EF-! Actual Racing
09-04-2011, 07:02 AM
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EF-! Actual Racing
Now that I have officiated at several EF-1 races it is becoming very clear that these airplanes do not perform well under windy conditions. I posted the following on the NMPRA site.
I was the starter at the 2011 Nats Pylon Racing event.
The following is purely in the interest of saving models from destruction.
The start of EF-1 was a disaster. The Muncie course is set up for takeoffs to the west into a west wind. The wind on that day was from the north east. The EF-1 models could not cope with the downwind takeoffs. At least ten airplanes were badly damaged or destroyed in the first two or three rounds. The event was stopped while the course was changed. The Muncie layout is not set up for takeoffs to the east. Without going into detail suffice it to say that we ended up with one screwed up course.
This is definitely a rules issue but I make this suggestion. Instead of the traditional three pole course, switch to a two pole course. The start finish line could be midway between the poles. The pilots stand at the start finish line. If the wind changes then take off in the other direction. No course equipment needs to be moved. This means that the traditional Pylon Racer thinking will have to be changed. OH my Goodness!
Ed Smith
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I was the starter at the 2011 Nats Pylon Racing event.
The following is purely in the interest of saving models from destruction.
The start of EF-1 was a disaster. The Muncie course is set up for takeoffs to the west into a west wind. The wind on that day was from the north east. The EF-1 models could not cope with the downwind takeoffs. At least ten airplanes were badly damaged or destroyed in the first two or three rounds. The event was stopped while the course was changed. The Muncie layout is not set up for takeoffs to the east. Without going into detail suffice it to say that we ended up with one screwed up course.
This is definitely a rules issue but I make this suggestion. Instead of the traditional three pole course, switch to a two pole course. The start finish line could be midway between the poles. The pilots stand at the start finish line. If the wind changes then take off in the other direction. No course equipment needs to be moved. This means that the traditional Pylon Racer thinking will have to be changed. OH my Goodness!
Ed Smith
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Posts: 438
Joined: Sun Apr 28, 2002 4:28 pm
Location: Brantford, Ontario, Canada
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01-08-2012, 06:08 PM
#2
RE: EF-! Actual Racing
Makes sense, no rule changes needed though. Should be at the CD's discretion, provisions should be made while designing the event for a switch if the weather demands it. Thanks for the observation and discussion. Thanks
06-16-2012, 08:13 PM
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RE: EF-! Actual Racing
At a recent EF1 race we had a similar issue with wind direction and these light airframes not coping so well with a downwind or crosswind condition. The suggestion for a flying start was proposed but eventually disregarded
, in part because of lack of familiarity. This form of starting is great fun adds a bit of skill and eliminates the problems of down wind. We used this method many years ago in 049 racing and Texan racing in Calgary..... Food for thought?
, in part because of lack of familiarity. This form of starting is great fun adds a bit of skill and eliminates the problems of down wind. We used this method many years ago in 049 racing and Texan racing in Calgary..... Food for thought?
