Control Line: Combat
Charlie Johnson 3716 Ingraham St. San Diego, CA 92109
MACA Top Twenty — 1987
MACA's Top Twenty for 1987 were recently listed in the March issue of the society's newsletter. The results were compiled by Pat Wilcox from the 68 contests held throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Points were awarded as follows: three times the number of rounds flown for first placers; two times the number of rounds flown for second placers; and one times the number of rounds flown for third placers. Double- or triple-elimination contests did not receive extra points, as the number of rounds is determined by the number of contestants in each event.
Only MACA (Miniature Aircraft Combat Association) members with 1987 or current memberships were rated, with points from 1/2A, Slow, FAI, and Fast Combat being added together for the overall champion. If you're doing really well this contest season and care about the MACA Top Twenty system, send your $15 to become a member and get the newsletter — and possible glory and fame in the Top Twenty for 1988. Send your check to Mike Urban, 316 Spring Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
Here’s the Top Twenty for 1987:
- Richard Stubblefield (Houston, TX) — 132 pt.
- Jerry Sabin (Griffith, IN) — 118 pt.
- Don Cranfill (Lake Jackson, TX) — 111 pt.
- Bob Nicks (Cary, NC) — 82 pt.
- Mike Thiessen (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) — 82 pt.
- Steve Kott (Wayne, MI) — 82 pt.
- Michael Wilcox (Kingwood, TX) — 77 pt.
- John Stubblefield (Houston, TX) — 71 pt.
- Louis Lopez (Wilmington, [location incomplete])
Equipment and Contacts
Al Kelly made a nifty remote-needle setup using some K & B two-piece components and some hand-built parts. Remote needle valves have proven themselves in Combat — engine manufacturers should jump on the bandwagon. Reasons: performance and safety.
The real measure of success at an event is fun. Barry Baxter can be reached at 6490 Sonora Way, Cypress, CA 90630. He is also a big Nostalgia Combat buff and has plans available for many classic models, such as the Orbit Ace, WOW, and many others.
Second Annual Money Nats
The Second Annual Money Nats turned out to be quite a success. Last year's "almost" winner and good-sportsmanship recipient got the thousand-dollar first prize. Michael Wilcox parlayed his nine-win, two-loss record into the big payoff, plus a share in the Calcutta final which benefited the backers of various teams, the winning flier, and the MACA FAI team fund. Michael already had a record of eight-and-one at the time, while the other three quarter-finalists had one more loss.
Richard Stubblefield ended up in fourth. Steve Kott took third, and Larry Driskill was runner-up to Wilcox. Larry received a Carver Corp. stereo for his second place, and Glen Dye presented Steve Kott with one of his late-edition TWA 36 engines.
With the FAI team trials, there seemed to be near-parity among the top half of the entrants. Engine/model combinations seem to be closer than ever, with some lesser-known fliers having equipment at least as good as any of the top guns. Chuck Ruder, Howard Rush, and Phil Granseder were on hand and were there to test the PA system.
Michael Wilcox — Tactics and Analysis
I asked Michael if he'd planned some of the neat moves he'd put on people, and his reply was exactly what you'd expect from the crafty fox: "What moves?" Picture Michael flying along at about 20 ft., with his opponent above and behind him and ready to pounce in for the kill. A little fake toward the opponent's model, and the opponent instinctively pulls up a little to avoid a midair. Wrong move! Michael does a quick U-turn inside the guy and gets a kill. He had the pilot in just the right place in the circle — and the opponent's plane exactly where he wanted it.
If any one flier has a chance to dominate the flying over the next couple of years, it has to be Michael Wilcox. Michael and his father, Pat, have put a lot of effort into analyzing what is really going on during matches. They've made extensive use of the videos they shoot at all the meets. They have a record of what went on during the matches and have been able to learn from their mistakes and triumphs.
ABC Pistons/Liners
ABC piston/liner sets were being produced and sold at the Money Nats. Price is about $60 for the piston/liner and about $20 more for a Venturi connecting rod.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
