BRODAK 2002

Last year, while driving back from the 2001 Brodak event, I kept thinking, “Can it get any better?”. Well, it DID! Once again, Buzz and John opened up their home and hearts to the entire C/L community. 2002 was, in my opinion the best yet. Four solid days of model aviation flying, competing, camaraderie, socializing, eating, drinking, photographing – you get the idea! Rain? What rain? It sure didn’t dampen anyone spirits – we just waited it out and got back to flying – many just continued to fly in the rain. As I understand it, there were around 170 participants and close to 700 official flights! Unbelievable or what?

Besides the actual competition, there was a significant number of meaningful and often emotional additions that will insure a most memorable event. For example:

Dan Banjock flying the Mega-Streak bedecked in red, white and blue while Al Knight did Jimi Hendrix’s version of the “Stars Bangle Banner”.

A 200-foot high pass from a Stearman while releasing the late Don Dixon’s ashes into the wind. As the biplane departed toward the setting sun, Dan and Al saluted it again with the Mega-Streak but this time to the sound of “Amazing Grace”.

A special award was presented to Neal Beekman, a HERO who came out of retirement to help the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. The award also commended his ever-present willingness to help in model aviation. On a different note, Neal learned what Mary Knight meant when she said, “When we’re (clown) racing, stay out of my way!

A unique form of entertainment by the now-famous couple, Mary & Al Knight as they brought “Junkyard Wars” to The Brodak Field of Dreams. The opportunity to watch 8 or 9 teams of aerodynamic specialists (???) create a flying U/C plane from used grape crates and odd hardware in less than 20 minutes invoked a spectator attendance that people said was larger than that at the top five/Walker Cup flyoffs at Muncie!

Mr. Jim Hunt, an 89-year-old kid, conducted regular tours of the Brodak manufacturing facility, giving John’s many customers the opportunity to see how their kits and related C/L accessories come to be.

A new event for the ladies to get out and fly. Many participated, all were winners, all were rewarded.

Technical seminars by Bob Brookins, Tom Dixon and others showed how the “pros” do it.

John’s well equipped shop always open for emergency repairs.

Buzz’s Saturday night banquet – the line ran all the way around the garage and was well worth the wait.

Windy showing his new B-25 was a happening in itself. When he brings out a new plane, most activity normally stops because everyone must see his latest. This time was no exception – the twin is a masterpiece, appearing more scale than stunt, right down to the machine guns, nose art and “crew” names stenciled on the side.

An short sideline was a walk through the parking lot just looking at license plates – interesting how many states were represented, not to mention people flying in from Canada, Washington State and England.

There was a quick and efficient trophy presentation by E.D. Allen Brickhaus and A.E.D. Tom Hampshire. Many participants got the “boot” into a higher skill class. Buzz and John then spoke about the weekend and how they enjoyed it, thanking everyone for attending. Following a long and sincere applause, it was quite obvious who was thanking whom! EVERYONE in attendance is truly indebted to the Brodaks.

After trophies, people normally hop in their cars and blast off for home right? WRONG!!! This is Brodaks! Nine pilots rolled out their lines for the final flight – the MASS FLY. The sole intent is to fly as many planes as possible in the same circle. It went off without a hitch and was pure entertainment. As far as I know, the record is 13 – can we break it next year? If so, Brodaks is the place.

Notice that I’m not mentioning any specific event winners? Who won Expert? OTS? Classic? Combat? WHO CARES?! It was most refreshing to see people just out to have fun, participate and help out. I saw no signs of whining, complaining about scores, unfair judgings and politics that can so often infiltrate and ruin an event. But, if I really had to say who the winners were, quite simply, it was EVERYONE who attended.

For those who could not attend and wish to see some of the action, Windy will have many videos available – you know where to contact him.

So, then, thanks to all: Buzz & John, Tom, Allen, John’s contest staff, the food service committee, judges, runners, pit bosses – EVERYONE!

After saying goodbye and heading for home, the thought reoccurred to me – Could it get any better? Knowing the Brodaks, you can count on it! I can’t wait for Brodak 2003!

In my opinion, this is the most significant control line event anywhere. Comments from any of you who attended?

...and who can forget the guy who buzzed in from planet Zygorp 9 in his interdimensional hyperspace impeller from a Maytag clothes dryer? Sheesh, THAT was amazing!!!

