Prez Sez
by Al Campana
Columbus Day at the field was just another good flying
day. Several fliers and a few spectators were enjoying
the weather. Sometime before noon a man and his young
son approached Dave West and asked a few questions.
Dave had flown his big Corsair and this gentleman
seemed interested. Dave answered his questions and
then made a comment to the stranger, "you sure
look like Donny Osmond". The man replied "I
am Donny Osmond". Dave smiled, then shook Donnys'
hand. And yes, it was Donny Osmond. Seems that he
and Marie appeared at QVC in West Chester and he and
his son went for a ride to Valley Forge. As they passed
our field on Route 252 they decided to stop to see
why all the cars were parked near our field. Earlier,
Warren Barrick had seen a black limousine drive up
and two people get out. Unfortunately, no one at the
field had a camera. Except Donny. He and his son
posed with Dave and someone took their picture with
Donnys' camera. After a beief conversation with us
he and his son got into their limo and drove off.
And that was our local excitement for Columbus Day.
This Fall season has been pretty good to us except for
the wind. It was windy a couple of weeks ago when
I flew the VK Cherokee. It's a very stable flyer and,
when held nose-up at low throttle directly into the
wind, it just stays in one spot. With a bit more wind
maybe I can get it to fly backwards.
By the time you read this Newsletter, Daylight Saving
Time for 1998 will be history and so will flying in
the evenings. Mornings should be OK (if it doesn't
get too cold). All things considered I think we had
a great summer.
Now we're getting ready for the Clubs' last event of
the season, the Annual Auction. We had to change the
location this year because they are renovating the
school building where we previously held it.
This year Jim Myers was able to obtain the use of the
cafeteria at a Lockheed Martin facility in King of
Prussia. However, the building is NOT located near
the K of P Mall. The building, known as the Phucus
Center, is located near the intersection of Geerdes
Blvd. and Valley Forge Rd. (Route 23). Check the map
you received in the October Newsletter. The map is
also posted on our Website: www.netaxs.com/~mhmyers/auction.html
So if you have any model airplane stuff you wish to
sell, bring it. And for those looking to buy, there
are always bargains and great deals to be had. Come
on out and be part of this great Signal Seekers tradition!!!
Nominations for B.O.G.
At our October meeting nominations were open for the
1999-2000 term for the Board of Governors. Twelve
members were nominated. Two nominees declined and
one was ineligible because he is presently serving
on the BOG. However he will be named First Alternate
and will serve in case of a vacancy on either BOG term.
(Rule D2&4, Section II, Bylaws).
The nominees are:
Paul Davis, Dennis Dibonaventura, Carl Kuehlmuss,
Nathan Marks, Ed Moore, Walt Pierzchala, Joe
Saborito, Charlie Swope, and Peter Villas.
Rudy Forst and Joe Pasquini declined. Mike Estock
will be named First Alternate.
Voting for these candidates will take place at the December
Club meeting (Tuesday, December 8th).
Club Dates
Annual Auction - Saturday, November 7 Lockheed Martin
- Phucus Center. Located at Intersection of Geerdes
Blvd (Rt. 23) and Valley Forge Rd. Registration begins
at 8:00 AM and Auction starts at 9:30 AM.
If you have volunteered to help at the Auction, please
try to get there before 8:00 AM to help set up the
tables.
There is no meeting scheduled for November.
Our next meeting will be December 8, 1998.
The BOG will meet on December 15, 1998 to elect Club
Officers for 1999.
Member Matters
(The following letter is from an old friend and long-time member of VFSS, Al Philo. Many of us wondered where he went and what he is doing. Now we know.)
........ I just wanted to say hello, and since I haven't
been in touch with the club for a while, let you all
know that I have retired after thirty years of teaching
public school elementry band and have moved up to
Luzerne County. You'll find my change of address at
the bottom of this letter.
I enjoy getting the "Hear Ye", even though
I am not actively flying at this time. It seems that
a sinus infection I had several years ago affected
my optic nerve on one side, and I have double vision
at just about the range of final landing approach,
and if you think it's tricky landing one plane in a
crosswind, you should try landing two!
Most of my spare time lately has been devoted to working
for the POW-MIA issue through "Friends of the
Forgotten" and "Rolling Thunder", and
I've been putting quite a few miles on the Harley.
You see, a mild case of double vision is no problem
on a Hog; with all that vibration, you have double
vision all the time.
It is quite a shock to me to see all the correspondence
through the internet, etc. Things have really changed.
The closest I ever got to being computerized was learning
how to mix a little rudder into the aileron control
in the transmitter for my quarter-scale Cub. I kept
thinking, a few more of these goodies, and I won't
be moving any sticks at all!
By the way, I have lots of "stuff" available
for sale; it's all a little mixed up at the time due
to lack of use and organization, but there are several
nice flyable planes, kits from unopened to half-screwed
up, and engines (both diesel and what everybody else
calls normal) and Futaba radios and extra servos.
