24th Worldwide Postal Competition 2015-2016

The purpose of this postal contest is to encourage friendly participation between aeromodellers worldwide with the prime emphasis being on low-key, leisurely flying without the pressures of regular competition.  The Internet permits us to have a worldwide event in the spirit of a friendly local club contest. A wide variety of events are offered including classes for types and sizes of models which have been overtaken and/or outclassed by modern developments or are perhaps too small to be considered for serious competition work, such as 20” and 25” Rubber and Cloud Tramp, many of which can be flown at any time on smaller local sites without the necessity of travel to more formal contests at larger areas.

Flights may be made outdoors between July 1st. 2015 and June 30th. 2016 inclusive; it is not required that all flights in any event be made upon the same day but each is to be pre-nominated as official. The general format (with exceptions as noted) is for three or more flights to the specified maximum; after three (or more) maximums further flights will be made to a score increasing by increments until the model fails to reach the duration target for that flight. The final score will be the total of all flights, recorded in seconds; the purpose of this scoring system is to reduce the possibility of models being lost in an unlimited flyoff and as flights may be made at any time within the contest period it does not entail unduly arduous flying sessions to complete same. In classes where maximum sizes are established, the span shall be measured as per plan, not as projected span.

Vintage/Oldtimer classes are for designs authenticated to have been flying outdoors prior to December 31st. 1950, even though plan publication may be of a later date in any kit, commercial magazine, SAM publication, club newsletter, etc.  Multiple entries with different models may be made in all events but flights in one event may not be doubled up with any other class for which a given model is eligible separate flights, please.

The 20” Rubber class is to encourage the flying of all such models designed for outdoor use and not usually considered competitive against larger designs. There is no restriction on publication or production date and all designs published in/on freely available sources i.e. newsletters, websites, etc are acceptable provided such source and/or details are made available to others.

To maximise flying opportunities there is ample scope for rubber models and gliders to be flown in multiple events and you are encouraged to take stopwatch, pencil and notepad with you each time you go to your local field, or to a contest, as an added incentive to your flying enjoyment. Bear in mind, also, that any number of individual models may be flown in any event for which they are eligible.

A full report will be published here after the scores are received and compiled. To enhance the same, a brief account of weather, site, flying anecdotes, photographs, etc. would be appreciated when scores are submitted. Please ensure that all scores are posted here in Comments, under the Leave a Reply heading, below, by July 15th 2016; earlier submissions would be most gratefully received! Please provide clear notice as to which class/event they should be posted to. Reporting scores all along should stimulate participation. I welcome any comments regarding amendment to any event rules that might make same more attractive, or suggestions for other classes that might be considered of general interest in any future Contest.

GOOD FLYING – GOOD LUCK – and … above all … HAVE FUN!

EVENTS:

20” Rubber – For any published/kitted outdoor designs not exceeding 20”/51cm span . Three flights to 60 second maximum followed by 30 second increments thereafter.

25” Rubber – Any published/kitted models up to 25”/63.5cm span. Three flights to 60 second maximum followed by 30 second increments thereafter.

30” Vintage/Oldtimer – For designs pre-1951, not exceeding 30”/76cm. Three flights to a 90 second maximum followed by 30 second increments thereafter.

42” Vintage/Oldtimer – For designs pre-1951, with spans greater than 30”/76cm but not exceeding 42”/107cm. Three flights to a 120 second maximum followed by 30 second increments thereafter.

P30 Rubber – Standard P30 rules. Three flights to 120 second maximum followed by 60 second increments thereafter. No gears or movable surfaces, other than for d/t operation.

Freewheel Rubber – Any published/kitted outdoor design with a freewheeling propeller is eligible, wing span not exceeding 36”/91cm. Three flights to 90 second maximum followed by 30 second increments

Unlimited Rubber – Any rubber model with wingspan not exceeding 42”/107cm. No auto surfaces. Three flights to a 120 second maximum, followed by 60 second increments thereafter.

KK “Senator” – A one-design class for this popular design. Three flights to 120 second maximum, followed by 60 second increments thereafter.

Cloud Tramp – Any version of the Cloud Tramp design as published, 8” prop (plastic OK), any type of prop bearing. Five flights, no maximum; longest and shortest will be discarded and balance totaled for score.

Towline Glider – Any glider, straight tow only with no moving surfaces other than autorudder. Maximum towline length 164’/50 metres. Equivalent high start launch systems permissible. Three flights to 90 second maximum followed by 60 second increments.

