US NATS Model Finished : 2011 Raptor

[PJ Rowland]

Well its finally finished.

For those who did not see the information posted previously - here is a little synopsis.

Design Concept :
The design of the model is my own set of numbers - however I knew early on that this was going to be the model I was bringing over to compete in the US Nats. There were so many designs I liked the look of - Especially that Thunder gazer It just spoke to me - I couldnt explain why, asthetics are very impressive and it looks very nice in the air. You can add in Bobs 04 Bear to that list - Looking you can see the design cues everywhere
I also tossed around the idea of going towards a Jet style ship much like Pauls Electric American eagle - a very modern take and another design style I love Retro Modern..

Eventually I settled back on the thought of taking my own ship Just modern take - but having it styled and designed around some very successful numbers.

Obviously It had to look good - I also wanted to play around with more side area than previous, something that I've read Brett Buck mention helps his designs, more side area.  -


Starting with the wing :
The wing on this specific model is a planiform I have not tried - I used Paul Walkers Miss america mustang wing design from 2004 - but with the flaps identical in size and dimension to the Dave's Thunder Gazer. I should preface that by saying - I do not run quite as much assymetry as the T.G - I run 5/8's instead of 3/4 . Complete personal preferance.
Obviously the Mustang wing has the kick out at the front which I ommited but the Root / Tip and 1/4 chord sweep are all identical.
Wing Area 640 Sq


Tailplane design is similar to what I had built for my last few models but just refining the design .  I again consulted with Dave on the TG design and took many of the design ques. I wouldnt say Copied because I didnt have a copy of te TG plans.. Its not really the same - I just used some cues of thickness and area.. Its probably more closer to the original Trivial Pursuit.  

I did get some accurate measurements from the man himself. One of the design features I like to have on all my designs is a very slight swept back hinge Line in the Elevator ( 1/4" ish...).  You can see it on one of the photos if you look hard. Its one of those design features that I have run now for the last few ships - I like how it feels - and how it looks. It does sweep the trailing edge of the Stab back to almost horizontal. Again, its a styling thing..

Fin : I got a copy of the fin only of the T.G and just paid Homage' to it, increased all the proportions, made it more extreme but certainly took all the elements from Dave's Ship. And the Dorsel fin is heighted to aid with the extra side area.


Flaps : Carbon Torque tubes for the flabs and Elevators - Triple carbon layer of Flaps - 5/8 Assymetry. Dual Flap tabs Rush boost tabs. I found I didnt like the feeling of full span flaps I never have - there are various threads about the merits of Full Span. I know the reasons why but Its comes down to feel in the end and i prefer the quicker response rates.

Paint is : Electric Orange Code 6FSE - with 1/2 extra strength orange flake pearl. Its a Ford color - with just a bit more flake. Its interesting looking at the photo's it does change from Dark orange to a vibrant orange depending on light avaliable.  White is Alpine white.
Clear is : PPG painted and prepped completely as PTG recommends.

Weight : I was happy with the build weight, even though I did beef up a few area's for the international flight, and possibility of Muncie Winds. My target weight was always going to be 62 - 63 oz. - I say target - All up flying weight ready to go is 65.2 oz. I hear some people groaning thats too heavy but consider the following : Im running an .81 - and all up weight of my hardware is close to 19 oz.... if I drop the .61 Longstroke in I would save 3 oz and be down to 62 ish.. So its all relative to your engine / Hardward. I will take the extra weight to have more power.

Engine : As started above : Stalker .81 : Rebuilt by Kaz Minato - Custom High Compression Hemi Head made by Oleg.
Brian Eather Undercamber Prop & Tank

Controls: Ball link controls used all throughout. Upon Brett's recommendation Im using the Titanuim threaded inserts inside the carbon pushrob.and Rocket #87 for the first time on this ship.  All Control systems by Kaz minato.   New Carbon/Kevlar undercarts +  carbon wheel pants. Yatsenko Removable Tailwheel.

Hopefully test flights within the next week - I still need to Seal the hingelines, set the Controls, terminate the leadouts, install the engine ect...ect.. 3 more days - Wouldn't have mattered if I finished it 4 weeks ago - Its been awful unflyable weather.

I look forward to seeing everyone In July & Say G'day.
Special Thanks to Randy Powell for listening to me complain about the painting for the last month...... Dave Fitz, PTG and PW for answering my painful questions via email.
Jim at CLC for all the Hardware - Kaz for more Hardware, and everyone who made me feel welcome enough to want to push myself to build something & come back to USA and compete.


