ARF/ARC/ Competition Idea

[Dick Pacini]

I have read much of the controversy about ARF/ARC and the BOM rules, both here and on SSW.  I don't have a solution for the problem, but maybe an idea that may generate some interest and be a draw at local contests.

How about a CLPA event just for ARF/ARC models?  This could be a fun event and might encourage more modelers to give competition a shot, since the hardware would be fairly common among the contestants and guys who couldn't build a straight or decent airplane might have a better chance on the circle and not feel second class because their plane came out of a box almost complete.

Pitting ARF Noblers or T-Rex's (for example) against similar planes would be a bit closer than a stick built kit and a one-off original and would more likely allow the pilots to show their talents at the handle. 

If Brodak would get behind an event like this, it might have legs.  Of course, if this has already been done, I apologize for bringing up an old subject.

I didn't fall off the turnip truck last night, but when the guy drove by today, he remembered me.

[Brett Buck]

I have read much of the controversy about ARF/ARC and the BOM rules, both here and on SSW.  I don't have a solution for the problem, but maybe an idea that may generate some interest and be a draw at local contests.

How about a CLPA event just for ARF/ARC models?  

   That's insane and could never possibly work!

http://www.clstunt.com/htdocs/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=280194&mesg_id=280194
http://www.clstunt.com/htdocs/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=313956&mesg_id=313956
http://www.clstunt.com/htdocs/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=336481&mesg_id=336481

  Seriously, though, I am very close to Unknown Pilot #2 (International ARF Champion and holder of the Barker Cup Perpetual Trophy/Self-Immolation device), and as a disinterested observer of the various ARF contests, it was a reasonable idea for a contest.

      Brett

[Dick Pacini]

Well, DUH!  In my defense, I haunt this forum and rarely dig around over there, where I am not a member.

So, from your list, I must say that great minds do think alike.

I'll try to catch a ride home on the next turnip truck when it comes around.

[Brett Buck]

Well, DUH!  In my defense, I haunt this forum and rarely dig around over there, where I am not a member.

So, from your list, I must say that great minds do think alike.

     Absolutely!

     It's a fun contest, but Uncle Jimby is not likely to make a trip East to hold regional ARF-Offs, so if someone wants to run with the idea back there, by all means go right ahead.

    One thing not significantly mentioned is that the real underlying reason to do the ARF-Offs is to train judges!  The odd method of judging is appropriate for the essentially goofy nature of the contest, but definitely gives real-life judging experience to all the pilots. Everybody who enters, judges, too. There are some anomalies you wouldn't want in a more serious contest, but this is perfect. We ran a judging clinic the day before, and then use the official flights to gain experience.

     This year I was particularly diabolical - I put marker cones at 45 degree spacing around the circle, and then during the training flights, pointed out that the 8's are supposed to fit between three adjacent cones. Most of the judges/pilots had never actually seen how small 45 degrees is and it was very interesting to see how they dealt with this knowledge both as judges and as pilots. It was evil, in some ways, and I thought better of it once I started seeing the near-disasters when people tried to hit the right sizes for the first time ever with the generally dubious-flying ARFs. I saw a lot of pretty unrecognizable square 8's.

    Brett

[David Shad]

I don't know if this is so bad....judging training...why not flying training too...in
the form of a contest...has great merit...like Brett said...it shows pilots just
how far off the mark we can be when it comes to rule book sized loops or any
of the stunts we do.  I think this is a great idea!

[Matt Colan]

I don't know if this is so bad....judging training...why not flying training too...in
the form of a contest...has great merit...like Brett said...it shows pilots just
how far off the mark we can be when it comes to rule book sized loops or any
of the stunts we do.  I think this is a great idea!

I like that idea!

[scott bolton]

  DICK, I think it's a great idea.Anything that will promote the fantastic hobby that we have been blessed with. Also don't let some of the THIS IS THE WAY WE'VE ALWAYS DONE IT CROWD,discourage you my friend. I took a couple of nights this past summer and took some less than valuable planes & gear and let some young folks and newbies try control line. It was fantastic man !!! I also had the pleasure of seeing a guy who walked away from the highest level of stunt for political reasons go fying with me. To see a guy of this caliber fly my stunt ship was a highlight of the summer. Dick,if having a contest with ARF & ARC planes will promote CONTROL LINE, then Let's Have At It Brother.  THANKS for the idea.    SCOTT 

[Dick Pacini]

Scott, thanks for the kudos, but if you read Brett's post below mine, it has already been done several times, with success.

My thoughts are it would draw the people who love to fly P/A but are a little intimidated by the building expertise they see at some contests.

Here is an additional thought:  Have a get together with some of the top fliers in the country and give each one the same ARF, whether it be a T-Rex or UHP Nobler or a Strega.  Let them all use the same box stock engine and allow a period of time (days,weeks) for them to finish assemble the planes and trim them to their individual tastes.  No fancy changes allowed.  Then, have a judgment day on the circle.

A follow up could be an evaluation of the kits by the individual pilots whose comments could be passed on to the manufacturers, perhaps resulting in an improved product down the road.

[Serge_Krauss]

...but if you read Brett's post below mine, it has already been done several times, with success.

The NCCL club here in Cleveland runs an ARF/ARC class, along with OTS, Classic, Profile, and the PAMPA classes, each year in our Cleveland Area Stunt Championships. It draws a few entries. Here's one of two flight lines including both profile and ARF/ARC event entrants in the 2009 contest.

Edit: Here too are tabulated scores to show what the guys flew. It's the last section at bottom. You might note too that, contrary to statements from a few who continue to misrepresent PAMPA rules, there are ARF's (not all of which are labeled) allowed and scored in other events.

SK