The Official Texas Hill Country Wattheads Thread
12-03-2009, 06:59 AM
#1
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The Official Texas Hill Country Wattheads Thread
Welcome to the Texas Hill Country Watthead's Thread, a place where folks in the area can assemble and discuss whatever might be happening in our area, where we like to fly, who we like to fly with, and anything and everything else about e-Flight in Central Texas.
Now, I don't claim to be any sort of ambassador for the region - and there are plenty of people who fly around here - in fact, the AMA District VIII website lists no fewer than 20 active clubs within a 100-mile radius of my hometown, Boerne, Texas. Yes, only some of these folks are electric pilots, and even fewer spend much time on the intart00bs but that's okay. As we all know, both camps are growing - that of e-Flight and that of people who consider the internet a part of their daily life.
I myself spend a lot of time online. It is the nature of my job and the fact that I basically have 24/7 access to the internet that drew me to R/C forums such as RCG and WattFlyer in particular. Whenever I jump into something I tend to have a lot of questions and there's only so much the local hobby shop guy can tolerate... and at its best there really isn't any question you can ask that you won't find help with on the internet. Truly amazing is the power of collected experience.
Wow, off topic. What I am getting at is that I KNOW there are others out there. I meet them at the flying field. My goal here is to establish a meeting place and a one-stop resource spot for locals who might be interested in flying together: where, when, and how.
So, who is part of this informal club? Well for starters, Me. And I am gonna go out on a limb here and volunteer my wingman Capt Easy. Anyone can join. Proximity is a bonus.
So if you live around here and fly electrics and especially if you have a good place to fly, by all means brag about it. And then invite us.
I thought I would start by posting our favorite flying spot and some resources - This is where on Wed, Sat or Sun. weather permitting you may find us. Hopefully we will get to a point where we post our intentions so others might meet us or ask questions about when/if, etc.
Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg, TX
Google Maps Overview
Gillespie County Fairgrounds Schedule 2009 - When NOT to Fly
Some pics of the Field below. I plan to post a selection of the videos we've taken at this field too - the ones that didn't make You Tube as features.
Thanks. Please don't hesitate to post, we wanna make the most out of this thread!
Josh (aka GRU)
Now, I don't claim to be any sort of ambassador for the region - and there are plenty of people who fly around here - in fact, the AMA District VIII website lists no fewer than 20 active clubs within a 100-mile radius of my hometown, Boerne, Texas. Yes, only some of these folks are electric pilots, and even fewer spend much time on the intart00bs but that's okay. As we all know, both camps are growing - that of e-Flight and that of people who consider the internet a part of their daily life.
I myself spend a lot of time online. It is the nature of my job and the fact that I basically have 24/7 access to the internet that drew me to R/C forums such as RCG and WattFlyer in particular. Whenever I jump into something I tend to have a lot of questions and there's only so much the local hobby shop guy can tolerate... and at its best there really isn't any question you can ask that you won't find help with on the internet. Truly amazing is the power of collected experience.
Wow, off topic. What I am getting at is that I KNOW there are others out there. I meet them at the flying field. My goal here is to establish a meeting place and a one-stop resource spot for locals who might be interested in flying together: where, when, and how.
So, who is part of this informal club? Well for starters, Me. And I am gonna go out on a limb here and volunteer my wingman Capt Easy. Anyone can join. Proximity is a bonus.
So if you live around here and fly electrics and especially if you have a good place to fly, by all means brag about it. And then invite us.
I thought I would start by posting our favorite flying spot and some resources - This is where on Wed, Sat or Sun. weather permitting you may find us. Hopefully we will get to a point where we post our intentions so others might meet us or ask questions about when/if, etc.
Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Fredericksburg, TX
Google Maps Overview
Gillespie County Fairgrounds Schedule 2009 - When NOT to Fly
Some pics of the Field below. I plan to post a selection of the videos we've taken at this field too - the ones that didn't make You Tube as features.
Thanks. Please don't hesitate to post, we wanna make the most out of this thread!