Please dont take the bulk of the photo's as self gratification - If any of you saw Lauri Malia's Ship and his final photo's I enjoyed some of the Macro Shots up close - It appeals to my artistic side. Hopefully you all enjoy it also.

[wwwarbird]

 Nice!

[PerttiMe]

It looks like it means business

The color scheme might not be quite "me" but I like it anyway.

[Derek Barry]

Doesn't look like a take-apart

How are you going to get it here?

Looks Great!

[Matt Colan]

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

[PJ Rowland]

Gday Derek - Hows your's coming along ? I remember you saying it was touch and go ?

Thanks - No your right this isnt Take apart.

I dont mind take aparts but at the time I started - I wasnt confident enough to build one and have it finished to an acceptable level - since then however I've done a T/A so in hindsight maybe I will next time.

Im also bringing over my Classic model - I had no problems in 2004 bringing over a full sized model in a carry case - so this time, I decided I would do the same.

So I need to bring 2 models over in the one box - and still conform to flight regulations - and sizes.

There is a company who are about 45 mins from my house who make custom Flight cases for airline travel. The Bulk of their buisness is Musical instruments, like double base, amplifiers, Chello's ect.. These guys make flight cases out of 7mm Polypropylene which is honey comb - incredible light - and incredible strong.

They CNC Hi density foam to the exact dimensions of whatever is it to be transported. They have all the acceptable dimensions from the airlines and weights. My Box allows for Both the gieseke Nobler and Raptor to be brought over safely. - Very strong - crush resistant, easy to manouver. The box is only 1" wider than the width of the wing - and 1 " at the base. - I plan to use this case again - so its an investment in future trips to USA.  Flush mount recessed handels - Easy to open removable lid. Its fairly light also. 25Kg all up. with both Planes.

The photo of the White model is my test ship - The New one is identical to it in dimensions. So its not white underneath ! ")

I've read horror stories from fellow modellers ,but talking to the road case people, When dealing with a properly built flight case that adhere's to all airline codes and is certified for that ( they supply you with that letter ) Its usually not a problem. - You make it sound like you do this all the time.


As you can see by one of the photo's its only marginally larger that a normal take apart box - What I mean is - its taller - Usually the Take apart boxes with full wing would be the same as the center section of mine - Ive got a tiny jut out for the nose - and only a foot and a bit for the tail to sit in, Not that much bigger 0 you can see one of thes working on it. Its quite manageable.

They also add in any extra parts - like my undercart storage - The way the foam interlocks - the total height of the box is only 13 " the foam supports them being interlocked.

[Derek Barry]

Freekin awesome travel box!!!!!!!!

[john e. holliday]

Both planes in one box is awesome.   Looks like a tank could roll over the box an not dent it.  Is Dad's plane being boxed also?

[Paul Taylor]

That is just too kewl PJ.

What is the cost for something like that?



And your plane is over the top!!! I like it a lot.

[Paul Taylor]

I just noticed that you what looks like two adjustable lead out guides?

Can you explain your thoughts around that please?

[Peter Nevai]

In the states a custom box like that is around $1,500. He may not have problems getting to the international gateway airport in the states from down under.

The sticky part will be the domestic carrier legs for any connecting flights. Also getting out of the US may be whole other story, as in recent months Airport security for domestic and international flights within and leaving the US have tightened significantely.

I can say that he is going to incur a pretty heafty baggage charge for any connecting flights and upon departure. 99% of the airlines in the US nail you for any checked baggage for a minimum of $25.00 per checked item. 25KG is 55lbs. That is a minimum of 5 lbs over the maximum that most domestic airlines will accept for a single piece of baggage. So there will also be a excess weight baggagge fee as well as the Checked luggage fee. What the final charge will come depends on the airline.

The checked baggage fee requirements and security measures have mostly been implemented within the past 6 to 8 months. Best to triple check the rules and charges for the American airports and Airlines to avoid any surprises. Not good enough to check only with travel agents and Airlines down under.

We have people travelling all over the world at our company. Recently we had people who upon returning from extended deployments overseass, were charged $50.00 for each checked bag when transfering to a domestic flight. One fellow ended up not being able to board the plane because he had to wait until the company made arrangements with the airline to pay the baggage fees. When they left the country the rules were not yet in place, so no one figured the cost into the travel advances.

