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Concord Model Engineers Club Meeting Minutes, February 19, 2025

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Roll Call of Officers: 
Chuck Hill, President, & Maurice Lieberman, Secretary
Members Present: George Ellison, Lon Retzloff & Jerry Barrilleaux
    
Treasurer’s Report: Chuck reported CME’s bank account balance is $353.54 to date.
 
Meeting was called to order 6:05 PM at Just Trains New Location
 
Old Business: 
It was reconfirmed by Chuck that club meetings will be scheduled for the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Just Trains at 6:00 PM.
Read last month’s Minutes report. The Minutes were accepted as written by those members present.
New Business: 
Chuck hung our CME business cards on the wall at Just Trains to hopefully generate some interest and potential new members.
Signage for the flying field at Hillcrest Park; George’s friend offered to make a sign to be posted there. A decision still needs to be decided upon on the sign’s exact wording, size and fonts. “Home of the Concord Model Engineers, Est. 1953” was suggested. Also it was discussed the wording, “Control Line Field, AMA Insurance Required” should be added. We will need to decide on the location where the sign should be posted. It was suggested it could also be posted on the back stop fence, close to the parking lot. The City of Concord needs to approve the deign. Chuck and Lonnie are working jointly on completing this project. It was discussed a similar sign should be posted near the parking lot at the lake in Concord where we hold our regattas as well. All members are encouraged to submit their ideas, drawings and photos regarding potential CME Club sign designs.
The possibility and necessity of asking CME members to contribute “dues” again was discussed to cover our rent and potential other CME/AMA club expenses that may come up this year. We are currently paying $50.00 monthly to Just Trains for use of their facility for our monthly meetings. Our Treasury is gradually dwindling down. Maurice suggested we bring in old model kits that have been accumulating in our garages over the past several years to either be raffled off or sold at club meetings. The proceeds would go directly into out Treasury.
As the weather warms up, presumably in mid to late March, Maurice and Jerry are planning to schedule a club regatta. Time and date TBA.
Parade of Planes and Boats:
Maurice brought a Ringmaster control line plane to donate to the club. George “bought” it and donated the proceeds to our Treasury.
George brought a beautifully finished balsa wood 1932 control line Hal Bulldog Racer airplane.
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Next Meeting: 
Our next monthly meeting will be held on March 11th, 2025, Just Trains at 1170 Burnett Avenue, Suite L, Concord, Ca., 04520 at 6:00 PM. Phone 925-685-6566.
Chuck adjourned the meeting at 6:58 PM, February 19, 2025.
Respectfully submitted,
Maurice Lieberman, Club Secretary, Concord Model Engineers

Minutes of the Concord Model Engineers Meeting, January 15, 2025

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Roll Call of Officers: 
Chuck Hill, President, Ron Delvasto, Safety Officer, Maurice Lieberman, Secretary
Members Present: Lonny Retzloff, Jim Muther,Jerry Barrilleaux, and Michael Power.
    
Treasurer’s Report: Chuck reported CME’s bank account balance is $403.54 to date.
 
Meeting was called to order 6:06 PM at Just Trains New Location
 
Old Business: 
Read last month’s Minutes report. The Minutes were accepted as written with minor corrections.
Update on CME Club signage; Lonny will follow up with Tyce Dekker, the point of contact with the City of Concord. It still needs to be decided where the sign will be posted, size limitations,  and what specific language will be printed on it. Suggested language, ” Home of the Concord Model Engineers, founded 1953.”
New Business: 
Election of 2025 Concord Model Engineers Club Officers: 
Nominations:
Chuck Hill, President and Treasurer.
Michael Power, Vice President and Safety Officer.
Maurice Lieberman, Club Secretary.
All nominees were voted on and elected for the one year 2025 term.  The motion was seconded, and unanimously carried by the members present.
Due to accommodating members so they can avoid scheduling conflicts in attending CME Club membership meetings, it was proposed, and a motion was made to move our meeting dates. The motion was unanimously voted on and carried by members present to now meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM at Just Trains. Reminder emails will be sent to the membership before each meeting by Chuck.
Wes, the Owner/Manager of Just Trains will allow us to post information about our club in his store. A poster has to be created so he can post it on the wall for his customers to see as they walk in the store. It is hoped it will generate interest about our club, and stimulate interest in joining us. Chuck will be the contact listed on on the poster.
Wes also offered to allow us to set up a table at his store’s Open House event in March at the parking area adjacent to the store. There will be vendors there selling various train model related items. Date TBD.
Chuck stated he needs to renew our Club’s AMA membership. They offer $2,500,000 liability insurance coverage per member. Membership in AMA, will be required for actively flying model pilots and model boat operators prior to being allowed to fly at any of our CME model aircraft flying and/or boating events. 
Jerry and Maurice are still trying to plan an appropriate time to hold an impromptu model boat regatta, time and date to be determined at the lake. 
Parade of Planes and Boats:
Chuck brought model airplane parts for a motor glider. He offered to teach any member that wants to learn how to fly an RC model aircraft.
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Next Meeting: 
Our next monthly meeting will be held on February 11th, 2025, at Just Trains, located at 1170 Burnett Avenue, Suite L, Concord, Ca., 04520 at 6:00 PM. Phone 925-685-6566. 
Chuck adjourned the meeting at 7:10 PM, January 15th, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Maurice Lieberman, Club Secretary, Concord Model Engineers