Josh (aka GRU)
Last edited by groundrushesup; 12-03-2009 at 07:37 AM.
12-03-2009, 08:24 AM
#2
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Congratulations on a initiating such a great idea here GRU. Excellent intro too, especially the photos of our hallowed flying field.....
Angler High has returned to us from the Mid East just recently and I'm sure he'll be interested in joining us as well. In fact he may be driving down this weekend with his wife. If the wx is good enough GRU, the Angler and myself will all be flying or just catching up following his nearly year's absence.
So, much to look forward to here in the Hill Country and not just Christmas shopping...... unless of course.........it might involve something with wings on it.
Ho-Ho-Ho, keep yer fingers away from the propeller kid....
ce sends
Angler High has returned to us from the Mid East just recently and I'm sure he'll be interested in joining us as well. In fact he may be driving down this weekend with his wife. If the wx is good enough GRU, the Angler and myself will all be flying or just catching up following his nearly year's absence.
So, much to look forward to here in the Hill Country and not just Christmas shopping...... unless of course.........it might involve something with wings on it.
Ho-Ho-Ho, keep yer fingers away from the propeller kid....
ce sends
12-03-2009, 12:50 PM
#3
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Wow! Great idea Josh! I'm definitely subscribed! I haven't had the time to even get my batts charged up, but I'm hoping to do that Friday sometime, just in case the weather lets me out to play. I think it's time to get some new batts ordered as well.
I want to get my P-51 built already. Been two years and still haven't done anything with her except get two servos installed, lol. Just ordered three different sized cage motor mounts because I don't know which one I'll need for the motor I have yet to decide to go with, lol. I have the servos, servo extensions, and even a 60A Pentium ESC. I'm wanting to go 80A on her along with a Rx battery. Don't want anything taking away from my flying clock with this one.
I was even thinking about sticking with .60 sized birds from now on...the bigger the better right, lol? Anyways, I'll start a thread on the build as soon as I get everything in that I need. LOVIN THIS THREAD GUYS!!!!
Mike
I want to get my P-51 built already. Been two years and still haven't done anything with her except get two servos installed, lol. Just ordered three different sized cage motor mounts because I don't know which one I'll need for the motor I have yet to decide to go with, lol. I have the servos, servo extensions, and even a 60A Pentium ESC. I'm wanting to go 80A on her along with a Rx battery. Don't want anything taking away from my flying clock with this one.
I was even thinking about sticking with .60 sized birds from now on...the bigger the better right, lol? Anyways, I'll start a thread on the build as soon as I get everything in that I need. LOVIN THIS THREAD GUYS!!!!
Mike
12-03-2009, 03:45 PM
#4
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Location: Pflugerville, TX
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So... 70% chance for Snow on Friday here... Should be interesting. Saturday looks like a winner though. Man its been almost a month since I've been able to fly! This must not continue.
12-03-2009, 04:22 PM
#6
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Austin TX
Posts: 30
Hi All,
I fly electrics in Austin mostly at Zilker park. The park is 5 minutes from my house- so I can just run down there for a short time easily. The north side of Zilker called the "great Lawn" was recently renovated and re-soded. I love to fly there with the backdrop of downtown so close. However it does have a lot of other people there walking dogs, pick up soccer games and the like. Its best on weekdays or early in the day on the weekends
I have a 60 inch wing and a radian sailplane that i fly right now and i am work ing on several other projects. I'm sort of new to the hobby, having taken it up last year,but really enjoy it.
I will ck this thread from time to time to keep informed about what others are doing in Cen. Tx. Good idea.
Don
I fly electrics in Austin mostly at Zilker park. The park is 5 minutes from my house- so I can just run down there for a short time easily. The north side of Zilker called the "great Lawn" was recently renovated and re-soded. I love to fly there with the backdrop of downtown so close. However it does have a lot of other people there walking dogs, pick up soccer games and the like. Its best on weekdays or early in the day on the weekends
I have a 60 inch wing and a radian sailplane that i fly right now and i am work ing on several other projects. I'm sort of new to the hobby, having taken it up last year,but really enjoy it.
