January 2004 125
WITH THE RADIO Control (RC) Combat movement continuing
to grow in the United States, it isn’t surprising to find that there
are almost as many ideas about Combat as there are Combat fliers.
Although Open Class B and 2610 Scale Combat remain the
most popular events, other events such as Slow Survivable Combat
(SSC), SSC Scale, Open Class C, Pizza Box Flyers Combat, World
War I Combat, and others have grabbed the attention of several
Combat fliers.
As I mentioned a few columns ago, the third largest Combat
event at this time is SSC. Its popularity has resulted not only in a
lot of activity but a recently announced rules update. The “SSC
Rules Change—Mid Year 2003” revision to the Radio Control
Combat Association (RCCA) provisional rules don’t affect the
spirit of the event but do help clarify a few critical points.
The changes can be summarized fairly easily. The word “stock”
was removed from the engine description, allowing a finer needle
valve to be substituted and muffler baffle plates to be removed.
The pilot is given a choice as to the method used by the
technical inspector to test peak rpm, with “pinching” the fuel line
or “full access to the needle valve” as options. The actual peak
rpm number remains unchanged at 17,500 (with a Master Airscrew
8 x 3 propeller); only the method of performing the test has been
updated.
The next change adds random checks of rpm in every heat
flown in addition to the complete precompetition checks already in
place. The last issue concerns an engine that exceeds the maximum
allowable rpm. The pilot has been given clearer options for how
the rpm limit can be obtained. Now changing fuel, restricting
exhaust or intake airflow, and mechanical or transmitter travel
adjustments to limit carburetor opening are allowed.
For access to up-to-date information on the SSC rules and SSC
midyear rules changes for 2003, you can check the RCCA Web
site at www.rccombat.com and follow the “Rules” link.
Other than the aforementioned changes, SSC has remained the
same. It allows only .15-size engines, priced “$60 or less.” Only
unmodified Master Airscrew 8 x 3 propellers are allowed.
All engines are tested before combat to ensure that they cannot
be made to exceed 17,500 rpm. (The engine requirements were
drawn up around the ubiquitous O.S. Max .15 FP and its lookalikes.
I have five of these engines sitting idle since the changes in
the old 704 Scale rules allowed introduction of some muchneeded,
more powerful engines.)
The design requirements for the models remain unchanged and
are simple. Two requirements control the design: a minimum
weight of 2.5 pounds and a minimum wing area of 400 square
inches. The freedom built into the design requirements has even
allowed a “cartoon scale” version of SSC Combat to develop.
As would be expected with any event growing in popularity,
several SSC and SSC Scale kits are now available. Several free
SSC plans can be obtained through the Internet. With simple rules
and costs held in check by the rules, SSC can only grow in
popularity as more fliers decide to get involved in RC Combat by
choosing SSC.
When it comes to SSC and SSC Scale, one source you can’t do
without is Hat Trick Enterprises (W8530 CTH S, Beaver Dam WI
53916; Tel.: [920] 887-3225, evenings only). The company’s Web
site is www.hattrickrc.com, or you can link through RCCA’s Web
site under “Kits and Plans.”
Mike Fredricks at Hat Trick has long been an avid promoter of
SSC and SSC Scale, and the company offers several kits. For SSC
Greg Rose, 1312 NW 196th St., Edmond OK 73003
RADIO CONTROL COMBAT
Kelvin McFadden launches a Slow Survivable Combat (SSC)
Scale P-40 in a North Texas Round Robin Meet.
Lou Melancon put together this SSC P-39 from a Lee Liddle kit.
Lou did a nice job on the flight box/workstand too!
Ron Caravona gets help launching his Hat Trick SSC Me 109 in
demonstration SSC Scale at the Nats in Muncie, Indiana.
01sig4.QXD 10/27/03 9:27 am Page 125
January 2004 129
Scale, four kits are offered: the
Messerschmitt Me 109, the P-51 Mustang,
the F4U Corsair, and the Hawker
Hurricane. All four designs feature a cutfoam
fuselage and wings with slots for
fiberglass reinforcing rods and Coroplast
tails. For SSC (nonscale) the Mini-Choker,
with its long span and E203 airfoil, is a
competitive design, and Hat Trick
recommends it for experienced pilots.
Hat Trick makes models for SSC and
SSC Scale fliers and makes a promise to
Combat fliers with its Combat Promotion
Guarantee. The company suggests that the
best way to get clubs started in Combat is
in the SSC Scale class. If you purchase
several kits for your club in the process of
getting the club involved and the members
don’t latch onto the idea, Mike offers a “no
hassle return of any kits you cannot sell.
Just pay the return shipping and I will
refund the cost of any unsold and complete
kits you purchased from me.”
That’s quite an offer, and it’s quite a
reflection of just how fun RC Combat can
be. I can’t think of a kit manufacturer for
any other event that makes such a claim!
Be sure to check the Hat Trick Web site for
complete details on its Combat Promotion
Guarantee and information on all of its SSC
kit offerings.
