Having fun after hours at the NATS

[Mark Gerber]

In the early '60s I built my first control line airplane -- a Scientific Air Champ.  It was so heavy my Cox .049 couldn't keep it in the air.  In 2020 I found a kit on eBay, made plans, and scratch built a new one.  Power is an OK Cub .074.  I first flew it at VSC last March.  It was extremely nose heavy, so after VSC I shortened the nose 1/2".  Motivated by Joe Gilbert, I brought it along to the 2022 NATS.  Friday evening when the air was calm, we did a half dozen flights -- initially over grass until it was better trimmed then moved to the pavement for the last two flights.  We added a little putty tail weight, removed most of the outboard tip weight, and changed the 7-4 prop for a 6-4 furnished by Mike Londke (who also made the video).  Lines are 35' Spectra.  This was the last flight.   Dan Banjock is holding and Joe Gilbert starting.  Many thanks to Mike, Joe and Dan.

Mark Gerber

[John Paris]

Mark,
That is way cool.  I saw you guys over on the grass next to the L-pad and was wondering what was going on.  Glad to see you got a chance to have some fun outside of your judging duties (thank you again for helping out).  It is always fun to get out something that brings back memories or something a little different.  I saw Steve Fitton launching rockets and even played with the AMA Beta that Vince Bodde had purchased down on the grass circles after they dried out.  Wish I could have had my truck down there this year so I could bring an airplane to fly but my friend Jay let me fly his Profile Cavalier once and I got to take a test drive on Sam Londke's profile Vector so at least I got to fly.

John

[Joe Gilbert]

When playing with those airplanes I think we are all kids again. I never had one as nice as Mark,s but sure liked helping him it was a beautiful eve then caped off with a cute airplane.

Thanks Mark and all who helped.

[YakNine]

I think you have the only video on You Tube of a Cub 074 are you using the little OK motor mount tank? I really like your soda can cowl it so period correct . TJ

[afml]

The smiles say it all!  WELL DONE!
"Tight Lines!"
Wes

[Richard Fleming]

great looking little biplane!

[Scott Richlen]

Really beautiful half-A!  Good job!

[wwwarbird]

 Awesome, reminds me of the old schoolyard days. 

[kevin king]

Mark, that flight alone should more than make up for trouble you had on with the 1st plane. Very nicely finished too!