CONTROL LINE SCALE
Bill Boss, 77-06 269th Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Electronics vs. Three-line Bellcrank
Electronics vs. three-line bellcrank systems continues to be a topic of discussion among readers of this column. In the June issue I spoke about the merits of each system, and the use of one or the other, or that a combination of the two systems would probably satisfy most CL Scale modelers. I guess serenity is not to be. A difference of opinion has been expressed as to which system is best and when it should be used.
There are those who feel that electronic systems should be used only on very sophisticated models like those flown in the Precision event, and that the three-line bellcrank and pushrod systems (not five- or six-channel electronic systems) would be adequate for Sport Scale.
On the other hand, there are those who feel that electronics is the only way to go, and that most, if not all, operating features should be actuated by this type system—that the only bellcrank required should be the two-line bellcrank for elevator operation and line termination.
Comment has also been made about the reliability and general operation of both systems. One respondent noted that he has used the electronic system for hundreds of flights without failure, and if properly built and maintained, failure should not be encountered. Exactly the same thing can be said of the three-line bellcrank system that has been used successfully for many, many years.
Reliability and maintenance
Regardless of the system used, and how well it's maintained, there is always a chance of failure. Both systems use a pushrod, control horns, and connectors of various sorts—all of which are subject to model vibrations, stress, and wear.
The electronic system has the addition of batteries, servos, and wiring which present their own set of possible problems. It goes without saying that proper attention to maintenance will greatly reduce the possibility of failure in either system. Proponents of the electronic system also note that line tension is not needed for its basic operation, and that a model is better controlled on the ground. An engine is more easily shut down in a ground-loop situation when its throttle is servo operated. While this may a distinct advantage over the mechanical system, how often does a ground-loop situation occur?
Competition and rules
I suppose by now you're asking yourself, "what is all of this leading to?" Well, I believe the bottom line is that the use of a particular system, and possible problems with either one, is strictly the choice of the individual modeler.
There is nothing in the competition rules, whether in the Precision, Sport, or Profile events, that stipulates the system to be used. How the modeler accomplishes operating features such as flaps, throttle, bomb-bay doors, cowl flaps, tank drops, crop dusting, banner towing, and so on is his personal choice.
Comment has also been made that the use of multichannel electronics for multiple operating features in sport models puts the less-complicated model, such as a Piper Cub or biplane, at a distinct disadvantage in competition.
Fred Cronenwett (Canoga Park, California), one of our most ardent proponents of electronic systems, said, "We should stop right here—and look once more at the rules. Regardless of the system used, a Sport model is only required to perform six flight options, and even the simplest of models with engine control should be able to accomplish that, making them equally competitive with the most complicated models."
The less-complicated throttle-controlled model should be able to do the following six options:
- Taxi
- Lap
- Touch-and-go (each of the above three worth two options)
- Engine control
- Three laps of the circle at 45°
In addition, the prototype may have performed banner towing, crop dusting, or various aerobatic maneuvers.
A little research on the prototype should reveal what the model should be capable of doing. It is then up to the modeler to practice those flight features, and if done well, then it makes the less sophisticated model equally competitive.
The real bottom line is: the modeler chooses the model and control system that he wishes to build and fly with, and his skills and abilities determine how well he and his model will perform in competition.
I also believe that we should not be restrictive in any way about the control system used in a given event. I want to see all CL Scale events grow, and if electronic controls improve our numbers and activity, then so be it. It appears from the number of requests I have received for the Electronic System Mini-Guide (and they're still coming in), that interest in the use of electronics in CL models is high.
As for the use and promotion of our standard three-line system, I am ready and willing to present information on new ideas for the operation of any model operating feature.
Control line aerial photography
Control Line aerial photography? A new scale option? Fred Cronenwett thinks it very simple: attach a 35mm camera to the model, get airborne, and snap away. Fred is one of those CL modelers who is not afraid to try anything once.
The accompanying photos show an aerial shot of CL circles at the Whittier Narrows flying site, and a 35mm Nikon camera mounted on a .60-powered 71-inch-span model used by Fred for experimentation and development of his electronic control systems. By the way, the camera belongs to Fred's friend Grant Heistand—you didn't think he'd use his own camera, did you?
The camera is mounted on a special platform that allows it to be faced in any direction for picture taking. The camera was operated by a servo actuating the shutter release, and film advance was automatic.
How about taking pictures at a contest, rushing the film to a one-hour lab, and presenting the prints to the judges before the contest is over? I wonder how many points that option would be worth? While I am sort of joking about this, I wouldn't be surprised if it's done someday.
Scale Plans and Photo Service
Scale Plans and Photo Service by "Jim" Pepino is the largest commercial service offering both scale aircraft documentation and scale model plans, and continues to expand its collection.
Jim is providing four new catalogs listing various scale plans, three-views, and photos. The catalogs are:
- Scale Documentation Catalog 93-2 — contains a listing of over 120,000 color photos of aircraft, plus three-view drawings for most plans and kits.
- Superscale Plans Catalog 93-3 — lists over 130 construction plans for scale model aircraft.
- Model Aircraft Plans Handbook '93, Argus Specialty Publications (ASP) — outstanding scale plans from English designers and English scale magazines.
- Scale Drawing Plans Book, ASP — provides the best in accurate three-view drawings for scale documentation.
Catalogs are $5 each, postpaid, in the U.S.A. and Canada. Add $5 postage for overseas airmail of one to four catalogs. In addition to the catalogs, Scale Plans and Photo Service offers plan enlarging and research services. A SASE will bring you pricing data.
Write to: Jim Pepino's Scale Plans and Photo Service, 3209 Madison Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27403; Tel. (919) 292-5239.
Please send ideas, notices of upcoming CL Scale events, contest reports, and especially photos of CL Scale activity, to me at the address at the very top of this column.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
