Southern Cal Qualifier

[Curtis Kitteringham]

Southern Cal Qualifier

Start Date: 04/21/2012 End Date: 04/22/2012

Hosted By: Hemet Model Masters in Hemet, Ca Riverside

Contact Info:
Contest Director: Curtis Kitteringham CD AMA # 449672
CD contact e-mail cak11@cox.net
CD Contact Phone # 760-807-5519

Web Link for more information Hemet Model Masters

USSMA Classes:
Expert Yes   Team Yes
Advanced Yes  Open Y
Fun Scale Yes

Additional Information Given:
Camping on site, motels within 5 miles of the club

Information Submitted by: {user}

[rcphotog]

The SoCal Qualifier is now in the history books.

A somewhat lite turnout at 17 entries but I've seen worse and all things considered (economy and a mid-continent finals) about what I expected.
The weather was fair with clear skies and brisk afternoon wind mostly down the runway and a Saturday high of about 105 degrees and Sunday about 85. A two-day schedule is a bit hectic but with the help and cooperation of everyone it did go quite smooth and we had a great time. This was my fith Hemet qualifier since '07 and my only concern for the future is a lack of spectators / sponsors / local hosting club support. I did see a little improvement in the static judges set-up from the past and am encouraged by the little things I did see.
However, I was a little puzzeled that the static set-up was reversed from what I think it should be. The judges were looking into the morning sun and thus the models were in silhouette and how can they properly judge say, color?....I know that the set-up is contrained a little by the design layout of the pits but something to think about next year.
I think the flight judging went well....for the most part. I am perplexed about a static score situation where as a modified arf can get only a half point less than a model that was plans built over a two year period by an expert builder. I'm referring to a GreatPlanes PT-17 and a Ziroli PT-17. The Ziroli scored a much deserved 98.75 and the arf scored a 98.25? ...and Ron Perterka's gorgeous SR-5 scored the same 98.25 and Tim Cardin's Staggerwing a well deserved also 98.5....oh well.
Thank you Curtis for all you do in preperations and effort and lots of enthusiasm without which....there would be no SoCal Qualifier.
We all had a great time seeing old friends and meeting new ones and so, I have high hopes for the future

Cheers,
Ken Young (rcphotog)

[rcphotog]

Contest Photos are now ready for your viewing pleasure

I just opened a Flickr account last night for the purpose of sharing pics I take at all the Scale events around So Cal. My first album is the HEMET Qualifier. I'll be posting lots more in the comming days so please visit often. As anyone who knows me will attest, I'm very passionate about aviation photography. I'm not the best....but you will get a sense of the 'flavor' and 'Spirit' of each event through my pics.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kens-aeroden/sets/72157629888883821/

Be sure to use the 'slide show' mode...the pics load faster and the display is nicer.

If this link does not work.....then just go to Flickr and do a member search for ( Ken's Aeroden )
Remember, there's alot more comming !
Cheers,
...Hopefull for our future!

Ken Young

[Curtis Kitteringham]

I' am glad all had some fun, yes the numbers were down my fingers were crossed for five more than showed. Static setup was for the comfort of the judges, I could not have one of them setting in the sun. Next year will do more changes, this year was hard I was short on help and a couple of other items came up. For sometime now I have had easy street on this, it was good to have problems to deal with made me humble at times. Next year new fresh start , with the Champs in Fresno and all the hoops that I had to jump with Randy in the lead, I was a little burned out and the Qualifier seemed to come to early.  Pictures looking good on your site keep them coming.
Curtis Kitteringham
West Coast Vice Chairman         

[bwboland]

Hi Ken,

The turnout of spectators is function of promoting the event properly. As always the bulk of the work is done by one or two people and if they do not have the bandwidth to promote the event the turn out falls off.

Hemet was hit with the CD having no bandwidth so the turnout was low. One of the items I am working to promote is Area Directors helping the local promotion of contests.

Curtis has 2 Area Directors that should be helping him with 2013 now to insure a successful event. Hemet 2012 is an example of how not to have the marketing done and I apologize for the event turn out and promotion.

I want to personally thank you for posting the pictures and voicing your view on the event.

Best regards,

Bernie