Ringmaster Roundup Question

[Hoss Cain]

Looked a bit in the forum but saw nothing about the Ringmaster Roundup in Houston a week ago, May 18-19.

I did not go even with a couple Ringmasters, but one has the planked LE which is not allowable there. There were other items that really are a bit much for my taste. One being that the folks do not answer my email requests and why I never can get into that web-site to learn what is happening.

Still I wonder about how the event went. It was windy for sure. I did not look around the forum but maybe someone has submitted some stuff about the results. Thanks if so.

[John Cralley]

Hoss,

I did not make it to the Roundup either. (sigh) but here is what I know:

Joe Gilbert was the top pilot and his team won the Team stunt event on Sunday. None of the scores have been posted. Here are links to some photos and a video:

https://picasaweb.google.com/103083311892688370515/2013RoundupPhotos?authkey=Gv1sRgCPfC6M2lh-rDlwE&gsessionid=EOuVmfQEk9NQrNd1uT2-Bg#5880120748797393682

Richard Staight got some video here of the spectacular helicopter crash of Bill Strawn's twin Ringmaster (in slow motion when the inboard engine quit in a strong wind) ..his son David was in the circle with him and took the handle but could not save it.  Richard also got Lewis Sullivan getting a balloon in Balloon Bust, the hard way... and the Dee Rice's Sweepmaster (modified Ringmaster with a Nelson 36 turning at 27000 rpm)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqQDdRR9rKo&feature=youtu.be

Here is what Dee Rice wrote on the Brotherhood of the Ring forum:

A bit windy this year, but flyable............though, at times, close. A number of the preregistered became "no shows", I think due to the weather.................However, even with a lean field, we had a ton of fun and got in lots of hanger-flying.

I want to give a special thanks to our sponsors................Please see the list that is posted here and give them huge kudos for their support.

Joe Gilbert recaptured his Master of the Ring award, but defending champ, Don Cranfill could hardly walk on his soon to be replaced knees. He was a bit slow to get around and it looked painful. We all wish him a gifted doctor and smooth recovery............only He is trying to wait until Fall, so he will not miss the contest season...........amazing!

Larry Borden was voted the Pilots Choice for his beautiful "Hooters" Ringmaster.............a slick model for sure. Dee Rice's Sweepmaster was voted the Pilots Choice for Special Edition Ringmaster.

Joe Gilbert's team won the team award.

John McCullum won the first annual "Turtle Award." It was a 10" crystal turtle for coming the greatest distance, 1959.9 miles from Maine. It represents that determination will always beat the rabbit............ala the "Tortoise and the Hare" story. My wife, Cecile, thought up this award...........we like it and will do it again.

Free flight icon, Mark Troutman flew for Joe's team and he and combat icon, Richard Stubblefield won the Team Pursuit event. It is such an honor that we have such accomplished brothers as part of our Brotherhood of the Ring team..............also, Mark was the pit crew and launcher for the Sweepmaster, as he was the only one around besides Richard that wanted to be anywhere around that Nelson .36 (50% nitro and 27,000 rpm) when it fired up!

[Hoss Cain]

Thank You much John for the answer. They advertise Ringmaster S-1 ONLY yet I see starnge machines on the pictures.

Wish I could get into and stay there as it looks like fun, especially with the weird machines. 

Maybe next year.

[John Cralley]

Yes Hoss,

They do not allow anything except S-1 Ringmasters in the Stunt competition but other Ringmaster variations are encouraged. They are used for demonstration flights and can be used in the balloon bust and the "fast/slow" contest on Friday. An Award is given for the favorite (voted on by all the pilots) non-S-1 Ringmaster at the Roundup.

Here is another video that I did not post before because it was "private" but now works for everyone. It is of Dee Rice's Sweepmaster with the Nelson 36 and shows it being put through its paces. I think that is Richard Stubblefield on the handle!! Enjoy.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzVdRAWPoRA&feature=youtu.be