Control Line: Navy Carrier
Mystery Airplane: If you took the hint from the last column about weird aircraft likely being French designs, you were off to a good start for identifying the mystery airplane. I first saw the Aerocentre N.C. 1071 about 15 years ago, and it took me quite a bit of looking to find three-view drawings and enough additional information to confirm it as a carrier aircraft qualified for our events. I never gave serious thought to building one, but doing the research was quite enjoyable. The N.C. 1071 (I never found any reference to a name, only the number) was the first multiengine jet aircraft built by the French at the dawn of the Jet Age 50 years ago. It first flew in October 1948, so I included it in the Mystery Airplane contest as an anniversary remembrance.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
There hasn't been a Nationals Control Line (CL) Navy Carrier competition like this one in quite a few years! The weather was about as close to perfect as it could get; the competition was outstanding; there were Carrier modelers that haven't been seen for a while-a few new models and some very old ones (in Class I and Nostalgia); and there was lots of excitement, including two records. Navy Carrier flying started on Thursday, July 16 with Profile. Terry Herron from Paola, Kansas had processed a new Judy, which had shown great high speeds in competition earlier in the year. Dave Rolley Jr. (Bennett CO) and Terry Kirby (Farmers Branch TX) had a couple of F4F Wildcats, and Ted Kraver (Phoenix AZ) brought out the only twin entry, a Grumman Tigercat. Many of the models had been seen at previous Nationals.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
New Address: Those of you who have been reading this column through the years might be used to seeing my address change periodically, but since I retired from the Air Force I expected to be staying in Albuquerque for a while. I'm still here, but I've moved to a different house; this one has a garage large enough to accommodate a workshop and our cars. Unfortunately, it is currently housing neither, and it is likely to be a couple more months before the shelves are in and the moving boxes are unpacked sufficiently for the garage to be anything other than a storeroom. I also have a new telephone number; you may call me at (505) 856-7008.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
I HAD A WONDERFUL time in November in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Arizona Control Line Club Carrier contest. It was the first Carrier event in the state in quite a few years to feature all of the Carrier events. The Southwest Regionals had quite a bit of Carrier participation in the early 1970s when I was stationed there, but the Regionals now has only Profile Carrier. It was really good to renew old friendships. Some of the pilots and aircraft were showing the effects of a long layoff, but it was a good time; I'm looking forward to next year. Thanks to Ted Kraver for sponsoring the event and serving as Contest Director. The Phoenix event was 12-year-old David Smith's (Mesa AZ) first Carrier contest. He placed second in the .15 Carrier category, and completed a full flight with a 100-point landing on his first attempt. Well done, David. Welcome to Carrier flying.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
AS I WRITE THIS, the groundhog has just predicted an early spring. I hope it brings good flying weather and warm temperatures so we can all get out and test-fly before the contest season gets into full swing. I'm sure that many readers would like to hear about your latest creation, so snap a photo and send it to me so I can share it. I've already heard from Bill Calkins, who just completed his new Guardian for Profile Carrier; Terry Herron is also working on a new Profile; and I have an XS2C Profile awaiting a final coat of paint. What other new airplanes will be seen this summer?
