Radio Control: Combat
THE QUEST to keep models lightweight does not go all the way back to prehistoric times-it just goes back to the first successful modeler. Lightweight models are critical in RC Combat for two reasons: Safety, of course, is the primary reason. Weight control is one element of the rules that builds safety into the events. Not only must successful Combat rules incorporate safety, they must change as we learn how to write safer rules. The RC Combat community is actively pursuing safety improvements for our events, learning from our mishaps and tragic events elsewhere in the modeling community.
Radio Control: Combat
HAPPY NEW YEAR: 1993 was a banner year for RC combat, with more events, in both 704 Scale and nonscale, than ever before. The growth of this facet of the RC sport may be attributed to a number of things: First, more and more fliers who see these events realize that the small models fly well! The idea that big models fly, little ones flit stops many modelers from considering smaller designs.
Radio Control: Combat
LOOKING BACK on the summer flying season (tipped all you southern fliers off with that statement, didn't I?) this was a great year for the RC Combat flier. More people joined in 704 fun than in previous years, and both interest and safety awareness increased in nonscale events. Manufacturers who support this facet of modeling responded. All this activity is great, with new developments occuring all the time.
Radio Control: Combat
THE LAST TIME I took some of my models to the flying field, another flier looked at my planes and asked, somewhat astonished, "You hand launch?" Many-perhaps even most-RC fliers today have never launched a plane by hand. Since 704 models are normally hand launched, fliers unfamiliar with hand launching should heed these words of caution: Hand launching any low-wing model can be difficult, because the position of the wing forces you to hold the fuselage behind the wing and in an extremely nose-heavy position.
Radio Control: Combat
WHAT FEEDBACK I'VE HAD! This month's column is something of a milestone for me. Since there is a three-month delay between submission and publication of the column, this is the first one in which I can tell you about the feedback. I thank all of you who wrote and offered your best wishes. I'll do my best to represent the views of all corresponding modelers and promote the exciting sport of RC Combat, both Scale and nonscale events. Your letters have also reinforced my belief that the vast majority of modelers interested in RC Combat realize that any event, scale or nonscale, must always put safety first.
