Control Line: Aerobatics
Wynn Paul
KEITH TROSTLE again will lead the Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association as its President for the year of 1978. This will be Keith's fifth year as President. He has shouldered the task of working closely with AMA Headquarters on Nationals and FAI Tryouts administration, rules interpretations, and other matters. Those interested in communicating with Keith can write him at 10900 Phillips Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20870.
Vice-President for the new year will be Frank McMillan, 810 Hackberry Court, No. 2509, Bellevue, NE 68005, serving his third term. Frank beat out Bob Whitely in a close vote, 57-53. The PAMPA ballot was returned by 117 of the 430 paid-up members. Frank is a long time modeler dating back to his early days in New York, and is quite current in the stunt circle, finishing in the top ten at the Nationals the past two years. Secretary-Treasurer again will be Wynn Paul, who, unfortunately, ran unopposed. The Directors at large for the new year will be Dave Hemstrought (East), Bob Gieseke (Mid-States), and Arlie Preszler (West).
Forty-size engines:
Stunt fliers have been searching for .40-size engines that will hold up in competition for some time, chiefly because of the rules' allowance for .015 line sizes with the .40. It appears that there are three .40s on the market that might make the grade. The first would be the HP 40 which is now supposedly available in control-line version at a rather breathtaking $84.95. That's a lot to pay for a stunt engine, but with a careful break-in it should be ready to use without other refinements.
Bill Werwage (World Champ twice) feels that the HP 40 has at least the power of a good ST 46 engine. Bill used the engine for a full year of competition and certainly is a reliable source of information. Dick Mathis received two of the first stunt versions in the U.S. and was so impressed with their performance that he is building a new stunt ship around the engine. By the time this article is out they may be available at some of the larger hobby stores.
They are distributed by Midwest Supply Co. and, in talking with Jerry Nelson there, he stated that the engine is supplied with three steel head shims (gaskets), of .005, .007, and .010, so that the modeler can experiment with various head clearances to see what works the best for stunt.
The engine weighs in at a hefty 10 ounces, which is more than the ST 46 at 8.8 oz. (248 grams). Jerry also stated that the parts situation is good and that Midwest has a plentiful supply on hand. That one point could be significant as we all have heard of the SSF (Serious Stunt Flier) who was willing to trade a brand new ship for ten ST 46 rings. Jerry also said that a Dykes ring version will be coming out in the spring of 1978 for both RC and CL; however, in his opinion, the stunt fliers would probably want to stick with the regular version.
A second .40-size engine is the Como 40, manufactured by Supertigre, which is new on the market. The engine is available from Indy R.C., 10620 College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46280 (tel: 1-800-428-4682) for $35.95, which includes a muffler. The engine features boost ports, a low expansion aluminum piston, bar stock con rod with oil groove, twin ball bearings with a high alloy steel crankshaft, and a dish-pan type head. It comes with a Perry or ST 60-size carb, so you will need to get a venturi made for it. Gene Martine can supply the venturis from his Custom Master Products, 5424 Oliver St. South, Jacksonville, FL 32211.
Last but not least, the K&B .40 engine is being championed by several stunt fliers around the country. Again, it is necessary to substitute a control-line venturi and appropriate needle valve assembly. When will the manufacturers give us a break by at least offering venturis and needle valves for their RC engines? A Tigre needle valve assembly will fit this engine. At least, the parts are readily available from K&B. Tom Lay of T & L Model Specialties offers to rework the K&B for you for $21.50. He has a good supply of parts and can also supply and install a custom venturi. Write him at 4261 182nd Street, #N, Torrance, CA 90504 (tel: 213 542 5489).
Half-A Notes:
Rich Porter, the Half-A wizard, dropped by General Tom Dixon's Atlanta Stunt Conspiracy's Headquarters on a move to Washington, and flew some of the new Testor's McCoy .049 engines in his Half-A stunt ships with a pen bladder tank and on 52-foot lines. Tom said that the planes really flew well with the new McCoy engines. Hurray for Bill Netzeband and his long standing fight for Half-A. As soon as Rich gets settled out West, I hope to have more of a report on these little hot half-A's.
Custom Master Products: While attending the King Orange Internationals over the new year's holidays I had the chance to visit Gene Martine's fantastic shop setup in Jacksonville, Florida. Gene is slowly organizing his operation into one that will be a definite asset to stunt fliers in their continual quest for needed items which are not produced by the larger manufacturers. By April or May he should be completely set up to distribute his very good Custom Master Mufflers, a very good adjustable handle that weighs a very light 3 oz., venturis, building weights, nose weights, and other items. Write Gene for a catalog at the address given earlier in this article.
Fuel Tanks: If you want a 5-ounce or larger tank for your ST 46, HP 40, or Fox 45 engine, about the only source I know of presently is Randy Hancock, who custom makes them from .008 tin plate. These tanks are a work of art and well worth the $10.00, plus postage prices. Write him at 541 Columbia Blvd., Lexington, KY 40508 (tel: 606-252-8137).
Foam Wings: Look for another manufacturer of custom stunt foam wings in the near future. John Poynter and Kirk Mullinnix, of California, are getting into the business and will soon have a price list and catalog available. If you are interested in a price list, write them at J & K Foam Wings, 10261 Janice Lynn, Cypress, CA 90630. I also have heard that when Arnold Stott gets relocated in Texas he intends to start producing wings again on a more substantial basis. Haven't heard from him, but I am certain that he will let Model Aviation know when he is ready to produce.
Stunt Scoring Change: There is a good possibility that the scoring system proposed in the September issue of Model Aviation with point awards of 0-to-10 by one-half point increments, 0-10 points for appearance, 2 points for starting within one minute, and 6 points for completion of the pattern, will be drawn up soon and proposed to the PAMPA membership via the newsletter. If the proposal is accepted, President Keith Trostle will propose it to the CLCB for the next rules cycle. Comments should be sent to Keith.
For information on stunt or PAMPA contact Wynn Paul, 1640 Maywick Dr., Lexington, KY 40504.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
