a better place to live than Spokane. We used to fly out at Fort Missoula.

Doug Moon · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:12:16 AM »

That looks so awesome!

I am jealous!

Got any pics of the house from the outside?

proparc · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2015, 10:38:57 AM »

Quote from: Doug Moon on May 13, 2015, 09:12:16 AM

That looks so awesome!

I am jealous!

Got any pics of the house from the outside?

Yes, what does the "Walker Compound" look like from the outside.

Alan Resinger · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2015, 11:58:11 AM »

Doug,
Sorry didn't take any pictures of the house. The "Stunt Ranch" sits on 10 acres right across the street from the Deer Park, WA airport. Chris was telling me that years ago, when flying water bombers, he was based at Deer Park for a while flying a Catalina. Paul and Shal have a really nice single story house with lots of room and a large deck out back. There is a detached 3 car garage with one bay walled off for Paul's workshop. Another large oversized garage where they can park the large camping trailer. Right now it's home to an old Monarch parts car for Paul's restoration project.
Every SSF should have a circle in the back like Paul's. Hope my envy isn't showing too much.
Alan

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #6 on:** May 13, 2015, 11:58:20 AM »

Wow. What a great weekend!

Thanks for sharing.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2015, 03:24:10 PM »

Here is a shot looking out my shop door. You can see the west edge of the deck, the 17,500 pounds of sod I placed by myself, walkways and edging yet to come, and the flying circle in the background.

Had a great time with Chris and Alan. Come back soon guys!

Howard Rush · « **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2015, 03:41:35 PM »

Quote from: Paul Walker on May 13, 2015, 03:24:10 PM

Come back soon guys!

My invitation to the Ranch was declined.

Alan Resinger · « **Reply #9 on:** May 13, 2015, 03:58:26 PM »

Howard,
Remind me next week in Roseburg to show you of a feature on my new Toyota that is sure to make you jealous.
Alan

Paul Walker · « **Reply #10 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:05:18 PM »

Quote from: Howard Rush on May 13, 2015, 03:41:35 PM

My invitation to the Ranch was declined.

I assumed you wanted some help from me. If you want to fly here without my input, feel free!

In the mean time, I am getting ready for the trip starting Monday.

P.s. Rain is predicted Friday through Sunday as well.

Randy Powell · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:25:07 PM »

So, when is the Paul Walker Stunt Spectacular contest scheduled for?

proparc · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2015, 05:38:35 PM »

That is a straight-up "stunt ranch". When I was a child, I always dreamed of having my own flying circle on my property. I relocated here to Texas to fulfill that dream. Well, I almost pulled it off. But, my realtor put the heat on me about buying in a subdivision with financial potential. I couldn't tell him I just wanted a place to fly!!

Not complaining, as I am going to attend my first ever Team Trials.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2015, 06:53:07 PM »

Quote from: Randy Powell on May 13, 2015, 05:25:07 PM

So, when is the Paul Walker Stunt Spectacular contest scheduled for?

Well, I have thought of that. It would be an electric only affair with a different format that traditional contests. There should be some prize money involved. Stay tuned.

Derek Barry · « **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2015, 07:47:03 PM »

Looking at the planes in your shop brings back a lot of good memories from my childhood. Where are the other impacts from '95-'96?

They are my favorites...

Derek

John Leidle · « **Reply #15 on:** May 13, 2015, 07:54:15 PM »

Looks even nicer than I thought, Certain kind of wonderful Paul.
John

Paul Walker · « **Reply #16 on:** May 13, 2015, 08:37:48 PM »

Quote from: Derek Barry on May 13, 2015, 07:47:03 PM

Looking at the planes in your shop brings back a lot of good memories from my childhood. Where are the other impacts from '95-'96?

They are my favorites...

Derek

I STILL have two houses. I have not moved all the planes out here yet. I need to build a loft in the barn to store all the planes and free up my shop. Well, I flew the B17 in '95, missed the Nats for Sweden, and that was the first orange Impact, and I missed the '97 Nats. The second orange Impact won the "98 Nats. Those are still on the west side. Need to get them over here as a buyer for the house is in sight.

