Modeling Spoken Here
Bob Hunt — Aeromodeling Editor
Most modelers are anxious to help newcomers in any way they can. One of this sport’s greatest showcases since its inception in 1974 has been the Tournament of Champions (TOC). This invitational contest has been largely instrumental in shaping the path of aerobatic model-airplane development. That influence grew especially strong after the format changed from normal AMA/Fédération Aéronautique Internationale–type aerobatic models to near-scale versions of full-scale aerobatic craft.
In this issue we feature coverage of the 2002 edition of this fantastic modeling spectacle. Our Radio Control (RC) Scale Aerobatics columnist—and author of the current MA/AMA website “Project Extra” series—Mike Hurley has produced an outstanding report not only on last year’s TOC, but also a great history lesson on the event and how it has affected the development of the sport. For those who have never attended a TOC, Mike’s article will bring you up to speed on all aspects of the story, including a short piece about the founder and funder of the TOC, Bill Bennett. I won’t go on about the TOC story because I don’t want to steal any of Mike’s thunder.
In Memory: Bill Bennett
In a sad twist of fate, we received news of the passing of Bill Bennett just after Mike’s article had been prepared for publication, so Mike didn’t have the opportunity to expand on the incredible story of this fine and generous man. AMA District VIII Vice President Sandy Frank found and forwarded a piece published in the Las Vegas Sun shortly after Bill’s passing, written by Ed Koch and Judy Odierna. The article is fairly long and outlines the life of a multifaceted, innovative, and thoughtful man. If you are interested in reading the piece in its entirety, please email me at the address at the end of this column and I will be pleased to send a copy to you. Trust me—you will be amazed at the story of this great man’s life.
From the Ground Up
Our “From the Ground Up” series really gets rolling this month with Bob Aberle’s article “Radio Control Systems.” This series begins each subject area with rudimentary information designed to allow someone who has never done any modeling to fully comprehend the technical points required for success before moving on to more advanced material.
In the case of RC systems, a basic understanding of the terms used and the types of equipment involved is critical not only for a satisfying and successful first-time experience, but also for safety’s sake. Much of this may seem too basic for those who have been in the hobby for a while, and experienced modelers may think they will not learn anything new from it. I respectfully suggest that this material, no matter how fundamental it sounds, is something we could all benefit from reading and reviewing from time to time.
It can be a daunting task to recall what questions we had when we were starting out. That is essentially what I have asked Bob to do: anticipate and answer those questions. Often a newcomer may be reluctant to ask a fundamental question for fear of being ridiculed for lack of knowledge. This should never be a concern. Most modelers are anxious to help newcomers in any way they can, and we must continually reinforce that sentiment so beginners will not hesitate to ask for the information they need.
For those who have no one to ask on a local level, we must make the information available through the Academy. Bob hopes he has hit all the bases with respect to the questions a newcomer might have, but he would like some input in the form of additional questions that we can answer specifically from time to time in a Q-and-A format. If you still have questions after reading Bob’s piece this month or subsequent pieces, please send your questions to Bob in care of my address at the end of this column, and please write “RC question” on the outside of the envelope.
Control Line Old‑Time Stunt (OTS)
The original rules for the Control Line (CL) Old‑Time Stunt (OTS) event were written by John Miske of the Garden State Circle Burners (GSCB) club around 1970 and were subsequently adopted by that group. These rules allowed only models that had been designed and kitted, or published in a magazine or book, prior to December 31, 1952, to be eligible for use in OTS contests. Even designs that had been purchased by kit manufacturers but not yet released, or purchased by magazines but not yet published prior to that cutoff date, were not allowed under the GSCB‑adopted rules.
The organizers of the annual Vintage Stunt Championships (VSC)—Mike and JoAnn Keville—liked the idea of a Classic rules structure that allows models designed, built, or flown prior to December 31, 1969. This rule opened the door to many rarely seen models, increasing the fun and surprise factor for everyone.
Once the VSC proved these OTS rules to be successful, the Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association (PAMPA) voted to adopt them as the official OTS rules for PAMPA events as well. The result has been a flood of “new” OTS designs that are perfectly legal to use in competition. Now these almost‑forgotten designs can be published so others can join in the fun.
Wildman 60
This month we present an OTS ignition‑powered model called the Wildman 60. It was designed by Floyd Carter, a regular at the VSC meet, and was inspired by a model designed by one of his childhood heroes: J.C. “Madman” Yates’ Dragon. The Wildman is larger than the Dragon, but it is easy to build and could easily be used with two‑stroke power as well to be ultracompetitive in the regular OTS event.
Even if you don’t fly CL, Floyd’s story is interesting and nostalgic. Take a trip back in time and give it a read.
Contact
- Mail: Box 68, Stockertown, PA 18083
- Email: bobhunt@mapisp.com
- Phone: (610) 614-1747
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
