On Good Ideas......

[Wynn Robins]

Ever had people stand on your lines in the pits because they dont see them?

here is how we get around it down here in NZ.

Pretty simple really, just use a chalk line, or string line, and lie it down before you unroll your lines.......pin the line to the ground at both ends....unroll your lines over the top.....instant visability.....well, not of the lines, but you can see the string.

Also helps with people putting you back in the same slot after a flight.....

[rustler]

"MIND THE LINES" - How many times have we heard the irate model owner shouting at people who "should know better"?

After many years I have reached the conclusion the ONLY reason my lines get stepped on is because I left them out, line park or no line park. Reel 'em in and reel 'em out for every flight if you want to guarantee your lines don't get stepped on.

[frank carlisle]

After all these years of the stepping on the lines problem you'd think someone would come up with lines that aren't nearly invisible.
Why aren't they made in bright colors?

[Ralph Wenzel (d)]

After all these years of the stepping on the lines problem you'd think someone would come up with lines that aren't nearly invisible.
Why aren't they made in bright colors?

$$$$$$$

[Dick Fowler]

"MIND THE LINES" - How many times have we heard the irate model owner shouting at people who "should know better"?

After many years I have reached the conclusion the ONLY reason my lines get stepped on is because I left them out, line park or no line park. Reel 'em in and reel 'em out for every flight if you want to guarantee your lines don't get stepped on.

That's a good idea when practicing but can create extra work at a contest.

The AMA general control line rules state the following:

3. Size and Type of Control Handle. Control handle,
fixture, or device, shall not extend more than six
inches (6) beyond the hand of the operator except in
cases where control is accomplished by means of
twisting a line, in which case the maximum extension
shall be no more than 30 inches. Unless prohibited by
the rules of the particular event, control handles providing
for easy adjustment of line length are permitted
provided they are equipped with a positive safety
lock. Lines may be stored between flights, but
lengths must be measured before each official flight.
Altering line length after official measurement is
cause for disqualification.

[bill marvel]

Wynn
I have been seeing more use of the yellow and black striped plastic tape used for marking construction sites (or crime scenes!!!).  It has gotten to be quite inexpensive and is available at the giant home supply stores such as Lowes or Home Depot (here in the USA).  Pin it down on one end, stretch it out and pin it down on the other.  Lay your lines over it.

The one of the best contests I have been to recently was Polk City, Iowa.  They marked off lanes for each aircraft in the pits with one of those sports field markers and white powder.  Competitors and their crews marched directly to and from the circle without ever crossing each others lines.  It was a well thought out arrangement.

regards
bill marvel

[Charlie Pate]

Ive seen this tried using a yellow (chalk?) line and it WAS impressive.
You have to see it to beleive how it stands out, even in grass.
 Very impressive, This may be a don,t leave home without it!(depending on where you flyand what you fly on.

[W.D. Roland]

we never realy had a problem with this.
it was understood that no one except the person fixing to fly went on the inboard side of airplanes.
even with 10-15 sets of lines out.
 all lines and airplanes were kept in short area very close to each other and when some one was ready to fly their airplane and lines were brought forward of the rest by 20-30 feet.
i dont remember anyone other than newbies ever getting tangled in others lines----stray dogs were a problem.
mabey we payed more attention back then?

David