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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Bob Furr on January 25, 2009, 06:02:48 PM

Title: Planting an Idea
Post by: Bob Furr on January 25, 2009, 06:02:48 PM

I was surfing the patents on Google and came across the N. E. (Jim) Walker original patent for control line models.   The patent was filed in 1940 and issued in 1942.   If you go looking for it the patent number is 2,292,416.  Now I know there were others flying CL and that eventually Walker lost control of the patent but I would like to suggest that we start planning for 2010 being the 70th anniversary of CL flying.    Maybe even make this part of the NATs if the AMA can be encouraged to take this up.   Other than passing the idea on I do not know how to get this all started.   I do think that we can dedicate part of my clubs contest next year to Walker and the pioneers of control line.   Heck maybe even get the carrier guys to do a "Sabre Dance" and back down on a baloon!
Bob Furr

Title: Re: Planting an Idea
Post by: Steve Helmick on January 26, 2009, 09:21:18 PM

I like the concept, except for one thing. Jim Walker didn't invent U-Control. Obe St. Clair did...another Oregonism. And by something like 6 years. He didn't patent it, not being the promoter that Jim Walker was. Not to say Jim W. was a bad person, far from it. He was still a great innovator, flier, businessman, and knew good stuff when he saw it. It's a good thing we had Jim W. when we did, actually. Too bad he left us before it was his time.  H^^ Steve

Title: Re: Planting an Idea
Post by: Bob Furr on December 30, 2009, 12:07:40 PM

Steve (and anyone else reading this),
I honestly understand that Walker didnt "invent" control line flying... but we have an incredible opportunity for publicity... and a convenient date to tie it to...
Bob

Title: Re: Planting an Idea
Post by: john e. holliday on December 31, 2009, 09:56:31 AM

How about the Omahawks having an all Jim Walker contest with only A J Aircraft designs.  I still have my Firecat even tho it is a little dusty.

Title: Re: Planting an Idea
Post by: Bob Furr on January 01, 2010, 05:58:31 AM

I am going to give it a little push... I have a Firecat kit I picked up from George Lieb and found out that Brodak has at least looked at producing the kit again.   Maybe an OTS event that includes a special award for AJ airplanes...
Bob

Title: Re: Planting an Idea
Post by: ChrisSarnowski on January 01, 2010, 08:06:23 AM

We could honor both gents in different ways.... have a special award for contributions to the sport and call it the "Obie"   n~