B-17 Gathering & Big Bird Fly-In
The combined appeal of a B-17 Flying Fortress fleet and Big Bird Fly-In drew about 180 miniature aircraft fliers and over 200 models to Bomber Field last September for the 1991 edition of the biggest RC meet in the Houston, Texas area. From September 20-22, 1991, about 180 pilots gathered at Monaville, Texas's Bomber Field for the Bomber Field organization's third annual Gathering of B-17 Flying Fortresses, held in conjunction with its annual Big Bird Fly-In.
Control Line: Speed
GETTING STARTED in Speed is on the minds of many modelers who have written to me. They want to know what is necessary to get into the sport. Bill Nusz (Lancaster, CA) has offered to share his thoughts on the subject, and I feel it covers what is necessary to get started: "I suspect that most of the people reading this column are interested in Control Line Speed but are not active Speed fliers. In most cases this is due, I think, to uncertainty as to how to get started or to misconceptions about how difficult it is to fly the events. "Speed has many positive aspects that make it a very pleasant event in which to compete. First, the models last a long time, an important factor if you have limited building time. Although flying skill is a factor, Speed does not require the very long hours of practice that Stunt or Combat do. Speed does not require the practice to build teamwork that the Racing events do.
Control Line: Speed
BEFORE continuing with the final portion of the history of the Dyna-Jet engine, I wish to thank the modelers who wrote me notes stating how they enjoyed my last (May) Speed column. These responses can be segregated by the major modeling interest of the writers approximately as follows: 80% from RCers, 18% general interest, and 2% from the Speed fraternity. So, folks-you don't have to fly CL Speed to write in! I welcome all inquiries from modelers interested in any aspect of the hobby. Please remember the top-rated Speed contests to be held in Dallas, TX on June 25-26 and September 3-4, 1988. For more information, mail a SASE to me at the address given at the top of my Speed column.
Control Line: Speed
THE United States Control Line Championships, held June 17-18 at Winston-Salem, NC, was attended by 160 contestants and was by far the best speed contest we have attended this year. Apparently, everyone heard the Texas gang was coming and gave up as speed attendance was down slightly from last year. All kidding aside, competition was plentiful and very keen. The weather was beautiful with an 80º high on Saturday and 89º on Sunday. The best feature was being able to spread out your attempts over both days. This gave you the opportunity to rebuild Saturday night while B.S.ing with fellow speed fliers. An interesting battle developed in Senior Formula 40 when Joseph Kall, Lakewood, Calif., having set the record at 155.51 mph three weeks before came to N.C. to try to better it. In the meantime, Dennis Ytuarte, Brentwood, N.Y., jacked the record up to 157, then Glen Van Sant, Penndel, Pa., came out on top with a record-tieing 157.01, but could not back it up. Tom Blankman, Eureka, Mo., turned 159.09 in Open Formula 40 to sneak by the record holding team of Hempel and Upton with their 158.25 mph flight. Robert Whitfield, Phila., Pa., and Leland Morton turned 153.26 and 151.33 respectively.
AMA Nats Lincoln '79: CL Speed
AS I write about the happenings and the meetings of the '79 Nats, it is difficult to express the appreciation and thanks to all who helped execute and administrate the Speed events. The event director for this year's speed events was Dave Reiber with Bev and Mindy Wisiewshi as his assistants. This year's Nats were well attended and the overall speed entries were up from the '78 Nats. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the B.S. sessions flowed faster than the speeds. Let's move on to the bustling activity of Monday, July 30, which had F-40, FAI and A speed. In FAI Speed, Japan's #1 speed flier, Akeshi Kusumoto, pulled a 137.74 mph over Frank Hunt and Glenn Lee at 135.33 mph and 125.81 mph respectively. Akeshi's FAI model was powered by a prototype OS MAX 15. The outward appearance resembled a Rossi .15. It incorporated a brass sleeve with an electroless nickle coating. Beautiful workmanship. This engine may be available in the U.S. within 4-6 months.
