Had a serious Belly Laugh yesterday.

[Andrew Borgogna]

Yesterday I went to Supleveda (sic) Basin for the Marciano contest with Larry Renger. I didn't take any planes my job would be pit crew for Larry. Well the devil winds (AKA Santa Ana Winds) were blowing off an on so not much contest flying went on but lots of fun fly did between wind gusts.  Larry brought his Blackhawk American Boy and he flew it several times, it really screamed.  I took it up once, guys I was spinning like a top.  Ever have one of them flights where you are saying little prayers for the motor to run out of fuel.  By the end of the flight I could barely stand up, I was afraid to take a step knowing for sure I would fall over.     All the time I was laughing so hard my sides were hurting.  It was the best laugh I have had in years.  Finally when I could walk I went over to Larry and told him now I remember why I stopped flying 1/2a.  All in all we had a great time at this event and I will definitely do it again if the opportunity comes up.  These are the kind of contests that put the fun back in fun flies.

I also got to meet Capt. Blackhawk, he is a really great guy.

Andy

[Larry Renger]

The engine I used was an old Space Bug.  Quite the machine, it turns out.  It has more tank capacity than a Black Widow (etc), but is noticeably lighter.  Power is getting up into the top end of stock Black Widow performance. 

The model came out at 4.35 ounces, so it has some stunting capability.  I still need to add decorations, it is all only transparent yellow at present.

Photos when it is done!

[Will Hinton]

Man-o-man does that tweak the old memory banks!  My very first engine in 1956 was a Space Bug Jr!  What a blast!
Blessings,
Will

[minnesotamodeler]

Longer lines, Andrew, longer lines...

[Rudy Taube]

Hi Andy,

Thanks for the good LOL and bringing back many similar 1/2A memories from our childhood. I knew I should have been there yesterday, sounds like you all had fun.

In case anyone thinks that Larry Renger is just "sport flying" his 1/2A planes, you should have seen him fly at the Southwick contest in Phoenix a few weeks ago. He WON 1st place in ADVANCED profile. He beat everyone with his great flying 1/2A Sky Sport. This is one of Larry's own designs that appeared in the 07/07 Flying Models Mag (plan # CD 321). We were all impressed at how well this little plane flew. Yes, it helped that Larry is also a very good pilot, but the plane still had to do it's part! :-)

Like Andy said, you do go around FAST. It is somewhere between combat and stunt speeds! The plane looks great in the air with it's twin rudders and nice stunt proportions. It's good enough to make one consider flying 1/2A stunt!

Speaking of 1/2A, for those coming to the Bob Palmer Memorial Contest on April 26/27 here in the LA area, we will have a 1cc stunt class, and the famous "Leprechaun" trophy for the winner! Maybe we can get Andy "unwound" in time to fly 1/2A by then? 

[Larry Renger]

Just as a reminder, Leprechaun is a sub-set of the 1cc class.  The trophy is a perpetual one that is awarded to the highest scoring replica classic or ot design flying with a 1cc or smaller engine.  (Two .049s are allowed, how about a dual Cyclon Sterling P-38?)  Models may be scaled up, down or sideways (1:1) but the 3-view and airfoil must be accurate, structure can be whatever you want.  Profile versions of built-up models don't qualify.

Winners in the past 5 years have flown Baby Clown and Baby Flite Streak models.  Tim Meek won one year with a replica (250 sq.in.) Sterling Mustang.  The first year, Don Butman showed up with 5 beautiful replica models and took first place, I think, with a baby Nobler.

No BOM, but the usual rules apply for appearance.  We fly mixed in with Profile Competitor models to make sure the judging is accurate.  When we used to be judged alone, the scores tended to balloon beyond belief (The "that's pretty good for a small model" syndrome) (On the other hand, it is the only time I ever scored over 500, so perhaps it isn't all bad    )