Radio Control: Combat
THE 1994 FLYING SEASON was the best ever for the AMA 704 Scale Combat event and nonscale events. As a result of experience gained in the 1994 season, you can expect to see a few changes in the 704 rules. The first change will be to officially adopt the "one-minute launch window" to replace the points bonus for the first airborne aircraft. This change was recommended after several launching accidents were reported under the old "racehorse" start. I am delighted to report that the use of the one-minute start window appears to have eliminated the type of accidents caused by the rush to be the first into the air that marred the 1993 season. Thank you all for remembering to keep safety first-always. Other upcoming changes will include better definition of "scale replica" to allow only scalelike appearance for 704 models, including canopies and "scale" paint schemes. Revisions will be added to specifically delete any profile and/or cruciform fuselages.
Radio Control: Combat
ONE OF THE BEST modeling trade shows is the great Toledo R/C Expo, hosted by the Toledo Weak Signals club. The club puts forth a super effort for the whole modeling community; we should all thank them for their effort in hosting this huge event. One of the things I enjoy about these large trade shows is having the opportunity to see what's new for modelers. This year's Toledo show was no exception; here is a sampling of some of the things RC Combat fliers (Scale 704 fliers and non-Scale Combat enthusiast) might find interesting. Mey's Hi Tech Hobby (10 Starr Rd., Danbury CT 06810; Tel.: [203] 743-7259) introduced their line of AcuScale Scale fighters for the AMA 704 event. The popular P-51 Mustang and the F4U Corsair are the first two models available, with others promised later. Both models feature durable fiberglass fuselages, foam-core wings with carbon-fiber spars, clear vacuum-formed canopies, and precut formers and tail feathers.
Radio Control: Combat
WITH THE SUMMER flying season in full swing, RC fliers across the US and Canada have been getting involved with scale and non-scale RC Combat. It's great to have so many enthusiastic new fliers involved, but as with any sport, there is a bit of a learning curve that first-time RC Combat fliers go through. Often the surprise for a new flier is where he or she is most likely to lose a model-it's not during the Combat round, since midair collisions are rare. The loss of a fighter is most likely to occur during the launch.
Radio Control: Combat
A FEW MONTHS AGO, Model Aviation's managing editor Jim Haught wrote in his "Haught Corner" about the importance of keeping the "magic" in flying. I couldn't agree more. If I were to boil everything right down to the basics, the reason I fly-and the reason most of us fly-is for the fun. Period. Editor's note: This is clearly a shameless attempt to curry favor, and I'll only tolerate it 30 or 40 more times before I put a stop to it! I mean, grab your hat-it's too late to save your boots.
Radio Control: Combat
I RECENTLY received a letter from Randy Rogers of Williamsburg, Virginia that contained some questions he had on Scale RC combat. After getting my response, Randy called and told me "That's what you should put in your column." So, armed with Randy's suggestion as a convenient excuse, I reviewed a number of letters to compile some common questions that modelers have about Scale RC Combat. What is 704 Combat? The number 704 refers to an event described in the AMA Competition Regulations book as World War II Combat. The objective of the event is to "recreate the excitement of World War II fighter combat in an enjoyable, safe, Scale competition that will be interesting for spectators and challenging for the contestants."