Anybody care to look at it and make an offer on a package
deal?
I will be keeping up my membership, and maybe I'll keep
the old red, white and blue giant Ugly Stick in case
I can get back into the air. Can you imagine having
double vision of that monster? I had enough mid-airs
with Joe Weizer with only the one!
Say hello to the guys for me. It seems like there are
so many new members, I have stopped by the field for
a visit a few times and didn't recognize a soul (or
else all you guys have gotten a lot younger over the
last few years!)
Happy landings, and "stay-in-the-box"!
Al Philo
Wyoming, PA
O.S. Max .46FX Tips
By Gene Greatti
"A piece of junk!" Thats the answer I got
when I asked one of our members how he liked his O.S.
.46FX. "I can't get it to start half the time,"
he said, "the throttle is lousy and it's got no
power, a lot of guys seem to have trouble with them."
Sound familiar? If you've had trouble starting or getting
your 46FX to run right your'e not alone. It's actually
a great running engine, very powerful and easy to start.
The trick is in getting the low speed idle mixture
set properly. Here are some tips to get you going
and enjoying this great engine in no time flat.
The 46Fx starts easily as long as you don't flood it.
Follow this procedure and your 46FX will start perfectly
every time: Open the needle valve one to one-and-a-half
turns, on my engine one turn is just right. Open the
throttle fully, put your thumb over the carburetor
and flip the prop two or three times. Two flips usually
works for me. Remove your thumb and flip the prop
two or three more times. Reduce the throttle to just
above idle, attach the igniter and start the engine.
To set the needle valve, remove the igniter and advance
to full throttle, peak the engine to max RPM then back
the needle off a little less than a quarter turn.
At that setting my 46FX turns 12,000 RPM on 10% Sig
Champion with an APC 11X6. If the engine will not
take full throttle without a lot of hesitation or if
it quits altogether you will need to adjust the idle
mixture.
Hesitation or slow transition to full throttle means
the idle mixture is too rich, if the engine quits the
idle mixture is too lean. Chances are it will be set
too rich from the factory. If this is the case, shut
off the engine, take a miniature flat screwdriver and
turn the idle mixture screw (inside the hole on the
throttle arm) about 30 degrees clockwise. Restart
the engine, this time just apply the igniter and starter,
it should start right up. Advance the throttle. If
it still hesitates shut it down and turn the idle mixture
another 20 or 30 degrees clockwise and start the engine
again. If necessary continue the procedure until you
get perfect throttle response. Advance to full throttle
and readjust the needle valve as outlined above.
I've been using an O.S. 46FX in my Ultra Sport with
great success. It is so powerful I can fly at half
throttle, yielding fuel economy good enough for 10-12
minute flights with a 10 oz. tank. Even with it's
super-quiet muffler, it is nearly as strong as the
more exotic but finicky MVVS 45. Properly set up,
the O.S. MAX .46FX is probably the best engine of it's
size on the market. Try these tips and I think you'll
agree.
Fowler Flap Construction
By Russ O'Brien
This article refers to "Design of Fowler Flaps"
based on the article in Model Airplane News - March
97. At the heart of the design are light weight, carbon
fiber telescoping tubes. Due to some difficulty locating
the supplier named in the article, a search was made
locally and tubes were found in Coatesville within
1/2 mile of each other. This information will be shared
with the membership in case others need tubes for flaperons,
sliding canopies, Fowler flaps, exotic candy drop mechanisms,
or just plain strong push-rods. Inside tubes are available
from Chester County Archery, 2217 E. Lincoln Hwy.,
Coatesville. Outside tubes are available from Hobby
House, 2727 E. Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville
Matched Set # 1
Inside tube - 6.1mm (0.240") CF arrowshaft
Outside tube - Dave Brown fiberglass pushrod
Matched Set #2
Inside tube - 6.5mm (0.256") CF arrowshaft
Outside tube - CF Heli Boom Support, (0.265"
ID x
0.318" OD), P/N HH14051, Hobbies
&
Helis Int'l.
Easton CF Arrowshafts - Price: $4 ea.
Dave Brown FG Pushrods - Price: $6/ Pr.
CF Heli Boom Supports - Price: $16.99/ Pr.
Low Cost Decals for Models
When Paul Davis needed decals for his new model, he
went to Merion Art and Repro, Ardmore. He found they
will make a color decal of anything you put on an 8
1/2 x 11 sheet for $3. Insignia, logos, words, numbers,
inspection hatches, etc., taken from pictures of full-scale
planes can be color-copied and size-adjusted to fit
the scale of your model. The question is "are
they fuel proof?" Persons who have used these
decals have assumed they are not fuel-proof and have
sprayed a clear coat over them.
From the Internet
To: mhmyers@netaxs.com
Subject: Loved It!