I will ck this thread from time to time to keep informed about what others are doing in Cen. Tx. Good idea.
Don
12-03-2009, 07:48 PM
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Hey Donald. Thanks for the interest!
Capt. Easy and I spent some time up in Austin this past season - both at the ARCA field for their Big Bird and War Bird events, and with the Hill Country Aeromodelers and their All-Electric Fun-Fly.
We didn't fly at Zilker, but rather at the HCAM field over on Slaughter Ln. It was a good time, but we tried going back there once to fly and got a bit of the stink-eye from the locals so we bagged it.
Always looking for new locales... And people to fly with that don't bring their hang-ups
Josh
Capt. Easy and I spent some time up in Austin this past season - both at the ARCA field for their Big Bird and War Bird events, and with the Hill Country Aeromodelers and their All-Electric Fun-Fly.
We didn't fly at Zilker, but rather at the HCAM field over on Slaughter Ln. It was a good time, but we tried going back there once to fly and got a bit of the stink-eye from the locals so we bagged it.
Always looking for new locales... And people to fly with that don't bring their hang-ups
Josh
12-03-2009, 08:14 PM
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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I'm 15 miles south of Austin off hwy 183. I've been flying off the road with my Apprentice and a MM P-38. The road is 22 ft wide with obstructions, so I'm going to try a schoolyard in Lockhart that looks good for the P-38. We should have good conditions Sat morning but cold!
12-03-2009, 08:16 PM
#9
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I'm 15 miles south of Austin off hwy 183. I've been flying off the road in front of my house with my Apprentice and a MM P-38. The road is 22 ft wide with obstructions, so I'm going to try a schoolyard in Lockhart that looks good for the P-38. We should have good conditions Saturday morning but cold!
12-03-2009, 09:00 PM
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Originally Posted by park
I'm 15 miles south of Austin off hwy 183. I've been flying off the road in front of my house with my Apprentice and a MM P-38. The road is 22 ft wide with obstructions, so I'm going to try a schoolyard in Lockhart that looks good for the P-38. We should have good conditions Saturday morning but cold!
I've already got a wonky truck Battery I need to replace... Hrmm, the things we go through to fly.
12-03-2009, 09:02 PM
#11
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Location: Austin TX
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[QUOTE=groundrushesup;667551]Hey Donald. Thanks for the interest!
Capt. Easy and I spent some time up in Austin this past season - both at the ARCA field for their Big Bird and War Bird events, and with the Hill Country Aeromodelers and their All-Electric Fun-Fly.
Yea, I went to the electric fun fly to observe. I did not join the club because its just too convenient for me to go down to the park. Seemed like a bunch of nice guys in the Hill Country Aeromodelers but they do have a lot of rules. I might join someday but for now i like the flexibility of flying on a whim.
Capt. Easy and I spent some time up in Austin this past season - both at the ARCA field for their Big Bird and War Bird events, and with the Hill Country Aeromodelers and their All-Electric Fun-Fly.
Yea, I went to the electric fun fly to observe. I did not join the club because its just too convenient for me to go down to the park. Seemed like a bunch of nice guys in the Hill Country Aeromodelers but they do have a lot of rules. I might join someday but for now i like the flexibility of flying on a whim.
12-03-2009, 09:03 PM
#12
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Tally Ho you guys thanks for stopping by. I think this will be an interesting means of keeping in touch , especially those of us in the more rural areas.
If you ever visit FBG give us a heads up, maybe we can do some flying.
Dick
If you ever visit FBG give us a heads up, maybe we can do some flying.
Dick
12-03-2009, 09:16 PM
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Guys I really wish that I could be an active member in the club!
Can I lurk in here and wish I was back in Texas?
I'm afraid all I have to offer is dry sarcasm and mediocre RC advice.
btw Josh: EXCELLENT subliminal message!
Texas Hill Country, huh?
Is the club theme song from the Doobie Bro.s?
JK brother man!
I miss you guys.