Small Towline Glider – Any glider to a maximum span of 40”/101.5cm, straight tow with no moving surfaces other than autorudder. Maximum towline length 164’/50 metres. Equivalent high-start launch systems permissible. Three flights to 60 second maximum followed by 60 second increments.

6″ Tiny Hand Launched Glider – For any glider with wingspan no greater than 6”/15.2 cm. Six flights, 60 second maximum (flights under ten seconds need not be reported). If six maximums scored, 30 second increments thereafter. Multiple entries permissible.

6″ Tiny Catapult Launched Glider – For any glider with wingspan no greater than 6”/15.2 cm. Six flights, 60 second maximum (flights under ten seconds need not be reported). If six maximums scored, 30 second increments thereafter. Catapult – a 9” loop of ¼” flat rubber attached to a 6” handle. Multiple entries permissible.

8″ Tiny Hand Launched Glider – For any glider with wingspan no greater than 8”/20.3 cm. Six flights, 60 second maximum (flights under ten seconds need not be reported). If six maximums scored, 30 second increments thereafter. Multiple entries permissible.

8″ Tiny Catapult Launched Glider – For any glider with wingspan no greater than 8”/20.3 cm. Six flights, 60 second maximum (flights under ten seconds need not be reported). If six maximums scored, 30 second increments thereafter. Catapult – a 9” loop of ¼” flat rubber attached to a 6” handle. Multiple entries permissible.

Catapult/Handlaunch Glider (small) – For any glider with wingspan no greater than 12”/30.5 cm. Six flights, 60 second maximum (flights under ten seconds need not be reported). If six maximums scored, 30 second increments ereafter. Catapult – a 9” loop of ¼” flat rubber attached to a 6” handle. Multiple entries permissible.

Catapult/Handlaunch Glider (large) – For any glider larger than 12”/30.5cms. Rules as above.

Tip-launch Glider – For any size of wingtip-launch glider. Folding wings and R/C are not permissible. Six flights to a 60 second maximum, increasing by 30 second increments thereafter.

Peanut Scale – Any type, any period, 13″ maximum wingspan or 9″ maximum length. Total highest three of six flights for score.

Dimescale – Any type, any period, 16″ maximum wingspan, no scale or bonus points. Total highest three of six flights for score.

Phantom Flash – Per kit or plan, plastic or wood prop. May be hand launched. Total highest three of six flights for score.

27 thoughts on “24th Worldwide Postal Competition 2015-2016

  1. Correction! After reading the fine print, I realize that my 30″ Farthing Diamond goes in 30″ Vintage/Old Timer, not 42″ Vintage/Old Timer.

    (30″ Vintage/Old Timer is for models NOT EXCEEDING 30″, 42″ Vintage/Old Timer is for models OVER 30″ up to 42″. This model is only 30″ wingspan, not over, therefore it goes in the 30″ class.)

    I see that Josh Finn entered the same design in 30″ rubber.

    Here is the corrected entry (same official flights but scored according to the lower maxes of the 30″ event):

    30” Vintage/Old Timer
    Model: Farthing “Lightweight” (Diamond Fuselage) from Vic Smeed Plan Parade, p. 31
    Times: 90; 90; 90; 120; 27

  2. Here are my entries.

    Category: 20” Rubber
    Model: Carl Schmaedig Twin Pusher, 39% replica, 13.25” span.
    Times: 60, 60, 60, 90, 120, 150, 125
    Additional Comments: Replica is my own design, available on Hip Pocket Builder’s Forum (Search under Outdoor Sport, or by my name). First official flight evening of Oct 26. Last official flight Nov 6, just climbed until it disappeared into the twilight.
    This model is tiny but potent! The wing is 13” span with only about 1 – 5/8” chord. Props are 4 – ¼”. It flies on two loops of ~ 0.040” rubber, 22” or so long – which can take about 4,000 turns! Lost it before I saw what it could do on full power. I’m building another, this size. A full size one would be a great model also!

    20” Rubber 20” or less 3 60 30
    Model: “Mini-10” (Joshua Finn design); 10” wingspan
    Times: 60, 60, 60, 90, 120, 93
    For 10 years or so, I only knew Josh via the Worldwide Postal. I have had the pleasure of meeting him face to face within the last year and getting to know him better. A great guy who is does many amazing things!

