As of Thursday, May 1, morning, our grass cutter cannot get his mower started. We cannot install the runway until the grass where the fabric will sit is cut short. (Scalped) Unless someone knows another way to get the grass scalped, it looks like the install will probably be postponed for a week. Saturday's weather forecast also bears watching as the forecast windspeed and precipitation have both been upped since yesterday. We will make a final GO/NO GO decision and announce it here on Friday morning.
Delivery of the geotex material will not happen until Friday, May 2 at the earliest and possibly not until Friday May 9.
Thanks to all who have volunteered to help. We will get this done! ;)
Thanks for the update, Bill. I've got a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, so I can't be there if that's the delivery date, but will follow the thread here and will come out on the dates I can.
Thanks for your efforts on this!
Eric
If everything is a go weather wise and the delivery happens tomorrow, can't we just cut the area ourselves? I can bring my lawnmower and cut the grass really short.
I'm sorry I can't be there during a week day morning to help with the delivery, but I'll do whatever I can on the weekend or weekday evenings.
Quote from: piker on May 01, 2014, 09:41:53 AM
If everything is a go weather wise and the delivery happens tomorrow, can't we just cut the area ourselves? I can bring my lawnmower and cut the grass really short.
I'm sorry I can't be there during a week day morning to help with the delivery, but I'll do whatever I can on the weekend or weekday evenings.
agreed i can also offer up my mower if needed
I can bring my mower too, but like TEMAC, it's electric! ;D
Thanks Greg, Rob for the offer of mowers. Thanks too to the guys who showed up at ROGO this morning (10!) to help unload the geotex, delivery of which had been cancelled. As of noon today, Brian has not been able to fix the mower but promises to spend his day off tomorrow fixing it. Will watch the weather and make a final decision about Saturday first thing tomorrow. Will post here shortly after 0700 tomorrow. Again, thanks for all the support. Reminds me why I like this club!
I can also bring my mower and will make sure it starts first - do we need a special scalping blade?
I guess if we bring enough mowers it might be faster if we do it ourselves.
Bobby
Decided to postpone until next Sat., May 10
Rain and gusty wind in forecast for this Sat May 3, and light-moderate wind forecast for Sunday May 4.
Sincere thanks to all who showed support and generosity over this week! TEMAC really is a remarkable group. I hope the rain and postponement won't dampen our enthusiasm.
Consultant (Karl of Keswick), Team Leaders, Ed, Frank and Rob are all available Saturday May 10 and we should be able to get a better start at the day by having the grass scalped and the runway perimeter "trenched' beforehand.
Fingers crossed for better weather!
Bill
Good luck guys! I can't be there next weekend but lots of pictures.
Remember your knee pads, gloves and Advil! Should be lots of fun.
Weather forecast looks good for Monday (May 5) 8) and Tuesday (May 6). :D :D :D
Rather than try for a weekend install, we're going to try fitting to the better weather forecast for next week.
I have arranged for the Nilex (geotex) to be delivered to the field Monday between 1100 and 1200 and require at least two able-bodied types to help off-load...please LMK.
Our Consultant, Karl of Keswick and "task managers" Ed, Frank and Rob have indicated a willingness to do an evening (two if we can't finish in one) install and ...Monday May 5 evening next week looks like the best target date.
We will need as many volunteers as possible and will arrange a barbecue for dinner. We're hoping as many 9-5ers as possible can make it right after work so the retired old farts aren't left carrying the bag...geotex or whatever.
If you can make it, dress warmly...it gets cold once the sun starts to set!
Spread the word to other members as it's short notice and post on this thread if you can make it so we're sure Monday will bring enough volunteers. We need twenty or more volunteers for four-five hours to finish the main runway...don't be shy!
Hope to see as many as possible Monday anytime after 1500!
BTW...RUNWAY WILL BE EXTENDED TO AT LEAST 225'! :D
Will post suggested tools in another post.
Any night but Monday would work for me .. sorry guys
I'm in!
I am in.
I will be there in the morning as well.
If my schedule permits. I will be there.
I'll be there... both days (Monday, Tuesday) after 3 pm.
Frank
Hi Folks:
I REALLY wish I could be there to help out and to document this historic event, including taking notes of the colourful use of language which I am certain will be manifest during the field prep and runway installation. Unfortunately I will be away for warm weather therapy on the west coast to help cure me (if such is possible) of my longing for snow and the exhilarating cold of winter! Happy scalping, stretching and stapling! ;D
Andy
I'll be there on Monday night, but can't make Tuesday.
Eric
Thanks everybody! I'm really annoyed at myself missing the suitable weather today but Monday should be good. Ed and I will be there around 3:00 p.m. (1500) and will make sure we're ready to start laying geotex as soon as enough bods show up.
Suitable weather???? The weather where I was sucked! I was thinking it was a good call!
I'm aiming to be at the field for 5:00 on Monday.
Quote from: piker on May 03, 2014, 09:45:22 PM
Suitable weather? ??? The weather where I was sucked! I was thinking it was a good call!
I'm aiming to be at the field for 5:00 on Monday.
