MUSCIANO-SCIENTIFIC COMMEMORATIVE 2006

EVENTS:

Craftsmanship and Appearance

Proto Speed

Slow Rat Race

Stunt (modified)

OBJECTIVE:

To have a nostalgia control line event, and to honor Walt Musciano, who for many of us, designed our first model airplane.  The emphasis is on fun, not performance, on nostalgia, not competition. 

Remember the one and two page Scientific spreads in the model magazines of the 50’ies, and 60’ies, lots of little carved balsa fuselage/solid wing semi-scale designs that almost fell within your nickel and dime budget?  The purpose of this event is to let you go back to that simpler time, indulge your nostalgic bones to the maximum, and at the same time honor the man who designed most of those models —- Walt Musciano.

The rules are designed to keep within the spirit of that time, not making them into modern designs with modern engines/performance, but to recapture the wonder of flight of the youthful initiate back then, and to savor it again after all these years. 

GENERAL:

All events will be conducted in accordance with AMA regulations regarding control line models and the particular event being flown, except as is otherwise specified in these rules.

Parts of the aircraft that fall off during takeoff or during flight shall result in an attempt in Speed or Stunt and in forfeiture of the heat or final in Rat.  Parts of the aircraft that fall off during landing (or crashing) must be securely repaired/reattached before proceeding; failure to do so shall result in an attempt in Speed or Stunt and in forfeiture of the heat or final in Rat.   Such attempts and forfeited heats do not qualify for participation points.  The other heats and attempts may still qualify the entrant for participation points however.  Note:  Per AMA rules.  

ACCEPTABLE DESIGNS:

1.  Must be 1/2A (.049) control line planes designed by Musciano and kitted by Scientific.  It does not need to be built from the kit however.  A list of permissible planes (permissible to the best of our understanding) will be published separate from these rules.  However, being on this list does not exempt them from satisfying any of the requirements listed in these rules.

2.  Either single or twin-engine models are permissible.

3.  Only carved fuselage planes are permissible.  No profiles.  No built up from sheeting and bulkheads. 

4.  Only planes with solid wings are permissible.  This also means exposed controls only; not embedded or enclosed controls.  

CARVED FUSELAGE & SOLID WING DESIGN LIST & PLANS

As mentioned above, a list of acceptable designs has been compiled by Hal Howard and will be published separate from these rules.  Hal can be contacted at 703-670-5206, or h3engines@outdrs.net.

Plans may be acquired from Mr. Walter Musciano, 133A Dell Glen, Lodi, NJ 07644, Tele 973-340-9410.  He will be pleased to hear from you.  Plans will cost $2 to $5 depending on copying costs.

AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the General specifications: 

1.  Planes are to be built per the plans except as permitted otherwise in these rules.  

2.  The size, outline, placement, and areas of the original are to be maintained.  This includes the Wing, Stab, Elevator, Rudder, Fin, Fuselage Side and Top views, etc.  Cowls (or landing gear), if included on the plans, may be left off; but will be not be scored as high in the Appearance and Craftsmanship event as the same plane with a cowl (or landing gear) that is otherwise equal.  Cowls (and landing gear) may be made removable and left off in the flying events and doing so will not forfeit Appearance and Craftsmanship placement awarded while they were in place for Appearance and Craftsmanship

3.  The fuselage must be carved from a block, or constructed of glued and carved slabs — no sheet and bulkhead or stick and tissue substitutions.  Rounding and shaping of the fuselage must match original

4.  Wing outlines must be maintained; the construction must be of solid wood; however, the airfoil is at the builder's discretion.

5.  Modern control systems, hinges, and adjustable leadouts are permitted.

6.  Finish and markings are at the builder's discretion.  Colorful, elaborate, multi-color, finishes are encouraged.

AIRCRAFT ENTRIES:

1. A maximum of 3 different models may be entered; one each for Rat Race, Speed, and Stunt.  Note: you can practice with as many Planes as time and your patience allows, but once you select a plane and use it for an attempt, an official, or in a heat, that’s your entry for that event.  Backup entries (planes) are not permissible.  Repairs, if safe in the opinion of the event director, are permissible.

