Radio Control: Combat
Greg Rose, 3429 Elmy, Orion, MI 48359
The last time I took some of my models to the flying field, another flier looked at my planes and asked, somewhat astonished, "You hand launch?" Many—perhaps even most—RC fliers today have never launched a plane by hand. Since 704 models are normally hand launched, fliers unfamiliar with hand launching should heed these words of caution: hand launching any low-wing model can be difficult because the position of the wing forces you to hold the fuselage behind the wing and in an extremely nose-heavy position.
To avoid problems, three techniques are commonly used:
- Make a hand hold at the center of gravity (CG) by indenting an area in the bottom center for the wing and hiding a recessed hand hold. These are practically invisible in flight and do not seem to affect performance at all.
- Incorporate a drop tank or bomb at the CG. These serve a dual function — as a hand hold and to hide a landing skid or wheel. Both of these methods allow the model to be held at the CG during launch and both work well.
- Learn to launch with an underhand toss. Admittedly, an underhand launch does not feel as natural as the javelin-type toss. However, after years of overhand launches it only took me one afternoon of underhand launches to learn the advantages of this technique. It allows you to hold the fuselage directly over the CG for better balance; it also makes throwing the model too hard virtually impossible — a common problem with the overhand toss.
If you're building or flying your first 704 model, be sure to use one of these techniques to improve your control of the model during hand launching.
Happenings in the 704 event
Several new kits are available, as two more kit manufacturers have begun producing kits for the 704 event. Notable developments and manufacturers include:
- Precision Aero
- Address: 1561 River Highlands Dr., Oconomowoc, WI 53066
- Tel.: (414) 567-5341
- Notes: Makers of the Wild Thing, they have introduced Dora, a long-nosed Fw-190D. The kit features extensive vacuum-forming for the top deck paired to a balsa box fuselage.
- Classic Air Models
- Address: P.O. Box 784, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
- Tel.: (904) 787-7475
- Notes: Introduced an Fw-190D, a Curtiss P-40C and a Spitfire. All three kits, based on Gus Morfis designs, are all-balsa construction and feature vacuum-formed canopies.
- Custom Cutters
- Address: 4302 North 750 West, Ligonier, IN 46767
- Tel.: (219) 894-3370
- Notes: Already produces three 704 kits and has now added a Hawker Hurricane to their line. Lance Maresh showed his first design, the Me-109G, at the Toledo show; the kit can be built into a very nice-looking model.
- (Unnamed company)
- Location: Torrance, CA 90505
- Tel.: (310) 378-5679
- Notes: Has released 1/2-scale plans for the little-known Martin-Baker MB-3. This excellent but hard-luck design (Baker was killed in the prototype) never saw service, but it does qualify as a Combat aircraft design for 704. Look for a Morfis-designed MiG-15 to be available soon.
In response to the growing popularity the 704 event has generated in 1/2-scale models, Northeast Screen Graphics (makers of Major Decals) has released 1/2-scale markings in both pressure-sensitive and water-transfer decals.
- Northeast Screen Graphics (Major Decals)
- Address: P.O. Box 304, East Longmeadow, MA 01028
- Tel.: (413) 525-4110
- Notes: Markings available for U.S. (both stars-and-bars versions), British, German, Canadian, Nationalist Chinese, and the old Soviet Union.
Speaking of manufacturers, I could use some help finding any information about the fate of Flight Dynamics and their P-51B kit from 10-plus years ago. I've had several inquiries about the availability of the razorback version of the Mustang but have been unable to find any information on the company or even a surviving kit. Can anyone out there help?
I've received photos from two 704 events held by different clubs. The Henry County Wright Fliers club in New Castle, Indiana, sent a photo of the seven fliers entered in their first-ever 704 meet. Notice the javelin toss Nick Jones is giving to Gary Hardwick's Fw-190A. Gary, visiting the Wright Fliers from Richmond, Indiana, won the meet.
Another first-time meet was hosted by the MARCS fliers of Madison, Wisconsin. Marc McCool sent the picture and a nice letter, but didn't tell me who won. From the looks on their faces, I guess they all did!
Mark Metge of Lynnwood, Washington, sent a photo of his Kawasaki Ki-61 Tony. It's scratch-built and of his own design, although admittedly based on the Tom Stryker P-51 and Me-109 designs featured in MAN. It's a beautiful model and always one of my favorites. I was impressed by the accurate 1st Chutai, 244th Sentai markings on the tail.
In nonscale events, I received a photo of the Aerocraft Snapper.
- Aerocraft
- Address: P.O. Box 553, East Northport, NY 11731
- Notes: Contact Aerocraft for details on club discounts if you are interested in a one-design event using the Snapper. With 288 square inches of wing area, Aerocraft says that most Snappers are powered by .12- or .15-sized engines.
- J.C. Industries
- Address: 1051 Universal Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15235
- Tel.: (412) 795-9434
- Notes: Kits the Sport-Bat. An ARF that can be finished in less than two hours, the Sport-Bat features foam-board wings and uses standard-size servos.
Well, that's all I've got for now. For up-to-date information on 704 events, be sure to check the Contest Calendar each month in this magazine, or write to me and I will send you an event calendar.
And until next time — remember to check your 6!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