Ugh.....Childhood....95 to 97......I was already old then and already had 7 ish Nats wins by then.....Ugh, I AM old...

Matt Colan · « **Reply #17 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:15:48 PM »

Quote from: proparc on May 13, 2015, 05:38:35 PM

That is a straight-up "stunt ranch". When I was a child, I always dreamed of having my own flying circle on my property.

Having a circle in the backyard is the best thing you can do for flying stunt! Mine isn't quite as nice as Paul's, but at least I have the concrete center pad.

Derek Barry · « **Reply #18 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:25:10 PM »

Quote from: Paul Walker on May 13, 2015, 08:37:48 PM

I STILL have two houses. I have not moved all the planes out here yet. I need to build a loft in the barn to store all the planes and free up my shop. Well, I flew the B17 in '95, missed the Nats for Sweden, and that was the first orange Impact, and I missed the '97 Nats. The second orange Impact won the "98 Nats. Those are still on the west side. Need to get them over here as a buyer for the house is in sight.

Ugh.....Childhood....95 to 97......I was already old then and already had 7 ish Nats wins by then.....Ugh, I AM old...

You were pretty young my first year at the nats, 1990. That was the beginning of your 5 year run, correct? Which impact was that?

Derek

Paul Walker · « **Reply #19 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:37:06 PM »

In '90 it was the first Impact. That plane, in that configuration no longer exists. The fuse was re-used on the '91 pink Impact along with its empanage. The wing was repainted a year after that for the '92 version, but was too heavy. The wing is still intact, but has not been flown since '92.

Target · « **Reply #20 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:51:35 PM »

I'm new.
Sounds awesome.
I volunteer the Walker Ranch to be the new PNW "Brodak" event!

Just Kidding, Paul (sort of...)

Regards,
Chris

bob whitney · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2015, 10:29:12 PM »

Paul, i know this is a vague question ,but what are the differences between the BAD NEWS and the IMPACT

Paul Walker · « **Reply #22 on:** May 14, 2015, 08:45:54 AM »

IMPACT = BAD NEWS + flap change to full span + fuselage profile shape change (mainly to hide the tuned pipe) + stab aspect ratio reduction and stab made flat.

Doug Moon · « **Reply #23 on:** May 14, 2015, 09:06:42 AM »

Paul,

That view out of the shop is awesome! I am so jealous.

You have all of the planes too. Thats great. I have two planes. 2012 winner and last years model. The rest all met their demize.

With all that land you could fly RC everything, sail planes, IMACC, Helicopters, scale warbirds, maybe even jets, the dreaded and feared quad with a camera for some cool shots of your land.

You could work in some free flight too.

Your options are endless.

Chris Cox · « **Reply #24 on:** May 14, 2015, 10:09:34 AM »

First off, I want to thank Paul and Shal for putting Alan and I up for the weekend. Although a little breezy at times, the down time was especially beneficial to discuss topics such as propellors, stab design, active timers, and such. No time was wasted time during our visit! Oh, and the food was awesome as well!

One huge benefit for me personally was to bolster my own confidence in where I am at with respect to aircraft trim and such. Although I will never be at Paul's level (for that matter, few others will ever be at Paul's level), I did prove to myself that what I was seeing was on pace with what Paul saw, and that I was able to decipher what was happening and possibly why. Paul was a great support in confirming some of my observations and ideas on how to fix.

Finally, it was very humbling to spend time with Paul in his shop and home, taking in the tremendous commitment Paul has dedicated to this hobby. Paul has taken his dedication to the stunt event to a level few of us would ever be able to achieve. I sometimes worry if I am a little too consumed by the event as my life often revolves around building new stunt airplanes and finding whatever time I can to fly them. I sometimes worry what my co-workers must think of me, consumed by toy airplanes (probably safe to say full size airplanes as well...).

