Straight-shootin' speed

Radio Control Boat Modeler, Jun 2004 by Yarrish, Gerry

SOONER OR LATER, IT'S BOUND TO HAPPEN! All you have to do is put a couple of guys together who like to race boats, and before you know it, they'll be making all sorts of noise about who's the fastest! There's only one way to settle it: put your money where your mouth is and head off to the pond. If that doesn't work, there's always the next step-competition racing, specifically, straightaway competition, where it's just you and the clock! Here, there are no excuses; it's just pure speed and driving skill!

In this issue, our old buddy and past contributor Jeff Vasquez returns to report on the 2003 NAMBA Electric Straight-away Speed Trials held in El Monte, CA. If you haven't ever seen this kind of competition, you've missed out on some really trick setups! Check out page 60 and glimpse some of the speed! The clock never lies!

GETTING ON THE PIPE!

If you've read our last few issues, then you know that our performance guru, John Finch, has been dispensing his worldly wisdom on how to make boats go faster! In this issue, John focuses on tuned-pipe operation and adjustment. It can be pretty frustrating to know that a potential power boost is lurking somewhere inside your power system but not know exactly how to access it. John's easy-to-understand article spells it out for you. Check out page 48 and soon, you too can enjoy the Zen enlightenment of "on-the-pipe" performance!

SCALE MASTERPIECE

I'll let you in on a little secret. Although I really enjoy the smell of nitro at boat races and the quiet excitement of fast electric competition, I first got involved in RC model boating by building and running scale boats. In fact, my first serious competition scale boat was a 1/24-scale towboat. It was this boat project that introduced me to my very good friend (and "Scale Views" columnist) John L. Fryant. John taught me all I know about building, detailing and finishing scale boats, and I'm pleased to have known him for more than 15 years!

In this issue, John continues his series on building the S.Y. Komet and shows us how to finish the deck and add the above-deck structures and details. If you ever get a chance to attend the annual Weak Signals RC Expo in Toledo, OH, check out the scale model boat static-display competition. John's models are always there, and they usually take home the gold! When it comes to museum-quality work, John is the quintessential master craftsman!

CLEAR THE BENCK!

Talking about scale boats, this issue's construction article comes to us from Pat Tritle as the electric-powered launch Miss Chloe. Inspired by the clickety-clack of a live-steam launch, Miss Chloe is a very classy-looking, easy-to-operate project for anyone who wants a bit of nautical nostalgia to run at the local pond. Using traditional balsa and lite-ply structures, this model uses plank-on-frame construction and can be finished to resemble any type or style of launch that strikes your fancy. Turn to page 54 and break out the tools; this one is just begging to be added to your scale fleet!

RCX PREVIEW

Mark your calendars now for the ultimate RC experience: the second annual RCX Show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, on April 24th and 25th. Hosted by Air Age Media and its RC publications (including RC Boat Modeler), RCX 2004 will have a super-size boat pond as well as RC car, truck and plane demonstrations. It's the place to fuel your RC passion. For more info, check out our preview on page 68 or go to the RCX website at rcexpo.com. We'll see you there!