Rob,
Your judgement of my Saturday call is far more charitable than my own, but thanks. You make float flying calls regularly so you know the drill well.
Thanks for planning to show up at 5:00...perfect timing!
Sorry I cannot join Monday but will bring my mower this morning and at least help a bit in the prep work.
Bobby
Thanks Bobby. Depending on what time you're there I may see you. I'm coming to cut grass too. It's too windy to fly.
It is windy:( and I cut the grass it might be good if some of you will bring a few rakes.
Thanks for helping, Bobby.
Bobby,
Spectacular job scalping! Thank-you! What kind of blade did you use? Mine won't cut as short as yours...
I added 40' more runway to the north end as we have enough material to do the whole 240', taxiways and still have material for patching, but my scalping's not as good as yours.
Bobby's right about bringing leaf rakes. There are some clumps of wet grass/mud from the scalping. It would be best if the clippings and mud could be raked away before the material goes down.
Took two pictures looking south. It was so bright I couldn't see the image in my cell phone screen, ergo worse than usual photos but captures the colour and brightness of the field today. No wonder there were no flyers...wind was somewhere in the 15-25 kt range...that's 30-50 km/h.
Low level clouds were roaring SE in the strong NW wind. Upper level clouds were heading W...almost 180* different!
Our new windsock was getting quite a baptism! :o
See you all tomorrow...Ed and I will be there shortly after 3:00 p.m. :D
Well, actually there was ONE flyer out today, enjoying the very cool, very windy conditions. He was seen in his rubber boots, snow pants, parka, toque, scarf and gloves, admiring Bobby's fantastic scalping job on the field. So of course, he just HAD to try out the new runway base. The winds were definitely challenging from 11:00-12:00 as Bill pointed out, but I managed a few good flights for some family spectators. But in the afternoon winds were an insane 20 gusting 30 knots (36-54 kmh!!) Too bad, because otherwise it was a beautiful fresh day.
Andy
Hats off to you Bobby and Bill for getting out there today and scalping the field!
Thanks to you we can progress much further tomorrow evening when we continue the project.
My rubber mallet is in the car!
Do we still bring lawn mowers tomorrow (Monday), or is the scalping done?
Eric
I have my laser thingy with me today. It has a tripod, bullseye type level, and, as set-up right now, will project a vertical plane, used for creating a "laser" straight line along the ground. I brought it just in case it's useful. Problem is, the line can't be seen well (at all) in bright sunlight. However, it may be effective this evening.
I also have a one hand sledge hammer, regular hammer, rubber mallet, a bunch of string, flat shovel, work gloves and knee pads :)
Bill, I used a regular gas mower I think it has a bit more power but nothing special and had sharpened the blade with a dremel before going to the field. It was not the easiest to push it because of the wet grass and the fact it was so close but hope it helped - how did the install work, waiting to see some pictures.
Bobby
Thank you so much to all involved. There were 20+ people there tonight and I know some people (like Bobby) have helped during the day. You should all be very proud to have contributed to the start of the next phase of TEMAC.
We wouldn't have been able to do it without Bill, Jack, Frank and Karl from Keswick. You Guys deserve a special thank you. And also Greg Cadez and Ken Ross for doing the initial investigation.
So, here are some pics and video of the first ever take off and landing from our new runway!
http://youtu.be/hXCPMCXjXko (http://youtu.be/hXCPMCXjXko)
http://youtu.be/UBvumG6_izI (http://youtu.be/UBvumG6_izI)
Yes! Great work everyone! I was impressed that we were able to get it all installed in one evening.
Thanks to everyone who researched, arranged, and planned for the install. And to everyone who helped out tonight.
What a great club!
I agree Robert.
"What a great club"
Attendance was high and enthusiasm was even higher than I had expected. Many worked hard and did a terrific job. Special thanks to Bill for organizing everything.
Admittedly when I was first approached with the idea I didn't anticipate any changes of the types of models I would fly BUT when I got home last night I found myself looking at retract equipped models! Glen's first flight was that impressive to watch take off and land.
Is it the weekend yet?
Great job people! Sometimes you just knuckle down and a great job gets done. Thanks to Bill for all the prep work and to all the guys that turned out on Monday.
Now all you closet retract flyers can join the rest of us without fear.
it was great to see so many people pitching and helping out!
also can't wait to give it a try with the shoestring and toni ;D
Amazing! Thanks to everyone who helped.
(Sorry guys, I was working last night until after midnight.)
Anyway, I agree with Robert; What a great club! ;D
Quote from: battlestu on May 06, 2014, 09:19:45 AM
it was great to see so many people pitching and helping out!
also can't wait to give it a try with the shoestring and toni ;D
Greg May 24 is not that far away for our first practice pylon race at Orangeville. Spread the word around.
Temac guys your new runway looks great!!!
I wanted to let you guys know about a conversation I had with Richard, from the Toronto Club last night.
Richard is past President of, and is now field officer for, the Toronto Club. He came by to see how the install was going as they are planning to install a similar runway at their field.
