Toledo Report

Hi Gang,

Just a quick summary of my findings at Toledo. I had another very pleasant and informative visit with John Brodak and his staff (nice folks). John is really enthusiastic about the new ARFs, and I can see why. Here are a few points I noted about them:

1) The control systems are first class. Beautiful nylon bellcranks, nylon/aluminum leadout sliders with Allen head bolts. Reach in through the wingtip with a hex key and adjust away. The leadouts are the correct heavy weight (I would say 0.027" stranded, but that's eyeball--don't quote me). I'm pretty sure they are crimped (forgot to check carefully). But for sure they are a good heavy weight.

2) Outstanding wood and craftsmanship. I got a look at both the Cardinal and Oriental in bare bones form, and I aspire to build that well some day. And I'm pretty good. Superbly light wood, and outstanding fit and finish. Carved balsa fillets that look machined (maybe they are). Cap plates on the ends of flaps and wing tips to cover the end grain. Really first class. They had a Smoothie prototype hanging up, and it was just lovely, in the classic Bob Palmer color scheme.

3) Another feature John was eager to point out is the engine mount system on the Cardinal. I'm not sure if it is used on the other ships, but for sure on the Cardinal. The motor mounts on the engine are *clamped* to the front of the airplane with aluminum clamping bars. A through bolt goes through each end of the clamping bar and into the airplane, and the motor mount tabs are squeezed in between. No bolts go through the engine's mounting holes. Allows for adjustment, and allows engines to be swapped instantly.

4) The Baby Clown ARF is adorable, and again of very high quality. They could not show me the engine. They have only the one prototype, which was not with them, but they expect the first batch any day.

5) They plan to begin shipping the first round of ARF and ARC models next month (May). I would just keep checking their web site for up to date information. They clearly want to begin delivering these to customers ASAP.

6) The Klass Kote epoxy folks were there in force. They had a lot of inventory with them. So the stuff is for real, and can be ordered. They claim it is absolutely, positively nitro proof.

As for me, there is still some good stuff to be found at the swap tables. I got a pair of very serviceable McCoy 35s for $30. No damage and generally good repair. Lots of paint flaked (not scraped) of the heads. A ride in the crock pot and some Duplicolor Ford red, and they should make fine runners. One needs new bolts, as it has non standard replacements. And a very nice, low time, McCoy 19 Red Head. That just got an overnight soak to loosen some superficial castor scum, and looks ready to run. Really good condition, just a few flakes of red missing from the head, and some mild age discoloration on the castings. Killer compression and no wear in the main bearing. Basically a nearly new engine, ready to go. That cost me $20. Of course, now I have to develop a muffler for it...

The most amazing find though, was a box of nice wooden props. Upon closer inspection, they bore the printed inscription "Aldrich Custom" and they were all 9D 6 1/2P. I asked and was told that indeed they had been acquired from GMA's estate. They had been $1 each, but they were selling them for $0.50 each. I blew the princely sum of $7 and got 14 new props. They are extremely light, made from some light but close grained wood, with a light clear finish. I'm guessing they are a good choice for mild 35s like the Fox and McCoy, but I'm open to further suggestions.

I was hoping to run into some SSW chums there, but no such luck. Randy Ryan was there, and I ran into his dad Art twice, but never saw Randy. I had made a custom name tag with my name, handle and avatar prominently displayed, but nobody spotted it apparently. Or they all ran the other way when the *did* spot it! It is really hard to find somebody in that place, even if you know them, and even if you know they are in the room. Not surprising I didn't connect with anybody.

Finally, my one *unsuccessful* quest remains the drive washer, prop nut and prop washer for a Torpedo 19 Green Head. Very hard to find because of the "D" hole in the drive washer. These are all I need to put a very nice Torp 19 GH back into service. The Mecoa guys thought they could dig this up at the shop...

All in all, a really great time. Plan to attend next year if you've never gone.

Hey Andy,

Sorry I missed you, did see your Dad though along with Joe Williams and the OT/MECA groups, even rejoined MECA. Saw Jay Williams but he was on a mission and I was resting the dogs and eating so we didn't talk.

I was only on a parts mission this year and actually found none I was looking for. Oddly I found a box of old OEM engine tanks and among them a new OK .049 red tank, 2 McCoy red .049 tanks and of all things a Vivell .09 diesel tank, all for 13 bucks! Ended up selling an engine I had taken for identification, bought a NIB DC Saber Deisel and came home $16 richer then when I left! I love it when a plan works out.

Did peek at the Brodak stuff, nice, but Dad was pooped so we went to rest him up for the Collecto. John has as usual topped himself yet again, golly, Smoothie-Nobler, Smoothie-Nobler, decisions decisions! I'm so confused!!!

I have to make some McCoy muffs here pretty quick, maybe I can get another .19 made.

Sorry about passing you by Randy. Yeah I was looking for my ride. Seems like he wanted to stay and I had enough. Seen you chowing down on that Hot Dog and decided that I wouldn't be able to get a word in. Also seen you over at the model engine collectors site.

Yeah, I must of been looking at Brodak's stuff for the longest time. I was "Anti-Arf" till I seen that Baby Clown. I have the kit of every plane that he is going to ARF except for the Baby Clown. The Oriental was super straight and very nicely built. Makes the one I am building now look bad. Also I wonder if Len and the resellers will be discounting them. Not that the prices were that high, it just that I am cheap.

Jay

I saw those Aldrich props, too.

Hey, I wore a homemade SSW badge with my name, and noone noticed...

Those R/C guys think SSW is the direction their latest plane was headed the last time they saw it.

>I have to make some McCoy muffs here pretty quick, maybe I
>can get another .19 made.

That would be *wonderful*. Let me know how I can contribute to the project, other than passing you notes. You know, the kind with $20 written in the corners . I would like one of your 35 pieces too...

The McCoy 19 is in pretty darned good shape. Still has a few minor depostis on it after soaking overnight in that unmentionable substance I like for soaking engines without damage (initials are WD-40 ). It's in too good condition to warrent taking the paint off the head in the crock pot. I may feel different once I actually get some paint and get a good result on one of the more worn 35s. I was thinking of maybe only immersing it up to the cylinder fins in the antifreeze, just to get the case nice and shiny, but I bet the *fumes* will still take the paint. Got to get the little nylon button out of the crank pin too, or the antifreeze will eat it. Bottom line is it is already in very clean nice shape, and ready to run. Killer compression, and no slop in the main. A near new, and at most broken in engine. Sweet.

Wha'da'ya got in the way of aluminum? I'm always looking to keep the box full.