I am the process of deciding on an airframe for 2007 WJM qualifying. On my shortlist are the Avonds F16, Composite ARF Mig 15 and Skymasters Hawk. These are all relatively simple models with proven flying pedigrees and dozens have been built. I do not wish to invest in a large model with all of the attendant cost and transport implications.

On reviewing the static scores at the 2005 WJM I was somewhat surprised at the results achieved by examples of the above types.

Photo one shows a SM Hawk in Saudi display colours, now bearing in mind that the SM Hawk does not purport to be a competition scale model in its supplied form, from the photograph, this model displays what to me are serious omissions ie. No cockpit detail, no outer gear doors, incorrect noseleg door, no noselight or pitot,mains oleo on wrong side of leg, no antenae, the seams around the intakes have not been filled and general lack of surface detail.

All of the above , apart from possibly the oleo leg can be rectified with some work to the basic model,

In contrast the second and third photos show an Avonds F16 and a composite ARF Mig 15 which both seem to be better examples of a competition model than the Hawk, they both appear to have reasonable surface detail, cockpit detail and scale landing gears and doors.

The static scores were, F16 872, Mig 1000 and Hawk 1085. Which did surprise me.

I anticipate that some of you will respond by saying the Hawk had better documentation. I can't see how good documentation could improve what seems to me to be a fairly ordinary scale model!

So, I would be interested to hear what you think, particularily potential 2007 WJM competitiors and past participants.

John

John,

You know my feelings on that one. Same happened between 2 different F-18's in 2001. (not mine BTW) Two F-18's . One fully finished and the other still in primer with no markings. Both got similar scores. The finished F-18 had full documentation whilst the other had just a very small 3-view with a picture out of a book as to what it SHOULD look like.

Your guess is a good as mine. Perhaps things have changed a bit since then.

Before I get hit, I must say I have had very fair scores with my models at thre JWM so no ill feeling here, but I can see what you mean and having seen it happen in person at the JWM, I can not understand some of the scoring.

Dave

JWM 1997, 1999 and 2001.

Davie

I assume that the judges must have a list of criteria for awarding points,i.e. scale outline, gear and door detail, colour and surface detail etc.

I just don't see how the Hawk could outscore the other two models. it is basically an ARF that has had some green paint over the gelcoat!

John

Hi John,

Welcome to the world of Scale R/C comps.

Anyway for more on the Judges views, see www.ijmc.net under the F4J link for all the answers you need.

I think you should also contact Jeremy McMillan for his view on his L-39 (extesivley modified for the JWM 2005) so see how he got on.

Dave.

<double post> Opps !

So what plane are you going for then John?

from my very small experience:

get a plane that you can make a fully documentation...

Better, make first the documentation, 3 side views, photos, colors,...

and after build the model...

Hi Swissflyer,

Thant is exactly what I have said to John in an email. Documentation first, model last.

That is one reason why I am off to your part of the world (dubendorf) very soon to see my new 'bird' for 2007.


Davie

dubendorf...what are your going to build???[&:][&:]
hunter, mirage, p-16...???

when are you coming?..maybe if i'm around we can go for a guinness... (when in Switzerland i work 10 km from dubendorf)

Swissflyer,

Hoping to be there in FEB end / MAR start time. Will let you know, but will pass on the Guinness myself as I would prefer to sample to local brew.

As for the plane . . . . well,

Davie

Davie and John, any idea of timescale for Scottish qualifying? How many places are there?

I'm thinking of building a model too but need to see if I have enough time (and money[X(]).

I have a couple of ideas, one model may need the fuselage modifying depending on how strict the judges are. I'll have to bury my head in the rules to see where the points are gained, and if it's worth it.

Darren

Absolutely no information yet regarding team selection / places etc. I don't think the SAA have given this any consideration yet as I assume they will be the body organising any trials.

John

Six places.

hi davie you not going to be busy at the end of feb

big box coming soon

just got word from daive at m&r 120 on the way back from jetcat

i will get it sent to you from m&r


andy

Hi Andy,

Just taking 2 days off. The big box is most welcome.

Davie