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.
Control Line: Scale
HAVE YOU EVER wanted to try Control Line (CL) Scale events, but thought they were too complicated or that they would take up too much of your time? Getting started in Scale is no more difficult or time consuming than learning to do a Stunt pattern; learning to take off, fly high and low speed, and land on a Navy Carrier deck; learning how to cut the streamer off an opponent's airplane in Fast Combat; or learning how to soup up engines for the many Speed events. There are basic things that the newcomer (and experienced modeler) must do in every event, and Scale is no different; there are rules and particular building techniques.
Control Line: Scale
DO YOU WANT to be a US Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) Scale Team qualifier in 1997 for the 1998 World Championships? If so, some things to consider are what type of model should you build; what type of documentation is required; and, of great importance, can the model be from a kit or must it be scratch-built? Stan Alexander, vice president of the National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA), accompanied the US Scale Team to the 1996 Scale World Championships in France, and he came back with some observations about what it takes to be a world competitor. I'll explore his comments, which were published in a recent issue of Replica, the NASA newsletter. As with any type of competition, the first step should be to obtain a copy of the event rules. The FAI Sporting Code contains all of the rules and regulations for FAI contests and championships. You will find the requirements for model size; weight; engine type and size; maximum surface area; maximum loading; required photos and three-views; etc. (I have been told by AMA Headquarters that a new issue of the FAI Sporting Code is expected in 1997. Contact the Competitions Department for availability and cost.)
Control Line: Scale
A VISIT TO Lithuania: Dave Dulaitis of Chipley FL, a frequent contributor to this column, sent in a report on a visit he made in 1997 to Lithuania-his native country. Dave's visit included attending the Lithuanian Nationals and other aviation-oriented events and air shows. The report also gave an idea of the type of struggle that some foreign model aviation enthusiasts go through in the pursuit of this great hobby. Dave noted that the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius has a small Control Line (CL) flying facility with circles completely enclosed with wire mesh for safety purposes, and that modelers fly only in accordance with FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) classes in competition.
Control Line: Scale
The Control Line World Championships, held at Swartkop Air Force Base in South Africa in April/May 1998, ended with quite a surprise: a single-engine low-wing model was in first place! The domination of the event by multiengine models has been stopped. Steve Ashby, one of last year's US World Championship team members, provided a look and some insight as to how this all came about. The great feat was accomplished by Vladimir Kusy of the Czech Republic, flying a single-engine Percival Proctor Mk IV. The prototype was manufactured in Great Britain in 1942 as a light wood trainer for communications/radio training and for flight navigators. Kusy said that the airplane had been equipped with eight 200-pound bombs.
