NATS '78: Indoor Scale
INDOOR Scale models seemed a little scarce at the Nats this year (16 models were judged and flown), as did the Peanut Scale models (16 judged for static points and 13 models were flown). However, most of the models were quite well built, with excellent scale detail. Most of them flew very well. Only one model was noted in the "superlight" category-the rules have steadily evolved to limit the effectiveness of a clear plastic covering (not microfilm) which gives poor scale points and a phenomenal flight score. So gradually the event is approaching the status of good balance between flying and scale points. This Nats seemed to be blessed by more spectators than usual, with little of the possible disadvantages of fairly large crowds. Even the youngsters who watched were well-behaved, and no unusual air conditions seemed to arise from the relatively large group of people.
NATS '78: Indoor
THE FIRST two things on everyone's mind as they entered the huge Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, Louisiana, were "How high is it?" and "How good is it?" Advance publicity gave a vague "105 feet" as the building height, and predicted that the site would have good conditions. Very quickly, Richard Doig filled a balloon and sent it up to the top. Contest Director Sandy Frank joined Richard and their joint efforts measured the ceiling at 107¢ 7"-thereby establishing that any flights must exceed the current AMA Cat. III times to achieve record status. Those who participated in the 1974 and 1975 Nats in Lake Charles remembered the beautiful Civic Auditorium which had a huge speaker in the top of the arena similar to the one now visible. Besides having the speaker as an obstacle, the Civic Auditorium's flying conditions had deteriorated badly during the daily showers which marked both days of flying. The 1974 contest was plagued by many models landing in the speaker structure. This experience led to installation of a plastic shroud over the speakers during the 1975 contest. This lesson was remembered for 1978, so these speakers were shrouded also. This one concern remained: would the air be calm and stable whether it rained or not? It rained both days and the Burton Coliseum's double-wall construction saved the day. Very minor air disturbance in a few areas seemed to be the only product of the rains.
Free Flight: Indoor
TWO Really Good Performances: Both Jim Richmond, whose 84:42 total made him Indoor World Champion again, and Bud Romak (defending World Champion from the 1976 World Championship), who placed second with a total of 81:42, gave really good performances at the recently completed 1978 Indoor World Championships. This event was once again held in the Cardington hangars in Cardington, England. Although a more complete story appears elsewhere in this issue, we couldn't miss this opportunity to congratulate Jim and Bud on stellar performances! Name A FF'er To Hall Of Fame! The National Free Flight Society has instituted the Free Flight Hall of Fame in order to give due recognition to those individuals that have contributed to the development/furtherance of Free Flight Model Airplane activities. Nominations are now in order and should be received by Jan. 31, 1979. The nominations must include a detailed narrative regarding the many accomplishments of the individual over the years. The following considerations apply:
Free Flight: Indoor
FEEDBACK is Welcome! Jerry Bockius, of Colchester, CT has gently chided me over a couple of things reported in a past issue about the contests held by George Armstead in Glastonbury, CT. To set the record straight: one of the special classes flown at the Glastonbury meets is Old Timer Gas Scale. Entries in this event are rubber-powered scale replicas of pioneering gas models, but Jerry's point is that the maximum span for the class is 24", not "Peanut Scale" size as reported. Jerry also furnished the winners' names for one recent contest: Bert Bailey's replica Miss America placed first and Royal Moore placed second with the model shown in photo. No ID was available on the model, so perhaps someone else can identify it?
Free Flight: Indoor
DON Abbott, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, questions that the dimensions shown on some indoor model plans are really what was used. To quote Don's remark, "It is hard for me to visualize being able to cut (and measure) balsa that precisely." Don's reference was to spars specified as being tapered from .060" sq. to .030" sq., and wing ribs dimensioned at .030 × .020" cross-section. Yes, Don, it really can be done! Many of the old-timers would routinely cut spars to the dimensions they specified on their plan sheets, and often worked "by eye" to achieve these results. It takes practice. A simple spar, with no taper, can be cut using a straightedge and a sharp knife as shown in the photo. To make a spar with a simple taper (the piece is tapered in width, with the other side of the strip being uniform in thickness) is largely a matter of practice in two areas: proper cutting technique and positioning the straightedge.
