The R/C Flyer Volume 51, Issue 1
January 2026 Next Meeting – January 8th, 2026
CLUB CHIT by Fitz Walker
Brotherhood of Modelers Greetings Members. As I write this, I just returned from a good day flying at the JSC field. Attendance at the field was good. Where flying planes and helis, props and jets, gas and electricare enjoyed. This is a club that welcomes all types of models and modelers. We are fortunate to be able to fly on NASA grounds and we should endeavor to enjoy it as much as we can. Speaking of modelers, I had an interesting interaction with a fellow colleague – international edition. I recently went on a trip to Japan for a design review meeting. This took place at the JAXA facilities (think Japan’s NASA) where I met some Japanese engineers new to the project. One such fellow I ended up sitting next to during a group social dinner. Though random discussions over dinner and the occasional sips of Saki, he mentioned some rather insightful things about aircraft. At which my airplane geek radar went off and I proceeded to ask him if he was a connoisseur (paraphrasing) of aircraft. He replied in very good English that he was in fact an airplane enthusiast, in particular WWII aircraft.
Well, after I pulled my jaw off the floor, I just had to gush out that I too, was an enthusiast of WWII aircraft. Now, I should note that ironically this conversation happened literally the day after the anniversary of the December 7th Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. So, I entered the conversation on WWII with some caution. But I needed not worry, we had a great discussion on topics such as our most liked WWII aircraft. Where he admitted he was a big fan of the P-51, but his favorite was the Kawanishi N1K2 Shiden Kai (allied name “George”). A late-war Japanese Navy fighter known for being one of best designs to see combat. He was quite impressed that I not only knew of it, but that I knew of its seaplane origins. If you don’t know, I’m a particular admirer of Japanese military aircraft. So, when I mentioned a little-known design feature of the N1K2, he was really impressed. Of course, I told him I was a modeler and even showed him some pictures of my planes. I enjoyed the conversation so much that the next day I gave him a Vintage WWII Aircraft magazine that I brought with me from America (I was happy to give it away to a good home as it would be less stuff for me to take on the return flight). He seemed to really like it and asked me if I would be at the meeting on the last day. I was, though I thought that was an odd question. Well, on the last day of the meeting as we were wrapping up and starting to say our
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farewells, he comes up to me with something in a bag and says, “I have something for you.” Inside the bag was a large-scale plastic model of his favorite WWII fighter plane, the N1K2 “George” he had mentioned at the dinner social. I was quite flabbergasted that this somewhat stoic gentleman had thought enough of me to present me with this wonderful gift. It also serves as a reminder that despite cultural, language, and ethnic differences. The brotherhood of modelers is a universal constant around the world. Our love of modeling forms a special bond that transcends superficial differences among us. How one small gesture can create a true bond. I’ve experienced this since I started this hobby as a young teenager. Unexpected generosity and camaraderie from fellow modelers. Both mentorships and being a mentor throughout the years. Often to or by people I hardly knew. We all flew models and that’s all that mattered. I’m planning on returning to Japan in the near future. And yes, I’ll be bringing a model kit for my newfound airplane geek friend and brother from a Japanese mother. Cheers
We have an estimated 72 members and 164 guests, but the membership list has not been tweaked since Walt left in March. Mike will validate and submit new list to JSC Security. With no volunteers for the vacant membership chairman position, Charlie Tiexiera has volunteered to head it up again. Treasurer Report
Bill Courtright reported our Welby Balance is $6,547.69 and our last monthly invoice from Texas Outhouse was $115.21. Safety Report Joe Schmidt reported our two fires extinguishers still have “0” pressure, so will donate (2) new extinguishers to the field. Old Business On October 1st, Lisa Gurgos emailed the Rocket Club that our field was closed due to JSC going on furlough as a result of the government shutdown. New Business On November 13th, JSC’s furlough ended and gate security allowed us back on the field again. Fitz emailed Lisa Gurgos for official permission, but no response yet. Rex reported the Port-O-Can was lying on it’s side, so Bill said he’ll have it righted and serviced again. Two flight stations also have side mesh hanging loose, and needs to be slid back in place with zip ties.