This was my third Brodaks event. It was, to say the least, incredible. It was so good to see the people I hadn't seen since last year and even better to meet new people. The people ARE the best part of the contest.

I thoroughly enjoyed judging profile stunt and the AMA scale events. I had the unique pleasure of having John Brodak as my fellow judge in the AMA Scale events. It was a little sad that there were 15 entries and only 5 showed up, but that gave John and I a lot of time to go over the airplanes, rules, and scoring for scale. John really loves scale and I believe that he had a great time being a static and flight judge.

I also had a great time flying my Ryan ST in classic even if I did have a cruddy first attempt because my engine was too rich. I placed... Well I don't know where I placed and quite frankly I don't care. I went to have fun. I did.

I was concerned at the flying of FrankenStreak on the front circle because the people were pressed way too close to the circle for me to consider it safe, but then it wasn't my call.

The junkyard wars was entertaining and the women's basic event helped to get a few more fliers on the field. I hope that next year all of those entrants will be flying beginner, even 5-year-old Olivia Mills.

It saddened me to learn that someone took stuff from a couple of the vendors without paying. It is not something that I would expect from my CL family.

I was also saddened to hear that Windy got a rudder broken. I hope that the person that did it just did't know that they did. We all know Windy can fix anything so I hope that it is an easy repair.

The weather sucked every day but Sunday.

I am not a Jimmy Hendrix fan so I thought the music was inappropriate, but it is a free country and I could walk away from it (I did).

But the bottom line is that even with the bad things that happened, the good things out weighed the bad 100 times and Brodaks Flyin was a great time. I hope that I can make the next one.

See you all next year (I hope). - Ed Culver

Want something to walk away from?

Next year I'm bringing Bagpipes!

YES!!!!! Bagpipes - do it!
If you want a wet eye, watch the end of "Star Trek - Wrath of Kahn" where Scotty plays the 'pipes.

AMAZING? - that was downright scary! Is he back on Zygorp now? If so, let's cut off interplanetary relationships before the next Brodak event.
Bob

>YES!!!!! Bagpipes - do it!
>If you want a wet eye,
>watch the end of "Star
>Trek - Wrath of Kahn"
>where Scotty plays the 'pipes.
>
>
>Bob

Well, he's holding a set of pipes but not really playing them. His fingers weren't even on the chanter holes! Thought it was a poor rendition of AM. A better selection would have been the funeral lament "Flowers 'O the Forest" as in the 1963 Disney movie "Three Lives of Thomasina".

http://www.contemplator.com/tunebook/scotmidi/flowers.mid

The movie "Backdraft" had one of the real Chicago pipe bands performing.

The bigest problem I see is that next year I need to bring planes for Speed Limit Combat, tools and hardware for Junk Yard, my Flight Streak for the mass fly plus a stunt ship or two.. Maybe I can rent a trailer.. Sure can't leave the wife or the little black dog at home

Ah yes, the Pipes. I have four records of pipes, my chanter and the written music. Best ever pipe tune is the Balck Watch playing "Donald Blue", a solo and their version of taps. Just enough Scottish blood in my veins to get me up and cheering. Yes do bring the pipes.

Bob,
You cant leave your wife and little black dog at home!
Sounds like it is time to look for a "model hauling trailer"

See ya!
Roger

It's great to see the various C/L events being flown at one contest. The unfortunate thing with many of our competitors is that we have specialized and splintered. It seems that free flight has stuck together and so there are free flight contests with many of their events. There are some other C/L contests that have multiple events. It would be good if more contests would be run this way. It gives people a broader perspective of all that goes on. It also provides a better chance to latch on to an older competitor that gave up competing because of life’s busy schedule. Many of us quite when family obligations became part of our lives. For me, after my kids were close to being adults I had time and a little money to reengage the modeling that I had enjoyed as a kid.

There is nothing better than seeing several circles going at the same time. It’s even better when there is a variety of models. In combat we picked up two young pilots. Alex Kopka attended Brodak four years ago. Tom Skinner was there last year and was drawn to combat also. Alex has entered the event the last three years and Tom was a competitor this year. My bet is that this has happened with all the events that have been run at Brodak.

