2013 Pylon Racing Discussion

[Red]

Racers,

The 2013 racing season is upon us! Please take a moment to participate in the poll above. We are considering some minor tweaks, but nothing earth shattering. Keep in mind that only people who have raced will have a vote counted. You need to log in to vote. If you can't log in, or do not have that ability, please call or email Steve Cole or myself and we will add your voice.

First, the season will remain two points series. Second, we are considering dropping the plaques for both seasons, and instead putting the money directly back into the kitty for race winnings. Maybe an single plaque for the overall series winner? Thoughts?

Another thing to consider is that the new T-28's from Horizon have a new motor that may or may not effect performance. Further testing will need to be conducted before any determination can be made. Does anyone out there have a new plane/motor that they would be willing to let us do some static testing on?

Racing participation continues to be strong, it looks like we are going to have another great season. Participation in the Dog fighter class has not been stellar however, and it is being considered to drop, hence the poll.

I for one am a proponent of running 3 classes and 4 rounds. With the way it is now, it is not uncommon to not races everybody not only on race day, but throughout the season. This will help bring parity to all classes. More racing!

I will also attempt to build a spread sheet matrix system. I will bring my laptop and cell card to the field. We can build a table to generate matrices, tabulate points and keep track of finishing order. Then it can simply be emailed at the conclusion of the race for publishing to the web site.

We would love a new class, or a variation on the ones we have now. It was decided that for the first half of the season, we would not introduce any new classes for two reasons: one, time to get a new plane together for a March start is tough for some people. Two: We need more ideas and input! Please comment below and once a general direction is figured out, we can do another poll if necessary. Some ideas:

Durafly Warbirds?
3 cell EF-1?
"Super" Reno 450?
Others

Endurance or Team race. We have kicked this idea around for a while, but it never seemed to gel. Steve and I are committed to making this happen. We want this to be a fun for all, semi-serious event. Some things to consider:

How many laps? 100-200?
Teams or individuals?
Mandatory pit stops?
Fly multiple classes together?
Minimum/maximum number of laps on each class?
Figure 8 course for the T-28/Corsair classes?
Other ideas?

Guys, please take the time to comment on this stuff. The more feedback that is presented, the better job the club can do to make the racing as successful as it can be.

[Red]

Reserved for results....

[MigRaptor]

My Mig-28 has the new motor in it. You'll need to take the secret Comrade oath prior to testing.

[Red]

Deal.  Thanks Jerry.

[Red]

Guys,

It has come to my attention that at the end of last season it was decided that the 2013 season would not be split into two. I had not realized that, sorry for the confusion.

The 2013 season will consist of a single points series with throw outs. The number of races is not finalized, but we are shooting for the same as last year with an additional "special" event thrown in. It was our intention that if a new class was introduced, we could add it at the mid season break. With one single season, nothing is preventing us from trying a new class at any time. All we need is a good direction and 3-4 guys to try it out.

Thoughts?

[steve_cole]

Hi Racers !
            Want to welcome everyone back to another great season of racing!  I will put forth my best effort to make things run smoothly. This will happen with help from Red , Tony and the rest of our racers.
          First we need to determine what we will be flying this year, to make it fair, please cast your vote.
As far as EF-1 goes, there are more ARFs on the market now and the price has come down some. I had a thought for a class, it would be to mod the EF-1 to run slower for those of you that want the faster speeds. It could be as simple as a prop change or battery.
             I believe this would give the aircraft multi purpose, if later, you want to go faster  (and who dosn't want that) it can be done with a simple change. My two cents.
   
     Thanks

           Steve

[Red]

Steve,

I really like the idea of an "into" level EF-1 class. 3 cells and 9x9 prop may work. It would be a good stepping stone after Reno 450. when folks are more comfortable with bigger planes and going faster, a battery and prop change gets them into the next class. We should do some testing. Anyone else interested in this? We could call it EF-1 lite.