2. If a model is entered in the Craftsmanship/Appearance event, it must be entered in one of the “flying” events. It must also be successfully flown in one of the “flying” events.   "Successfully flown" means that Participation Requirements have been met.(See PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS).

ENGINE REQUIREMENTS:

The limited engine rule is intended to maintain the nostalgia spirit of the event and to keep the performance comparable to those that were built back then, balanced with the desire for current availability and a level competitive environment. 

1.  Engines must be .049’s or smaller.

2.  Only those from the list below are allowed.

3.  Only stock parts (as delivered on the engine) are allowed; except as otherwise permitted in the ELIGIBLE ENGINE listing.  

4.  Simple fitting of the stock engine parts is permitted, but hop ups are not.  Example hop ups, not all the forbidden ones, include boring out the venturi, thinning the spray bar, opening up the bypasses, stuffing the crankcase, and so on. 

5.  Only suction fuel systems are allowed — no pressure.

6.  Engines may be freely substituted on your plane between attempts, heats, officials, finals, etc. 

ELIGIBLE ENGINES:

Atwood:  Wasp .049 and all the .049 Atwoods.  This includes the Original/Cadet and those Atwoods with colored heads, integral heads; and the Signature, Atwood Shriek, and Atwood Shriek Signature engines.  The Cadet (clear) or earlier Signature (colored) heads may be used on the Shriek, if desired, so as to use standard ¼ x 32 short glow plugs. 

Cox:  Pee Wee .020, Space Bug Jr., Babe Bee, Golden Bee, Black Widow, and product engines sometimes called the Cox 290.  Engines may be of 2005 or previous manufacture.  Not included are the Space Bug, Thermal Hopper, Space Hopper, RR1, TD, Venom, Killer Bee, and Texaco.  Parts that fit may be freely interchanged, if desired, between the permitted Cox Engines.  Not permitted are any engines, stock or otherwise, that have Killer Bee backplates, or that have TD, Texaco, Killer Bee, or Venom piston sleeve combinations, or other parts from anywhere other than the permitted engines.   Glow heads are unrestricted. 

Fox:  Fox Sport.049 (not the large case/intake F.A.I. model).  Glow heads are unrestricted. 

Holland:  Wasp .049 only, not the Hornet.

K&B:  K&B Infant, Torpedo .035, Torpedo .049, and SkyFury .049. 

McCoy:  Any McCoy .049, either Glow or Diesel.  Also includes the plastic case Testers/McCoy engines. 

OK Cub:  Any OK Cub .049 (or smaller), either Glow or Diesel.

Spitfire:  Baby Spitfire .045, Spitzy .045, and Royal Baby Spitfire .049.

Testors:  Copy of Wen Mac Hotshot/AMF Thunderbolt.

Wen Mac:  Any Wen Mac .049, including AMF copies.

FUEL:

Club standard 1/2A fuel (15%), supplied by the Club, must be used for all glow engines.  Diesel users must supply their own fuel.

LINES:

1.  Two lines required minimum. 

2.  Steel stranded cable, minimum diameter “.008” for single engine aircraft; for multiple engine aircraft with total displacement exceeding .049 cubic inches, minimum diameter “.012”. 

3.  Length:  35 ft. from center of plane to center of handle grip, + 6”, - 0" tolerance.

PULL TEST:

1.  Pull test will be 5 lbs for .049 or less total displacement. 

2.  For multiple engine models pull test will be 10 lbs for total displacements greater than .049. 

3.  Pull test must be repeated before every heat, attempt, or final. 

4.  At the Event Directors discretion a pull test may be required after crash repairs before being allowed to continue.

PARTICIPATON REQUIREMENTS:

No participation points are awarded in the flying events without meeting the minimum participation requirements.  The minimum participation requirements for the flying events are that the entrant successfully flew at least one lap and additionally in the opinion of the event director at least tried to successfully fly the event.  The opinion of the Event Director(ED) is final and is not subject to appeal. 

