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Building Tips and technical articles. => 1/2 A building. => Topic started by: Paul Smith on September 09, 2007, 06:07:32 PM
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John Brzys and I were again the only two entries, but had a good time and intend to keep the events on the menu for next year's two contests, so bring out a Black Widow-powered toy and give it a go.
I screwed up & left my 1/2A bits and pieces home (but did have the airplanes & a couple of engines). John was nice enough to loan me what I needed to compete with him.
The Speed event is 12 laps (one-half mile) from a running start. We run it very casually and allow all the tries you need to get a decent time.
John used his Canadian-style racer, the Streaker, I believe, and gradually worked his speed up to 28.3 seconds (63.6 MPH). This time stood up for first place.
I opened with my Beechcraft Staggerwing biplane and did a very nice 31.9 (56.4 MPH), pretty good for a hollow log bipe. The speed run was made without the wheels and cowl. Unfortunately, I broke off the tail stunting after the speed run.
The "old faithful" Golden Hawk wasn't in the mood to put out today. So I moved the Beech 17's engine to an old generic no-name trainer and did 29.5 (61 MPH), for second place in the Speed event.
The Combat Master, now approaching two years of age, spent another game on the bench.
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With two healthy airplanes qualified, we were ready to race. As usual, the Brzys' Brothers were a team, this time with John in the centre and Ed in the pit.
I was able to pick a pilot out of the crowd. In this case, my long-time combat rival, Steve Kott. In addition to Steve, I recognized at least three other spectators who could have picked up a combat or racing handle with full confidence.
Our Black Widows both seemed to like Racing best. After numerous runs of tedious fiddling, both engines performed flawlessly in the 60-lap race. Both planes went the distance with a single pit stop and our team WON by a half-lap (the reverse of yesterday's verdict).
Paul Smith & Steve Kott - 3:11
John & Ed Brzys - 3:13