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   The contest was set up with classes for Unlimited sailplanes (any wingspan, any controls) and for RES sailplanes (rudder, elevator, spoiler controls only). Unfortunately, only one contestant was willing to enter the RES class. That flyer was added to the unlimited class. The contest was also subdivided into the sportsman and expert classes, so that less experienced flyers could compete among themselves.
   Thermal soaring contests consist of a timed flight goal followed by a precision landing on a target. The contest was scored at one point per second up to the time goal and one point per second off past the time goal. Up to 25 points were awarded for the landing, with the points reducing further from the target. The contest director, Martin Brungard, set the soaring tasks pretty high, with time goals of 7 to 8 minutes per round.
   The club had worked hard in assembling the equipment needed to run a good contest. Two complete winch and retriever sets were assembled so that the contest flow could be maintained if there was a problem with one setup. The CD kept the contestants hopping, getting 7 rounds of competition in. The thermals were monstrous (at times) with planes specked out and struggling to get back down within the time goal. The conditions still provided a challenge, not every flight was able to make the time. A few flyers had problems. Rick Eckel from Orlando put his plane in a tree, Martin Brungard broke a wing on his plane.
   At the end of the day, two SRCC members placed in the contest. Scott Shirley took first place in the expert class and garnered the top score for the contest. Duane Woods took second in the Sportsman class.
    Sam Varn manned an excellent concession stand and other SRCC members provided help during the contest. Overall, the event was a success. It provided the income to service and expand the club's launching equipment. It also provided a good time for our glider guiders. The club hopes to put on more contests in the future, with either annual or twice annual contests.

The Toledo Show
Dave Sellars

   Three weeks ago Gordie and I traveled to Toledo, OH to attend the Toledo Show.  The Weak Signals R/C Club with members from Toledo, Detroit, and the surrounding areas sponsors the "show".  This was the 47th year for the show.
   Why drive 1849 miles (round trip) to attend an R/C show?  Well, the most obvious reason is that this is MECCA for everything R/C.  This is the show where the manufacturers display the "latest & greatest" of their product lines.  There were over 250 exhibitors who were showing everything from the latest in mini tools and covering fabric to the newest turbine engine.  It would be impossible and take far too many issues of the newsletter to describe all of the things that were on display and for sale at the show.  However, if you'll watch future issues of the hobby magazines you'll likely see a feature article on the Toledo Show in almost every one of them.
   Since we were working the booths of those manufacturers who sponsor us - Miniature Aircraft, Futaba, and YS Engines, we were able to enter the Expo Hall early on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.  That meant after getting the booths set up we could make the rounds of the other exhibitors and see what they had to offer without fighting the crowds that would enter the Hall after the doors opened.  This is a huge hall and literally thousands of people attend this event each year and by mid-morning it is so crowded that you can hardly move through the Hall.
   The exhibitors are set up on the ground floor of the Hall and the second floor is filled with the "worlds biggest swap shop".  You think our club auctions bring out some interesting stuff.  You wouldn't believe the things that end up on the swap shop tables.  There are NIB kits of EVERY description, motors and motor parts that have been out of production since '03, tools, built and ready to fly models, etc.  You name it and I'd bet it was there - if you could find it.  Bargains galore - a true demonstration of the axiom that "one man's junk is another's treasure".
   Throughout the day there are symposiums being presented by some of the top modelers from around the country.  Top

ics include information on radios, engines, composites, competition, scale models, CA glues, coverings, and many, many more.
   On Saturday evening there is a HUGE auction.  Again, you would have to see the things auctioned off to believe it.  Once again there's one bargain after another to be had along with lots of fun watching one guy trying to outbid the other to get that R/C item that he's always wanted.
   While all of these things are going on, there are some unbelievably gorgeous R/C models on display.  There are R/C models representing almost all aspects of our hobby.  There are powered (gas, glo, turbine) planes, gliders, boats, cars, trucks helicopters, etc.  One of the most impressive models shown this year was a 12.5-foot scale replica of the battleship USS Missouri.  The turrets turned, guns elevated, etc. and it was powered by an electric motor from an electric wheelchair.  The prizes for the winners are quite large and impressive.  For example, the 2004 show will mark it's 50th anniversary and the Grand Prize is a one-of-a-kind, handmade, gold replica of the Wright Brothers airplane created specifically for the show by a local jeweler.  It has been appraised at $10,000.  Friends, that's are REAL GRAND PRIZE.
   All in all, a very long and tiring weekend with lots of work, but extremely worth the effort and expense.  Why don't you make plans to attend next year's event.  You certainly won't regret it.

   That wraps it up for another issue. I would like to thank this month's contributors--Richard Wynn, Dave Sellars, and Martin Brungard--for making my job a lot easier. Contributed articles make the newsletter more informative and help keep the club members up-to-date as to what is going on. Thanks guys!

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