| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
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| 1644.1 | Contest report for 10/30/94 New Boston contest & prelim RI teaser | RANGER::REITH | | Fri Dec 02 1994 14:54 | 52 |
| NERCCA electronic newsletter - Issue 3
Current distribution - 23
Halloween Gremlin Contest
A perfect autumn morning clear sky, still air, and a comfortable temperature.
John Nataloni was at the field early to handle registration and impound. Soon
after Dick Easton volunteered to help and became the cut judge. Kay Fisher had
already made the long drive from Orange to compete, and his wife, Pat, agreed
to be the timer. Within an hour there would be a lot more pilots. Later we
would have 16 pilots and a gaggle of spectators for a perfect day of combat.
With twelve contestants in Open and eight in Stock, we had three complete
rounds of each before the elimination flights to rank the top pilots. Jim Reith
won Stock; Yassemedis and Christiansen took second and third. Open was won by
Yassemedis followed by Christiansen and Friedrichs. With a first place and a
second, Yassemedis was declared the Grand Champion Gremlin and awarded a
special mug.
There wasn't much in the trash barrel at the end of the day. Ray Mierzejewski
demolished a wing in the trees. Someone elses wing suffered from a mid-air. [Ed
note: This was Yaz's wing from the final flyoff mid-air with yours truely, Jim
R.] All the rest of the carnage went home for repair. Not bad for a day of
combat.
We had two mishaps that could have been nasty. Ray lost control on a take-off
and consequently flew over the pits; not nice! His later launches were watched
attentively. [Ed note: In all fairness for Ray, this was the initial flight of
his backup plane after going into the trees and his rates and trims were off.
Note for CDs... allow a "trim flight" whenever substituting planes during a
contest]
John Robinson had a fly-away. At New Boston that would ordinarily mean a plane
down somewhere in the woods for a long time. John was lucky; the plane landed
a half mile away near a house on the highway. It was good news that the plane
was found and only the plane suffered damage; it was humorous news that the
German Shepherd that lived there had declared finders keepers and was guarding
it.
Rhode Island contest 11/13/94
This is just a teaser for the moment. I've been promised an official report in
the near future. The contest was held as a standard format contest for several
reasons. Barry was absent due to a death int he family, attendance was light
(just 8 in each class), and nobody had strong feelings about how to run it. The
standard format was held with no entry fee and it was a smash hit! There were
several cuts as well as a couple of spectacular mid-airs with "wing snow" flying
everywhere. We took a break after each one to look for engines which were tossed
100+' from the site. The flyoff in each class was between the only 4 flyable
entrants. Yes, 50% attrition. I think that's the highest to date. More in a week
or so when I get the official report.
|
| 1644.2 | As promised, the Rhode Island contest report. | RANGER::REITH | | Fri Dec 02 1994 14:56 | 94 |
| NERCCA newsletter - Issue 4
Current subscribers: 35!
GREMLIN COMBAT, BEATTIE FIELD, RI NOV.13, 1994
The last Gremlin Combat event of the year was held at Beattie Field,
home of the Rhode Island Aeromodelers, on Sunday, Nov. 13th. Because it
was determined we would have needed a larger turnout for an effective
team competition, the usual one on one format was employed. Eight
pilots from each class (Stock and Open) took to the clear skies, facing
a fairly steady 10 - 15 mph breeze from the NNE. A breeze strong
enough to keep the planes blowing back toward the pilots and pit area
causing judge Art Massie to continually tell the pilots to "get back in
the box." Once in the box, the competition was fast and furious.
Spectators were treated to seven "cuts" and two midair collisions.
The "cuts" came early, with three in the first round by Rene Rusche,
the always tough Steve Winter and "Russ" Russell from Heli's Angels.
