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Old 01-17-2004 | 06:13 PM
  #5  
Jim Thomerson
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From: Austin, TX
Default RE: Control lines

That sounds pretty close on length. You'll want .012's for the 15's and .015's for the 35's. After you get into it a bit you may want to get a reel (500 ft, 1500 ft, whatever) of line from Brodak or McMaster-Carr and some grommets to make up your own lines. There are several reasons to do this: (1) lines don't cost all that much, (2) lines with kinks, etc, can be replaced before they cost you an airplane, (3) being able to change line length is an important trimming tool. The proper line length gives you both the proper rotational speed and the proper line tension. After you fly a bit you can tell that a one foot change in line length makes a difference in how the airplane flys. As said, the AMA rulebook shows you how to wrap lines with fine wire (I use beading wire from the craft shop.) Your challenge is to figure out a fixture so you can do this quickly and easily. It takes me about 30 minutes to make up a set of lines, and I'm not too dexterous.

Jim