Radio Control: Pylon Racing
Bill Hager
LAST MONTH we discussed an in-air adjustable needle valve that seems to be helping some of the Formula I fliers make 10 laps. Since then, I have found one modification that will help in getting a better needle setting. It seems as though the needle has too much taper. I have found that by putting the needle in a small lathe or a drill press and recutting, or by filing a more gentle taper on it—such as the K&B needles have—the end result is a much broader needle range, making it easier to adjust.
Another trick that I have seen used a lot on Club 500 racers, as well as on some sport planes, is mounting the needle valve somewhere other than on the carburetor. Think about it—that long needle valve sticking out of the side of your carburetor acts like a tuning fork. The stresses put on the carburetor due to these vibrations are tremendous. Some of the Formula I fliers are mounting the needle in the left cheek cowl on the firewall. An OS, K&B, or OPS needle valve will work, and I'm sure a few others will, too.
For example, on a Supertigre racing carburetor, the fuel comes in one side and the needle is on the other. Remove the needle valve and block that hole. Leave the other side as it is. Mount the new RC needle valve where you want it. Run a piece of fuel tubing from the output end of the remote needle valve to the spray bar or inlet side of your carburetor, and you're set. This gives you a lot more flexibility in mounting your shutoff in Formula I.
I would be careful not to get carried away with how far you mount the needle from the carburetor. A few inches will do a lot for your installation problems and seems to work out well.
I just got a note from Bill Elliot of the Western Ohio Radio Kontrol Society. Bill says his club has been racing 1/4 A for some time now as a club event. It is a lot of fun, with many club members getting involved in this low-cost, low-key event. Who knows—maybe some of our next-generation Formula I fliers will come out of groups like this.
Here are a couple of contest reports from Florida and here in Texas:
Orlando, FL — Formula I (submitted by Bruce Richmond)
The morning of May 9 found 14 contestants, from as far away as Pennsylvania, ready to race. They included such notables as Bob Violett, Bill Williamson, and Jim Maki. After many years of desperate attempts to be number one in static judging, one of Gail Jacobson's airplanes finally made the grade. Unfortunately for Gail, Dave Latsha was flying it (Gail had graciously lent it to him). The first round of flying held some surprises. Bill Williamson did not crash. Brian Richmond turned 1:16.2, which was fast time of the contest.
Two airplanes were lost in the course of the day. Greg Doe did a full-bore touch-and-stuff around the 2-3 pylons. Yours truly decided the trick to winning was borrowing airplanes, so I borrowed one of Bob Violett's old Pole Cats. Unfortunately, the aileron servo I borrowed didn't work as well as the airplane! The result was another touch-and-stuff around number three.
The best race of the day was between Brian Richmond, Jim Morehead, and Bob Violett. All had times below 1:16.5, and they elected to have a racehorse start. The lead changed six times in 2-1/2 laps. Bob Violett then shut off early due to radio problems, and Morehead cut shortly thereafter, leaving Brian Richmond victorious.
When we reached the end of the day, Brian had a perfect score, followed by Dave Latsha and Bill Williamson, who had everybody thinking he was a pylon racer—until he went to the starting line with his fuel lines hooked up backwards! At any rate, congratulations are in order to Bill Williamson who (as everyone knows) has had some bad luck in the last several races. We were glad to see a new racer, Len Lyons, mixing in with the best people we have and enjoying himself; we need more people like him.
Results:
- Brian Richmond — 1:16.2
- Dave Latsha — 1:22.1
- Bill Williamson — 1:17.5
- Tom Nay — 1:35.5
- Gail Jacobson — 1:25.0
- Bob Schuster — 1:34.2
- Dallas Buck — 1:37.2
- Jim Morehead — 1:16.2
- Bob Violett — 1:16.4
- Bruce Richmond — 1:17.5
Oklahoma City — Formula I (submitted by Ed Rankin)
The weather on June 8 was very threatening when we started the race, with thunderclouds and 25–30 mph winds, but we raced anyway. These conditions remained stable throughout the day. We had 20 entries and flew six rounds with 4-plane heats.
Dave Harter has continued to improve Willow Lake and the race course facilities. The takeoff pad has been widened, so there is plenty of room for four airplanes. Grass landing strips have been lengthened, and the grass is growing well. He has built a workshop on the facility that would make your mouth water. We owe Dave a debt of thanks for building this facility for us to race on.
Ole Bill Hager did it again and won F‑I, but he had to fly it off with Steve Barrett to take home the gold this time. Looks like he has caught on to our Texas weather by winning the last two races. He was only down by one point, and that was in a heat with this reporter. We enjoy joking with Bill, because he is truly a good sport.
Our district is getting some top national race pilots, with Whit Stockwell moving to Houston, and Bruce Richmond and Bill Hager moving to Dallas. Come race with us; it's going to be exciting.
Results:
- Bill Hager — 1:20
- Steve Barrett — 1:24
- Gary Heithold — 1:24.6
- Norm Johnson — 1:20.3
- Charles Monnet — 1:30.5
- Bob Barrett — 1:20
Don't forget—if you have any racing tips that you would like me to pass on, send them in, and we will do our best to print them.
Bill Hager 4622 Bridgeport Garland, TX 75043
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
