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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Steve Fitton on June 22, 2015, 09:51:14 AM
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this morning on its 352nd flight the same fatal flaw that shot down my first dreadnought killed the second one. Control system failure coming out of the top turn of the triangle. HB~> Maybe I can finish the new one in time for the Nats....
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Gosh Darn it Steve, that's a darned shame. Why did it break again? I'd say you've uncovered a severe weak spot which everyone else should know about!
Sadly,
Phil
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Definitely a strange problem there. Those airplanes were way too nice to lose to mechanical issues.
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Steve where was the failure? Push Rod, Bellcrank, control horn? Sorry to see this
That is a beautiful model
Mike
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Looks like we could have two new Nats judges this year in Steve and Chris??
Possible??
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Somehow I am going to blame George Bush for this, but I have not quite worked out the details yet....
failure mode is not the same as the first airplane. In this case the keeper washers fell off both ends of the elevator pushrod, and once the failsafe retainer wore away it came unhooked at the flap horn. The contributing factor was a piece of music wire that for some reason would not take solder despite exhaustive cleanings, not even acid flux would make solder reliably stick. In hindsight I should have pitched the pushrod and made up a new one. The new plane uses ball links instead of soldered wire....
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:( :( :(
Sorry for your loss Steve, it was a great flying plane.
Gene
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With luck the Dreadnought might take to the skies again, but at this point it needs more paintwork than the plane already on the paint stand. Plus I have to figure out how to fix the controls. The biggest issue I see is a motor mount pulled loose from the fuselage side. Pretty sure I can inject epoxy in there to fix that.
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Crap you guys, sorry! Maybe you still have enough time to get it together. Guess I'll have a good look at my stuff just in case. I use wheel collars with JB to retain the pushrods because I've seen the soldered washer fail before on my own.
Good luck. See you there.
Dave
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:'(
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Sorry about the loss of a beautiful airplane Steve.
Picture below shows the setup I've used for many years on the elevator horn. No problems in hundreds of flights. No solder or washers.
Tom Morris adjustable horn, and Clevis from Ultra Hobbby Products.
Randy Cuberly
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Tom Morris adjustable horn, and Clevis from Ultra Hobbby Products.
The only problem is, Ultra Hobby no longer supplies the clevises. I contacted them a month or so ago and was told that they're no longer in production. I was after a couple of them for my Strega.
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Dang you guys. I'm going to have to stop reading all this stuff, as I don't want this bad karma.
Sorry to read about both yours and Chris' losing your Nats's planes. This stuff happens if you do it long enough.
I trust you both will use it as a valuable learning experience.
Hope you both make it to the Nat's.
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The only problem is, Ultra Hobby no longer supplies the clevises. I contacted them a month or so ago and was told that they're no longer in production. I was after a couple of them for my Strega.
They were actually made by a guy in Florida...I think I have his name around here somewhere. If I can find it I'll put it here in the forum.
I have several of them in a drawer but will really cherish them if they really are not obtainable anymore.
Actually they wouldn't be that hard to make for a descent machinist. Maybe Jim Lee would be interested in making some. I'll contact him if I can't find the guy who made them before. It's just a little machined aluminum clevis with a couple of tapped holes and a hardened pin held in by a small button head screw.
Randy Cuberly
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Sorry to see the demise Steve. I saw you fly that plane well in Carolina.
Shug
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Dang, Steve, this sucks! Carbon fiber pushrods, threaded inserts and ball links from now on.
Time to judge!!!!
See you in Muncie, Steve
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Looks like we could have two new Nats judges this year in Steve and Chris??
Possible??