Concord Model Engineers Club Meeting Minutes, December 18, 2024

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Roll Call of Officers: 
Chuck Hill, President, Maurice Lieberman, Secretary, Dennis Romano, Past President
Members Present: 7
    
Treasurer’s Report: Chuck reported CME’s bank account balance is $453.54 to date.
 
Meeting was called to order 6:07 PM at Just Trains New Location
 
Old Business: 
Read last month’s Minutes report. The Minutes were accepted as written. Per Lonnie, the baseball diamond at Hillcrest Park is ours to use. He reached out to Tyce Dekker (with the City of Concord.)  Tyce indicated we may have to share use of it predicated on the needs of those that use the baseball diamond for games and/or other purposes. That being said it is anticipated we will have no problems accessing it when needed for our flying events.
The baseball diamond will have to be prepared for use in a 3-stage process. The first step is to cut the grass and thatch all the weeds. Secondly, the ground needs to be leveled and lastly, repacked so the ground will stay relatively level.
New Business: 
It was proposed that a new sign be erected at the park’s diamond location, stating “New Home of the Concord Model Engineers founded 1953.” Lonnie and Chuck will follow up on initiating that. Chuck will offer the City of Concord advice about the proper use of drones. This information based on FAA model flight rules on where and how to fly them safely and legally. It was further proposed a “No Drones ” sign be erected at our flying site at Hillcrest Park. Chuck will clarify with Tyce Dekker to see if he and the City of Concord will allow us to do this.
In order for anyone to fly model aircraft in a CME sanctioned club event and/or at our proposed model airfield, the FAA requires all pilots to be members of AMA and through membership carry AMA liability insurance. It was proposed that members of CME who are actively flying model aircraft, or operating model boats at the lake join AMA or rejoin if their membership has expired. It was further proposed CME renew our club membership as an organization. Chuck will be in charge of the administration of that duty.
It was further proposed that proof of AMA membership will need to be produced on demand before a model pilot will be allowed use of our CME flying field. The information required will include the name and address of the AMA member, and membership number. This area of Hillcrest Park will also double as our picnic site in conjunction to scheduled flying events. It was also proposed a sign be posted “AMA Membership Required” at our model airfield site. The costs of these signs will be assumed by the CME club.
Further clarification is needed regarding the City’s rule about the use of internal combustion model engines, and the noise levels connected to their use. So far standards of enforcement are arbitrary regarding when and where these engines can be used applicable to model planes and boats. It was unanimously agreed the use of electric motors is strongly encouraged due to the potential problems and excess noise caused by internal combustion engines.
Jerry and Maurice are still trying to plan an appropriate time to hold an impromptu model boat regatta, time and date to be determined at the lake.
We can start publishing our events in either a newsletter or post a notice to members online on upcoming events once we establish a calendar of planned activities. That is why it is so important for members to come and actively participate in our monthly meetings. Wes, the manager of Just Trains offered to allow us to post notices of CME events in his store.  It was unanimously agreed by all members present it would be a great idea to follow up with him on this.
It was confirmed and agreed upon by those members and officers present that no CME membership dues will be charged for the 2025 membership year at this time. This status might change in the future depending on interest, activities and operational costs (if any) to the club.
Parade of Planes and Boats:
Chuck brought his new Sky Cruiser model RC plane. It has a 56″ wingspan and costs $160.00. It comes with servos but no receiver.
Maurice brought his childhood Corgi car collection (or what’s left of it.) He started collecting from the age of 5, so some of these cars are 65 years old.
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Next Meeting: 
Our next monthly meeting will be held on January 15th, 2025, at Just Trains at their new location; 1170 Burnett Avenue, Suite L, Concord, Ca., 04520 at 6:00 PM. Phone 925-685-6566.
Chuck adjourned the meeting at 7:02 PM, December 18th, 2024.
Respectfully submitted,
Maurice Lieberman, Club Secretary, Concord Model Engineers

Concord Model Engineers, December 13th, 2023: Membership Meeting Minutes

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Chuck called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM at Just Trains Hobby Shop, Concord, Calif.

Roll Call of Officers: 

Chuck Hill, President, Ron Delvasto, Treasurer, Maurice Lieberman, Secretary, George Ellison, Member at Large, and 2 members. 

Treasurer’s Report: 

Chuck (Acting Treasurer) reported CME’s bank account balance is $653.54.

