NOVEMBER 2006
2006 CLUB CALENDAR
11/28
Club Meeting (Annual Meeting)
Dec
No Meeting in December



Milford Demo Day | 2006 Banquet | P-47 Raffle

Lord of the Rings | Events | Club Website

Flying, Friends & Fun...


WOW...What a month! Yes, October was not only a busy time for the club, but it was also an excellent reminder of what a cohesive group we are.
...
Our third annual Demonstration Day event at Plains Park in Milford at the beginning of October proved to be as good as advertised. True, we were blessed with absolutely perfect weather and great audience turn out, but the real story was how we pulled together as a club to make the event fun for everyone. The effort and enthusiasm from members Scott Annis, Mickey Callahan, Bill Costello, Bill O'Donnell, Brad "Lawnmower Man" Kaye (and their families) made the planning and set-up run like a well-oiled machine. All the members who came the day of the event to help or even just to fly represented our club wonderfully...especially John Holcomb, Bill Lloyd and the other instructors who braved the numerous heavy-thumbed youngsters we had on hand for the one hour of introductory flights. The food vendor, radio station promo guys and our PA system volunteer all provided the background support that kept the crowd happy, informed and comfortable. I've heard no real negatives from the day...and that's really saying something given all the different factors that had to come together to make the event successful. We should be very proud.
...
We capped off the month with a really well attended banquet hosted once again by the wonderful folks at The Coachmen's Lodge in Bellingham. This annual event serves to celebrate the completion of another flying season and provides an opportunity for our families to share in this hobby we love so well. I took time to publicly thank the 2006 Executive Board and our roster of instructors for their service. We also had the pleasure of hosting Andy Argenio (Brands Hobby in North Providence, RI), Joe Candela (Creative Hobbies in Mendon) and Bob Rice (Hobby USA in Ashland) and their guests as recognition for their ongoing support of MMAC.
...
At some point during the evening, I glanced around the room and realized how many members (both new and old) had become real friends over the years. It is truly satisfying to be a part of an organization where so many individuals...at many different ages, backgrounds and walks of life...can work together so seamlessly, all for the love of model aircraft.
...
I've come to use the phrase, "Flying, friends and fun" to describe my experience being involved with The Millis Model Aircraft Club. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve as your president for the past season...and I look forward to more of the same in 2007.


Keep up your airspeed!
Jim McCoy

R E M I N D E R :

The November 28 Annual Meeting comes the week after Thanksgiving. Several important issues will be decided...so mark your calendar!



Club Meeting
October 29, 2006


The meeting was held during the annual banquet at the Coachman's Lodge in Bellingham. Club president Jim McCoy brought the meeting to order. A motion to accept the September secretary's report as stated in the October 2006 Yankee Flyer was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The treasurer's report was read by Dave Seale. A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
... Jim announced that the current club officers were returning in the same positions for 2007.
... Jim presented to Bill Lloyd the second Tom Kempf Founders Award. This award is to recognize an individual's exceptional dedication and effort on behalf of the club. Thank you Bill for all that you have done for the MMAC.
... The lucky winner of the Futaba 9C Super radio was Mickey Callahan. Congratulations Mickey.
... The next club meeting is the annual meeting and it is scheduled for November 28 at 7:30 at the American Legion Hall in Millis. At this meeting the active membership votes on dues and the membership quota for 2007.

Regards,
Roger Gilman
MMAC Secretary


October 8, 2006 - Milford Demonstration Day
Let's Go Flying!

by Jim McCoy

What started three years ago as a casual conversation between MMAC member Bill O'Donnell and a Milford Park's Commissioner has evolved into a full-blown model aircraft happening for our club and the public alike. This year's event was certainly boosted by mother nature's contribution...70-plus degrees, cloudless china blue skies and an almost undetectable breeze right down the runway. However, what really made the day a success was the enthusiasm and hard work of club members.

Rather than talk about it...I thought I'd let the photos tell the story:

 

 

LEFT: Scott Annis built this sturdy sign holder for the event. We'll get lots of use out of this in the future!