Not that I have anything against judging... but I have 362 flights this season and if I have to show up with a ringmaster I will. Here is a pic of the pumpkin with the base color coat on it. I should be flying by the start of next week. If that is the case I should still end of with around 425 flights before top 20 day. I'm on a mission :)
-Chris
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Orange would be a TERRIFIC trim color Chris
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Orange would be a TERRIFIC trim color Chris
I like to fly up until dark and the previous camo airplane was hard to see so I picked the brightest color possible... just kidding... I know it looks like a pumpkin now but I think my idea in the end will look cool. If it doesn't o well at least I have a plane. :)
-Chris
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Go for it, Chris! Hey, maybe a Cleveland Browns paint scheme? (Let's see how many nasty comments THAT brings along!) LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~
You can do it, my friend, and do it right. I'm pullin' for ya.
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Actually, the Ultra Hobby clevis was not made in FL as Randy C. claims. They
were made right here in Dallas by a local machinist who used to be a pilot
for Braniff. If somebody in FL was producing an exact duplicate of them,
then he was ripping us off, as nobody ever contacted me about producing them.
Steve
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Not that I have anything against judging... but I have 362 flights this season and if I have to show up with a ringmaster I will. Here is a pic of the pumpkin with the base color coat on it. I should be flying by the start of next week. If that is the case I should still end of with around 425 flights before top 20 day. I'm on a mission :)
-Chris
I like this guy! 425 flights before top 20 day on a plane not yet complete. Keep this up and you will get there before you know it. Me, I thought I was optimistic about getting 300 more in before the Nat's. Reminds me of days past!
Where is "there"? The winners position of course!
Good luck.
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Actually, the Ultra Hobby clevis was not made in FL as Randy C. claims. They
were made right here in Dallas by a local machinist who used to be a pilot
for Braniff. If somebody in FL was producing an exact duplicate of them,
then he was ripping us off, as nobody ever contacted me about producing them.
Steve
Hi Steve, sorry if the info about the clevis was false. That info came from someone here in Tucson who shall remain nameless. I was told that they were made by a fellow in Florida and you guys got them from him. I just stupidly believed him....live and learn. I've bought all mine from you guys.
Which begs the question...are you going to find someone else to make them? It's a terriffic product. I still have several but would like to keep more on hand.
Again, Sorry for the phoney info!
Randy Cuberly
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Not that I have anything against judging... but I have 362 flights this season and if I have to show up with a ringmaster I will. Here is a pic of the pumpkin with the base color coat on it. I should be flying by the start of next week. If that is the case I should still end of with around 425 flights before top 20 day. I'm on a mission :)
-Chris
Do you mean 425 on this plane? Or added to the 362 you already have?
I have 13 patterns on my plane this year.
I got 3 patterns on Bobs plane this past weekend for a whopping total of 16 patterns! ;D ;D
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I like this guy! 425 flights before top 20 day on a plane not yet complete. Keep this up and you will get there before you know it. Me, I thought I was optimistic about getting 300 more in before the Nat's. Reminds me of days past!
Where is "there"? The winners position of course!
Good luck.
14 flights a day for 21 days in a row, including your drive days. Man you are get a lot of flights in!!!
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14 flights a day for 21 days in a row, including your drive days. Man you are get a lot of flights in!!!
I definitely meant to say I have 362 right now and my goal is to have 425 by the NATs so I need 63 before then. That shouldn't be an issue if I'm done with the new plane by the end of the week. I'm staying with Billy next weekend to trim it and get some coaching. Last time I went to Billy's we got 60 flights. Sorry for the confusion.
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I definitely meant to say I have 362 right now and my goal is to have 425 by the NATs so I need 63 before then. That shouldn't be an issue if I'm done with the new plane by the end of the week. I'm staying with Billy next weekend to trim it and get some coaching. Last time I went to Billy's we got 60 flights. Sorry for the confusion.
Wow, you sure missed your chance....I now have to demote you to a mere mortal now....63 more should be a piece of cake.
Ah, the good old days, when I used to average almost 20 flights a day for the month before a Nat's. Those days are gone for me now. :)
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Summer of 1992 rumor had it... Paul Walker uses up a gallon of fuel after he comes home from work, practicing. ( Before the trip to CZ)
Some kinda intensity, John L.
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Wow, you sure missed your chance....I now have to demote you to a mere mortal now....63 more should be a piece of cake.