Old Business: 

Our November Model Regatta was postponed due to weather and other factors. We will try to hold another regatta over the next few months (perhaps in February as weather and time permits.) Chuck suggested we can put a regatta event together on rather short notice. We will do our best to make that happen. However, we would like to see more club member participation. Bring your boats and join in on the fun! Jerry and Maurice have plenty of boats available for everyone to try out their piloting skills on the lake. Starting and set up time will commence around 1130 AM. The event will wind up around 3:30 PM due to the short winter days or when the batteries die, whichever comes first.

 New Business:

George announced Hobbies Unlimited in San Leandro will be closing their doors sometime next year. They have been in business 55 years! Al, the owner told George he prefers to sell his business to an avid modeler that has an interest in R/C cars. 

George also mentioned the “Aeronuts” flying club will be hosting their annual control line aircraft fly-in on January 1st. at their airstrip in Alameda.  Festivities will start around 0830 with food being available around noon. “build, fly, crash, and repeat!” You will be welcomed if you go. (Video here, Aeronut Action – YouTube)

Asked about the park on Olivera Street where we used to fly our control line planes Chuck said last time he was by there the land is still torn up and unsuitable for flying our control-line planes. Court Lane is fine for R/C aircraft, but not suitable for control line aircraft. 

Indoor flying during our meetings was discussed, but we currently know of no place that is available at reasonable price. If anyone knows of an available indoor location where we can hold our meetings and fly afterwards, please let Chuck know. In the meantime, we will continue to hold our meetings at Just Trains in Concord on the second Wednesday of every month commencing a 6:00 PM.

Chuck typically flies his aircraft at Court Lane on Sundays around 3:00 PM. He has a trainer plane with dual controls and is willing to teach any interested club member how to fly. He is hoping more members will join him out there. It’s really fun!

Chuck will continue to make and disburse to members our CME business cards for distribution to those interested in our club and activities. Hopefully doing this will generate new members! It is important to get the word out about our club activities. We are hoping more modelers will join us next year along with us “old timers.”

Chuck announced we will be collecting CME Club dues in January. The membership dues will remain at $20.00 annually. 

Chuck and Norma will be hosting a potluck get-together for all CME members at their home on January 20th. Chuck will send out the logistical details soon. He is hoping for a good turnout, so let’s not disappoint him. 

Parade of Planes:

Jim brought his Yard Bee plane with a throttled 049 engine he constructed 27 years ago. It still flies!

He also gave away a Sportsman .15 start and stunt engine to Ron.

George is working on a 1/4 scale 88″ wingspan WW1 Albatross. He displayed the Proctor Albatross engine model kit ($80.00) that he built to install on top of the 4 HP engine that will actually propel the plane. We will all be very excited to see it, when he completes this major project! On an historical note, it was Mercedes that built the engines during WW1 for the Albatross aircraft between 1914-1918. 

Chuck brought his Multiplex Easy Star 3 Channel motor glider. These kits are no longer available. He suggested using White Gorilla Glue on similar foam aircraft because when cured it is very much like the foam material of the plane. It does expand considerably but can be sanded. 

Chuck brought a rubber band powered plane that was donated to the club. Maurice suggested it be given to Jerry as he knows how to fly and repair them.

Reminder: Our January 10th membership meeting is scheduled at Just Trains, commencing at 6:00 PM

There was no raffle this month. 

Meeting adjourned: 7:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Maurice Lieberman, Club Secretary, Concord Model Engineers

Andy’s Scratch Built

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Andy shows his scratch built blue foamy with some interesting features. Those big wheels are made of very stiff hard open cell foam and work well on our rough runway surface.

The impact absorbing undercarriage includes 3-D printed elements and carbon fiber tube.

What better way to access the battery than through a side door with magnetic closure.

Great short field take off and landing.

Upcoming Regatta, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022

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The club is planning to hold a model boat regatta on Saturday, Oct. 29. Will begin setting up about 11 AM and be ready to sail at noon.

All are welcome. There will be sailboats available to try.

Location: Newhall Park at the end of Boxer Blvd, from Clayton Rd, go SW on Indian Lane or Bassett Dr until they deadend on Boxer Blvd, then turn right and follow Boxer to the end.

Minutes of the Meeting, Tuesday, September 13, 2022

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Concord Model Engineers, established 1953, a club for mutual support of those interested in the crafts of model building of all types, flying model aircraft, and sailing model ships and boats.

Officers:

   – Charles Hilton Hill, President

  – Clyde Dennis Mingear, Vice President

 –  Maurice Lieberman, Secretary

–   Ronald Michael Delvesto, Treasurer    

–   George Ellison, Safety Officer

Old Business:

Update of Checking Account. There was a unanimous vote to add all current officers to the checking account and delete our former, now deceased, Treasurer Ron Meckley. Steps necessary to accomplish were discussed.

New Business:

Chuck showed his new AeroSccout Trainer Aircraft from HobbyZone.

Jim Seibert showed his electric free flight conversion.

Secretary Maurice Lieberman was unable to attend. Minutes prepared by Charles H. Hill, President.