bobbdd

How fast do I need to go, or is it the acceleration that wins races?
How do you guys set up the V-Tail Ruddervator or elevator?
What is a good plane to start with?
Are the choices .25 or .40 size competition?

Bobbdd

PylonWorld

Since you're in MA, you're lucky to have some racing pretty near by. Check out http://www.nepro.org/ and look at the race schedule.

The 424 class (Q-500 Sport) class that they run requires a Thunder Tiger Pro .40 and limits the airframes to wood and foam (with carbon fiber or fiberglass reinforcements).

An excellent plane to start with is the Lanier Predator ARF. It costs around $120.

In terms if the the V-tail, you need a radio that has V-tail mixing. If you don't have a radio with mixing, you can build a Lanier Dominator, or one of several other planes that have a conventional tail as an option. An article in a Model Aviation by Duane Gall (R/C Pylon Racing) talks about the V-tail. It explains how it works and presents an alternative setup to using mixing. I'll get the month, but I think it was around May +/-1 month.

Jim_McIntyre

IMHO, with equipment being equal, it's 'smooth and tight' that wins... every movement of a flight surface and every inch past a pole costs you time.

Bozarth

My Feedback: (15)

However, for most entry level races (at least in my area), the winner is normally the guy who can take-off and land safely EVERY round. This is the same guy who knows how to start his engine and needle it correctly (i.e. not too lean)and can land it after each race without knocking the gear off, busting the firewall out or braking the tail. Don't worry about flying inches from the poles or even feet. All of that will come.

Kurt

PJ_TankPilot

IMO, the mistake made by new pylon racers is concentrating on speed of the aircraft. Countless hours and dollars are spent to make the plane really fast cause that’s what they think will put them in the winners circle. Make it light, streamlined and it will be fast, right ?

I think they would be a lot better of if the time and dollars were spent on:

• Building a strong aircraft that will take the punishment of racing
• Practicing takeoffs and landings
• Practicing small and large diameter racing turns
• Setting control rates for takeoff, racing and landing to match the pilot’s style
• Attending races and talking to callers about procedure and technique
• Convince a friend to give it a go and practice together

You don’t have to have access to a pylon race course to do the above. Flying on a real race course helps but basic technique can be practiced at most club fields.

daven

My Feedback: (1)

You guys gave great advice. What really helped me, was to find a consistant partner. Someone you help, and they help you every heat. Getting use to the same caller can make all the difference.

Another big hint.

DONT CUT

I've seen many racers where the top guys all cut out of several heats, and someone you wouldn't normally expect to win, ends up on top by flying safe and consistant.

bobbdd

I am thinking of a Predator. What would the set-up be for the Pro.40 ...one of those wild 9X9 props. ...How much is a Pro. 40 $. Do the winners use V-Tails, or can I beat them with a conventional tail?....I do know someone that is looking at a pylon plane too.

bobbdd

THANKS

daven

My Feedback: (1)

Most of the classes that run the TT.40 use an APC 9x6.

All predators come as V-Tails.

A well built Conventional Tail can compete in this class

crashland

Hi bobbdd
If you can make the trip , you can see first hand what Pylon is all about.
We are running a two day event this weekend.
Today was a great day of racing. 424 and 428.
NEPRO is running the races tomorrow -- SUNDAY ..again at the South Shore R/C club in Bridgewater , MA. Coming from WOrcester I know the journey you will have to take . but it will be worth it and all your questions can get answered...we even fly a beginners class in " fly what ya brung", bring any plane and test out the course....
Plenty of guys to help, onsite hobby store of everything you need to fly with NEPRO,kits, planes, engines, ...
I have been flying with them one year and its been great.
Checkout www.ssrcc.org and www.nepro.org
off to fix my wing from a mid air.....gotta love occuping the same space at the same time.
Ken aka crashland

Bill Vargas

My Feedback: (5)

Ken, you got mail!!!


BV

crashland

Hi bobbdd
Just an FYI
ANother weekend of racing
We are running a two day event this weekend.
AMA 424 and 428.
Aug 2nd and 3rd.
ellington , CT.
Checkout www.ncrcc.org and www.nepro.org
Come on down..

Ken aka crashland