Following a weekend at the "Stunt Ranch", I'm clearly not working at it hard enough! Guess I will need to break the news to Joan ...

Paul Walker · « **Reply #25 on:** May 14, 2015, 11:06:15 AM »

Quote from: Doug Moon on May 14, 2015, 09:06:42 AM

Paul,

That view out of the shop is awesome! I am so jealous.

You have all of the planes too. Thats great. I have two planes. 2012 winner and last years model. The rest all met their demize.

With all that land you could fly RC everything, sail planes, IMACC, Helicopters, scale warbirds, maybe even jets, the dreaded and feared quad with a camera for some cool shots of your land.

You could work in some free flight too.

Your options are endless.

Well, my options are limited. We live under the flight pattern of Deer Park airport. Thus any thing other than a park flier or small quad cooter can't be flown there. If I wanted to do that, the local RC club flies on an unused runway of the airport across the street.

I plan on doing some park fliers on my field next year though.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #26 on:** May 14, 2015, 11:58:09 AM »

Paul it is great you are full filling your dream of a personal flying field.

By the way do you have any children? I can be up for adoption.

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #27 on:** May 14, 2015, 08:19:09 PM »

Paul:

On the changes from the Bad News to the Impact, what flight difference were you trying to achieve (and did you get it) in changing aspect ratio of the stab?

Thanks,
Scott

Les McDonald · « **Reply #28 on:** May 15, 2015, 11:03:17 AM »

What a great set up. Paul most certainly is the "Hendricks/Penske" of stunt and good for him on that.
One things for sure, he's busted his butt for every part of it and has my admiration and respect for everything he's accomplished!

Paul Walker · « **Reply #29 on:** May 15, 2015, 03:05:16 PM »

Quote from: Les McDonald on May 15, 2015, 11:03:17 AM

What a great set up. Paul most certainly is the "Hendricks/Penske" of stunt and good for him on that.
One things for sure, he's busted his butt for every part of it and has my admiration and respect for everything he's accomplished!

Thanks Les. I appreciate your comments.

Paul Walker · « **Reply #30 on:** May 15, 2015, 03:10:50 PM »

Quote from: Scott Richlen on May 14, 2015, 08:19:09 PM

Paul:

On the changes from the Bad News to the Impact, what flight difference were you trying to achieve (and did you get it) in changing aspect ratio of the stab?

Thanks,
Scott

The HT change was to decrease the deflection of the stab due to the lift. I felt that the Bad News might have deflected under load and then "spring back" when the elevator was neutraled in hard corners. It seemed to produce a small "bounce" in some corners.

Going to the low aspect ratio tail solved that issue.

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #31 on:** May 15, 2015, 03:27:04 PM »

Did you also change the area ratio of stab to elevator, or did that remain constant going from Bad News to Impact?

Also, was the fin/rudder on the Impact extended behind the stab/elevator for visual purposes (to emphasize corners?)

Thanks,
Scott

Paul Walker · « **Reply #32 on:** May 15, 2015, 06:02:44 PM »

Quote from: Scott Richlen on May 15, 2015, 03:27:04 PM

Did you also change the area ratio of stab to elevator, or did that remain constant going from Bad News to Impact?

Also, was the fin/rudder on the Impact extended behind the stab/elevator for visual purposes (to emphasize corners?)

Thanks,
Scott

Area of stab and elevators were the same.

Visual, yes.

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #33 on:** May 17, 2015, 07:13:58 PM »

Id rather know the difference between the 3 predators...

Motivation and results of 3 identical?

Paul Walker · « **Reply #34 on:** May 17, 2015, 07:43:14 PM »

Quote from: PJ Rowland on May 17, 2015, 07:13:58 PM

Id rather know the difference between the 3 predators...

Motivation and results of 3 identical?

[/quot

Predator 2013 won the Nats. It is on the right. It is setting in purgatory as the HT does not want to stay parallel to the wing TE. It needs to come out and have a new one installed. Not going to happen real soon.

