Mach 1A (oz11087)

About this Plan

Mach 1A. Radio control pylon racer, for Open Class.

Quote: "If SPEED is your thing then climb aboard the fastest thing in the business - open pylon designed only to show that there is really no top limit on speed if headed that way. The B/S Mach 1a, by Bob and Chuck Smith.

Open Pylon was established a few years ago as an event that could introduce the sport flyer to the excitement of pylon racing. The intent of the rules governing the event is to limit the open class models to those who meet the specifications of the common stunt aircraft. The requirement that an Open racer have a wing with a minimum thickness of 15 percent was intended to limit the speed of the aircraft to what a beginner could handle.

In southern California, however, members of the San Gabriel Valley R/C League soon developed Open Pylon into more than just a beginner's sport. These flyers built models according to the rules that were really going machines. Jim Jensen, with a conventional gear Kwik Fli (oz6526) powered by a souped-up Super Tigre G-60, soon outclassed all other competitors with speeds almost equal to the top Formula I racers. By the time Walt Schoonard in Florida set a new national record last December with his X-2 by being the first to fly under 1:40, there was a strong feeling all over the nation that stricter limitations were needed in order to reduce the speeds of Open racers.

Having flown our Mach I in five Open contests in the past year, we have come to the conclusion that the present rules allow the planes to travel at speeds that are far too dangerous. The Mach 1 is capable of turning times in the 1:20's (at its last contest it turned below 1:40 twice in eleven laps). At this speed, the plane is a crash looking for a place to happen. It is barely possible to keep up with it flying straight and level, let alone trying to fly a tight course around the pylons. We're afraid that the speed of aircraft such as the Mach I has forced many beginners to shy away from entering Open contests; therefore, new rules must be established..."

Mach 1A, MAN, June 1971.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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