Bud Tenny

IN A previous column we traced the evolution of Manhattan Cabin indoor models from the initial idea by Ed Whitten until the (then) current set of rules. Slowly, this not-quite-indoor model class has developed into a serious event which, while not quite safe to fly at the same time with microfilm-covered models, is compatible with HLG, Pennyplane, Easy B and Scale models. This development and rules evolution has come about by the cooperation of those model clubs which have been sponsoring Manhattan Cabin events at major contests. One of the most active Manhattan sponsors is the Miami Indoor Aircraft Model Assoc. (Miami, Florida), of course! Since M.I.A.M.A. is sponsoring Manhattan Cabin at the Fourth NIMAS Annual Record Trials (held at Northwood Institute, West Baden, Indiana) and at the 1979 Nats, the club has made a few minor rules changes. These new rules are to be in effect for 1979 at West Baden and the Nats:

FEEDBACK: Doug Dahlke, of Oshkosh, WI, wrote in response to the comments in the Dec. '79 column regarding "ceiling dodger" type flying. He was sharing a clipping from the December 1949 Flying Models magazine which also dealt with a type of ceiling dodging. The clipping related how Chet Lanzo flew a radio-controlled microfilm covered rubber-powered model at the 1949 Nats. The model used the tungsten wing bracing as an antenna which fed the radio signal to a 10" long piece of nichrome wire. The output of a 100-watt transmitter furnished power to heat the nichrome wire enough to change its length. The other end of the wire was attached to the model's rudder, so the turn radius varied when the transmitter was operating.