Lafayette Esquadrille 1/2A Goodyear event

[wwwarbird]

  I just got my new Model Aviation in the mail today and on page 159 there is a small article on this event. Apparently created by Al Beatty (one of my modeling idols), this looks like a very interesting concept that results in some really cool, ORIGINAL model designs. The few photos in the article I sincerely appreciated, but it was just a teaser. Granted, this was not a Stunt event, but I seem to consistently stumble across things that tell me this club really has it going on. Kudos to anyone participating, and maybe we could see some more photos from this event?
 

[Dan McEntee]

    Hi Wayne;
     The Goodyear event is an off shoot of our Golden Age Racer event. The G.A.R. event was started by another local S.A.M. club, several years ago, and the the Esquadrille took it over. It's held in the Fall, second or third week in October this year. Frank Beatty  was a mover and shaker in that event, and proposed the Goodyear event last year at this time. He has had several of his G.A.R. designs published in both Model Aviation and Flying Models, I believe. I would expect Frank to kick out several more Goodyear designs for publication also.
    The rules are pretty simple. The model has to fit a simple formula for size and wing area, profile or built up. Engine is limited to Cox .049 reed valve engines, Cox 5-3 gray prop, and club supplied 15% nitro fuel. Two flights for your best single speed against the clock, everybody uses the same set of Kevlar lines.
    Several of the club members are very into Perky Speed models also. Some built them for the original postal contest, and have just kept up with it. We fly Perky Speed at our Speed contest in May, and at the October contest as well.
     The Lafayette Esquadrille is a great club that I'm proud to be a member of, and so are several members of the Hanger here, including Bob Storick. I think it's been around at least 50 years or so, and if I remember correctly was awarded some sort of honor by the AMA for it's longevity. I just wish I had a day job so I could go to the meetings and participate more in the club!
    Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[john e. holliday]

Hey Dan, be glad you have a job.  But, the Lafayette Esquadrille of St Louis has been around a long time.  I can remeber going down just to fly carrier and the racing events.  Seems there would be a contest about once a month like Dallas does now.  But, you need CD's willing to do the work.  Bob Arata has done a real great job of it for too many years.  May try to get one of the 1/2A's ready for this year.  Just need to get my Perky built.