SCORING:

1.  Placing in each event (Stunt, Speed, Rat Race and Appearance) is as determined by the event description (see EVENT DESCRIPTIONS.)

2.  Placement points are awarded for each event (Stunt, Speed, Rat Race and Appearance):  1st place, 10 points; 2nd place, 7 pts; and 3rd place, 5 points.

3.  Participation points, everyone that did not place in item 2 above, and that met the minimum participation requirements (for the flying events), are awarded in each event (Stunt, Speed, Rat Race and Appearance) -- 3 points.

(See PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS.) 

4.  Overall placement is the sum of all the above points; (see items 2 through 4.) 

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS:

CRAFTSMANSHIP & APPEARANCE

1.  Entries will be judged based on appearance and workmanship.

2.  CRAFTSMANSHIP & APPEARANCE judging will be by Walt Musciano if possible, otherwise as designated by the CD.

3.  Each modeler will put his name on a tag/card with his entry.

4.  Entry must be a completed plane, with engine, ready to fly.

5.  Entry must be flown in one of the flying events (Stunt, Speed, or Rat Race) else points and prizes must be forfeited and rewarded to next best placing CRAFTMANSHIP & APPEARANCE entry (that was flown as required).

PROTO SPEED

1.  Four attempts will be allowed for two official flights.  Note:  this is not the same as four attempts for each of two officials.  Be sure you understand the distinction.  

2.  Score will be based on the best speed/lowest time of the two official flights.

3.  The slower of the two official flights will be used to break ties; else most laps completed in an attempt will be used; else a fly off will be used.

4.  Three minutes will be allowed to enter the circle, start the engine, and launch.

5.  Models may be hand launched or ROG from prepared surface, competitor’s choice. 

6.  Models will be timed from launch until completion of 12 laps (1/2) mile.

7.  Maximum flying height is 20 ft.

8.  Electric starters may be used.

9.  AMA CL Speed and CL general attempt definitions apply except as contradicted here.  Failure to launch in 3 minutes is an attempt.  Failure to complete required laps is an attempt.  Failure to get or remain airborne after launch is an attempt regardless of how little distance traversed/flown and/or regardless of whether or not the 3 minutes is up.

10.  Successful launching and completing the 12 laps constitutes an official flight.  Flying high may, at the discretion of the event director, constitute a no-score official.  Note:  a no-score official is not as severe as disqualification.  Disqualification, as a minimum, throws you out of the event as commonly interpreted by AMA CDs, and a literal reading of the AMA rule book requires throwing the entrant out of the contest.

11.  Deliberate crashing to avoid an official flight, deliberate in the opinion of the event director, at the discretion of the event director, will constitute a no-score official.

SLOW RAT RACE:

1.  Models will be flown in a series of heat races leading to a final race

2.  Races will consist of two or three models.

3.  Each contestant will fly two heat races.  The best (lowest) time from the two heat races will determine each contestant’s score. 

4.  The three entrants with the best heat scores will fly a final race.  If there are eight or more entrants, the four with the best heat scores will go into the finals.

5.  Ties will be broken, if necessary to get into the finals, by using the other heat scores, else most laps completed for the other heat, else a flyoff heat.

6.  Final standing will be determined by the time required to complete the main event final race, then laps completed if not everyone completes the finals.  Finals ties will be broken by best heat scores.  Best heat score ties will be resolved as discussed in item 5 above.

7.  Races will begin with all engines stopped.  At the starting signal, engines will be started, and the models may be launched as soon as the models/pit crew/pilots are ready.

8.  Timing will begin at the starting signal and continue until the model has completed the required number of laps, and pit stops, for the race being flown.

9.  In the heat races, 30 laps (1.25 miles) and one pit stop is required.  In the final race, 60 laps (2.5 miles) and two pit stops are required. 

