Control Line: Navy Carrier
THIS MONTH'S COLUMN includes a little-known twin that qualifies for the multiengine bonus instituted this year, a new source of Navy Carrier kits and hardware, and some editorial comments about some ideas I've heard for improving CL Navy Carrier events. North American PBJ-1H for Carrier: Those of you familiar with US Navy aircraft designations can easily determine that the PBJ-1H is a patrol bomber-a later variant of the first patrol bomber design accepted by the Navy from North American. However, these bits of information probably don't help identify the aircraft, and they certainly don't help identify it as a carrier-based aircraft. Patrol bombers are almost exclusively shore-based aircraft-too large for carrier operations (especially aboard World War II-era carriers). The only aircraft from North American that would seem to fit the designation is the B-25 Mitchell bomber.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
GETTING STARTED IN CARRIER: The Control Line Navy Carrier event has been around for more than 45 years, having been introduced at the US Navy-hosted 1950 Nationals in Dallas, Texas. Through the years, Navy Carrier has provided modelers with a challenging and enjoyable form of competition. The original rules were written by the Navy as part of the recruiting program of which their Nats sponsorship was a part. It was not until the 1957-58 competition season that the rules were modified by an AMA committee and included in the rule book as an official event.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
F7F TIGERCAT: By the time you read this month's column, John Brodak will have completed work on his newest model, the Grumman F7F Tigercat, and it should be available direct from Brodak Manufacturing and Distribution Co. (100 Park Ave., Carmichaels PA 15320). The model is one that was envisioned by Bob (J. Robert) Smurthwaite when he designed the F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat, and AD Skyraider kits. (These kits are also being manufactured by Brodak.) The Tigercat kit did not reach production before Bob encountered health problems and sold his Control Line kit production to John Brodak.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
MAY WAS A GOOD MONTH for keeping in touch with other Carrier modelers around the country-making plans for the Sig contest, Celebration of Eagles, Nats, and catching up on spring activities. I heard from Bill Bischoff that the engines manufactured by Willy Wiley are no longer in production. The Dallas contingent had been successfully using them, with left-hand crankshafts, for the last few years. There is a possibility of the design being produced again by another individual. I'll bring you up to date as soon as I get more information.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
WHEN ONE TRIES to find a word to describe the Control Line Navy Carrier competition, "Great!" is an obvious first choice. "Fantastic!" is still reserved for the meet that matches the two-decks-all-day-long 1976 Dayton Nats (if any meet can match Dayton). The competition in Muncie was exciting, and the camaraderie was outstanding. There were more contestants than we have enjoyed in quite a few years, even though some of the East Coast contingent were unable to attend. In all, there were 22 contestants for the three official classes, with some additional modelers participating in the unofficial events on Saturday. The event averaged more than 50 flights per day for three days of intense competition, with close scoring and some "personal best" performances as highlights.