He was very impressed with the number of enthusiastic members we had out to help with the install. He was apparently concerned about their install as they have a hard time getting people to volunteer with this sort of thing at the Toronto club. He asked how we were able to get so many people out. I said "Bill just posted on our message board asking for volunteers". He was impressed, as was I. :)
I hope to get out for some flying on the weekend!!! Maybe another "Day at TEMAC / Evening at Frenchman's Bay" kinda day!!! ;D
Robert, I don't want to get all mushy, but, that is heartwarming.
For those of us who work in the evenings (and also Sat mornings in my case) I just want to add my thanks to all the volunteers who went out and did the grunt work so that everyone could enjoy the great facilities that we have. (and continue to improve upon year by year) It's unselfish acts like these that make TEMAC such a great club.
I'm sorry that I can never make it out for these work parties (or the pilot meetings for that matter) because of my work but believe me I appreciate your efforts! Special thanks go out to all the "core players" (you know who you are) who always lead in stepping up to the plate when stuff needs to get done.
Colin
Looks great guys -
Thank you for the videos and photos Simon.
Haven't been able to post until this morning with the web problems. Sorry!
Monday, a 240x30' runway complete with two taxiways materialized on ROGO Field.
Thanks to many; to the TEMAC executive for deciding months ago to fund the runway, to Karl of Keswick for providing his consulting expertise, to Jack for coaching and encouraging from afar, to Bobby Brenner who scalped the grass on Sunday, to TEMAC's morning men who unloaded the geotex at 11:00 a.m. and two of whom (Craig Campbell and Bruce Weaver) were still around to make the pizza run at 7:00 p.m., to Ken Ross and Graham McNicoll who put in a full day, to Ed, Frank, and Rob and the 20+ volunteers who worked to actually get the material down in one session and to Glenn and Andre who showed us all how much fun it's going to be!
Once again, I am proud to be a TEMACer!
Picture 1...ROGO 8:00 a.m. Monday
Picture 2...ROGO 8:00 p.m. Monday
I've updated the "Our Field" page on the website to include a great photo that
@Michael took of the new runway.
http://temac.ca/?page_id=48 (http://temac.ca/?page_id=48)
@Wingnutz Bill,
The last time I was at the field, last Friday evening, the runway was nice and tight and people were enjoying how flat and "bouncy" it was/is. But I recall that part of the installation process is to staple the fabric in a 2 to 3 feet grid over the surface. Is this still part of the plan, and if so, is there a planned time we'll do this... or are we leaving as is for now BECAUSE it's so nice and flat?
Hi Robert
@piker I thought we staple the edges and the centerline every 6 inches. Nowhere else. Is that right Bill
@Wingnutz?
Even so, we do need more staples, I think.
S
Hi Rob
I too was planning to add more staples in the pattern you mentioned but the more I think about it, the less I'm sure that's a good idea. It's pretty flat now. Adding more staples over the main surface would probably make it less flat. I'll check with Karl and see what he thinks while I'm there this afternoon and let you know.
I agree it would make it less flat, kinda like a quilt, but I understood it was part of the process.
Anyway, I'm not suggesting we should. I just recalled that as part of the plan and was wondering about it.
Took this Monday...
Great view of the field Andre.
I'm surprised to see soooo many footprints on the new runway. I would have thought everyone would be using the taxiways, eliminating the need to walk on the field. ;D
Andy
Depends where you crash, Andy! :P
Simon! (Or is it
@sihinch?) You don't mean to say that people actually
crash on our brand new, snag free, super-smooth, micro finish runway??! How is it possible? :o
Please help me to understand this.
With great anticipation,
Andy
As you know Andy, people will usually take the path of least resistance, or the shortage route between 2 points. Therefore, if you crash just off the runway, you may be tempted to walk across the runway to collect your model! ;)
Quote from: sihinch on May 22, 2014, 11:11:42 AM
As you know Andy, people will usually take the path of least resistance, or the shortage route between 2 points. Therefore, if you crash just off the runway, you may be tempted to walk across the runway to collect your model! ;)
I can certainly understand
that behaviour, but examination of Andre's photo shows footprints that end predominantly on the runway
centreline, not off the runway. I just can't fathom so many crashes on the new runway, unless it's really bouncy on the threshold, leading to high alpha stalls after the inital touchdown. I can't wait to try my hand at it this weekend!! (My micro Gee Bee will love it!) :D
Andy
When I land on the runway and the plane tip overs I walk out to the plane and pick it up, I do not try and return it to a horizontal position by flicking the power. I did not understand you are not supposed to walk on the geotex?
please excuse
@Andy Hoffer Canuke. He is a joker that needs to be dealt with. We put up with him because he is an ace on the executive that always comes through in spades when the chips are down. The guy is a card.
Quote from: Ededge2002 on May 22, 2014, 05:40:56 PM
please excuse @Andy Hoffer Canuke. He is a joker that needs to be dealt with. We put up with him because he is an ace on the executive that always comes through in spades when the chips are down. The guy is a card.
Well I guess our diamond in the rough clubbed that one to death. You're all heart
@Ededge2002 ! ;D
Hi Folks:
Here is a new photo gallery by Graham McNicol who did a great photo essay on the birth of our new Geotex runway on May 5.
http://temac.ca/?p=5121
Way to go Graham!
Andy