Japanese `Myrt'
WHEN THE CARRIER event rules were changed to allow foreign aircraft to be eligible for the 100 bonus prototype points, I searched for a suitable Japanese aircraft to model. The Nakajima C6N1 struck my eye due to its clean lines and ideal proportions for the Carrier event. There is large wing area in relation to the fuselage frontal area, long nose and tail moments, plus sufficient room in the nose to jam in a big 60 engine. The prototype aircraft was designed by the Nakajima Aircraft Co. in 1942 to satisfy the Japanese Navy's need for a long-range, high speed reconnaissance aircraft. Introduced into service in 1944, the C6N1 Saiun (Painted Cloud) was given the code name "Myrt" by the Allies. Over 460 were produced by the end of World War II. Considered to be of advanced design, it served both from land bases and carriers.
Reno 1984 Nats: CL Scale
NOT EXACTLY a massive turnout is probably the kindest way to describe the CL Scale entries in this year's Nats. Only 17 modelers in the three events (FAI, Precision, and Sport Scale) made the scene. When you realize that Julie Abel and the Bauers, Matthew and Charlie, made up seven of the entries, that left only 10 others to fight for the trophies. It can't be blamed on the flying site, as the newly-paved flight line area at Reno-Stead Field provided an excellent surface for the CL events, plus plenty of area for practice. Hopefully it also was not due to the hype in various articles prior to the Nats regarding the effects on engine/airplane performance due to temperature, density altitude, etc. While some effect was to be expected, a little preplanning could have corrected any deficiency. With but few exceptions, most felt that the performance degredation was far less than was anticipated.
