Wood Crafters
Dedicated to those that build and fly wood R/C Sailplanes

Wood Crafters is dedicated to perpetuating the model builder, not the model buyer.

Woody Rules by Ray Hayes LSF 803

If you didn't build it, you can't fly it, with the following exceptions:

A one off you purchased that was built in the continental USA by a USA citizen.

Construction rule:

  1. All flying surfaces are built up from wood.
  2. No restriction on spar construction or materials.
  3. No Molded D-Tube leading edge construction.
  4. Fuselage can be wood, glassed wood or molded Fiberglass.
  5. Carbon reinforcement can be used on any part of the structure.

Exception for Wood Crafters Ladder and Longest Flight events or Fun Flying:
The old Hobie Hawk and Graupner Cumulus can be flown.

A message to all those interested in continuing the events for "Woodys" using my Wood Crafter rules noted above.

Ray Hayes LSF 803

The Wood Crafter's rule has proven to be very popular, it is not just for AMA's Nostalgia class or RES class, it actually can promote modern design, building techniques and materials used for sailplanes that can be launched as high as the molded carbon D-Tube ARF designs without restrictions to controls.

There is great pleasure and pride in building our own, we builders know that. Wood Crafters was my attempt to keep the hobby of building your own alive and well. There is a resurgent in the number of builders, in part, due to the Internet Groups like RC Groups. http://www.rcgroups.com/aircraft-sailplanes-95/

Since the start of my Wood Crafter events, many clubs have sponsored very successful " Woody " events using my Wood Crafter's rules. To keep the Woody events alive and well, you will have to push your club to sponsor a Woody event. The story of most sailplane clubs has been a rush to the store bought ARF sailplane planes, very powerful winches with very heavy tow lines and a decline in membership due to the woody builders dropping out.

Dropping out is a mistake, but easier to do than stand up for your interests.

Hopefully, club leaders will recognize that a successful sailplane club serves all enthusiasts equally and not just self interest. But, it is up to you, to not let others push your interests aside.

If you belong to a sailplane club, designate a weekly day or evening for Woody flyers to gather and enjoy flying their creations with fellow woody enthusiasts. The same can be set up for Hand Launch, Electric's and Aero Tow. It is all good.

Wood Crafters

Wood Crafters 08 Photo Album and Report

Wood Crafters 2008 June 27, 28, 29, 2008
Wood Crafters 2007 May 24, 25, 26, 27, 2007
Wood Crafters 2006 May 25, 26, 27, 28, 2006
Wood Crafters 2005 May 26, 27, 28, 29, 2005
Wood Crafters 2004 May 27, 28, 29, 30, 2004
Wood Crafters 2003 May 23, 24, 25, 2003
Wood Crafters 2002 May 25, 26, 2002

Click here for larger picture.
Otto Heithecker with Jim Vanderzyl's
Challenger, Wood Crafters 2002

October 25, 2007
Otto Heithecker's memorial service Eulogy
Written and read by Karl Heithecker.

Otto Heithecker and John Neilson
Wood Crafters 2004
Otto and John Neilson

Otto Heithecker and his full scale
Otto enjoyed his full scale sailplane too.
L-R Bob Robinson - Gordon Pearson

Otto Heithecker at a classical DARTS contest
Otto drove from his home in Knoxville, TN every year to attend Wood Crafters.

2008 Hotel Information (Muncie & surrounding areas)

Hotel NamePhone Address
Best Western (765) 282-0600 3011 W Bethel Ave
Lees INN (765) 282-7557 3302 N Everbrook Ln
Signature INN (765) 284-4200 3400 Chadam Ln
Holiday INN Express (765) 289-4678 4201 W Bethel Ave
Fairfield INN (765) 282-6666 4011 W Bethel Ave
Super 8 Motel (Muncie) (765) 286-4333 3601 Foxridge Ln
Super 8 Motel (Anderson) (765) 642-2222 2215 E. 59th St
Days INN (765) 288-2311 3509 N Everbrook

 

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