"SODBUSTERS" Fun Fly

Chisholm Trail RC Club, Clearwater, Ks

This our first visit to CTRCC new flying, we were impressed with the work the members did to produce an excellent flying site.  The covered areas along the pits helped keep the day cool in the shade.  Their paved runway is than capable for any giant scale airplanes and has a north/south approach.  The trees on the far side and northeast corner are a lot nearer than they appear.  The trees kind of wraps around on the northeast corner of the approach and are closer to  the center line of the runway.  The south approach is wide open and ideal if you have a north wind.  Visitors must learn the lay of the field quickly, it is very easy to fly into the trees.  The first round of flying a 1/4 scale Cub went into the trees.  I was flying the Sopwith Pup at the time and I thought I was clear of the trees.  On the next pass I flew over the big yellow Cub in the trees, I was too far out.  Luckily I was high enough to miss the trees, distance is very hard to judge at a new field.  A few minutes later Kenny flew his C-130 into the trees, damage the wing and tail group.  Afterwards everyone was mindful of the trees and made big wide approaches from the northwest. 

There were crashes, the giant T-6 Texan (1st Best Finish) lost an engine and had to dead stick into a plowed field.  Great flying resulted in only minor damage to the under side of the airplane.  Kenny had the worst luck, his C-130 into the trees and radio problem caused his P-51 "Miss America" to crash.  He did have several flights on his giant Zero and of course the award helped. 

The Sodbusters gave awards for Best Scale Built, Best Finish, and Pilots  Choice, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.  My 1/4 scale Fokker D-VII took awards 1st "Best Scale Build",  2nd "Best Finish", and 3rd "Pilots Choice".  Kenny Howerton won 3rd "Best Finish" with his P-51 "Miss America"

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