There were no cuts in the second round, but there were two very
spectacular mid-airs. The first was between Steve Winter and Warren
Johnson. What started off as one of the best matches of the day
between two very quick and maneuverable planes came to a foam crunching
halt about half way through the match drawing a chorus of "Wooooos"
from the spectators. The impact tore Warren's engine from the
fuselage, lightening it enough to float to the ground after Steve's,
and as the Gremlin rule for mid-airs dictates, was awarded one point
for being the last fuselage to hit the ground. After an extensive
search by almost all present, Warren's engine was found and the
competition resumed. Only two matches later, an equally spectacular
collision between myself and "Doc" Gunn, caused another engine
separation and another search by all present. A spectator found my
engine (or what was left of it) in an area I would not have looked,
quite a way off line from where the collision took place. But I did
get a point for being the last fuselage to hit the ground. Thanks,
that point and $74.99 will buy me a new 40FP. Jim Reith was also
forced to retire after the second round due to elevon problems, and Ray
Mierzejewski had to go to his back-up plane after experiencing
problems. There were two cuts in the third round, Ray Smith who has
cast away his flying bricks and was sporting his new Gremlin "Lite,"
cut yours truly (do I sound too spiteful?) and Rene Rusche, flying very
well, scored his second cut of the day.
So after the three preliminary rounds in the stock class the four top
point getters going into the flyoff were; Rene Rusche, Ray Smith, Kay
Fisher and Charlie Hochstrasser. In the open class the final four
were; Ray Smith, "Russ" Russell, John Garlock and Rene Rusche. After a
short lunch break the always exciting and hard fought flyoffs began.
In the stock class, Ray Smith came out on top over Rene in the opening
match. I went up against Kay Fisher in the next match. I always enjoy
going up against the guys from Central Ma. because they all like to mix
it up. This match was no exception. During this match our streamers
entangled and mine held on. It could just as easily have gone the
other way. In the finals, I was looking for revenge against Ray Smith
who had cut me in a preliminary round and Ray was kind enough to fly in
front of me and deposit his streamer on mine. These Gremlin flyers can
be very gracious.
Final stock results;
1. Charlie Hochstrasser
2. Ray Smith
3. Rene Rusche
4. Kay Fisher
In the Open flyoff Ray Smith bested Russ in the opening battle and John
Garlock bested Rene, setting up a final between two very good pilots
with very different planes. John's plane, with an oldish 40 FP, was
much slower than Ray's Royal .46, therefore his survival was dependent
upon using evasive maneuvers and attacking when the opportunity arose.
Ray, seeming to realize his advantage, relentlessly went after John but
was unable to put him away. It came down to the spot landing and John
had been zeroing in on this spot in his last few flights. He came in
about 10 ft. away. The speed that Ray was using to his advantage in
the air, did him in on the ground. He came in with a bit too much
speed and his plane bounced and slid just out of reach, to give John a
well earned win.
Final open results;
1. John Garlock
2. Ray Smith
3. Rene Rusche
4." Russ" Russell.
Gremlin Combat Award Certificates were given out to the top three
positions in each class. The club also presented a club hat and
certificate of appreciation to Art Massie for his work as judge and
timer at these combat events. Thanks Art.
Also, at this meet, we were missing a Gremlin Combat stalwart, Barry
"Moose" Schubert. Barry's father passed away last week and he was with
his family, out of state. On behalf of the Gremlin Combat community, I
would like to extend condolences to Barry and his family. Best wishes
for the upcoming holidays and hope to see you all next year.
........... Charlie Hochstrasser
|
| 1644.3 | RI contest safety concern | RANGER::REITH | | Fri Dec 02 1994 15:22 | 67 |
| Issue 5
29-Nov-1994
Our electronic distribution has grown to 44
[The contest announcement and directions will be put in the contest topic]
The following is a safety concern discussed at outr last Rhode Island meet.
I also have a couple of articles about a contest in Texas but I'll type
them in and mail them out another night this week (Thanks Sandy)
Jim,
This story stems from the midairs and seperated engines at our meet on Nov.
13th. I'm not sure if this is a subject you feel should be discussed in your
newsletter or just discussed among the flyers at the meets. I'll leave it up
to you. Thank you. [ed note: I feel information like this needs the broadest
publicity we can give it. Safety is the most important part of our contests]
SAFETY SUGGESTION
During the Gremlin Combat meet at Beattie Field, RI, we had two midair
collisions. The engines from two planes, one in each collision, were
seperated from the fuselage because of broken mounts. After lenghty searches
both were found a good distance away from the impact area. These incidents
brought a safety concern to my attention. That is, the possibility of a
detached engine being propelled into the pits or spectator area. We try to
keep the planes a safe distance away from these areas and usually do, but
when the wind is blowing toward you, it's difficult. In the heat of battle
the planes tend to drift downwind (especially the stock class) and before you
know it, they're on top of you and the judge is yelling to "get back in the
box."
