Indoor Towline Glider

From: Fred or Judy Rash <frash_at_chartertn.net>
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:12:54 -0400

There were several questions raised. I don't have the answers but will
comment anyway.

I used 10-pound test Spiderline fishing line because it was on the spinning
reel in the car that I use to balloon down planes and for fishing. I removed
half of the rod. No rod can safely be used if the building is crowded. My
line is too strong and not very visible. I speculate that Kurt's embroidery
towline is more visible and has adequate strength, but more drag. I have
old FAI Model Supply towline reels, but smaller and lighter would be
preferred. Quick wind up of lines also seems to be necessary.

I had started construction of a circle towhook of the Chuck Markos style
from Kurt Krempetz' ToFu plan, but did not have it ready yesterday. I tried
to make one half circle just because I was in trouble. I have circle towed
outdoors, both intentionally and accidentally, but not for many years.

For a release flag, I used a 17-in length of 3/8" wide FAI Model Supply
thermal streamer. I had some problems with release, but partly because the
towhook was a paper clip that I installed on site. What are others using as
a release flag? I used a small plastic "knitting marker" as tow ring.

One launch diverged far to the side and flew for only 1:19, but was
recovered from Row 36 or 38 of the stands. There are 40 rows of stands. The
stands extend almost exactly half way to the top. I expect several of you to
exceed 3 minutes at the USIC/AMA Indoor Nats.

Thanks to Hank Nystrom for taking an interest, launching the plane, and
offering helpful trimming suggestions. Yesterday the Mini-Dome was
remarkably free of tennis nets, cables holding vinyl partitions, other
obstructions, and people that are common except when the dome is cleared out
for the USIC.

Fred Rash
Received on Tue Mar 13 2007 - 11:15:24 CET