Free Flight: Old-Timers
Clarence Haught
SAM '84
I have received additional information regarding the 1984 Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) Champs to be held at Bong, WI during the last week of June. There have always been various special events and awards at the annual gathering of the faithful, and this year some new events have been added: two classes of Nostalgia plus Commercial Rubber.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia covers models kitted or published from 1943 to 1956 — between Old-Timer and the Stardusters. It is a glow event and may ease the Glow vs. Ignition controversy among Old-Timer enthusiasts.
- Design rules:
- Models kitted or published 1943–1956 qualify.
- Rules are similar to Old-Timer rules regarding structural changes or scaling.
- Exception: designs under 250 sq. in. projected wing area may be enlarged to 250 sq. in.
- If a model already qualifies for Old-Timer it cannot be flown in Nostalgia.
- Engine rules:
- Plain-bearing engines manufactured prior to December 31, 1962.
- Ball-bearing engines manufactured prior to December 31, 1956.
- No front-intake Cox engines allowed.
- Any Fox plain-bearing, stunt-type engine with cast-on intake may be used regardless of manufacturing date.
- No parts may be substituted and no engine "soup-up" is allowed.
- Competition format (Category III rules selected by Event Director Elmer Jordan):
- Two models per class (each weighing 100 oz. per cu. in. of engine displacement).
- Nine-second engine run.
- Two-minute max using any fuel and fuel system.
- Two separate events: .020 to .080 and .081 to .65 engine sizes.
For a copy of the rules, write to: Elmer Jordan 2586 S. Brookview Rd. Troy, OH 45373
Commercial Rubber
Commercial Rubber revives a popular 1930s class. To qualify, models must have been kitted or published prior to 1943.
Rules:
- Maximum projected wingspan: 36 in.
- Fixed two-wheel landing gear.
- Unlimited rubber.
- Original construction required (larger wood sizes or extra spars located behind the first third of wing chord may be used).
- Some body planking allowed.
- No weight restriction, but model must be able to rise off ground (ROG).
- Propeller requirements:
- Two-bladed, free-wheeling, made of balsa.
- Maximum diameter: 16 in.
- This prop rule applies regardless of what was shown on the plan.
There are many appropriate designs in the Zaic yearbooks. Further information from: Robert (Bob) Larsh, SAM Midwest Vice-President 45 S. Whitcomb Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46241
Bob also mentioned a special event at Bong for O&R .19 and .23 side-port engines powering a cabin model.
Gettig ignition
I recently contacted Martin Gettig of Gettig Engineering about his miniature, lightweight ignition coils. His products have been well received, encouraging expansion of the line. New additions include metal AAA battery boxes and rechargeable AAA batteries. They also offer a charger that extends battery service while keeping all-up flying weight to a minimum. This system made the difference between a competitive model and a "dog" in my Snuffy. Other users of the Gettig system have reported good results.
Gettig Engineering One Streamside Place East Spring Mills, PA 16875
Tanks a lot
I have received inquiries about replacement fuel tanks for ignition engines. Plastic tanks deteriorate with age, and many were ruined when their owners converted the engines to glow plugs — the plastic used was not compatible with alcohol fuels.
Two sources of replacement tanks:
- Air Accessories
3600 Pittman Road Independence, MO 64052
- Custom Reproduced Tanks
29 Stewart Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15227
There is little overlap in their product lists, so contact both suppliers to find what you need.
Correction
In the February 1984 column on balsa cuts I misstated the reference to annular-ring cuts. I wrote: "... some cuts are tangent to these rings, others are directly across them, and some randomly cross the annular rings. These cuts are called 'A', 'B' and 'C', respectively." It should have read "'A', 'C', and 'B.' 'A' and 'C' are the cuts most frequently selected, with random or 'B' used casually." Thanks to the reader who pointed out the error.
Turbulators
Letters continue to trickle in on the subject of turbulators. From the responses I have received, many of us use them primarily for strength. Some report a slight increase in glide performance, but the prevailing message is "We like 'em" and they should be allowed. Nuf said. I appreciate all of your letters.
Clarence Haught 3226 Honeysuckle Dr. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
