Things to Know about the Nall in Fall Event
Triple Tree events are like the Disney World of RC flying!
Make sure you check out the Hanger. There are some cool artifacts in there along with 4 of Pat's real planes and a ton of huge RC models that use to fly (before they were retired) at the event. There is usually a BUILD going on in one of the buildings around the hanger. They are always looking for volunteers.
You can buy all your personal needs in town so that you don't have to cart them from home if you like. There is a huge Ice Machine right at the edge of town that you can load of in bulk or in 5 lb self serve bags. Woodruff now has 3 groceries store to pick from and they really have a nice selections. Do obey the speed limit signs in town! Everyone gets excited about getting there but the speed in town in 25 mph. The event is about 12 miles out of town so don't think you missed it. Every mile or so you will see a sign beside the road for the event. The only entrance from town is across a inclined RR track so be careful as it is a split "y" configuration. There is a ACE hardware store and a RV store if you need other supplies. The old country store on site carries some basic necessities as well
If you are staying in a Hotel, make sure to make your plans early. There are no Hotels in Woodruff so you will have to drive a little to a nearby city. Both south and North of Woodruff are Hotels to pick from. If you plan to stay on site (which I recommend) there are unlimited places to set up. No utilities but dry-camping and plenty of fresh water at the bath houses. Most people run there generators for an hour or so every evening to charge up batteries before going to bed.
There are guys flying all the times of the day and night it seems. From the dawn patrol at 6 am to the late night flyers at 2 am. The only unwritten rule that Pat has made in the past is if you are flying late at night and be courteous to the others and only fly electrics after 11pm. There are families there that make this their vacation week and few years back night flying became a BIG hit and the BIG gas planes were out doing 3-D stuff at midnight and Pat address that at the Pilots meeting and said that wasn't cool. So since then, we have tried to keep it only electrics after midnight. Nothing in stone, just trying to be a good neighbor and honor Pat's request.
By Wednesday, it gets crowded and traffic gets really congested. Lots of walking need or ride the bus if you want to save some time getting around. There will be some great vendors there as well. So stock up on the cash! Some of them will take "plastic money" but you will find some individuals who are selling some of their stuff that only be able to take cash. LOTS of good deals. Don't let a used plane or motor sit too long if you are interested in it. Things that I wanted I waited too long to go back and they were sold. Last year one vendor had a auction on the last day cause they did not want to take any of there stuff back home. It was really cool and you could find some great deals ( up to 50 % off). So look for that again this year.
Cell phone service is very weak. We are far enough out in the boonies to not have any towers around and some carriers have better coverage than others. I have found the 3-D area to be the worst reception on the premises and up on the hill at the check-in area to be the best. We camp on the Main line and I can usually get descent coverage and talk without out lost calls.
There will be porta-potties stations all over the grounds. They do a nice job of servicing them every day and keeping them clean. There are also 2 bath houses that can be used. Pat has always said treat it like it is yours and clean up anything you see as trash or dirty.
Food vendors will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's not cheap to eat there everyday every meal, but the food is good. if you can afford the space in your vehicle bring a cooler and a small grille. Stop in town and get some food and drinks. It will save you some money. AMA usually has a dinner for us FREE on Thursday night. They have a little meeting and then serve us dinner. Nothing fancy (hot dogs or sub sandwiches) but still you get to talk to your AMA rep and ask question and listen to what is happening in the RC arena. Plan on going to the B-B-Q dinner. You get shrimp, B-B-Q, half a chicken side, beans, cold slaw, bread, and a big cookie. Pat usually has some kind of live music there as well. They have had bluegrass, country, and a orchestra before. It is worth the cost!
Try to make one of the morning pilots meetings at show center. You will see all the Big names that are involved in the event and get to meet the man himself Pat Hartness.