-Fitz, Prez.
NOVEMBER MINUTES by Rex Beck
Meeting Location Room
Membership
Gilruth Center, Lonestar
11 (V.P. Mike Laible was absent) Prez Fitz Walker called the meeting to order and made a motion to approve the October Minutes, which were approved unanimously.
Saverio Gaudiano stated he’s still working with city councilmen to determine why our Challenger 7 Park proposal was not approved. A likely reason is they estimated it to be a $2 Million project. Saverio is recosting it himself and will re-submit his figures. We may have a final answer soon. Discussed the upcoming December 4th Christmas Party. Mike will email the
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X’mas party flyer to all members, asking that RSVP’s be sent to Rex’s cell or email ASAP. We will entertain the optional ornament gift exchange again, and Fitz will see if the guitar singing group will be available on Dec. 4th.
ornament gift exchange is optional. See flyer for details.
Mike will order the catered lasagna, salad, etc. from Marcos, while Rex and Bill will be buying the tablecloths, HD Plates, sodas, tea, water, and cups.
Please continue to bring your models, techniques, & flying stories to the meetings, as members are always interested in hearing about them – adds aeronautical flavor to the meetings, which is what we’re all about.
Mike would like to celebrate this year’s Xmas party in conjunction with our 60th year anniversary at JSC. Lots of history here, since the club began in 1964 with 20 members, mostly Nasa engineers involved with the Mercury, Apollo, and Gemini programs.
The November 13th meeting will be held at 6:30 PM at the Gilruth Center, Mars Room.
With our longevity at the field getting short, Mike suggested the 2026 membership fee be reduced to $25.00. Bill made a motion that we table the 2026 application and fee, until Fitz gets a commitment from Lisa Gurgos, allowing us to continue flying next year. If flying continues into 2026, club will have to re-apply for AMA’s $2.5 M Liability insurance, which has a deadline of 331-26. Fitz will call Starport/Gilruth to reserve the Mars room for next year. Show & Tell Brian brought in various airplane parts to show, but claimed sales at field swap meets have been slow all year. Mike is building his new B-17 Bomber and is going together well. Future Business The December 4th meeting will be devoted to our Annual JSCRCC Christmas Party, to begin at 6:00 PM (social) and 6:45 (dinner) at the Gilruth Center, Lonestar Room on 2nd floor. Attendees may bring a dessert and the
Upcoming Events See last page
WHY I JOINED THE CLUB by Rex Beck
I first heard about the Nasa R/C club in 2017, so I called Herman Burton, who was the jscrcc Membership Chairman on the website. He was very friendly and invited me to join on 12-8-17. I asked him about the field, and he said there’s lots of room out there, but pilots sometimes crash in that big tree out past the JSC end of the runway. The first time I flew at the field was on 3-8-18, when I met Tom Altmeyer. He said the club was having their March meeting at 6:00, so from there we went to Wendys for a burger, and then we drove to the Clear Lake Activity Center for my first meeting. I learned that the club had a nice Xmas party every year, which I thought would be nice for my wife to attend, since she’s always loved parties and meeting new friends. I believe we attended our first Xmas party in December 2018 at the Clear Lake Activity Center. But, the main reason I joined was because I had been barnstorming for 3 years, flying everywhere; new subdivisions, Jamaica Beach, Challenger Stadium, Galv County Fairgrounds, Texas City, etc. I needed more discipline to keep my plane from flying away, getting lost, and crashing into far-away fields. I had 4 flyaways &/or crashes between 2015
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and 2016. Two stand out to be most significant: In August 2016, I flew my plane with FPV goggles from a new subdivision near Godhard School but lost visual control, and it crashed into a telephone pole 1.5 miles away near Friendswood High School. A driver saw my plane on Mills Street, picked it up, and called me, saying “this must be Rex”. Four cameras had recorded the entire 8-minute flight. In November, 2016. I let my daughter fly my plane at Bayshore Park in Bacliff, but a strong wind carried it south and we couldn’t fly it back. After 9 grueling minutes, we could barely see it, down by the San Leon water tower, so I turned the transmitter off and went looking for it. I found it 3 days later in San Leon, nearly a mile away in a horse pasture at 25th & Broadway. I jumped the fence and carefully watched the horse as I walked over and picked up my plane. The plane and cameras were still intact, but the horse had nibbled the balsa camera boxes, which I saw when I downloaded the videos.
