Need N.E. Imac feedback

[OnTheEdge]

I'd like to get some feedback/discussion on a possible new Imac contest in Pa.

Here are the particulars: One of the best model fields I have ever had the pleasure of seeing was closed several years ago as the owner had other plans for the area. Huge loss for the area and modelers. However, as the love of the hobby and flying persisted, the members moved to a very nice field relatively close and continued with their very successful and very active club. We had an Imac there twice in the past but overfly issues resulted in the end of the Imac meets at that field.

This past winter, the owner of the orignal field approached some area modelers and inquired about having a model club there once again. Due to the proximity of the two clubs, the newly formed club has choosen to operate as a 2.4 spread spectrum only field.

I was talking to one of the board members of the new club at the Toledo show in the spring and we were discussing the possibility of having an Imac contest at this field. This field is amazing. Scott and Brian Shoemaker and Albert were at this field already this year and say it is still every bit as amazing as it was in the early 90's. Perfect 800 ft grass runway, huge overfly area, kitchen, pavilion, parking etc. Local hotels that don't charge "mortgage-like" rates, easy interstate driving from most major cities.

Here's where we need the feedback:

>>If this was a 2.4 only contest sometime next year, how many people would come? A lot of us have already switch to 2.4, some plan to switch over the winter, some are awaiting the new 12 channel 2.4's that are due out this fall while others are awaiting modules/RX to convert their current radios. At the same time, some folks might have no desire to switch at this time. What kind of turnout can they expect if it's a 2.4 only Imac contest?

>>If they were able to work out an agreement with the other local club to close their field for the weekend to allow 2.4 AND 72mhz aircraft to fly, would you feel comfortable flying on 72mhz (FWIW, they just had a huge successful fun-fly this summer and plan a large jet meet this Oct where they were able to use all frequencies......again, with the consent/ temporary closing of the other club). Would you feel comfortable flying on 72mhz?

Again, this is all just discussion/thoughts for now. Not even sure if the other club would even entertain another weekend field closure. Just trying to see if there's enough interest to persue further discussions.

Thanks for your thoughts........Mark

[sinergy]

Personally I would welcome another contest in the area... being new to IMAC this year and only hitting 2 because the last one this yr is too far.

At this point in time I have no desire to go to 2.4 - I had one person on my channel at our field and now so many people are going spread.. why bother. So no I wouldn't attend a spread only comp.

As far as closing down the other field.. I will fly then providing a couple people rotated at the other field to make sure no one was flying.



On a side note.. I am VP at the Delaware RC club at lumbs pond and will more than likely be moving up to Pres as of Nov. I am thinking of throwing hosting an IMAC at our club which also has a 800' runway.

How are you choosing a date? Do you need a special CD cert or just the standard one? (sorry to interupt your thread)

[Mudsurfer1234]

This field is awesome. If anyone's been there before it was shut down, it's Grimes Airpark, home of the Farview Flyers club.

I've been talking to the "main guys" of the club alot lately about running an IMAC at the field. They want to have alot of events there, whether it's 72 & 2.4 or just 2.4.

I vote aye!

[mxcop]

That would be great, I didn't make any this year but plan to make as many as I can next year. I have a location in New Jersey that I'm working on for next years season also.

Lee

[dmichael]

Absolutely do it. While it's nice if you could do 72mhz, if it's 2.4 only, then that's the way it is. Come if you can fly on 2.4. Any club that is willing to give us their field for a weekend deserves for us to do things "their way"- in other words, don't make any waves and be great guests.

If you do the Lumbs Pond event I'll come. I flew in the last IMAC contest there and it was great- it was called the Mason Dixon Challenge and Andy Kane was CD. That was a few years back.

Dave

[as722]

Ok, my dad and I joined this club and yes there will be an imac contest there next year. We are working on getting the 72mhz "board" for that weekend but will probably have a contest there regardless. Like Dave said this club want us there and we should take advantage of it. Remember this club is 2.4 only but not by choice, they had to go this route in order to use this beautiful facility. I will keep you posted as I get more info.


Albert

[high alpha]

I'm game

Trent

[FixedWing172]

Mark,
I am planning on switching over to 2.4 during this off season so I would also be able to fly at that IMAC contest. On the other hand, since there's always the possibility that someone might forget about our contest and inadvertantly turn on their 72mhz transmitter from the other field, I would NOT be willing to fly at the new IMAC if I weren't on 2.4. Thanks for looking into this new event.
Stan Berger

[mxcop]

Hey Stan I like the plane, hopefully I'll get to see it in action some time soon.

Lee

[DrFun]

I am in, I was planning on switching to 2.4 this winter.

Galip

[mxcop]

I've been flying with the Spektrum module since May and have had great luck with it, you can't go wrong changing over. Not having to worry about getting shot down should be enough reason alone to spend the money on it.

Lee

[OnTheEdge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by sinergy
	How are you choosing a date? Do you need a special CD cert or just the standard one? (sorry to interupt your thread)

I was talking to Albert today and he had a great idea to get in touch with all the CD's in the NE and try to plan out all the contests early. It's a good idea as it helps not to get too many contests conjested in the same month or overlap other events (Joe Nall, Nats, holidays etc). I guess Albert will try to get some communication going.

Albert, did you have a time frame to get intouch with the CD's?

Just a regular CD with the AMA is fine for that part of the contest (AMA paperwork and the such). Keep in mind that some contests are run with more than one guy. Some will have a CD and a contest coordinator. Not that it's needed but it's always better to have the help. Just ask any of the guys who have ever run a contest. Lots of work.