I beat that 13-year-old kid!

[Broken Strands]

Warning:  Self aggrandizing to follow.

In the winter of 1975-76 a dedicated 13-year-old kid shows up at one of the MMAC's (Minneapolis Model Aero Club) monthly indoor contests with the first flapper-style glider (a Coot) and beats all contestants, in Jr. and Open, and sets a new club record of 24 seconds, for a single flight, in the process.  Shortly after this amazing feat this same kid discovers girls, cars and rock music and was never seen again with a FF HLG in his hand.

I was there to witness that event and often wondered if I were to build the same plane, to the same specs, if I could recreate or maybe even surpass his times.  Could a overweight, out-of-shape 49-year-old man beat that kid?  It was a question often pondered but never acted upon.  

Until today...

After a little bit of trimming and a few warm-up tosses I got 27.7 sec. in our 22' gym.  I kicked that kid's rear!

[wordguy]

Old age and treachery will beat youth and skill every time!

[Broken Strands]

Never appreciated that saying more than now Wordguy.

Me and my sore arm thank you.

Bill

[Black Arrow]

Your story gives me a chuckle! A win is a win as long as it was within the rules. I guess it's a good thing that people move on in life so that the rest of us get a chance for a day in the sun. LOL!

[Broken Strands]

Glad you enjoyed the story Chris!  It was fun to see if the old and fat version of me could out-do the young and skinny version.  That kid was kind of cocky and deserved to get beat.

Just got done watching you and Stu W. flying your NoCals.  Nice flights!  There's a push here in Las Vegas to start some semi-organized NoCal contests here.  Will try and keep it as low-key as possible to lure in the sport flyers and RC guys.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Take Care, Bill

[Iridescent Wings]

You all have some competition. I'm around that same age and get really good times in my living room. Just y'all wait...


Youtube channel for proof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T6QbYh9_I0

[OZPAF]

Nicely trimmed models. I see that you have discovered the benefits of a bit of tail twist to gain in flight tail tilt.

John

[Iridescent Wings]

Thanks! 

[Iridescent Wings]

I apologize for bragging I am now a much nicer person