The two planes involved had similar setups. The engines were bolted to glass
filled nylon engine mounts which were attached to a square mount firewall.
Both nylon mounts broke between the engine and the wall, just behind the
rear engine mounting bolts. If you use this type of setup I would like to
suggest the use of a tether. A piece of wire or thin cable attached from the
engine to the fuselage, strong enough to keep the engine and fuselage
together in the event of an engine mount failure caused by a collision. In
the Nov. 13th case, a cable attached from the engine mounting bolts to the
firewall would have kept both engines with the rest of the plane. Another
suggestion I received was to attach a small piece of metal across the back of
the engine cavity using the existing engine bolts. Then drill a hole about 3
inches back on the underside of the fuselage. Loop a nylon cable tie through
the hole and around the metal piece on the back of the engine. This would
work well if you use the conventional mount shown on the plans.
Aside from the safety concern is the possibility of not being able to find
the engine. I can think of a couple of fields that we fly at, where we would
have had a very difficult ( if not impossible) time finding the seperated
engines.
This may have been an isolated, unusual incident but I felt it merited some
attention. Hope to see you all at our Frosty Gremlin Fly in March.
..............Charlie Hochstrasser.........
Charlie, This is a worthwile discussion. While the use of the beam/firewall
mounts is different than the original design, it is being used in the cases
where large engines are being used. We did have quite a time finding those
engines in the open field. It would have been VERY difficult in CMRCM with
all the briars. Several people have mentioned doing something similar for
mufflers in cases where the rear portion or entire muffler have come off. In
our case we have spectators and competitors to consider and we need to keep
the scattering of parts to a minimum. I hope contestants will keep this in
mind for future contests/planes. Thanks for your suggestion!
|
| 1644.4 | Rules used in R/C Combat in Texas | RANGER::REITH | | Fri Dec 02 1994 15:26 | 181 |
| thought that you'd like to see the rules that we use here in TEXAS:
R/C Combat
1. Objective
Organization and standardization of multiple plane
matches that will duplicate the spirit, challenge and
excitement of air to air combat.
2. Aircraft regulations
Any radio controlled aircraft design and construction
will be allowed.
The maximum engine displacement shall be .46 cu. in.
The engine shall be affixed with a muffler system.
The engine shall be capable of being controlled by the
pilot so that it may be landed at the judges instruction. (
either a functional throttle or a cutoff system)
No other limitations of the flight controls or design of
the aircraft shall be stipulated.
3. Organization of the contest
The entire contest shall be flown in matches and rounds.
A match will be a randomly selected group with a maximum
of four entrants.
A round shall consist of a sufficient number of matches
that will allow all contestants to compete for points.
Where there is not a multiple of entrants which is
evenly divisible by 4 then matches will be sufficiently
truncated to three per match. ( this would allow equivalency
of opportunity for points scoring for all entrants.)
A sufficient number of rounds will be established so as
to allow for the maximization of exposure of any single
entrant to all other entrants. (within the limitation of R.F.
duplication.)
4. Organization of each match
Prior to the beginning of each match there will be a 1
minute pit notification where the entrant may at his
discretion start and/or launch his craft.
Each match will last for a maximum of 5 minutes (300
sec.)
At the end of the 1 minute pit notification time a
signal will commence the match and those aircraft which are
airborne will begin to be credited with flight time and
attack and defensive maneuvering shall begin.
5. Target streamers
The contest management shall provide crepe paper target
streamers which are to be defended and attacked for the
purpose of scoring points.
The streamers shall be of four contrasting colors and be
2 inches wide and 40 ft. in length.
Each streamer shall have a 12 ft. KILL ZONE of 10 lb.
test cotton string which is attached to the streamer and at
the other end attached to the centerline of thrust of the
contestants craft. ( it is the responsibility of the entrant
to insure that his target streamer is attached to his craft
when launched and also remains attached throughout the match)
6. Judging and scoring
Each entrant within each match will be randomly assigned
a flight judge by the event director.
This judges duties are to record the total number of
seconds of flight time which the entrant compiles during the
5 minute match.
The timing begins at the match beginning signal if the
entrant is airborne or at the instant of launch if the
entrant launches after the beginning signal.
Flight time accumulates for as long as the entrants
craft is airborne and stops during a landing and restart with
time to recommence at the resumed flight.
