This past Sunday, my friend Corey, my daughter Evelyn and I celebrated the New Year with our Cox powered 1/2A planes. It had been several year since our last outing with the old Cox Cessna 182 Skylane and Corey encouraged us to bring it along with our electric planes during our next outing....so glad we did.
First, my daughter and I spent an hour the day prior running the Cox. 049 QRC on the Cox Cessna 182 Skylane and TD .051 on the Craft-Air Piece O' Cake. My daughter enjoyed holding the planes while the engines ran, I'm sure you guys can relate!
After fine tuning, we flew two test flights on the Piece O' Cake and had a blast. We spent time cleaning the planes and gear, then loaded everything in the car for the Sunday fun fly with Corey and the Apollo Warbird Squadron.
We arrive at the field early Sunday morning, unpacked the 1/2A planes and the reaction from the guys was of shock and awe! Friends couldn't believe I was going to play with the "slimers", yet some pilots were completely intrigued and though the little engines were really cool, especially after getting them running. Corey shortly after with his eBay purchased 44 inch span high wing tail dragger, powered by a Cox .051 with throttle sleeve. Corey has had the engine for I believe 30 years, well worn but still reliable. We flew many times and the reaction/feedback from the other pilots was great. Several locals were inspired to break out their old 1/2A planes an join in next time.....all good!
In my 35 plus years in Model Aviation and flying just about everything this hobby offers, there is still something very special about flying 1/2A models. My daughter and I are planning to attend the SMALL event this year and we can only hope that a large 1/2A group will be present because "We love the smell of Cox engines in the morning!
I'm glad to see Cox producing Super Power Fuel again and with several bottles now purchased, my daughter and I will be building several 1/2A RC and control line planes this year. Hopefully a few will be ready for SMALL.
Thanks to each of you for keeping 1/2A alive and I can only hope that another generation of modelers will experience the thrill of 1/2A through your inspiration and for the love of 1/2A.
Pictures from the day!
All the best,
Tony