Control Line: Navy Carrier
I HAD A WONDERFUL time in November in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Arizona Control Line Club Carrier contest. It was the first Carrier event in the state in quite a few years to feature all of the Carrier events. The Southwest Regionals had quite a bit of Carrier participation in the early 1970s when I was stationed there, but the Regionals now has only Profile Carrier. It was really good to renew old friendships. Some of the pilots and aircraft were showing the effects of a long layoff, but it was a good time; I'm looking forward to next year. Thanks to Ted Kraver for sponsoring the event and serving as Contest Director. The Phoenix event was 12-year-old David Smith's (Mesa AZ) first Carrier contest. He placed second in the .15 Carrier category, and completed a full flight with a 100-point landing on his first attempt. Well done, David. Welcome to Carrier flying.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
AS I WRITE THIS, the groundhog has just predicted an early spring. I hope it brings good flying weather and warm temperatures so we can all get out and test-fly before the contest season gets into full swing. I'm sure that many readers would like to hear about your latest creation, so snap a photo and send it to me so I can share it. I've already heard from Bill Calkins, who just completed his new Guardian for Profile Carrier; Terry Herron is also working on a new Profile; and I have an XS2C Profile awaiting a final coat of paint. What other new airplanes will be seen this summer?
Control Line Navy Carrier
THIS MONTH'S COLUMN has a distinctly English tone to it, with the photos, mystery airplane, Web site, and model descriptions-but don't be misled into thinking that everything will be British. A good number of models at the 1998 Nationals were patterned after British Royal Navy prototypes. Among them was a Fairey Barracuda by Garry Andrews, a Brewster 340 by Gary Hull, and Grumman Wildcats by Terry Kirby and Dave Rolley, Jr., which the Royal Navy flew during World War II. Leon Ryktarsyk brought out his Barracuda and Sea Hornet, but did not enter them in the competition. I hope we'll see them fly this year. This month's photos are of two other models based on British designs. Bill Calkins' Class I Hawker Sea Fury is an original design. Bill's model spans somewhat less than the 44-inch limit, and weighs in at two pounds 14 ounces, with an K&B .40S engine.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
OOPS! I gave incorrect credit for the beautiful de Havilland Sea Hornet shown in the June issue. It doesn't belong to Bill Calkins at all; the Sea Hornet is the handiwork of Bill Melton of Las Cruces, New Mexico. I received notice from Bill Calkins just after the photo was published, and I was able to trace down the rightful owner through the AMA number on the wing. I'll bet the authors of the original rule requiring models to display owners' AMA numbers didn't envision that benefit. Bill's Sea Hornet is the second version of that particular prototype that he has produced. The first was built to the maximum-allowable 44-inch wingspan (345 square inches), and it ended up weighing more than the four-pound limit at that size.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
NAVY CARRIER at the Nationals is always exciting, and this year was certainly no exception. The competition was hot-and so was the temperature! Even though the weather was not always as good as it could have been, many modelers produced "personal best" performances. There were some truly exciting flights-and not just from the scores. Most important, the fellowship and camaraderie were as good as always. The Nationals is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy flying and watching Carrier with a group of modelers who truly enjoy the sport and who also happen to be really good people.
