RADIO CONTROL AEROBATICS
Rick Allison, 15618 NE 56th Way, Redmond WA 98052
RC City Sold
RC City has been sold, effective November 1, 1995. The new owners are Mike and Maureen Dunphy. If you have been at all involved with RC aerobatics (especially Pattern) in this country during the last few years, their names are probably familiar.
Mike has served in key event roles:
- Event Director: 1992 and 1994 N-PAC contests, 1995 Nats.
- Event Director: 1993 and 1995 FAI F3A Team Selection Tournaments.
- Chief Judge: 1993 Nats.
Maureen was the scorekeeper for most of those events, and as of January 1, 1995 she has been the Secretary/Treasurer for the National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA).
The Dunphys are committed, dedicated members of the RC aerobatics community. This change of ownership is welcome: RC City has been the largest manufacturer of Pattern airplane kits for most of the last decade—by sales volume and number of designs offered. Many other manufacturers have depended on parts produced by RC City to supplement their own lines.
In recent years, employee turnover had plagued former owner and founder Jim Graham, and kit quality control had become hit-or-miss. Many watched with concern because the loss of this major supplier would be a serious blow. That concern should be fading. The Dunphys bring enormous energy and a strong work ethic, and they are clearly committed to both the future of RC aerobatics and their own success. The outlook is optimistic.
From a recent conversation with Mike:
- A new two-meter Dr. Jekyll is on the way and should be available early 1996. This will be an all-new design with a new plug and mold—not a rehash of the existing Dr. Jekyll 1.20.
- A glass cowl and wheel pants for the new Carl Goldberg Models 1.20-sized Bucker Jungmann are available now.
- Several new aircraft designs are in the works (no details yet).
- Many older plugs and molds are being repaired and reworked to improve product quality; production processes are being modified with that same goal in mind.
- Several older designs will be dropped from normal production runs but will remain available on special order.
The current plan is to keep prices the same for the foreseeable future while expanding available services. Honeycombing will again be done on request, and wheel and servo wells will be cut—both at no charge. No prebuilt or deluxe kit options are planned at present, though that may change.
ModelNet on CompuServe
Readers of this column are likely familiar with ModelNet Forum on CompuServe. According to local assistant system operator Dave Grip, some 40,000–50,000 modelers of various types and nationalities are now members.
ModelNet has been growing rapidly. A recent addition is a separate Aerobatics section listed under Pattern/NSRCA. Activity varies day to day—on a busy day hundreds of messages may be exchanged. Different sections contain threads (message strings) on specific topics. Most messages ask or give advice or simply exchange views on modeling subjects. Messages generally stay up three to four days before scrolling off, but long discussions are possible. The Pattern section is one of the busier areas; it's hard to browse without learning something.
ModelNet offers several libraries of information files, free software, and shareware for members to download. Uploading requires the material to be public domain or owned by the uploader; sharing is encouraged. Online conference sessions are possible, and a weekly Pattern conference was planned to be up and running soon.
To use ModelNet you need a personal computer and CompuServe access. For a new-member hotline call 800-487-4838; this nets a complete CompuServe membership kit, which includes a startup guide, 10 free hours of online time, and free access to some software. Online help is available to all members, including those who are less comfortable with microcomputers.
Comprehensive CompuServe services include mail, many user services, and many nonmodeling forums. Monthly charges (at the time of writing) were:
- Basic service: $9.95/month (includes the first 10 hours); $2.95/hour after that.
- Heavy user package: $24.95/month for 25 hours online.
Other payment options and service levels are also available.
Fostering Courtesy at the Flying Field
A few months ago I received a letter from James Simpson of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, enclosing a note he found posted on the frequency board at his local flying field. Fostering tolerance and respect between sport and competition fliers has been mentioned here before. The following note is a fine example of that principle in action.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the numerous condolences that I received concerning the recent loss of my Extra 300S in a midair collision—they were all very much appreciated.
I would like to especially thank you for the courtesy that you have so graciously extended to me during the past week when I was test flying a new 33% scale Laser 200, and trying to practice for the IMAC contest. I realize that many of you refrained from running your engines, taking off, and flying while I was in the air, enabling me to both hear my engine and concentrate on trimming the aircraft. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for this courtesy and I sincerely hope that the 5–10 minutes that you waited for each of my flights did not impose undue hardship on anyone.
When flying precision aerobatics it is impossible for me to watch for other planes in order to avoid a midair collision, as I must be totally focused on the aircraft and the figure that it is tracing in the sky. Therefore, I must rely completely on the awareness and skill of other pilots to avoid a midair. I will make every effort to wait for lulls in flying activity before I fly aerobatics so as not to inconvenience anyone who is extending courtesy to others.
Again, thank you for the consideration and courtesy that you have most graciously extended to me, and if I can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to ask me.
Sincerely, Len Alessi
As James Simpson remarked in his short note, "... such is unusual, and oh, so very nice!" Perhaps the example set by Len and his fellow club members will help make courtesy like this a little less unusual in the future. We can always hope.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