A contestants flight points terminate when a KILL is
made upon his craft. (when the 12 ft. attachment string is
cut by another contestant. If in the judges opinion the
streamer fell off and no KILL can be credited to another
contestant, the entrant will be instructed to land and points
accumulation shall stop as of the time that the entrants
streamer fell off.)
When an entrant is KILLED ( his attachment string is cut
by an opponent) his judge shall instruct the entrant to land
and at the instant of the kill the time credit of points
shall stop. He shall be eliminated from scoring additional
points during that match yet will be allowed to compete in
the next round.
Points scoring for the entire competition shall be the
sum of the total elapsed airtime in seconds that the entrant
compiles during all rounds combined with 100 points times the
number of streamer cuts with which the judge credits the
entrant combined with 250 points times the number of KILLS
for which the entrant is credited.
The final competition placement will be determined by
the following calculation:
TOTAL SCORE = AIR TIME IN SECONDS + [ NUMBER OF CUTS X 100 ]
+ [ NUMBER OF KILLS X 250 ]
The winner and subsequent ranking shall be the combined
totals of all points accumulated during ALL matches flown by
the entrant.
In the event of an airborne collision which in the
opinion of the event director renders an entrants craft not
airworthy points for airtime will stop when the craft lands (
crashes ) and cut and KILL points will be credited up to and
including the collision. ( if a streamer is cut or KILLED
during a crash it is credited to the entrant )
Only one aircraft will be allowed per match. ( repairs
and/or parts substitution will be allowed during the match
the event director in all cases determines a crafts
airworthiness )
Airspace delineation - All maneuvering during pit
notification, during attack and during defense shall be
within the quadrant of airspace delineated by the event
director and be established so as to provide for the utmost
in safe flight boundaries. The delineated airspace shall be
minimally 200 ft. away from the flightline and further clear
of all contestants and spectators.
Maneuvering outside of the delineated airspace shall be
cause for loss of flight points with continued violation
being grounds for disqualification from the match.
HAPPY HUNTING
GOOD LUCK !
________
[ ] (Sandy)
[ ] H. SANFORD FRANK Ph.D.
[ ]_________________ Phone/FAX (817) 599-7131
[ \ 105 North Brazos Street
___________[ * ] Weatherford,TX 76086
\ Weatherford ] USA
\ TEXAS \
\__ USA ]
\ _ _____] INTERNET :
\__/ \ ____/
\ ] [email protected]
\ ]
\ ] Licensed Psychologist
\__]
|
| 1644.5 | Oxford contest report | RANGER::REITH | | Mon Dec 05 1994 10:06 | 74 |
| NERCCA newsletter
Issue 7 - 12/4/1994
49 subscribers
If you wish to unsubscribe from this distribution, just send an unsubscribe
message including your actual name and email address so I can find you in the
list. If you know someone that you think would enjoy this mailing, feel free
to forward it to them and they can directly subscribe by sending their name
and email address to [email protected]. Frequency seems to be about 1
message per week.
Oxford MA contest gets good turnout and weather
The Oxford MA Gremlin contest on December 3rd was greeted with the promise of
warm, unseasonable temperatures. Even though the field was covered with a haze
of white frost at 8:15, by the 10am start time we had 10 entrants and
sweatshirt weather. Since only 2 contestants brought open class ships and they
had stock planes as well, it was decided to maximize the number of rounds flown
and just have stock class. The rules were modified slightly in that we had 3
points for a cut and a 2 and 1 point landing task. The initial round was flown
with the landing section for 2 points being 3' radius circle and 1 point being
within 6' but after the first round we decided that the 6' circle would be the
2 point bonus and if nobody got that, the closest person would get a single
point. We also extended the round/heat to 4 minutes from the usual 3. We had
tried 5 minutes in the past but people couldn't concentrate that long. 4
minutes seems to work well and we had several cuts in that "overtime" minute.
With up to 5 points available to people per round, since we allowed the landing
task even on "cut" rounds, The contest was always at stake and the point spread
seemed better than previous contest. We were also lucky enough to have NO
frequency conflicts among our 10 fliers. Out of 29 heats flown, we had 7 cuts,
2 midairs, a crash, a spin in, and two deadstick landings. All the contestants
were able to fly in the following rounds after the crashes and midairs through
the use of spare wings and fuselages and backup planes. Our only concern of the
day was when Dan Snow tried to feed his finger to his engine and needed to get
three stitches to his index knuckle. A big thanks go to all the first aid kits
that showed up and Gary Guidi and friend that drove Dan to the hospital to get
checked out. Another big thanks goes to Ray for setting the event up and Ron
Gagner for hosting it as well as taking pictures for us.
