The National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA) has developed a new Scale contest that will be called the NASA Scale Classic. The invitation-only event is for Sport, Profile, and Fun Scale.
If a pilot attends the Nats or select local CL Scale contests and does well enough, he or she will receive an invitation to compete at the NASA Scale Classic. The Scale Classic will be held October 3-5, 2014, at the AMA flying site in Muncie, Indiana.
CL Sport, Profile, and Fun Scale are the invitational events. Also offered at the Classic will be 1/2A Scale. It will be open to all AMA members and not require an invitation—simply show up and fly!
This contest will showcase the best models that we have. Get that CL Scale model ready and plan to attend a qualifier to earn an invitation. This should be a fun event! Check the NASA website for full details about what CL Scale contests have been selected as qualifiers and for more details regarding the NASA Scale Classic.
Throttle Control
Whether or not you fly competitively, throttle control is one of those features that most CL Scale pilots add without even thinking about it. Controlling engine speed can be fun and is also an option during the flight portion of Scale competition.
The traditional throttle-control system is the three-line handle and bellcrank. Other options include the “down-the-line” electronic controls or the newly legal 2.4 GHz radio control.
Properly set up, a CL Scale model should be able to reduce the throttle to an idle and the model will not move until takeoff. After landing, you should be able to return the engine to idle, come to a full stop, and then kill the engine from the handle. Throttle control also allows you to make a taxi lap, which is another flight option. Smooth, consistent throttle control is required to earn maximum points during Scale competition.
The first throttle-control system developed was the J-Roberts three-line handle and bellcrank, which is still in use today. Since then, various forms of electronic controls, including the JR radio DSC, converted radios, single-channel systems, and Clancy Arnold’s control systems, have been developed.
In 2013, the rules were changed to allow the use of 2.4 GHz radio control for CL Scale and Carrier. There are many good choices, so choose what you are most comfortable with and make sure it is correctly set up.
Clancy Arnold Electronic Controls
Clancy Arnold offers “down-the-line” electronic controls that work well for sport or competition flying. This system requires insulated lines.
The first unit is a single-channel system that controls one function—typically the throttle. The other available one is the four-channel system that can independently operate four items.
Both systems require the builder to assemble the switches and variable slide pots into a handle or box.
2.4 GHz Controls
The typical 2.4 GHz radio control system was designed for RC. I use a Tactic 650 transmitter and TR624 receiver in five models. I use one transmitter and each model has its own receiver.
I hang the transmitter on my belt and operate the sticks and switches by feel. When I fly, my left hand controls the throttle and other features, while my right hand flies with a typical stunt handle and lines. It sounds difficult, but it is not as hard as you might think. With some practice it becomes easy.
All-in-One 2.4 GHz Handle
Most of us are experienced in flying with a three-line handle and prefer the trigger on the handle because we have always controlled the throttle this way.
If you look at RC car transmitters, they have the correct shape and the trigger for the throttle control. However, RC car transmitters need some modification so that we can attach some flying lines and pass the pull test.
Your first option is to modify that RC car transmitter into a CL handle. Dick Perry’s January 2014 “CL Navy Carrier” column features a picture of the handle that Eric Conley converted for CL use.
Another option is to buy a ready-to-use handle from Ralph Saxton. Ralph offers one based on the Spektrum radio system and one based on the Losi radio system.
If you have never flown with electronic controls or 2.4 GHz, consider installing the system in an older model or an ARF to learn how it works, so when you build a new Scale model, you will have some experience behind you.
If you decide to fly with “down-the-line” electronic controls, you can download my free book that shows how to make the insulated lines and covers other topics.
Operation at the flying field is different if you have a separate transmitter instead of an all-in-one handle. When I fly with the separate transmitter, I have it next to the airplane when I start the engine and then walk out to the handle. The all-in-one 2.4 GHz handle is attached to the flying lines, so you have to bring the handle back to the model to change the throttle setting.
Deciding what system you like best always sparks spirited discussions about what is the best approach. There are multiple solutions from the three-line handle, “down-the-line” systems such as Clancy’s, separate 2.4 GHz transmitters, and the all-in-one 2.4 GHz handle. They all work. Choose the system that you like best and learn how to correctly set it up.
2014 CL Scale Contests
• Wisconsin Scale, Pewaukee WI, June 8
• Brodak Fly-in, Carmicheals PA, June 10-14 (NSC Qualifier)
• AMA Nationals, Muncie IN, July 11-13 (NSC Qualifier)
• Ohio Scale, Dayton OH, August 9-10
• Fellowship of Christian Modelers (FCM), Muncie IN, August 23-24 (NSC Qualifier)
• Broken Arrow, St. Louis MO, September 20-21 (NSC Qualifier)
I always welcome contest reports, upcoming contest flyers, pictures, and any projects you are building and flying.
Now is the time to submit your entry for the 2014 Nats so that the AMA has enough time to order the awards. Entries sent in after June 15 will not be included in the head count to determine how many awards are ordered.
Land softly!
