CL Scale

Author: Stephen Ashby

Edition: Model Aviation - 2000/12
Page Numbers: 69, 70, 71, 72, 73

CONTROL LINE SCALE

Stephen Ashby, 4771 Cinnamon Pl., Indianapolis IN 46237

Tucked in among some rather ugly days of Indiana weather, the Control Line (CL) Scale National Championships experienced three gorgeous days of mild humidity, bright blue skies, and temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s.

The International Aeromodelling Center at Muncie, IN was the site of the competition, held July 7-9 and hosted by the National Association of Scale Aeromodellers (NASA).

The "L-pad," centrally located on the well-groomed and well-prepared flying facility, was the focal point of this year's exciting competition.

Ed Culver, editor of Replica, the NASA newsletter, guided this year's competition as event director for the four categories: Sport Scale, F4B (an international class), Precision Scale, and Profile Scale. With his great group of competent volunteers, Ed ran a smooth contest with very few hitches.

This was the second year for the two-two-circle concept, in which the four categories were flown for two rounds on each circle, providing the contestants with an opportunity to fly in front of two sets of judges. This concept has proven very effective, while accommodating the number of entries throughout the course of the four-round competition.

Walking through the pit area and observing the various models is much like walking through an aviation museum. All eras of aviation were represented, from Bill Logan’s huge 104-inch-span 1914 de Havilland 10 to Charlie Bauer’s turbine-powered U-2. Not only were there many great-looking aircraft, but there was also a number of great flights.

Static Judging

The static portion of the competition began early Friday, July 7 at Muncie’s Horizon Convention Center. Static judging is where each model is scrutinized for accuracy of outline, accuracy of color, and quality of craftsmanship.

The parking lot was crammed with vehicles that carried models from all parts of the United States, and it became the contestants’ assemblage area in preparation for inspection. The Horizon Convention Center is an excellent host for this portion of the Nats competition, with its huge, well-lit area.

Each of the four categories has its own set of guidelines, but the rules follow the same fundamental criteria. The modeler’s goal is to replicate a full-scale aircraft, which is accomplished not only with physical accuracy, but also with the model’s flying capability.

Flying

The flying portion of the competition began early Saturday morning, as the pit area quickly filled to capacity with models and competitors. Anticipation grew as the first round approached. The pilots were greeted with perfect flying conditions under bright blue skies, with very little wind. However, the wind picked up and caused problems with takeoffs and landings. Several contestants "passed" on the fourth round because of the gusts, increasing the importance of the first two rounds in determining the outcome of the competition.

Sport Scale continues to be one of the strongest and highly contested events at the CL Scale Nationals; there were 10 entries. The quality of flying improves each year, creating tougher competition.

The top static score belonged to Frank Beatty with his first-time Borg Parakeet N80R6. This 2½-inch = 1-foot-scale beauty spanned 50 inches, weighed 8.4 pounds, and was powered by an O.S. 46 engine. It was painted with Brodak dope, and used a basic three-line system of control.

The first round ended with Mike Welshans, who was the CL Scale event director during the previous three years, in first place with his Howard DGA. Mike's absence from Nats competition did not hamper his ability to fly smoothly and consistently with his 1989 Nationals winner. Mike's Howard spanned 58 inches and weighed six pounds, five ounces. It was painted with Sig dope and used a standard three-line system of control. Mike led the event through the four rounds, and finished in first place.

Finishing 3.08 points behind Mike for a close second was Ralph Burnstine, flying his Pitts S-2S. Ralph also finished second in Sport Scale with this model.

Banquet and Awards

The NASA banquet Saturday night has become a tradition, and this year's festivities lived up to all expectations. The celebration was held at the Horizon Convention Center, and the accommodations and the food were excellent.

NASA president Stan Alexander presided over the banquet, and he presented a handmade and highly coveted Dolly Wischer bear to a lucky lady in the audience.

The evening included a drawing for the big prize: two half-hour rides in a 225-horsepower 1942 Stearman biplane at Reese Flying Service, just southeast of AMA Headquarters. Dave Arvin and Mike Dinneen were the winners.

Ed Culver and Stan Alexander presented awards at the conclusion of the competition. Chuck Snyder earned the NASA Flight Achievement Award for his consistently high flight scores and his proficient flying. Winners of the four categories were awarded trophies, and high static awards and cash prizes were given. Merchandise provided by this year's Nationals sponsors was also presented.

Volunteers

The Nationals could not have been a success without all the volunteers who gave their time and efforts:

Ed Culver
Rae Underwood
Mary Arvin
Dolly Wischer
Hal and Flickie Winters
George Kite
Carol and Dick Schneider
Al and Carol Culver
Dave Fratello
Bill Logan

The first Nationals of the millennium was a huge success. It will be remembered for many things, but the greatest memories will be the minds of the competitors. Some achieved success, and others didn't have the success that was intended, but are already looking forward to their challenges and planning for next year's Scale National Championships.

The 2001 CL Scale Nationals are planned for July 13-15. Come and enjoy the fun! MA

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.