Control Line: Scale
THE P-39Q COBRA II was one of two Airacobras flown in the mid-1940s at the Cleveland Air Races. Cobra I was flown by Jack Woolsams in August 1946, and was lost above Lake Ontario after qualifying for the Cleveland Air Races. The P-39Q Cobra II, flown by Tex Johnston, qualified for the same 1946 races and went on to win the Thompson Trophy. Both models had been stripped of military components, were lightened, given better-rated engines, and the original three-bladed propellers were replaced with four-bladed props. The Cobra II raced again in 1947 and 1948 (it reached 471 mph in 1948). It was flown after that until 1969, when it crashed during an attempt to break the propeller-driven speed record.
Control Line: Scale
SCALE FAI Team Selection: Cathy Burnstine reported that the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) Control Line Scale team selection for 1998 was completed at the AMA International Aeromodeling Center, Muncie IN, July 7-9, 1997. The team of Steve Ashby, Jack Sheeks, and Ralph Burnstine will represent the US in the World Championships, which will be at Pretoria, South Africa in April 1998. Dale Campbell and Charlie Bauer are alternates for the team, and Darlene Frederick was elected team manager. Cathy noted that static judging was held poolside at the Ramada Inn (Muncie) on Monday, July 7, and that the weather was beautiful until the flying portion of the competition was scheduled to start. Tuesday brought in winds at a steady 18 mph with higher gusts, which made flying difficult. The first three flights of the day ended rather abruptly with damage, ranging from the destruction of Jack Patrolia's Pitts to minor damage to the bottom of Jack Sheeks' Hellcat. Charlie Bauer lost control of his Electric-powered Cub, but was able to repair the damage and return to the competition the next day.
Control Line: Scale
SUCEAVA IS a quaint town in the northeast corner of Romania that is surrounded by hills, mountains, and large forests. Townspeople use the Suceava River, which runs through the village, for swimming and fishing. Families farm and raise fruits, vegetables, and various farm animals on the outskirts of the town, which is known for several historical sites, including monasteries, churches, and ruins of cities dating back to the 14th century. You might wonder, "What does Suceava have to do with CL (Control Line) Scale?" It's where the 1997 European F4B & F4C (CL and RC [Radio Control]) Scale Championships were held. Piotr Zawada (Poznan, Poland), who has contributed accounts of foreign activities to this column, sent this month's photos and results of the CL portion of the competition.
Control Line: Scale
MODEL DATA: One of the main features in model magazine columns is the photos and sketches of model construction, workshop tips, or that great-looking aircraft, just completed and ready to take you to the winner's circle. However, the person who submits the photos often does not include much photo description. To overcome the problem, I have put together a form asking for basic data. For a sketch of equipment, give appropriate information about its use, how it works, etc. For a photo including people, tell who they are, where they are from, and something about their involvement in the picture activity. The information allows a columnist to create better captions and column material.
Control Line: Scale
THE PASSING Of A Great Modeling Friend: A recent report by West Coast reporter Fred Cronenwett contained information about the October 1997 Seebree Hayes annual contest, which was run by the 101st Screaming Eagles, and the loss of one of the Eagles' most ardent modelers, Virgil Wilbur. He was a member of the club for many years, and passed away in September 1997. For the preceding 12 years Virgil had been the organizer and Contest Director (CD) of the Seebree Hayes contest, and he was responsible for the organization and promotion of all forms of Control Line (CL) activities and competition, from Scale to Speed, in the Los Angeles area. Virgil will be missed, and I'm sure that his memory will remain with many of the modelers in which he came in contact. He has left a great void, not only in the club's activities, but also in his "circle" of friends.
