Slope MOMs Racing - Lets get this going!

[zeo0nie1]

Great seeing you all today! Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen.

I unfortunately had to leave early, copilot was turning into a pumpkin. Next time will fly solo.

 

[OribaSJ88]

One For The History Books: The Inaugural Slingshot MoM Slope Race

By the final count, 12 pilots competed in today's MoM race at Thornton Beach. The conditions, while definitely flyable, could have been better. Conditions finally improved enough that racing got started a little after noon. We had four complete rounds of "friendly" man-on-man flying with two planes per heat. I think I know who was the points leader, but didn't get a finally score before we parted. I expect the race results will be posted soon.

For several pilots, it was their first introduction for MoM slope racing. Several airframe maidens needed to be taken care of before racing began. I can say, with an element of surprise, that there were no midair collisions during the flying. I think I came the closest in my last round. However, several Slingshots were likely irreparably damaged and will need start over.
Many thanks to all those who participated and especially to those who help direct the contest. It wouldn't have been possible without everyone's help to move things along.

Special thanks to Rafael, Wayne and the Aloft team for printing the airframes and making them available to everyone who competed. Two months ago, this was merely an idea. In that short time, we went from concept to contest. It's a major achievement that wouldn't have been possible without all their hard work. They deserve their own special recognition.

I'm sure there will be more updates forthcoming. To all those who attended, please post your photos and videos of the event.

Thanks, Ollie

 

[Roberto Zillante]

One For The History Books: The Inaugural Slingshot MoM Slope Race

By the final count, 12 pilots competed in today's MoM race at Thornton Beach. The conditions, while definitely flyable, could have been better. Conditions finally improved enough that racing got started a little after noon. We had four complete rounds of "friendly" man-on-man flying with two planes per heat. I think I know who was the points leader, but didn't get a finally score before we parted. I expect the race results will be posted soon.

For several pilots, it was their first introduction for MoM slope racing. Several airframe maidens needed to be taken care of before racing began. I can say, with an element of surprise, that there were no midair collisions during the flying. I think I came the closest in my last round. However, several Slingshots were likely irreparably damaged and will need start over.
Many thanks to all those who participated and especially to those who help direct the contest. It wouldn't have been possible without everyone's help to move things along.

Special thanks to Rafael, Wayne and the Aloft team for printing the airframes and making them available to everyone who competed. Two months ago, this was merely an idea. In that short time, we went from concept to contest. It's a major achievement that wouldn't have been possible without all their hard work. They deserve their own special recognition.

I'm sure there will be more updates forthcoming. To all those who attended, please post your photos and videos of the event.

Thanks, Ollie

View attachment 26913View attachment 26914View attachment 26915

Thanks also to you, Ollie @OribaSJ88 for sharing your impressive 3D print design. It’s an awesome plane.

 

[smirkracing2024]

Huge thanks to Wayne, Jarron, Rafael, and all the other pilots. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful towards a beginner (i.e. me) who needed help with everything from ballast in the nose to steel wing bolts to helping hand clambering back up the side of the cliff after crashing down the side of the slope.

I wasn't able to compete, but I did get at least 20-30 laps of practice, and my airplane appears to be in one piece and is now more or less tuned up for the next race.

Thanks all - you're a great crew!!!

 

[gnichola]

It was a great day. I was one of the destroyed airframes who will be ordering another one pronto. I was able to get the plane maidened and through my first heat, then taking up duties as an awesome flagger

Oh, and let me tell you that if you think the walk to the site is bad, you ought to try heading down to the beach.

 

[poh]

Slingshot flyers Rounds 3,4.

 

[gnichola]

I notice the order form now says "sold out". @RafaelAvila will there a way to get another one? Sadly, mine is beyond repair

 

[Wayne]

Yeah, the walk from the beach KILLED Rafael. I did my classic and failed to drink enough fluids, so was pretty spent at the end of racing.

Had a fantastic time, can't thank you all enough! It is always a good time spending time with good folks like you all! The next race should be even smoother now that we all understand the processes. I'll even bet Guy comes up with a cool new scoring app for us too. hint hint

Couple of pics I grabbed. I forgot to get any video. There were some good close races. When I race composite planes in MOM I always get super nervous, my hands literally shaking. I thought racing printed planes would allow me to relax and put in clean laps, NOPE. I was my own worst enemy with shaking hands and less than ideal laps. I only won my first heat. I was very inconsistent. But I had a ton of fun!! Simply cannot thank you all enough for making this dream come true.

Sumit and the climb of shame, but not bad considering he flew out from Salt Lake City that morning and had only flown slope once before and had not even flow the race plane for more than a minute or two. By the end of the day he was showing some very good skills. I think he might surprise some folks at the next race.

 

[Wayne]

I notice the order form now says "sold out". @RafaelAvila will there a way to get another one? Sadly, mine is beyond repair

Yes, Rafael has one just about ready, he will be getting more going very soon.

So where do we want to go for the next race?

 

[OribaSJ88]

Yes, Rafael has one just about ready, he will be getting more going very soon.

