Junk Yard Wars 2009

I got back from the Grand Canyon with 2 days to get ready for JYW. Derek came down to help with set-up, and my son cut a runway in the field for us. I had the luxury of having the days to clean the Quonset, sweep floors, set up tables and stuff because, oh yes, I don’t have to go to work this year!

Flyers started to arrive shortly after 9 to lay claim to a table, and start forming the teams. By shortly after 10, the start time, we had 14 people ready to do battle in 4 teams. We had a few firsts this year, Mark was not late, the rural participants outnumbered the city boys, we had rookies on 3 of the 4 teams, and for the first time, one plane just wouldn’t fly. Walt was not able to compete this year, but he did stop in to take some pictures, and liberally sprinkle advice around the room, thanks for coming Walt.

The builds started shortly after junk found its way back into the Quonset. It became obvious very quickly that there were for very different approaches to the common tasks. By the end of the build, we had four planes to test fly (three worked, but not the three the safe money was on). Here they are:

This entry from Murray and Team sports a V-tail and lots of power on a clean fuse, a great all round performer.

The team of all pro’s chose to go the glider route. This very light aircraft sported a beautiful polyhedral wing and a very small V-tail. There are no pictures of it flying because, well, it didn’t but the team negotiated the use of a previous Junk Yard Wars creation to compete with.

The Rulers team (the only team with a woman) created a plane nicknamed “the Tank” It was a meter long, and had wings sheeted in aluminum. The plane was designed to withstand the combat round.

Last, but not least, was the team lead by Derek. The creation from that back table was by far the most unusual plane ever to come out of JYW! Dave and his son built a great fuse while Derek and Terry built a very odd wing. The resulting plane was a great all round performer with the exception of the glide. It may have been the fastest plane out there, thought they were unable to win the first of two races before the event was called on weather.We had a huge windstorm blow in late in the competition and cause the cancellation of the second race, and the combat round. I think Chuck sensed that we would not get to combat, so using the borrowed twin prop plane, he chewed through Murrays plane during the race.

We retreated from the field and gathered in the house for lots of food (thanks Donna!!!) and the retelling of the days battles. We handed out the trophies, grand champion (the Tank) and the booby prize (the Pro’s). Derek just opened Mountain View RC World and brought a beautiful J-3 Cub down as a door prize (thanks Derek). Chuck was the winner, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving!

Thanks to all who attended, helped, cooked, carted food, and cheered us on. I had a great day, well worth all the work. Maybe we should set the date for next spring before I have to join the work force again?