The winds came up a bit sturdier than expected but,otherwise, the weather was perfect.
The best attendance of 24 entrants is our highest since 2000. A few regular participants who could not fly today even paid the entry fee to support the program and it’s future.
In ABC glow there were only 3 entrants,LeTrent-first,Roy Hulse-second and Hugo Mercoli-third.
John LeTrent’s ship also won "longest flight" with 42min 38sec.
Ignition ABC LER had five flyers. Roy Hulse was winner, followed by Charles Thuet and Steve Boucher.That event was marred by the crash of LeTrent’s Playboy that folded a wing when engine shut off failed. Altitude and wind made it difficult to fly or even see it.
Ten pilots attacked for ½ A Texaco honors.These ships were difficult to fly today with winds gusting to 20mph making assent almost impossible. Ed Milewski’s Bomber was followed by Joe Beshar’s Fox" and Dan Schneider’s Dallaire.
½ A Texaco Scale put Dan Schneider’s Messerschmitt in the lead for the second year in a row. Maybe another "Messer" could beat him.Walt Geary and Ed Milewski followed.
Brown Jr. boasted 9 entrees in this "great to watch" event. Milewski’s "Rambler" bested the bunch. Geary’s "Flamingo" and Thuet’s "Boxcar Benny" rounded out the event.
Spirit of Sam Electric had completed flights by Charles Kime, Walt Geary, John LeTrent and Ed Milewski. Ed let the others win and LeTrent lost his S.O.S. on a subsequent flight. Dave Harding lost his downwind on the first flight. We hope these ships are found before the SAM Champs.
No flyers in Sport O.T. category
Dave Harding flew his 14 ½ foot Boele Giant. Electric power, we reserved the entire runway for his flight–dramatic-spectacular-exceptional. Everyone watched in awe. With some minor adjustments, the ship will next fly at the SAM Champs.Dave was a shoe-in for "most unusual model" with this incredible project. We were honored to have witnessed it.
Skyblazers, as always, support our Old-timer meet. Special thanks to Bruce Oakes for field preps and helping Al Wolmolsdoff with registration. Mike Schall was chief timer and agrees that some changes are needed in this area next time.
Vice-President, Ed Landowski and I presented trophies to the winners.
Special thanks to competitor Marv Stern for his generous donation of two electronic ignition switches which were presented to first place winners in Ignition LER and Brown Jr . Fred Quedenfeld donated one of his Brown Jr. inscribed Mugs for first in Brown Jr.
Lunch was served by Audrey Milewski and Kathy Wilson, plenty for everyone and enjoyed by all.
Ed Milewski completed the advance preparations for which he is famous by crafting the trophy plaques and printing the T-shirts which we presented to flyers who have participated with us for more than ten years.This was part of our celebration of 20 years conducting the Old-timers Meet and we stopped the flying, momentarily, at 2:30 to make these presentation.
The SAM 12 guys presented Walt Geary with a unique trophy and inscribed plaque in appreciation for his "constant availability", his "inspiration to us" and his "competitive nature".
A pleasure to present this memento in front of so many of his modeling friends on behalf of the Atlantic County Skyblazers. Pictures of this award will be available in a few days and published in the next newsletter with pics from meet.
Thanks again, Skyblazers, for exclusive use of Strawberry Field. Our plans for next year will be imposed on you shortly.
Roy Wilson
SAM 12