Author Topic: GSCB Combat fun fly (Read 8097 times)

De Hill · « **on:** September 20, 2015, 05:42:45 PM »

Any news about the GSCB Combat fun fly that was held this weekend?

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2015, 08:25:36 PM »

Last count, there were 57 airplanes there for display and show. We had a nice dinner afterwards. We are all just getting back home it's around 10 pm eastern time. Long day, lots of fun! I have about 8 hrs of video to go thru. I'm sure there will be loads of pictures and discussion in days to come, I for one had a absolute Blast!

Tom

Andre Ming · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2015, 09:32:35 PM »

Yo De... Andre Mingiano here...

Deeze East Coast Crazies up here in Joisey gotta way of corruptin' a guy... ya know? Neva ate so much good pizza in my life... ya know? An when it comes to seein' combat planes turnin' n' burnin' with a honkin' Fox on the nose... this is where it's at, man, this is where it's at. Neva seen so many combat planes flyin' since maybe the '72 Glenview Nats? I mean, I wuz seein' planes planes from the Fabulous Fifties... saw 'em from the Sizzlin' Sixties... the Sensational Seventies... even saw some speed limit combat being flown with today's iron. All day long, man, all day long. Saw some wild stuff, too, dude... some wild stuff.

Like, howz bout a Voodoo with a Scarinzi X engine on 50% nitro tearing a hole in the sky at 123 MPH? Saw it bro. Saw it fly... saw the watches. It was the real deal, man, the real deal.

Said it before, an now that I've experienced it... all I gotta say is....

IT WAS EPIC, dude... EPIC!!

Later bro...

Andre Mingiano

De Hill · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2015, 09:35:07 PM »

Did you get to see the 8th wonder of the world, Scarinzi's Basement?

Andre Ming · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2015, 09:54:03 PM »

Did I ever! We spent several hours down there chewing the fat and looking at cool stuff. Sharon and Ginger had a great time sitting out back in lawn chairs and visiting. Ginger's cool.

Around supper time we loaded Larry and Ginger in The Black and asked where they wanted to go to eat... what a surprise: They chose to go to a small pizza place! We had great pizza and believe me, Larry can pack away the pizza!

De, it was really great to be able to spend such quality time with Larry and Ginger. The GSCB Combat Festival was frosting on the cake. There's some really great guys up here. Like Tom said, many of us went out and ate after we all loaded up our planes and stuff. I swear, I was in tears with laughter at some of the stories and antics of the East Coast Crazies as we sat around the table. I don't know how we're going to pull it off, but I sure would like to come up here to the GSCB's Combat Festival again sometime.

Did I mention it was EPIC???

Andre Ming · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2015, 05:44:42 PM »

Wow... I'm stunned: There's NO chatter here from the East Coast Crazies about the GSCB VCF??

As for me, I've got pictures and stories... but I've got to wait until I get home before I can download the pics, resize/post etc. (We're in Blackwater Falls Lodge in West "By God" Virginia as I type.)

Maybe they just weren't ready for the high-energy 110% entertainment I provided?? Maybe they're having to recover??

Question for any of the East Coast Crazies that are still breathing: Do we want to share our stories/pictures here in this thread, or start a new one?

jfv · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2015, 07:03:26 PM »

I've been waiting for pictures all day. I know Tom is probably working on the video.

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #7 on:** September 21, 2015, 07:05:58 PM »

Hi Andre, I will admit that I am still recovering but should be able to make a few comments. First, it was great to meet you and to watch you fly your Demon! I'm glad you got it up. Overall, it was very gratifying to see all of the guys having such a good time. The weather was perfect and the GSCB field evokes many memories for us East Coast guys. I could go on quite a while about the huge variety of ships we saw in the air yesterday but, hopefully, others will fill in some of that. It was also great to have LS there as so many of us were and are influenced by his prodigious volume of airplane design. He got to put up a flight with one of his FAI type planes and, as we watched, I'm sure we all wondered if we would still be flying like that, or at all, when or even if, we arrive where he is now!! Bob Hunt spent all day at the field gathering data, pictures and stories in order to create an article that we all can read in MA.

