Radio Control: Electrics
Bob Kopski
It was wonderful. The seventh annual KRC Electric Fly (September 20–21) is now history. In hindsight the meet might better have been named the Camelot Electric Fly—despite threatening forecasts it somehow managed to escape the rain on both days (it did rain, but only at night). A number of people were scared off by the outlook, but both days were comfortable and quite flyable. Since it began in 1980 the annual meet has enjoyed remarkably good weather.
This year's meet was the most heavily attended ever, with a surprisingly large spectator turnout. We even sold out of raffle tickets and most on-field concessions—a first. The meet was not advertised to the general public because of parking limitations, so most attendees were from the modeling community; advertising in the AMA Calendar of Events likely helped boost attendance.
Event structure and attendance
The meet is structured as two independent days back-to-back, with prizes awarded each day so those who can't spend a full weekend can still attend either day and receive full benefits. Saturday is characteristically the busiest day. A midday Saturday count showed an even 135 electrics on the field, with more still in cars. There were 77 registrants, each bringing between one and six models; as best I could tell everyone and every plane flew.
As in past years this was a low-key fun-fly with daily awards for:
- Best Looking
- Longest Flight Time
- Most Aerobatic
In addition each day featured an All Up, Last Down man-on-man flyoff and a new-this-year Most Loops event.
All Up, Last Down
Participants for All Up, Last Down were chosen from the best flight times during the day on each RC frequency. Each day about 10 fliers joined in the simultaneous launches. A single $50 prize was awarded each day to the last plane to land.
Winners:
- Saturday: Bill Meleske (Baldwin, NY) — first; John Hickey (KRC) — second.
- Sunday: Dr. John Mountjoy (Winston-Salem, NC) — first; Bill Meleske — second.
Dr. Mountjoy flew Astro Challengers; John Hickey used his faithful Spectra. Saturday's final lasted over 33 minutes; Sunday's over 45.
Most Loops
The Most Loops event is simple and fun: count the number of loops completed in 60 seconds. Ken Stinson, this year's Electric Fly CD and holder of KRC's Most Loops club record (27), won the event both days. Most participants did loops in the high teens to low twenties. This is an easy event to try at your club or meet—most planes can participate.
Raffle and concessions
The Electric Fly raffle was again very popular and is important—KRC relies on raffle proceeds to fund the following year's meet. This year 20 raffle items went to happy recipients. Top items included:
- Astro geared Cobalt motors: .40, .25, .15, and .05 (complete with Sanyo 1.2 Ah battery packs)
- Several speed controls
- On/off controllers
- Chargers
- Numerous fine kits
- Other top-line items supplied by the hobby industry
Because of the large ticket purchases, this year had two multiple winners. The raffle table display made people drool!
Saturday Social
The Saturday Social is an established tradition: visiting modelers and their families share some plane-free hours. KRC ladies provided generous quantities of homemade snacks. There were door prizes for guests (both ladies and gentlemen) and the gathering was free and well enjoyed.
Models and flying
Each year the quality of models and flying improves. The variety of models was astounding: ARFs, kits, and a greater number of original designs—from simple sport machines to highly detailed scale models. Participants ranged from early teens to retirees, all sharing the quiet joy of electric flight. Spectators from (gas) modeling backgrounds often commented on how quietly electric planes allow normal conversation.
Keith Shaw (Ann Arbor, MI) has become an Electric Fly tradition. He dazzled the crowds both days with magnificent models and majestic flying. Keith brought six models and flew each at least once per day. Among favorites were his De Havilland Comet, Banshee flying wing, Aero Commander Shrike, and Otto Zombie. New this year, his Hyperon racer (powered by a custom Astro FAI .05 Cobalt) was faster than anything seen on the KRC field, including many glow planes. His Gee Bee R-1—saved for last each day—kept crowds glued to their spots; despite rumors, it is true scale and it does fly.
Personal highlights
- Joe Utasi (Jomar Products) finally got his original Jomar canard airborne after more than a year of attempts and on-field trimming. After earlier nosing-in problems, Joe achieved a successful first flight (one full circle of the field) on Sunday and was greeted with loud ovations.
- John Worth (AMA Executive Director) brought Bill Winter's new electric design. I had the honor of flying it for some low flybys for photography. It’s a stick/sports type using an economy ferrite motor near the nose with a Graupner extension shaft and gear drive turning a large folder; details are expected to appear in Model Aviation.
Mishaps
Not all went perfectly. Craig Christensen (Lakeville, MN) came with three magnificent gliding machines. On Saturday they performed impressively, but Sunday each suffered mishaps: a rudder servo failure, loss of half a slide-on stab/elevator assembly, and a folded wing. Craig reported afterward that he still had a good time and plans to return.
Video
John Sermos (Sermos RC Connectors) spent most of the weekend videotaping activity. He taped much of last year's meet as well and intends to edit and combine the footage into a single "This Is Electric" tape. If made available—perhaps through the AMA—it could become a valuable reference for electric flight.
Visitors and clubs
Ed Warren (Dallas, TX) was a three-time visitor to the Electric Fly and has been active in forming a new all-electric club: the Dallas Electric Aircraft Flyers (DEAF), which shares a field with the Eastfield Boomers Sailplane group. For more information contact Ed Warren at:
- Address: 11122 Myrtle, Dallas, TX 75228
- Phone (evenings/weekends): (214) 321-2197
- Phone (working days): (214) 821-2358
Closing notes
That's it for another Electric Fly and another column. There's lots of electric information planned for future columns, so be sure to renew your AMA membership early to keep Model Aviation coming to your mailbox.
The October issue of Model Airplane News is devoted entirely to electric flight—an unprecedented single-issue focus. If you haven't seen it, get one; you'll find it worthwhile.
Please direct any comments or questions (with SASE) to: Bob Kopski 25 West End Dr. Lansdale, PA 19446
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
