Control Line Scale — 2011/12
Rules proposal CLG 13-1
The proposal
THE PROPOSAL, by D.L. Burke of Menifee, California, to allow the 2.4 GHz radio system to be used in control line (CL), has been posted by the AMA as CLG 13-1 Burke. Although I have had information concerning the proposal in past columns, I feel that now that it is officially posted, the proposal and its purposes should once more be stated.
The proposal requests a change be made to the existing Control Line General Paragraph “2 General.” The change requests that the final sentence of the paragraph, which reads “The use of radio control to accomplish any control function on Control Line models is specifically prohibited,” be replaced with, “The use of 2.4 GHz radio control to accomplish functions other than providing aerodynamic control of the model’s elevation on Control Line models is allowed.”
Intent and effects
The proposal goes on to say that the intent of the change is to recognize the advancements in interference-free functionality. The intent is also to allow use of 2.4 GHz systems to control nonflight elevation control surfaces. Control of the elevator and—if used—maneuvering flaps would remain controlled by the wires connected to the control handle.
If passed, this proposal would allow for easier operation of model functions such as gear retraction, throttle control, bomb release, and many other operations that now depend on electronic systems sending digital signals over insulated wires between the control handle and the model. I also understand that use of a 2.4 GHz system would make installation and use of electric motors in CL models an easier task.
Community reaction
In past columns I have received a number of favorable comments from readers about use of 2.4 GHz systems. Many mentioned they were already using 2.4 GHz on fun-fly models with great success. One advantage is eliminating the weight of insulated lines and being able to return to two-line systems while still providing miscellaneous control functions.
As time marches on, so does technology. In CL modeling’s beginning we had only two lines between the handle and the model and one simple function: elevator control. As time went on we devised mechanical means of adding control functions. With the development of the three-line bellcrank system and a special handle, we added various combinations of controls to our models. Next came electronic systems and insulated lines, which allowed servos to accomplish operational features similar to those of the prototype aircraft.
With new technology, we now have the opportunity to go back to two lines from the model to the handle and, with the assistance of 2.4 GHz systems, have all the operational features we desire. This could be an opportunity for those who want to try CL Scale without the cumbersome insulated lines required with current electronic systems. Passing this proposal would not prevent anyone from continuing to use current control systems.
Call to action
I urge you to contact your district CL and Scale board members who might be involved in deciding the passage of this proposal and let them know how you feel about it. I feel that passing this proposal and employing the new technology would be good for all CL modelers.
Return to building and flying — John Lickley
In a recent email, John Lickley of Napa, California, spoke about returning to building and flying CL. His 13-year-old daughter, Lynette, asked John about the models he had hanging in the garage, and the ensuing conversation got John going again.
John's Typhoon, which appeared in a 1996 issue of MA, is once more being completed. John noted that he and his daughter have been flying Stunt whenever the weather permits. His daughter is becoming interested in building Scale and has an interest in German aircraft. We hope that it all works out for John and Lynette and that we have a couple of newly active CL fliers.
During our email exchanges, John noted a source for old magazine plans on CD. If you are interested in modeling plans, articles, newsletters, reports, and cartoons for almost any category of modeling prior to 1975, Thomas Wilk in Duluth, Minnesota, has a great compilation on more than 25 CDs.
Thomas's CD #12 of old magazine cartoons contains more than a thousand cartoons, including 222 CL-related, 335 of RC, 62 for the Gee Bee, and other subjects such as World War II years, FF Gas, and Space modeling. Another CD, European Speed, covers models of all Speed classes. There are CDs covering CL Old-Time and Classic Stunt, Combat, Carrier, and more.
To obtain a listing of all the CDs, their contents, and cost, please see the "Sources" listing for contact information.
Photos from the 2011 Nats CL Scale events
This month's photos were provided by Ted Kraver and were taken at the 2011 Nats CL Scale events.
- One photo shows Aaron Bauer and his grandfather, Charles Bauer, taken when Aaron received an AMA scholarship. Scholarship awards are presented to modelers who have excelled in model aviation, maintained good school grades, and were active in extracurricular activities and community service. Aaron plans to study physics at Loyola University in Chicago and has planned a teaching career in physics.
Aaron placed first in the Junior/Senior Profile Scale event and was second in Junior/Senior Sport Scale. It is interesting to note that several other Bauer family members have received AMA scholarships over the years; Aaron's father, Peter, received one roughly 30 years ago.
- Other photos include John Brodak and event director Jack Sheeks presenting Frank Beatty of Granite City, Illinois, with the High Point Static Award for Beatty's impeccable yellow Borg Parakeet, which he entered in the FAI Scale event. The Borg Parakeet has a three-line control system and is powered by an O.S. .46 engine.
Frank placed first in the Designer event with his fine Hawker Fury and had the highest static score (90.3) in the Sport Scale event with his Stearman 4EM. Unfortunately, a poor flight score kept the Stearman out of the winners' circle.
Please send ideas, notices of upcoming CL Scale events, contest reports, and especially photos of CL Scale activity to me at the email address at the beginning of this column. MA
Sources
- Bill Boss
77-06 269th Street New Hyde Park NY 11040
- John Lickley
- Thomas Wilk
[email protected] www.oldmagazineplansoncd.com/Home_Page.html
- National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
- Ted Kraver
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