Predator 2014 is different as it has the lower aspect ratio tail. It is a full take apart, works great, and "could" go Australia in 2016. That one is on the far left.

Predator 2015 is identical to Predator 2014 except it is a one piece plane, and thus will not make any trans oceanic flights. It would be my practice plane for the 2016 WC's IF I go. Predator 2015 is headed for our Nat's this summer.

Predator 2013 received 19 appearance points at the 2013 Nat's. It is the lowest quality finish of the three!

All three have the geometric non linear control systems in them. They all also use Igor's active speed control system as well.

The only issue with them is me, and finding the energy and desire to bust my butt one more year to do my best. Time will tell!

wwwarbird · « **Reply #35 on:** May 17, 2015, 09:11:05 PM »

Quote from: Paul Walker on May 17, 2015, 07:43:14 PM

[/quot

Predator 2013 won the Nats. It is on the right. It is setting in purgatory as the HT does not want to stay parallel to the wing TE. It needs to come out and have a new one installed. Not going to happen real soon.

Predator 2014 is different as it has the lower aspect ratio tail. It is a full take apart, works great, and "could" go Australia in 2016. That one is on the far left.

Predator 2015 is identical to Predator 2014 except it is a one piece plane, and thus will not make any trans oceanic flights. It would be my practice plane for the 2016 WC's IF I go. Predator 2015 is headed for our Nat's this summer.

Predator 2013 received 19 appearance points at the 2013 Nat's. It is the lowest quality finish of the three!

All three have the geometric non linear control systems in them. They all also use Igor's active speed control system as well.

The only issue with them is me, and finding the energy and desire to bust my butt one more year to do my best. Time will tell!

I say screw it all and fire up the B-17.

Brent Williams · « **Reply #36 on:** May 18, 2015, 01:22:11 AM »

Quote from: Paul Walker on May 17, 2015, 07:43:14 PM

Predator 2013 won the Nats. It is on the right. It is setting in purgatory as the HT does not want to stay parallel to the wing TE. It needs to come out and have a new one installed. Not going to happen real soon.

Predator 2014 is different as it has the lower aspect ratio tail. It is a full take apart, works great, and "could" go Australia in 2016. That one is on the far left.

Predator 2015 is identical to Predator 2014 except it is a one piece plane, and thus will not make any trans oceanic flights. It would be my practice plane for the 2016 WC's IF I go. Predator 2015 is headed for our Nat's this summer.

Predator 2013 received 19 appearance points at the 2013 Nat's. It is the lowest quality finish of the three!

All three have the geometric non linear control systems in them. They all also use Igor's active speed control system as well.

The only issue with them is me, and finding the energy and desire to bust my butt one more year to do my best. Time will tell!

What are some of the differences and design evolutions between the various iterations of the Impact series and the Predator?

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #37 on:** May 18, 2015, 06:03:12 PM »

Thanks paul.

Great effort in building them and your dedication to the event.

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #38 on:** May 18, 2015, 06:21:49 PM »

Quote from: Paul Walker on May 13, 2015, 06:53:07 PM

Well, I have thought of that. It would be an electric only affair with a different format that traditional contests. There should be some prize money involved. Stay tuned.

Paul, speaking of electrics, have you considered converting the B-17 to electric?

Sure would solve the starting and stopping problems.......

And as a plus, you could have them spinning opposite directions.

Cheers, Jerry

PJ Rowland · « **Reply #39 on:** May 18, 2015, 07:10:28 PM »

Ideally.. a fresh challenge. Electric lancaster with bomb bay doors that retract closed when the electric retracts pull the gear up after take off.

Im sure an igor timer and 5200mha batteries could be made to work just fine...

I just doubt paul has the.. * cough cough* to do it..

Leo Mehl · « **Reply #40 on:** May 20, 2015, 02:56:19 PM »

I used to go to dances in Deer Park when I was a kid. I used to stay with my cousin in Catteroy Washington. Great country and real simple life there!

Author Topic: A trip to the Walker "Stunt Ranch" (Read 6218 times)

John Leidle