Dan also had a bit more bad luck when he was involved in the first mid-air
with Charlie Watt in the second round. Dan has been really mixing it up since
he's had midairs the last four contests he's attended. Glad to see the damage
was light enough that he was back in the next round. Charlie spent a bit more
time swapping out and engine and wing but made the call in the third round as
well. The third round opened with Steve Smith and Ray tangling in a midair
with Ray coming down in multiple pieces. His backup plane proved to be flying
better than his primary in the following rounds. It looked like Steve just
had some prop strikes that were covered with tape for the following rounds.
It seems Steve's plane liked that little tast of blood since he went on to
have a string of three successive cuts in the following three rounds. Evil
Eric Henderson (the designer) showed how the new scoring system can really
let you come back from behind when he had a perfect landing after a cut in
round 5 for 5 points.
The final standings were:
1st - Steve Smith with 14 points
2nd - "Evil" Eric Henderson with 10 points
3rd - Jack Zimmanck with 8 points (in his first contest)
4th - Charlie Hochstrasser with 6 points
Thanks to all the contestants for the dedication to keep repairing and flying
for all six rounds. The spectators really seemed to enjoy it!
The seven plane Gremlin Gaggle at the end with people chasing streamers and
making balloon runs was a great sight even though a few people got a little
too involved and damaged planes. I can wait to see the pictures!
As we were leaving the field, Ron Gagner was heard to mention that we might have
another one next year AND he might get his Gremlin back out of mothballs for it!
Sounds like a plan to me.
Jim
|
| 1644.6 | Directions to March/April contests included | RANGER::REITH | | Sat Mar 04 1995 17:09 | 153 |
| NERCCA newsletter
Issue 8 - 3/4/1994
52 subscribers
If you wish to unsubscribe from this distribution, just send an unsubscribe
message including your actual name and email address so I can find you in the
list. If you know someone that you think would enjoy this mailing, feel free
to forward it to them and they can directly subscribe by sending their name
and email address to [email protected]. Frequency seems to be about 1
message per week. Paper copies of these emails will be made into the old style
newsletter and mailed to subscribers on about a monthly basis for $3
The following is the current list of Gremlin contest dates I have.
When Where CD/contact
==== ===== ==========
Sunday March 12th Beattie Field, RI Charlie Hochstrasser-CD
(401) 463-7076 or
[email protected]
Sunday March 26th Weatherford,TEXAS Sandy Frank-CD
(817) 599-7131 or
[email protected]
Sunday April 2nd Billerica MA Glenn Thibeault-CD
(603) 881-7345 or
[email protected]
Saturday April 22nd New Boston NH Joe Marrone-CD
(603) 429-0914 or
[email protected]
Sunday April 30th CMRCM Westboro MA Dan Snow-CD
(508) 448-0473
Saturday May 13th Wrentham MA Eric Henderson-CD
(508) 435-5241
Saturday May 20th Oxford MA Ray Mierzejewski-CD
(508) 757-5883
[doesn't anyone want to host a summer contest?]
Sunday August 20th Beattie Field, RI Charlie Hochstrasser-CD
(401) 463-7076 or
[email protected]
Saturday Oct 28th New Boston NH Joe Marrone-CD
(603) 429-0914 or
[email protected]
Sunday Nov 5th CMRCM Westboro MA Charlie Watt-CD
(508) 842-0976 or
[email protected]
Full descriptions of the next few contests can be found at the bottom.
WRAMs Show report
Well, thanks to all the people that stopped by the booth at the WRAMS
show. It was great to meet everyone and get lots of feedback. Sure sounds
like Gremlins are the talk of flying fields all over. I'm also trying to get
into Toledo and will be going to Baltimore in June and Virginia Beach in
October. I'm open to suggestions for a better booth design.
Getting 3 days notice for the show sure put the pressure on. I didn't have
any inventory and very little materials on hand but managed to cover the
booth, hotel and literature costs and I'm in for next year (after a 3 year
wait). Any suggestions on what to bring would be appreciated. I ran out of
Gremlin kits so I know I need more of them. I'm also starting to sell Ready To
Cover Gremlins for $75 and would be interested in comments on this as
a product. I'm still trying to find a new supplier for the hats since the
original one went to waterproof (and ink proof) hats. See you at the field!
