I agree that this would be an introductory model for those who could not afford an engine or possibly as stated, a model for when engines and fuel were not readily available.
Quote by De Hill:
"There was a rubber powered stunter (an actual kit built airplane) at the VSC 10 or so years ago. The powers that be had no idea what to do with it, so they asked if we would judge it over in the ignition circle."
Now that is truly funny! I bet the officials had that "deer in the headlights" look on their faces!
Still if you think about it, wouldn't a rubber power event or two be challenging? I compare this with the junk yard event. Just suppose some club were to hold a rubber class? Mostly for something uniquely different and at the same time a true challenge in every sense of the word. I'm thinking golden era racers for example. Judging could include both distance covered and speed. Could single blade props be a great possibility? Probably not for C/L as the single blade props generally swung a bigger arc than their multiblade cousins.
Ahh! That's just me thinking out loud I guess.
Regardless, the rubber powered C/L is an interesting facet of this hobby that before now, I had no knowledge of and perhaps others can now be aware of.
Jim, I would love to get a scan of that article and plan if you come across it!
Robert