Free Flight: Duration
Jim Haught 3069 Sovereign Dr Cincinnati, OH 45251
Grave Digger
One of this month's photos shows two sizes of my latest 1/2A design intended for Category III rules. This is a successor to my previous Power Play model and combines ideas from Gil Morris's Matchsticks and Dale Mateer's Benchmark. While the full-size 1/2A has had some success, it's the other, smaller model—a 1/8A gas, if you will—that has received the most attention.
I've always had a fondness for the Tee Dee .010 and threw this model together in a few hours as a "play toy" during contest lulls. With a projected span of only 22-1/2 in. and weighing slightly over one ounce, it is a screamer. The engine was static-tested at 30,400 rpm and has a distinctive sound that attracts everyone's attention at takeoff. Acceleration is unbelievable—so much so that visibility can quickly become a problem.
To save weight, I use a cut-down small syringe as a tank and fill it as much as I dare. It's loads of fun to top off the tank and let the model "shoot for the moon," so to speak. A standard fuse DT will bring it back for more. The .010 is now in production by Cox; for pure flying fun, I recommend its purchase and the construction of a suitable model. Perhaps a 1/8A postal contest?
About that pipe
The recent FAI rules change concerning noise levels, mufflers, and/or exhaust extensions appears to bring back the era of the tuned pipe for F1C models. Despite rumor and hearsay about the rule and its effect on the event, it seems clear that if pipes make a comeback, the event will take a great leap forward in terms of model performance—or at least have the potential for a giant step forward.
I won't argue that some sort of muffler setup is probably wise, especially for regions without wide-open, remote, Lost-Hills-type sites. However, there's concern about safety at increased levels of horsepower and acceleration. "We're only marginally safe now," says former team member Dale Mateer.
As of this writing (late May 1992) there seems to be some question whether proper rules-change procedures were followed in bringing this change onboard, and a movement is under way in the U.S. to attempt to void the change.
I’d like to hear suggestions on ways to handle the increased power this rules change would bring about. Suggestions I’ve heard include:
- Shorter engine runs (limited to perhaps five seconds).
- Restrictions on venturi size.
- Elimination of the class altogether or replacing it with F1J.
- Requiring muffler setups or exhaust restrictions in populated areas.
I've also been told that, no matter what rules are adopted, F1C should be as wide-open as possible in terms of performance as an outlet for those seeking the ultimate challenge. Thoughts, please.
Twigs (F1J)
I recently saw early flight testing of Gil Morris's first effort at the F1J class. A plan had appeared in the C.I.A. Informer, and I was anxious to see how much of Gil's F1C experience would translate into this smaller model.
As usual with one of Gil's models, it is something of an engineering marvel, with all manner of hooks, lines, and fasteners. Gil has developed a functional no-hammer VIT/bunt setup. Through a system of telescoping tubing and line tensions—all controlled by a modified Mad Ball timer—the stab changes position from power to bunt to glide.
Somewhat surprisingly, no autorudder is used. "It just didn't seem necessary," says Gil. From preliminary testing I have seen, he may be correct: the model bunts on cue and rolls out quite cleanly. Gil's models fly right-to-left; since Twigs needed some left tab to straighten the power pattern, a left-glide circle was already established.
Power is provided by the .061 Shuriken, turning a Poti's Hangar Products Keck-style glass prop. Quite a bit of carbon fiber is used, particularly in the fuselage where the longerons are carbon rod laid out in a triangular cross section. Gil reports satisfaction with tests so far, but a bit more fine-tuning is needed before the design is contest-ready. He has been unable to get the timer to run for more than about five seconds; it appears to speed up dramatically with the engine running. A bit of weight on the escapement should solve that problem, he thinks.
More on this interesting model as testing is completed. Oh yes—about the name: the model is named for British actress "Twiggy" Lawson and continues the Toothpicks and Matchsticks tradition.
More on newcomers
Bob Klipp of St. Louis, editor of The Turbulator and operator of the NFFS Plan Service, recently responded to a proposal by Doug Galbreath for different skill classifications. Bob's view:
"Any thought of bringing a newcomer into Free Flight via high-tech events such as F1C (or F1A or F1B, for that matter) is stretching things a bit. It can happen, but regardless of what fudge factors are used, the success ratio of recruits will be so low as to be insignificant."
Bob notes that his club, the Thermaleers (circa 1935), has seen a gratifying increase in membership in recent years. What's worked for them:
- More members retiring, allowing regular informal flying sessions.
- Weekly informal sessions at a local athletic field, which dictates small-field events—entry-level for newcomers.
- Welcoming visitors, introducing them around, and sometimes lending an old HLG to try.
The downside is that the new Thermaleers are older fellows, but many have contributed. Doug is struggling with entry at the top; around St. Louis people are coming in at the bottom, and it's working.
Junior FF team
Gail Gewain, of Composite Structures Technology, announces T-shirts with a Roger Simpson–designed logo to commemorate U.S. participation at the 1992 JWC. Details:
- Price: $15 each.
- Payment: check or money order only to Gail Gewain, c/o Composite Structures Technology, Box 4615, Lancaster, CA 93539.
- All proceeds go to the Junior team fund.
Starter system (Miller R/C)
At the recent Toledo R/C show I saw samples of a new 1/2A starter that should serve Free Flight well. Miller R/C Products of Kenwood, California, markets a 1/2A Starter System consisting of:
- #A1020 starter,
- reversible insert for spinners or prop nuts,
- reversible insert for Tee Dee .010 and .020 engines,
- insert for the old Astro-Flight ministarter.
Torque appears to be more than adequate; size and weight are similar to the old Astro-Flight. Standard price is $39.95; special Model Aviation price for Free Flighters is $34. Add $3 for shipping and handling.
Order/Info: Box 425, Kenwood, CA 95452. Telephone: (707) 833-5905. Tell them you saw it in "Duration."
Product updates
Poti's Hangar Products new 1/2A prop (pictured in May "Duration") continues to draw interest. At a recent Wright-Patterson AFB test-flying session several of us had our first chance to fly with it; reaction was favorable. Gil Morris’s new F1J used it to good effect. Rudy Klauber tried it on one of his existing Honcho series, and I flew it on an old Power Play. Both models, although somewhat heavy, increased acceleration noticeably. We'd all like to see results on a new, lightweight model—but none of us has one to try yet.
Sales of the new prop have been brisk; PHF proprietor Norm Poti has had to make additional molds to keep up with demand. I'd like to hear from those of you who have tried this prop—it's a success in the Midwest, but how about elsewhere?
I’ve also had a chance to test-run the new Tee Dee with Nelson-type glow head, available from Kustom Kraftsmanship. So far the engine is performing well through break-in: it starts easily, doesn’t burn plugs, and is progressing in rpm as it gets more run time and hotter fuel. I'm using a Cox gray 5 x 3 prop per KK instructions, running two to three minutes per session with a thorough cooldown between runs. It probably has about 20 minutes' time now; I expect another 15 minutes or so before switching to high-nitro fuel and the Poti prop, at which point we’ll put a tach on it and I'll report results.
Closing thoughts / Call for feedback
The rules-change debate on pipes and exhausts raises performance and safety questions that deserve broad input. If you have experience or suggestions—on limits, mufflers, venturi rules, timer/run-time changes, or class structure—please share them. Free Flight benefits when fliers across regions discuss trade-offs between performance, safety, and accessibility.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