 

BELOW LEFT: We had over 50 planes, about 20 pilots...and hundreds of spectators on one of the best days this autumn.

 

BELOW RIGHT: As usual, the local hobby shops came through with lots of goodies for our raffles.

ABOVE LEFT: Event CD, Bill Costello, shares a proud moment with his 11-year-old grandson Billy...a lucky raffle winner.

ABOVE: Speaking of lucky...Mike Marinucci looks like he made out quite well!

LEFT: Bill O'Donnell takes a momentary respite. It was Bill's coordination with Milford town officials that made the use of Plains Park a reality. (Wave back to my daughter Molly in the background!)

BELOW: Brad Kaye's command of the transmitter impound was exceeded only by the crowd's reaction to his flying lawnmower act. His daughter, Jade and Scott Annis pitched in on the gag as well.

The middle of the day offered a chance for spectators to try their hands on the sticks via buddy boxes.

ABOVE LEFT: Yours truly briefs a young pilot on the basic transmitter functions. I think Dad learned a thing or two as well.

ABOVE: Former MMAC member Kyle Parson assists one of the dozens of youngsters who waited for their chance to fly. MMAC instructors were kept very busy!

 

LEFT: Bill Costello looks very color coordinated with his beautiful Stinson SR-9 Reliant. The big red bird flew twice and was admired by hundreds of onlookers.

ABOVE LEFT AND RIGHT: The audience had the opportunity to see an excellent selection of model types throughout the day...from Ted Zaborski's clean looking scale AT-6 Texan to this beautiful and aerobatic Extra.

RIGHT: Franklin Dickie assists John Holcomb with his swing dancing machine. John entertained the crowd with his jitterbug routine several times throughout the day, aided by a first-class audio system.

 

LEFT: Even with all that was planned, pilots still had a chance to simply enjoy the beautiful flying site. Here, Bill Lloyd takes a couple of trips around the pattern just for fun.

 

 

BELOW: Scott Annis flew his gas powered Tiger Moth several times throughout the day. The big biplane was great eye-candy for pilots and audience alike.

 

LEFT: This photo kinda says it all.

In addition to the many club members that worked so hard to put together this event, we want to thank the Town of Milford Department of Parks and Recreation for allowing us to use their facilities. In addition, we'd like to acknowledge the Milford Daily News and First-Class Radio WMRC for promotional assistance, Tom Bellacqua and the Upton First Night committee for providing food, snacks and drinks as well as Rodney Cepeda who volunteered his time and sound system for our public address needs.

Great job, everyone!



by Dave Seale

The Millis Model Aircraft Club celebrated its 27th anniversary on Sunday, October 29. Our end-of-season banquet was held once again at the Coachmen's Lodge in Bellingham. The well-attended event was held for the 21st time in the restaurant's nicely decorated Wheelock Room.
... We were happy to see, in addition to the usual suspects and their wives, some new faces: John Holcomb's mother Lorraine, Gerry Lyman and his wife Linda, Vinny's guest Kerri, Mickey Callahan as well as Paul and Mike Marinucci. Jack and Carol Squier were welcomed back after a two-year absence due to health issues. Also, special invited guests were Andy Argenio, Bob and Crystal Rice, and Joe and Linda Candela.