I had on-board video cameras on all these crashes, but I needed more instrumentation to keep my plane from flying away. So In January, 2017, I had Samanos install an Eagle Tree Vector “Return to Home” Receiver, to prevent my plane from ever flying away again. That helped, but I learned you need to fly up wind, before engaging Return to home. After joining the club in 2017, experienced pilots helped to advance my skills for aerobatic planes with flaps and warbirds with flaps and retracts, and finally, jets. I’ve learned so much and couldn’t have done it without them. The club has provided us with many friends and acquaintances, which we would not have otherwise. The hobby gave us interesting projects, and the club gave us a place to go and fly with friends to share our problems and experiences. Everyone always looked forward to the annual Xmas party, where we celebrated and had fun with our spouses.
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Our flying club began with Nasa engineers, who originally worked on the Mercury, Gemini, and Appollo programs. As the club expanded it’s membership, all of us needed a place to fly our R/C models, and Nasa/JSC provided it for 50 years. We are eternally grateful for the privilege of having been part of this great heritage. Rex Beck
WHAT’S UP AROUND THE CLUB by Mike Laible
Well, the big news is we are still open after 11-2026 Actually flew at JSC on the first and fourth. It felt good and enjoyed it. Finally flew my B25 at home field. Big bucket list I’ve been wanting to do for a year.
Last month we had the Christmas party. I did not get a chance to take photos (forgot and was busy). We did have a young member Miles (sp) and his Mom show up. I believe they had a great time. The main door prizes was two $200 dollar gift cards. I won the first one but got this feeling over me to hand it to Miles. He was surprised and thankful. So the second prize I pulled out. I knew I handed out 64 tickets and the last one was to miles, xxx064. Guess what ticket I pulled!!!!! Miles won the second one. Could not have worked out better. His smile was as wide as the Grand Canyon. So till next time, safe landings and hope to see you flying. Till next time, Godspeed,
In addition the B17 is coming along. About ready to mount engines and then to detail with panel lines and rivets.
Mike
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subscribed, you will automatically receive a confirmation email that you must reply to get the newsletter each month. After you confirm you are on the newsletter email list. If you have any questions concerning the web site, e-mail Mike Laible at mrlaible@sbcglobal.net
Upcoming Events 12/5-6 Pearl Habor, Katy, Space City
Club Officers President: Fitz Walker
817-797-9192 (Cell) flying_fitz@yahoo.com
Vice-President: Mike Laible
713-542-0987 (Cell) mrlaible@sbcglobal.net
Treasurer: Bill Courtright Secretary: Rex Beck
Club Homepage http://www.jscrcc.org
713-253-0895 (Cell) b2crtrt@comcast.net 832-628-9473 (Cell) kingsrex@aol.com
Committees Membership: Walt Lueke Safety Officer: Joe Schmidt
281-788-6461(Cell) 281-300-1211(Cell)
Instructors Fixed: Tom Altmyer: Mike Laible: James Lemon: Fitz Walker Larry Ammons Gary Wilkerson
713 591 2859 713-542-0987 832-385-4779 817-797-9192 832-385-3374
Heli & Fixed: Brian Campopiano: 832-524-9590 (Cell) Russell Bear: 281-757-3251
The R/C Flyer Articles and Want Ads may be submitted to the Editor, Mike Laible at mrlaible@sbcglobal.net To get the newsletter via e-mail go to http://www.jscrcc.com/ and click on the "Subscribe to Newsletter". Once you have
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