Author: Rich Lopez
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/05
Page Numbers: 126,127
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Control Line Combat - 2011/05

The Northern European World Cups

The 2011 SUPER Dreiländerpolka World Cups mark the fifth year that the Northern European countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Germany are hosting three consecutive F2D (FAI CL Combat) World Cup competitions within a short time span.

The weekend of May 28–29, Swedish organizers kick off the “Polka” in Karlskoga. Just two days later the Danes hold their competition in Aalborg, and two days after that, June 4–5, the Germans conclude the series in Sebnitz.

The U.S. will be well represented by:

  • Andy and Bobby Mears
  • Allen Deveuve
  • Tom Siegler
  • the author

Leonardo Silva of Mexico will no doubt participate with the U.S. members. Leonardo holds dual citizenship, since he was born in Baltimore, Maryland. The plan is to travel with some models and have others shipped from manufacturers in Ukraine to Sweden. This means a few models will have to arrive early for trimming. See the “Sources” section for the web sites for each competition.

Miniature Aircraft Combat Association (MACA)

The Miniature Aircraft Combat Association (MACA) was started in 1974 and has been recognized by the AMA as the official SIG for CL Combat. Neal White, who designed the elliptical-wing Bosta (published in the October 1973 American Aircraft Modeler), and Howard Rush, who designed the Nemesis, originated the MACA concept. Tom Southern was one of the early newsletter editors who kept information flowing to the membership. Gary Frost became the first MACA president and got the idea of the yearly Top 20 pilots off the ground. Ira Keeler of Vacaville, California, designed the MACA logo that is still in use. Frank Garcher of Midwest Products was one of the early sponsors of the Top 20 T-shirts and even advertised and offered prize money to modelers who won at the AMA Nats using his company’s kits.

During most of MACA’s existence, various editors published a monthly newsletter. That aspect of the organization has vanished almost entirely and has been replaced by a website, which James McKinney maintains. Members can contribute information and have their contests listed in the calendar section of the site. It contains a great number of high-quality photographs and many worthwhile links to related sites. If it has been a while since you visited the site, take a moment to reacquaint yourself with MACA.

Western Associated Modelers (WAM)

I was introduced to competitive model flying by members of a Western Associated Modelers (WAM) club. I am sad to say that the once-thriving umbrella organization of Northern California aeromodeling clubs has officially disbanded, and the remaining funds have been distributed to active clubs in the area.

Mrs. Myrtle B. “Mom” Coad was the heart and soul of WAM for as long as I participated in competitions. She was at every competition’s registration desk early in the morning, ready to greet contest regulars by name and to welcome new members with a great smile. Many national champions and world championship competitors honed their flying skills at WAM events. I remain in contact with several early competitors I flew against and assisted with pitting. In the heyday of the organization, roughly the late 1960s, WAM had more than 3,000 members. The Propwash newsletter included results of each contest and contained flyers for upcoming competitions. I will always have fond memories of WAM and the many people who helped make the organization a solid place to make friends, compete, and learn all aspects of model flying.

Northwest Control-Line Regionals

John Thompson sent information about this year’s Northwest Control-Line Regionals, which will be held, as always, on Memorial Day weekend (May 27–29). The venue is the airport in Eugene, Oregon.

This will be the 40th annual competition, featuring 39 separate events, including three Combat events: High-Performance 1/2A, 80-MPH, and Vintage Diesel. Having participated in this event many years ago, I recommend considering attendance at this special happening.

For information about this contest, contact John or visit the Flying Lines website.

F2D Rules and Team Trials

If you need a set of the 2011 F2D rules, the quickest way to get them is to visit Henning Forbech’s site (the same site listed in “Sources” for the Danish competition).

There are several items you should read carefully. The FAI has adopted a card system similar to FIFA soccer by requiring the circle marshal to show yellow cards for penalties and disqualifications.

Section 4.4.13 has been added to explain the use of video equipment to monitor pilots’ behavior in the center circle. Judges and the circle marshal can use officially recorded video to make decisions. The new 6 mm muffler rule is also listed, as are the measuring-tool tolerances.

You now have seven pages of homework, and you will be tested the next time you enter an F2D contest.

The 2011 F2D Team Trials will be held this year, and invitations to submit a bid to host the event have been sent to members of the Team Selection Committee. Bobby Mears is the current Team Selection Chairman.

Hosting the Trials is a difficult task. It requires ample personnel to judge, support field setup, provide food for competitors and spectators, manage publicity, and more. There must also be sufficient field space for practice both before and during the competition to obtain the best performance from each competitor.

Many places across the country have the space, but there might not be a large enough club to help with judging. Judges need to be completely knowledgeable about the new rules and know how to apply and interpret them. The host club must be able to clearly present the procedures for contest operation and be willing to follow the protocol set forth in the approved Team Selection Program Guidelines during the pilots’ meeting.

Sources

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