Classic FAI & Vintage A Team Race & 1/2A Combat Hi All, a great days racing was enjoyed on 16th June at our club field in Seaford.

3 entries competed in some very close and fun racing on the day. Great to see Peter Barrett returning to the circle flying on the day with Murray using his Parra model.

Neil Baker and “Cosmic” Colin Ray flew their yellow Ray Harvey built Nelson Model. Neilo changed his Nelson Steel for an AAC version. This engine ran very consistently on the day. Mark and I used our familiar (repainted by Murray Wilson) orange KMD model.

We ran a series of 2 up races resulting in some close and fun racing. Every-one’s times were around the 4:25 area, with best on the day Ray/Baker with 4:23.9.

The other 2 teams fought it out to challenge Neil and Colin in a 100 lap final. It was a fun way to race using a preliminary race to decide the challenger for the final.

The final was very close with only 1.5 sec separating the winners Barrett/Wilson from second place getters Ray/Baker. See results below.

Many thanks to Ron Lacey for running the racing on the day. A couple of Vintage A races were also run after Classic. Fastest was Ray/Baker with 3:27. Mark few with Murray as I pulled a muscle in my leg and couldn’t fly. Result was Ellins /Wilson 3:46.5. I pitted for Tim Cooper but a slipping needle valve prevented us from recording a good time. Good weather and great fun, see you all next time.

Andrew Nugent.

Combined Speed & F2F Team Race. The first CLAMF club competition day of the year was held on Sunday 11th February. The weather forecast of a warm day prompted us to make an effort to get things going early and combined speed was the first event.

Murray Wilson’s flew his OS-60VR monoline model and broke the current record by 0.5% and won the day’s contest.

There has been a bit of interest for some F2F racing recently so it was added to our contest calendar for the first time. Four teams flew a couple of heats each. The results are not amazing but it was a good starter, and more of these races are planned for the future. It is a possibility that there could be 11 entries in the upcoming Vic State Championships.

F2F Team Race Results

Combined Speed & Classic FAI, Vintage A Team Race, 27 Goodyear. The final meeting of the year by CLAMF club on Dec 12th incorporated three team race events and was followed by a Christmas break up celebration.

It was also an opportunity for some juniors to have a go at control line flying for the first time and it did not take long before one of them was flying solo. Once he got the hang of it, he kept flying as long as someone
was on hand to refuel the model and launch it for him. Classic Team Race had four teams. Neil Baker had his newly repaired “Shadow” model for Colin Ray to fly but the Nelson engine he was using will need a bit more sorting to get a good race time.

Combined Speed & Vintage Combat. A good entry of 11 models flown, perfect weather considering the bad weather of previous weeks. First up was Greg Nelson from SA flying his 1/2A Proto model, not as fast as previous, as he has the record, then he flew a vintage CCM “Special“ a model that was built by Vern Marquette years ago. Harry had a flight with his OS 11, sounded good but was over revving as it has Mini Goodyear props, not enough pitch, M/G props are around 4.5. Needs about 5.5 on the thick wires. I then flew a new model I just built for something to do, it is a 1974 speed model called an “ASSY KILLER” by Ren-zo Grandesso, he was a ST works flier, he flew it at the 1974 W/C in Czechoslo-vakia. Tony Cincotta ended up with one of Renzo’s models, I know it was genuine as it had 154 on wing [Renzos number], I have the original alloy wing as I made a new wing around the 1990’s as the original one was damaged. I used to fly the model for Tony at times, but it was slow with the ST X15 motor, I don’t think it was the original motor, I used my old X15 in my version that I tried in FAI speed in the early 1970’s, was slow, not much better than my KOSMIC 15. It is one of the first sidewinder designs but due to the rear induction engine is on the inside making construction a bit harder than our normal ones. Model did not fly that well, and needed a lot of up when motor stopped which it did after a few laps on pipe, so no time recorded. Murray flew his Class 5 model and 1/2 A Proto, but then had to go to other circle to fly Vintage Combat, as did Greg and Harry, so they did not fly some of their other models. Problem was we started late. Tim Cooper had his models the 1/2 A Proto and Simple Speed, had his usual 3 good flights, setting personal best in both. Later on he got out his Mini/Mini Goodyear model with a Cox TD.049 for .049 speed, only had .012” lines instead of .008” but did well on suction and only 10% nitro. He is going for .008′ lines next speed day. 049 speed has not been flown for years, I had an AVRO VULCAN delta with an AME .049 which did 180 kph. The rotation speed got a bit much on 35ft lines so we changed to 42ft but has not been flown in comp since. Ken flew his 1/2 A Proto with an AP Hornet? engine. Next I flew a model to the British 2cc new rules, they have had 2cc in England since 1995?? I won 1996 & 7 combined speed there with my OS PS11. Just lately they have started flying them but using FAI models with de-bored Irvine 15 back to 2cc using a magic muffler and 25% nitro. I thought as a project I would try to beat record of 238 KPH using my normal Novarossi 2cc. I made a magic muffler, but did not have the dimensions so found a photo on EBay and made as close as I could. Went well first flight but I had trouble keeping up with it in the pylon so I got Murray Wilson to fly it [thanks Murray] did 97.5% happy with that. Thanks to all who turned up and help especially Ron Savage again. Next speed day is November 12. Robin Ten entries for VintageCombat was a good number for a club competition. New-comer Beau Murphy is more likely to be seen around the Pylon racing scene but you would not have guessed from his competent flying style that this was his first combat competition. Danny Rich was once a regular on the control line circles and his return to fly some combat was welcomed. Engines use were the usual mix of Fora, Parra, ST G15 and Oliver clones. Keith Baddock used the only glow engine which was an OS 15FP mounted in an Early Bird model. Highest point scoring bout of the day was in Rd 3 between Tony Caselli 364 and Murray Wilson 392. Murray flew against Ken Maier in a fly-off for first and sec-ond placings and Murray completed his run of four wins and no losses the score being Murray 520 and Ken 170.

