RADIO CONTROL: COMBAT
Greg Rose, 3429 Elmy, Orion, MI 48359
Season summary and rule changes
The 1994 flying season was the best ever for the AMA 704 Scale Combat event and nonscale events. As a result of experience gained in 1994, you can expect a few changes in the 704 rules.
Planned changes include:
- Adopt the one-minute launch window to replace the points bonus for the first airborne aircraft. This change was recommended after several launching accidents were reported under the old "racehorse" start. The one-minute start window appears to have eliminated the accidents caused by the rush to be first into the air.
- Better definition of "scale replica" to allow only scalelike appearance for 704 models (including canopies and scale paint schemes). Revisions will specifically delete profile and/or cruciform fuselages.
- Adopt AMA guidelines for noise reduction into the rules.
- Clarify engine size allowed for certain models by permitting a 3.5 cc displacement engine on models of reaction-powered (e.g., jet or rocket) prototypes.
- Make the inter-round safety inspection mandatory rather than left to the discretion of the contest director (CD).
- Revise and clarify the scoring schedule.
Each change should improve safety, fairness, or enjoyment of the 704 event. You can get an advance copy of these changes by writing to the address at the top of this column.
Weight limit
One rule that will remain unchanged is the 2.2-pound maximum weight limit for Combat models. Experience has proven that the 2.2-pound limit is attainable; models competing in sanctioned AMA 704 events averaged less than 1 pound, 15 ounces. Keeping weight down on Combat models is an important safety aspect.
Open RC Combat Class (proposed)
A new set of rules is expected for an Open RC Combat Class designed around a maximum weight limit and engine sizes in the .09 to .25 range. The proposed rules would:
- Offer engine-size categories.
- Use the same safety rules as the 704 event but delete the "scale" requirements.
- Use different event scoring from 704.
More details will be provided later.
Youth feature photo
I wanted to include a photo that did not arrive in time for the youth special in the last column. The photo shows 12-year-old Jonathan Doctorick (left) and 16-year-old Philip Marascalco. Both of these young Combat pilots have flown the new J&C Hobbies Fun-Bat that they are holding.
The Fun-Bat mounts a larger engine than the Sport-Bat designs. It is designed for a .15-sized mill and features a carbon-fiber tailboom. Write J&C Hobbies at 1051 Universal Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or call (412) 795-9344.
Notable meets from 1994
Some great Combat meets were held in 1994, including the first RC Combat meet at the AMA's new National Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana. Hosted by the Richmond Prop Busters, the Muncie meet drew 14 pilots and two dozen airplanes.
Although six pilots is the norm for 704 Combat, this meet was split into an A flight and a B flight of seven pilots each for three Combat rounds. After all three rounds for A and B flights were completed, the top six pilots advanced to the final round.
Final-round competitors: Dave Lemke, Dennis Moran, Kurt Ziegler, Wayne Norris, Nick Jones, and Greg Rose.
Final results (final round):
- Kurt Ziegler — OS .20–powered Zigg's Original Zor (138 points)
- Wayne Norris — OS .15–powered Mustang
- Nick Jones — brightly colored SNJ
- Greg Rose
A great time was had by all. We hope to have another meet next year in Muncie featuring both 704 Scale and Open nonscale events.
Gremlin combat — New England
Nonscale Gremlin combat was very active in New England during the summer. An August meet featured tight, gusty crosswinds and full action. Nine pilots flew: seven stock-class (unmodified, .25-powered) Gremlins and four open-class (no power limit) Gremlins.
Winners:
- Stock Gremlin: 1st John Yassemides, 2nd Larry Gaffney
- Open Gremlin: 1st Gary Christiansen, 2nd John Yassemides
Unfortunately, no one identified the pilots in the photo; the only flier I can recognize for sure is Jim Reith of RA Cores on the extreme left. Jim, who kits the Gremlin design, has been having problems with a copycat kit that even includes a photocopy of the RA Cores assembly instructions. "I wouldn't mind," said Jim, "but the quality of the kit isn't up to par and people are calling me and complaining." "How can you tell an RA Cores kit from a copycat? Look for the unique stamp we put on every set of wing cores," suggests Jim.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
