I got the club to include this event so I could try to fly my old Rat/Formula 40 plane that's been hanging on the garage walls since 1982.  The plane was built in 1970, first flown in 1973, and last competed in teh 1982 MAAC Nats. I invited some others to give it a go, but I was the only one that showed.

I gave the model about an hour of rehab last week and, with the help of Ken Towers, got it back in the air without much trouble. Just one short test hop to get a needle and then an official run of 14 laps, one mile from a standing start, in 29 seconds, 124.1 MPH. 

This was an all-time best F-40 run for me and my model, but not a serious threat to the record of 164.09 held by Mark & Montagino.

I attracted some interest from the others present and explained that's simple; all you need is a high-powered engine up .4028 and a landing gear.  No doubt there are plenty of rats that could be dusted off, as well as 40's and 36's left over from Rat, Combat, Class I Carrier, and RC Pylon.  You don't absolutely need pan job.  A Quicky or Outlaw Rat would suffice.

September 12, 2009. 
124.1 MPH.
I plan to better it.
Can you?
Bring it!

Paul,

I sucessfully used 32 oz. Rats for years before I went to dedicated lightweight F-40 models.

I think your model is capable of another ~ 8 MPH.
The external line connectors/connections cost you 2-3 MPH
Placing a wood fairing behind your LG & using a smaller wheel will help.
Placing a ~ 1/8" balsa on top of the pressure cowl exposing ONLY the cooling fins & not the rest of the head will help
Try using a 7-3/8 - 7.5 Dia X 7" Pitch prop (old Kelly if you have one is perfect)
Use a spinner.
Use a smaller (1 oz) tank or small pen bladder.....
Use a 2" handle line spacing
Find a 'tight' fitting head & reduce your head clearance to .004" if possible.....
LOTS of little things!
Have FUN

Paul
(NW Regionals 2009 F-40 winner using a K&B 6.5)

Paul what are the chances that you guys include speed in some more of your contest's. another fun speed event is one i saw at the north/west regionals it is about like the 1/2 a proto profile event only you must use a combat 15 with a muffler. they call the event f2d proto.