Control Line: Scale
Bill Boss
RULES are a never-ending source for discussion. Just when you think you understand them fully, someone comes along with questions and ideas to put you back to square one. Such is the case with several questions posed in a recent letter by Bill Michaels of Newport News, VA.
Several letters passed between Bill and me, and there was also one to Dave Platt, our Scale Contest Board chairman, in an effort to arrive at some reasonable answers for Bill's questions and ideas.
The ideas and questions posed by Bill were mostly related to documentation of scale operating features and the idea of a Scale model C-47 towing a troop glider, as the prototype did during WWII.
While some of the questions could be answered after reviewing the rule book, there were some that could not be answered directly or positively and may need further consideration by the Scale Contest Board—or possibly can be submitted in the form of a rules proposal in the next rules-change cycle (1990–91).
One important thing our discussion pointed out is that all Scale rules for a specific event are not found only under the event category (i.e., Control Line, Radio Control, etc.) in the rule book. Remember that rules under "Scale General" pertain to all Scale events, and that the "Unified Scale Judging Regulations" pertain only to the CL Precision and Free Flight Outdoor Gas Scale events and not to the Sport Scale events.
Questions and answers
Most of Bill's questions relate to a Scale project in which a C-47 tows a troop glider. The basic questions were:
- Would a second person be allowed in the circle to pilot a glider that was attached to the powered model at either the beginning of the official flight, or as a flight operation after 10 laps have been flown?
- How much and what type of documentation is required to prove flight operation features, and how do you present it?
- Who is responsible for proof that a particular plane did a particular flight maneuver or operation? Is it the contestant or the CD/Event Director?
- Does a towed object (the troop glider in Bill Michaels' case, a sailplane, or a banner) have to be presented along with the flying model and appropriate documentation for static judging?
Answer to question 1:
- The answer is not found in the basic CL Scale event rules but in "Scale General" under Para. 4, "Scale Builder‑Flier Rule."
- That rule states the builder and flier of a Scale model shall be one and the same person and that no team entries are permitted. This would deny use of a second person in the circle acting as pilot for the glider.
- You might ask, "Why can't the glider be towed and released much like we drop bombs and fuel tanks?"
- While nothing in the rules explicitly prohibits the tow‑and‑release operation of a glider, safety would likely be a consideration in denying this type of flight operation, especially with spectators. The glider drop location and flight could not be controlled as well as a bomb or fuel tank drop.
- On the other hand, towing the glider and not releasing it would be an incomplete flight operation and would therefore be awarded very minimal points—or perhaps none at all.
Answer to question 2:
- There is nothing in the rules that addresses, either generally or specifically, how flight operations shall be proven.
- It appears any amount of information and in any form may be used by the contestant to prove that the prototype did a specific maneuver or flight operation, and there is no requirement to include this data in the data page—no page limit, such as is imposed in Sport Scale for static judging.
- At most contests (including the Nats), flight judges ask for or require contestants to prove that the prototype type modeled did in fact have operating flaps, retracting gear, bomb drop, fuel tank drop, etc.
Answer to question 3:
- According to the rules, it is the responsibility of the contestant—not the CD or Event Director—to prove all aspects of his model's operation, both statically and in flight.
- We rely on the judges to know whether operating features exist, but the primary responsibility for proof rests with the contestant.
Answer to question 4:
- The rule states nothing may be added to the model from the time of static judging to the official flight except for the flying propeller, etc.
- Dave Platt's interpretation, as it would apply to towing an object (glider, banner, etc.), is that the towline system and the object to be towed must be presented along with the subject model as a unit for static judging.
- Proper documentation for the model, towing system, and the towed object must be provided within the specified number of pages of allowable data.
- Dave has indicated to Michaels that if further or a more official consideration of this question is needed, Michaels should ask for a full Scale Contest Board interpretation.
Closing thoughts on rules
First, a reminder that the members of the Scale Contest Board have already cast their final votes on the current set of rules‑change proposals.
Second, if you have a particular section of the rules you believe needs discussion in this column, I would be glad to hear from you.
Products
Something new from Bell Rock Industries (BRI) helps make building easier: Grate‑Shapes and Weight‑Mates.
Grate‑Shapes:
- A series of sanding blocks about 10 in. long, available in a number of shapes that will fit almost all model sanding chores.
- These silicon carbide grit sanding tools have work surfaces suitable for shaping round, flat, square, V, and concave surfaces and are offered in a number of sizes in each shape style.
- Excellent for rough sanding of leading and trailing edges of wings and tail surfaces and other long straight edges.
- BRI cautions these tools should be used only on balsa, balsa foam, and other soft materials. They are not recommended for hard or gummy woods or metal, which will greatly shorten their useful lives.
- Prices range from $4.95 for a set of three squares (sized from 1/4 in. to 1 in.) to $21.95 for a six‑pack combination.
Weight‑Mates:
- Four‑by‑six‑inch canvas‑like bags which, when filled with lead shot or sand, weigh approximately five pounds and can be used to hold down model parts during construction.
- They can also be used as tie‑downs for your model during transportation.
- The bags come five to a pack and sell for $6.95.
For complete details on sizes, shapes, and pricing, write to: BRI, 6486 Hwy. 179 — Suite 108, Sedona, AZ 86336
Contest activity
On September 20, 1987, the Garden State Circle Burners (GSCB) will host its annual Bendix/Teterboro Scale rally. Precision, Sport, and Profile classes are being offered with awards (trophies and merchandise) to fifth place in each event. George Gaydos is the CD and hopes this year's entry will surpass last year's 23.
The meet is held in the Bendix Co. parking lot adjacent to the west side of Teterboro Airport. The all‑blacktop parking lot makes for good Scale flying. AMA rules apply to the Precision and Sport classes, while the Profile event will be flown according to GSCB's own rules. For full contest details and a copy of the Profile Scale rules, write to: G. Gaydos, 8 Dapp Court, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
Please send all correspondence—especially photos—relating to CL Scale to: Bill Boss, 7706 269th Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