   One of my pet projects was the LS Speed Challenge. We got enough times to create a little 'contest'. I am only partially embarrassed to say that I 'won' my own award which is a nice framed 8x10 picture of Larry holding the Super Satan and signed by Hisself. It was low key and loosely organized but the guys all did their best! Results: Schaefer -7% Voodoo Fox LS .36xBBABC APC 8x8 50% fuel 14.4
   Ferraro Super Satan Fox .36xBBABC APC 8x8 40% 14.6
   Vigani Double Diamond Fox .36xBBABC APC 8x8 40% 15.2
   Luciano Super Satan Fox .36xBBABC APC 8x8 40% 16.2
   Schaefer Half Fast Fox .35 1958 CS (Blackhead) Taipan 9x6 25% 17.6
   Imbriaco Scrambler LS Fox .36xBB 9x6 ? 10% 18.2
   That's it for now. Cheers, TS

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #8 on:** September 21, 2015, 07:07:40 PM »

WOW! Can't wait to see it. Sounds like you guys had a blast!

Cheers, Jerry

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2015, 07:08:18 PM »

Hey Andre, We're all still dizzy from hanging on to those 120MPH Fox 36x's.

I'm glad you had a chance to witness the Jersey folklore come alive!! Must be something to do with that Jersey devil

. My Super Satan hit 123 mph and Tom's trimmed down Voodoo hit 125mph. It's too bad the Super Tigres couldn't keep up with the Foxes and they had to go home in pieces. It was great to meet you and watch you tear up the sky with your Demon!
Al

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #10 on:** September 21, 2015, 07:27:37 PM »

Okay

I have to say I did need to recover a bit!

First, I want to say it was truly a pleasure to meet Andre! I think he is still a bit shocked at how many Italians he met. He has only seen them in the movies, ya know! Just kidding and I can say that because I'm full blooded! Enough of that.

On the fun scale, we had a boat load of it.

I honestly don't know where to begin. I guess we'll start with a picture I'm not so proud of. That is the acceptance of the LS blown up Fox award!

I was able to go through some video today during some breaks in work. The first posting will be a very entertaining flight by our guest Andre with his 36x powered Demon!

Tom

Andre Ming · « **Reply #11 on:** September 21, 2015, 07:43:09 PM »

Eh, finally some of da boys are startin' to check in. You's guys sure put on a show with those screamin' Foxes. Touched me right here, man, to see those old relics turnin' in such times.

Yeah, shame 'bout the Tiggers. Show n' go.. or blow n' go home. The circle is harsh, man, harsh. No place for sissy engines.

Yeah, it was great havin' the Godfather there with us overseein' us doin' it right.

I know lil' Tommy will do us proud with the videos.

All's for now.

Andre Mingiano

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #12 on:** September 21, 2015, 08:22:57 PM »

CT Schaefer with his award winning flight!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #13 on:** September 21, 2015, 09:10:36 PM »

Thanks for the efforts on the videos, Tom! They're turning out great! Looking forward to seeing more of 'em as you get the time.

So, thus far...

* Tom "CT" got the Speed Demon award. (Wow, I'm gonna' have to up the nitro from 10% and hit my needle better if I'm EVER even gonna' get close enough to even get a whiff of that Voodoo's exhaust!!!)

* Lil' Tommy (he's just a punk kid at 51 compared to us old farts there) got the L/S Award. (Did you break an engine Tom?)

* I got the "Idiot That Drove The Farthest" award! BUT... I got the coolest present! I received a "Lost Foam" jig set for a "Killer" made by none other than Bob Hunt himself!! Thanks Bob! (Eat your heart's out peasants!)

All for now. May be a while before I can log-in again... getting ready to REALLY hit the interior of West "By God" Virginia and doubt we'll have WiFi at the cabin we're headed for. All will be good though as long as we don't hear banjo music.