       

Navy Carrier & 27 Goodyear. The CLAMF monthly competition took place on Sunday August 13th. Scheduled events for the day were Carrier Deck and 27 Diesel Goodyear team race.

The setting up of the HMAS Seaford deck can sometimes be dependent on the days ground conditions and the prevailing weather but no such problems on this chilly morning and only a light breeze welcomed our five eager contestants. The sun did manage to poke through the clouds on a few occasions which warmed up the proceedings. Four pilots flew the two contest rounds but Harry was unfortunate to have his engine stop mid flight during the seven slow laps and could not re-start the engine as the needle had come out of the carburettor and was lost at sea.

Tim Cooper used his Hellcat model powered by an electric motor. He was the only competitor to use flaps and that assisted him to fly some nice slow laps. During his first flight he miss judged his landing approach and touched the water/grass but his second flight he landed on the deck on his first approach.

Mark Ellins missed two of his landing approaches which resulted in a 10 point reduction in his landing point allocation.

Paul was the only pilot to obtain his highest score in round one and Murray’s second flight score was the best of the day and earned him first place.

Thanks to Colin Ray and Andrew Nugent for doing the timekeeping and filling in the score sheets.

Following on after the conclusion of carrier deck and the lunchtime sausage BBQ it was time for some 27 Diesel Goodyear team race. With some mixing and matching of team members we had some two up races. Colin Ray piloted for Murray Wilson to set the fastest time of the day of 5:05.50. Ken Hunting was pitting his Fora powered model and progressively improved his three race times and Tim Cooper had Murray Wilson doing the pitting duties to do a personal best race for Tim of 5:12.42.

Combined Speed & Combined Stunt. The wintery day was not suitable for the scheduled Classic Stunt competition because of the strong winds but Combined Speed was achievable. Four competitors had a successful days flying but Ken and Harry either had model problems or unplanned landings that prevented them recording and flight times.

Harry had the Class 1 OS CZ11PS engine that broke the con rod on its last outing. The con rod has been replaced by Robin Hiern and the distorted cylinder re-worked to a useable condition. Harry had been searching to purchase a replacement competitive engine to use in Class 1 but it seems that since Nova Rossi and OS have ceased engine production there is no longer an available suitable engine for this class of speed.

Combined Speed & Combined Stunt. The CLAMF usual competition date is the second Sunday in the month but as the South Australian State Championships occupied that date our competition was on the 19th March instead. The planned Combined Speed did not eventuate due to the lack of competitors and models but our Combined Stunt did go ahead.

What is combined Stunt you may well ask? The idea is to have an aerobatic competition using whichever class of model you choose to bring along. You inform the judge which pattern you intend to fly and are then judged on your performance accordingly.

On this particular day we had three F2B pilots and models flying two rounds and two Classic Stunt entries again flying a couple of rounds. There would have been another Classic entry but Andrew Nugent was feeling the after effects of a dose of flu so he volun-teered to be our judge for the day instead.

Derek Pickard had come along with a model but he had not flown in a competition for a couple of years so he was a bit rusty in his ma-noeuvres but improved on his second flight. He overcame a cut hand that happened when he was removing the plug clip whilst the engine was running before his first flight and I understand the cuts are healing well!

Roger Virgo was a late arrival with his Tony Cincotta “Windy” model but we managed to fit his two flights into the day’s proceedings and had time to discuss some possible model flying improvements before we all headed homewards.

Combined Speed & Vintage Combat. It was a busy contest day down at the CLAMF field today. The concrete circle had dried out for some Combined Speed to take place and in the afternoon, six entrants flew Vintage Combat in sunny conditions. The grass was very soggy and there were a few splash/crash landings. Greg Nelson donated some of his Taipan propellers to the three top placed competitors in Vintage Combat.

There was a varied selection of models to fly some of the many different classes in combined speed.

Murray Wilson had dusted off some models that had not been used for some time and brought along enough models to have a competition of his own. His monoline class 3 model did not get flown as there was not a suitable dolly available to use and the large grass circle was probably a bit soft for a reliable take off anyway.