Ah, the good old days, when I used to average almost 20 flights a day for the month before a Nat's. Those days are gone for me now. :)
One would think with that super flying circle in your front yard you could get 20 in your pajamas before breakfast....what gives??
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One would think with that super flying circle in your front yard you could get 20 in your pajamas before breakfast....what gives??
Jeeeezzzeee.......Get it right, it's in my backyard!!!!!
OK, a first for me. In my quest to get 15 or more a day, I was flying after the sun set. Wow, what nice air tonight! On my last flight I used the moon as a marker for my overhead eights! I had never done that before, but it worked great.
Note: Need to fly just after sunset more often...
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Do you mean 425 on this plane? Or added to the 362 you already have?
I have 13 patterns on my plane this year.
I got 3 patterns on Bobs plane this past weekend for a whopping total of 16 patterns! ;D ;D
I watched your whole flight with Bob's plane. I mentioned to you that all you needed was a pipe in your hand. What I failed to mention to you, (if someone hadn't already) Your triangles and hour glass (from where I was standing) IMHO...were the best that I've seen done. If I can figure a way to do it, I'll try get the video from my phone to the forum. The flying of Bob's plane at the memorial was a very "moving tribute." Well done!
Norm
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Jeeeezzzeee.......Get it right, it's in my backyard!!!!!
Oh, well that explains it then. In your front yard and 30 a day would be no problem. Or better yet one in front and in back. That way you can get patterns coming and going!! Its a no brainer then... ~> ~>
OK, a first for me. In my quest to get 15 or more a day, I was flying after the sun set. Wow, what nice air tonight! On my last flight I used the moon as a marker for my overhead eights! I had never done that before, but it worked great.
Note: Need to fly just after sunset more often...
In 2012 I flew many flights after dark getting ready for the nats. Once your eyes adjust it's not that bad. Doesnt matter in your case with electric but night time engine runs are flawless as well. After dark flights are fun and add a whole new demesion to it.
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I watched your whole flight with Bob's plane. I mentioned to you that all you needed was a pipe in your hand. What I failed to mention to you, (if someone hadn't already) Your triangles and hour glass (from where I was standing) IMHO...were the best that I've seen done. If I can figure a way to do it, I'll try get the video from my phone to the forum. The flying of Bob's plane at the memorial was a very "moving tribute." Well done!
Norm
Hello Norm,
Thank you for the kind words. It was a real honor and I was proud to fly that flight. The plane is pretty darn awesome! It is very light and very nimble. The controls are very quick. Bob really liked them that way. He flew on his finger tips. The motor just cruises along not knowing anything is back there. There are no surprises with the motor run. Every time I flew the plane it was pretty emotional for me and the tribute flight especially. Thank you again.
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You guys are iron men. I get 3 flights in and start losing concentration. So now I take a knock about plane that I just free style seeing how low I can get during the maneuvering. Then I may put up a couple of patterns just to see if I need to quit or not. Also flying in calm conditions, how can you get used to flying when it's windy and/or gusty. I can see trimming a plane in the calm.
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All this talk of practice and I'm still watching the water evaporate from my backyard hoping to fly...10 flights since May 5th certainly isn't gonna cut it...I blame Mother Nature
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Hello Norm,
Thank you for the kind words. It was a real honor and I was proud to fly that flight. The plane is pretty darn awesome! It is very light and very nimble. The controls are very quick. Bob really liked them that way. He flew on his finger tips. The motor just cruises along not knowing anything is back there. There are no surprises with the motor run. Every time I flew the plane it was pretty emotional for me and the tribute flight especially. Thank you again.
Hey Doug: "Bob's plane" what motor does it have and what does it weigh? Is it the exact same design as the Bear plan UHP sells ?
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Hey Doug: "Bob's plane" what motor does it have and what does it weigh? Is it the exact same design as the Bear plan UHP sells ?