So where do we want to go for the next race?

The only other sites with which I have experience that might be capable of hosting a race would be Davenport and Los Baños. The latter is out until fall or spring--unless there are a few brave souls that don't mind baking in 100+ degree weather. Assuming we could get access to Davenport, the standard course is probably 3X as long as what we were flying over the weekend. Perhaps there's a way to shorten it for our purposes.

I fly regularly at Coyote Hills in Newark. It's not inconceivable that we could setup a course there, but it would be awkward at best and possibly shorter than last weekend. It also requires a bit of a hike to get to the slope. It usually consistently windy after about 2 pm but not as consistent as the coast.

I rather like Thornton Beach for racing, despite the hike to get there. It's relatively straight and easy enough to setup a course. It has the advantage of being on the ocean and as such has a better chance of being windy on any given day. For those of you that have flown at more spots around the Bay Area, what other sites are suitable for our needs?

 

[smirkracing2024]

The only other sites with which I have experience that might be capable of hosting a race would be Davenport and Los Baños. The latter is out until fall or spring--unless there are a few brave souls that don't mind baking in 100+ degree weather. Assuming we could get access to Davenport, the standard course is probably 3X as long as what we were flying over the weekend. Perhaps there's a way to shorten it for our purposes.

I fly regularly at Coyote Hills in Newark. It's not inconceivable that we could setup a course there, but it would be awkward at best and possibly shorter than last weekend. It also requires a bit of a hike to get to the slope. It usually consistently windy after about 2 pm but not as consistent as the coast.

I rather like Thornton Beach for racing, despite the hike to get there. It's relatively straight and easy enough to setup a course. It has the advantage of being on the ocean and as such has a better chance of being windy on any given day. For those of you that have flown at more spots around the Bay Area, what other sites are suitable for our needs?

I'll put in a 2nd vote for Thornton. For a new guy like me, a little repetition is very useful because I can actually focus on the flying (and maybe, eventually, give you guys some actual competition) instead of all the logistics and the new course.

Also, the landing area at Thornton was very forgiving (the actual LZ, not the vertical cliff face I chose for one of my landings )

 

[zeo0nie1]

I will always vote for Thorton.

That said, anyone ever fly along Pt. Reyes?

 

[zeo0nie1]

I only won my first heat.

I regret that I had but one heat to lose

 

[OribaSJ88]

At the risk of opening Pandora’s Box, I’d like to hear the feedback you guys have on using 3D-printed models for the event. I’ve built and crashed more most. I am pretty cognizant of the pluses and minuses. The good is an almost molded-like airframe at a fraction of the investment in time, $$$ and materials. We never could have achieved the event yesterday without 3D printing. Kudos to Aloft for making that possible. But, several of you discovered the downside: a serious crash likely means a new airframe.

Without changing anything about the plane as printed by Aloft, there are ways to make the airframe a bit more robust. But, there aren’t any miracles that can overcome the fragility and brittleness of the most commonly used materials, PETG and PLA. The fuselage can be made a bit stronger, but the wing is a challenge.

There’s not much that we can do this season but there’s always the next one . So, what say the rest of you guys? What would you like to see going forward? More 3D-printed airframes or…? No promises

 

[gnichola]

Here is a screenshot of the result sheet

And a link: https://1drv.ms/x/c/8395f00df85c4df7/IQCYQMitnchJSq9jsBTHbto-AWnMNcShurTRyI9w082r0YA?e=pyqwWp

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

 

[RafaelAvila]

I notice the order form now says "sold out". @RafaelAvila will there a way to get another one? Sadly, mine is beyond repair

I was thinking to make 10 more it should be enough for now I think.

Slingshot 3D Printed Kit

These are only available for folks that are competing in the Man on Man slope racing series. We may ask for confirmation that you are actually in one of the race groups to be eligible to buy this kit. There is no profit in there, each plane takes 25+ hours to print, $12 in filament, and misc...

alofthobbies.com

Anyone interested to race or replace an broken airframe we have 10 more, it will be ready to ship in a few days

 

[Yotaman1985]

At the risk of opening Pandora’s Box, I’d like to hear the feedback you guys have on using 3D-printed models for the event. I’ve built and crashed more most. I am pretty cognizant of the pluses and minuses. The good is an almost molded-like airframe at a fraction of the investment in time, $$$ and materials. We never could have achieved the event yesterday without 3D printing. Kudos to Aloft for making that possible. But, several of you discovered the downside: a serious crash likely means a new airframe.

Without changing anything about the plane as printed by Aloft, there are ways to make the airframe a bit more robust. But, there aren’t any miracles that can overcome the fragility and brittleness of the most commonly used materials, PETG and PLA. The fuselage can be made a bit stronger, but the wing is a challenge.

There’s not much that we can do this season but there’s always the next one . So, what say the rest of you guys? What would you like to see going forward? More 3D-printed airframes or…? No promises

I do like the way that they fly and look but the brittleness/fragility is a downside. I think they are a good way to get people into racing which is exactly what is happening and thats fantastic.