Checked baggage fees are not included in the ticket price, they are assessed and payment made during checkin or when clearing through customs and checking in for the domestic legs. What flew last year will almost positively NOT fly this year. I whole heartedly reccommend you tiple check else bring tons of extra cash.

P.S. A Raptor should have scales or feathers, The tiger stripe is a bit out of touch with the name

[john e. holliday]

Even after checkong the latest rules.  The people at he airport may have different ideas, as a friend of mine discovered.

[PJ Rowland]

Thanks Guys -

Cheers Derek - It is an awesome travel box.

The box built to my specs with time inside the shop with both planes cost me $1,950. - It usually is acirca $1500 for that size.. but square boxes.. I was charged extra for the intricate shape and extra Foam cutting.

So my plane is travelling Buisness Class.

From the people I've spoken to - excess baggage is a toss of the coin - could be $200 USD - heck I'l live with that - I just want to make sure I get over there - Being a professionally built box I was told makes a difference.

There is no internal support  of any kind the high density foam gives it everything it needs.



John : Yes I got them to build a case for his Take apart model also - I worked out a deal and they did HIS box for only $ 600 assembled. - Deal done on the slide..


I like the name raptor - If you see what they call some bengal tigers at the zoo - I didnt want some weird name like Sumandra or Tiethian. !

[PJ Rowland]

Paul : Twin Adjustable leadout positions :


I copied this idea from a fellow Nats champion who has run this for along time, the theory being - when they are side by side you are always biased one leadout further forward or back in relation to where it needs to be.

For example : If you need to " move the leadouts so its 1 3/4" from the CG " you are only taking an average of the 2 points of Up line and Down line.

With this system, you can independant dial in each line location forward or back  - which is something thats limited to a horizontal leadout system approach.- you can also have them BOTH in identical places on the CG location if required.

[ChrisSarnowski]

Nice work PJ!!! Sweet travel box setup, too!

-Chris

[Randy Powell]

I love the travel box. I love the plane. One question, is the picture of you sanding the first time or the second?   

[PJ Rowland]

Randy - 1st time.

 

[M Spencer]

Crate of aeroplanes requireing finishes sent .

[Paul Taylor]

Paul : Twin Adjustable leadout positions :


I copied this idea from a fellow Nats champion who has run this for along time, the theory being - when they are side by side you are always biased one leadout further forward or back in relation to where it needs to be.

For example : If you need to " move the leadouts so its 1 3/4" from the CG " you are only taking an average of the 2 points of Up line and Down line.

With this system, you can independant dial in each line location forward or back  - which is something thats limited to a horizontal leadout system approach.- you can also have them BOTH in identical places on the CG location if required.

Thanks PJ for the info.

Very nice detail to have when your splitting hairs for scores.

[PJ Rowland]

Update :

Weather permitting - I'l fly it this weekend.
All Hardware is in - ready to go.

Paul : It's about having adjustable points that's all.  I would say that I did not come up with that technique.

[PerttiMe]

I haven't worked out the geometry... but couldn't you get a smaller and simpler case with wing tips and tail towards the corners?

[Warren Wagner]

PJ,

That is an absolutely beautiful model.  You do outstanding work, and you certainly are creative with the paint scheme.

How is the masking done for the tiger stripes?   Do you lay it out in a CAD program and then have vinyl masks make,
or is it done with regular narrow masking tape, by hand?

Loved the photo where you were doing the sanding of the filler coat.....you really get into your work !!!

I hope you have a safe trip to the US, and that you do well in the competition.  I'll be watching for your name/scores on the
AMA web site.

Cheers.

Warren Wagner

[PJ Rowland]

Perti : Both models were Digitally scanned in 3d - layed out over a box in a 3D wireframe, the Box and foam were worked out to accommodate it to maximise everywhere.

The Nobler is also moved as far forward as posible - Il post another photo - so you can see its edged forward within 1 " of the front. This was done to accommodate the other main stunter to sit reverse and the fin drop down.



This box needs to serve 2 MAIN purposes.

Being universal to accomodate other ships in the future - they have a 10 yr warranty.
The company charge you $ 150 to redo the foam inserts - which is nothing.

I also needed to bring 2 planes in the one box so the way the geometry works this was the smallest size avaliable.

Trust me - I was sitting with the guy looking at the 3D model - it is certainly the only way and the smallest way. The computer then mills out the foam to suit. I dont know what your talking about when you reference wouldn't it be smaller - Its no more than 1 inch wider than any section of the plane... Remember there are 2 planes in there.

