Hello Jez
I know the two are different so should have said, but I’m interested either way. I have some of the f2d style 09 1/2a’s both foam and wood but thought would be interesting to see what others have or are using. No comps at the moment but My friend keeps tellIng me to.
Cheers Wayne
Hi again Wayne.
First, a bit of a disclaimer - all my comments relate to U.K. 1/2A combat, as I have no real knowledge of the U.S.A. version. I have never competed in 1/2A combat - and nor am I ever likely to - although I have flown 1/2A combat models for 'fun'/'sport'. My views on the 1/2A combat scene are written from the perspective of an 'onlooker'/'spectator' - so I am more than happy to be corrected by somebody who is actually active in the event
Competitive 1/2A combat seems to be very much the 'poor relation', so far as organised competitions are concerned - the only one that I know of for sure takes place (in a 'normal' year
) at the 'Power Nationals', over the (just passed) August Bank Holiday weekend.
In terms of the models used - the vast majority are going to be of the type that you already possess - mini versions of F2D models, purchased ready-built, and made in Eastern Europe (Ukraine/Moldova, etc.). Some may build their own versions of similar and I have just uploaded to the Hip Pocket Aeronautics ['HPA'] 'Plans Gallery' a plan (Half A Russian & Rasputin) of something that was published probably quite a few years back now - this may take a while before it appears on the site, as it has to be 'moderated' first.
Looking through the (U.K.) 1/2A combat designs in the 'Plans Gallery' I came across 'Predator' - which is another relatively modern design - I have 'build instructions' for this model, but they are a '.bmp' file extension, so won’t upload with this post – if you want a copy, please send me a ‘Private Message’ with your email address in it and I will send you one.
I don't think that anybody these days would try to compete with any of the older 1/2A designs, as they are too small, in terms of wingspan (and/or wing area) and were designed when the most powerful 1.5cc diesel motors around were not ABC/AAC 'Foras' and 'Parras'.
If you want to build/fly some 'older' 1/2A designs 'for fun' (as I like to do, as I sometimes like something 'different' to build/fly) then 'the world is your lobster'
. In terms of what is in the HPA 'Plans Gallery' 'Challenger' (700mm wingspan) was the first design that I ever really managed (as a teenager, over 40 years ago, now) to 'fly a tank out' with (albeit powered by an Enya 0.09 cu.in. 'glow', rather than a 'diesel') and I have built (and flown) both the 28 inch and 36 inch wingspan versions of the 'Tamer Lane' design. If you want to go really 'old school' you could try the 'Blue Bayou'; 'Klipper' (24" wingspan); Mini Bunt (23.75" wingspan); 'Splatt' (20.375" wingspan) or 'Warlock' (24" wingspan) designs - just don't expect them to perform anything like/anything like as well as, the modern, mini-F2D design, 1/2A models that you already have.
Cheers,
Jez Wilkins