I know its been talked about other places but another option might be to have a Dream Flight class like with Weasels? They are fairly inexpensive, durable, and easy to fly. I know they dont offer the same racing experience, looks or performance but could be a fun alternate class maybe? And could possibly fly in lighter conditions?

Just figured I would throw it out there. Im sure there are some reasons not to use these but seems like it could be a fun, light hearted racing experience.

Sorry I wasnt able to attend the race on Sunday. My Slingshot will be repaired shortly and ready for the next event

 

[Wayne]

I will replace just the wing on mine, and keep the old wing as an emergency backup with its nice leading edge tape patch. Maybe I'll graft in a patch at the hole?

If you just need a part to get your slingshot back in the air, just let Rafael know what part and we can get those to you a lot cheaper than a full kit. Gets you back in the air much faster too!

Durability is not ideal. But I do like the airframe, and think we have a nice sporty model to race.

I really like the Slingshot - This is a great race trainer as it offers pretty good performance and rewards smooth flying and good radio setup. This makes the Slingshot an excellent teaching tool, this plane does require fine tuning and practice to get the most from it. I don't know of a better first race airframe other than the durability. As an example example, we had several pilots (including myself) that had a little too much elevator and the Slingshot will bite you in the turns with too much elevator, and really kills your lap time. This is a valuable lesson that is far better to learn on the printed plane.

I love that we all came together to help one another with tuning the planes, running the event, and everything! Awesome.

Flying Sites - I was hoping to move the races to some different slopes so we can get some experience at different places and maybe learn about some new options. I would like to try the following sites:

Coyote - Not sure how practical it will be to set up the course on this one, and think it has lighter lift. As I recall the hike to it is very short and easier than Thornton.

Sunset State Beach - This is an easy one for the race, but it is pretty far South. But stupid reliable flying and plenty of room. Maybe we all grab some food in town before heading back home?

Los Banos when it cools off. This again is a long drive, and a higher risk site for picking a good day with lift. But worse comes to worse we can fly power these, so bring something else to fly just in case. Again maybe a meal after as the town has some good food options.

Goat Rock - I heard a rumor that the rangers are chasing pilots out of here, but not confirmed. This site should be able to host some racing, but will need some visits to confirm.

Devenport - Again, a long drive, and this one is sort of off my list as it really is a better site for larger gliders than the smaller ones. I think we could set up a short course, but it would not be very tolerant of lower lift. I do have the contact info for the ladies that run the office at the lumber mill, we could probably get the key and park on the airport, but usually has plenty of street parking. I think this site may not be all that ideal for our small planes.

Anyone have a secret site or suggestion. There has got to be more flying sites around here! Looking at google maps there has got to be something up in the hills near Garin Regional Park, somewhere in those hills. Anyone?

 

[zeo0nie1]

The Slingshot is fantastic as was the printing. It's awesome that the race came together in such a short period of time.

Having said that, I just don't think that buying printed planes makes sense, for most people involved. For me, the primary benefit of using a 3D printed plane is that you can reprint at will, for really cheap. I think that nobody designs 3DP planes to make money, and in this case the "print farm" is not making any money from the generous amount of time that is put into the service.

A better solution would be an "open" model - people can order from Aloft, or print themselves. Build a community around it. Support people printing at home or tinkering with the design, here on this forum.

I need to practice. A lot . Using a brittle plane that potentially needs to be re-ordered on every bad landing makes doing so a much more costly and frustrating process than it needs to be, IMHO.

Just my $0.02 as a newcomer who enjoys the tinkering aspect of the hobby and who has a 3D printer.

 

[Yotaman1985]

The Slingshot is fantastic as was the printing. It's awesome that the race came together in such a short period of time.

Having said that, I just don't think that buying printed planes makes sense, for most people involved. For me, the primary benefit of using a 3D printed plane is that you can reprint at will, for really cheap. I think that nobody designs 3DP planes to make money, and in this case the "print farm" is not making any money from the generous amount of time that is put into the service.

A better solution would be an "open" model - people can order from Aloft, or print themselves. Build a community around it. Support people printing at home or tinkering with the design, here on this forum.

I need to practice. A lot . Using a brittle plane that potentially needs to be re-ordered on every bad landing makes doing so a much more costly and frustrating process than it needs to be, IMHO.

Just my $0.02 as a newcomer who enjoys the tinkering aspect of the hobby and who has a 3D printer.

I agree with your thinking on 3d printing planes. I bought a Slingshot to support the effort and to help get people (including myself) into the racing side of sloping but unfortunately, once the Slingshot I have is damaged beyond repair, I dont think I will spend money on another one just to have the same outcome. Its a great flying plane and it is a lot of fun but I would rather spend money on a foam plane that can take a beating or a composite plane that will (potentially) last longer and be more robust.

I by no means want to put down what has been accomplished so far. I think it has been a fantastic success thus far and I know it took a lot of effort to both design the Slingshot and print/kit them. I had a great time flying mine at the practice session at Thorton.