    30” Vintage/Old Timer Up to 30” 3 90 30
    Model: Dick Obarski “Tandem” from 1937 Frank Zaic Yearbook, p.141; 27.5” span
    Times: 79; 90; 88

    42” Vintage/Old Timer 30 to 42” 3 120 30
    Model: Farthing “Lightweight” (Diamond Fuselage) from Vic Smeed Plan Parade, p. 31
    Times: 120; 120; 120; 150; 27

    That’s all for this year. Thank you for the opportunity to participate!
    David Aronstein

  3. P-30 39,48, 50 seconds total 137 seconds
    Hand launch Glider Large-4-5-5-3-3-4 total 14
    Old time /Vintage Sparky 58-37-31 total 106
    20 inch rubber -Bigcat 40-58-48 -24-26-34 total 239 2 contests
    May have time for other tries later.

    1. Sorry I was not able to make other flights. I was headed out to fly with timer in tow but as of today I hope to finally get my truck back following a bad crash. A lady ran a stop sign and so my truck and her suv were badly damaged. We both are ok but my cloud tramp was damaged since it wasn’t fastened in a seat belt. Hope it will fly again soon.

  4. Good flying conditions last evening with a little drift. These were basically trim flights since this was the second time I’ve been flying all year. I had my Phantom Flash out and the times were:
    1:05, 1:24, 1:24, 1:24, 1:29, 0:45

  5. Glad I remembered to look this up again. I will be doing some flying for this. I will use some times from a recent contest I attended last weekend in Gainesville,Texas

  6. five cloud tramp flights 20, 25, 25,30,35 seconds in a light breeze not too shabby i’d say.

    jim norfolk saint john NB canada

  7. Could you please explaim the following statements:
    -Bear in mind, also, that any number of individual models may be flown in any event for which they are eligible.
    and
    -Multiple entries permissible.
    Thanks
    Ralf

    1. Ralf,

      You may fly several different planes in any event and report separate scores for each. You may fly the same plane for several series of times and report a score for each series of flights in the same event. You would have several placings in the event.

      Gary

  8. Subject – Cloud Tramp
    Hi Gary,
    Question? – Some of the guys in this area (Calif) missed the allotted Cloud Tramp postal fly Date. Can they fly the duration portion of the contest in lieu the mass launch and receive credit? If so what is the contest dead line.

    Thank You,
    Bud Matthews

    1. Bud,

      The Cloud Tramp portion of the 24th Worldwide Postal Competition is not limited to the mass launch date. That competition lasts until June 30, 2016. You still have plenty of time to record Cloud Tramp flights for the duration event.

      Gary

  9. Hi Gary,

    It’s about time you handled the WORLDWIDE POSTAL which was originally started by Jim Moseley 25 years ago. I remember you were the one who introduced it to the Oakland Cloud Dusters in one of our meetings. I was very excited then and I even brought a newly built Senator the following meeting.

    It was my favorite contest then as it was free and all fun. No pressure. Just the joy of flying free…and sharing.

    Ding

    1. Equivalent here means of equivalent total length. You can partition the length between rubber and line any way you like. Competitors may suggest amendments to the rules for future contests based on experience.

  10. Hi,
    Just found your web site via a link in the BMFA News. Really pleased to find that The International Postal Comps are still going. I thought that they had finished. I took part in quite a few when Jim started them and did quite well. More importantly, really enjoyed them.
    Will certainly have another go now.
    Thanks,
    Chris

  11. Need some help on rules for clg 8 inch glider. Can the flights be flown over several days? If you have 3 maxs, then what, not sure? How many times can you enter times with the same glider.
    Thanks,
    Aubrey

    1. Flights may be made over many days. There was a mistake in the original publication, which stated three maxes and then six maxes. Both should have been six. The text has been changed. The change makes no real difference, since six would have been required either way. You can enter the same glider as many times as you like.

      1. ” If 6 maxs scored 30 second increments thereafter” Not sure what it means? What does 30 seconds mean?
        This is my first time with a Postal.
        Thanks
        Aubrey

        1. Hi Aubrey,

          This is my first time running the Worldwide Postal.

          A max is the time for a flight in which a specified maximum time is recorded, anything over the max is not counted. Those who don’t make a max are out of the competition. Those who make all the required max flights then go on to the flyoff in which the maximum time counted is increased by the specified increment amount.

          For example, a competitor could have six flights of 60 or more seconds, then 60+30 = 90, 90+30 = 120, 120+30 = 150, until he didn’t make the required flight time, such as 175 in the next flight where the max is 180. The score is the sum of all the times recorded, in this case 60+60+60+60+60+60+90+120+150+175 = 895.

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