Another “must visit” for SSC fliers is
the Simple Plastic Airplane Designs (Spad)
Web site at www.spadtothebone.com.
There you will find free plans for three
SSC Combat designs under the “Spad
Originals” link. They are as unique as the
three individuals who designed them.
Check out the SRR design (SRR stands
for Sassy’s Rudder Rail, a rudder-andelevator
Coroplast design for SSC by—you
guessed it—Sassy). Or you can download
the plans for the handiwork of Collin
“Kraut” McGinnis and his V-tailed Spad
H.O.R. (I can’t tell you exactly what
H.O.R. stands for, but it’s something like
Heck on Rails).
Perhaps you will like Gene “Tattoo”
Tuinstra’s flat-airfoil Gnat (which I don’t
believe stands for anything other than the
small, fast-moving, irritating insect of the
same name). I found the Gnat to my liking
and started building one the day I first saw
the plans!
Another good Web Site for fliers who
are interested in SSC—especially SSC
Scale—is Lou Melancon’s at
www.georgiacombat.com. The site has
several pages about SSC design, building
tips, events, and flight reports. Be sure to
check it out.
In addition to these plans and kits, there
are several other kits and designs that can
be used for SSC Combat. If you have a
simple sport .15-size engine sitting on your
shelf, you are halfway there! Put it to some
good use and go have a ball with it in SSC
Combat!
That’s all for now. Until next time, fly
safely, fly Combat, and don’t forget to
check your six! MA
Service & Repairs For Most Radio Control Systems,
Utilizing Calibrated Test Equipment & Spectrum Analyzers.
Futaba, Airtronics, JR, Ace, HiTec, Tower, Cirrus, World Engines & More
D&M ELECTRONICS • 1236 Marigold St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632 • 330-877-1445
Shipping & Insurance Extra – – UPS • U.S. Mail • C.O.D.’s
Visit our home page at http://www.dnmelectronics.com • Email: [email protected]
AMA # 256123-Dave ARRL WB8YSQ
D & M E L E C T R O N I C S
• WE USE GENUINE FACTORY REPLACEMENT PARTS
• Endorsed by AMA/RCMA as Sticker Station #105
• 1991/1998 Narrow Banding & Certification
• FCC Licensed
• Speed Control Repairs
• Quality Service
• Fast Turn Around
• RCD / HITEC R/C Dealer
• Miniature Aircraft Dealer
X-CELL Helicopters
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:42 am Page 129
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/01
Page Numbers: 125,129
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/01
Page Numbers: 125,129
January 2004 125
WITH THE RADIO Control (RC) Combat movement continuing
to grow in the United States, it isn’t surprising to find that there
are almost as many ideas about Combat as there are Combat fliers.
Although Open Class B and 2610 Scale Combat remain the
most popular events, other events such as Slow Survivable Combat
(SSC), SSC Scale, Open Class C, Pizza Box Flyers Combat, World
War I Combat, and others have grabbed the attention of several
Combat fliers.
As I mentioned a few columns ago, the third largest Combat
event at this time is SSC. Its popularity has resulted not only in a
lot of activity but a recently announced rules update. The “SSC
Rules Change—Mid Year 2003” revision to the Radio Control
Combat Association (RCCA) provisional rules don’t affect the
spirit of the event but do help clarify a few critical points.
The changes can be summarized fairly easily. The word “stock”
was removed from the engine description, allowing a finer needle
valve to be substituted and muffler baffle plates to be removed.
The pilot is given a choice as to the method used by the
technical inspector to test peak rpm, with “pinching” the fuel line
or “full access to the needle valve” as options. The actual peak
rpm number remains unchanged at 17,500 (with a Master Airscrew
8 x 3 propeller); only the method of performing the test has been
updated.
The next change adds random checks of rpm in every heat
flown in addition to the complete precompetition checks already in
place. The last issue concerns an engine that exceeds the maximum
allowable rpm. The pilot has been given clearer options for how
the rpm limit can be obtained. Now changing fuel, restricting
exhaust or intake airflow, and mechanical or transmitter travel
adjustments to limit carburetor opening are allowed.
For access to up-to-date information on the SSC rules and SSC
midyear rules changes for 2003, you can check the RCCA Web
site at www.rccombat.com and follow the “Rules” link.
Other than the aforementioned changes, SSC has remained the
same. It allows only .15-size engines, priced “$60 or less.” Only
unmodified Master Airscrew 8 x 3 propellers are allowed.
All engines are tested before combat to ensure that they cannot
be made to exceed 17,500 rpm. (The engine requirements were
drawn up around the ubiquitous O.S. Max .15 FP and its lookalikes.
I have five of these engines sitting idle since the changes in
the old 704 Scale rules allowed introduction of some muchneeded,
more powerful engines.)
The design requirements for the models remain unchanged and
are simple. Two requirements control the design: a minimum
weight of 2.5 pounds and a minimum wing area of 400 square
inches. The freedom built into the design requirements has even
allowed a “cartoon scale” version of SSC Combat to develop.
