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Chuck Cunningham

Old 02-29-2004, 09:12 PM
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Big_Bird
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Default Chuck Cunningham

Yesterday, Chuck Cunningham, a wonderful modeler and good friend, passed away in Ft. Worth Texas. For many years Chuck wrote "Cunningham on R/C" for RC Modeler. Many of us learned a lot from him. He designed the Lazy ACE, Triple Play and many other airplanes. They flew great. His company was Skymaster Industries.

Chuck started the Southwest Jumbo Flyin in about 1981 and was the first to define what a Giant scale plane was. It was a monoplane with an 80" wingspan or greater or a biplane with a 60" wingspan or greater or a true 1/4 scale airplane. The IMAA adopted these specs.

I'll never forget what happened one day. I was at Thunderbird Field and flying Chuck's own personal Triple Play. The radio died and I yelled "I don't have it". About that time the engine died and the plane made a sleight turn to the left and came in for a beautiful landing. Chuck said "I thought you said that you didn't have it". I said "Here, wiggle the sticks on the transmitter". He did and the surfaces didn't move. True story.

Chuck was a modeler's modeler. He was always willing to help a beginner or anyone else for that matter. I will certainly miss him.

Ken
Old 02-29-2004, 09:29 PM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

Wow..thats really a shame..Im scratch building the 62" Ace and already have a 76" Ace..Great airplanes..Chuck was a real down to earth guy too..I talked to him several times on the phone and he treated me like an old friend..He will be missed....
Old 02-29-2004, 09:46 PM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

I certainly missed his column in RCM when he stopped writing. I bought the big Lazy Ace plans three or 4 years ago, will build it someday..

I am sure he will be missed by many in the modeling community.

AJC
Old 02-29-2004, 10:47 PM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

I was afraid the end would come for Chuck too soon. Likewise I enjoyed his writing - he will be missed!
Old 02-29-2004, 11:21 PM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

We have lost a good one![&o][&o][&o]
Old 03-01-2004, 12:02 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

The Modeling Family will miss him........I enjoyed his column and his airplanes for many years.

Its very sad, we are losing so many and it seems to be nobody to replace them.
Old 03-01-2004, 07:06 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

Sad day here in R/C land. Mr. Cunningham was one of the all time greats in writing, personality, and ability.
He will be sorely missed.
Condolences to Friends and Family.


Jetts
Old 03-01-2004, 08:40 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

I too have always enjoyed reading Chuck's columns. Not too many of these old gentlemen, the pioneers of RC, left.

My condolences too to his family and friends.
Dennis-
Old 03-01-2004, 10:02 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

Since I was a young kid, I always enjoyed his column in RCM. I learned a lot from him. Wish they still had writers like that, guys that told you how it is, not what their advertisers push them to say.

Goodby Chuck.
Old 03-01-2004, 12:14 PM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

Yes, he was one of the best. I have never seen one of his designs which did not only fly but fly extremely well.
Old 03-02-2004, 08:31 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

Chuck's accomplishments spread way further than his own designs... Many many of us learned how to design an airplane by following the methods and rules of thumb he gave us, and he deserves a good part of the credit for what we've accomplished since.

My sympathies go out to family, friends, and to the countless acquaintances and strangers upon whom he had such a positive impact.
Old 03-02-2004, 11:09 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

[sm=crying.gif]
Old 03-02-2004, 11:19 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

I have enjoyed his writings and my Lazy Ace very much. He will be missed.

My condolences to all who knew and cared for him.

jess
Old 03-03-2004, 02:18 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

I didn't know Chuck Cunningham personally, only through his monthly RCM columns. His articles were in an easy to read and understandable style. As a beginning modeler I was a Cunningham fan right off, and still am. I use his design parameters when laying out new designs of my own to this day. Others ahead of me on this thread have already said loads about him, and a lot of us old timers will miss him, but his influence will be around for a long time to come. So I will close my post by simply saying... Thanks Chuck, you did good.
Old 03-03-2004, 05:48 AM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

We all mourn his passing. I hope the AMA decides to recognize his passing.. SANDY IF YOU ARE OUR THERE!
Old 03-06-2004, 08:14 PM
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Default RE: Chuck Cunningham

Damn.

Mark Shuman

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