ANNUAL V.F.S.S. AUCTION TO BE HELD ON SAT, NOV. 2
In This Issue:
*From The President
*Training Update
*Club Jackets
*From The Net
*Auction Details
*Raffle News
>From the President
By Warren Barrick
Vintage Aircraft Day at Wings Field was postponed from Sept. 7th to Sept. 8th because of Hurricane Fran.
V.F.S.S., in support of Angel Flight of PA, was a huge addition to a really great show. Usually there are vintage planes and cars. This year for the first time radio controlled models of vintage aircraft supplied by the Signal Seekers added a really nice touch to the show. Those of us who were there received a great deal of favorable comments and praise for our efforts.
Al Campana, who coordinated the whole affair, deserves a real hearty "thank you" from all of us. He worked diligently with the superintendent of the field and arranged for many of our members to display their aircraft in a really nice space. Some of the models were mounted on display tables around one half of a hangar and the others on the floor in front of the tables. V.F.S.S. also had a centrally located table from which we dispensed A.M.A. materials, Hear Ye's and V.F.S.S. information. We were not far from food and drink or the flight line and parking areas.
Club members in attendance and models displayed were as follows: Al Campana (PT-19), Jim Campana (Chipmunk), Mike Conti (Fleet Biplane), Tony DeMark (Stearman), George Dukes (Tigermoth), Rudy Forst (R4D, SBD- 5, Ryan STA), Dave Hamilton (L4), Harold Harrison (Davis), Alex Patson (Great Lakes, Citabria, Fokker Triplane), Art Rothstein (SE5, Mustang), Joe Yalove (Piper Cub), Charley Swope (Fokker Biplane), Frank Morris (Great Lakes, Taylor Craft, Aeronca), Dee Messina (T28), Bob Suderman (Spacewalker, Clipped Wing Cub), Michael Myers (Stearman, GeeBee, Bonanza) and Warren Barrick (J-3 Cub). All of these models were terrific. Especially noteworthy was the craftsmanship of Rudy Forst, Harold Harrison and Frank Morris. Alex Patson and Frank Morris also displayed home built multi-cylindered engines.
September Meeting
Thanks to Jeff Troy for his splendid demonstration of covering at our meeting. Jeff has always been an integral part of V.F.S.S. We are fortunate to be able to draw upon him for his expertise.
Russ O'Brien during Show 'N Tell displayed an after muffler he fabricated from a marker capsule and aluminum barstock. This looked like a winner to me and practically everyone else in attendance. Way to go Russ!
Let's not forget Show'N Tell as part of our meetings. You guys and gals all have something that can be shared with the membership. Bring it out and be a part of our next meeting.
We have been given permission by the park to mow the high grasses at each end of our runway. This, in effect, will extend our runway 40 feet, 20 feet at either end. This was requested for two reasons; safety and training. We are trying to do everything possible to make our flying experience even more safe. We think this will help. Those of you who are training will have more room to maneuver your takeoffs and landings. We hope this will facilitate your being able to solo and save some trainers as well. The ultimate goal is to fly safely and enjoy this wonderful hobby. Thanks to the park for allowing us to maintain this extra portion of the runway.
Let me remind you again of the BOG decision in August to limit the number of and centralize the flying stations on the field.
The BOG voted to eliminate 3 positions at either end of the field thus leaving 5 flying stations at the center of the field. This, of course, limits the number of people flying at one time to 5 maximum and improves safety in that all of the people flying at these positions will be able to communicate freely and easily with one another, thus making flying safer and even more of a pleasure. Please do not abuse this decision. Flying safety is what it's all about.
A note of appreciation is also in order for Bob Engman our field maintenance person. Bob has kept the field in great condition. He had endured some tractor trouble and kept ahead of the really prolific growth of grass this summer. Thanks, Bob, Without you we wouldn't be.
October Meeting
Ted Davey is going to headline our October gathering. Ted is a columnist for RCM Magazine, is a past president of the Signal Seekers and has been an avid modeler for many years. His expertise is in soaring as well as powered flight. Come out and enjoy.
Show 'N Tell as well as raffle will be held.
Plans for our Annual Auction will be presented. Auction date is Saturday Nov. 2nd at Valley Forge Middle School.
TRAINING UPDATE
By Rom Boutin
As of September 20, '96 the V.F.S.S. Instructor staff has Soloed 10 members of the Club. During the month of Sept. we understand that KARL KUEHLMUSS asked JIM CAMPANA for a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable flying differences. JIM agreed on 10 Sept. and accordingly SOLOED KARL. The marriage lasted from 20 April (after KARL'S 1st divorce) and after 34 sessions (some argumentative) peace was achieved. You fellows have proven that you love the hobby for sure. A magnificent job done by JIM and Congratulation to KARL.
