Author Topic: Funk Buster???? (Read 7150 times)

Bill Little · « **on:** September 30, 2013, 02:42:01 PM »

OK, does anyone have a sure fire "Funk Buster"

I have loved C/L for 50 years, but since the cancer deal, I have been in a "funk". I just can't get to work on my projects.......... HELP!!!

Bill

Larry Renger · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2013, 02:49:48 PM »

Find a kid to teach!
Judge at a contest.
Learn to fly with your "wrong" hand.
Fly a hot combat model.
Fly a stunt kite on a beautiful fall day.

Best of luck!

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2013, 03:26:28 PM »

Half-A flat winged ships. Just like you flew as a kid. Loads of fun when they work, and frustrating enough that you'll be flying something bigger in no time.

Steven Kientz · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2013, 03:43:22 PM »

Is there a "special" jig or other accessory you can build in a short time. I know putting together a wing jig or glue caddy or etc. always helps me get back to it. How about your flightbox, does it need some TLC?

Tight Lines
Steve

Posthole_digger · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2013, 03:46:21 PM »

Bill

Didn't know about your cancer problem.

I lost my wife of 48 1/2 years last year. She was sick for several years before requiring my full time services.

Lost all interest in the hobby and a lot else. Feel your pain - have no answer.

Paul

Avaiojet · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2013, 03:50:52 PM »

Bill,

How close are you to the nearest flying field? I would call in the markers your friends are holding.

When I started in the 50's, us kids, we would be over the houses of guys and really old guys working on our projects.

The local Hobby Shop had a rear room, and a pin ball machine, where we built on weekends and some school nights.

It's changed, unfortunately, and so have the guys.

Have you confided with your Club friends?

I wish we were neighbors.

Blessings,

Charles

Bill Little · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2013, 04:41:20 PM »

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your posts, I appreciate it.

Larry,

I wish I could find a kid to teach! Biggest problem is finding a place to fly and someone to fly with. I found out after judging a few times that it is a chore I completely detest. And no idea where to find a stunt kite! LOL!!

Tim,

I might could find a place to fly a flat sheet 1/2A model. Launching might be a problem, though.

Steve,

I have a CLC wing jig that I need to get figured out. Could start with that.

Paul,

I am sorry to hear about your wife. If something works for me, I will let you know.

Charles,

I am 90 miles form one flying field and 101 miles from the other! No one else around here is into flying C/L. There's not even the R/C interest there was wen I was Treas. of the local club.

Thanks, everyone. Something has got to give......

Bill

Joe Just · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2013, 04:57:26 PM »

Bill, when I was recovering from Cancer I looked in my shop to see what I could sell on ebey. I managed to sell enough to take the wife to Ireland for 12 days. So, just for the heck of it I sold enough more to buy some new stuff for my hobby and I haven't looked back since. If that does not work start really cleaning up the mess in the shop. That always gets me anxious to make another big mess.
Joe

Bootlegger · « **Reply #8 on:** September 30, 2013, 05:01:49 PM »

Bill, I sent ya' a P/M...

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #9 on:** September 30, 2013, 05:36:38 PM »

Bill:

Stooge, or sleeve launch. If it's fast enough to be fun, it's fast enough to sleeve launch...

Dan Bregar · « **Reply #10 on:** September 30, 2013, 05:40:03 PM »

Bill
You ought to drag yourself to the Huntersville contest in a couple of weeks. That could help get the juices flowing !

Dan

Mike Griffin · « **Reply #11 on:** September 30, 2013, 06:09:47 PM »

Hey Bill

You and I have had a few conversations on the phone and I know this has been really rough. As you know I do not have the cancer problem but the chronic back pain for years had really drug me down into a pretty deep depression. Living with any disease or disability for a long time can do that. I was forced, like you, into a lifestyle that I did not want to be in and unfortunately it drug my wife into it also. People who have never had to fight anything like this or have had chronic pain for years really do not understand the toll it takes on your mind and body.

I do understand very well what you are talking about and I really have to force myself to get in that shop sometimes and start doing something. It may not be anything but cutting some cloth hinges or attaching leadouts to bellcranks or something meanial like that but it helps. I bet i have straightened and cleaned my shop 50 times in the last couple of years. It just gets messy again but it gives me a purpose.

Heck I havent flown now in over 4 years. I have kits in the closet that I dont know if I will ever get built or not but I have good intentions. Eric Rule has been a Godsend to me by giving me an outlet to sell my kits through plus selling his just to make a little money so I can buy more balsa.

You know I am just a phone call away if you want to talk. I enjoy our conversations and never hesitate to call me. You/We will get through this...proud to call you a friend.