There were so any fun and goofy moments that it would be nigh impossible to recall 'em all. I'm sure there will be all sorts of tall tales that's gonna be told here n' elsewhere for a spell!

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #14 on:** September 22, 2015, 06:52:41 AM »

Guarantee, no exaggerating here at all.

. Come next year and see for yourself.

Andre : Hope you and the Mrs. got a glance of the NYC skyline .

AND: did you order a Taylor Ham and egg samwitch for breafiss at a Joisey Diner ??

Inquiring IIIIIIIIItalians want to know.

badbill · « **Reply #15 on:** September 22, 2015, 09:54:45 AM »

Quote from: Tom Luciano on September 21, 2015, 07:27:37 PM

Okayour guest Andre with his 36x powered Demon!

Quite impressive, and I have NEVER seen anyone fly like that, it seemed like he was 2 steps ahead of the plane, just slinging it around! Really reminded me of this-

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php/topic,40713.0.html

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #16 on:** September 22, 2015, 10:41:38 AM »

(Did you get to see the 8th wonder of the world, Scarinzi's Basement?)
I too have been to the TOP SECRET BUNKER !!!

That's where LS schooled me on how to set up and mod the Fox 36x to get 120mph plus performance.

He also showed me the development and progression of all the Super Satan prototypes, about 20 all inventoried and tagged.

Attached is a photo of the Satans stashed away in the TOP SECRET BUNKER. There's also an unbelievable inventory of engines and planes. I hope I don't lose my TOP SECRET clearance by posting this photo. Enjoy this one because I dare not post any additional photos.

Al

Andre Ming · « **Reply #17 on:** September 22, 2015, 06:10:05 PM »

We have internet access! Amazing! (You wouldn't BELIEVE how far back in the sticks we are in West "By God" Virginia right now.)

Bob:

Oh how sickening. I can only imagine how you must feel. Terrible news. Hope things will be more encouraging on the salvage efforts by the "pros". If your pics can't be salvaged, I'll bet we will all pitch in and try to share what few we've taken so you can piece together an article. I won't be downloading mine off the camera until I'm home... then I'll know what sort of quality (or lack of) they turned out to be.

Frank:

I wimped out on the NYC skyline. Just didn't want to face the traffic and potential wrong turns. Deep inside I'm only an Oakie, 'ya know! We've marked that one down for another time. I also weinie-ed out on going back in to find a pork roll "Taylor Ham" breakfast sammich at a sure'nuf Joisey diner. That one will have to wait for the "next time" also. Sort of regret not trying for the sammich now, but it seemed like the thing to do at the time. (Haste.)

badbill:

Thanks for the kind words. I missed my needle by a click or two, hence the engine sagging slightly during maneuvers. Oh well. I also got lucky on doing some of what I call "heart stoppers" for the troops. (Flying high, then a quick low pass.) Used to love to do those "back when". Most fun was taking it overhead on a wingover, do a "heart stopper" about a 1' off the ground... right back over the top for another wingover and follow it with a "heart stopper" about a 1' off the ground, repeat until either:

A. I tire of it.

B. I clip some grass.

C. I crash!

Must admit, my "bravado" isn't NEAR what it used to be and I don't fly as low as long or often as I did back in the day.

Al:

As you well know, Larry's forte was development. He was very, VERY, thorough and used "controls" so the results MEANT something and not just shots in the dark. I so enjoyed his company over the weekend.

All fer now!

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #18 on:** September 23, 2015, 03:27:52 AM »

Shawn Cook-

Shawn just cruis'n. He makes it look effortless!

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #19 on:** September 23, 2015, 04:32:55 AM »

" Lil' Tommy (he's just a punk kid at 51 compared to us old farts there) got the L/S Award. (Did you break an engine Tom?)"