On 16 September SAM ANDREAS severed the cord, unleashing JACK ROTHACKER upon an unsuspecting flying public. JACK, soloed after just over 4 weeks of training during which he logged a remarkable 10 hours of flight time. When asked "What kind of student JACK was" SAM was heard to say " I think he'd fly all day if his batteries would only last that long". Congratulations JACK your determination has paid off and great job SAM, your persistence and stamina has unleashed another R/C addict.
Club Jackets
A few months ago we began looking into obtaining club jackets for those members interested. Al Campana, who has been coordinating this effort, is prepared to put forth suggestions and pricing for a windbreaker type jacket in the $40 to $45 range (depending on quantities ordered) Al will make the specifics known at the October general meeting.
>From The Net
Courtesy of Michael Myers
From: "Andre Bouchard" <bouchaj@msn.com>
To: mhmyers@netaxs.com
Subject: MEMORIES OF THE VALLEY FORGE SIGNAL SEEKERS
Dear Mr. Myers,
My name is Andre' Bouchard. My father, Joe, and I were members of the VFSS between 1971 and 1980, after which time we moved away from the area; I got married and went to college at Penn State, and dad retired to NJ. My father and I have very fond memories of the many days spent at the VFSS flying field. My dad did not fly, but he enjoyed coming out with me just the same (Dad was President of the VFSS one year). We flew almost every day--one pattern airplane had 2000 flights on it! I was a model airplane degenerate then.
I recall many friends from those years: Joe Krush (taught me to fly), Lew Hipkins, Al Grove, Joe Solomon, Austin Gutman, Joe Weizer, Dan Rossman, and Tommy Knerr to name a few. Some or all of these guys would be out almost every night also. We'd fly till dark, then go out for dinner. I can recall numerous times we drove to Bookbinders on a whim. I know some of these folks have passed away, but can you tell me who of those named above are still in the VFSS. I did see Joe Weizer's and Austin Gutman's names in one of the issues of HearYe. Joe W., Dan R. and Austin G. produced some of the most beautiful Monokote jobs of the day. No one had better looking planes, except maybe Tom Jarrick (spelling?). Ask those guys about the 40 coats of hand rubbed dope on Tom's Kaos's. Wow!
I recall having club meetings out at the field so Bob Kopski could demonstrate his electric powered airplane. Back then electrics were so underpowered they barely could fly. Little did we know then that we were looking at one of the pioneers of electric flight.
One special friend I had was Joe McDermott. I met Joe after I had gotten into pattern flying. Joe became my coach and caller even though he was not a pattern flyer--he was into scale. From then on Joe and I went to every contest including several NATS. I had good success at pattern, finishing 13th in what is now the F3A class at the 1978 NATS. Joe was a large part of my success. Joe and I were very close. Joe never flew again after I left for Penn State--it just was not the same for him. I kept in touch with Joe over the years, but I have lost touch with him in the last year. I would appreciate it very much if you could ask Austin Gutman or Joe Weizer if they have seen or heard from Joe recently--I think he would make an appearance at the flying field every now and then.
As for me, I graduated from Penn State in 1987 with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Petroleum Engineering and joined Conoco. The oil business took me to Oklahoma from 1987 to 1995, and from 1995 to present to Houston, TX. Still with the same company--amazing these days. I still fly R/C 25 years later. I have not competed in pattern since 1980 (no time). I am married to the same girl (Dana). We don't have any children.
Please give my regards to the club, and in particular, to any of those people I mentioned above who are still members. Tell my friends that my Dad is doing OK and still goes to the flying field with me when he comes to visit me.
Sincerely,
Andre' Bouchard
VALLEY FORGE SIGNAL SEEKERS
AUCTION-- SAT, NOV, 2 1996
Register-- 9:00 AM Auction--10:30 AM
Admission-- $3.00
No Bids Under $5.00
Sell At 0 % Fee
Where: Valley Forge Middle School
Directions: Take Rt.202--Off at Rt.252 North (Devon Exit)
Valley Forge Rd. Go 2/10 Mile School will be
on your left.
FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE
Raffle News
By Joseph Pasquini
The September meeting resulted in record sales of raffle tickets. We sold over $300.00 in tickets and awarded many great prizes. The top prize was an O.S 60FP engine won by Mitch Treiger. At our October meeting we will have in excess of $350.00 worth of prizes which will probably include a 45 sized engine and an ARF kit. These of course will be in addition to the regular assortment of R/C accessories. Come to the meeting and buy some raffle tickets, you may be a lucky winner.
Feedback or comments to:
Sam Andreas, HearYe editor
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