I would read the rules to see how the static judging is done and what documentation you need. Documentation shows how that one particular full size aircraft is painted and it's features. Remember to show pictures for one airplane, not a generic set of pictures. Get enough pictures to show the judges but you don't want to confuse the judges or prove to them your model is not complete or wrong.

For example if one picture shows 3 details and your model only has 2 of the details, do not put that picture in the documentation package. You just proved to the judge that your model is missing something and you will loose points.

Your goal is have your model look exactly like the full size aircraft only a smaller version. Do not change any numbers, letters, colors. Unlike other CL events where you pick your colors and paint scheme, in scale your colors and paint scheme is set once you pick the full size aircraft you are going to copy.

You might find this page useful on our club website. The information on this web page is based upon the rules here in the United States so you will have to compare the rules that you have to follow. Some of the ideas may be the same for your competition.

https://lafayetteesquadrillecl.wordpress.com/lafayette-esquadrille-cl/cl-models/scale/

It is possible to fly a model with throttle only and be competitive, 1/2 the score is static and 1/2 is flying in the United States so both matter! Also figure out what your flight plan will be before going to the contest and practice that before the contest.

Also consider having your model judged (Static and flying) by someone who knows what they are doing before the contest, hopefully they give you input so that you can fix the problems before going to a real contest.

Good luck!
Fred

Since it's your first scale contest, I would add this: decide how much effort you're going to put into the thing before hand, and don't get wrapped around the axle doing details.  You're not going to win your first time out, so do your best, and use what you learn for the next time.

I'm not saying you should be slap-dash: do everything that Fred's telling you.  Just don't miss the contest because you're at home trying to make a perfect wheel pant rather than trying to get an acceptable plane done on time.

The rules are FAI F4B, so I will learn them...
Since I got stunt ships OK, this will be my main goal for this year...
We haven't had a scale contest down here for a while, so this is special.
Regarding winning... 

I chose the Citabria because I like the real plane very much, and when I was a kid there used to be a kit made here that I wanted to build, but never did.
Besides, not being military makes the detailing easier, and I'm sure it will be a good flier.
I'll go for only throttle...
I'm going to work on some research to find one at na irport nearby and go take a few dozen pics...
Let's see if 30 years +of plastic model building will help now....
I'm concerned about size... Any suggestions on how big I should make it?
There's a ship at the link Phil posted that is around 54 inches in wingspan...
What say you??

Marcus

Marcus
After you read the FAI F4B rules you might want to rethink "Throttle Only" operating features.  I would expect the real airplane to use Flaps on landing and also partial flaps on takeoff.
Clancy

Choose a 7ECA or 7KCAB that don't have flaps.
Chris...

Flaps are some relatively easy points.


Jim Fruit

If you have decided upon the Citrabia, look through catalogs for an RC scale kit.  You should find one that suits you.  That way you will be spared the engineering.  The fixed gear will get you off the "non-retract" penalty which is a killer for retract gear planes modeled with fixed gears.  A four-to-five foot wingspan would be good for CL.

Does the actual ship have flaps?  If it does you are going to put flaps on or it won't match your prototype.

You chose a stunt capable ship.  Build it to stunt!

Phil

I don't know Marcus?

You started out with the Citabria now the Super Decathlon? An upgrade possibly with the Super Decathlon's airfoil?  

However, neither aircraft would have been my first choice. I would have choose something like an Extra 300.

I got this thing for the Extra 300.  

After your competitors finish making snide remarks about lackings in your model, you can stunt them to death.  

I do have the art and graphics for both models. Done those graphics before.

But I'll be keeping an eye on this.

Extra 300, trust me!


 

Charles

I'll get in touch soon...

Marcus

Marcus,

I was trying to remember where I saw an Extra 300. 

John Rist does great scale modeleing. Ya might want to check out his work.

You'll see his Exrea 300S, at this link.

Worth the look.

http://stunthanger.com/smf/index.php/topic,32678.0.html

Marcus
If you have the lead outs running through the wing tip then you will need some Aileron cranked in plus tip weight.  You can help the problem by having the lead outs exit the bottom side of the wing inboard from the tip.  All of these "Fixes" will not help when you try to do Stunts.

If you want to do Stunts with your Scale model then build it like a stunter with the lead out guide level with the vertical CG of the model.  When the model is 99% finished, hang it by the lead outs and adjust the line guide for the wing tips to be exactly in line vertically and the nose slightly nose down.
Clancy

It happens.  It sucks.  While you are missing the original contest you have a chance to do a fantastic job for a bigger contest!  Silver lining and all...

