“REVOLUTION” CONTROL LINE SYSTEM
By P3 Models
The “Revolution” control line system is a system that has evolved from child hood dreams. We wanted to develop a system that was high quality but reasonably priced, easy to set up, comes complete with all the hardware and would only require the model airplane and control lines. Basically keep it simple and convenient for the modeler. There have been many other attempts to bring this concept to successful operation, but most had limited capability and only allowed the airplanes to go around in a circle and that’s about it. One system we looked at was capable of doing stunts but required a fork lift to carry it out to the field and 2 hours to set-up. So we wanted a system that allowed the pilot the capability of performing basic maneuvers as illustrated in Brodak’s catalog and website. In addition, one has to apply tension to the lines via the control handle to obviously fly the airplane with the same sensitive control as you would normally, but instead of feeling the airplane pulling on the lines, you are pulling on the lines instead., without spinning, making for a very unique and exciting experience in control line flying. The other feature is you can always fly with the sun at your back and actually carry a conversation with another person while you fly. In other words you can enjoy your plane fly and see your maneuvers without the intense focus on your plane that is required when spinning around with your plane. We wanted a system that offered an alternative to traditional control line flying, and make the experience available to a wider cross section of enthusiasts, like those bound to wheel chairs, the elderly or children learning control line flying; plus those who liked control line flying but didn’t like spinning around with their planes. The system would also be ideal for speed flying as well.
P3 Models (Jesse Paz, Allan Perry and Edward Paz Jr.) followed the basic parameters of control line flying; that is arm, wrist, shoulder height and handle opening or width. The head rotates 360 degrees horizontally on a lazy Susan bearing, the support arms rotate up to 60 degrees vertically. They act like your arm. I might add at this point we restricted the vertical movement to 60 degrees. The arms will go 180 degrees on the vertical but the controls reverse on the other side. So unless you’re an expert stunt pilot and you are aware of this reversal and you can continue to control your plane without crashing, don’t remove restricting screw. During tests the screw was not in place and on a calm (no wind) day the model actually did a 90 degree wing over. The center bell crank which is attached to the support arms act as the wrist movement, giving you fine tuning up, down or neutral. The unit stands 5 feet to center of bell crank. This just happens to be shoulder height for a 6 foot man and the level flight requirement for most events. We also followed the approximate opening of the handle and followed it thru the system to include all the bell cranks. In doing this it made movement of control surfaces instantaneous from handle to plane, plus we used the same hardware, connectors, lines that are standard to control line and the modeler. Keeping the familiarity was a must for us.
We found during tests the plane would have some slack lines during windy days, but we never lost control of the plane because the out thrust and rudder would right it back in time. Heavier models were not affected. The system allows great ground take offs, or you can also hand launch your plane. Landings are typical as by hand. We recommend a buddy to help you, as you would most of the time with normal control line flying. One more thing, during tests the pilot was able to put the plane in level flight and put down the control handle and the model held its level flight without any mishaps. This is the first new product of this type to come along to control line flying in quite sometime so give it a try. The system comes complete, with pre-assembled major components in a convenient easy to carry box with instruction manual and assembly/ demo DVD. Introductory price of just $299.99! Patent pending.
We also plan to introduce a ˝ A version to enable glow and electric CL models. In the electric mode the system would encompass a 12 volt battery to supply power to the model and thus provide hours of flight time. Patent pending.
P3 Models P.O. Box 77926 Corona, Ca 92881 www.p3models.com 800-515-5951