Long, strange trip...

[Bob Hunt]

I posted the following over on the electric section of this forum. I know there are many who don't visit that section, so I've decided to re-post this here also. - Bob Hunt


"Lately it occurs to me, what a long strange trip it's been." - Robert Hunter

With its appearance at the 2015 Nats, the long and strange saga of the Second Wind twin has finally reached an end. I've been working on this ship for more than seven years. There were times when I doubted if it would ever be finished and flown. I know that some of you who have been following this marathon thread had similar thoughts...

I finished the Second Wind a week before the Nats and was able to get two full patterns on it before leaving for Muncie. For the record, I finished in eleventh place in Open Stunt with it, and at the end of the Nats it had a grand total of 17 flights on it! Considering that there were pilots there who had hundreds (or, in some cases, even thousands) of flights on their ships, and put in as many as 25 flights a day in preparation, I don't feel too bad. In fact, I feel great.

The ship flew virtually "off the board." There are still a couple of minor trim changes that need to be made, and lots of motor/prop experiments that need to be done, but, overall it was a resounding success. The ship turns great and has an excellent lock after corners. It tracks very well and grooves through rounds extremely well.

I was determined to get this ship to the Nats in spite of the debilitating back problems I was having. Massive physical therapy sessions helped me to get back on my feet long enough to finish the bird and get it to Muncie. The week was long and grueling, but I made it through in pretty good shape.

My thanks go out to all who followed this thread and the progress of the Second Wind twin. Thanks also go out to my "crew," who went above and beyond the call of duty to help me through the rigors of the past few months. That crew consisted of (in alphabetical order)  Ken Armish, Rich Giacobone, Tom Hampshire, Frank Imbriaco, Tom Luciano, Frank McMillan, Mark Weiss, and Buddy Wieder. These guys are just the best!

And now, an announcement: This was my final Nats in Open Stunt competition. I have decided that the flying of the electric, retract-gear twin in competition is a fitting exclamation point to my long career. I will be going through a lot of surgeries in the future, and will not have the mobility that I've enjoyed for most of my life. I will continue to design, build, and develop new models, and I'll always share my findings with all of you. I have lots of new ideas, and most of them are for things that will help the beginner, intermediate, and advanced fliers to achieve better stunt performance. Naturally, I'll post about them here.

My most heartfelt thanks go out to all who have supported me and have befriended me over the years; they are too numerous to list here, but they all know who they are. I love you all.

Without the inspiration, guidance and help of my father, none of this adventure would have happened. Without the love and support of my wife and family it would not have either.
 
Mostly I want to publicly thank and Praise the most important entity in my life, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him I'm nothing.  

I'm signing off on this thread with the posting of a few great photos of the Second Wind that Will Hubin took at the Nats. Hey, I think it looks pretty good in the air!

Fair winds - Bob Hunt  

[Will Hinton]

Bob, I am more than sure this has been a difficult decision, and I commend you for having the courage to follow your heart.  As these bodies grow older and maybe just a tiny bit slower  there are things we have no choice about changing.  Those changes ain't easy, as I'm sure you know and have experienced.  Be sure to keep us apprised of the next steps in your health pattern such as the upcoming surgeries, etc. so we can take you before the throne of the One we mutually worship!
Remember, my friend, God loves you and so do we!!!
With many blessings,
Will

[bob whitney]

 Bob i enjoyed meeting u at the W/C's and spending time B/S'ing with u, i have always enjoyed reading anything with your name on it. a couple of older EX speed flyers and i were at M/D's this last week talking about the Moment we knew it was time to hang up the Mono Line handle .  it used to be that the Nats wernt complete until i got a flight in with my jet Speed ship. .three years ago i realized that if anything happend i would be in  and would not be able to keep up with it. so i sold it as not to be tempted .

 in racing it was when i heard the words over the PA system  Whitney keep up with your airplane and i realized that i couldn't ,so i became the Pit Monkey

stunt has been my salvation . i build to fly and with stunt i can get all the flying i want   Thanks for everything u have done for Modelling in General Rad Racer

[Paul Taylor]

Bob
Thanks for all you have done for CL. Sorry to hear you are hanging up your handle but Like most athletes it's best to go out at the top of your game.
As stated let us know how we can pray for you in the future.
Look forward to the next ideas and projects that come out of your shop.

[FLOYD CARTER]

It sounds like you are not giving up C/L stunt, only the competition part. 

I've done the same, although I ended without a lot of spectacular wins behind me.

Building and flying just "for the heck of it" could be just as rewarding as contesting.  You are always competing against yourself, which, for me, is still a challenge (that I can never win).

  "You can have my handle when you pry it from my cold, dead, hand"

                                             ---Chuckie Heston---sort of

Floyd

[Jerry Higgins]

Bob,

So glad to hear you are continuing in the hobby and developing things for the beginner through advanced flyers.  When I got back into building and flying in 1990 I was reading everything I could get hold of on flying, building, and engines.  Much of that reading material was produced by you.  I really appreciated the many articles you wrote, especially those on "low pitch, high rpm" engine runs, flying the pattern, and most recently, electric power.  My previous experience in the late 50's and 60's was very different, so you introduced me to modern stunt flying.  Thanks so much for all of your efforts, and I look forward to reading about your future work.  Also, thanks for the good job on Stunt News.

I'm sure everyone is pulling for you to beat the back problem and continue to enjoy model airplanes. Please keep us posted on your progress with the health issues.  We are pulling for you!

Jerry

[john e. holliday]

I guess physical issues will make a person rethink things.  I will never forget the first Time you introduced yourself at Lake Charles many years ago.   I guess you are one of my heroes as far as modeling goes.  I have followed you through the years with designing, publishing and competition.   I do look forward to what you may planned for the future as far as model designs and ideas.   My the good LORD look down on you and keep you going.   

[Randy Ryan]

Bob,

Tough to hear but I know the feeling. I'm still fairly able and hope to get at least a few more years before the hand problems end my flying (and maybe building). I remember meeting you at Brodak's years ago and the subsequent phone conversations we had. It was great to know a Christian Brother that was still a top level competitor because at the time I was struggling a bit with the "importance" of the hobby I'd enjoyed all my life. Your testimony and steadfastness helped me find that balance I was seeking. I'm hoping you still attend future Nats, our jam session with Billy last year was great, too great to be a one time deal, I'd have been back this year but I got married July 11. I'm assuming too that your back issues have curtailed if not ended your riding as well. I went through similar problems with my neck surgery but came out OK. Hoping you can still enjoy that as well, such a great therapy for a heavy laden heart and soul.

God Bless you Brother, you'll be in my prayers continually.

Randy

[John Miller]

May God's blessings be with you as you go through this portion of your life. Changes are always in our future. You've blessed others with your time. Service is a calling of heaven. We'll miss your friendly competitive spirit, and hope to still see you, and benefit from your experiences for years to come.

[Paul Walker]

Bob,

I truely understand how hard it is to call it quits on flying at the Nat's. I will surely miss seeing you there.

I have always been impressed with how well you were able to fly with minimal practice time. I only can dream of having such skill.

I remember many of the good times. How can you forget the model box races in the Hotel in Czechoslovakia in '92?  How about the stopwatch "trials" in China!  Also in China, watching you and Robbie work together. Way cool!

I wish you the best in your upcoming surgeries.

Most importantly, I consider you a friend of many years.  

Keep those designs coming!