... The cocktail hour started at 5:30. For the 4th consecutive year, we were entertained by Ray Smith's music and vocals. Thanks to the McCoys, the door prize tables were all set with great gift selections. The colorful #7 Spacewalker was displayed once again as a centerpiece. At one end of the table, Bill O'Donnell was busy selling tickets for the Futaba 9 Channel radio raffle. A delicious 4-course dinner was served promptly at 6:30.
... During coffee and dessert, Prez Jim presided over a short business meeting. The executive board for 2007 was introduced (same cast of characters as 2006). Also, Jim recognized and introduced our club's 7 flight instructors.
... Gerry Lyman was presented his solo certificate by his instructor, Ted Zaborski. Gerry had completed his training in mid-September.
... Gerry Lyman and Ted Zaborski received dual awards for "The first pilot (or team) to impact the new field sign with a model aircraft." Someone suggested that the plaques be connected with a trainer cord since Gerry was still under Ted's instruction at the time. Jack Squier was then presented with a certificate for "The creative and consistent use of the color "pink" in the trim scheme of a model aircraft." Next, Bill Costello received an award for "Finding the most ways to make Bill Lloyd sweat as a test pilot of a new or repaired model aircraft." John Holcomb was presented with a well-deserved plaque for "Consistently putting extreme stress on the structure of defenseless model aircraft." And finally, Brad Kaye received recognition for "Discovering the hidden aerodynamic capabilities of common lawn maintenance equipment." This was in reference to the 3rd Annual Plains Park demonstration where Brad's daughter strolled out onto the field pushing a lawn mower. When she stopped for a moment and let go of the handle, the mower took to the air much to the astonishment of the crowd of spectators!
... On a more serious note, Bill Lloyd was called up to receive the second Tom Kempf Founder's Award. The etched trophy states, "In recognition of exceptional dedication and effort on behalf of our club." Jim had some choice words for Bill as he commended him for all his years of continued service and leadership. It's been Bill's spirit that has made this club what it is. Bill was so emotionally overcome we were all spared a speech, which Bill is never at a loss to make.
... Finally, the drawing for the Futaba computer radio was made. Much to his delight, Mickey Callahan held the winning ticket. Next were the door-prize drawings. Tickets had been distributed earlier by Eliza McCoy who has become an old hand at this. Who had the first ticket to be drawn? None other than last month's fuel winner, Mike Marinucci! And he's not even the Treasurer.
... With everyone making their selections, another banquet was thus concluded. Most folks lingered-on for quite a while...a sign of a very successful party. As in years past, Michelle Decelles and the staff at Coachmen's worked hard to provide their usual great food and excellent service.


Instructor's Insight:
Support Your Local Hobby Shop

As many of you know, I recently attempted a main engine bearing job on my OS FX .91 two-stroke that I use in my Great Planes Super Sportster 60. I have been learning about and repairing model airplane engines since I took apart a Cox BayBee .049 in 1968. I've successfully done piston / cylinder replacements, crankshaft transplants and (of course) main bearings. Last Christmas, with lots of good advice from Charlie Neville, I put new Boca Bearings into the OS .50 that is now in my Dazzler. Anybody who has seen that ditty fly will agree that the engine runs as sweet as punch. That reassembly was without trouble, as the engine did not have a piston ring. I did have to heat the engine in the oven while the Christmas turkey was baking, but not to worry! The engine did NOT pick up any flavor from the turkey. I started breaking in the engine that afternoon while my son did the dishes.
... Five years ago, I took a good piston and cylinder liner from a shattered OS FX .46 and moved them into a good engine body with decent bearings. That reassembly job became a nightmare, as that engine had a compression ring. I could not get the piston back into the cylinder liner to save my life. I finally forced it, breaking the ring! As I inspected the piston where the ring once lived, I discovered the secret, took the ring from the other, scored piston and reassembled the engine. That engine is also a reliable power plant, and continues to run well in my Giles 202.
... I ordered new bearings for my .91 from Boca, and they were quick and correct as usual. I disassembled the engine and removed the old bearings (again using the information from Charlie Neville) and then struggled to get the piston back into the cylinder liner. I forgot the secret in the five years since my experience with the .46, but I did remember the broken ring! I tried the hi-tech approach because, after all, this is the 21st Century, and all you gotta do is go on-line to learn EVERYTHING. Wrong!!! Boca said they only know about bearings. OS said, "Put the piston into the cylinder." As helpful as Microsoft!! I asked everybody who would listen to me at the club and at the field, and I got some interesting suggestions, none of them worked.
... Then I went to my local Hobby Shop. I have been going to Alex R/C Hobbyworks ever since the demise of Fisher R/C. I also go to Bob Rice and several other shops, as my work takes me all over two states. Alex reminded me of the secret I forgot, and I had the engine reassembled in two minutes. I ran that engine in the Milford air show with very good results.
... The moral is...your local hobby shop is your best value because their knowledge is priceless. By the way, I've always relied on hobby shop guys for advice. I think they have saved me hundreds of dollars over the years by steering me in the right direction, or ordering me the correct part the first time, or recommending the correct item for me and kindly disillusioning me from making a poor choice. Sure, the mail-order price looks a little cheaper, but there is NO support after you buy. They won't tell you how to get around the hurdle that the kit's instructions have caused, or the best technique to achieve good results. Keep going to your local hobby shop, and thank the guy who gave you good advice and a reasonable price on his merchandise.

