Control Line: Racing
I RECEIVED SOME photos from Dick Lambert and a report on the Control Line (CL) World Championships from John Ballard. I thought you might like to hear about the event as told by a US team member. The 1998 Control Line World Championships was hosted by the Federation of Aeronautical Sports Ukraine in Kiev, August 23-30, 1998 at the Sports Complex Chaika. Chaika is located on an old airport site with minimum paved runways and adjacent to a road course race track. This former world-class facility has deteriorated dramatically since the 1988 World Championships. There were three fenced circles for F2A, F2B, and F2C, plus ample airport grass areas for F2D. The complex features covered lockable individual team workrooms, enclosed judges' towers, processing rooms, and ample multilevel bleachers for supporters outside each circle.
Control Line: Racing
THIS MONTH'S column has somewhat of an international flair. I was fortunate to attend the 1998 Open International De Cascais Worldcup held in Cascais Portugal October 4-6. It was an honor to be the guest of Mr. Julio Isidro who arranged a true first-class trip for me. Julio should be very proud of this event, as he truly did a great job with the organization. He hosted a banquet with 128 guests, featuring extremely fine service, food, and a band for our entertainment. He also hosted a dinner at the Casino Estoril-again a true first-class evening with good food, and a great show.
Control Line: Racing
THE 1998 CONTROL LINE (CL) Racing Nationals (Nats) are in the book. Good weather, good friends, good food, and great racing made it a memorable experience, and Racing posted an 11% increase in competitors. This year's Nats was a testing ground for some new equipment to make CL Racing better. A large clock, a public address system, and a jury tower made this event run smoother than it has in past years. Make plans to attend the 1999 Nats and experience some great racing. Slow Rat day was Monday, July 13. The team of John Ballard and Richard Lambert came out of a self-imposed hiatus to do battle in this very competitive category.
Control Line: Racing
SO YOU WANT TO GET started in Slow Rat, but have questions and nowhere to turn? Hopefully we can answer some of those questions. You need an engine to power that 300-square-inch piece of technology. At last year's Nats, three engines were the most popular. The Nelson .36 special-built Slow Rat engine, a rear-intake, rear-exhaust powerhouse, along with the Nelson Combat .36, were present in great numbers. Second was the SuperTigre X .40 detuned to a .36; this engine has raced for many years, and probably accounts for the vast majority of engines being raced. The Fox Mk. VII was also present, with a modified head to accept the Nelson plug. Now you need to decide on an airframe. Most airplanes being used are home-design minimum-requirement aircraft. Wing construction is almost equal between the built-up and the foam construction methods.
Control Line: Racing
Are you having trouble with those Scale Race tanks? Are you in need of a better shutoff design? If so, this month's column is for you. Tank Venting: How many times have you heard someone refer to "front feed" in their tank setup? This refers to the fuel pickup point in a tank, and in Racing these tanks have become the standard. How do we do this? Let's talk about a typical Scale Race tank, and its plumbing. A 2 1/2-3 ounce cylindrical tank has become the standard. Starting with a 2 1/2-ounce cylindrical tank, trim the fast-fill pipe to the length of your rubber fast-fill. If your tank came assembled, unsolder the front of the tank.
