As promised, the Rhode Island contest report.

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                  GREMLIN COMBAT, BEATTIE FIELD, RI     NOV.13, 1994

The last Gremlin Combat event of the year was held at Beattie Field, 
home of the Rhode Island Aeromodelers, on Sunday, Nov. 13th. Because it 
was determined we would have needed a larger turnout for an effective 
team competition, the usual one on one format was employed.  Eight 
pilots from each class (Stock and Open) took to the clear skies, facing 
a fairly steady 10 - 15 mph breeze from the NNE.  A breeze strong 
enough to keep the planes blowing back toward the pilots and pit area 
causing judge Art Massie to continually tell the pilots to "get back in 
the box."  Once in the box, the competition was fast and furious.  
Spectators were treated to seven "cuts" and two midair collisions.
The "cuts" came early, with three in the first round by Rene Rusche, 
the always tough Steve Winter and "Russ" Russell from Heli's Angels.  
There were no cuts in the second round, but there were two very 
spectacular mid-airs. The first was between Steve Winter and Warren 
Johnson.  What started off as one of the best matches of the day 
between two very quick and maneuverable planes came to a foam crunching 
halt about half way through the match drawing a chorus of "Wooooos" 
from the spectators.  The impact tore Warren's engine from the 
fuselage, lightening it enough to float to the ground after Steve's, 
and as the Gremlin rule for mid-airs dictates, was awarded one point 
for being the last fuselage to hit the ground.  After an extensive 
search by almost all present, Warren's engine was found and the 
competition resumed.  Only two matches later, an equally spectacular 
collision between myself and "Doc" Gunn, caused another engine 
separation and another search by all present.  A spectator found my 
engine (or what was left of it) in an area I would not have looked, 
quite a way off line from where the collision took place.  But I did 
get a point for being the last fuselage to hit the ground.  Thanks, 
that point and $74.99 will buy me a new 40FP.  Jim Reith was also 
forced to retire after the second round due to elevon problems, and Ray 
Mierzejewski had to go to his back-up plane after experiencing 
problems. There were two cuts in the third round, Ray Smith who has 
cast away his flying bricks and was sporting his new Gremlin "Lite," 
cut yours truly (do I sound too spiteful?) and Rene Rusche, flying very 
well, scored his second cut of the day.  

So after the three preliminary rounds in the stock class the four top 
point getters going into the flyoff were; Rene Rusche, Ray Smith, Kay 
Fisher and Charlie Hochstrasser.  In the open class the final four 
were; Ray Smith, "Russ" Russell, John Garlock and Rene Rusche. After a 
short lunch break the always exciting and hard fought flyoffs began.  
In the stock class, Ray Smith came out on top over Rene in the opening 
match.  I went up against Kay Fisher in the next match.  I always enjoy 
going up against the guys from Central Ma. because they all like to mix 
it up. This match was no exception.  During this match our streamers 
entangled and mine held on.  It could just as easily have gone the 
other way. In the finals, I was looking for revenge against Ray Smith 
who had cut me in a preliminary round and Ray was kind enough to fly in 
front of me and deposit his streamer on mine.  These Gremlin flyers can 
be very gracious.

Final stock results; 
	1. Charlie Hochstrasser  
	2. Ray Smith  
	3. Rene Rusche  
	4. Kay Fisher

In the Open flyoff Ray Smith bested Russ in the opening battle and John
Garlock bested Rene, setting up a final between two very good pilots 
with very different planes.  John's plane, with an oldish 40 FP, was 
much slower than Ray's Royal .46, therefore his survival was dependent 
upon  using evasive maneuvers and attacking when the opportunity arose. 
Ray, seeming to realize his advantage, relentlessly went after John but 
was unable to put him away.  It came down to the spot landing and John 
had been zeroing in on this spot in his last few flights.  He came in 
about 10 ft. away.  The speed that Ray was using to his advantage in 
the air, did him in on the ground.  He came in with a bit too much 
speed and his plane bounced and slid just out of reach, to give John a 
well earned win.  

Final open results; 
	1. John Garlock  
	2. Ray Smith
	3. Rene Rusche    
	4." Russ" Russell.

Gremlin Combat Award Certificates were given out to the top three 
positions in each class.  The club also presented a club hat and 
certificate of appreciation to Art Massie for his work as judge and 
timer at these combat events.  Thanks Art.

Also, at this meet, we were missing a Gremlin Combat stalwart, Barry 
"Moose" Schubert.  Barry's father passed away last week and he was with 
his family, out of state.  On behalf of the Gremlin Combat community, I 
would like to extend condolences to Barry and his family. Best wishes 
for the upcoming holidays and hope to see you all next year.
........... Charlie Hochstrasser