Control Line: Aerobatics
WITHOUT GETTING TOO ESOTERIC, I'll continue the discussion on building good-flying Precision Aerobatics models by focusing on building light. Few Stunt fliers have ever said that their models were too light, and fewer still could consistently create exceptional-looking and exceptional-performing airplanes that drove down the limits. (I don't believe Aerobatics models can be built too light; they fly better as you build lighter, assuming that you maintain structural integrity and stiffness.) How many articles have you seen that read, "My airplane weighed 66 ounces, but I believe it can be made at 61 ounces"? I have said those words myself at times, but I have gotten better throughout the years. Al Rabe, Bill Werwage, and Bob Gieseke are modelers who have kept their models on the low end of the scale.
Control Line: Aerobatics
FOR MOST OF MY MODELING LIFE I've been fascinated by the superb transparent finishes common in Free Flight; the colors are beautiful and the sun shining through the structure gives me a thrill. I realize that plastic films can accomplish this, but I'm going toward the more traditional methods. With the exploding popularity of Old Time and Classic events, I was looking for a procedure with which to cover and finish transparent surfaces to high standards. For those of you who haven't tried a sealed finish, it requires quite a few coats of dope. I know I'll get comments, but my experience has been that it's difficult to get a good surface seal against heavy fuel exposure with a clear finish. Covering with dyed tissue requires quite a bit of technique and practice to get a high-quality job, free of visible seams and overlaps. Some of you who have tried it know that it takes time and effort, so I was looking for a better way.
Control Line: Aerobatics
This is a wonderful time to be modeling - especially for Control Line Stunters. Every day new products entice modelers and make modeling more enjoyable. However, everyone should be aware that many suppliers are small operations, and that they are in the business as much for the love of the hobby as for personal gain. These businesses are proud of their products, as well they should be. The following are some of the more recent items that you may find interesting. One of the more significant trends in Precision Aerobatics in the last five years has been information and designs shared by the Stunt legends. Looking at the competitive history of Stunt, some of the most famous designs that have stood the test of time have been Bill Werwage's.
Vintage Stunt Championships
The 1997 Vintage Stunt Championships (VSC) was held in March at Tuscon, Arizona, and although the event is organized as a contest, it is much more - it is a celebration of the history of Stunt. The legends, names, and airplanes are there to experience and to share, which is the attraction for those who attend once and return many times thereafter. VSC is the opportunity to return to youth and to visit with many old, cherished friends, and it is an opportunity for experts and beginners to share a circle with the people who made this event what it is. This was the ninth VSC, and the eighth held at Tucson. The first running, held in 1988 at Whittier Narrows in Southern California, marked the realization of a dream for Mike Keville, as many great ideas are wont to do.
Control Line: Aerobatics
The story of and solutions to things that went wrong during the past competitive season continues. (The trend suggests that it may be next year before I finish.) This part of the tale needs a preface to demonstrate why it took me so long to find out what my problem was. The root of this situation, and many that you run into, is assumptions. Having said that, many of you may be wondering, "Is this guy going off the deep end?" I'm getting at "Problem Solving for Stunt Fliers 101." Making assumptions will devastate your program, and you won't know it. Many fliers do it, but the more aware you are of the traps, the quicker and more accurately you can solve your problem.
