Author: Don Grissom
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/09
Page Numbers: 104,105
,

Radio Control Combat

Don Grissom [[email protected]]

A better foam covering method than tape

I have begun working on the new P-47 for Scale Combat. One issue with Scale Combat models has been trying to come up with a color scheme that is different from other airplanes in competition.

You might have noticed that there seems to be a lot of green aircraft at Combat meets. This is because of covering limitations.

Most pilots use colored tape 2.2 mil thick; it works well and is easy to use for covering models. The only issue is that this material is available in only basic colors such as red, blue, green, and a few others.

After looking at many covering types, I saw something about using vinyl to finish Combat wings. Those who did so said that they did not have to use as much bidirectional tape with this method, because the vinyl made the wing stronger than tape alone.

These pilots are using Avery A6, which is available in many sizes. Most important, this material comes in several colors. Many are military hues, such as olive drab, silver, and brown. The rolls of A6 are sold in sizes from 15 to 24 inches wide and lengths of 10 yards. You can purchase them from sign shops or online suppliers. Avery vinyl is easy to apply; it’s basically the same as tape, only larger. A big difference is that there will be fewer seams.

After you have used bidirectional tape on the wing or fuselage, you will need to apply 3M Super 77 adhesive spray. I normally let it dry overnight, which will leave it tacky to the touch. You can use a heat gun to stretch the material to fit around corners. However, too much heat will make holes and could damage the foam.

At a recent event, I got an opportunity to see how well the A6 covering performed during Combat; William Drumm uses it on his Slow Survivable Combat (SSC) and Limited B wings. The vinyl held up and did not seem to bubble, as tape does in the heat. It helped not having as many seams, which increases resistance in the wind.

You can learn more about using Avery A6 as covering from pilots who do so. Go to the RC Combat Association (RCCA) forum and look under "Finishing."

Battle for Bean Town (Lima, Ohio)

In June I did something I had never done, which was to attend two contests in one week. The first—the Battle for Bean Town—was held in Lima, Ohio, at the Lima Area Radio Kontrol Society (LARKS) site. This two-day event featured 10 rounds of SSC and 10 rounds of Limited B.

The club members were great hosts, and I enjoyed my time at their field. William Drumm of Wisconsin led the way with high scores in both categories. He is flying a design of his own that is exceptionally light but can turn quickly. A new pilot—Chris Gunter of Knoxville, Tennessee—finished second in SSC, and this was his second contest. Chris also flew his own design, which uses a swept wing and flies fast. He currently competes only in SSC but is looking into entering other contests in the future.

One thing I really like about going to this contest is the host, Bob Loescher. He does a great deal for Combat, seeing how he is the current president of the RCCA. With the economy being the way it is, few contests can entice people to travel great distances. When you add up the cost of fuel and hotel rooms—in addition to all the models for an event—it can be expensive. A wonderful thing Bob does is invite us into his home to stay during the contest. He has many beds and space in which someone can park a camper. We had four pilots staying in the house and two in a camper parked in the driveway. Saturday night after dinner we spent many hours on Bob’s computer, competing in RC Combat on the RealFlight G5 simulator. If you are considering putting on a contest, think about contestants from out of town who could use a room. Providing lodging might encourage more pilots to attend, and it can be a lot of fun!

Mid-America Combat Championship (Jackson, Tennessee)

After driving back from the Ohio contest, I had only a few days to get all of my models repaired and back in the truck for another trip. That was a lot of work! But it was not too bad, since I flew only eight rounds of SSC at the second contest.

The Mid-America Combat Championship was held in Jackson, Tennessee, at the West Tennessee R/C Flyers field. The host—Tim Treneff—manufactures the Battle Axe Combat design.

After spending the previous weekend in Ohio, where there was rain and cooler weather, it was like going from the freezer to the frying pan. Temperatures in Tennessee were in the mid- to upper 90s with a heat index exceeding 100°.

A surprising thing that happened, though it was sweltering out, was that everyone at the event was able to fly in every round. However, in one round I didn't fly; my airplane was stuck on a field cone I could not get around.

I ended up with the most coveted trophy of the event: the DAL. Being that I was in last place, I was awarded a Battle Axe kit. It's terrific, and I hope to use it.

First place went to Chris Gunter, whose participation marked his third contest. Again, he put on quite a show with his flying ability and his great models.

It was wonderful to see many rookies flying strong in these events. Maybe it's a sign that the future is bright for RC Combat.

Sources:

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