Control Line: Speed
Gene Hempel
Before I start rambling among many subjects in this month's Speed column, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to all Speed modelers and readers across the world who have taken the time to write.
There are times when I do not know what would be of interest to the modeling fraternity. If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas, drop me a line and I will attempt to accommodate your request (within reason). Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope (SASE) for reply.
Upcoming Speed Meets
- Dallas, TX — May 4–5 and June 22–23. These meets will cover all Speed events. Contact Gene Hempel (address at the end of this column) for specific information.
- Northwest Regional Control Line Championships — Eugene, OR, May 24–26. This meet is one of the top Speed contests for the Northwest area. Contact:
- Mike Hazel
- 1073 Windemere Drive NW, Salem, OR 97304
New Products and Test Notes
Model Research Laboratories — Syn-Lube #4A
- New super synthetic oil developed exclusively for model engines.
- Recommended use: small amounts (5% or less) mixed into fuel.
- Cost: $20 per quart, but economical given the small recommended usage.
- For full information on the oil and MRL’s composite building materials (including Kevlar and carbon fiber), send $2 to:
- Model Research Laboratories
- 24692 Nympha, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
I am still running tests on this oil to determine how it performs in my engines.
Hobbypoxy — Fast Fill
- A new grain filler introduced as Fast Fill: dries fast, sands fast, fills fast.
- Single-component, air-dry material — no mixing required. Stir and apply directly to bare balsa; add Hobbypoxy thinner if desired.
- Penetrates, seals, and fills in one application. Sands smoothly without loading the paper; two or three coats will typically fill the grain.
- Compatible with most hobby paints, including dopes, enamels, urethanes, and epoxies.
- Available at local hobby shops.
- For free information on their finishing materials, write to:
- Hobbypoxy Products, Division of Pettit Paint Company, Inc.
- 36 Pine Street, PO Box 378, Rockaway, NJ 07866
Sullivan Products — Kevlar Flying Lines
- New flying lines made from Kevlar 29, a high-temperature-resistant aramid fiber from DuPont.
- Properties: toughness, extra-high tenacity, and high modulus; similar to materials used in electromechanical cables, cordage, ballistic fabrics, sewing thread, parachutes, webbing, and sailcloth.
- Developed to be stronger than .018 stainless steel cable (or anything smaller). Sullivan recommends these Kevlar lines in place of .018 or smaller cable.
- Do not tie knots in these lines; they will not bend, kink, or resonate.
- Engineering tests were conducted by the University of Maryland on an Instron Universal Testing Machine; results indicate a considerable increase in strength over steel lines.
- For more information, mail a SASE to:
- Sullivan Products
- PO Box 5166, One North Haven Street, Baltimore, MD 21224
Engine Parts Available
- Many modelers have asked where to locate blank Cox .049 cylinders and other Cox .049 engine parts. I have these available, plus the new case with chrome shaft setup.
- For more information, send a SASE to:
- P & G Metal Shop, c/o Gene Hempel (address given below)
When you write to a manufacturer concerning products, please indicate that you read about the products in Gene Hempel's CL Speed column in Model Aviation magazine.
Gene Hempel 301 N. Yale Dr. Garland, TX 75042
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
