RADIO CONTROL COMBAT
Greg Rose, 1312 NW 196th St., Edmond OK 73003
Wag That Tail!
The start of a new flying season is a great time to begin a good new habit in flying Radio Control (RC) Combat. Unlike sport models that are usually taxied out to the runway for takeoff and therefore demonstrate that they are under radio control, Combat models are normally hand launched into the sky.
Since we often leave Combat models in a "ready-to-run" configuration, even test-starting the engines before a round is called, many models can be started without the receiver turned on. With a quick hand launch we can suddenly be moving sticks that have absolutely no effect on the model that just left our hands.
This can't happen, you say? It has happened, and I have seen it happen more than once!
To avoid the problem, just before launching I wag that tail! A strong, positive, full up-and-down command gives me confirmation that my radio is responding before the model leaves my hand. It's a good habit to get into. It will save you embarrassment, help you fly more safely, and keep your rebuild time down. Use this method each time you hand launch any RC model!
Scale RC Combat: How "Scale" Is Scale?
I received a letter from someone who read the report on the RC Combat Nationals in Muncie, Indiana. He suggested that I had confused my Scale models and captioned one of the photos wrong. The caption was correct, but I admit that the photo captured the model at an angle that made it a little difficult to see how scale it appeared.
The letter brings home a current debate within the RC Combat community: just how "scale" is Scale RC Combat supposed to be? As with any Competition Regulations (AMA rule book) event, the answer should come from the rule book. The rules for how scalelike the model has to look are simple. I'll summarize them, but you should read the AMA rule book before you show up for a contest to be sure your model will conform to the rules. If you don't have a copy of the AMA rule book, you can download the Scale RC Combat rules at the Radio Control Combat Association's (RCCA) Web site: www.rccombat.com.
Key Scale RC Combat requirements:
- Models must be a 1/12-scale replica and must resemble their full-scale counterparts.
- Overall scale outline may deviate by no more than plus or minus 10%.
- Minor modifications that improve flight characteristics are allowed if they do not alter the basic resemblance to the original aircraft.
- Fuselages must be three-dimensional.
- Landing gear must be included on any aircraft if the full-scale aircraft had fixed (nonretractable) gear.
- A canopy must be in place, but it does not have to be transparent.
- The airplane must begin an event with a cowl in place (if the cowl is lost during the event, a flier may continue to use the model).
- The nonscale appearance of the muffler and/or engine sticking out of the cowl is ignored.
- Protrusions on the leading edge of the wing (guns, cannon, etc.) are not allowed, whether scale or not.
- Twin-engine designs with uncoupled engines are required to have two functioning engines.
- Unlike most other AMA Scale events, the Scale RC Combat rules allow modeling of any prototype produced, regardless of whether it ever flew.
- Scale accuracy is determined by the contest director (CD) with a simple visual inspection at 15 feet; the CD may request a three-view drawing or photo to help determine scale fidelity.
- Models are to be finished in a prototypical manner. Unusual color schemes are allowed when supported by a simple photograph or drawing.
A recent letter from the technical committee of the RCCA summed it up well: "Everyone should keep in mind that the spirit of Scale Combat is to re-create planes that appear as WW II fighters in combat. It is not a fine-scale event. We don't want to be so heavy-handed in scale issues that we discourage participation. At the same time, we don't want to be so loose with requirements that the original spirit is lost. The final say particularly on the 15-foot judgment is in the hands of the CD."
For competitors in Scale RC Combat, remember two things:
- The burden of proof of scale fidelity rests solely with the pilot of the model.
- Determining what is "scale" enough is ultimately at the discretion of the CD.
You can help make sure things go smoothly during a contest by being prepared and bringing a small document for the CD. Include:
- The basic dimensions of the full-scale aircraft (span and length).
- A simple three-view drawing or photo (I downloaded mine from the Internet).
- Supporting evidence for any unusual color scheme.
A little preparation beforehand can help keep things running smoothly at an event.
Early 2003 Events and National Points System
As I write this, 2003 is only a few days old, yet the first two RC Combat events of the year have already been flown! I received an E-mail from George Kerr of the Mile-Hi R/C Flying Club in Aurora, Colorado, telling me of the club's first Combat event of the new year, held January 4. The club plans to host a Combat event each month in 2003.
Seven pilots braved cold winds, gusting to 25 mph, to get in the first blows of the new year. Brian Neff placed first in the Open event, beating his father in the process. You can read the full report at the Mile-Hi R/C club's Web site: www.milehircc.com.
The coming of a new year also brought the 2002 National Points System (NPS) to a close. Who were the most successful Combat pilots of the year? It looks like A.J. Seaholm has taken top honors in Scale and Open, pushing the 2001 top flier, Mike Fredricks, into second place in both events.
Open NPS results (top five):
- A.J. Seaholm
- Mike Fredricks
- Daniel Vaught
- Ben Morrow
- Billy Wiggins
Scale NPS results (top five):
- A.J. Seaholm
- Mike Fredricks
- Andy Panconillo
- Scott Gilkey
- Neal Rohrke
The new season looks like it will be the hottest yet, with plenty of old hands. Combat is still growing in popularity, so get out and join the fun!
Until next time, fly safely, wag that tail, fly Combat, and don't forget to check your six! MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
