Classic TOC Class: New Classic Pattern Event!


There has been no other event that has shaped the face of R/C precision aerobatics like the “International Tournament of Champions”. The format brought together the finest FAI pilots from around the world competing for a special trophy, earning a part of history AND prize money. The maneuver schedules required different approaches and design paths creating innovation of model design, control and propulsion systems.

In 1978, the "Tournament of Champions" (TOC) organizer's Bill Bennet of Circus Circus Hotel & Casino , Art Schroeder, Editor of Model Airplane News, Jerry Nelson, Contest Director changed the format from little toy pattern airplanes to scale outline planes with a minimum of 800 square inches for monoplanes and 1200 for biplanes. The maximum size limitation was 2500 for monoplanes. These changes required the invited modelers a tremendous challenge of designing eligible models as well as execute new, more difficult maneuvers.

Hanno Prettner was asked why he chose to make his model to such a large size he said "...I thought it best represented the intent of the contest organiser's...' Hanno's model was a 2500 square inch monster Dalotel 165 with (2) Webra .60's with pipes, retracts and was flown at a very constant speed which dwarfed the other models in size and performance. One of my pals, a very respected FAI and IMAC judge said that he arrived at the 1978 event, just in time to see Hanno fly in almost dead calm evening air and say “…the most spectacular flight I have ever witnessed…”

Ed Keck presented the Akromaster at the 1977 TOC as a demo and like any seemingly decent model...no fewer than (6) showed up for the 1978 inaugural Prototype pattern event. Most were powered by the Webra .91 on a muffler which allowed the 9 - 10 pound model to "...complete a vertical eight from the bottom with no problem..."

Wouldn't it be fun to have a bunch of guys build one of these "Akromasters" or other TOC Prototype Pattern models flown from the 1978/1980 Tournament of Champions.

About this thread-

- Establish guidelines for a "Classic TOC" event...Chicago Classic Pattern Championships May 2011
- Video of Hanno Prettner flying his 1982 Dalotel
- Provide information for TOC semi-kits for the Akromaster, Zlin, Laser
- Contruction threads for the TOC semi-kits for the Akromaster, Zlin and Laser
- Flying and trimming information for the TOC semi-kits for the Akromaster, Zlin and Laser

Special video- The "anchor" for this thread will be a special video of Hanno Prettner flying his Dalotel at the 1982 TOC. I am working through the technology issues of posting a 500MB file...it is spectacular and includes the eery sound of the geared Super Tigre .91's!!!

Thank you for your interest and contributions!

Rusty Dose
Team Futaba