Below, please find directions for the next 3 contests.
Directions for sunday's (3/12) combat contest at the RI Aeromodelers field.
Take Rt95 through Providence to Exit 7. At the bottom of the ramp
take a left back over the highway. About 1/8mi to a stop sign at a
"T" in the road. Turn right onto Division Rd. and about 1/8mi down
on the right is the field.
Further info:
Charlie Hochstrasser (401) 463-7076 [email protected]
Frosty Gremlin Combat Meet
Sunday, March 12, 1995
Pilot Meeting 9:30 A.M. Flying starts at 10
Stock and Open classes
$5 Entry Fee per class
Food and Drinks available.
We encourage anyone who has never flown in combat competition before to come
to this first event of the year. All these people will be paired against one
another in the early rounds, allowing time to get a feel for the competition
before flying against an experienced combat pilot in the later rounds.
Also, during lunch break we will have a Gremlin set up on a "buddy box" with
an instructor, so anyone who has never flown this type of plane can get to
experience how great these planes fly. Any questions, call Charlie.
R/C Combat UN-Contest
NO Entry Fee
Sunday March 26
Weatherford,TEXAS
A gathering of ACES.
This is a new concept!
It is to be a "Time Trials" of R/C Combat Pilots.
It is to be an early spring warm up to the combat season.
There will be no official entry fees. There will be a
voluntary side pot ($5.00) to which the club will add a NEW
FM Radio. The club will provide the streamers. You may use
any length attachment string. You may use any length streamer
over 40 ft. You may fly any MUFFLED aircraft. Only
contributor to the side pot are eligible to win the pot and
the radio. Any AMA member may fly. Matches and rounds will
NOT be established by the club. A club member will tally each
fliers total cuts throughout the whole day (the count ends at
4 PM). Maximum in the air at once will be FOUR craft. There
will be no time limits. You may designate a towing target
(or several) or it may be a free for all. Anyone who looses
an entire streamer must re-attach one. The flights, matches
and rounds that you fly in are strictly up to the individual.
You may fly in any or all of the sorties (frequencies
permitting with four aircraft airborne max.) This is an open
free for all or it can be a set up target practice. You may
designate a friendly target tower or you may pre-arrange to
alternate as aggressor and defender. You may CALL OUT and
challenge anyone who wishes to accept to take you on. THIS
LOOKS LIKE FUN! The idea is to practice combat and not hurt
planes or people!!
This will happen Sunday March 26,1995 at the Weatherford Aero
Modeling Society field. (West on 4th street in Weatherford
twords Peaster,TX the field is on the left)
For info. or directions: Sandy Frank (817) 599-7131
Internet: [email protected]
Announcement:
Combat Contest sponsored by the Middlsex County R/C Flyers
April 2, 1995 at the MCRCF field in Billerica Mass
Two class: Gremlin stock and Open (40 size or smaller engine)
Registration begins at 8:30 AM
Directions to the field: Take the Treble Cove Rd exit off Route 3 in
Billerica head toward the prison. The field is directly across from the
prison (appox 1/2 mile from the highway.
For more information contact the CD Glenn Thibeault at (603) 881-7345 or
[email protected]
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
| RA Cores - [email protected] | Affordable, computer cut, custom foam |
| P.O. Box 863 | wing cores by modelers, for modelers |
| Southbridge, MA 01550 | |
| (508) 765-9998 (email preferred) | Home of the R/C Combat Gremlin |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------------+
|
| 1644.7 | Rhode Island contest report | SNAX::SMITH | I FEEL THE NEED | Mon Mar 13 1995 10:53 | 65 |
| Yesterday, was the first of the year (I believe) gremlin combat contest held
at the Rhode Island Aeromodelers field in (where else) Rhode Island. There
was a great turnout despite the chilly temperatures and the HTA'S "almost"
walked away with all the prizes in both stock and open classes.
I left the house about 7:00 A.M. and headed south on 495 to Hopkinton making
a stop at Eric's house to form the convoy. Several of the people supposedly
going wimped out at the last minute, so it was just Eric, Jack Z. and myself.
