CONTROL LINE SCALE - 2001/02
IN SEPTEMBER I attended the George L. Gaydos Memorial All-Scale Contest, sponsored by the Garden State Circle Burners (GSCB) of New Jersey. It was a great opportunity to see the scale models up close, get some good photos, and review the aircraft documentation presented by the entrants.
The models looked great and the picture-taking went well, but I was disappointed in some of the documentation presented with the models for static judging. I found deficiencies in the areas of color-and-markings data and photo presentation of the prototype aircraft. Some folders didn't have the name of the contestant, and there was little, if any, information about the model.
All models had the required three-view drawing, but some presentations contained the "4.6 Declaration" of parts not made by the contestant, which was eliminated from the Sport Scale rules in the 1996–1997 AMA Competition Regulations. A reminder is needed about the importance of providing sufficient and appropriate documentation for models entered in a competition.
I am revisiting the subject of documentation, not only for those who consider themselves experienced scale modelers, but also for those who are considering participating in Control Line (CL) Scale competition for the first time. The documentation you present can make the difference in how you place at a competition. I'll have more about the GSCB contest later in the column.
Read the rules first
The first thing a scale newcomer should do (and some old-timers, as well) is obtain the newest AMA Competition Regulations (rule book) and thoroughly read the rules of the event you intend to enter. Keeping up with the rules changes is a must for anyone entering a contest.
The following is directed toward the CL Sport Scale rules, but they also apply to the Profile event.
A good place to start understanding what is required for model documentation is the "CL Sport Scale Worksheet (Part 1)" on page 139 of the Competition Regulations. The judges will use this sheet to static-judge your model.
The upper half of the form contains items you should detail on the eight 8-1/2 x 11-inch pages allowed for your model documentation. This information is important for the judges, because it tells them who is entering the model and its basic particulars. At some contests, you may be asked to fill out this section prior to presenting your model for static judging.
The "Static Judging" section of the form provides you with an idea of what documentation is required for your model to be properly judged.
Proof of Scale
"Proof of Scale" can be in the form of:
- An accurate three-view drawing
- A series of photos
- A plastic model
This proof is required for scoring accuracy of outline for items five, six, and seven on the score sheet. If you're going to use a series of photos or a plastic model, be sure to read carefully and follow the details in the CL Sport Scale rules on page 137 of the Competition Regulations, under "Proof of Scale," 4.2 b or c.
Proof of Color Scheme
"Proof of Color Scheme" can be:
- Photos of the prototype
- A color painting or drawing
- Written documentation from a reliable source if photos or a color painting/drawing can't be found
A black-and-white three-view drawing showing details of color and placement of the markings on the model is acceptable. For a complete understanding of what is required for "Proof of Color Scheme," refer to page 138, 4.3 of the Sport Scale rules.
Finish and Markings
Items eight and nine on the judging sheet are:
- Authenticity of Degree of Gloss
- Color and Markings for the finish of the model
The degree of gloss is important because it should reflect what was used on the prototype. For example, an airplane used in a war zone and painted in camouflage colors wouldn't normally have a high-gloss finish — be sure the finish on your model matches the prototype.
The color, size, shape, and placement of the insignia and/or markings should also be the same as those on the full-scale aircraft.
How judges use your documentation
The judges use the top half of the score sheet and the first four items of the "Static Judging" section as a checklist, to make sure you have provided appropriate documentation for:
- Outline Accuracy
- Finish
- Craftsmanship
These are listed in items five through nine. The judges also check to make sure you have kept your documentation within the maximum of eight pages. If something is missing from your documentation, you won't be scored on that item — and it might be those few missing points that would bring your model to the winner's circle.
A most important thing to remember is that "proof of what has been done on the model is the responsibility of the contestant," and the judges are not required to know everything about all airplanes. Your airplane is judged on the basis of the data you present. A three-view drawing for airplane "XYZ" won't do if the model presented is for prototype "ABC." Be sure your data is for the right model.
I have given you a basic outline of what is required for your model's documentation, but read the rules in the AMA Competition Regulations thoroughly. Knowing the rules — and what is required of you — is more than half the battle at any contest. I'll come back to documentation in a future column and explore what might be required as a minimum of data for the eight pages allowed for your presentation.
Need documentation?
If you're a newcomer to scale modeling and are in need of three-views, photos, or other data, join the National Association of Scale Aeromodellers (NASA). In addition to a great newsletter, a decal, and a patch, you'll receive a copy of the NASA Scale Resource Guide. It provides a listing of agencies, museums, libraries, books, periodicals, journals, and services that can provide you with the documentation you need.
NASA membership is $15 in the U.S., $17 in Canada, and $22 overseas. To join, send your name, address, and a check to: Bonnie Rediske 128 Darnley Dr. Moon Township, PA 15108
GSCB 23rd Annual All-Scale Meet — "George L. Gaydos Memorial"
The GSCB's 23rd Annual All-Scale Meet — renamed the "George L. Gaydos Memorial" — took place September 17 in Lyndhurst, NJ. The contest site was the newly paved parking lot of a commercial building, large enough for two flying circles.
Contest Director Bill Reynolds reported that 31 airplanes were on hand — 28 were entered in competition, and the remaining three were on static display. It was a great turnout for a local contest.
Events offered:
- Precision Scale
- Sport Scale
- Profile Scale
- GSCB's Fun and Team Scale
- FAI F4B CL Scale (offered for the first time)
The day was cool and sunny, with the wind at a steady 20–25 mph. Entrants in the Precision and F4B events elected not to fly and were given scores on the basis of static judging. Bill noted there were four entries in the F4B event, he encountered no problems with the model processing or judging, and plans are to offer the event again at next year's meet.
Results and awards:
- GSCB Top Gun (high static score, best documentation, best flight): Jack Patrolia (Marshfield, MA) — Pitts S-2A. Jack entered this airplane in the 2000 Scale World Championships.
- George L. Gaydos Perpetual Champion: Mel Mondschein (Wharton, NJ) — accumulated the most points for placings in the events he entered.
- Gaydos Junior/Senior Competitor award: Scott LeFevre (Dover, NJ) — placed in three events.
The awards given at this meet are from the "Warbird" series of plaques, available from Awards of Accomplishment; distinctive awards feature a three-view of the P-51 Mustang and are printed with event, place, and club name information. The GSCB club obtained sponsors for the awards given to the first three places in each event. Award sponsorship certainly helps make local meets financially successful.
If your club is interested in more information about the variety of awards offered by Awards of Accomplishment, write to: Awards of Accomplishment PMB 328 1113 Murfreesboro Rd., Suite 106 Franklin, TN 37064 or call (615) 591-1015 for a free catalog.
Please send ideas, notice of upcoming CL Scale events, contest reports, and photos of CL Scale activity to me at the address at the top of this column. MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