Really great website, guys! Loved the "flying
witch" and all the pictures of the beautiful planes.
My father has been an R/C builder for 60 years and
just loves it! We love it too, thanks for the site!
Anita
Flying Pumpkins!
It all began when Trey Melson and Bill Thompson challanged
a friend to a pumpkin-throwing contest in Lewes, Delaware.
Using machines built from pulleys, garage door springs,
and other spare junk, three teams vied for the Punkin'
Chunk championship. The winning distance: 128 feet
2 inches.
Now in it's 13th year, the event has grown to 27 competing
teams and more than 25,000 spectators. At last year's
contest, Melson's winning throw was a record-setting
3,718 feet, marked by a 6-inch-deep crater.
The rules for the Punkin' Chunk are simple: The pumpkins
must weigh between 8 and 10 pounds and leave the machine
intact. No part of the machine can cross the starting
line, and explosives are not allowed.
The two-day event will be held this year on November
7 and 8, perfect timing for the disposal of sagging
jack-o'-lanterns. The fiercest competition is in the
three divisions of the "unlimited" class:
medieval-style catapults, centrifugal machines with
whirling counter-balanced arms, and pneumatic cannons
that work like giant blowguns.
Inside the Tank
By Clay Ramskill
Before you do much at all with the new tank, look inside.
There may be little pieces of plastic in there. Also
check around the "seam" inside for flashing
- little pieces of plastic that are attached to the
seam and stick out into the tank. They can usually
be popped off with a screwdriver. Cut and bend the
brass tubing as necessary, noting that you want the
tube for the clunk pointed at the center rear of the
tank; this requires a bend when setting up a slanted
front tank. Cut the clunk line so that there is about
1/4" clearance between the rear of the tank and
the fuel pickup inlet. The tube for muffler pressure
should go right up to the top of the tank and, if you
use a third line for fueling, it needs to go to the
bottom of the tank.
All the brass tubing ends should be filed or sanded
so they are rounded and smooth; otherwise, over time
and with some vibration, they will produce holes in
the flexible tubing. Ensure that all lines are free
of crimps, sharp bends, and that the clunk falls freely
to all sides of the tank.
When you are satisfied with the assembled tank, test
it! Pump it full, and using the carburetor feed line,
pump it empty, looking for any bubbles. Then pump
it full again; cap off the other line, and pump some
more to pressurize the tank. If there are any leaks,
they will be very obvious under pressure. (Ed. note-
I've found it easier to check a new tank for leaks
by attaching a foot-long piece of silicone tubing to
one of the brass outlets, capping the other outlet
with my finger, and submerging the tank in a pan of
water. While the tank is completely submerged, blow
into the silicone tubing and watch for bubbles.)
Auction "Hanger Queen"
By Al Campana
Several years ago, when the Annual Auction was held
at Upper Merion Middle School, a quarter-scale Ercoupe
was brought in just as the Auction ended. Most of
the people had already left so I asked the owner how
much he wanted for the plane. When he said he would
take a $100 for it I said "sold". It was
nicely done with cockpit detail and came with a Quadra
engine. When I brought it home it was so big I didn't
know what to do with it. In those days big airplanes
were rare and most of us were un-familiar with big
airplanes with gasoline engines. After replacing
all fuel lines and installing a radio, I found out
how difficult it was to start a gas-burner with a magneto.
I finally decided I was in over my head and I never
flew it.
The following year I brought it to the Auction and it
sold for about $175. That ended my first experience
with a giant-scale airplane but it is not the end of
the story.
Guess what showed up at the next year's Auction? Yep,
it was the Ercoupe, and it looked the same, unflown.
And this time it sold for over $200! Over the years
I've often wondered what happened to that big Ercoupe.
Frankly, I wish I had it now. I think it would have
been a great flyer. But I'll keep my eyes open. Who
knows, maybe it'll show up at this year's Auction.
B.O.G. Review
By Dee Messina, Secretary
The Board of Governors met October 20, 1998
Meeting called to order by President at 7:10 PM.
OLD BUSINESS
1) A proposal for a telephone number for for a club
info hotline is still pending. Waiting to hear from
Rudy Forst concerning costs.
2) The lawsuit concerning a propellor-related accident
that was brought against the AMA and VFSS has been
setteled out of court.
NEW BUSINESS
1) The Club Auction was discussed. Ed Snead is the
Auction Manager and he reported several volunteers
have lined up for auction participation. Auctioneers
Jeff Troy and Joe Weizer will conduct the auction.
2) Port-A-Potty company will be contacted to remove
the toilet before Halloween. Club members are asked
to use discretion during the winter months.
3) New BOG nominees were discussed. It was recommended
by Jim Myers that their election be held at the next
General Meeting in December.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Feedback or comments to:
Al Campana , HearYe editor
Michael Myers, Webmaster
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