I have started a postal event for this year.

Please open the attached Excel spreadsheet.

  Paul!!  Paul!!  Thank you!!  This is great!! Can I "play"??     I built mine but I've had no occasion to really use them until now.  So if I'm allowed to "play", I'm assuming the requirements will essentially be the same as published for Brodak:

Models, engines, lines, pull test and fuel will be  per NASS Perky rules or Brodak Clown Race rules.
Lines must be .015 minimum stranded. Line length is 52' +/- 6" measured from the center of the plane to; the center of the handle.
Fuel will contain no more than 10% (by volume) nitro-methane and have a minimum 20 % oil (by volume) with the remaining being methanol.
A contestant may submit up to three 16-laps scores using one or more models.
An airframe and/or engine may be used by one contestant only.
Any flight that completes 16 laps from a standing start will result in an official score.
Scores will be posted in MPH to the tenth, computed by dividing the seconds into 3600.

Will any other documentation other than type or engine, i.e. photos or videos of the plane/flight be required?  Once I have completed my flight, am I to enter my data onto the spreadsheet you've so graciously provided and send it back to you or just enter it on this thread?  I really look forward to your reply.  Thanks in advance!!   

Jim Carter

I just did 115 in my back yard does that count?


MM

Remember. Perky rules specify .014 solid lines only. That is the World Standard.  We would like some of that backyard air!!

http://www.mbsmodelsupply.com/Catalog.pdf   A set of .014 solid 60's goes for $5.10 from Melvin.
MBS has everything you need to fly your Perky or any other control line event.  Shipping is actual cost
and you pay sales tax only if you live in Kansas.

http://www.mbsmodelsupply.com/Catalog.pdf   A set of .014 solid 60's goes for $5.10 from Melvin.
MBS has everything you need to fly your Perky or any other control line event.  Shipping is actual cost
and you pay sales tax only if you live in Kansas.

Hey thanks Charlie!  Very kind of you!  I've bookmarked this page!  Now to sweet talk the wife!!   

Yes. We know. Why not build one. We will put it in our sanction next year.

I don't like the crimped thimbles.  I like to use the old copper wire and solder method.   I neutralize the flex with baking soda and water, then get rid of the water with WD-40.

In any case, comply with the 52'-6" minimum.  This is SPEED, not combat or racing.

Do what you wanna do.  It's your lines.  But I don't condone crimped tubes, except maybe for combat lines with a life expectancy of four minutes.

I have made lines with copper wire wrapping with solder, Hot Stuff, epoxy, hot melt, bath tub sealer, and heat shrink tubing.  They ALL work better than crimped tubes.

Frankly, I don't like the rules either. Over the years I have broken solids with painful results. Including last year at Brodak (up line. plane survived and placed 3rd this year) But, remember, this has nothing to do with NCLRA. AMA racing and speed require solids and, since this event and Fox speed are 'speed events' they are governed by those rules. So, if you want to play, you gotta go with the published rules. I use stranded lines for all practice flights. 

Thanks C.T.!  Thanks Bob!  Yes, I understand the rules and don't get me wrong, I will comply!!  I'm just curious and seeking understanding and yes, even when I was in the military I sort'a build a reputation as a safety inspector for "beating the horse to death then flip'em over for another round" .... to me, the "way its always been" just isn't sufficient!!  We'd still be using carrier pigeons or party lines for communications, versus cell phones and computers.

Bob, C.T. and really anyone who can, based upon with your experiences, I'm guessing the use of solids came about because of some particular rationale, right?  Is it that they are safer than cable in some way? Are they stronger in tensile strength  i.e. .014 solid versus .015 stranded? Is there a slight gain/perceived gain in lap times thus mph? Now this may  sound silly but please tolerate me a bit longer .... what is the difference between speed and racing?  Is it because there's more than one person in the circle at a time?  If so, is it considered that stranded cable be the safer? If not why aren't the pilots allowed to use solids, again assuming there is some sort of lap/speed differential?

