Sanity in 1/2A: Pylon Racing
THE 1978-79 AMA official model aircraft regulations describe RC 1/2A Pylon Racing (Provisional) for the first time. A new event for the average modeler is presented, an event one could enter with a modicum of piloting experience and a small investment, and still expect to have a decent chance of placing in a race or two. To be competitive it isn't necessary to bring a refrigerated witches brew with strange sounding chemical names for fuel, or to buy the latest, hopped-up, Schnuerleported, pumper equipped, very expensive engine. No tuned pipe is necessary. No special spin, roll, or panic buttons on the transmitter. Nor two years of research to obtain the documentation. In fact, a competitive plane and engine can be obtained off the shelf from the average hobby shop for $37.90 (at this writing), or $28.96 if you shopped around. It sounds like a marvelous vehicle for attracting new blood into competitive pylon racing, and perhaps other competitive events.
The Hare
In our club, the Madison Area Radio Control Society (MARCS) one contest event has captured the interest of a large number of members: 1/2A pylon racing. It is an event where the beginning racer and the pro can both have a great time. For the neophyte, just trying to stay with the pack is fun. Yet, in the same race, the experienced racers are shaving the pylons and using their pet strategies. The popularity is due to a number of factors: equipment requirements and hence investment is minimal, rules preclude winning the event in a machine shop, design parameters lead to a variety of aircraft all with comparable performance, and, finally, little or no practice is necessary. Most of these points are not well understood by the competition-oriented flier. For example, nothing turns off the average member quicker than an event, such as a pattern, that requires hours and hours of practice before each contest. Some of our most successful pilots fly their 1/2A pylon racers only when there is a contest. Although the "old hands" often win, the average club member leaves the contest knowing every point was closely fought.
