Radio Control: Pylon Racing
Bill Hager
A few months ago I reported that O.S. has come out with a new Pylon Racing .40 for Formula One. The engine looks and runs great. I think this will be the answer for those of you who are just getting started, since this engine runs so well right out of the box — no modifications are needed to be competitive.
I will try to have a complete rundown for you when I have had more time to figure out what prop and pipe combinations work best.
Engine availability and AMA rule
While we are on the subject of new engines, let's talk about the engine rule, 4.1.4.1 in the AMA 1982–83 rule book (third sentence). Engines and parts must have been produced in quantities greater than 1,000, and must all be available through normal retail outlets in the U.S.A. The 1,000 limit seemed OK when it was first put into effect, but now, with the more limited group of Formula One fliers, 1,000 engines is too many.
We have run into problems with the O.S. .40. Although this engine has been out since the summer of 1981, it still had not been declared "legal" when this was written. There were only several hundred on the first order to the U.S. distributor, with more on the way. If the rule had said 500 instead of 1,000, we could have been flying this engine last summer.
The NMPRA has taken a position on this. Their recommendation is that the 1,000-engine rule be changed to 500. With the very limited supply of good engines, we cannot afford to scare manufacturers away. Let's all hope there is some emergency AMA rules action to reduce the eligibility number.
Contest
I just got a report from what has to be the first big contest of the year.
The Valley RC Flyers (California) hosted the NMPRA Western District's first race, held March 20–21 at Sepulveda Basin. This was the first season opener in several years that wasn't cut short by bad weather. The week prior to the race was really wet, but Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny, and the remainder of the weekend was in the low 70s.
Tom Christopher was running a new O.S. .40 VRP engine in his Polecat, and he looked pretty good until radio problems crashed the plane. His best time with the engine was in the mid-teens, so it looks like we'll have another competitive engine to run. We need it!
Some very consistent fast times were flown at this race, which is a little unusual for a season opener — this is usually the race where the bugs get sorted out. Apparently some of the racers did more than just lie around during the winter doldrums. Looks like the work paid off.
The most spectacular mid-air seen in a long time was Ed Allen's and Kim Tucker's collision at the Number 1 pylon. It must have rained pieces for five minutes afterward. Unfortunately, Kim had no backup airplane. He had a perfect score up to that point, and the crash spoiled his chances for a top place.
This race was well attended for an opener, with 30 entries.
Results and highlights
- 1st — Gary Hover: winner; posted his best-ever time of 1:14.2 and a slowest of 1:19.
- 2nd — (not specified in report)
- 3rd — "Crazy Larry" Laulom: ran mid-teens all weekend; double-cut in a heat with Gary Hover, which cost him a chance at first place.
- 4th — Jeff Bertken: consistent pilot; also hosted a great party Saturday night.
- 6th — Ron Schorr: posted a 1:17.
- Fast-time honors during the event: Kent Nogy held fast time through Round 6, then Dave Shadel posted a 1:11.7 to take fast-time.
- Standard Class: Joe Stream ("Old Sandbagger") won Standard Class with a fast 1:23.
- Notable crash: Ed Allen and Kim Tucker collided at Pylon 1; Kim had been running a perfect score before the crash and had no backup plane.
Send me your contest reports, along with any black-and-white photos. I would like to be able to do contest reports from different areas of the country.
Send reports to:
- Bill Hager
- 706 Glen Haven Dr.
- Conroe, TX 77302
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
