Bill and John, A couple of small items to consider in this discussion. First, Nostalgia was never meant to be an event for wood, open framework sailplanes. It allows almost any construction so long as the original was done that way and that includes FRP, foam or whatever. What makes Nostalgia work is that you can not change the topology of the plane especially the airfoil and that is what keeps the event in line with what we would now consider "low tech", not the materials. Perhaps a case in point maybe if one took a Dole or one of Dodgeson's designs and used some new computer tools to optimize the airfoils for the planform, it probably could work fairly well in Unlimited today. It is the airfoil that mostly limits performance.
Second, the RES event at the NATS had about 65 entrants (?) and I would not consider that a low turnout for a one day event that was shared with Nostalgia that had over 40 or 45 entrants (? did not go back and count). It was still not an AMA event last year so this year should pick up a little. There were not too many hi-tech planes last year at the NATS but look out this year now that the rules are solid. Where does that leave us? My thought only... RES will end up as another Unlimited event with molded, high tech airfoil planes if the AMA rules are followed (and they should be or changed through the formal process). I know that's where I am headed. The Woodies may not be out of the running, but they will still have modern airfoils and planforms and performance will be close to the best molded ships of today. Nostalgia will continue to grow little by little because the planes are in fact much more limited to advancements so the people looking for less than modern speed and cost will hang out there.Consistency usually works for events over long periods of time. In summary, if you want to invent and improve (most do) then keep to the RES rules, if you want to limit performance, stay with Nostalgia. Jack Iafret "Keeper of the Nostalgia Rules" ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Conkling" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "John Roe" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "rcse" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2002 12:37 PM Subject: Re: [RCSE] RES what's in a name? > TMSS is considering an RES contest again this year. As so few > contestants enetered the AMA RES class last year, we are leaning toward a > local rule class requireing built up wood wings. We had both last year > since we were afraid that guys with new, high tech molded RES models would > dominate the event and circumvent the intent of the event. Didn't > happen. Only one high tech model showed up and it didn't really come on > like 'gangbusters'. > > I'd suggest that you poll your market and see what the have to fly. For > us, the intent was to have a contest where you could bring the old stuff > and have fun. Have a contest aimed at the people who you expect to attend. > > .........bc ([EMAIL PROTECTED] > > http://www.widomaker.com/~conk > Williamsburg, VA 23185 > > > On Wed, 9 Jan 2002, John Roe wrote: > > > > > The Harbor Soaring Society like many clubs has a group of pilots who like to fly "low tech" planes, i.e. Rudder Elevator Spoiler only. This question was debated; "As a competition class, what other restrictions should apply?" > > > > The majority were happy with the AMA definition of RES, which allows any type of construction materials/methods and allows skegs. > > > > The other options discussed were: > > > > 1. Nostalgia rules, meaning designs kitted during or before 1980. > > > > 2. TPG rules, meaning AMA rules but no skegs > > > > 3. "Local rules", in this case meaning RES controls, no skegs, and wood built up film covered wings, preferably constructed by the builder. > > > > The argument for AMA rules was that it is the most popular, most common and recognized. That it allows beginners or kids to buy a foamy or a complete plane and use it without trying to build a built-up model. And that the use of landing skegs makes landings much safer and especially for kids or beginners less likely to damage the plane or injure spectators. > > > > The argument for TPG rules was that "Real men can land in a circle without skegs." > > > > The argument for nostalgia rules is that it is an established "wood built-up wing class." > > > > The argument for "Local Rules" was that to achieve the goal of having only built up wood planes by using Nostalgia rules was too restrictive, as it doesn't allow for some popular designs after 1980. Also some members have their own design/modifications etc. that would not be allowed under nostalgia rules. > > > > Any thoughts? > > > > JR > > > > > > > > > > > > John Roe > > Laguna Hills, Ca > > > > www.MartialArtsAcademy.org > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Do You Yahoo!? > > Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail. > > RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