Phil

With diheadral and leadouts , you fit the bellcrank up V neare the top sheeting , and run the leadouts FLAT , so theyre HORIZONTAL . then the plane flies level.

Here ya go Mike!

Not a bad start and you could possibly strike a better shipping deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STERLING-STINSON-RELIANT-57-9-16-R-C-BALSA-MODEL-AIRPLANE-KIT-/111727785518?hash=item1a037eb62e#ht_591wt_612

The "Mark" of excellence.

Marcus, have you decided on the model you will be building for this scale event?

Marcus that is a good choice for the ist scale as the high wing is easier to fly ! You may want to try a 2.4 set up so you can use two lines on this it is very easy to do. You can put the bellcrank wherever you want just make a plywood plate and mount it you can use an adjustable leadout guide  both up and down and sideways .

So, some progress...
Got a OS 70 for the ship, but it's a Cl version, so I'll have to get the RC carb and make it work..
And I have to figure out how a 3-line bellcrank Works...
I see some fun ahead...

Marcus

Make it easy and go for the new radio for throttle.

FAI rules, which we follow here, won't allow radio...

Marcus

Any volunteer to help me figure out how to set up a 3-line system?

Marcus,

You're gonna need one of these.

Brodak has three line bellcranks, probably plenty to choose from?

Instructions come with the bellcrank.

Marcus, my guess is you won't need help, it's not all that complicated.

Check the "bay" for the handle or possibly someone will give theirs up?

I cannot sell mine.

You could go with 2.4 and it has been mentioned.

Good luck!

I was flying with a older pilot that told me over and over he loved his 3-line system and would try the electronic controls. He told me point blank that he hated the electronic controls but would give it a try, that was in 1995

So he built a model and installed the electronic controls keep telling me he was going to hate it...so on the 1st flight he flew the model without any problems. Used the throttle to land under power and then shut down the motor. Put the handle down walked up to us and only had one question...

"How do I convert these other models with 3-line to electronic controls?"  By the next weekend he had installed electronic controls in all of his models with a servo moving the throttle pushrod.

I know that a lot of pilots won't consider the electronic control and or the current 2.4 Ghz systems but once you try it you can never go back. The 2.4 systems eliminated the wire connecting the electronic unit to the lines and now is really easy.

This is one of my videos that shows how to use some of these systems



2.4 Ghz is the way to go now

Fred

Don't we all.

This stuff just kills me!

In the "Good Ol' Days", CL Scale was top-heavy with entries because the only thing was required was to complete a minimum of ten laps after being static judged.  There were no requirements for throttles, flaps, retracts...and especially no @#$% electronics.  You presented a 'museum scale' model to the judges, then had only to demonstrate that it could fly.

Today, people wonder why CL Scale participation is a mere shadow of what it once was.  That's because it's become overly complicated.....ruled in part by electronics.

<sigh> I miss the Old Days.

Linton Keith had a Lancaster with four throttled engines, retracts, moving turrets, bomb bays, dropping bombs, lights and brakes, in 1968. How far does one have to go back to reach that winning Scale model that just flew level for ten laps?
I think there were quite a few Nats entries in Scale this year and the participation is on par with R/C there.
What we need are more Scale contests locally, Ted and you and Cholla Chppers do well, SoCal has one contest, maybe we can do better.
When I was a little boy, those tinplate airliner toys with starting engines, opening doors, stewardess came out to greet you, lights flashed, were just what I wanted in my flying Scale model, so I don't think the wooden whittled toy horse is the answer for the future of model airplanes, Mike. Though I do appreciate a good, old fashioned Scale model.
Chris...

I set up my first 3 line system recently and it to be time consuming but not neccassrily difficult.

Jim

The basic fuselage structure is done. I am going to sheet the bottom and then wait for the engine and control system to get here, so I can work out the conversion for CL...
And time to work on that documentation...

Marcus

[

<sigh> I miss the Old Days.


[/quote]

Heck, for me, these ARE the good old days!  I refuse to let change rule my attitude toward my life's joys.

Marcus,

Coming along nicely. 

The Super Decathlon has a fabric covered fuselage, doesn't look like the kit you have offers this  scale construction? The wood sides just look straight?

Will you have a fuselage that is fabric covered over longerons like the actual aircraft?

Will you loose points if you don't?

Charles

Marcus,

Do you have full size plans with that kit?

Are the graphics drawn on the plans?

Charles

Marcus, I understand what you are saying, it took me 5+ years to finally build and complete a Scale Model that I kept saying I was going to do!