Project and Proposals
Tri-City Radio Controlled Modelers
Improvements and Projects Page
Information about proposals, projects, improvements and status will be posted here
2025-26 Projects –
At this time our current concerns are directed towards our irrigation system. Our wonderful grass is one of the highlights of our flying site. Without a properly functioning irrigation system our grass is at high risk. Most of our equipment associated with our main water source (non-potable irrigation water) is 30 plus years old.
Our 30HP pump is powered by an MCC that is around 35-40 years old. The pump was rebuilt 10+ years ago. The MCC has a contactor that likely exceeds $10,000 to replace, if it’s even still available. A local electrician has recommended we replace the MCC with a VFD, at a current cost of around $6,000-7,000. The VFD has features that our current system doesn’t have, such as soft start for the motor and the ability to pre-charge the water lines to avoid water hammer. I think it may also have other safety features that would be valuable for our system to help avoid damage caused by failed valves and such.
The output of the pump is controlled by a Cla-Val 4″ valve. The vendor says the factory recommends rebuild every 4 years (?). I don’t think this valve has ever been rebuilt. It’s long overdue! It is currently leaking around control line fittings.
There are two 4″ Fresno solenoid controlled valves at the field, that are around 30 years old. These valves are controlled by the sprinkler timer and are in dire need of rebuild. They were recently found to occasionally not completely close, which causes loss of pressure for the other zone in service. This causes zones to not be adequately watered. The solenoids need to be replaced and internal rubber sleeves replaced.
All of these irrigation repairs and upgrades will not be possible with our current funding sources and the club will need to be resourceful in generating enough funding to tackle these necessary repairs. These repairs are high priority to avoid catastrophic damage to the field and or equipment.
2024 Projects – The following projects were started in 2024 and completed in 2025.
1. Repair access road potholes
2. Intall AED
3. Install weather station
4. Install camera system
5. Install heli-pad
6. Install ramps in Conex for mower storage
7. Remove storage shed
2023 Project-
Our main project this year was the installation of a 30×300′ geotextile runway, with several taxiways. Our fabric is US Fabrics US230 material. Assistance for material purchase, equipment rental and installation was provided by a Richland City grant, an AMA site improvement grant and HRMC assistance with grading the runway. Several club members picked up the remainder of the cost. Club volunteer labor was utilized for most of the project. Our existing runway sod was removed with a sod cutter and donated to the local community. We applied a 2″ layer of road base material to replaced the sod. It was then graded with assistance from our HRMC neighbor and then compacted. The geotextile was then rolled out and overlapped approximately 6-8″. Our perimter/centerline securing staples were spaced at 6″- alternating 12″ galvanized with 9″ steel (will rust and hold better in soil). Yellow Xs were painted on runway ends as per FAA and a white dashed center line applied. Repairs are made with spare geotextile material cut into rounds and bonded to damaged areas (prop strikes) with Flex Seal paste from caulk tubes.
2023 Projects – The following is a list of projects that should have considerations for the 2023 season.
- Removal of the old storage shed.
- Considerations of a new pavilion where the storage shed was located.
- Power to the new storage connex.
- Repair the ground under the ProtaJohn.
- Stain the spectator pavilion.
- Install additional concrete for pilot stations, heli pad, aircraft assembly and starting.
- Runway Improvements
2022 Projects and Flying Site Improvements
Runway Repairs – Final preparations for winter have been completed.
Building of the new starting tables and the charging station, work day to be planned when the weather gets a bit warmer.
Grant money to support upcoming projects and events for 2023 need to be prepared and submitted.
Project Proposal – This proposal remains in discussion with the membership. A concept proposal has been sent to the City of Richland, Parks and Recreations Committee for review and comment.
Install a 30’X300′ fabric runway on the existing grass field. This installation of new fabric will consume 27 feet wide by 295 feet long strip of the grass runway on the pilot station side. You can download the proposal document by clicking the link below.
Click the link below to see the completed Safety Bench video
Tri-City R/C Modelers 