Attention FG members from Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson and San Antonio.

[Zrakoplov]

Every year I have to travel to Las Vegas for what is the biggest Convention/Exhibition in our industry. While I enjoy my trips to the US very much, I always make it a point to stay at least another 10 days longer than the pure business part of the trip - mainly to motivate myself for the 12 hours transatlantic flight

This year I would like to see as much RC related stuff as it is possible in such a short period, so I would like to ask for your help on tips where to go and maybe possibly when.

I'll be flying into Las Vegas on the 11th of April and leave from there sometimes between the 15th and 17th. I plan to drive to San Antonio TX, via Phoenix and Tucson. The idea is to take it easy and have reserved up to 4 days (depending in large part on how many stops I make) for the drive. I'll stay in San Antonio for at least a week before flying back home.

So here are my questions to the Giants from those cities:

- What are the best RC shops you would recommend I check in those locations?

- Which (and where) are the flying fields where you fly? Are visitors welcome? What would be the best time to visit?

- Any other suggestions for a tourist interested in RC and aviation in general?


Of course if any of you want to have a beer with a Slovenian RC and Basketball fanatic - the first round is on me!

[davelucas]

In Vegas ,Nice Twice Hobbies -you`ll find address in Yellow pages .Then there is the Bill Bennet field behind the Sam Boyd stadium just outside Vegas going towards Bolder.This is hallowed ground - it is wheare the TOC was held. In Tucson there is the Hobby Barn ( Bill Hempels dads shop) . This is just around the corner from Desert Aircraft .Then there is Timpa wheare they hold the Tucson Aerobatic shootout .And not far from Desert Aircraft and the Hobby Barn there is TRCC field .
Hope this gives you a taster

[davelucas]

Oh I forgot .There is the Pima air and space Museum not far from DA and Davies Montham AFB and the aircraft graveyard next door

[Zrakoplov]

Thanks,

This is exactly the kind of info I need. I'll find the exact location if I know what I'm looking for.

Basically, I want to play RC tourist, get a small feeling for how the hobby looks and function on the other side of the pond, maybe pick up an item or two (or three, or four...) in the shops.

If I get to see any of the Giants flying that'll be just a big bonus

[Boulder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Zrakoplov
	Thanks, This is exactly the kind of info I need. I'll find the exact location if I know what I'm looking for. Basically, I want to play RC tourist, get a small feeling for how the hobby looks and function on the other side of the pond, maybe pick up an item or two (or three, or four...) in the shops. If I get to see any of the Giants flying that'll be just a big bonus

It's a shame you don't have time to drop down to Del Rio on the way to San Antonio. We have a small club, just a dirt field, but we love flying as much as anyone else...the hospitality is great and the area very friendly.

In San Antonio you will want to check out Rebel Hobbies. You can find out the info at http://www.rebelhobbies.com

[Zrakoplov]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Boulder
	It's a shame you don't have time to drop down to Del Rio on the way to San Antonio. We have a small club, just a dirt field, but we love flying as much as anyone else...the hospitality is great and the area very friendly. In San Antonio you will want to check out Rebel Hobbies. You can find out the info at http://www.rebelhobbies.com

How much of a detour is it?

Or would it be easier to make it a day trip from SA?

I don't mind driving and while I do have a schedule, it's pretty loose.

And I'll bet you anything your club is not smaller than ours


Edit:
OK I see it's a 150 miles out of SA. How much is it in driving time?
If I come by during my drive from El Paso would the route be Sonora-Del Rio-SA?

[Boulder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Zrakoplov
	How much of a detour is it? Or would it be easier to make it a day trip from SA? I don't mind driving and while I do have a schedule, it's pretty loose. And I'll bet you anything your club is not smaller than ours Edit: OK I see it's a 150 miles out of SA. How much is it in driving time? If I come by during my drive from El Paso would the route be Sonora-Del Rio-SA?

I'll take that bet, we only have 7 members

It takes about 3 hours to make the drive from San Antonio to Del Rio, straight across Hwy. 90.

Coming from El Paso you would turn South on 285 in Fort Stockton to Sanderson then pick up 90 East to Del Rio. Del Rio is about an 8 hour trip from El Paso.

Making it a day trip from San Antonio would probably work out better, only because the weekend is when more guys can make the field.

[Zrakoplov]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Boulder
	I'll take that bet, we only have 7 members It takes about 3 hours to make the drive from San Antonio to Del Rio, straight across Hwy. 90. Coming from El Paso you would turn South on 285 in Fort Stockton to Sanderson then pick up 90 East to Del Rio. Del Rio is about an 8 hour trip from El Paso. Making it a day trip from San Antonio would probably work out better, only because the weekend is when more guys can make the field.

Damn! You didn't win, but neither have I (there's only 7 of us too).

I'd love to meet some of you guys and see you fly, so when I have a more precise schedule I'll PM you and arrange something - if that's OK.

[Boulder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Zrakoplov
	Damn! You didn't win, but neither have I (there's only 7 of us too). I'd love to meet some of you guys and see you fly, so when I have a more precise schedule I'll PM you and arrange something - if that's OK.

Absolutely!

[Zrakoplov]

Anyone has any more good tips for San Antonio? (beside the Rebel Hobbies tip from Boulder)

[sweetpea]

Universal City has 2nd Chance Hobbies. Jim Rice is the owner. Very good friend of mine and they have some very laid back flying days. Its right by Randolph AFB (unless he moved).

[VKGT]

If you're going to be in Tucson, definately check out the Pima Air & Space Museum! You can also do a bus tour of the Davis-Monthan AFB "Bone Yard" with all of the planes in storage. Check Google Earth to get an idea of how HUGE it really is! If you decide that it isn't for you, some of us Air Force folk might be able to sign you into the base to show you what you can see of the bone yard from the fence line.

For hobby shops in Tucson, definately "Hobby Barn" which has been around forever. They have a giant scale C-5 Galaxy and a handful of other awesome planes hanging on the ceiling (and they actually do fly them!).

Flying sites, I'd suggest TIMPA (west side) and TRCC (east side). Let me know when it's closer to when you're actually going to be around and we will all get together.

Dave