I, too, have had problems turning up the black plastic prop (even here in the south west). Last weekend we blew the dust off of Tanner's Polecat and tried to fly it at Speedworld. The air was colder and heavier than usual due to recent storms and the black prop wouldn't turn up. That engine isn't the strongest but it IS the one he set the record with 4 months ago and it hadn't been run since. Had to borrow a light (wood) prop that would turn up enough so we could fly the plane.

I suppose a fresher engine would have had a better chance of turning the black prop in those conditions. Nonetheless, had we been at a race, we would have been forced to use something else (either a stronger engine or a lighter prop). I guess it would be frustrating for those who have to fly in heavier air all the time and either have to have a top-notch engine or a selection of wood props to get the job done (not to be the fastest, mind you, but just to be able to fly at all!)

I've resigned myself to the fact that I'll have to learn how to carve in order to be prepared for all conditions. I had trouble turning the plastic prop at the Basin in April, too (about half the time it wouldn't even pipe-up on the line). We hope to go to the NATS next year and from the sounds of it we'll need some specialized lumber to stay in the hunt.