Wulfman
Posts: 239
Joined: 3/5/2002
From: Goodyear, AZ, USA
Status: offline
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Hello Silvercloud, Chad, and all.
Well, my first time at the big show. I had some problems with the static judging, and learned that I need to describe any deviations from the three views up front, before the outline judging starts. (I took some things for granted, do not do that). I knew the model had compromises (it's a Top Flite model after all), but I got hit pretty hard in the outline area so my static score was far below my qualifier static score. Hard Lesson 1
On the first flight, my pilot, John Cole (an awesome Expert class pilot and builder, 9th place Expert, with his incredible Hansa Brandenburg C1), was accelerating out of the touch (touch and go manuever) and one of the gear folded. The model was moving fast and after dropping on the wing proceeded to flip over and break off the tail! Oh man, not good. We brought the model back to the pits and glued the tail back on with 30 minute epoxy. For safety sake we decided to wait until the next day, to allow the epoxy to fully cure, before flying the model again. I changed out the gear with another set of Spring Air gear when I got home and finished getting ready for the next day.
The first flight of the second day (Saturday) was a little shakey. The model needed some trim changes (after all the tail did break off) but John managed an 84.5 flight score even after struggling with the trim. The second flight of the day was outstanding and was scored a 91.5.
Sunday was very breezy with the wind speed peaking about 10:00 to 11:00 am. John flew the D-9 during the time of the highest wind speed, but used excellent throttle management to bring in an 88.5. Excellent score for the conditions and the size of the model.
We finished with a score of 173.66 and placed nineth in Team Scale out of the eleven teams entered. I have not seen the scores, but I expect the scoring to be very close from fifth thru tenth place in Team Scale.
Preparation would have certainly improved our chances at placing higher. John had not flown the model since the Scale Masters qualifier last March. The first flight on Friday was his first time back behind the transmitter sticks since the first weekend in March. We had both been extremely busy and just could not get together for practice. Hard Lesson 2
The Top Flite FW 190D-9 flown in the Masters was built for RC Modeler magazine as a product review. When I approached Jim Pearson about doing the project he hessitantly agreed to let me build the model along scale competition guidlines. Everything turned out well and the review turned into three articles, (a review and two articles on detailing the model for competition Oct, Nov, Dec 2002 issues). The Top Flite FW 190D-9 was my first serious attempt at scale modeling. This wonderful project brought my modeling skills to a new level, and if I can do it, you can do it!
This whole evolution was a learning experience. Even though we struggled at the Scale Masters, I enjoyed it very much and was proud to attend. I am very motivated to improve and try to qualify for another Scale Masters Championships in Team Scale. I have a new model in the works that I hope will be much better and much more competitive.
My web site, it has pics of my new project:
http://home.att.net/~mr.442guy/Wulfpage_01/Page_1x.html
I am very humbled and thankful for having the opportunity to participate in the Scale Masters Championships. We pitted next to Eduardo Esteves and his wife Anna from Brazil, as well as the crew from Protor Enterprises, Joe Topper and Gary Parker. What an outstanding experience!
Life is good.
Steve Curry
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