Granted, I don't have any fancy scientific equipment, just my analog South Bend 50# fishing scale and my bench vise, I just did a series of tests with some of the .014 solids that I had left over from making the lines for my Perky.  As a curiosity I made 5 different sizes "kinks", using my trusty old protractor (180, 140, 90, & 60 degrees) in the lines and any over 60 degrees failed (broke) somewhat easily after attempting to straighten them and in doing the same radius "kinks" bends in .015 stranded and attempting to straighten them I didn't have even one strand of the cable snap.  I really do wish I had access to some laboratory grade test equipment as this stuff was fun!! 

Jim

it looks simple enough to me, Dont Kink them

Yeah .... guess you're right about dat'   

Wow, thanks Paul, this is some good info!!  I didn't know about the F2d, that there's a difference in the lines, thanks.  I'm trying to put together some sort of intelligent data dealing with the solids vs stranded, vs the new hi tech fibers.  It'll probably be rejected, but with guys like you, Bob, C.T. and others, I've learned so much and I can never thank you guys enough.

Jim

I have updated my Excel spreadsheet to include St Louis in addition to Brodak and Muncie.

Please tell me your city & state and engine & engine position if I don't already have it.  Also, I could use some pictures in addition to those I took at The Brodak.

Also, any other events beyond the three I listed?

Dude, This has been a long running thread and it's really cool to see it taken to a conclusion. You built 'em and flew 'em both before the cut off. Congratulations!! You can always work on them to go faster.  TS   Pictures?

Thanks C.T.!  Thanks Bob!  Yes, I understand the rules and don't get me wrong, I will comply!!  I'm just curious and seeking understanding and yes, even when I was in the military I sort'a build a reputation as a safety inspector for "beating the horse to death then flip'em over for another round" .... to me, the "way its always been" just isn't sufficient!!  We'd still be using carrier pigeons or party lines for communications, versus cell phones and computers.

Bob, C.T. and really anyone who can, based upon with your experiences, I'm guessing the use of solids came about because of some particular rationale, right?  Is it that they are safer than cable in some way? Are they stronger in tensile strength  i.e. .014 solid versus .015 stranded? Is there a slight gain/perceived gain in lap times thus mph? Now this may  sound silly but please tolerate me a bit longer .... what is the difference between speed and racing?  Is it because there's more than one person in the circle at a time?  If so, is it considered that stranded cable be the safer? If not why aren't the pilots allowed to use solids, again assuming there is some sort of lap/speed differential?

Granted, I don't have any fancy scientific equipment, just my analog South Bend 50# fishing scale and my bench vise, I just did a series of tests with some of the .014 solids that I had left over from making the lines for my Perky.  As a curiosity I made 5 different sizes "kinks", using my trusty old protractor (180, 140, 90, & 60 degrees) in the lines and any over 60 degrees failed (broke) somewhat easily after attempting to straighten them and in doing the same radius "kinks" bends in .015 stranded and attempting to straighten them I didn't have even one strand of the cable snap.  I really do wish I had access to some laboratory grade test equipment as this stuff was fun!! 

Jim

A little off topic but the question of tensile strength of lines was discussed over on the Barton CL Forum some years ago - my memory of it is a bit sketchy now but if you want to read up on it here's the link:
http://controlline.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8437&highlight=line+tests

How did it crash?

My guess is a torque roll on takeoff.

With only a 18" wingspan (9 on each side) these things need more tip weight than you might guess.  When you pick up the Perky by the nose cone and tail you want to see the outboard wing go down with gusto.

   Greetings everyone!  Please pardon the resurrection of the post but I was curious of the results for the event.  I think I missed them and couldn't find any other postings.  Also, will there be another postal event for 2016?  I hope so!! 

When I first heard about Perky Postal, it made me think of "Liars Poker" you know, I have a flush, I have 4 of a kind and then someone calls you on it and you have to show. It might be fun to do that with Perky's maybe ignition only?

Just a thought.

K

               (it made me think of "Liars Poker" you know)
   Come to Brodak this year and witness the return of "THE WORLDS FASTEST PERKY" 
Maybe we should sell tickets   
Al

( Betcha' a "KFC Meal Deal"  'dat I can fly slower that you )
 Ok , I'll accept 'dat bet. But I'll save you some $ , just make it a hot dog from the Brodak wagon. They're delicious and only 50 cents