CL: Scale
Larry Kruse
Overview
In contrast with the remote location of the CL Precision Aerobatics flying site, the Control Line (CL) Scale events were held adjacent to AMA Nats Headquarters, providing excellent vantage points for casual spectators. The pit area’s placement next to the heavily trafficked path to the RC Pattern flight lines encouraged plenty of kibitzing and photo taking. It was a pleasure to hear spectator applause after the completion of nearly every flight and to see contestants interact with interested fans while they viewed all 25 entries in CL Scale.
Twenty-five entries in CL Scale represented the largest turnout in recent Nats history. Because good CL Scale kits are rarely available off the shelf, most entries were either scratch-built from plans, modified RC scale kits adapted to control-line operation, or original works of craftsmanship. The depth and quality of the field suggested a small renaissance of the art form.
The entries were divided into three competition categories:
- Sport Scale (the largest category)
- FAI Scale
- Precision Scale
Sport Scale
Sport Scale allows static judging from a distance of 15 ft and excludes interior details from consideration. Despite that looser standard, many Sport Scale entries displayed workmanship that would have stood up to Precision judging.
Highlights:
- Steve Ashby’s twin-engined de Havilland Mosquito Mk. IV led static judging with a score of 95.52 and was the flight point leader after recovering from an abortive first flight.
- Mike Weishans’ veteran Howard DGA scored strongly and finished among the top placers.
- Jack Sheeks’ red-and-black Travel Air Mystery S posted a high static score in the nineties but was hampered in flight by gusty conditions and an engine quit; his Sport Scale flight score was not high enough to place him in the top three.
- Ed Rhoads’ Douglas Skyraider turned in a solid flight and posted an 88.4 static score, earning a top-three position in Sport Scale.
- Australia’s Graves improved nearly 11 points on his second flight with Miss Los Angeles and finished sixth overall in Sport Scale.
FAI Scale
The FAI Scale event was highly competitive and didn’t fully develop until the third round of flight. Many contestants struggled with mechanical problems in early rounds.
Final results and notes:
- Bill Logan (Canada) — winner with a phenomenal final total of 2,849.50. A slow, realistic flight of his Polish Wilga 80 (eight-foot wingspan) vaulted him into first place; his combined score reflected consistent, high-quality flights.
- Ernie Violett — second place with 2,792.50. His Skyraider led early but later suffered mechanical trouble.
- Steve Ashby — third place with 2,736.50. His twin O.S. .40–powered Dornier Do-17Z2 took top static points, but electronics/gear issues limited him to a single successful flight in the second round.
Additional notes:
- After Round One, only Charlie Bauer and Ernie Violett had completed successful flights; many others passed or failed due to mechanical issues.
- Bill Logan’s Wilga recovered from an early flip and delivered a stellar second flight that impressed the crowd and judges.
Precision Scale
Precision Scale rewarded models with detailed interiors and operational cockpit controls. Bill Logan again distinguished himself in this category.
Final standings:
- Bill Logan — first place with 570 total points. His customized Volkaplane II earned 420.67 static points; the model’s complete cockpit controls (including a working throttle) and large, light design produced two fine flights that no other pilot matched.
- Jack Sheeks — second place with 451.67 (350 static points; best flight 111.67) for his Travel Air Mystery S entered in Precision.
- Ernie Violett — third place with his bright yellow Beech Staggerwing G17S.
Notable Entries and Competitors
- Bill Logan (London, Ontario): Volkaplane II (Precision winner), Polish Wilga 80 (FAI winner). The Wilga weighs about 12 lb, has an 8-ft wingspan, and features a fully detailed interior down to seat belts and instrumentation.
- Steve Ashby (Indianapolis, IN): de Havilland Mosquito Mk. IV (Sport static leader and flight point leader), Dornier Do-17Z2 (FAI; top static points).
- Jack Sheeks (Indianapolis, IN): two Travel Air Mystery S models — one entered in Sport Scale (11 lb, .09 120SF-powered) and another in Precision (second place).
- Mike Weishans: veteran Howard DGA — strong static scores and a top placing in Sport Scale.
- Ed Rhoads (Cinnaminson, NJ): Douglas Skyraider (solid Sport Scale flight and top-three finish); also entered a Stuka in FAI but suffered engine problems that prevented flight qualification in that class.
- Ernie Violett: Skyraider (FAI runner-up) and Beech Staggerwing G17S (Precision third).
- George Kite (Indianapolis, IN): first Scale airplane and first Scale contest entry — an Enya 29–powered Antoinette IV. The ungainly antique was coaxed into the air once in gusty conditions; kudos for entering and flying an early-era design.
- Graves (Australia): Miss Los Angeles — strong second-round improvement and sixth place in Sport Scale.
- Dave McIlvaine and Charles Reeves: McIlvaine positioned Reeves’ well-crafted FW 190 D-9 for static judging; the model placed fifth in Sport Scale.
Details noted by judges and observers included working oleo struts, hinged cowl latches, louvered intake treatment, and extensive cockpit instrumentation on several large-scale models.
Organization and Atmosphere
From an organizational standpoint, the CL Scale contest ran smoothly. Holding the event adjacent to AMA Nats Headquarters, along a busy spectator path, made the contest accessible and enjoyable for the public. The appreciative audience, frequent photo opportunities, and contestants’ willingness to discuss their models contributed to an energetic, friendly atmosphere.
Bill Logan’s success with large, light models highlighted their ability to fly realistically and handle wind, prompting speculation about whether a Giant Scale movement in CL might be emerging alongside RC Giant Scale trends. Regardless, Control Line Scale 1990 proved to be one of the most successful and competitive Nats contests in many years — a real cause for celebration among scale modelers.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