The rest is trimmed by hand.

Warren :
Its done by computer cut Vinyl.

[PerttiMe]

I also needed to bring 2 planes in the one box so the way the geometry works this was the smallest size avaliable.

I believe you. I still haven't made any calculations or measurements. Just eyeballing the box, I started wondering how it would work out doing as in the rough sketch I am attaching:

[PJ Rowland]

Everything is now finished.

Engine installed.
Tank.
Hingelines sealed.
Rush Boost tabs fitted.
Leadouts Terminated.
Lines made up.
Fuel Mixed
Batteries Charged.

Test flight will be Tommorow. - Updates to follow if anyone is interested. Should be able to log 500 flights before July 4th.
My Holidays start 11th June - July 25th. - Very excited about the next few weeks.

[PJ Rowland]

Test flight Update :

Could not have picked a better day ......

No clouds - 2 kt drift all day... Just a little fresh at 8am ...

Managed to put in 28 flights which was nice.

Got alot of the trim problems sorted out - still a little more work to do, but showing alot of promise.


No major gremlins; No major incidence..

[Allan Perret]

Wow, 28 flights in one day.
How long did that take ?

[PJ Rowland]

arrive at the field at 7:40am - was in the air by 8am.

I generally have one flight then wait for the engine to cool.

6 Mins flight time.
8 - 10 Mins to cool

Every 15 minutes - 1 complete flight cycle.

4 Flight each Hour.

Left at 5pm - which was 9 hrs. - I should have been able to acheive 36 flights - alas I only logged 28 - Mind you - I was adjusting trim and so forth so that probably accounts for the loss of time - Plus I stopped for a snack mid afternoon.

Today was nothing out of the ordinary flight quantity wise.

[Randy Powell]

Oh to be young again. 6-8 flights and I'm pretty much done for the day. But I can remember flying and just putting up flight after flight all day long. I had a lot more energy then.

[Allan Perret]

"Plus I stopped for a snack mid afternoon."


Come on you slacker...
 

[PJ Rowland]

Its got to be done!

mmmmm That hamburger was nice too

Comeon Randy - I bet id motivate you to throw down more than 8 flights.. thats only flying from 8 am - 10am...

[Matt Colan]

arrive at the field at 7:40am - was in the air by 8am.

I generally have one flight then wait for the engine to cool.

6 Mins flight time.
8 - 10 Mins to cool

Every 15 minutes - 1 complete flight cycle.

4 Flight each Hour.

Left at 5pm - which was 9 hrs. - I should have been able to acheive 36 flights - alas I only logged 28 - Mind you - I was adjusting trim and so forth so that probably accounts for the loss of time - Plus I stopped for a snack mid afternoon.

Today was nothing out of the ordinary flight quantity wise.

28 FLIGHTS IN ONE DAY!?!?!?!?! 

i'm going to be lucky to have 50 on the Trivial Pursuit by the time the NATS comes along!

[PJ Rowland]

Hey Matt - You want to hear number projection?

I go on Holidays 11th June Officially.

I depart Australia on 25th June.

Thats 14 Days of practice In australia PRIOR

28 Flights a day - 2 weeks = 392.

Further 8 days practice prior to July 4 Start.

28 Flights a day - 8 days =  224 Flights

Total max flights prior to Nats : 616.

Now granted, due to weather I might not be able to acheive this lofty goal.
28 isnt that much - Its really only 4 flights every hour - which I think is slow going. Fact is : I spend alot of time at the field - there is no-one else there. Out of those 8 hrs im at the field only 3.2 hours are spent actually flying a pattern.. the rest is waiting.

I play and practice alot of golf - so i guess it depends on where your Mindset lies.
For me a relaxing round of golf is 4 hrs long.

The practice days could be atleast that long - but instead of hitting 50 balls + putts - Id hit 200 Balls + 2 hrs of putting.

Its fairly relaxing only having 4 flights every hour - stop for a bite to eat - key is you need to get down early - I treat it like Im going to work - get up at 6:30 - pack your lunch, pack the car - head off for 8 am start - stop for lunch at 1pm - work till 5...

Its fairly routine.