Greg Nelson flew his THK .09 powered half A Proto model to within 99.66% of the current record but as a pylon was not available to use, any record breaking flights would not have counted as new records. There were four Half A Proto models flown (would have been five if Harry Bailey’s model didn’t have a loose filler pipe). Tim Cooper flew his new Half A Proto for three flights in his first ever speed competition.

Combined Speed & Classic Stunt. It was a brisk winter morning when a small but enthusiastic group of flyers assembled at the CLAMF field for a day of Combined Speed and Classic Stunt flying. The weather forecast was optimistic and when we first arrived the early morning sun was bringing some warmth to the day but then some mist drifted in and the accompanying temperature drop sent us scurrying for our warm coats and beany hats.

There was no great rush to get activity under way whilst the mist hung around but the sun gradually broke through again, the temperature started to rise and activity began to take place. The wind sock on top of the barn was hanging vertically and it remained that way all day for what turned out to be a glorious day for model flying.

On the previous weekend a speed competition had been scheduled at SSME but I believe only Ron Blomberry turned up, very disappointing! We did a little better as four competitors had brought along a selection of models to fly combined speed and Robin Hiern flew three classes despite the fact he was not having an easy time with the faster rotating models as the exertion was tending to leave him short of breath. Non the less, he recorded some creditable times in all the classes that he flew. Andrew Nugent flew his Class 1 model that Robin had done some tweaking to the Novarossi engine as it had lost its urge at recent competitions, but it was still not revving as much as it used too.

Harry flew his ex-Noel Wake Proto model with a Force 21 engine but the speed was well below the current record. Ken Hunting had brought models for four classes and flew a couple of flights with his 1/2A Proto. The OS Max 3 in his vintage FAI model refused to fire up and his other two models were not tested.

After the lunchtime natter and sausage sizzle the Classic Stunt models were prepared for action. Derek Pickard had sent his apologies for not being in attendance because he needed to be elsewhere, so it was only the five CLAMF members left to take advantage of the superb flying conditions, but this number was reduced to four when the engine in Paul Stein’s Nobler refused to start (probable fuel blockage). Paul shared the judging duties with Mark Ellins.

With five different model designs and engines ranging in size from 1.5cc to .46 cu in we proceeded to fly round 1. Mark led the way with a well flown pattern, followed by Andrew with his “Caprice/Enya 45”. Harry was the least experienced stunt flyer flying his “Top Flight Nobler/OS LA 46”. Lots of his manoeuvres were ragged but he did complete the pattern and was happy to make a safe landing. Robin had brought his “Mercury Marvin” fitted with an Elfin 149. Because the conditions were favourable it flew admirably. The day was too good to waste so we flew a second round. This time Robin flew his “Skylark” instead of the “Marvin” and every flyer improved on their first round score excepting Andrew who ran out of fuel before starting the four leaf clover.

Combined Speed & Simple Combat Despite a forecast winds and rain for our comp it was OK, wind did not present a problem, and no rain, it even got warm, better than the week before which is when it was meant to be but shifted due to Mother’s Day.

The usual gang of enthusiasts turned up to fly, this keeps the class alive, we must keep flying or we will die out. I flew first up to fly my troublesome B Proto model after yet another rebuild, first 2 flights the cut-out keep going off, it’s never done that be-fore, so I took it off and finally broke the Proto record. The model is now due to be checked by an FAI observer. The model is powered by an OS 30 truck engine on an old style pipe.

Harry flew his Profi FAI after giving it a clean and re-assemble of the engine, first flight it cut out early due to the plug being loose. Next flight was it was going well, I think fastest it has done, but at the end of the flight the down line snagged on the pylon so it hit the ground and broke tail and boom, but repair-able. I flew my ancient Rossi Mk2 in 1980 style Rossi sidewinder, which was the first asymmetric sidewinder design. I was very pleased with the result as I have been wanting to get it in the 14 second time bracket. Harry also flew his old Arrow with an ASP 11 which went well for its vintage old design motor, unfortunately at end of good flight it broke a rod and threw the Graupner grey prop {no expense spared}.

For local comps we are thinking of having a Class 1 sub class to try and get the models that are powered by OS PS11, Enya CX11, Asp 11, Webra speedy 10, etc. and any other non Novarossi, or OS, etc. car mo-tors. There are a few good OS PS 11 engines that are around but are not competitive with Nova Rossi. Also flying even the OS on the bigger lines we went for safety, then later to 10% nitro makes flying it a bit slow, a Class 1 at speed is good pylon training for F2A if it is fast. So do we go back to .012”/.3mm lines for them, or stay on the .016”/.4 mm and have a separate record for them????

Talking to competitor’s yesterday opinion is divided, so it is something to think about. The way my health is going, I have no energy to keep up around pylon and get breathless at slightest thing, I need to go for slower rotating models maybe Frog 1.49 power !! Slow Combat was also listed on the contest calendar but only two competitors turned up with models so no combat took place but Harry tried some very quick Classic Stunt manoeuvres with his “Terminators” and came to the conclusion that a lower pitched propeller and a richer needle setting might slow things down a little bit. Next Speed comp is on July 10th, maybe Murray may be back, we hope. Thanks to all who helped again.

Report by Robin Hiern. Pictures by Neil Baker