Andre-
In preparation for the event, Al was kind enough to rework and setup one sweet running Xbb ABC from one of my fathers well used engines. 3 weeks prior to the event we were making some test flights with Al, Tom S, and Larry...... We pumped up the Nitro with some of Tom's White Lightning and hit the mark! As the guys where looking at their watches, I took my fairly heavy Carbon fiber *Stealth Super Satan and started stunting. I got a little too aggressive and tight and I lost the ship straight in. The ground was extremely hard and I truly believe i ever so slightly cracked/weakened the case just behind the intake web (the plane had appeared to be a total loss)..... Anyway the following week I bolted the engine on my tapered wing Super Satan and the top end blew off the engine! 10% nitro for those that will ask! Hence the award!

Anyway, I was determined to rebuild the plane. Had a test flight on it Thursday to make sure it wouldn't fold and flew it Sunday. Al again, was kind enough to put together another engine for the event.

I only ran 10% Sunday as I had no break in on the engine and 120 is a bit too fast for this rookie!

* Stealth- Carbon veil+ Transparent yellow Ultracote= olive drab. Not a good color for the GSCB field!

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #20 on:** September 23, 2015, 05:36:07 AM »

To all that attended and took photos. At some point in the near future, I will put together a highlight video of the event and would like to incorporate as many photos in as possible to tell the story. Please email me anything you may have at t_luciano at comcast dot net. I'm praying that Bob had some luck with his SD card. Please get these to me sooner than later.

Thanks,
Tom

Andre Ming · « **Reply #21 on:** September 23, 2015, 06:51:33 AM »

Tom:

Okay... now I remember! It was that "Fractured Fox" from a previous flying session!

As for any of my pics (I only took a few, knowing that Bob H. was taking many!)... as mentioned above, it will be after our trip before I download them. You'll get copies shortly thereafter.

Lyle Spiegel · « **Reply #22 on:** September 23, 2015, 12:09:19 PM »

I have sent all my pics to Tom Luciano. I look forward to next gathering. Wish there could be two events, one in Spring to open flying seasom, and another in Fall. Even better , how about a revival of Snowbird Meet? Does anyone recall when the last Snowbird meet was held?

Andre Ming · « **Reply #23 on:** September 23, 2015, 06:21:04 PM »

Bob:

That's encouraging! Need to breathe a prayer for success!

kenneth cook · « **Reply #24 on:** September 24, 2015, 03:22:18 AM »

Thanks Tom for the video. Shawn's flight was a bit short. The person starting the plane ( Larry Wilks ) is the owner of the plane. The power was a Supertiger G-21 .35. Something in the engine broke towards the end of the flight. The prop would only move from 6:00 - 12:00. The piston still moved but I believe the bottom of the rod broke off. I haven't had a chance to see what exactly happened. The plane was designed by John Ashford and it was called the "Heller".

Andre Ming · « **Reply #25 on:** September 24, 2015, 05:49:57 AM »

Ken!

I feel so dumb. Just now connected the dots to realize that Shawn is your son, and you are THE "Ken Cook" that frequents this forum!

We gotta' do name tags next time.

BTW: Shawn seems to be a pretty cool kid and has a lot of talent! I can tell yer (rightfully) proud of him.

All fer now.

C.T. Schaefer · « **Reply #26 on:** September 24, 2015, 06:58:21 AM »

Here is something that may be interesting to some. I used tom's video to catch the sound of my Voodoo with my instrument tuner so I could get an idea of the rpm's during that flight. The peak before launch was 17,400 rpm and in the air 20,700. The ground rpm jives up with my bench readings of 16.5 using 10/29 fuel. Fuel for the flight was 50%. The air rpm seems close as well based on much data that I have gathered over the years. The prop is an 8x8 apc which checks out to about 7 1/2 pitch. Using an online calculator it shows a theoretical speed of 147 and, based on my previous experiments, the 125 mph is 85% of that. My collection of numbers shows that to be a very good combo for speed on this type of plane. Interesting. I never thought of the ole' BB as a + 20k motor! It will be really cool to figure out rpm of my 1958 Blackhead on the Half Fast! That thing was screaming with the Taipan 9x6 on Missle Mist. I'll work on it and report. TS

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #27 on:** September 24, 2015, 06:37:12 PM »

Tom,
That's pretty neat!