[Eric Viglione]

Awesome undertaking PJ... she's a looker!
But what get's me isn't the 28 flights as much as putting your new baby on a stooge for it's maiden's.
Eeeek! I usually like a human for my initial flight stooge, and a witness to my first flights, heh.
(makes trimming easier too)
Great stuff PJ, model, case & all. Can't wait to see it at the Nat's.
EricV

[PJ Rowland]

Thanks Eric.

*shrugs* I like to get that 1st test flight out of the way - with no-one around anyway.

Hook up the stooge - pull the cord - get it out of the way !

The only thing that ever bothers me is if I need to start the engine upside down - that can be a bit tricky esp with an .81 in the nose..   Need to hold it by the nose - start it out of the stooge, flip it over - hold the fin - connect up the stooge and take off - I try to avoid doing that as much as possible.

I only needed to start it upside down once yesterday...

See guys : This is why I like to get down and spend 8 hrs at the field.. Im stuck at work right now - its another perfect day outside Ive got some work to do but not alot.. id rather be flying.. So the days I have oppotunites to go fly - thats what i do ALL DAMN DAY !!!

My Favorite expression recently is

" I can do <  insert thing  > after the Nats. "

Eg : Sleep in, drink with friends, watch a move, play a round of golf..


Ive waited since 2004 to come back - I'l be damned if Im not going to as prepared as I can be. Just becasue I want to sleep in till 11am on my day off... or have a few drinks with friends..

[PJ Rowland]

I posted this elsewhere - but I thought a repost my be relivant to the discussion about practice flights :

Leading up to a nats - For example - leading up to the US Nats I usually take time off - I will have 11 days off prior to leaving where I will be full time practice, I will arrive in the US 12 days prior to the event starting.

If I get good weather : Which is usually possible during this time of year :

23 Days of practice : Even if Im slack and Im only getting 25 flights a day in : 500odd Flights in a 3 week period leading up to the contest.

I have in the past and will do again, modify, alter, change one thing, try it fly it, make a note of its cause and effect. By process of shear weight of practice flights and process of elimnation I find what works for me, and what doesnt.

Im afforded the luxury of countless flights and a good solid fitness regime that allows me to fly consistantly multiple flights, over multiple days without much in the way of loss of fatigue, mental concentration.
My Fitness regime is Control line aerobatics based, at a gym 2 Nights a week, which would consist of Lots of shoulder work, repitition of flying the pattern with a 3 - 5 kg lightweight dumbell, doing multiple reverse wingovers, loops, maintaining form and 45 degree attitude. Lots of core work with a swiss ball and core machine -  Cable crossover work, Running. 20 Minutes in the pool to help the shoulder recover, 30 minutes in the Sauna with a basic maths and problem solving book- to allow me to do mental excersises to train my mind to stay focused during extreme fatigue and exhaustion.

Like now for example I also suppliment that training once I get home with watching for about 1 hour repeats of US nats flyoff's. Currently Im watching alot of the 2004 Flyoff with brett, Ted, Paul, billy and Bob. What this does is help to put you in the moment. There is strong correlation between pre visualisation of events and beign able to control nerves, and improve success, supplimental to practice alone.

Infact whilst I digress - I can sight a famous sports study done a few years ago at a US College. This is an abridged copy.

A famous study was conducted by the University of Chicago many years ago with basketball players to prove the power of visualization. It consisted of three basketball teams. Team 1 were instructed to go to the gym every day for one hour and practice throwing free throws. Team 2 spent an hour in the gym every day, followed by a visualization period whereby they envisaged themselves successfully shooting hoops. No physical practice was allowed. Team 3 were instructed to play no basketball whatsoever neither mentally or physically for the month. When the month had passed, the three groups were assessed to determine if their shooting had been affected. The team who had neither mental nor physical practice had dis-improved. The team who engaged in just physical practice had a 24% improvement rate. Amazingly the team who had only visualized themselves throwing successful free throws had improved by 23%.

This study proves that you maximize your success by visualizing your free throws at every available opportunity. It is great way to maximize the results of physical practice.

So to conclude, never rule out the power of your mind.




Weight of numbers gets the job done for me, I appreciate those like Brett whom can have only 50 flights a year and have such a solid knowledge base that they know what needs to be done to acheive a purpose, and can Win major contests..

I have a good working knowledge of many aspects of Stunt, I know if I want to do something - for example add tip weight, move leadouts for a specific purpose, I will do that.. However what I DONT know and I will happily admit to ,is the extent to get it right.

