CONTROL LINE AEROBATICS
By Frank McMillan
12106 Gunter Grove, San Antonio TX 78231
Preparing for the season
The weather is changing, and I'm looking forward to a great flying season. Old airplanes are repaired and flyable, and the new one is awaiting trim colors. Propellers and lines, fuel and pipes are all ready to test; only one ingredient is not quite prepared, and that's me.
Many of you probably spent the winter building, generally indoors, without getting much exercise, and there's the problem. Not until you get out and work hard in a long practice session do you realize that you need some preparation. Worse yet, with our models, we aerobatics fliers may get tired and shorten practice when we actually need more.
Physical conditioning
Think about doing light aerobic exercises—brisk walking or slow jogging—to get the heart working. You don't need to overdo it; just do something. Consider light weight lifting to tone the upper body muscles—especially the arms. Get a grip exerciser to work hands and forearms.
Benefits of conditioning:
- Gives you strength to practice longer and more effectively.
- Increases tolerance for higher temperatures in summer.
- Strengthening upper-body and arm muscles permits longer, productive practice sessions.
- Working on hands and forearms improves small motor control, dramatically improving your ability to control the airplane in varying conditions.
Remember when you are flying that when you move, the airplane moves. The more control you have over your hands and body, the better and smoother you will fly. It's free points, directly within your control; besides, it's better for you. Most people want to enjoy flying longer.
Ignition Old-Timers and fuels
Every time I see an Old-Timer ignition model fly and experience the sounds and smells of gas/oil fuel, I want one; however, as most who have tried one understand, the old stuff is touchy. The old engines and components are marginal for reliable performance. Even modern gasoline, when oxygenated, creates a problem because of overheating.
Many fliers use a glow-fuel blend to make their engines more reliable while still using spark ignition. This option requires more fuel capacity, because there is less energy per volume in methanol-based fuel.
I don't mean to sound as if I'm an expert in the area—I'm not. There are fliers, such as Don Hutchinson and Floyd Carter, who know how to make these old engines run well.
Transistorized spark ignition systems
The heart of the problem with these ignition engines, aside from making sure the engine is in top shape, is the ignition system itself. For many years Floyd Carter has supplied transistorized spark ignition systems through his company, Aero Ply Research.
One major benefit of Floyd's approach is that the design uses a transistor amplifier electrically placed between the points and the spark plug. The points are usually the weak point in the system because they can pit and short with oil. By using the transistorized system, the points only have to act as a low-voltage switch. The transistor amplifier acts as a high-current switch controlled by the tiny signal from the points. The spark coil receives a clean, high-current signal, as if the points were clean and new. With the very high-quality spark plugs available, users can obtain a complete, highly reliable spark system.
For years, ignition models were handicapped by the extra weight of the system and batteries. The transistorized system is much smaller and lighter by itself, and requires smaller batteries. With a 300 mAh battery pack, the complete lightweight system weighs three ounces, which is acceptable for our control-line models.
Floyd can provide complete prewired systems including batteries; just connect and run. He also provides chargers. Quality setups can help get an ignition model flying.
Historical video and engine work
George Aldrich is one of the best-known modelers in Stunt. He has been involved with the event since the 1940s as a competitor, designer, and engine builder, and has been a champion speed flier and free flighter. George has also been a part of history as an AMA and PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association) Hall of Fame member.
Bob Hunt of Robin's View Productions visited George at his home in Texas. In a feature videotape, George recalls his career in modeling, going back to the early days of Stunt with Bob Palmer and Lew Andrews. Accented by many of George's personal photos and memorabilia, this is a priceless part of the history of Stunt. As many of you who know George are aware, he is fond of telling stories of the old days, and this is a prime example.
In addition to the historical theme, George discusses his approach to engine rework and restoration. He also gives an inside view of what it takes to do precision engine work. If you have any interest in the history of Stunt, get this video. As an incentive, George has autographed some of the copies.
Kits — John Brodak warbirds
For those of you who are looking for an attractive, easy-to-build profile model, look at John Brodak's series of warbirds. He seems to get the best wood and works extremely hard to produce complete, accurate kits.
John's kit development includes prototyping and extensive testing, and packaging is superior so that you get the best value for your money. This series includes:
- P-51D
- Hawker Sea Hurricane
- A6M Zero
- Me 109
- Fw 190 (the one I'm building)
While you're investigating these kits, look at the extensive line of control-line products detailed in John's catalog. It is full of good hints and products at $3—an excellent value.
Tachometer recommendation
I've been using a TNC Electronics tachometer for some time, and it's the best I've seen for consistency. It's crystal-controlled and will read reliably in marginal light conditions. The tach I've been using has 100 rpm display resolution, although it actually measures to a higher accuracy.
A new model of this excellent tach has a display to read up to 10 rpm. I mention the display because the tach is actually accurate to 1 rpm. The new mode is selectable with a push-button switch on the side; when depressed it reads to 10 rpm.
I highly recommend this upgraded version of a fine product.
Contacts and resources
- Aero Ply Research Co.
2029 Crist Dr., Los Altos, CA 94024 (Floyd Carter — transistorized ignition systems)
- Robin's View Productions
Box 68, Stockertown PA 18083 Tel.: (610) 746-0106 Fax: (610) 746-9638 (Bob Hunt — George Aldrich videotape)
- Brodak Manufacturing and Distributing Co.
100 Park Ave., Carmichaels PA 15320 Tel.: (412) 966-2726 Fax: (412) 966-5670 (John Brodak — warbird kits, catalog $3)
- TNC Electronics
2 White Lane, Woodstock NY 12498 Tel.: (914) 679-8549 (Tachometers)
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