Next up Tom's Half Fast

Jim and Al on deck.

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #28 on:** September 25, 2015, 09:50:18 PM »

Al Flying his Super Satan. Jim with his original design Double Diamond.

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #29 on:** September 26, 2015, 12:50:24 PM »

Frank with his nice flying original design Scrambler.

Jim with his original design Up' n At'm. This is another really nice flying plane!

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #30 on:** September 26, 2015, 02:20:16 PM »

Tom:
Neat video of an old geezer. Next year, I'll try to ramp it up a bit.
Frank

Andre Ming · « **Reply #31 on:** September 26, 2015, 06:52:48 PM »

More good videos Tom! Thanks so much for your effort. When I get home I will be saving these to a GSCB VCF 2015 folder as souvenirs.

Frank:

You gotta' be kidding! We're in our 60's! The fact that you can even FLY that thing is doing something! As pretty as your Scrambler was, I wouldn't want to risk it trying to sharpen skills that haven't been used in decades. I'd build something QUICK and EASY to build and use THAT to sharpen up with. Some Demons would be perfect. That's what I'm thinking about doing: Building me up a few Demons with basic finishes and use those to get back some of the skills I use to have. You've still got the goods, I guarantee it!

Motorman · « **Reply #32 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:13:14 PM »

You can build a Sneaker as easy as a Demon.

MM

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #33 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:39:25 PM »

Quote from: Andre Ming on September 26, 2015, 06:52:48 PM

More good videos Tom! Thanks so much for your effort. When I get home I will be saving these to a GSCB VCF 2015 folder as souvenirs.

Frank:

You gotta' be kidding! We're in our 60's! The fact that you can even FLY that thing is doing something! As pretty as your Scrambler was, I wouldn't want to risk it trying to sharpen skills that haven't been used in decades. I'd build something QUICK and EASY to build and use THAT to sharpen up with. Some Demons would be perfect. That's what I'm thinking about doing: Building me up a few Demons with basic finishes and use those to get back some of the skills I use to have. You've still got the goods, I guarantee it!

Andre:
Thanks for the kind remarks. You and many others like us whom I shall refer to as "retreads" are thrilled to be able to do it again. Just can't believe near a half century has gone by since we did flew the same ships/engines back in the day. The rush is the same; but definitely sweeter.
Let's all hope to be like L.S. in twenty years and the late great "Johnny D"( D'Ottavio) who was line jerkin' until 90 ! Amazing.
Tommy thanks again for producing these.

Andre Ming · « **Reply #34 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:44:26 PM »

Quote from: Motorman on September 26, 2015, 07:13:14 PM

You can build a Sneaker as easy as a Demon.

MM

You must be more of a builder whiz than I am: Diamond airfoil constant chord vs conventional airfoil tapered chord??

Frank:

Saw a reply, but only a quote of my post... am I missing something???

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #35 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:53:02 PM »

Andre:
Fixed that. Too much red wine , stuffed shells and garlic bread is my excuse !

Later,
Frank

Andre Ming · « **Reply #36 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:07:44 PM »

Quote from: Frank Imbriaco on September 26, 2015, 07:53:02 PM

Andre:
Fixed that. Too much red wine , stuffed shells and garlic bread is my excuse !

Later,
Frank

^^^^^

Here in the midwest we have Lew Woolard: 91 years young and just watched him fly the pattern with his stunt ship today!!

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #37 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:39:35 PM »

Gentlemen,
Thank you for the segway into our next flight. No one other then LS hisself. I would like to quote a forum member that made a comment about LS.

Howard Rush- "Larry Scarinzi, just an old guy in a plaid shirt with bad jokes. When he gets in the center of the circle, 50 years goes away and he's Larry Scarinzi"

So true.......

I can tell you, I certainly appreciate all the time and memories that have been created from all of these guys! We were blessed to have 3 UMAC greats this past Sunday at the field with us in Larry, George Rizkalla, and Mike Luciano. These guys have touched so many people in what they did and still do for the hobby.