Mike

Will Davis · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2013, 06:14:25 PM »

Bill,

Same problem here, lack of motivation, we went out to the field last Saturday, had a great time, now I want to spend more time in the shop to build,

Come out to Huntersville on the 19 th of october, just hang out with us and have a good time, compete or just watch and hanger fly, it will be a good motivator for you

Larry Renger · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2013, 07:22:49 PM »

intothewind.com You will be blown away (pun intended) by the variety and beauty of what they offer, and some goodies that are useful for aircraft, too.

I bought one of their paraglider type kites. It lives in a tiny bag in the trunk of my car, including lines and handles. Haven't been blown out of a flying day since I got it!

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #14 on:** September 30, 2013, 07:35:05 PM »

Break out your engine test stand and run some of your better stunt engines. Nothing like noise, castor oil and a good 4x2 break to get your blood flowing.

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #15 on:** September 30, 2013, 07:49:47 PM »

Big Bear
Wish you were closer to the mid south.

My suggestion.
Get away from the computer.
Spend all week in the shop, spend all day at the field on Saturday, rest after church on Sunday.

My 2cents.

RknRusty · « **Reply #16 on:** September 30, 2013, 09:23:49 PM »

Hey Bill, here's your launcher. PVC table, bathmat, bungee cord and brick(for TE alignment), and a guywire that's not to be tripped over. I strap it atop a barstool if I'm launching a wimpy plane.

+1 on Huntersville, there will be lots of entertaining people there. If I can't talk a laugh out of you, my flying might. Anyway, I need someone besides me to park in the handicap spot so I won't feel weird.

Rusty

Will Hinton · « **Reply #17 on:** October 01, 2013, 06:36:24 AM »

Hi Coach! I feel your frustration. Three years ago I burned less than two gallons verses the 6 or 7 I had been using, the next year it was less than a gallon, this year I haven't flown at all except for a flight on Jeff Traxler's electric Nobler at the FCM meet. Just can't get motivated to go out alone and Toledo is too far away to drive down there to fly with Jeff and the guys. I have gotten lazy, I guess!
I have finished my semi-scale Pawnee, but seriously doubt if I bother to fly it this year!
The guitar shop has been busy and I try to convince myself that is the reason for my lack of modeling enthusiasm, but I know deep down that it isn't really it! Iused to take time off from building guitars to go fly, so I could still do that if I wanted too! The clients know they might have to wait.
If you find a solution, lemmeknow! Meantime, know we care much about you and would love to burn some fuel together. HEY, THAT'S IT!!! You and I can go fly together, it's only a day's drive, right?

john e. holliday · « **Reply #18 on:** October 01, 2013, 08:52:21 AM »

Okay guys, it is time for someone close to Big Bear to go get him. If you have to call the guard and do so to get him out to the circle or an area big enough to fly. I have Dave Trible here in the Shawnee area to get me going. Used to be John Bender would call and say I'm headed for the circle and I would meet him there. It is no fun flying by ones self. Just need to check out the new circle.

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #19 on:** October 01, 2013, 09:20:44 AM »

That's a great idea. I have a guy I call just about everytime we go to the field. He almost always say "Yes". Even if he doesn't fly, he comes to talk.

Norm Furutani · « **Reply #20 on:** October 01, 2013, 12:44:40 PM »

Hi Bill,

Sorry about the health issues.

I understand the "funk" problem. I'm a life long modeller, most of the time in FF. For me, FF is a 75/150 mile drive minimum adn 150/300 miles for a contest and it gets old. Competed in FAI, made the US team etc. But once in awhile I need a change. This is how I ended up flying U/C. Much closer, plus I like the noisy engines. So now i can I fly UC, FF, and RC, indoors and out.

Here's my thought, some will think it sacrilege, but try RC park flying. If you don't fly RC already, get a Horizon Champ http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/champ-rtf-HBZ4900 . It's $90, complete RTF. You can literally pick it up on the way to the park, has all the batteries/charger/radio etc. and fly. Don't look at the other planes in the line! Maybe later.

There are parkflier kits from Stevens Aero and Mountain Models that are amazingly well engineered and a joy to assemble. Much different then the standard UC kit.

Flying is as close as the nearest park/school. Once you get the hang of it, you can fly in front of the house.

Norm Furutani

dennis lipsett · « **Reply #21 on:** October 01, 2013, 01:39:34 PM »

Quote from: Norm Furutani on October 01, 2013, 12:44:40 PM

Hi Bill,

Sorry about the health issues.

I understand the "funk" problem. I'm a life long modeller, most of the time in FF. For me, FF is a 75/150 mile drive minimum adn 150/300 miles for a contest and it gets old. Competed in FAI, made the US team etc. But once in awhile I need a change. This is how I ended up flying U/C. Much closer, plus I like the noisy engines. So now i can I fly UC, FF, and RC, indoors and out.