NOW...THE SECRET

The groove in the piston does not go around a complete 360 degree, but rather 355. There is a high spot to prevent the compression ring from wandering around in the groove. I had to look at the piston under bright light and my magnifiers in order to detect the high spot. Once the ring gap is aligned with the high spot, the ring can be fully compressed and the piston slides into the liner effortlessly. The piston's connector rod MUST go onto the crankshaft first, and then the cylinder liner can be pushed in from above. The piston ring will self-compress into the beveled bottom of the cylinder liner, PROVIDED that the ring gap in aligned with the high spot. Then it goes together like putting on a glove.

Just a Little Glue Joint
By Bob Mandeville
South Shore Radio Control Club (used with permission)

I'll try not to make this a safety article. Think of it as more of a "Heads-Up" kind of thing. I'm thinking that if it almost happened to me, it might also happen to someone else.
... I built a modified LT-40 as a freight hauler and for breaking in engines. The LT is presently playing host to a nicely behaving Magnum .91 and a 14x6 prop. A few more flights, and it will be ready for the BTE Delta Vortex. During one of the engine run-ups in the pit area, I grabbed hold of the fuse and gave it full throttle to see what kind of thrust this .91 really had. With that big prop, it suuuuuure gave my arms a workout holding it back. Like most pilots, I restrain my plane by holding on to the horizontal stab. But it occurred to me that the only thing holding that stab on the fuselage was a glue joint. Said another way, the only thing that kept that plane from skittering across the pits and getting itself (and its pilot) into trouble was a thin smear of epoxy. If that was not a solid joint (thankfully, it was) or was damaged in some way, I could be causing a peck of trouble for myself and some unsuspecting victim or his plane.
... Do yourself a favor. The next time you chock your plane, and before you start the engine, give yourself some peace of mind and check that stab out. Make sure that it's secure, and don't put any undue stress on it. And for the record, I did see one come loose once. But it was caught in time. Just a thought...


Here's Our Latest Raffle to Take us into the New Year!

Whether you're nuts for warbirds or not...who could resist a chance to win this beautiful 60-size Hangar 9 P-47D ARF donated by Bob Rice at Hobby USA in Ashland. Tickets are available at club meetings or by contacting Bill O'Donnell at 508-473-4441 or Jim McCoy at mccoygroup@comcast.net

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Coming Events

Tuesday, November 28
MMAC Annual Meeting
Millis Model Aircraft Club
American Legion Hall
Curve Street
Millis, MA
7:30PM
Jim McCoy 508-478-6617
mccoygroup@comcast.net

Monday, January 1
2007 Frozen Finger Fun Fly
Charles River Radio Controllers
Bill Martin Airfield
Medfield, MA
All Day Starting 9AM
www.charlesriverrc.org

 

See the AMA DISTRICT 1 Calendar
for a more complete listing of area
auctions and flying events.



 

Web Sites to Check Out

www.carcmc.org Humorous home-spun airborne videos from the Cape Ann RC Club

www.bassfiles.net/parachute.swf Don't miss this skydiver game! (sound & pix)

http://n.ethz.ch/student/mkos/pinguin.swf Smack the penguin game

www.ssrcc.org/home.htm Haute-Voltige videos on the home page

www.twoplaneguys.com/gavids1.htm 8 Unusual Aviation Videos

www.flightzone.co.za/media/harvards.wmv Water-Skiing AT-6s

 


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© 2006 MILLIS MODEL AIRCRAFT CLUB, INC. Contact the MMAC Newsletter Editor