Control Line: Scale
Mike Stott
IF YOU HAVE been following the discussion of a national Scale organization, you will be glad to hear that I've received more feedback recently; more people are becoming interested in the possibility of such an organization. If you haven't been following the discussion, you should give it some thought. It could affect most Scale enthusiasts.
The most recent letter I received was from Bill Boss of New Hyde Park, N.Y. Bill had received some comments and proposals on organizing scale modelers from Bill Northrop, RC Contest Board Chairman, and asked if I wouldn't air their views in this column. Due to limited space I can't publish his letter in full but I will try to summarize their ideas, hoping that I don't distort their views.
These gentlemen feel that, although the Scale Board has made significant contributions towards the improvement of Scale, many portions of Scale are still not adequately represented. They feel that Scale Advisory Committees would better represent all areas of Scale.
Personally, my feelings differ greatly from this theory. All past proposals have suggested having a National Scale Organization that would work with and assist the Scale Board, which is a unified board serving all areas of Scale.
Boss' theory is to have every special interest group in scale have their own advisory committee, rather than one central organization. It seems to me that this would only cause confusion in the ranks. By dividing too much we will have less authority in bargaining for our interests.
I'll list the proposals from Boss' letter, then add my comments.
1) Disband the present Scale Board in favor of establishing three separate Advisory Committees, one for each category of Scale, and have each committee report to an appropriate Contest Board—FF, RC, and CL.
Where do we stop at breaking down these sub-divisions? FF Scale; there are three different divisions in this category: Rubber-Powered, Gas-Powered and Peanut Scale. RC Scale; they also have three: RC Scale, RC Standoff Scale and Sailplane Scale. CL Scale; it has two categories: Scale and Sport Scale. With all these different Advisory Committees reporting to their appropriate Contest Board, it would create a mountain of red tape and paper shuffling, as well as a considerable expense to the modelers. The majority of AMA members are sport fliers. Why should they foot the greater share of the expense for the minority of competitive modelers who would use the Advisory Committee?
2) Each committee would consist of 11 members (one from each AMA district) appointed by the District VP based on the individual's expertise for the appointed category.
If you really break down the special interest groups as I mentioned above there are eight groups which would consist of 11 members each for a grand total of 88 people! That's a lot of people advising on Scale matters.
3) Chairman of each committee would be selected by the AMA President or, if so desired, by the president chosen by the appropriate Contest Board Chairman.
4) Each committee would only consider rules changes affecting his Scale category. In the case of Unified Rules changes all affected categories would consider the proposed rules.
5) Voting by the committee on all rules changes would be in accordance with current Contest Board procedures.
6) Results of each committee's rules change considerations are to be accepted by the appropriate Contest Board Chairman as final, unless the committee's findings are contrary to rules in that competition category regarding safety or contest administration.
7) Each committee chairman would be responsible for final rules change wording and updates for the rulebook.
These above proposals all deal with the action of the committees and how they are responsible to the Contest Board and the Chairman of the Board and the current Contest Board procedures. It doesn't seem to me that we would have gained anything as the Advisory Committees are still a puppet on a string.
8) AMA would be expected to provide mailing services to the committee as part of each contest board's activities.
Again this would cost even the modelers who wouldn't be using the Advisory Committees services.
Boss' closing remarks ask the question, "Is this all talk, or do you really want a change?" Yes, we do need a change, but I feel the change should be in the form of a special scale group that would assist the present scale board. This organization would work independent of AMA and keep their district representatives aware of their feelings. This isn't just talk, but I do feel we have a ways to go; it will not happen overnight. We need the cooperation of everyone interested in Scale.
Bill Boss is asking for your comments on his proposals so write to him and let him know how you feel. Bill Boss, 77-06 269th St., New Hyde Park, NY 11040.
Mike F. Stott, 118 E. Wheeler, N. Mankato, MN 56001.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
