How do you set up a slow rat type plane for a fast shake down and where can you reasonably expect to shut it off 3/4 lap 1/2 lap from the pits?

Thanks,
MM

How do you set up a slow rat type plane for a fast shake down and where can you reasonably expect to shut it off 3/4 lap 1/2 lap from the pits?

Thanks,
MM

What BillB said.

But "reasonably"? That depend a LOT on your pilot's skill and the amount of practice you have had with him. Back in the days of big block Slow Rat and mega-nitro, Stubblefield could shut mine down from 135mph in 1/2 lap. Today, I would suggest you start at one lap and let your practice tell you where it should be from there.

Put a nose skid on it.  Get it on the ground, still going fast, 20 or 30 feet in front of the pit.  Then give it down and make a big spray of sparks off the nose skid to slow it enough to be caught.  Stu Willoughby (?) was the first I knew to use a nose skid on racing planes. ....

Ruled illegal in most places for safety reasons. Never made it to an AMA rule since sanity prevailed and the technique never was used. FAI rules (the infamous 5mm rule would probably suffice) effectively disallow it as well.

On the other hand: All of my Fast Rats used a wheel brake. The wheel was positioned way far forward, the landing was essentially a stalled splat, and the brake on the wheel would stop the model in just a few feet. Now days, most are using a CG gear and rolling the model to the pitman at considerable speed, and that takes a lot of .... SURPRISE! ,.... practice to get right and fast without the pitman breaking the model. Like this:

A longer horn on the elevator would give less elevator deflection for the same amount of handle movement, so that's what you would want.

Thanks Bill & Bill. Does shutting down at 1/2 lap and shaking it really save much time over shutting off earlier and coming in smooth? Already shutting off at one lap with a slight wiggle depending on the amount of dried castor in my wheel.

I guess in the feature with 3 pits it's the difference of 1.5 laps under full power vs glide speed. I think we're talking less than a second difference total?


MM

P.S. I was using the nose skid plate brake system on FAI team racers in 1970.

The thing is, by coming very hot in a half-lap, you eliminate a very slow half lap, assuming the alternative is full lap decel.

I've been "Racing" a long time and recently discovered that I am a poor racing pilot. Like Mike is saying, if your Pit Man isn't given a reasonable opportunity to make a clean catch, you will lose out big time. All those bruises I've dished out to my pit guys while hurtling into the pits are NOT indications of good team racing, might even give you a real black eye.....

TEAM Racing.

A smoothly functioning team will do very well, and any deficiencies will be overcome by practice, to quote Earl Scruggs.

dg