I've heard accounts of guys saying to other fliers for example " add .4oz of tip weight and move the leadout 1/4" back and you will be right "  It would take me 3 - 5 flights to establish an ideal setup for tip weight adjustment and leadout position adjustment, I would arrive at the desired outcome but not off the 1st attempt. EVER.

[Douglas Ames]

I haven't worked out the geometry... but couldn't you get a smaller and simpler case with wing tips and tail towards the corners?

It wouldn't get jammed up in the belt loaders if you did that...(Hopefully not!)
 BEAUTIFUL MODEL!!! BEST OF LUCK IN MUNCIE!

[john e. holliday]

PJ,  you knocked for a loop when I read how you get ready for a contest.   I have watched guys at the NATS and known a few that put themselves out of competition because of flying too much and changing things when something happened during a flight.   A little shift in the wind and temps can give false indications of a plane.  Like you stated, being physically prepared is one thing.   I too am amazed that someone can walk up and say if you do this and this it will improve your plane and flying. 

The Primary Force I flew in TOPCLASS annual contest last weekend is an example.  I have only made two changes to it since I built it.  First was a trim tab to level the wings.  It has no flaps and I have check the wing and it is straight.  Must be the heavy landing gear that causes it to not fly level.  But flying out of grass most of the time I will not change it.  The second was to remove my reliable Fox .35 Stunt and install an OS LA .25.  It is now running on muffler pressure.  The wind was gusty and had slight shifts that I could not pick up.  Last fall in that contest, we had a stronger wind, but it was steady and in one direction.   

Anyway I hope you have a good coach and also have fun at the NATS.   If you win first place you will be the first non American to win it.  So go show them how it is done. 

[PJ Rowland]

I wont win it..

In fact - power of positive thinking is one thing - however negligent arrogance is another. Top 5 is out of my reach comfortably.

I will consider it a complete success if I make Top 20. Thats my Short term goal - Im going over with all the illusions thats acheivable.

[john e. holliday]

Look up,  you could be the first.   

[Matt Colan]

PJ,

One thing I do CONSTANTLY with just about anything that I get my hands on is a stunt pattern, I just go over it again and again and again in my head with those objects, like pencils, pens, forks, spoons, all that kind of stuff.  I also do some image flying.  when I have nothing to do at the moment, I'll start flying a stunt pattern with all the hand motions I use when I fly, and it seems like it helps a lot because of the repetition involved, and how often I do it.

[PJ Rowland]

Matt : Do it with a soft weights - 2 - 5 kg. It helps build muscle memory.

Doc - There are several people whom are WAY ahead of me in terms of skill -
By my reasoning.

Id say the Top 5 this year will be ( in no particular order )

Orestes , Brett, David ,Paul, Derek.

Lets see - Nats Champ, Nats Champ, W/C ,W/C, W/C Team member - Top 5'er

Thats a tough lineup for any contest - all those guys I mentioned are ULTRA tough - I would expect Paul to Win the 2011 Nats. With Dave in 2nd .. Based on how the NW Reg went.... Its a good gauge . Again remember - they dont hand out Nats wins to anyone.

There have been a number of fliers who are better than I - whom have flown in the US nats and not made Top 5.. Its not even on my Radar - As I mentioned earlier - Confidence is one thing - Negligent arrogance is another. I think its possible for an outsider to win - sure.. Judges are fair and I beleive Its possible someone from oversea's can win.. - It wont be me.
I fly well - I have a great package - but these guys are seasoned, extremely good fliers - any of them on their given day can win a World Championship. Thats the calibre of Stunt flier present at the US NATS. Thats why I'm coming over.  - Some days you need to admit there are the Rodger Federer's of the stunt world - then everyone else outside the Top 10. Doesn't mean your not good, just means your not Rodger Federer.

Our sport has its own version of Rodger Federer. I think will all due respect to everyone else..  - we all know who it is.

I will be very pleased with a Top 20 Showing - again its going to be VERY tough to get into that 20 group. I will be doing everything in my ability to ensure that happens -  You know what - If It doesnt happen and I place 21 or 29 or 40th.. I will know when I look in the mirror - I did all that I was capable of doing and to coin something dad said to me years ago..

" Just do your best - if you can do that and walk away proud of yourself - results & placings are just a Number. "

[Randy Powell]

PJ,

I used to say pretty much the same thing to my son when he was playing sports. Go out and give it the best effort you have. It comes out how it comes out. If you did your best, that's all anyone can ask.