Nats CL: Scale
SCALE MODELS have always attracted a lot of attention at the Nats, and this year was no exception. The Scale cage in the headquarters hangar was seldom without its collection of casual viewers, admirers, and self-appointed judges. The static display invariably raises interest in the flying which is to come. This year, the static display could hardly be called static since Sport Scale entries were being constantly shuffled in and out. Even after daily checking the cage throughout the week, one could still see a few new models on the Sport Scale flight line. The Scale events were particularly interesting to many of us this year because the U.S. Scale Team was to be selected from among the AMA Scale entries in RC and CL. There was some concern early in the week that there might not be enough participants in the Scale Team program to fill all three CL slots.
Nats CL: Navy Carrier
WITH THE Nats back in California, many were expecting a heavy turnout in the Navy Carrier events as the West Coast modelers had their first chance in ten years to complete in a "backyard" Nats. Two decks were set up, and the events were scheduled over three days to ensure smooth-running events with no waiting to fly. Entries were up from previous years in the Junior and Senior age categories, but Open participation was disappointing. The weather throughout the three days of Carrier competition was quite consistent. Mornings were cool and calm with 12-15 mph winds developing around noon. Because of the low number of entries, the wind created no problems for those who were ready to fly. The modelers who had equipment problems or scheduling conflicts with other events were the only ones who had to struggle with the wind.
NATS '78: CL Carrier
NAVY Carrier flying at Lake Charles has always been an unhurried event, and this year was no exception. The relaxed atmosphere existed because of the low turnout in all classes, but the flights offered plenty of excitement. Flight scores were good with two records established, and some really close scores kept people gathered around the scoring table, particularly during the Profile Carrier event. Since the 1975 Nats, Navy Carrier activity has been increasing in Louisiana, but there are still only a few Carrier competitors within about 600 miles of Lake Charles. The distance and warm climate apparently discouraged many normally active Carrier fliers from making the trip. Junior and Senior fliers made up almost a third of the entries, which is an encouraging trend, even though overall participation was low.
CL Navy Carrier
THE Navy Carrier events this year were outstanding in a number of ways. There were many different airplanes, many of them new, and the large number of contestants provided many opportunities to meet new people and renew old friendships. The competition was keen, and the action nonstop, with 182 flights over the two days of competition. The Carrier events were flown over uncharted seas, requiring skilled navigation on the part of the pilots to find the deck. The site was hidden away behind fuel storage tanks and maintenance buildings on a small patch of concrete barely large enough for a pit area and one circle. The isolated location meant few spectators for an event that normally draws a crowd, but the lack of engine noise from other events made slow flight easier, and spectator traffic in the pit area was low.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
THE LETTERS I receive seem to center around three subjects: what airplane to build, what engine to use, and what kind of control system to use. This month I'll be discussing each of these. I'll include a list of designs worth considering, some general guidelines for engine selection, and some maintenance tips on control systems. I'll end up with the answer to the obscure Carrier aircraft problem I left you with last time.
