The history of U control

[Mike Griffin]

In 1957 when I was just a young un, (10 years old), my dad helped me build an Ringmaster and taught me to fly it. A lot of his friends flew control line at that time. How far back does modern U control flying go and who were the true pioneers of the hobby?

Thanks

Mike

[Rudy Taube]

Hi Mike,

The link below may give you a good place to start. There are many parts to this site that may be of interest to you. This is the same Jim Walker that the famous Nats CLPA trophy is named after. He is also the father of ALL ARF models, he would be heartbroken if he saw our entry restrictive BOM rule that we use today. .....  Enjoy :-)

http://www.americanjuniorclassics.com/Jim%20Walker/jimwalkerindex.htm

In 1957 when I was just a young un, (10 years old), my dad helped me build an Ringmaster and taught me to fly it. A lot of his friends flew control line at that time. How far back does modern U control flying go and who were the true pioneers of the hobby?

Thanks

Mike

[James Lee]

Charles Mackey's book on the history of control line is probably the most definitive one on the subject..   It may be available through Pampa Products....
Really great reading!!   And Charles is a wonderful person, also!!!
Thanks
Jim

[Bob Hunt]

It's important to note here that even though Jim Walker was a great pioneer and promoter of our sport and should always be held in extremely high esteem for his myriad contributions, it is a matter of fact that the legally recognized and documented inventor of CL was Oba St.Clair.

You can read about Oba, and Jim in the wonderful book that Jim Lee mentioned that was authored by Charles Mackey. I was most honored to be asked to write the forward for that book by Charles.

Bob Hunt

[Mike Griffin]

Thanks much guys for the information. I will read about this.

Mike

[Larrys4227]

You can also read about Oba here ....

http://www.obastclair.com/

Fly Safe!  Larry (Larrys4227)

[Dalton Hammett]

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Hello Larry

      This was very interesting.  I had not heard of Oba StClair before.   great website

Dalton H.