Buzzard Droppings June 2005

(President’s Message continued from page 1)

 a setup area outside the pits for assembling our models. Fred is coordinating these efforts. 

Congratulations to all the participants for our Builders Competition. Although nearly 20 pilots entered the competition last October, some (like yours truly) didn’t get to building the identified model. We do have an very active building community within the club and that’s a good thing. It is amazing that only one ARF was entered. So many articles have been written about loosing the ability to craft a model from sticks and maintain these skills in the hobby. I guess we don’t have that problem.

I talked to many of the competitors and each offered a story about something new they learned from the building experience.

(May Meeting Minutes continued from page 1)

buy a new Cub Cadet mower, since both existing mowers were broken. Motion made and seconded. Ron asked for discussion. Discussion on the motion produced the following;

Question was asked why the club needed to buy a mower this expensive. Explanation: Higher horse power and mulcher was viewed as necessary. Bob explained that the mower would be purchased at cost, the higher horse power will prove to be beneficial, since the existing mowers struggled in the higher grass and wet conditions. The mulcher seems to prove itself well since it no longer requires mowing in a pattern trying to constantly blow grass to the outside of the field.  This caused piling up unsightly against the fence or high grass side of the field. The mulch also offers nutrients to the grass and helps keep it healthy.

A Call for the Question was asked and passed by a majority. The vote on the original motion resulted in 17 in favor 1 against. Motion passed.

 

Vice President  - Was not able to attend as he was away on business.

 

Secretary  - Chet Blake reported 61 members including; 1 Honorary, 3 family and 1 junior. There are still a few weeks open for

the mowing list. Contact Chet if interested in taking a week. He can be reached at 425 673-9369 or chetblake@comcast.net.

 

 Note: If the field is mowed regularly, it will certainly be the best preventive measure we can take to keep the new mower running great for a longtime.

If gas or oil is purchased, keep the receipt and give to Bob Martin for reimbursement.

 

Treasurer -- Bob Martin reported the finances were in descent shape, but we’re still a few members short of the 2005 budget expectations (normal for this time of year).

 

Safety Officer - Randy Turner referred to a mishap he had while transitioning to a larger model requiring a larger prop. It’s easy to get accustomed to the prop arc that you’re used to. He related to the 8 stitches he had to have “installed” when he forgot about the larger prop arc.

Hap brought an interesting picture of the circuit board of his JR transmitter. He had thought that on at least 4 occasions he had been “hit” while flying and lost control of his model. After recently trying to get his transmitter to work with a new model, he inspected the transmitter and found that the antenna base had a cold solder joint that was failing.

(Continued on page 3)

Advice about new building techniques, problems that were overcome and recommendations for future kits were just some of these.

There are some really quality models that were brought to the club meeting. Some novel technology and great workmanship. The photos on page 4 don’t do justice as far as showing the quality and enthusiasm of some of our beginning builders. 

Thanks to all who provided suggestions for improving the event.  Based on input from the two events we’ve held, the board will recommend changes for making the event even better.

Thanks to Bob for proposing and

 managing this event!

See you at the flying field!  Ron