Here's my thought, some will think it sacrilege, but try RC park flying. If you don't fly RC already, get a Horizon Champ http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/champ-rtf-HBZ4900 . It's $90, complete RTF. You can literally pick it up on the way to the park, has all the batteries/charger/radio etc. and fly. Don't look at the other planes in the line! Maybe later.

There are parkflier kits from Stevens Aero and Mountain Models that are amazingly well engineered and a joy to assemble. Much different then the standard UC kit.

Flying is as close as the nearest park/school. Once you get the hang of it, you can fly in front of the house.

Norm Furutani

Bill,

You just got the best advice in this thread. I'm tired of going 50 miles one way to fly C/L and I can fly small R/C 3 minutes from my house and have actually flown in my back yard with a micro model. only the uninformed call R/C the dark side.

Dennis

proparc · « **Reply #22 on:** October 01, 2013, 08:21:33 PM »

Bill,
I'm so glad you started this thread because, given our older demographic, the chance that anyone of us could end up in a "funk" due to illness is pretty high. Windy just emailed us about heart surgery he is having done. My doctor just called today to ask how am I doing in the Texas climate.

I play guitar so, that helps to keep my head together when I am not feeling good. I also do a lot of my CAD work when I not feeling good. That is a great way to exercise the creative juices when the body is not quite up to par. Anyone who has done it will tell you that the hours can go buy pretty fast when you're Cadding it up.

Get better soon.

Keith Renecle · « **Reply #23 on:** October 02, 2013, 12:33:46 AM »

Hi Bill,

Bad health is a sure source of depression and puts a damper on things that you previously loved so much. I would recommend a small .15 electric stunter that can be flown close by your home. I'm busy right now with a 1/2A Ringmaster bipe with a small electric motor instead of the Babe Bee. I can build this in a few hours and it doesn't even need painting. I chose the bipe because I can stick the battery between the wings in the fuz. I'm doing this for the annual Ringmaster Fly-A-Thon this week-end. After that I'll make a prettier bipe that flies better for the same setup. A .15 size electric stunter is a lot nicer to play with and does not really need much more space to fly, so this is why I suggested that. I know that you still have one of my timers, so just use that and get the rest of the stuff that you like from info on this forum.

Stunt kites are great fun and in fact they are good exercise as well. A decent size delta kite will strengthen the old back muscles in strong wind. If the back is past the stage where exercise won't help or make things worse, then stick to smaller kites. I remember the "Banjo man" Bruno van Hoek posting something about a small delta kite with a single handle to train newcomers to fly stunt. You can send Bruno a PM and ask for the details.

One of the best things to do when you don't feel so great, is to be around good positive people, and avoid any negative stuff. The stunt family is exactly that....a family, and a large international one at that. I go to the world champs as much as I can, and the real reason is to see the people that I've become good friends with. Sure the competition is great, but it's the people that keep bringing me back for more. So lean on your friends at times like this. It helps a lot.

I enjoy music and play a little guitar and keyboards. This is my 2nd interest besides airplanes. When things get real muddled up in my head, I do some "rock-therapy". I'm an old hard rock fan and I stick the earphones on and blow the cobwebs out of my system without anyone else even hearing anything. Sometimes, it's also a piece of sloppy romantic or classical music, but it all depends on my mood at the time. Like someone said on a record a while ago....."dance the funky chicken!" This is guaranteed to de-funk you! Even if someone catches you out doing this, you'll both get a good chuckle out of it. Negative stuff is like a graveyard spiral....literally, so push hard on the rudder pedal and get out of the spiral asap!

Keith R

Serge_Krauss · « **Reply #24 on:** October 02, 2013, 01:15:41 AM »

Bill-

'sorry to hqar you're still feeling low. Except for thinking and editing the newsletter, I've been too inactive recently. What motivates me best is joining the club guys and just making myself go to the basement work area. Once there, with my hands on the project - not just planning, but hands-on - I get more enthusiastic. It makes me feel good to know that I've not given it up. SO...my biggest encouragement, aside from seeing the others fly and build, is to get past the initial barrier. The more I do (mistakes, repairs and all) the more I want to do. It's a comfort.

You've added so much here with your generosity and enthusiasm that I hope you are aware of the waves you make just by being here. I hope a little earned positive reinforcement lifts the "funk" some! As a coach, 'you probably remember seeing your own effect. I for one always wait to hear how your projects are progressing. It's only the third quarter, guy! Best wishes for continued recovery and lots of fun and fulfillment to come.

Author Topic: Funk Buster???? (Read 7150 times)

Joe Just

Mike Griffin