October 2025

Flying Season is Here!

Next SFM Meeting:

Friday, November 28, 2025

Meeting Directions: CrossPiont Church

 

Click Any Photo to Enlarge



 

This was the first meeting of the 2025/2026 Minnesota “Building” Season (October-April) with 21 members and guests present.

President Cal Branton and several other members were not able to attend due to an event in Georgia. Scott Anderson stepped in without a “humorous” anecdote.

Southern Minnesota Model Aircraft Club - NAMFI 2025



Roy Maynard’s CARF-Models 50% Fly Baby Project

Roy recently presented his latest endeavor, a CARF 50% Fly Baby.  The CARF-Models FlyBaby features a wingspan of 4.2 meters (165 inches) and an operational weight ranging from 24 to 28 kilograms (52 to 60 pounds), contingent upon engine selection.

For this build, Roy installed a VALACH 210 two-cylinder boxer engine.  According to the manufacturer, 150 cc two-stroke engines are also compatible, though additional cowling ballast would be required to maintain proper center of gravity.

The Valach by Fiala VM 210 B2-4T is a 210 cc opposed twin-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine equipped with electronic ignition, weighing approx. 6,125 grams (about 13.5 pounds).  It drives a robust 38 x 12 Fiala two-blade propeller.

While an electric start option is available, Roy opted against it to avoid necessitating sizeable modifications to the cowling.

This presentation marked the first occasion in which Roy fully assembled the airframe due to space limitations.  As is characteristic of CARF models, the aircraft features a fully composite construction and straightforward assembly process. The intricately molded fuselage, wings, and control surfaces impart the realistic appearance of a fabric-covered model. Both wing panels and tail components can be conveniently transported in the supplied protective wing bags.

CARF also offers the ½ scale pilot figure to fit in the beautifully detailed open cockpit of the Fly Baby. Roy brought his to show but has not named him as yet.

CARF distributes its models via regional support reps, with delivery typically conducted through freight carriers.  Roy achieved significant cost savings by arranging for the crates to be delivered to a regional hub or warehouse and subsequently collecting them with his own vehicle.

Roy anticipates conducting flight operations with the Fly Baby at SMMAC field in the spring of 2026.  A detailed flight report is expected later in the season.

 

Dino DiGiorgio’s Warbird Event Announced

Dino’s 2025 World Miniature Warbird Rally was held Oct. 21st-24th, 2025 at Mac Hodges Field near Andersonville, Georgia!  This is a great end of the year event with many pilots travelling from Minnesota to attend.

Cal Branton, Roy Carrigan, Opie Logue connected with Jeff Quesenbery, Dave Voglund, Chuck Hamilton, Dave Chew and Korky for the week of flying in the sunshine! They sent us some images!

Online SFM Dues Payment (it's that time again!)

Treasurer Larry Sorenson and webmaster Jon Bomers have set up an on-line link so you can Pay Your SFM Annual Dues/Donations.

The club pays a donation fee of 2.89% plus $0.45 a fixed fee for your payment, this is a total of $0.74.  So just pay $11.00 for this convenience and your good to go!

The link (On Top Left of our Homepage) also provides an opportunity to give a greater amount if you wish.  Every little bit helps SFM!

 

TEAM Composite UPDATE – Me-163 Komet ¼ Scale

Scott Russel, Jan Larsen and Ahmed El Basal shared their latest version of Scott’s Giant Scale Me-163 Komet.  The 45% original version has wowed the modeling community with its size, controllability and wide flight envelope.  Six models have been built and flown to date by some of the world’s most active model pilots.

The original has flown with a variety of turbines.  Scott’s prototype has been flying on a KingTech 320 and had proven that the Komet is basically a fast glider. (See video: Komet Turbine Failure)

The new ¼ Scale Me-163 Komet has been scaled DOWN to a manageable size model with a 92 inch wingspan for those of us looking for a more modest turbine power-plant.  This size allows the use of the 85N class turbines.  The reduction in size has given opportunities to reduce the structure and weight of the airframe.

The prototype included the vectored thrust control of the larger model (for yaw/rudder only) for take-off and taxi configuration as well as the positive release mechanism for the take-off dolly.  The take-off dolly uses larger than scale wheels to give the angle of attack needed to take off from grass runways.

Ahmed brought an unpainted production version that is several pounds lighter than the prototype.  This model will be assembled, painted and flown by Roy Maynard this summer.

   

Our next meeting will be the Friday November 28th, the day AFTER Thanksgiving!  Please bring a project/experience/story to share!


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Contacts

Cal Branton, President

CalvinBranton@gmail.com

 

Larry Sorenson, Treasurer

SledWorks2@gmail.com

 

Scott E. Anderson, Secretary

andersonscotte@hotmail.com

 

Jon Bomers, Web Editor

MNBigBirds@Hotmail.com

 

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