Don McKay proposed changes to two Northwest rules categories. These proposals were announced in October, went through a discussion period and were subject to a balloting process that concluded on Jan. 1.
All four proposals were approved; see results below.
Here is a brief summary of the proposals (Links will take you to the full proposals):
F2D Proto change: Clarifies the button bellcrank line termination specification. Passed, 80% to 20%
Vintage Diesel Combat change: This
change three parts:
1. Changes the propellor rule to allow any prop sold as 8-inch diameter.
Passed, 86% to 14%
2. Allows reinforcement of airframe construction using modern materials.
Passed, 57% to 43%
3. Reduces line length tolerance. Passed, 86% to 14%
To see complete, final new rules suitable for printing, go to the NW Rules section.
By Don McKay
The old rule read:
"2.7 Terminations to a button bell crank must be double loop construction."
Proposal would change the wording to:
"2.7 Terminations of the lines to a bell crank must be double loop construction when used with a metal to metal contact."
A. Props
Old rules read:
"1.3 The propeller may be any prop sold as an 8x6. The original diameter must remain untrimmed. Balancing may be done by sanding one blade."
Proposal would change the rule to read;
"1.3 The propeller may be any prop sold as an 8" diameter. The original diameter must remain untrimmed. Balancing may be done by sanding one blade only."
B. Construction of Diesel Combat
Old rules read:
"2.2 Models must be an accurate plan view of the original. The following alterations are permitted:
Last paragraph (in bold) above changed to read;
"All the major parts of the airplane must be built primarily of wood but may be reinforced, with fiber glass, carbon fiber, boron or Kevlar to increase durability. Major parts include the; Leading edge, Trailing edge, Ribs, Wing tips, Spars, elevator and motor mounts."
C) Line Length for Diesel combat
The old rule reads;
"4.1 Lines shall be a minimum .015" diameter, stranded type, with a length of 52'-3" measured from the handle grip to the fuselage, plus or minus 6 inches."
Rule is changed to read;
"4.1 Lines shall be a minimum .015" diameter, stranded type, with a length of 52'-3" measured from the handle grip to the fuselage, plus or minus 3 inches."
1. PURPOSE: This event is intended for all fliers and pit crews interested in a simple Speed event which uses unique airplanes of a set wing area and profile fuselage, that is restricted to FAI F2D-legal engines.
2. All AMA control-line unified speed rules apply, except as follows:
2.1. Airplane and the entire control systems shall undergo a pull
test of 25 pounds. Lines are .015 stranded steel. Length is 52' 6"
measured from the center of the handle to the fuselage.
2.2 Minimum wing area not including the stabilizer and elevator shall
be 100 square inches.
2.3 Airplanes must have a vertical tail fin.
2.4 Airplanes must have a canopy. Wood canopy is allowed but must
have a colored outline defining the shape.
2.5 Airplane must have a two wheel landing gear with minimum diameter
wheels of 1 inch. Wheels must be spaced at a minimum of 2 -1/2" apart.
2.6 Airplane finish must include a colorful pattern or be painted
a solid color. No all-clear finishes will be allowed.
2.6 Airplane must have external controls, the centerline of the bellcrank
may be centered inside the fuselage but the bellcrank must be exposed when
deflected.
(existing) 2.7 Terminations to a button bellcrank must
be double loop construction.
(proposed) 2.7 Terminations of the lines to a bellcrank must be double
loop construction when used with a metal to metal contact.
3. Engine: Any design or make of piston glow F2D -legal engine is allowed, maximum engine displacement is limited to .1525 cubic inches (2.5 cc) . Modifications are limited to removing material from the engine only. (diesel legal F2D engines are note allowed)
4. Muffler: A current and legal F2D muffler must be used on the engine. No modifications are allowed to the muffler
5. Fuel tank: Any design of fuel tank is allowed, including pressure systems.
6. Fuel: Glow fuel shall contain a maximum of 10 percent nitromethane with 20 percent lubricant and the rest methanol. Glow fuel will be supplied by the contest management.
7. Timing: Timing will begin from the release of the model and end after eight (8) full laps have been completed. The pilot will have 1-1/2 laps after release to get into the pylon.
8. Flying handle: Adjustable handles are allowed.
1.1. Engine: Any production .15 c.i.d. maximum diesel having a
single ballrace or plain bearing, non-Schneurle, iron piston/steel cylinder.
1.2 Only suction fuel systems are permitted.
(old)1.3 The propeller may be any prop sold as an 8x6.
The original diameter must remain untrimmed. Balancing may be done by sanding
one blade.
(new) 1.3 The propeller may be any prop sold as an 8-inch diameter.
The original diameter must remain untrimmed. Balancing may be done by sanding
one blade only.
2.1 Aircraft: A nostalgia combat model must be a design which
was in common use or kitted prior to December 31, 1970. It must have been
designed for a .15 cu in engine.
2.2 Models must be an accurate plan view of the original.
The following alterations are permitted:
(old)Such changes must be done using constructional techniques that
were commonly used at the time the model was in use. Carbon, Kevlar or boron
fiber is not permitted. Modern adhesives and coverings are permitted.
(new)"All the major parts of the airplane must be built primarily
of wood but may be reinforced, with fiber glass, carbon fiber, boron or
Kevlar to increase durability. Major parts include the; Leading edge, Trailing
edge, Ribs, Wing tips, Spars, elevator and motor mounts".
2.3 The following alterations are not permitted:
The CD may decide to not accept a model which has been altered from the original design outline.
3.1 Pull test: 25 lb.
(old)4.1 Lines shall be a minimum .015"
diameter, stranded type, with a length of 52'-3" measured from the
handle grip to the fuselage, plus or minus 6 inches.
(new)4.1 Lines shall be a minimum .015" diameter, stranded type,
with a length of 52'-3" measured from the handle grip to the fuselage,
plus or minus 3 inches.
5.1 Speed limit: 64 mph = 7.0 seconds/2 laps towing a streamer.
6.1 Number of models. One model per match. 3 models maximum per contest.
7.1 Pit crew. Two pit crew are allowed per contestant. A contestant may start his own engine.
8.1 Officials: A contest shall be run by a circle marshal who shall be the overall timekeeper, plus one scorer per contestant.
9.1 The match: One minute for engine starting and launching. The 5-minute match clock is started as the second plane launches or at the end of the one minute, whichever comes first. The match lasts 5 minutes.
Engines must be started by hand.
9.2 Scoring: One point is deducted for each second a contestant's
plane is on the ground during the 5 minute match. 50 points are awarded
for each cut of their opponent's streamer or string with knot. There are
no kills.
The match shall continue after a mid-air collision or line break. Lines
may not be changed during a match.
10.1 Contest Procedure: Each contestant shall compete in 5 rounds. 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, 0 for a loss. The top 4 flyers will than compete in 2 semifinals and a final to determine the winner.
10.2 Combat Site: A 3-foot radius pilots' circle and a concentric 65 foot radius safety circle.
This page was upated Sept. 11, 2009