FIREBALL TROPHY & SPIRIT OF SAM TROPHY, SAM 35 RULES, 2009 Onwards.
These rules cover ‘Fireball’ type events as originated by Mike beach for authentic reproductions of early control linemodels. In order to expand interest and encourage younger modellers, ‘Spirit of SAM’ now provides an extra opportunity, for models published by 31
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December 1960.THE AIMS:The aim is to reproduce a model exactly as it would have been built and flown at the date of publication. This means building the model accurately in all respects, using an appropriate engine, accessories, covering materials etc. It also meansflying the model in the correct manner.It all sounds quite easy, but the following sections show what is required in practice and provides guidance for the judges.CUT OFF :a/ The Fireball Trophy retains the original Mike beach inspired date of 31
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December 1950. b/ The Spirit of SAM Trophy has the cut off date set at 31
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December 1960.It is intended that these competitions be run simultaneously but they may be run separately, depending upon thenumber of entries.ENGINES:Use engines appropriate to the period and type of model. Later versions of engines that are visually similar areacceptable, but remember that higher performance is not always a good thing. Most flying sites require that a silencer be fitted.Fitment of an effective silencer to any model in a sympathetic manner will incur no penalties.COVERING /FINISH :Materials that give the feel and appearance of the original should be used. There was not a lot of plastic film around before the end of 1960!ACCESSORIES :Search for authentic items such as wheels, tanks, bellcranks etc, or make suitable ones. For the static judging, find or make a propeller that gives the correct appearance and exchange it prior to flying.FIDELITY TO DESIGN :Simply copy the design. Do not be tempted to ‘improve’ things by changing the shape or appearance, an authenticreproduction is what is needed! The entrant will need to supply documentary evidence such as a plan, drawings, photographsetc of the design to validate the accuracy of reproduction.FINISH :This is not a Concours d’Elegance so a fancy paint job is not neded. Finish it like the original, to a good standard.Use transfers, decals etc of your club or model group, tastefully applied.FLYING :Fly the model as appropriate to it’s prototype. A stunt model will be expected to perform loops, wing overs etc, atrainer will stooge around and a team racer or speed model will be expected to be fast! Remember that all types of models havewon in the past! Each entrant selected to fly will be allocated a 15 minute slot.SCORING :STATICFLYING1/ Fidelity to original401/ Launch / Takeoff102/ Engine202/ Overall impression3/ Covering/ Finish30(does it fly like the original?)804/ Workmanship403/ Landing (With or without5/ Accessories40undercarriage)10TOTAL (Max) :150100.
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