Radio Control: Pylon Racing
HEAR THIS: I just received a sample of a new product called Slip-It! It claims to be a space-age, permanent lubricant. Now, this is not a product review column, but when something new comes up that I think will help the Pylon racer, I try to pass it on. Slip-It is a clear liquid that looks like water. However, when it is applied to a bearing surface or a hinge, look out! It really works. It really slicks up a surface-something like Teflon-and it won't come off. I was just finishing a Q500, and before installing the hinges, I put a very small amount at the hinge. It will help keep the epoxy from sticking and will improve the workings of the hinge. It looks as though it will have many uses in helping to reduce friction.
Radio Control: Pylon Racing
FOR SOME REASON, the Supertigre X-40 Pylon Racing engine has been a little hard to come by, lately-especially for the newcomer to Racing who doesn't know all of the ropes yet. Well, no one is trying to keep it a secret. For new, stock engines, contact Ritch's Hobbies, 4104 Lark Lane, Houston, TX 77025. The phone number is (713) 661-5458. They also carry a complete line of kits and Racing supplies. To get a ready-to-race custom engine by Dave Shadel, write to Performance Specialties, P.O. Box 4003, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Their phone is (619) 729-1658. Dave carries all the accessories related to the engine. He'll even custom-build you a Formula One Racer, if you want.
Radio Control: Pylon Racing
I WANT to report that I just got back from a race in Dallas, TX which was put on by the Dallas RC Club. This group has not lost its touch, as proven by the two days of fine racing that we all enjoyed. There were 28 entries in Formula I. Thanks, guys, for a great one! Fred French got it all together for this one, followed by Bruce Richmond, Bruce Hobbs, Chris Stubbs, Terry Rollins, and Richard Oliver. Ed Rankin flew his fastest time ever of 1:13.04 for the meet's Fast Time. At this contest, I got my first look at a new airplane by Jerry Small called the Estrellita. Yes, that's the same Jerry Small who built the Shoestring. This time, I think Jerry has outdone himself. I think that this will be the plane to beat! I'll have more to tell in the next issue.
Radio Control: Pylon Racing
LET'S SPEND some time on Formula One racing. As most of you know, Formula One is the fastest type of RC Pylon Racing. The planes are also the best-looking models in RC, in my opinion. We have always taken a lot of pride in how they look, and while looks don't win races (or at least I don't think they should), I think that with today's level of competition it could have an effect. As most of you know, in Formula One racing, the planes are judged for appearance, scale, and workmanship. Well, for the most part with today's planes, it is mostly appearance (a beauty contest), with the best plane taking off first, and so on through the one which is fourth-best. As you can see, the fourth plane's takeoff could be three to four seconds behind number one-which is over half a lap.
1986 Nats: RC Pylon Racing
WELCOME to Lake Charles, LA, site of the 1986 AMA Nationals. I have managed to make it to the Nats each year that it has been held at Lake Charles, and while it can be a little on the warm side, each of the previous Nats has been a great success. This year was no exception. Our Event Director was Wayne Yeager, along with his wife, Karen. These two make quite a team, and along with all of the other workers who stuck it out through all of the heat, they did a fantastic job. Thanks, gang! Those who didn't attend missed a great week of racing.