10. If time permits, the event director should, before the Musciano Rat Race event starts, elect to go to 60 lap, 2 pit heats; and a 120 lap, 4 pit final.

11.  Landings, or crashes, with the engine running will not be counted as a pit stop.

12.  At each pit stop, the model will land, be refueled, the engine restarted, and the model launched to continue the race. 

13.  Models will be hand launched (flying is over grass).

14.  If the required pit stops have not been accomplished before the required number of laps are completed, timing will continue until the model has completed one full lap following the last required pit stop.

15.  Each contestant may act as either the pilot or as the pit crew who starts the engine and launches the plane.  Points scored will go to the individual who entered the plane in the event.

16.  Specific requirements for conduct of pilot and pit crew will be discussed on the day of the race.  All requirements are as specified in the CL Racing Unified Rules in the AMA rulebook except as otherwise modified here.

17.  A person who causes a line tangle/midair/crash of someone else’s plane is to forfeit the heat or final.  The CD or ED is to determine to the best of their ability the guilty person.  The remaining persons in the heat or final get to refly the heat or final.  If it was a final, the next best person from the heats gets to advance to the final for the refly.  If it was a heat the CD or ED may replace the person who forfeited the heat and reschedule the heat.  A forfeited heat has no score, counts as a heat, and does not qualify for participation points.  The CD’s or ED’s opinion is final and is not subject to appeal.  Note:  Per the AMA rules.

18.  The CD or ED may require any entrant to prove he is capable of flying in a multi flyer event before being permitted to do so.  The CD or ED is expected to require such demonstrations to ensure the safety of all when he suspects such inability.  A CD or ED should not allow persons who have demonstrated (either in a requested demonstration or in an actual heat) that they are incapable of flying in a multi person event to do so.  Such persons may still serve as the pit crew for their entry.  The CD’s or ED’s opinion is final and is not subject to appeal.  Note:  Per the AMA rules.  

19.  Fast fills, hot gloves, hot fingers, pressurized refueling systems, electric starters, and similar devices intended to decrease pit stop times are prohibited.  1/2A spring starters, mounted on the engine, are permitted.

20.  Two timers/lap counters will be used for each plane flown in a race unless the CD determines there are only enough people available for one each.

21.  Attempts, in the usual sense, do not apply to racing events.  Each contestant gets one chance to complete each heat or the finals.  If completed a time will be recorded, else a "DNF" and the number of laps will be recorded.  "DNF - 0 laps" is a possible score.

22.  If an entry is not started and launched within 2 minutes after the race starts for the heats, and within 4 minutes after the race starts for the finals, a "DNF - 0 laps" is scored for that entry. 

MODIFIED STUNT EVENT

Scoring, attempts, conduct, rules, responsibilities, everything, will be exactly like AMA precision aerobatics except as is otherwise defined here.  As these planes are old designs, the maneuvers are somewhat like old time stunt. There are also a couple of optional "tie breaker" maneuvers.

1.  One level lap will be flown between maneuvers.

2.  There is no penalty for running out of fuel once; refuel and continue where you left off.  The CD may, at his/her discretion, allow "running out of fuel" twice (or three) times provided that time permits, and that this decision is made and announced prior to the start of Musciano Stunt.

3.  Launch will be ROG from prepared takeoff area, or hand launched, competitor’s choice (flying over grass). 

4.  Electric starters may be used.

5.  Three attempts will be allowed for two official flights.  Note:  "For two" is not the same as "for each of two".  Be certain you understand the distinction.

STUNT SCORING:

Stunt scoring is by maneuver.  Higher is better.  Your score for each official flight is based on the sum of your points for each maneuver.  Your placing for the stunt event is based on your best offic1al flight.  The maneuvers and their point ranges are listed below. 

* Like old time stunt - steep climb, one lap high, dive back to level at same place climb was initiated

Optional maneuvers:  If modeler wants to attempt to gain additional points, tell the judges before you fly and include these after the inside loops.  

Edited: Ron McNally, Hal Howard (November, 2005)