Control Line: Racing
A COUPLE of columns ago, I took a couple of good shots at some racing events that I know are popular in several areas of the country: specifically, limited capacity events. I said, in effect, that this was not the way to go and pleaded for those who disagreed with me to write and let me know if I was off base. The response was underwhelming. Two letters. One came from George Cadlwell of Walkersville, MD. George supports the concept of limited capacity events. George is also a member of the Racing Advisory Committee. I really expected to hear from the RAC members. The fact that they are on the RAC generally means they are not hesitant to air their views and will generally sit down and write when necessary.
Control Line: Racing
THE NATS! THE contest of the year....this year, any year, every year! The sights and sounds of the Nats just can't be matched at any other contest. Oh, there will be some that claim to be as big or as impressive, but they just aren't! The Nats is where it's at! Obviously, I'm writing this after just returning from the 50th Nats, held this year at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, the first week in August. I've been to the Nats every year now for the past several years, and every year the experience is just as fresh and exciting. It's hard to put your finger on just what it is that is so unique about the Nats. Maybe it's the fact that this contest is a week long-all others are at most two or three days.
Control Line: Racing
A FEW MONTHS BACK, I told you of the availability of 3-views for a large number of Formula I aircraft from R. S. Hirsch, 8439 Dale St., Buena Park, CA 90620. A recent count reveals 88 different sets of 3-view drawings are available from Hirsch. Another source of 3-views recently came my way. I received a mailer from Pylon Publications, P. O. Box 2726, Rochester, NY 14626 which outlined a new publication, "The Modern Air Racers in Three-Views 1949-1975." This 8 1/2" by 11" soft-back book contains 3-views and brief histories of 25 different Formula I racing aircraft of the 49-75 period. This is in addition to 3-views and histories of many of the unlimited and biplane racing aircraft of the period.
Control Line: Racing
RECEIVED A NOTE recently with some information about some available products that will be of interest to FAI Team Race and Goodyear fliers. The letter and accompanying photo came from Ian Hutchinson of North West Model Supplies, 122 Yorkshire St., Rochdale, Lancashire, England. The photo illustrates several of the items, notably, a fuel shut-off, finger refueling valve, and various different wheels and hubs for both FAI TR and Goodyear applications. Prices range from around $2 for the wheels to $5 for the finger valve on up to $15 for the fuel cut-off. Many of these items were used by Dave Clarkson, noted English Team Race competitor and columnist for Aeromodeller, at the U.S. Nats last summer. Obviously, a price list and order form could be had by sending a request (probably with a stamped return envelope) to Ian at the above address. However, I'll copy what he sent to me if you will send me that stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Control Line: Racing
IN THE LAST column I mentioned one of the special interest publications which is available, the Gazette of the FAI Control Line Society and North American Speed Assoc. Well, to give you an idea of just what it is you're missing, I'm going to take this column and probably most of the next to present to you one article out of the Gazette that should be of interest to all racing followers, pilots for sure, but officials as well. The title is "Flying Tactics, Flying Rules, and Race Performance." The article was written by that world renowned purveyor of wisdom, Marlon Go-fast. As I copy the article, I reserve the right of editorial comment; sorry about that, Marlon.