THANK YOU!
Tom

Andre Ming · « **Reply #38 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:57:25 PM »

Da' MAN!

Looks to me like he still has a can or two of whupazz stashed away on the shelf!

jfv · « **Reply #39 on:** September 27, 2015, 06:38:22 AM »

Great job on the videos Tom. You had the camera perfectly placed. It was really fun the fly my Up'n At'm design again after after 59 years. The memories this event brings back are wonderful and makes us all feel like kids again.

Andre Ming · « **Reply #40 on:** September 27, 2015, 03:39:52 PM »

HOME safe and sound!

Had a great time at the TGD's Stunt Contest in spite of being a bit under the weather. Now it's time to START POSTING PICS of the EPIC GSCB VCF 2015! First we'll start with airplanes.

(Note: I've left the files large so you can expand and see a bit of detail. This means I can only post one at a time.)

First up:

Frank Imbriaco's EXCELLENT looking and flying "Scrambler", and his "Killer". I was NOT prepared for some of the SUPERB finishes many of the airplanes were sporting!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #41 on:** September 27, 2015, 03:43:59 PM »

Some more...

The purple plane is the "Double Diamond" that was screaming around in one of the above videos. Also pictured that I can readily identify are such planes as Winder, Super Satan, T-Square, Super Swoop, Voodoo's, Tyrantula, Combat Cat...

Andre Ming · « **Reply #42 on:** September 27, 2015, 03:49:28 PM »

Some more stuff, with some VERY historical stuff included. See that black/red tapered wing airplane with a whale tale? That is one of the (if not THE) original Greased Lightning's Larry built back in the early-mid 1950s. Now, compare it to what some of the best FAI/Fast combat planes have evolved to as evidenced by the foam leading edge/filmed "thingie" in the foreground. I'd say the east coast guys (Larry Scarinzi in particular) were DEFINITELY onto something as far back as the mid-1950s!!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #43 on:** September 27, 2015, 03:57:39 PM »

Next up, MORE historical airplanes for us combat crazies...

The first yellow airplane in the right column is one of the ORIGINAL Larry Scarinzi Super Satan's used in the M.A.N. article back in '67.

The next yellow airplane is the original Larry Scarinzi "Giant Killer" that Consolidated kitted in the late 1950s.

The plane with the tapered trailing edge beside the Giant Killer is a Scarinzi "Sting Ray".

The yellow airplane to the left of the Sting Ray is the original Larry Scarinzi "Blitz" used in the M.A.N. article of 1964.

The next yellow airplane to the left of the red/black airplane is yet another original development "Super Satan".

And the red and black airplane is one of Larry's first designs from back in the early 1950s (I think?) called a "Trident". (I think? Some help on this one would be much appreciated!)

Andre Ming · « **Reply #44 on:** September 27, 2015, 04:04:22 PM »

Here's a better look at the "Trident"...

Just LOOK at the finish on that thing! It's something like, what... 60+ years old??

Andre Ming · « **Reply #45 on:** September 27, 2015, 04:07:21 PM »

More stuff...

I know the yellow plane is a "Half-Fast"... and I think the white one with the lines attached is an "Up and At'em"... then there's a Ringmaster... and I think Tom L's Super Satan?

Andre Ming · « **Reply #46 on:** September 27, 2015, 04:09:56 PM »

More stuff...

I think I recall Larry telling me that black-tailed airplane with the striped wing was THE original "Killer" from way back when.

Andre Ming · « **Reply #47 on:** September 27, 2015, 04:11:35 PM »

More...

Andre Ming · « **Reply #48 on:** September 27, 2015, 04:13:37 PM »

Here's another look at Frank's "Scrambler". You guys wouldn't believe the finishes these East Coast Crazies put on their airplanes!!

Andre Ming · « **Reply #49 on:** September 27, 2015, 04:16:04 PM »

Oops... almost forgot this pic. That's a Super Swoop in the foreground, followed by a Winder, then a T-Square, then over to the left a Scarinzi "Werewolf"...