Free Flight: Indoor
Bud Tenny, Box 830545, Richardson TX 75083
CAN WE SAVE F1D?
Team Selection Chairman Richard Doig has been alerting U.S. F1D fliers to serious problems affecting the class.
Microfilm solution
- We are out of microfilm solution. Erv Rodemsky's film is the preferred blend, but his remaining supply of raw nitrocellulose is contaminated.
- Other sources are being investigated, but that means starting from ground zero and months of testing to prove any new formula.
- Recent changes in U.S. laws concerning hazardous chemicals make it almost impossible for individuals and many businesses to buy these raw materials. Japanese-produced nitrocellulose (the primary chemical in Erv's film) is under an import ban because of legal action by a U.S. competitor.
- Several top fliers are very low on film solution and will probably be out by next year's World Championships.
Team selection and transportation
- U.S. Team Selection Program participation has dropped steadily in recent years; the regional system is close to collapse from lack of participation.
- A major cause is the difficulty of transporting fragile microfilm models by airline. At the 1996 World Championships, the only models that arrived intact were those carried in overhead compartments. All models sent as checked baggage suffered breakage — at least one box was destroyed; virtually all damage was shattered film.
- The Romanian team brought four models each as carry-on by using collapsible cabanes and unbraced, removable stabs. Most fliers consider this a poor compromise: brace wires can stick to film during travel, and unbraced stabs generally require heavier construction.
- Airline deregulation and subsequent service cuts have eliminated special handling for model boxes. U.S.-based airlines control many overseas routes and foreign carriers have adopted similar practices to remain competitive. The situation is likely to worsen.
Proposed solution
- The only practical long-term answer is a rules change allowing at least three fully competitive models to be packed in a box that fits standard airline overhead compartments or under the seat — dimensions 9 x 13 x 23 inches.
What Should We Do?
Many Americans favor reducing the maximum span to 55 cm. With a 55 cm span it is possible to pack at least two—and probably three—models in a 9 x 13 x 23 box. The only structural concessions suggested are plug-on tailbooms and folding wing posts.
Suggested wording of a rules change:
3.4.2. Characteristics of Indoor Models
- The span of the model shall not exceed 550 mm.
- The weight of the model without the rubber motor shall not be less than 1 gram.
- All surfaces must be covered with any solid material sold commercially in sheet form. Materials sold commercially as liquids are not allowed.
- These restrictions apply only to F1D class models and not to models used for World Record attempts.
Where Do We Go From Here?
We must build some 55 cm models, cover them with polyester sheet, and see how many fly. It is reasonable to expect flights of around 45 minutes in Category V in the first year.
Share your views on F1D with:
- Richard W. Doig
- 2139 Somerville Dr., Oxford, MI 48371
- Tel: (248) 628-9474 evenings; (248) 334-9564 days
- Fax: (248) 334-5830
- E-mail: rten@nstarnet.net
Contact information above is for distribution to the Indoor Group (including Doig).
Indoor Group
- The Indoor Group has more than 110 members who registered with Bud Tenny by e-mail at rten@nstarnet.net (the former address rten@intex.net is good until 1/1/98).
- Members receive late-breaking news as it happens.
- Clubs that hold indoor events may send announcements to Bud Tenny via e-mail or snail mail for prompt posting to members of the Indoor Group and on Del's web page.
- Send snail mail to: Bud Tenny, Box 830545, Richardson, TX 75083.
USIC '97 Indoor Video
While finishing this column, I previewed Bill Harding's latest production, USIC '97. It is very well done — produced and edited using digital technology — and should be in every model club library.
Order from:
- Harding Aero Productions
- 4782 Unity Line Rd., New Waterford, OH 44445
- Price: $19.95 plus $3 shipping and handling
Canadian Nats
Several AMA Indoor fliers participated in the Canadian Nationals. A photo shows the U.S. crew:
Left to right (back row): Vern Hacker, Walt Van Gorder, Larry Loucka, Gene Joshu, Larry Coslick Front row: Richard Miller and Stu Weckerly
Can F1D Be Dead?
A photo shows Nick Leonard Jr. (he now wants to be called "Nicklet") preparing for an F1D flight at the Team Qualifier held in Bedford, Texas. From there he went on to win a junior berth on the U.S. Team for the 1988 World Championships. At this contest he displayed a cool, precise technique beyond his years.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