As far as I can see, this is almost as good as it gets. Yes I think it will get better.

Roy Glenn

What a time I had. Already counting the days for 2003. It does get better every year, this was my 4th year. So much pleasure flying with my son Jesse. We talk about this all year and laugh about the past. He now constantly reminds me crashing the Sheik in Classic beginner, must have had a period of flat brainwaves as I still can't explain what happen. Already in process of mending it. It will fly again (hopefully longer). The people make the event. Great to see familiar faces again and make new aquaintances. Thank you John & Buzz and all those who touch our lives this past weekend.
Dave R

It was a wonderful fly in, and I appreciated the opportunity to meet a few more internet friends like Ty and Wes. I only wish I could have been there all four days! I truly hated having to leave. What a rich and generous experience the Brodaks have given us.

Pipes? Ohio folks should remember that this Saturday is the Ohio Scottish Games at Oberlin College's athletic complex - plenty of pipe bands there. And as usual, you can hear the National Anthems done right by my wife Gusti.

SK

>Bob,
>You cant leave your wife and little black dog at home!
>Sounds like it is time to look for a "model hauling trailer"
>
>See ya!
>Roger

Looks like it's time for one of the auto makers to come up with an ATV "Airplane Transport Vehicle"...perhaps call it a Stuntwagen.

Hi, Dave it's really a shame about the Shiek. Definitely unique. I photographed it before. John wanted me to get some of the more interesting planes out there. I will send him all the shots I took. I don't know if yours will be in the article - it's all room permitting.

Bring two sets I play the pipes! REALLY! Now that is the instrument to play Amazing Grace. But then let's hope that we don't have a reason to need to play Amazing Grace..

Later - Ed

This was the first time my son and I attended. Had a fabulous time! A really great memory for us both. The rain just gave us more to laugh about. Our trip just reinforced the fact that it's the people who keep me in C/L. We hope to make it next year, but if not, then Brodak's in 2004!

Mike

Maybe an upbeat pipe selection like Scotland the Brave would do better

>Bring two sets I play the
>pipes! REALLY! Now
>that is the instrument to
>play Amazing Grace. But
>then let's hope that we
>don't have a reason to
>need to play Amazing Grace..
>
>
>Later - Ed

I have two sets - one a presentation set of ivory/sterling Hendersons carried by the 43rd Cameron Highlanders, CEF in WWI. The Camerons were out of Winnipeg and saw action at Flanders. Mine has a nick in the bass drone from a piece of the Kaiser's shrapnel.

I really hate playing AM - mostly because that's what everyone asks you to play.

"Aye lad. That was beautiful. Now please play Amazing Grace for us."

"What, again?"

>Maybe an upbeat pipe selection like
>Scotland the Brave would do
>better

We call that one the dum-dum song. No one knows the name but they all say it goes, "dum, dum, de-dum, dum, dum, dum..."

You know you're a real pipe music fan if you can listen to a 45 minute Piobaireachd.

I suppose we had better start a fresh thread before we get lambasted for drifting too far on this one.

Steve (former pipemajor)

>I have two sets - one
>a presentation set of ivory/sterling
>Hendersons carried by the 43rd
>Cameron Highlanders, CEF in WWI.
> The Camerons were out
>of Winnipeg and saw action
>at Flanders. Mine has
>a nick in the bass
>drone from a piece of
>the Kaiser's shrapnel.

WOW! What an amazing piece of history!

I just played a limited number of songs when I was in the Highland High Marching Band.. That was so long ago that I don't remember names but I can still play most of them on my recorder and clarinet.

Ed

>
>I suppose we had better start
>a fresh thread before we
>get lambasted for drifting too
>far on this one.
>
>Steve (former pipemajor)

Like Brodaks were are just having fun. Ain't that what it is all about??

"We call that one the dum-dum song. No one knows the name but they all say it goes, "dum, dum, de-dum, dum, dum, dum..."

You know, I heard a modified version of that tune that went: "We are Delany's heathens, we'll kill for any reason.." etc etc. I didn't catch all the words but it was a hoot. Some WWI reenactors were singing it around a campfire. Your reference to the WWI pipes reminded me of it.

pretty off topic for stunt, but there are no raging arguments on the board about flaps, trim , 2 vs 4 stroke engines, etc, so there is probably no harm today.