Los Banos build thread for everyone!

[JLink125]

Yep, that's the issue, flight pattern! Sunset has evolved to being really suitable for low emotional investment ships, fun but something one is willing to lose. But who wants to be the flight director! Wayne said something in the order of, with slope pilots it is like hearding cats.

I hope Los Banos will be a venue to show both craftsmanship and flying skill.

Actually there were quite a few very nice and pricey models flown at the same time. As one who scratch builds a lot and has owned many different types of slopers from PSS to F3F models worth quite a bit I’ve never been afraid to fly them. The main thing is to simply pay attention and not put a model in a bad spot. At the end of the day crap happens sometimes and it’s just part of the deal. I mean I raced MoM for a while and one has to be ok with risking several thousand dollar sailplanes but the fun is worth it imo.

 

[Doc J]

Where's Ortega?

What Nate said - ?

Doc.

 

[Konrad]

Actually there were quite a few very nice and pricey models flown at the same time. As one who scratch builds a lot and has owned many different types of slopers from PSS to F3F models worth quite a bit I’ve never been afraid to fly them. The main thing is to simply pay attention and not put a model in a bad spot. At the end of the day crap happens sometimes and it’s just part of the deal. I mean I raced MoM for a while and one has to be ok with risking several thousand dollar sailplanes but the fun is worth it imo.

I agree when racing. But for a sport Fly In the calculus doesn't add up for me. It is often a waste of good equipment. Some years back I had brought some nice and even pricey ships to Sunset, but not again.

 

[Hawaii Sloper]

I agree when racing. But for a sport Fly In the calculus doesn't add up for me. It is often a waste of good equipment. Some years back I had brought some nice and even pricey ships to Sunset, but not again.

flying is flying as long as you are having fun... unless sponsored of coarse!

 

[Konrad]

But mid-airs isn't flying! It is a way to drain your wallet and empty your hanger of nice toys! Even a sponsored pilot will have problems collecting with DNF on the score sheet. Well, all the sponsorship contract I’ve ever seen had a performance clause in them.

 

[JLink125]

I agree when racing. But for a sport Fly In the calculus doesn't add up for me. It is often a waste of good equipment. Some years back I had brought some nice and even pricey ships to Sunset, but not again.

And that’s the beauty of sloping, you’re free to do your thing and I’m free to do mine.

flying is flying as long as you are having fun... unless sponsored of coarse!

100! Been there done that, I love the fun events more then comps these days.

 

[Hawaii Sloper]

I get what you're saying

But mid-airs isn't flying! It is a way to drain your wallet and empty your hanger of nice toys! Even a sponsored pilot will have problems collecting with DNF on the score sheet. Well, all the sponsorship contract I’ve ever seen had a performance clause in them.

I get what you're saying Konrad - that racing is a more calculated risk. That's probably true of sunset, but it sure as heck is a lot of fun.

 

[Doc J]

I get what you're saying

I get what you're saying Konrad - that racing is a more calculated risk. That's probably true of sunset, but it sure the heck is fun.

Hey Kelly, I have a lot of done MOM back in the day - probably a lot more than F3f, looking back on it, and as mentioned its a calculated risk with 2 to 4 models on the same course - but its the best fun and excitement there is and maybe the gamble is part of it.

F3f has a lack of feeling for me actually, as there is no gambling as you are flying 1-up against yourself, so no collision risk. OK of course you can make flying mistakes and write off a model - but if you do its entirely your own fault, and gambling against yourself is not much fun.

This "crunchie" preference that I have is probably a result of 25 years of balsa building, then another 35 years of moulded glass work.

TBH, I think foamies are a form of very intense personal enjoyment when flying your foamie in among 20 or more others, so I can see what people get out of it - its just not for me. I have flown many, foam models, and even been involved in the development of some, but I have never had one that flew anywhere nearly as well as a well made balsa or glass model.

Maybe its better as Wayne said - let Sunset be a foamy event, understand that it is, and then go to other places to fly the bigger, and yes, more expensive stuff.

In the end its all good fun.

Cheers,

Doc.

 

[JLink125]

I get what you're saying

I get what you're saying Konrad - that racing is a more calculated risk. That's probably true of sunset, but it sure as heck is a lot of fun.

A ton of fun, bring one or two of everything lol

 

[Hank GB Z]

Where's Ortega?

I believe it’s a slope site in So Cal near Ortega Highway. I could be wrong though.

Hank

 

[Diceman]

Ortega is down south as I was told by Wayne.

 

[Diceman]

So about the flying at Sunset, composite planes are a bit intimidating to fly when so much foam is up, but we (the composite peeps) tend to wait until the flying calms down and toss out. We are able to reach further anf higher out to stay out of the front lip and usually have no issues as long as you can stop the urge from diving down through the front lip and into the main flying crowd. LOL.

 

[Diceman]

I am loking forwad to Banos as well. I was hoping the dates for Banos would be closer to the first weekend in October so we might still have a chance to move it to another weekend if the winds do not look good? Just a thought. I know this would not be good for the peeps that have to travel, but still might be good for them for an short weekend fly if they moved the date? Thoughts? Just trying to be prepared.

 

[Diceman]

I an working on a Slope Monkey I started building about 8 years ago. LOL. It is mostly built, but I cannot find the horizontal stab. Maybe someone could send me dimensions of theirs so I can make one?
Definately will bring my 4m ASH26, it is a new plane to me and I have only maidened it just 3 weeks ago for the first time and really want to fly it at Banos. Ill bring the Ikura 4m as well as it is a much lighter plane.

 

[thenated0g]

Here's a link that said Ortega from RC groups

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

www.google.com

 

[Hank GB Z]

Yep just about where I thought it was.

Hank

 

[Wayne]

Ortega - There are many spots that can be flown there, but the spot I have flown a couple of times is one of the bigger turn outs.
I'm not sure of my favorite spot, but I think it is here:

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

goo.gl

There are campgrounds at both ends of that road, they are nothing special but should do the trick. The OHV park campground looks to be closed??

 

[TRISME]

Here's a vid of one of the spots at Ortega.

SoCal Speedo MoM race! April 14th - Ortega Take II - RC Groups

Contest SoCal Speedo MoM race! April 14th - Ortega Take II Slope Soaring

www.rcgroups.com

 

[Diceman]

Great video. Wayne is even in the video.

 

[Doc J]

Here's a vid of one of the spots at Ortega.

SoCal Speedo MoM race! April 14th - Ortega Take II - RC Groups

Contest SoCal Speedo MoM race! April 14th - Ortega Take II Slope Soaring

www.rcgroups.com

Thanks TRISME!

Not sure about the flying site - do they let you fly right next to a road, and the rather small car park - is there another one? and the fog - I guess the weather was unlucky on that day but flyable - but heck the one design racing is sure as hell fun! And the interval fun flying too!.

What is the 'one' design? - about 60"? It looks nice and sleek.

Lovely to see MOM - its the purest fun.
USA is the last outpost on the planet - as far as I know - for this antiquated form of enjoyment - dont let it slip away guys!

Doc - who is still grinning.