Indian Well/Shelton CT - September 10th 2011

By P. Lanbee

The Shelton/Indian Well meet was a success despite the historic flooding that closed the boat launch and most of the park. But the meet went on anyway as a dry/display event and, while attendance was down a bit, 36 members showed up and there were over 60 Eltos on display. (That's 1.6 Eltos per atendee!) Thanks again to everyone who came and made the meet a success; the host had a couple of sleepless nights over this one.....

We managed to have 15 Ruddertwin models show up, not bad given the turnout. I think virtually the entire series was present from Bob G's 1922 through RC H's 1927 Model J. A Super G Elto was set up so people not familiar with the Ruddertwin's unusual starting proceedure could try a hand at starting it. In every case it started with a 1/4 rock of the flywheel and it ran like a dream. One gentleman was so taken with how easily it started he exclaimed: "I have never looked twice at these old motors. Nothing but a classic Merc and going fast was of interest to me, but that Elto is really cool and fun to run - I want one now!" I think Ole would have been very pleased with that comment.

Some of the more numeraous and unusual motors on display were 8 Speedsters, 6 Quads, 5 Cubs and even 3 Folding Lightweight Eltos. And there were represantaives of most of the smaller motors from the 1930s and 40s.  There were other antique and classic motors on display and a few swap & trade items as well.

The Yankee Chapter's annual meeting was held and awards were given for the most outstanding motors - congratulations to all the winners!

A huge thanks to everyone who participated and the Park Manager who helped us relocate to a different parking lot on higher ground. Here are a few photos I took before my camera battery died - ENJOY!!

This is what the regular area of the park we use looked like on Friday. The water was down a bit by Saturday, but the State DEP kept the gate locked due to concerns about bacteria.	Here's a view of the boat launch taken on Friday looking at it from the far shore. (The dock is just out of view on the left.) That tree-line and bushes are usually 4'-6' above water level, behind is the regular parking lot.
Gary M's large Quads and Speedsters on display	Bob G. had a fantastic display from Ruddertwin to Cub. He even tried to pass of his Amark Diesel (white hood) as an Elto....
Seeing an Elto Folding Lightweight is not a common thing, having 3 at the same meet is fantastic!	Ray S. had a nice display of little Eltos from Ruddertwin to Sportster
1926 Elto "Super G" Ruddertwin - this was later set up to run so people could experience the unusual starting technique. Probably 20 people tried it, every time it started with just a 1/4 rock of the flywheel!	Tom C. had these two nice little restored Pals – they run as nice as they look!
Art R. brought a terrific display of Eltos, one of them was a “C” Ruddertwin in the box. There was a lot of interest in him opening the box up – like the original owner back when it came home from the dealer!	Inspecting the contents to be sure it wasn't damaged in transit!
Michael S's grandfather purchased this Speedster new!
Early Evier	Lat
This o	PO
Frank P.	Clos
Fra	Ano
Okay h	eone
Ric	Som
Here's another of the Folding Lightweights
Davat nictt 10hp	19es
More photos of tects	tects
Al B. had a nice display of classics
Swap stuff	Rick P. brought some excellent swap & trade stuff!

Yankee Chapter: Making Waves With Old Outboards