Radio Control: Combat
Greg Rose 3429 Elmy, Orion, MI 48359
I recently received a letter from Randy Rogers of Williamsburg, Virginia that contained some questions he had on Scale RC combat. After getting my response, Randy called and told me, "That's what you should put in your column." So, armed with Randy's suggestion as a convenient excuse, I reviewed a number of letters to compile some common questions that modelers have about Scale RC Combat.
What is 704 Combat?
The number 704 refers to an event described in the AMA Competition Regulations book as World War II Combat. The objective of the event is to "recreate the excitement of World War II fighter combat in an enjoyable, safe, Scale competition that will be interesting for spectators and challenging for the contestants."
The event uses 1/2-scale models of any combat aircraft "produced or in service" between 1935 and 1955. The model pulls a 30-foot streamer during a seven-minute combat round, trying to cut the streamers of other fliers. Scoring is added (or subtracted) over three rounds, and strict safety rules are included in the event.
Some of the safety rules include a maximum weight allowed for any model and establishment of well-defined flying areas (the Combat "box") and spectator areas.
What would a typical Scale RC Combat model be like?
The typical model would be a 1/2-scale model of a single-engine fighter with a wingspan of about 36 inches (depending on the aircraft modeled); have a .15- or .21-sized engine (again depending on the aircraft); and weigh within a few ounces of two pounds.
The model would use only three servos, controlling the elevator, ailerons, and throttle. Generally, these models have no landing gear, so they are hand-launched and belly-in for a dead-stick landing after every flight.
What sizes and types of engines are allowed; what do most people use; and what would be a hot setup?
Engine size depends on the type of aircraft modeled. A model of an inline-powered design (such as a P-51 Mustang or a P-40 Warhawk) would use a .15-sized engine. A model of an aircraft that was powered by a radial engine (such as a P-47 or a Zero) would be allowed a .21. Reaction-powered aircraft (e.g., jets and rockets) would also use .21s.
Most people fly with sport engines like the O.S. Max FP series. Four-strokes are allowed, but not many (if any) are available in these sizes. Diesels are also allowed, but despite their excellent performance, diesels just don't seem to be popular in North America.
Electric power is also permitted, as long as weight limitations are adhered to. Look for more information on electrics in a future column.
Any question about a hot setup is hard to answer. Tuned pipes are not allowed in the event, but other performance-enhancing features such as ball bearings are allowed. A hot setup may not be worth the extra cost, however, as the size of the Combat box used in the event favors less-expensive sport engines. In RC Combat, the ability to maneuver is more important than the extra speed a hot engine can deliver.
What type of fuel is used?
There are no restrictions on fuel type. Most fliers use 10%–15% nitro; some use 0% (that's not a typo: zero%!), and one flier I know swears by 35%. Personally I haven't noticed a clear advantage in any meet based solely on the type of fuel used.
What size and type of props are used?
Any prop you like to put on a .15- or .21-sized engine. Typical sizes would include:
- 7 x 6
- 8 x 4
- 8 x 5
- 8 x 6
- 7-1/2 x 7
- 9 x 4
The type of prop used varies widely. Masters Airscrews are probably the most popular make, but many fliers like the added performance of APC props.
Remembering that propellers are double-edged swords, I prefer using wooden props and find that Rev-Ups seem to perform the best for me.
Are there many kits and/or plans available?
Yes! About a half-dozen manufacturers make kits for the 704 event, or close enough in size that they are often modified to meet the rules. Some major kit manufacturers include:
- Custom Cutters, 4302 N. 750 W., Ligonier, IN 46767; Tel.: (219) 894-3370
- House of Balsa, 10101 Yucca Rd., Adelanto, CA 92301; Tel.: (619) 246-6426
- Precision Aero, 1561 River Highlands Dr., Oconomowoc, WI 53066
What is the best model to build? (or) What model should I build?
Two very commonly asked questions, but the first one is sort of a trick question. What was the best fighter of WWII? There are many opinions on that one, but no definitive answer. The same goes for the airplanes; there is no clear-cut best.
The second question is a lot easier to answer. You can choose from any combat aircraft that was produced or in service between 1935 and 1955, and you can build under the weight limits. That should narrow it down to a couple of hundred designs. From that list, choose whatever plane you've always wanted to fly.
Is there an information pack available for clubs of these events?
An information pack that includes rules, scoring sheets, safety checklist, and tips on running an event can be obtained by writing to me at the address given at the top of this column. There is no charge for the information pack, but I may twist your arm for some photos of your event.
What does "check your 6" mean?
"Check your 6" or "clear your 6" refers to the o'clock method of communicating the location of other aircraft relative to your airplane. Twelve o'clock is straight ahead, 3 o'clock is off to your right, etc. In full-scale fighters, and in RC Scale Combat, you "check your 6" to make sure you aren't about to become someone else's latest victory.
That about sums up some of the typical questions asked, but if you still have any questions on RC Combat, please feel free to write me. Let's move on to other items.
The scratch-built beauty award this month has to go to Duane Holliger of Carlock, Illinois, whose building effort was definitely not a typical one.
Duane's Messerschmitt Me 110 is powered by twin O.S. Max .10 FP engines and uses three Futaba miniservos to keep the weight down to two pounds, five ounces—three ounces below the 2-1/2 pound limit for twins. Built as an entry in a newsletter's design contest, Duane drew up his own plans for the beautiful twin and won the contest.
Short on planes but not on enthusiasm, the Seattle Radio Aero Club in Snohomish, Washington held their first Combat event last fall. Standing are (L–R): Mark Meikle (with Ki-61), Terry Birkholz, Dave Owen, Chuck Borzinski, John Barton, and Greg Twedt; kneeling are Van Caryl and Dave Coolidge.
Mark Meikle wrote that the event was a "great time" and that the Snohomish club will be hosting seven Combat meets during 1994.
Progressive Miniature Aircraft — 214 North Goldenrod Rd., A-16, Orlando, FL 32807; Tel.: (407) 382-8646 — has introduced a new kit for Scale RC Combat. The P-63 Kingcobra features the same easy-building, all-balsa construction as their other Scale kits; Progressive described the prototype as being the "best flying one we've ever made."
Progressive credits the full-sized P-63's nearly perfect modeling proportions with giving the new kit "stick-like" flying qualities. The model pictured weighed 33 ounces with an O.S. .15 FP and three miniservos. The wing area is 284 square inches, and the airfoil is symmetrical.
In non-Scale Combat, Sandy Frank of Weatherford, Texas answered my photo request. He sent a photo of some of his favorite RC Combat mounts. Sandy's Russian-built Bat Wings are modified for RC with ailerons added on the trailing edge (note the shadow in the photograph). They are powered by engines in the .32–.40 range, and the models still retain their pressure tank "a la U/C combat."
GT Generix — Box 1003, East Windsor, NJ 08520; Tel.: (609) 448-1122 — offers an all-balsa flying wing design called the Tailgator for non-Scale Combat flyers. The Tailgator spans 38 inches and is typically powered by a .15 to .25-sized engine. With 380 square inches of wing area and an average flying weight of less than two pounds, the Tailgator has excellent maneuverability. Since RC Combat is not a solitary activity, the GT Generix Tailgator comes two to a kit, so you and your sparring partner can each build a model.
Well, that's all for now. Until next time, fly safely and be sure to check your 6.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
