Control Line: Aerobatics
BEFORE WE GET back to our discussion on future technologies, we need to look back at the continually increasing popularity of the "trailing edge" of technology in Vintage Stunt. Free flight really got it started many years ago. Mike Keville first pioneered the Vintage Stunt Championships in California, then in Tucson. We all know how popular these annual get-togethers have become. To balance the western venue, Tom Dixon has pushed for an Eastern Vintage Championships in the fall, versus the spring time-frame in Tucson.
Control Line: Aerobatics
SINCE THE MEMORIES of Vintage Stunt Championships VI are still vivid in my mind, it seems appropriate that I devote space to share some of those thoughts rather than continue with the future technology. (I'll tarry more on that in the next column). Of particular note was Wynn Paul's history of Stunt/Precision Aerobatics that really kicks the old memories into high gear. Wynn has been working on this for years, and although I had heard about it, I had no idea of its magnitude or scope until I saw it. Each year is in its own binder (I believe there are 26 to date), except some of the early years. The assemblage was shipped in several large boxes for everyone to experience and add to at Tucson. Each book has its own character, just as the year it chronicles, and Wynn has come up with a format that captures that essence.
Control Line: Aerobatics
I'M GOING TO continue the technology discussion this month. So far, I've looked at composites, structures, and power plants. The contrast between where we are now and how far we have come is astounding. I happened to see the original drawings for Don Still's '49 Nats-winning Stunter the other day, and I was really surprised at the contrasts in the design: huge wing, short-short coupling, semi-molded fuselage construction, and it was a take-apart!
Control Line: Aerobatics
THIS MONTH I'm going to close out the discussion on future technology by commenting on finishes, props, and structures. At the Vintage Stunt Championships, I had some long conversations about technology with many fliers, in particular, Bob Hunt and Bill Netzeband. As we talked, it became clear that many of the technical points are already within our grasp. This, of course, begs the question: why hasn't someone gone all-out in the technology demonstration? The answer is equally obvious: most competitive fliers need a competitive model every year, so there is usually no time to make sweeping changes. Therefore, technology infusion has normally followed a methodical, evolutionary path. Hopefully, some of these columns may trigger projects that may leap the current paths.
Control Line: Aerobatics
Last month, I mentioned the possibility of having to consider alternative paints because of new government environmental regulations. It is premature to predict how all that will settle right now, but there are quite a few entrepreneurs who are in the process of developing new products, such as water-based epoxy sprays. I wish I knew where the whole process was going. I only know that I still have problems with the old materials, and that's what I'd like to share with you. I've seen it mentioned in several authoritative model sources that acrylic lacquer is completely compatible with dope. To that I'd have to say yes and no. The problem arises from differences in the way the two materials dry. Dope dries from the outside in, while acrylic dries from the inside out. When the two are mixed in layers, the potential for disaster exists.
