|
Profile, Sport, Designer and F4B-FAI
 Control line scale was at one time a very specialized event, but with today’s available hobby equipment and supplies these highly detailed models can be built and flown successfully by anyone interested in the flying in the scale categories. If entered in a contest the models, in all categories but F4B FAI, are static judged for realism from a distance of 15 feet. In the F4B FAI international rules the judging is quite a bit more complex.
Profile Scale
Profile Scale is the CL Scale event in its simplest form and is well suited for beginners in the event or for young people just starting out. The fuselage and often times the tail surfaces are a balsa sheet surface. In most cases the wing will be a built up construction. The models are normally flown with a 3-line throttle system for realism in flight and can include other options such as bomb drop, etc.
Sport Scale Sport
Scale models are just profile models that have grown up. These models have a full fuselage and flying surfaces. In many cases these models are built from an available kit (Brodaks kit #CLB-51 Ryan PT-21 Recruit for example) but can also be built from plans or scratch. Also flown with a throttle, either 3 line or electronically controlled for realism in flight, the models can incorporate multiple options such as retractable landing gear, flaps, bomb and fuel tank drops, etc.
Designer Sport
Designer Scale models are just what it says. In this event you must design and draw the plans yourself, and then build the model from scratch from your plans. These models again have a full fuselage and flying surfaces and other than the design and build stipulation they are the same as the Sport Scale category. Also flown with a throttle, either 3 line or electronically controlled for realism in flight, the models also incorporate multiple options such as retractable landing gear, flaps, bomb and fuel tank drops, etc.
FAI F4B Scale
FAI F4B Scale models are models that have been built for world class competition. The models can be built from a kit, a set of plans, or from scratch from your plans. Again the models have a full fuselage and flying surfaces and are also again flown with a throttle for realism in flight. Multiple options are available to the builder. Every second year (odd number years) a US Scale Team Selection Trials is held at the US National Aeromodeling Championships. The three top placing US Contestants are named to the US Scale Team. On the alternating years a World Championships is held is held somewhere around the world (for example 2004 is in Poland) and our US Scale Team is sent and represents us.
How to Start
This catalog is a good place since you already have it. Also, any good local hobby shop should carry these and/or similar products or they should be able to order them from here or other distributors. A simple 3 line throttle system is best for beginners as they are easy to install and work well. Pick a low wing model with a wide gear track for a beginner as they handle much better on the ground.
Available Help The AMA Special Interest Group for Scale (Control Line, Free Flight, and Radio Control) is NASA or the National Association of Scale Aeromodelers. Membership inquiries can also be sent to the following;
NASA Secretary/Treasurer
128 Darnley Drive, Moon Township, PA 15108
CL Scale Event Director - AMA Nationals
Mike Welshans
976 Pearson, Ferndale, MI 48220-3118
Mbwelshans@aol.com
|
Control Line Scale