Hello Allan,
You can see a pic of it here.
http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php/topic,39752.0.html
I will put some details there as not to further hijack Steve's thread showing how he most awesomely stuffed his Dreadnought, and didnt even hurt the spinner....
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I like to fly up until dark and the previous camo airplane was hard to see so I picked the brightest color possible... just kidding... I know it looks like a pumpkin now but I think my idea in the end will look cool. If it doesn't o well at least I have a plane. :)
-Chris
That was partly the reason foy my day glo paint schemes of the 90's. That and to be seen better with trees in the background....Which many of the sites in Europe that I visited had.
I had a friend tell me he could see the plane from 2 miles away (as the crow flies). That's visible!
Your orange will work quite well I think.
See you in Muncie.
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One would think with that super flying circle in your front yard you could get 20 in your pajamas before breakfast....what gives??
Sitting here thinking, "should I fly or should I do some yard work this morning"? Tough decision....
Hard to see the wind streamers at the field (in the reduced size photo) but they show about a nice 8 mph wind speed, andvthe temp is almost 80, with relatively low humidity.
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That was partly the reason foy my day glo paint schemes of the 90's. That and to be seen better with trees in the background....Which many of the sites in Europe that I visited had.
I had a friend tell me he could see the plane from 2 miles away (as the crow flies). That's visible!
Your orange will work quite well I think.
See you in Muncie.
I have changed my goal to be 150 before the Nats. Maybe Hercules. Half immortal half mortal...
The plane should be done by the end of the weekend. All that is left is the inking and clear.
See you in Muncie!
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Chris,
Looks great! Love the detail on the tail section!!! I wish I could do that.
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Sitting here thinking, "should I fly or should I do some yard work this morning"? Tough decision....
Hard to see the wind streamers at the field (in the reduced size photo) but they show about a nice 8 mph wind speed, andvthe temp is almost 80, with relatively low humidity.
All right!! That tears it!! I am putting in for retirement right now!!!!!!! Checking the account to make sure we are all good....
.......
reality jsut kicked in. DAMN IT!! Looks like many more years of work for this guy....
So Jealous in TX!!!!
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That was a quick finish Chris! What kind of paint are you using?
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That was a quick finish Chris! What kind of paint are you using?
All Randolph dope but for primer I used NAPAs dc540 primer. It dries sand able in 10 minutes. I wouldn't be able to get the plane done without it. 7 days ago all I had done was the wing and fuse. I built the tail, cowl and assembled the plane in 2 days and have been finishing for 5 days. Should be flying by Sunday. I will only loose 10 days of my practice schedule. ;) I hope it flies close to the same as the one I lost.
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That was a quick finish Chris! What kind of paint are you using?
How is yours coming?
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All Randolph dope but for primer I used NAPAs dc540 primer. It dries sand able in 10 minutes. I wouldn't be able to get the plane done without it. 7 days ago all I had done was the wing and fuse. I built the tail, cowl and assembled the plane in 2 days and have been finishing for 5 days. Should be flying by Sunday. I will only loose 10 days of my practice schedule. ;) I hope it flies close to the same as the one I lost.
You dont have a job?? :)
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The new plane looks awesome Chris!! Its very impressive how quickly you got that done.
Steve, considering the angle of impact, those were some near perfect triangles.
Derek
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You dont have a job?? :)
My wife is very understanding. She gets it and this wouldn’t be possible with out her. I was lucky cause I took two days off of work to go to Brodak and the plane crashed the day before. So I essentially had 4 days with no other responsibilities. That was the saving grace.
Anyway the plane has two coats of clear and I will sand it out tonight and put on two more and call it good. As of now its 57 oz so I’m guessing all said and done it will be 59oz. I was very surprised since this is a foam wing. I was expecting 3 oz extra since the wing was 13 oz and the lost foam wing was 9 oz. I new I would save a little weight with the finish but not that much. So it will be very close to the weight of the last one. :)
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Finally after all these years "The Great Pumkin" has shown himself!
Model looks great. I bet it flys good to. Some of the best ones are the ones we slam together and dont over think every step.
