Control Line: RACING
John Ballard
Introduction
This month I want to talk about Modified Racing—that is, standard AMA events run with local modifications. I have been getting more and more mail concerning how speeds in events like Rat Race and Slow Rat have been reduced by specific local rules.
Western Associated Modelers (WAM) — Fast Rat with Mufflers
I received a letter from WAM (Western Associated Modelers) enclosing photos from their August 8, 1982 contest. For some time they have been flying the Fast Rat event with mufflers. These mufflers must be attached to either side-exhaust or rear-exhaust engines and have made a substantial reduction in performance as well as in noise. They also initiated a .29 class called "Class B Rat," using the same type of aircraft but with reduced airspeed.
Circle Masters of Milwaukee — Fuel and Sport Race
I attended a contest conducted by the Circle Masters of Milwaukee, WI, in mid-October. Fall started early and temperatures were only in the high forties. I had to stop using 70% nitro and drop to approximately 40% nitro, increasing the alcohol content to keep the engine lit.
At that contest the Sport Race event was run with 10% nitro fuel supplied by contest management. Participants could choose 10% fuel with either castor oil or Klotz oil. There were approximately 20 Sport Race entries—the largest entry among the four Racing events.
National Control Line Coalition (NCLC)
Dr. Laird Jackson sent information about the National Control Line Coalition. The NCLC is a developing organization intended to provide a representative body for all control line fliers. The word "coalition" conveys the temporary nature of the present arrangement.
- The presidents of the Control Line Speed, Stunt, Combat, Carrier, and Racing groups constitute an executive board.
- The executive board can direct the growth and activity of the coalition, including changing the name if desired.
- The intent is to give all of Control Line the ability to speak with one voice of authority to the AMA or anyone else on matters of interest to any Control Line group or flier.
- With all groups represented, no single interest needs to be left out of Control Line matters; each can benefit from increased membership support behind any decision or request.
The Coalition is, frankly, an experiment to see if Control Line is really dead, as some people say. I don't think so. Write your support for the Coalition concept if you refuse to believe Control Line is dead.
Contact for subscription/sample copy:
- Laird Jackson, 3232 Wilson Ave., Bristol, PA 19007.
- Sample copy: 37¢ stamp & envelope.
- Subscription: $15/yr (persons aged 19 and older, plus foreign residents). Persons age 18 and younger: $7.50/yr. Both rates include a 50¢ NCLC membership fee.
(Editor’s note: That subscription price is for persons aged 19 years and older, plus residents of foreign countries. Persons age 18 and younger can subscribe for $7.50/yr. Both subscription rates include a 50¢ NCLC membership fee. — RMcM.)
The Gazette — NCLC Newsletter
The newsletter, the Gazette, is to carry news, technical information, reports of interest, and achievement recognition for Control Line. All groups are to contribute to its content with fair distribution of coverage.
Planned features and availability:
- Regular monthly schedule by late 1982 with a minimum of 8 pages (maximum dependent on subscriber support).
- Excellent picture quality.
- Ads limited to materials of interest to Control Line and smaller suppliers.
- Computer-filed supplier lists and membership lists.
- Full-sized plans for models published.
- Copies of technical reports and future availability of selected hard-to-get specialty supplies.
The newsletter has an international audience but needs new subscribers, as the list has not yet recovered from the gap in publishing which occurred in 1981.
Flying Lines — Northwestern Newsletter
I received a copy of Flying Lines, an excellent Northwestern newsletter published by Mike Hazel. The newsletter is virtually full of contest results, random building tips, flea market items, and a "soapbox" for opinionated modelers. Mike periodically publishes a rating system for Northwestern fliers, tracking contest performance throughout the year. Flying Lines provides interesting reading for Racing competitors.
Contact:
- Mike Hazel, 1411 Bryant Ave., Cottage Grove, OR 97424.
Closing
Frankly, I don't believe Control Line is dead. Write in and support the Coalition concept if you feel the same.
John Ballard 10102 Kimblewick Dr. Louisville, KY 40223
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
