CONTROL LINE AEROBATICS - 2001/02
Frank McMillan, 12106 Gunter Grove, San Antonio, TX 78231
Field Loss and the Need to Be Recognized as a Sport
We modelers realize that without a place to fly regularly, it is difficult to sustain interest. Too many of us have experienced the loss of a favorite site, and have likened it to the loss of a loved one.
Without the focus of a dedicated site, organized activity and growth cannot continue. We also see activities expanding and competing for the same available "space" we are, such as youth soccer.
At the 2000 Nationals, John Brodak, president of Brodak Manufacturing and Distribution Co., Inc., voiced his opinion on how we in modeling should change our approach to selling our needs. He had the following to say:
"There is a misconception that has been perpetuated for years, that what we do as Control Line, Radio Control, and/or Free Flight builders and fliers is a hobby.
"We need to clarify and present to all that we are involved in a sport — a sport that requires hours of dedication to hone talents in not only flying, but building the machines we take into local, national, and international competition.
"Throughout Europe, aeromodeling is considered to be a sport. In fact, there are many countries around the world where talented young fliers are trained for international competition.
"In the United States, however, it is looked upon as a hobby. There needs to be a change, and it must be done soon if we are to survive.
"We are losing flying fields in record numbers — fields that are necessary as practice and competition sites.
"Part of the reason these fields are being taken over by soccer and other sports teams is that those in the position to determine how the fields will be used have the belief that flying model planes is a hobby, and is enjoyed by only a few, with little or no spectator presence.
"We must challenge these views. The sport is growing yearly as more and more of those who were builders and fliers years ago again join the ranks — many bringing with them their children and grandchildren.
"And where is it written that a spectator must be charged an admission fee to enjoy watching a sport? It is hard to determine the number of people watching a contest when you don't have a ticket count, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.
"What changed many of the other recreational activities from a hobby to a sport? In all cases, it was the attitude of the participants and how they went about notifying the general public of their activities.
"It is time to end the 'playing with toy airplanes' mind-set, and recognize model aviation as a respected sport.
"I urge each and every one of you who have a love for this sport of aeromodeling to go out and speak to your local recreational boards, media, interested parent groups, etc., and explain what our sport is all about.
"Explain the pride of a child experiencing his first flight. The flight of a plane he built of balsa, while learning the basics of woodworking and the laws of aerodynamics.
"Our sport is in your hands and theirs."
New Items
Just when you think you've got the latest technology, someone comes up with the next hot item.
The control lines we fly with are unquestionably very important. They can contribute to improved performance, and they can create problems.
Those of us who have been using solids know they must be kept clean on a flight-to-flight basis, and they are prone to sticking in humid conditions or in rain. Solids also have a fairly short life span; the twisting of the lines creates a wear point.
These problems are greatly minimized with cable, but the ultimate flight performance doesn't match up with solids. Wouldn't it be nice if the ease of using cable and the flying characteristics of solids could be combined? It might be possible.
Former World Champion Bob Gieseke and Mike Scott have been working with a coated steel cable. The combination of cable and solids provides a much longer life, and these cables can be flown in the rain.
Reports from various users are excellent; they have several sets and will report on them in the next column. Meanwhile, contact Mike Scott at 824 Whitworth St., Dallas, TX 75227-3958; Tel.: (214) 386-7025.
Sources for Plans, Kits, and Materials
I frequently get requests for information on where to get plans or kits for Old-Time or Classic designs. Many of the queries come from older modelers who are returning to days of their youth. There is good news! It's not new news, because the following sources have been available for some time, but it's worth mentioning again for the sake of new members.
- Brodak Company
Address: 100 Park Ave., Carmichaels, PA 15320 Tel.: (724) 966-2726 Notes: The most prominent manufacturer for Control Line (CL). Brodak offers a comprehensive series of models and their own line of butyrate dope products — considered some of the finest on the market, with new colors introduced regularly. The Brodak catalog includes control systems, handles, propellers, engines, etc.
John recently announced the release of five new kits:
- Smoothie (by Bob Palmer)
- Thunderbird I (by Bob Palmer)
- 164 (profile design by Gordon Delaney)
- Pathfinder (full-size profile by Gordon Delaney)
- Full competition design by Allen Bickhaus for .40 to .60 engines
These kits contain Brodak's typical features: accurate plans, attention to detail, close-tolerance production using high-quality materials, and a full instruction booklet with verified step-by-step directions.
- RSM Distribution
Address: 1570 E. Edinger, Unit G, Santa Ana, CA 92705-4949 Tel.: (714) 547-5745 Notes: An extensive line of unusual and competitive Classic and Old-Time kits. The latest release is the famous Skylark by Ed Southwick, which builds as a Classic-legal 35-inch span or a 46-inch span version from the same kit. RSM also offers other notable designs such as the Nat's-winning Tempest, Electra, Shark45, and Touche Special.
- Tom Dixon
Address: Box 671166, Marietta, GA 30066 Notes: Tom Dixon has one of the largest collections of old and unusual plans. If you're looking for a specific model, try contacting Tom.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
