SFC (Structureless Foam Composites)
MOST OF THE WORLD'S BALSA supply is being used in super-tanker construction, we're told. Balsa is still available, but this additional demand has forced the price up to the point where many of us feel we can no longer afford it. This writer, for instance, was appalled at the balsa price situation in 1978, when he discovered that it would cost $22.00 just to balsa-sheet an 8-foot glider wing! Foam plastic has been coming into ever-greater use in model construction during the past few years, but current techniques are still quite costly because they involve the use of expensive surfacing materials-balsa, thin plywood, or a special film. Such approaches, in addition to being costly, are too heavy for several modeling applications, especially Free Flight.
SFC Alpha-One
I HAVE DISCOVERED within myself two of the driving forces which guide my life: 1) a desire to assist others in enjoying the thrill of successfully flying a Free Flight Gas model for the first time; 2) a desire to help myself and others to save a buck. Driving force No. 2 probably stems from the fact that my maternal grandfather was of Scotch descent. That has now been made much more important by the forces of inflation. (Even my own mother used to refer to me as "Grandpa Jones" while I was still a teenager!) It's not that I'm cheap, I'm just for inexpensive things. If you would rather have it said in more scientific terms my thoughts represent a new epitome in cost-effectiveness.
Free Flight: Duration
COMPETITION: a philosophy. Perhaps I'm just getting too old for it, but I am no longer interested in attending model contests. The 1984 Reno Nats was my last one, and I attended for the sole purpose of demonstrating that SFC-built ships were competitive. ("SFC" stands for "structureless foam composites," a method of constructing Free Flight models developed and pioneered by Ron. An article on this method appeared in the April 1982 issue, and a small sport FF model using this type of construction, Alpha One, was in the August 1983 issue. RMcM.) I might still compete if it were enjoyable, but it is not . . . Just too much hassle.
Free Flight: Duration
AS I WAS SAYING when this piece began in the July issue, my suggestion was that the effect upon the competitors' enjoyment should be strongly considered in deliberations regarding AMA competition rules changes. An analysis of beginners' events produced the added principle that they (beginners) should not have to compete against experts. A method of accomplishing this was suggested. It was also suggested that substitution of ratio scoring (flight time divided by engine run) for the present practice of coupling engine-run times to flight maximums could serve to accomplish three ends: 1) Help to solve the small-field problem. 2) Provide a flexibility for competition which is not now available. 3) Permit a logical lumping together of "categories" as we now know them.
