Welcome

To the Midstate Modelers, a club devoted to the safe and fun flying of radio controlled (R/C) model airplanes.

We are a simple club and could probably best be described as casual.

Our main goals are to have a nice flying field and to fly model airplanes, as well as socializing and enjoying the company of the other members. We do not have races or formal competitive events, and are always eager to help a new modeler get started and flying.

The Midstate Modelers, originally from Cazenovia, came to Cicero in 1972. The field was cut, rolled and flown off the same summer. It has evolved into a large flat strip approximately 200 by 600 feet, perfect for today's models.

Our field is easy to find, only about 2 minutes from the route 81 Cicero exit. Please drive slowly through RC Congel's boat yard, for the road to our field begins at the rear of the boat yard.

We welcome all new members. If you are thinking of getting into radio-controlled model airplane building and flying, then a club is definitely the way to go. We are always looking for new members to help keep the club strong, and we have many members qualified to help you learn the tricky art of flying. It's much more difficult than it looks!

When? Chances are any decent weekday evening or weekend afternoon, someone will be there to help, just ask! However, the high wing trainer type plane is best flown on a calm day. For information on training, or our club in general, contact:

Pete Daino (315) 455-1925

New modelers are sometimes disappointed they can't fly their new bird on a given day because of a seemingly simple reason, so here are a few common problem areas to check before coming out to the field:

A. Balance - (see instructions that came with the model, balance with no fuel in the tank)

B. Charge - charge nickel cadmium batteries 18 hours before flying no matter how little they were used last time, even if it has only been a few days since the last full charging.

C. Control Surfaces - Gaps more than 1/16 of an inch between surfaces can cause problems. (this must be dealt with during building) Also be sure hinges used are secure, and able to withstand a few bumps and jabs when loading into the car. (Many model mishaps happen when simply getting the model to the field.)

D. Engine Reliability - this a must for all gas powered planes. Try to break in a new engine in the following way:

1) Use a slightly less diameter or pitch prop than recommended for flying (balanced prop)

2) Add 2 oz. castor oil (medicinal OK) to one gallon of fuel to be used. (if fuel is Red Max from Lon's R/C Service or contains castor oil, this is not necessary)

3) Mount engine securely to test stand (such as Tatone or Carl Goldberg) without muffler. All engine running is done at full throttle.

4) Run engine slightly rich (not slobbering) for 2 minutes duration and let cool for 5 minutes. Do this six times.

5) Run engine for 5 minutes and let cool for 5 minutes - at same needle setting - six times.

6) Run engine for 10 minutes and let cool for 5 minutes - three times.

7) Engine should now be broken-in. Be careful not to run too lean for first few flights.

Note: Do all bench testing in a dust free area on a dust free surface such as your lawn. This break-in procedure has been used extensively on all brands of engines. All engines broken-in in this manner have performed flawlessly for their owners and have exhibited long lives.

Engine break in procedure taken from Lon's R/C Service "Services, Facts and Figures."

E. Servos - make sure all servos are securely mounted with screws -- especially the wing mounted aileron servo. Be sure the servo wheel screw is installed on all servos. Also make sure all push rods move freely when everything is assembled, be careful not to let servo wires become tangled in servo arms or push rods.

Club Rules

To help make things safe and pleasant for everyone, here are some of the club rules:

1. Must be AMA member. This organization protects the club and you with nation-wide insurance programs. You can join by phone, simply call AMA at 1-(800) 435-9262.
2. Drive slowly (5 m.p.h.) through the boat yard and on dirt road.
3. If you like, you may try out our field as a guest, but after 3 or so visits, we feel it's fair to join the club.
4. Club dues for new members are $45.
5. We do not allow flying over boat yard, log house, pit or parking areas.
6. Pets should be restrained to protect both them, and the planes in the pit area.
7. Fly standing in pilot areas (grassy islands) except when supervised training.
8. If your engine quits while flying, alert others that you are landing. Communication on takeoff or landing is always a good idea.
9. Lock gate if you are the last to leave.
10. Always take your frequency's pin from the board when your transmitter is in your possession, and leave your insurance card in the space provided. Impound transmitters when not in use.

Club Meetings

We hold meetings club meetings only when necessary, at Denny's or Walt's Hobby during the winter, and at the field during the summer. While attendance is not mandatory, those who come usually have a good time.

Our club caters to the young and old alike, with many of the members being retired and having many years of model building and flying experience. So if you have any questions, feel free to contact any of the following people:

Mark Mozo	President	699-8550
Tim Parkhurst	Vice President
Joe Chovan	Secretary	458-0215
Pete Daino	Treasurer	455-1925

If you would like to contact a hobby dealer to help you get started, try the following in our area:

Walt's Hobby	Syracuse	453-2291
Brennan's	Rt 5 Westmoreland	829-4930
Redneck RC	Rt 481 Fulton	532-6826

Thanks for your interest in this exciting sport / hobby, and our club.

See ya at the field!--The Midstate Modelers

You're guest number since November 21, 1997

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Fly R/C Combat with Midstate