By Fred Cronenwett
In the past, the Nats have been one day for static judging and then the next two days to accomplish all of the flying. But just like 2021, weather forced us to get some of the flights in Friday due to incoming weather.
Because F4B is being held, the plan was to fly round 1 of the F4B flights on Friday so that rounds 2 and 3 could be flown on Saturday and Sunday. F4B has three rounds of flying, while all of the other AMA events have four rounds of flying.
Static judging got started around 9 a.m. with everyone assembling the models and getting them ready for the static portion. Once the static props are on and the model is cleaned, the judges can get to work, The best setup for static is to have judges under the tent with the model under the open sun to see the details better.
Peter Bauer’s F4B entry is a small model. Peter had to get clever to hide wires and the 2.4 GHz receiver. Due to the size of the model, all of the screws were 00 or smaller—there was not even enough room for a 4-40 bolt. The receiver is located inside of the dummy pilot!
Stephen Kretschmer brought a very detailed P-39 for sport scale with a drop tank and retractable landing gear. Stephen took to time to hide model airplane-related details. He also had a CL handle that had two grips to hang on when the line tension is on the high side.
When it came time to fly, the wind was getting gusty so it made flying difficult. When I was flying my RV-4 in Sport Scale, I had to get creative when attempting to do a touch and go to save the model. Stephen also had some trouble with the wind and the model was damaged with a hard landing.
We only got one round of flying in with the AMA events, and Round 1 of the F4B flights were completed. Then some more rain came in so everyone packed very quickly to get the models out of the rain and under cover. The goal is get the remaining flights in on Saturday, knowing that the weather forecast for Sunday is looking to be on the wet side.
The first order to business was to get the models assembled.
The models were lined up so people could see what people had brought.
The models were lined up so people could see what people had brought.
Stephen’s P-39 with electric power, air powered retracts, flaps, and a drop tank.
Stephen Kretschmer took parts from an existing RC and with extensive modifications, created an electric Miss Los Angeles racing plane.
With the tables all set up, everyone was ready to start and get static done.
A group shot around the models.
A group shot around the models.
Mike McHenry on the left with his P-39 (including his 1/2A P-39) and Stephen’s P-39.
Christopher DeGroff with his 1/2A Scale entry Grumman Wildcat.
Models ready for static Judging.
Stephen demonstrating how to hold the handle with both hands. He can reach down with his second hand to move anything on the box below.
Peter Bauer with his F4B entry.