I built a 10 cell pack, and installed the controller. (I use a standard setup in all my planes, which means I can swap drives in 3 minutes) I mated the motor to a 3:1 Master Airscrew gearbox.
I went up to the flying field at about 10:00 with reservations; it was quite windy (like the Saturday we went to Midwest RC, but more so).
I first flew the Lazy Bee on 7 cells, to get a reference. The grass was very long, and it would not ROG. I had to hand launch for the first time ever. After which it flew very well.
I then put in the 10 cell pack. It took off like the proverbial scalded cat, flew big loops etc, until the prop fell off (!) The grass in the field is about 3 feet high, so I never found it. I guess it will wind up in a hay bale.
I then borrowed a 11 x 6 prop, flew again on the same battery to the accompaniment of comments like "plenty of power there!" from the glow motor bunch. The higher wing loading actually helps it to handle windy conditions.
Conclusion: from now on I fly 10 cells and I had best buy an Astro 110D charger.
Regards, Steve

lengths, etc.
Attached are a few photos taken by Joe Cannella from Springfield.

Ben Beaird, 1501 Deerpath, LaGrange Park, IL 60526, brought his Tiger Moth. The Tiger Moth is his first electric plane. It's powered with a planetary drive Aveox system on 18 cells,  I believe. Very graceful in flight. He and his wife both commented on how friendly and relaxed the atmosphere of an electric meet was compared to other events they've attended. I told them about Mid-America and they sounded interested in coming. (They Did! Very nice flying plane. Km)

Thanks to Tim McDonough for keeping me updated on the LOL for '98. I had every intention of attending. I even drove 5 hours, but between my bad back and the really bad weather, I just couldn't make it.
I wrote to Tim:
Thanks for the update on the LOL.  I heard that some mighty interesting folks were there, ie Jerry Smartt with his huge plane.  I really wanted to see that one!
From Tim:
This critter was H U G E !!!  The wind died off enough that he flew it about 4:40 or so Saturday. I believe he said he's going to try and make MidAm
this year.
I really wanted to see his big glider fly too. It has three receivers so he doesn't have any problems with wire

Nick Rollins (Springfield, IL) was building a Pat Matte's Models Blue Foamy while he ran the transmitter impound during the event. continue