S.M.A.L.L. 2017 !! The Boys Are Back in Town !

As last year, for brother Kim and ANY other CEF member, I will try desperately to make this event... I am super bummed that I did all the planning, down to deposit on MOtel, and had to bail for family reasons..last year.... Hopefully.... life is kinder to me this year coming...

KIM, and any other CEF members...my offer of free room n board is still open at my micro ranch...However at about the two week mark I will ask you to move on to the next CEF member....grin...no sarcasm...


jest sayin

Kim wrote:

xplaneguy wrote:I hope I can make it!

YOU and everybody else that wants an uber-competent test pilot for their creations...or needs their flying cow sailplane herded through the sky by a little red Aussie Shepard !!!

LOL!!! Love that photo.....good times!

So...I just made arrangements with the manager of the Days Inn at Little Rock Airport for a special rate of $45 a night. A $10 a night savings from last year. Call 501-481-3827 and mention you'll be attending the "Model Airplane Event" to receive the rate.

Also...I rolled the dice and booked airline, rental car and Days Inn reservations to attend SMALL 2017, since next year will likely be a "no go" with my daughter graduating High School. She will not be attending this year and will stay with either a school friend or a neighbor. I hope it all works out?

Not planning to ship any planes but may stuff a few in a small suitcase.

Yes sir, reservations are made and doing everything possible not to miss this year's gathering! Heck, I couldn't let you have all the fun without being there to witness it all in person.

Thanks Kim! I appreciate your offer to store and haul my toys. With some uncertainty involved in attending, I'll just bring a few in a spare suitcase. I spoke with Steve last night and stated that he'll have plenty of models for me to fly. Bottomline: I'll just be tickled to attend and hang with you and the crew.

Also, Troy Black (Tee Bee) has confirmed he'll be attending this year, so Cox powered models will be well represented again this year.

Fingers crossed for great weather, safe travels for all and hopefully my return to the "coolest" model aviation event in the country.

Best,
Lone Ranger Tony

Thanks Kim!

I may adopt a few orphans and ship'em home! Looking forward to a fun time.

Countdown Tony

Tony

I know already it ain't gonna happen but I would be real jazzed to see the A-10 you have been playing with fly in person

Like I said I know you are NOT going to ship one out to SMALL

But I did dig you test flying the beautiful fav of mine

Hey Fred! It's good to hear from you.

I wish I could bring the A-10 but it's just not possible, though the production models will be available around late April or early May. I hope you get one and bring it.

All the best,
Tony

Kim...brother Tony has a lot of time on RC groups discussing a couple of newer A-10s being offer by at least two companies

This is one of the threads....there are several others

Tony got his hands on one of the prototype airplanes and his daughter did a LOT of superb video of him at play

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2788009-Freewing-Twin-80mm-90mm-A-10-Thunderbolt-II

I don't know how it happened but I'm a Test, Evaluation and Demo Pilot for Motion RC. Please pray for that company.

All kidding aside, as a long time customer, I'm now getting to test and evaluate prototypes months before the company begins production, to discover any potential design or hardware issues. I've been flying the Freewing Twin 80mm A-10 since December and the model is now in production.

Kim - I'm planning to bring back the red Barn Swallow this year.

Ya all got me hooked onSMALL,  engine runs.....check
                                              Balsa planes.....check
                                               049 collection....check
                                               Este rockets.......check
       Trying to stay nitro powered...........small crack...
        Watching electric twin ducted A10.....wider crack....heavy weight
       SNAP! . oMG I want one of those......so bad.
.

Yeah...SMALL is 1/2A Heaven!!! A must for anyone who enjoys Cox powered models, glow, diesel and electric models, but more importantly....it's the great folks who keep me coming back each year!! Just big kids gathering in the heart of Arkansas for a week of fun and fellowship. I just wish it occurred twice a year.

Great photos Kim!

If you didn't know already, Col. Dave Graben passed away on 1 Jan 2017. This video/flight below was dedicated to our dear friend and an American Hero, David S. "Dave" Graben, Col., USAF Ret, who passed away Jan 1, 2017. On 14 August 1964, Lieutenant Dave Graben's F-105D was chewed up by flak over Laos. Graben made it back to Korat and landed safely, but his aircraft had to be written off. It was the first Thunderchief to be lost to enemy action. Dave was an amazing human being and a passionate aviator who always inspired others. He lived the life of ten men, as a member of the greatest generation.

Tribute flight for Col. Graben:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5chg9qTX4S0&feature=youtu.be