12-03-2009, 09:40 PM
#14
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Well, gonna probably have to work on Saturday guys. It's not written in stone yet. Might have to do it to maintain our deadline for our original leave date...18th of December. I won't have time to fly on Sunday...supposed to hit the lake with a few buddies for some winter bass fishing. I may not be able to hook up with yall until next weekend or anytime after the 18th. I'll keep my fingers crossed though for Saturday.
Mike
Mike
12-03-2009, 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Angler-Hi
Well, gonna probably have to work on Saturday guys. It's not written in stone yet. Might have to do it to maintain our deadline for our original leave date...18th of December. I won't have time to fly on Sunday...supposed to hit the lake with a few buddies for some winter bass fishing. I may not be able to hook up with yall until next weekend or anytime after the 18th. I'll keep my fingers crossed though for Saturday.
Mike
Mike
No worries, Mike. I hear ya. hopefully Capt Easy and I will still get together and have a few flights. I need to shake out some bugs in my 2 3D birds anyways.
What say you Capt. We still on?
12-03-2009, 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by max2112
Guys I really wish that I could be an active member in the club!
Can I lurk in here and wish I was back in Texas?
I'm afraid all I have to offer is dry sarcasm and mediocre RC advice.
btw Josh: EXCELLENT subliminal message!
Texas Hill Country, huh?
Is the club theme song from the Doobie Bro.s?
JK brother man!
I miss you guys.Yeah this is not formal by any means, its our own little corner. I would like to know what you have been doing over there in the land of Graupner and Multiplex though...
12-03-2009, 09:49 PM
#18
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Originally Posted by Angler-Hi
When and where do you guys plan on meeting? Time??
Well we would probably do our normal thing at the Fairgrounds when I show up around noon or 1pm and we fly until Sunset - but as it will likely be pretty cold I dunno.
12-03-2009, 09:53 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by groundrushesup
Well we would probably do our normal thing at the Fairgrounds when I show up around noon or 1pm and we fly until Sunset - but as it will likely be pretty cold I dunno.
12-04-2009, 03:17 AM
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I was looking through my phone's camera storage (bored at work, again) and I came across these shots from the last time I spiffed up my garage.
-> Quite the boneyard, huh? lol
-> a couple of shots of the Shoestring unboxed.
-> Me and Capt. Easy's Spread at the HCAM Electrci Fun-Fly
Okay time to clean out the SD card lol
-> Quite the boneyard, huh? lol
-> a couple of shots of the Shoestring unboxed.
-> Me and Capt. Easy's Spread at the HCAM Electrci Fun-Fly
Okay time to clean out the SD card lol
12-04-2009, 05:15 AM
#22
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Oh, that old thing? That's a surprise I was going to show you and maybe maiden if the time is right. It's a Black Horse Models Wedell Williams Gilmore Red Lion. Real handsome machine and real heavy - with really spindely, weak gear.
I'd like to wait till when the wx is better and maybe you and Josh can be there for moral support.
I'd like to wait till when the wx is better and maybe you and Josh can be there for moral support.
12-04-2009, 05:27 AM
#24
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Originally Posted by groundrushesup
I was looking through my phone's camera storage (bored at work, again) and I came across these shots from the last time I spiffed up my garage.
Okay time to clean out the SD card lol
Okay time to clean out the SD card lol
-> a couple of shots of the Shoestring unboxed.
-> Me and Capt. Easy's Spread at the HCAM Electrci Fun-Fly
I'm curious if the contents of that basket in the first pic is being recycled...
12-04-2009, 06:16 AM
#25
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Originally Posted by Angler-Hi
Nice pics Josh, lol. What bird is that on Dick's side...the one to the far right? Never seen that one before.
If you mean th other far right - the blue ans silver model - that's my 3DHS Sukhoi SU-26. Man its a sweet plane, but very unforgiving - you have to fly about three maneuvers ahead of it when doing aerobatics - its like a knife in the air.
Mine's setup for about 650 Watts with a 4S and a 12x6 APCe. I didn't go for the bawdy Red Bull decals but it is still a sharp lookin' plane - and currently my baby.
