Thank you, all for the comments and compliments! It was a surprising and fantastic end to the week, from the Front Row on Monday to flying in the Top 20 on Friday. A week to remember!!
This bulid began Feb 2006, my son was not even a year old. He just turned ten in May, and during my Folks visit for his Birthday weekend the maiden flight occured. I never intended for this model to see contest duty, it began with the Flying Models issue that featured Jack Sheeks Seafang. Apr 79, Genesis foam wing and ST 46. I fell in love with that model, thinking someday... Yes even at nine yrs old.
When construction finally "happened" the only thing related to Jacks design was the outline of the Stab/Elev. The Seafang became a Spitfire Mk XIVe, clipped tip, bubble canopy with the "Broad Chord" fin/rudder. Instead of the foam wing, I substituted a D Tube version of Mike Ditrichs Cobra 7, which is what Jerry Phelps used in his ST 46 Avian that was campaigned in the Midwest. Ironically after talking with Bill Werwage (who was a huge influence on Mikes Cobra development), he said that is the wing in his Small Yellow Junar and Bob Hunts Saturn. Of course how could I build it without some Dihedral?
This is my first model using Certified Dope (Sig Colors with Toner White), PolySpan covering (thanks to Tom Morris and Sparkys Video), SuperFil fillets, and I molded my own canopy. Powered by a Lew Woolard OS LA 46. Needless to say, it all worked out for the best. It has been a long journey with this model and a lot of water under the bridge since it began. I can honestly say this has brought the Fun back to Models for me.
I also want to say that my intent this year was to enjoy the Nats and have fun flying with my Dad. I was inspired last year after pitting for him while flying his Gee Bee. It was a week I will forever treasure, watching him enjoy a model project that was a long journey for him also, capped off with a successful Nats week. It was during that week I realized how much I missed the Nats and competition. My last Nats experience wasnt so pleasant. Those memories had faded enough that enthusiasm regained a foothold.
Through all the trials and tribulations, my Dad was a constant source of encouragement and guidance. I would not be here, enjoying the successes in modelling, if it weren't for my Dad. Thank you, Dad. You are my Hero. I will always hear your voice telling me to sand a little more or make a better intersection in the overhead eight, but it will mean so much more coming from you. This one is for you.
Fly Stunt,
Todd Lee
PS for Derek, I know you of all people can understand the sentiment, and I couldn't have said it all at the Banquet without getting a little.... Emotional. :-)
Topic: Concours at the Nat's (Read 7861 times)