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I was very surprised since this is a foam wing. I was expecting 3 oz extra since the wing was 13 oz and the lost foam wing was 9 oz. I new I would save a little weight with the finish but not that much. So it will be very close to the weight of the last one. :)
We have found the same thing, time and again - the weight you gain with foam is made up in the finish.
Brett
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Finally after all these years "The Great Pumkin" has shown himself!
Model looks great. I bet it flys good to. Some of the best ones are the ones we slam together and dont over think every step.
This was the inspiration....
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That looks awesome Chris! Hope it flies as well as the other one. Can't wait to see it in Muncie!
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That looks awesome Chris! Hope it flies as well as the other one. Can't wait to see it in Muncie!
Matt,
Are you competing in Muncie this year?
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We have found the same thing, time and again - the weight you gain with foam is made up in the finish.
Brett
not only that but the foam wing are very stiff, and do not twist easily, I had 2 SVs, same plane, one foam 1 geo built up, withing 1/2 ounce of each other at 59.5 ounces
Randy
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Matt,
Are you competing in Muncie this year?
Hi Paul,
I'll be there flying in open! Like Chris, im going to try for the top 20, but I'm not gonna be able to put 125 flights in by the time we leave. Mother Nature just isn't allowing it...
See you in a couple weeks!
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Sorry to hear about the Typhoon Chris the new plane looks awesome!
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Hi Paul,
I'll be there flying in open! Like Chris, im going to try for the top 20, but I'm not gonna be able to put 125 flights in by the time we leave. Mother Nature just isn't allowing it...
See you in a couple weeks!
You should try putting pontoons on the thundergazer for practice.
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You should try putting pontoons on the thundergazer for practice.
Yes, guys from Florida should know about this. Do you put alligator repellant on when you use pantoons down there? :) <=
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It's definitely a consideration...Today is the first day I'm going to be flying in a month because my backyard has been absolutely soaked. And starting tonight we're supposed to get more monsoon rains that are supposed to last for the next four days. Then it's going to take four days for the backyard to dry out. Because of that, I'm gonna try flying until dark and get as much practice in as possible!
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You can blame the rain and drop in temperature on global warming LL~
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Hi Steve,
I really hate to hear about the loss of the Dreadnought. I hope you work into the new plane very quickly and best of luck in Muncie! I'll be there with you in spirit! :)
BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM
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Yes, guys from Florida should know about this. Do you put alligator repellant on when you use pantoons down there? :) <=
Several years ago I got the handle "rain man" for getting stuck flying in the rain halfway through a pattern more often than anyone else at our field, prolly because I flew more and was practicing for the Nats at the time.
This year looks to be another wet one. Only thing kept me from flying in the rain lately is this doggone cold, going on my second time around with a relapse. Ugh!
We don't need alligator repellant at our field, nor pontoons since we fly on a capped dump site with good run off (the EPA makes sure no standing water)
But... wild hog repellant might come in handy... man, those critters can plow up enough dirt to hide a volkswagon in one night! :o
EricV
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But... wild hog repellant might come in handy... man, those critters can plow up enough dirt to hide a volkswagon in one night! :o
EricV
7.62x51 NATO is the best hog repellant!
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Only got 10 flights yesterday...I guess I'm just a mortal. At least my classic plane is full of towering awesomeness and it can still get better!
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Only got 10 flights yesterday...I guess I'm just a mortal. At least my classic plane is full of towering awesomeness and it can still get better!
Easy tiger, that towering awesomeness title is trade marked for describing all things related to Derek only... n1
You'll have to earn your own moniker, and even when you do, sometimes, you'll wish you hadn't. LL~
EricV (AKA Rain Man)
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I only got 4 flights today so I am just a slug...
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I worked on the crumpled Dreadnought today. Got the pushrod out so I can clean it up and reinstall it.
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Lake splashalot, as Eric has come to call my backyard, is making a return after today's rain...although the weather forecast has now changed to getting some fly able days this week!! #^