Many apologies for the long absence since the last article, but I have been overwhelmed with many life changes, the latest being a prospective new source of employment. So, it has (and will continue to) taken most of my free time up lately. (Something about being able to pay the bills and eating...) I did however, manage to make it to Tailhook 06! it was a nice day for a great contest. I drug out my 'ol reliable Squarecat to run in profile nostalgia.
To those of you who aren't familiar with my airplane, the plans were published in Model Builder in 1975. it is an easy to build design that has proven to be rugged and consistently good. I have been using this same airplane since the early 80's with much success. Powered by a series 21 McCoy 35 with Perry carburetor, it isn't very fast (about 67 mph) but will complete the "mission" every time!
So, How about it folks? I know there are a bunch of dusty old carrier planes sitting around in shops and old model hangars, just waiting patiently to be called to duty for the next "mission". All those old birds with fixed leadouts are nostalgia legal, and if you run your period correct engine, you collect bonus points! So how about it, huh? Lets see them old warbirds at the carrier circle!
Anyway, the contest was fun even though there were only 5 entry's. Many thanks to Mike Potter and Chris Gomez for hosting the event. Enjoy the pictures.
Some action from the Tailhook contest: Above left: Dick Salter flying his Profile Nostalgia Carrier F4-B4 biplane during low-speed flight. Above right: Chris Gomez with his newly acquird Mauler profile. Left photo: Walt flies his Bi-Slob, which towed a banner reading "Northwest Skyraiders."
All photos by Rich Salter.
For the full report on the Tailhook contest, see Contest News.
This page was upated Aug. 29, 2006