Control Line: Scale
THE INSIGNIA AND MARKINGS on our model aircraft are a very important aspect of the Scale events. The appropriateness and exactness of the markings we apply to our models can have a great effect on the overall static score given to the model during a competition. This is especially true in the Precision and FAI Scale events, where the model is judged at close distances. We generally strive to duplicate insignia and markings as they appear on the full scale-aircraft in word, size, and color. This leads me to bring a question to the readers of this column.
Control Line: Scale
THIS MONTH'S PHOTOS: The Curtiss AT-9 is the work of Indianapolis, Indiana's Jack Sheeks, one of our country's most ardent CL Scale modelers. The AT-9 was used by Sheeks in the 1994 World Championships (held in the Netherlands). The model was scratch-built from plans of Jack's own design. This fine-looking model has a wingspan of 69 inches; it weighs-in at 11.6 pounds. The model is powered by two O.S. Wankel engines turning 11 × 5 propellers. Using the Wankel engines allowed for complete engine enclosure, enhancing the model's appearance by not requiring cylinder-head cutouts in the cowlings. Operating features include Rhom-Air gear retraction, flaps via a converted radio, and coated lines by Ralph Burnstine (another prominent modeler in the CL Scale circles). The model also has a fully detailed cockpit.
Control Line: Scale
THIS MONTH'S PHOTOS: Included in this month's photos is a Grumman F8F Bearcat by Mel Mondschein of Wharton, New Jersey. After 30 years' absence from the Control Line circles, Mel has returned to CL Scale activity. Mel's Bearcat, finished in the color scheme of the Denver, Colorado Air National Guard, weighs approximately six pounds and is powered by a SuperTigre .60. The model has a some features that are worth telling you about. One of the Bearcat photos shows the model with the engine cowling removed so that the engine and its related equipment can be seen. The first and most important feature shown in this photo is the unique system Mel devised to get the model's engine exhaust to exit at the scale location. Rather than spoil the model's appearance by cutting a slot in the engine cowl for the muffler, Mel made a brass manifold to fit over the engine's exhaust, and used flexible brass plumbing pipe to direct the exhaust out of the model at the scale location. The flexible brass piping is usually chrome-plated, and is used by plumbers to connect bathroom and kitchen-sink faucets to hot and cold water supplies. This piping can be found in plumbing-supply or hardware stores, and it's quite inexpensive.
Control Line: Scale
COMMITTEE ACTIVITY seems to be a good way to get major projects implemented. In the past, Control Line Scale modelers from around the country worked together in committee on some great projects. In the late 1980s a group of Scale modelers got together and worked toward the implementation of a standard Sport Scale Score sheet. That Score sheet is now part of our CL Sport Scale competition rules. In the early 1990s CL Scale modelers again got together on a project, and we now have a comprehensive Control Line Scale flight judging guide added to the AMA 1996-1997 Competition Regulations. Once again, it is being suggested that a group of Scale modelers be brought together to interface with the Scale Contest Board on rules-change proposals. In the latest issue of Replica, newsletter of the National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA), President Bob Underwood noted that NASA has not taken an active role in the rules-change process, and perhaps it's time the subject should be considered.
Control Line: Scale
CONTROL SYSTEMS used in Control Line Scale models are usually the two- or three-line type, and sometimes a combination. The two-line system is generally used in conjunction with electronic controls. These controls use one or more channels where digital signals are passed up insulated lines operating one or more servos (which perform operational features such as throttle control, bomb drop, and flaps). The three-line system is generally used with the standard Roberts or GS bellcrank for throttle control. Other operating functions may be incorporated through the use of additional bellcrank-and-pushrod arrangements. However, some Scale modelers prefer to use a combination of the two systems - the three-line arrangement is for throttle control, and the electronic system independently operates the other features.
