East Coast Clubs/Fredericksburg, VA Area R/C Club

[Tired Old Man]

With all the discussion and issues about the East Coast club that banned larger planes and engines, I'd like to take a minute to thank the members of a Virginia club that were more than hospitable to me yesterday, 9/15/09.

I was driving down the highway on a quest for Civil War historical sites when I came across a small sign by a cornfield noting the location of the Fredricksburg club, on the Robbie Campbell Memorial Field. Thinking it was a good a way to spend part of a day as any other, I followed the gravel road in and found a very nice field, bordered on two ends with trees and on two sides by cornfields. Quite a beautiful flying site that is quite well cared for.

In spite of the issues with the one club that doesn't want large planes, the Fredricksburg club appears to welcome anything with wings and rotors. Too small for turbines, but seemingly well suited for anything else, they were having a fine day flying warbirds, helis, small, mid, and large size gassers, and having a great time. The members were quite friendly and it only took a few minutes to be greeted and welcomed to hang around for awhile. A very nice contrast to what I've experienced at a few other clubs. I heard mention that some IMAC flying might be initiated there soon. If they do, those that attend will be treated to a very nice place to fly.

I'm sorry to say that I can't remember the names of everyone I met there but if Tony and Sal could relate my thanks for the hospitality and friendship to the other members it would be appreciated.

The members are among the greats when it comes to being friendly. Another non member, non flyer came by with his daughter and I suppose the club was thinking it's best to get them interested while their as young a possible The owner of the plane (Tony) didn't know the father or daughter from Adam but still let the youngster get up close and personal with his TOC Yak. That's way we should all be as ambassadors of the hobby. Thanks again guys, it's great to know that people like you are still out there.

Pat Roy
AMA 388446

[flatspinjim]

That's nice to hear! It's too bad ALL clubs aren't that way.
By the way, if you ever come through Colorado, stop on in, you can throw the sticks around on the Edge.

[JPHen]

Awww right - my home field. We do have it good - we're building a second parallel runway, getting and if you noticed, each field station is wired for electricity. Would love to have an IMAC contest there. A lot of SD Yak owners...

[Tired Old Man]

Yep, Met him. Used to make money as an impersonater but now spending big money as a modeler He's got a pretty nice 40% Extra to get ready for next year.

[AB Bob]

Hey T.O.M.,
Sorry I missed you.
Bud, Horace and I were out there Fri. doing some field work (barrier refurb. and weedwhackin') in anticipation of your arrival! (J/K), Jeff had mowed the field on Thurs.
I must admit, it looked pretty nice (IMHO) <BG>
Tony is one of the best pilots out there, and, he is an instructor as well. He maidened my trainer for me early this Spring. Greg is also a great new member who has really pitched in to help out. Sal has been busy helping new fliers get some buddy box time, I believe he is also involved in our saftey operations. All really good guys...
Thank you for your kind words, I too was welcomed warmly when I first stopped out there, which led me to joining as a member...
Check out our webpage at fredericksburgrc.com for more pics.
Bob

[hudsont62]

Hey there T.O.M

Just wanted to also thank you for the kind words and providing those that were at the field with some valuable information on engines and oil types. I know some of them already are using that stihl Hp ultra engine oil you mentioned. To bad you wasn't at the field today, we really had a great turnout, not to mention the wonderful weather too. Well insure to stop by again when your in the area.

Take care
Tony Hudson

[jongurley]

YOu didn't go through the Bentonville, NC historic battlefield site did you Tiredoldman,

[2leftthumbs]

They do have a nice site to fly at. Wish I was alittle closer to them.