Control Line: SCALE
By Bill Boss
MORE POPULARITY! In my March 1983 column I wrote about the use of profile-scale models as a means of introducing juniors to the world of scale modeling. The basis for that article was a letter from Reuben Macbride of Clifton, NJ, who is a member of the Garden State Circle Burners club.
This month's column also deals with the subject of profiles in scale and originates, once again, from a member of the Garden State club: George Gaydos of Elmwood Park, NJ, who is one of the better-known scale modelers in the New York / New Jersey / Pennsylvania area. Assisting George in the formation of the following item was Bill Force of Sweetwater, NJ, who is fast becoming a scale modeler to be reckoned with.
George and Bill feel very strongly that one means of getting more model fliers involved in scale (besides juniors, as I pointed out in the March 1983 column) is to provide a profile-scale event that can be used to induce all age groups to try the event. George and Bill state the following:
Those of us building and flying control-line (CL) scale models over the past few decades have surely seen the changes and improvements in the quality and detailing of these replicas of the real thing.
And, speaking of changes—around the early to mid-Seventies, a new event was added to both CL and RC that would make it possible for those modelers who always said, "Someday I'm going to build a scale ship" to finally be able to go through with it and not be concerned with how long, how detailed, and how difficult it would be to reproduce it in its exactness. The event, of course, was Sport Scale.
According to the CL Sport Scale rules set forth in the AMA rule book, you are permitted to enter profile-type airplanes; however, as the rules state, you can expect to be downgraded for the non-scale cross section of the fuselage. So, since it appears that you are surely going to be a few rungs down on the ladder from the built-up airplanes you are competing against, why not have a Sport Scale event for profile models? This can be done with the AMA rule book just as it is, simply by stating "profile only" on your contest flyer, or you can do it the Garden State Circle Burners' way. That way is according to the following rules:
CL Scale / Boss
GSCB Profile-Only Sport Scale Rules
Aircraft Eligibility
- Any scale profile kit or plan ever manufactured or designed for control line is eligible.
- Modelers' own designs are highly encouraged.
- Multi-engine models are welcome.
- No scale airfoil or dihedral required, but the fuselage must be of solid wood and no thicker than one inch.
- Flaps of any kind are permitted.
- No 1/2A models allowed.
Engine Limitations
- Single engines: .09 to .60 cu. in.
- Multi-engines: up to 1.20 cu. in. total displacement.
- Throttle-equipped engines are encouraged but not mandatory.
Proof of Scale
- Three-view drawings showing front, side, and top views must accompany the model.
- Dimensions are not required on the drawing.
Proof of Finish, Color, and Markings
- Colored pictures that show the model at different angles are encouraged.
- Pictures may be from any magazine, book, plastic kit box, etc.
Static Judging
- Judging will be done at a distance of 10 ft. from the model (in a circular fashion).
- Categories and points:
- Accuracy of outline: 40 points
- Craftsmanship: 30 points
- Finish: 30 points
Flight Plan
- Takeoff: 1 to 10 points
- Airborne laps: 10 airborne laps, 1 point per lap
- Flight options: up to 10 flight options, 1 to 10 points each
- Flight options may be any CL aerobatic maneuver in the AMA rule book and may also include scale operational features such as:
- throttle control
- retractable landing gear
- variable-pitch propellers
- bomb-bay doors
- touch-and-go
- taxi
- engine shutoff
- bomb and tank drop
- flaps
- Landing: 1 to 10 points
Flight Qualifications
- Model must be airborne within three minutes of the start of prop flipping.
- Three attempts will be given to make two official flights.
- An additional one minute of starting time will be allowed for each additional engine.
- Bonus points:
- 10 points for getting airborne in one minute for single-engine models.
- 10 points for getting airborne within two minutes for twin-engine models (an additional minute is allowed for each additional engine).
- All multi-engine models will receive an extra 10 points if all engines remain running through the 10 qualifying laps.
- Maximum score achievable from static and flight: 250 points.
Flying Line and Safety Requirements
- The same as those listed in the AMA rule book for scale models weighing up to 8 lb.
George and Bill go on to say that the reason they came up with their own set of rules for this profile event was twofold. The GSCBs are a multi-interest CL club with heavy interest in stunt and sport flying. Scale and carrier run a close second. The scale modelers in the club thought this type of event would make a good starting point for those modelers interested in scale and/or stunt but who are hesitant to construct a full-bodied model at this time.
As you can see by the GSCB rules, everything is quite simple and to the point. Items such as a 1-inch maximum fuselage thickness and up to 10 flying options would satisfy most, if not all, competitive fliers, regardless of their primary CL interest. There is even a bonus for the multi-engine fanatic. You will also note that the static judging distance is only 10 ft. It is felt that a greater viewing distance would be less effective from a judging standpoint because of the general size of most available profile models.
While speaking of the availability of profile models, here is a small list of those readily available from several manufacturers:
- Midwest: P-40, Messerschmitt, Airacobra
- Sterling: Yak-9, P-38, P-51
- Goldberg: P-40, Buster, Cosmic Wind, Shoestring
If you can't find a model to build among those available, this might be the time to try your efforts at designing and building your own profile. George and Bill conclude their thoughts on profile scale with the remark that the GSCB event will be of interest to other clubs and that it will, in some small way, help to promote more scale activity in 1984. The event was held for the first time by the GSCBs at their annual Teeterboro, NJ, Scale Model Flying Show last September (1983). See the accompanying photo for some of the models entered in this new event.
Now that the building season (winter months) has been underway for some time in most parts of the country, you scale builders should have a new supply of ideas and tips—and perhaps some photos of those new projects. It would be great if you would share them with your fellow CL scale modelers.
Send items to: Bill Boss 77-06 269th St. New Hyde Park, NY 11040.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