We left about 7:45 and continued south on 495 to pick up 95 south through
Providence. We made a couple of "unexpected" stops on 495 due to my CB
antenna blowing off the roof TWICE. I ended up just sitting it in the
passenger seat and it worked well enough to talk between vehicles. I had
"suspected" the magnet was a little weak when I first put the antenna up
there, but thoguht na.....they must know what their doing. NOT. The lunch
break came at the end of round 2 in both stock and open and I flew somewhere
in the middle of the stock class. So, once I had my second round flight out
of the way, I had the rest of stock and the whole second round of open and
then lunch before I'd have to fly again. Jumped in the car, drove over to
Coventry and found the nearest Radio Shack and bought a new antenna. This
one is much stronger and I had no trouble driving home.
Back to the contest. We arrived at the field about 8:30 and only a couple of
R.I. people were there. Come to find out, Jim Reith, Dan Snow, Ray M., Rene
had all arrived even earlier than us and had driven over to Coventry for
coffee. Anyway, sometime around 9, people really started to arrive and we
ended up with a pretty good crowd. I'm just guessing but I think there was
something like 24 people between stock and open. We flew 3 rounds of combat
and then 4 (i think) flyoff rounds to determine the winners.
There were 3 cuts the whole day and 2 mid-airs. The first midair, I'm not
sure what happened but it looked like both gremlins just slapped wings. No
parts came off in the air. Still, both gremlins came down and sustained alot
of damage upon impact due to the frozen ground and cold temps making the PCV
fuses very brittle. The second midair was a TRUE midair with a real solid
impact and half a gremlin spiriling down. At first, it didn't look like the
other gremlin had sustained any damage but he ended up going in too. The funny
part was, although Jim Reith, who lost half the wing, was at a much lower
altitude after the impact, the other gremlin managed to beat him to the ground
so Jim was the winner (last fuse down).
I flew 3 decent rounds but couldn't get a cut for anything. I flew against
Rene, Jack Z. and Kay. The only thing I can say is that I DID manage to win
the landing points on each round. At least I was doing that right. Because of
that, I was included in the top 4 at the end of the 3 rounds and was, therefore
in the flyoffs. First flyoff was against Eric for the stock class. We had
a hell of a battle but neither could get a cut. Unfortunately, for me, Eric
beat me out on the landing buy about a foot. Then I found myself in another
flyoff for 3rd place in stock against Wayne Field. About half way through
the round, I wrapped his streamer around my wing but the darn thing stayed
attached. I even have a cut clean through my leading edge where the streamer
string pulled across it. But, no cigar. A short while later, Wayne did the
same thing to me and my streamer, OF COURSE, broke off. 8^) So, Wayne got
the cut and took third place in stock. This was, by the way, Wayne's FIRST
combat contest and he did great. WAY TO GO WAYNE. It was amazing how he
handled that wing even though it wasn't spinning......8^)
By the end of the flyoffs, Jim Reith had taken third place in Open. Dan Snow
took First AND second in open. Eric took first AND second in Stock and Wayne
took third. So, the HTA'S took first, second, and third in the open class
and first and second in stock. Way to go team.
All and all, an good contest. Not much carnage and determined "fighting".
Could have been a bit warmer but it was bareable. Looking forward to the
next one April 2nd.
|
| 1644.8 | | RANGER::REITH | | Mon Mar 13 1995 11:04 | 73 |
| Let's make Wayne an honorary HTA. He works in LKG and is a CMRCM member. Then we
can claim a SWEEP! (actually, it truely was a CMRCM sweep)
Here's the report I got last night from the CD (Steve, can I use your report in
the next newsletter as well?)
FROSTY GREMLIN COMBAT
The Frosty Gremlin Combat meet took place at Beattie Field in Rhode Island on
Sunday, March 12th. The meet lived up to its name as a light but steady
ocean breeze made it necessary to keep bundled up all day. Two classes were
flown with 14 pilots in the Stock Class and 9 in the Open. Three preliminary
rounds were flown with the top four point getters in each class squaring off
in the fly-off. Being the first competition of the year the action wasn't as
"close in" as it will be later on, thus only one mid-air in the preliminary
rounds. Ray M. and John Garlock banged Gremlin noggins and both were out for
the remainder of the day. Some planes were put out of commission by the
frozen runway and others that spun into the field for one reason or other did
not fare too well either.
In a quite unusual situation, there were no "cuts" in the preliminary rounds
of the Stock Class. There were three in the Open Class. Lawson Gunn, Wally
Richardson and Jim Reith all scored early cuts in the first or second round.
