Radio Control: Combat
WHILE ON VACATION in upstate New York this summer I had the opportunity to accept an invitation to the Radio Control Club of Rochester's first Scale RC Combat meet. The RCCR meet's Contest Director was Jim Warner; the event went quite smoothly, due in no small part to the planning the club put into the event. Each model was inspected by Ed Dickinson, the safety officer for the meet; a preflight briefing was held to ensure every pilot understood the 704 rules and maintained the proper focus on safety. Pilots and helpers attending the meet included Jerry Joseph, Ed Dickinson, Paul Hanlon, Tom Salvemini, Bob James, Bill Stauber, Rodney Boatman, Don Steeb, Mike Hatch, Greg Kesel, Jim Warner, Conrad Kantor, and Wayne Jeffries.
Radio Control: Combat
I'VE SAID IT before, but it's time to say it again: Proper control throws are a must to successfully launch and fly RC Combat models! I recently witnessed a launch where the model rolled to the left, then the right, then even more to the left. The model finally knife-edged back to the right, just before slamming into the ground. After the crash, an experienced RC Combat flier told me that he had warned the poor fellow about excessive control throws before he launched his airplane, but the modeler decided to leave in the excessive throws, arguing that "In a hot little guy like this I'm going to need all the control I can get!"
Radio Control: Combat
A SAFETY REMINDER for all RC Combat fliers: Because the majority of Combat models are hand-launched, fliers must hold their aircraft, with engines running, during launch preparation. Virtually all of the accidents during RC Combat events happen in this brief period between start-up and launch. Handling a model with a running engine demands your attention and respect! The "one-minute launch window" was adopted for 704 events to give the pilot time to safely handle the model-instead of racing to be first in the air. I've talked to people who didn't think that a .15- or .21-size engine could cut off a fingertip. They now admit they were wrong!
Radio Control Combat
WITH THE SUMMER flying season almost here, it's a good time for a quick safety reminder: One of the best things about RC Combat flying, and RC flying in general, is the opportunity to spend a beautiful day outside; but a long day in the sun can also have some painful drawbacks. To protect from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, every modeler's flight box should include UV protection.
Radio Control: Combat
I'VE HAD A NUMBER OF REQUESTS for information on where to get all the kits and plans to get started in RC Combat. Some of this information has appeared piecemeal in earlier columns, but it might be a good idea to update it. It's presented in two sections: the 1/12 scale RC Combat event in AMA's 704 rules, and then a non-scale RC Combat directory of designs often used in "one-design" or "open" events. Scale (704) Kit Manufacturers: Custom Cutters (4302N 750W, Ligonier IN 46767; Tel.: [219] 894-3370) offers a Messerschmitt Me-109G and Macchi MC-202 and will soon be introducing the Macchi MC-200. The new designs feature built-up wings with building tabs on the ribs. The fuselages are balsa and plywood, with vacuum-formed canopies. Plans (only) for the Hawker Hurricane are also available in Custom Cutters' old style (sheeted foam wing, built-up fuselage).