As would be expected with any event growing in popularity,
several SSC and SSC Scale kits are now available. Several free
SSC plans can be obtained through the Internet. With simple rules
and costs held in check by the rules, SSC can only grow in
popularity as more fliers decide to get involved in RC Combat by
choosing SSC.
When it comes to SSC and SSC Scale, one source you can’t do
without is Hat Trick Enterprises (W8530 CTH S, Beaver Dam WI
53916; Tel.: [920] 887-3225, evenings only). The company’s Web
site is www.hattrickrc.com, or you can link through RCCA’s Web
site under “Kits and Plans.”
Mike Fredricks at Hat Trick has long been an avid promoter of
SSC and SSC Scale, and the company offers several kits. For SSC
Greg Rose, 1312 NW 196th St., Edmond OK 73003
RADIO CONTROL COMBAT
Kelvin McFadden launches a Slow Survivable Combat (SSC)
Scale P-40 in a North Texas Round Robin Meet.
Lou Melancon put together this SSC P-39 from a Lee Liddle kit.
Lou did a nice job on the flight box/workstand too!
Ron Caravona gets help launching his Hat Trick SSC Me 109 in
demonstration SSC Scale at the Nats in Muncie, Indiana.
01sig4.QXD 10/27/03 9:27 am Page 125
January 2004 129
Scale, four kits are offered: the
Messerschmitt Me 109, the P-51 Mustang,
the F4U Corsair, and the Hawker
Hurricane. All four designs feature a cutfoam
fuselage and wings with slots for
fiberglass reinforcing rods and Coroplast
tails. For SSC (nonscale) the Mini-Choker,
with its long span and E203 airfoil, is a
competitive design, and Hat Trick
recommends it for experienced pilots.
Hat Trick makes models for SSC and
SSC Scale fliers and makes a promise to
Combat fliers with its Combat Promotion
Guarantee. The company suggests that the
best way to get clubs started in Combat is
in the SSC Scale class. If you purchase
several kits for your club in the process of
getting the club involved and the members
don’t latch onto the idea, Mike offers a “no
hassle return of any kits you cannot sell.
Just pay the return shipping and I will
refund the cost of any unsold and complete
kits you purchased from me.”
That’s quite an offer, and it’s quite a
reflection of just how fun RC Combat can
be. I can’t think of a kit manufacturer for
any other event that makes such a claim!
Be sure to check the Hat Trick Web site for
complete details on its Combat Promotion
Guarantee and information on all of its SSC
kit offerings.
Another “must visit” for SSC fliers is
the Simple Plastic Airplane Designs (Spad)
Web site at www.spadtothebone.com.
There you will find free plans for three
SSC Combat designs under the “Spad
Originals” link. They are as unique as the
three individuals who designed them.
Check out the SRR design (SRR stands
for Sassy’s Rudder Rail, a rudder-andelevator
Coroplast design for SSC by—you
guessed it—Sassy). Or you can download
the plans for the handiwork of Collin
“Kraut” McGinnis and his V-tailed Spad
H.O.R. (I can’t tell you exactly what
H.O.R. stands for, but it’s something like
Heck on Rails).
Perhaps you will like Gene “Tattoo”
Tuinstra’s flat-airfoil Gnat (which I don’t
believe stands for anything other than the
small, fast-moving, irritating insect of the
same name). I found the Gnat to my liking
and started building one the day I first saw
the plans!
Another good Web Site for fliers who
are interested in SSC—especially SSC
Scale—is Lou Melancon’s at
www.georgiacombat.com. The site has
several pages about SSC design, building
tips, events, and flight reports. Be sure to
check it out.
In addition to these plans and kits, there
are several other kits and designs that can
be used for SSC Combat. If you have a
simple sport .15-size engine sitting on your
shelf, you are halfway there! Put it to some
good use and go have a ball with it in SSC
Combat!
That’s all for now. Until next time, fly
safely, fly Combat, and don’t forget to
check your six! MA
Service & Repairs For Most Radio Control Systems,
Utilizing Calibrated Test Equipment & Spectrum Analyzers.
Futaba, Airtronics, JR, Ace, HiTec, Tower, Cirrus, World Engines & More
D&M ELECTRONICS • 1236 Marigold St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632 • 330-877-1445
Shipping & Insurance Extra – – UPS • U.S. Mail • C.O.D.’s
Visit our home page at http://www.dnmelectronics.com • Email: [email protected]
AMA # 256123-Dave ARRL WB8YSQ
D & M E L E C T R O N I C S
• WE USE GENUINE FACTORY REPLACEMENT PARTS
• Endorsed by AMA/RCMA as Sticker Station #105
• 1991/1998 Narrow Banding & Certification
• FCC Licensed
• Speed Control Repairs
• Quality Service
• Fast Turn Around
• RCD / HITEC R/C Dealer
• Miniature Aircraft Dealer
X-CELL Helicopters
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:42 am Page 129