The top four in the Stock Class to go into the fly-offs were; Eric
Henderson, Steve Smith, Wayne Field and Dan Snow. The top four in Open were;
Eric Henderson, Lawson Gunn, Dan Snow and Jim Reith.
In the first Stock fly-off Eric and Steve went at it with Eric coming out on
top by about 2 feet on the spot landing. In the next match Dan beat Wayne by
about the same distance. Wayne was flying in his first competition and went
on to score the only cut of the day in Stock competition and took third place
in the class. The match between Dan and Eric for first never took place,
I'll explain later.
In the Open Class Eric and Lawson Gunn competed in what might have been the
best match of the day. Lawson was the top point getter in either class in
the preliminaries, both planes were tweaked to the max and in the hands of
two very skilled pilots. But no cuts and Eric won on the landing. In fact,
all day long, Eric won all but one of his landings. In the other match, Dan
Snow, using his Stock plane in the Open Class (his Open plane broke a mount),
was matched against Jim Reith who had just replaced a broken mount on his
plane. Jim seemed to have a slight speed advantage but couldn't cash in and
Dan won on the landing. During this landing the frozen runway ate up Dan's
mount on his only remaining plane and he was forced to withdraw before he
could fly against Eric in both the Stock and Open Class finals. Eric was
declared the winner in both classes. Congratulations Eric!
By now it was about 3 P.M. The chill was getting to many pilots and
spectators and many had left for the day. They missed the fireworks!! In
the final match of the day, Jim Reith and Lawson Gunn, neither ever shy about
mixing it up, were involved in a spectacular mid-air. Jim's fuselage went
into a spin which slowed it just enough to have Lawson's hit the ground a
split second before his. This caused the biggest roar of the day from all
the pilot's in the pit area. You have to love this Gremlin competition. The
biggest reaction of the day, saved for the results of a race to the ground
between two shattered and twisted Gremlins. It was a fitting way to end a
combat meet. At least from a spectators viewpoint.
Thanks to all the pilots who competed and a special thanks once again to cut
judge Art Massie and to "Chef Geoff" Beaven. We hope to see everyone back
here again in August...................... Charlie Hochstrasser
RESULTS
OPEN CLASS
1.
1. ERIC HENDERSON
2. DAN SNOW
3. JIM REITH
4. LAWSON GUNN
STOCK CLASS
1. ERIC HENDERSON
2. DAN SNOW
3. WAYNE FIELD
4. STEVE SMITH
|
| 1644.9 | Yup.....feel free | SNAX::SMITH | I FEEL THE NEED | Mon Mar 13 1995 11:40 | 3 |
| Feel free.
I vote Wayne as an Honorary HTA................All those in favor?????
|
| 1644.10 | Any chopper guy is HTAOKBYME! | WMOIS::WEIER | Keep those wings spinning! | Mon Mar 13 1995 17:46 | 3 |
|
Wayne, You have my vote as an HTA, you already have the HT part, now
you just need to work a bit on the "A" part :)
|
| 1644.11 | The A is no problem | NETCAD::WFIELD | Wayne Field,LKG2-2/BB7 | Tue Mar 14 1995 13:23 | 3 |
| Don't worry, I've definately got the "A" part covered :^)
Wayne...
|
| 1644.12 | 1:12 aircombat rules from sweden | FRUST::HERMANN | Siempre Ch�vere | Tue Dec 05 1995 02:59 | 13 |
| hi guys,
this reply is not directly gremlin specific, but from what i read it seems
to be pretty near what you are already doing in combat. look at the url:
http://www.student.lu.se/~cid90meg/aces-int.htm
and read the rules. the fw on the front page looks pretty kwel! maybe the
gremlin can be reshaped a bit to resemble a spit, zero, mustang, fw or...???
but be careful when lending such an artwork to jim!
have fun!
joe t.
|
| 1644.13 | | MPGS::REITH | Jim (MPGS::) Reith - DTN 237-3045 SHR3-1/U32 | Tue Dec 05 1995 07:16 | 6 |
| Very interesting page(s) Joe. Thanks for the posting. There scoring is
interesting and the rule about the helmets was a surprise (but sensible) I
have heard that they don't go over well at pattern contests (eh Steve? 8^)
It appears that there's no string connecting the streamer to the plane. Is
this true??
|