[McDRacing]

My thoughts on the T-28/Corsair class are that if you have not taken a championship in that class you should be able to continue racing there. As for the new motor issue it's racing purchase a new one and bolt er in if you think they're better! A balanced prop and new motor makes the difference. I was changing out my 450's out after 3 races. I still believe that there is a void as far as a next step after T-28/Corsair. There should be a Parkzone warbird class after that (no foreseeable shortage there). Let's hear it?

[Red]

Good input Tony, thanks.

[PTKohlmann]

I'm thinking that I should finally get off of my can and race this year.  But I have to admit that the discontinuation of the T28 concerns me.  I wouldn't have an issue up-engining mine to the current standard if she hadn't finally succumbed last year.  But in my case I need to start from scratch.

It wouldn't be the end of the world to buy a new T28 and race it for only a year but before I do I'd like to hear more about the other Parkzone warbirds.  If that is likely to shape into a class then it would factor into my decision.

Thoughts on that?  What's the forecast for T28?

Koh

[Red]

Paul,

The T-28 has not been discontinued, only the grey/blue Air Force version & parts. The white/orange version is still available. I doubt they will discontinue it until they have a replacement available, and even then will continue to support it for two years with parts. This is Horizons' typical MO. My guess is that this class will survive at least this year, maybe longer.

All,

On another note, Thunder Tiger planes are still available if you do some searching. A buddy at work just bought 3 P-51's from Hobby People on-line to race this year.

 

[McDRacing]

There are 4 Parkzone warbirds that would be fun to race I think. The new Corsair 15 size motor 44 inch wingspan 30 amp speed controller 3 cells, The ME-109G 43.5 inch wingspan 15 size motor 30 amp controller, The Spitfire 43.2 inch wingspan 15 size motor 30 amp controller, The P-47 42.5 inch wingspan 15 size motor 30 amp controller. All but the ME-109 can have retracts! 9.5X7.5 stock props and a 3 or 4 cell. I made a speed prop for my Spit and it does 83 MPH with a 11X12 APC!

[JPH Racing]

Lots of great reading here!

A few things I've taken away from the posts are:

Having classes we're pilots have to "hunt" for long lost airframes doesn't really make sense?

Having classes for airframes you can't get parts or support for really doesn't make sense?

It seems like T-28 is settled (for now).  As well as EF1.  What needs to be settled is what's in between.  Possibilities are:
Reno 450
Dogfighter (as it is now)
Dogfighter (slowed down)
3cell EF1
Parkzone Warbirds
Cosmic Wind (looking for Reno 450 speeds?)
T-28 Expert

Add your thoughts please!

[Jon_Stychno]

I think the Cosmic Wind would make for a great class. Some of the plusses are -

Reasonable speeds (haven't flown one yet but sounds in between T-28 and EF-1)
No hand launching
One-design airframe in 2 colors
Exisiting 3 cell LiPo's from other classes can be used.
Airframe parts readily avalable from a local hobby shop.

[adam_clement]

I have purchased a Cosmic Wind from Jakes Performance Hobbies. Because I will be testing it for a possible new class Jake Gave me a Awesome Deal. Thanks Jake!!! The Idea was to try and get a plane we could drop our 450 or dogfighter gear into. I don't know if we can get the speed we want with the 450 but I will bring a few different props to kick around with. If props don't work I'll try something bigger. The recommended motor is roughly 480 size. Maybe the dogfighter setup with a 9x9 prop. Got those coming out my bum. 
    I  like the Cosmic Wind idea. Same idea as the dogfighter. A one airframe class using a spec motor is very appealing to me. It comes down to pilot skills not airframes. However, the more people in a class the better. More people to dice it up with. After talking with a few people they could go either way. Cosmic Wind or Dogfighter. I want to race the class with the most people. I've been doing 450 for 6 years now and want something new so I still vote for 4 classes.  What do you guys think about that?
      I hope to have both the Cosmic Wind and the Proud Bird out on Sunday. Hope the weather clears up. 

Adam