SAM Class SPEED 400 LMR

[sailor]

Is anyone flying Speed 400 LMR? I have a Buccaneer and a
Dallaire that I am flying according to the rules of this class. I am also preparing an Answer to fly in this class. I personally think this is one of the best competition classes. It is so cheap. No expensive motors, speed controls, batteries or folding props.

[Sky Sharkster]

Hello Sailor, Welcome to Wattflyer!
For some reason the Old Timer "Speed 400" LMR class hasn't taken off, at least here in Colorado, the way most thought it would. I believe there's two main reasons for this. One, brushless motors have gotten so inexpensive. Two, everyone wants MORE POWER!
The brushed motors and NiMH (or NiCad) batteries are a great equalizer, and there is a powered sailplane class for this. But the electric "Conversion" Old Timers are still new enough that most O/T meets I've been to, allow ANY electric to compete and here the brushless/LiPolys have an advantage. Lighter, more power, faster climb.
So, I guess it's a question of getting the Contest Director (or club officials, if it's a club event) to announce and enforce the "LMR" rules as they're published, well in advance of the event.
Which isn't to say you can't fly the models you have and try to generate interest in a "Limited" power event. Plenty of folks would like an inexpensive, good-performing O/T model. Spread the word!
Ron

[sailor]

Thanks for the welcome Ron. I just discovered the Speed 400 LMR class and I thought it made a lot of sense. I have been flying a Dallaire according to the class rules and having a great time with it. I should mention all my flying is solo. No one else in this area, Northeast Arkansas, is interested in old timers. Do you know the location of the CG for the 44 inch Answer? Also, you mentioned a glider class that was comparable. Is that a SAM Class and if so what Class is it?

Thanks again,
Jim

[Sky Sharkster]

Hello Jim, Sorry to say I don't have info for the C.G. on the Answer. Where did you get the plans? Perhaps one of our readers can help out.
On the sticky at the top of this Forum ("Yippee!) there's links for O/T, Vintage and Nostalgia suppliers, there might be downloadable plans available.
The Powered Glider LMR isn't a S.A.M. event, it's a modern glider event, also popular in Europe, known there by the F.A.I. designation, F5J.
If you check some of the large glider (and E-Powered Glider) distributors like NESail, Esprit, Art Hobby, Airplane-Model.com, SoaringUSA, SkybenchAerotech, you'll find many of these LMR models available, from balsa kits, ARFs, to all-composite competition models.
Most of the direct-drive 400 LMR gliders are about Hand-launch-Glider size (1-1/2 meter) but with gearing they can be as large as 2 meter. Like Old Timers this is an addictive class of model, inexpensive and fun to fly.
Also, Tom Martin has been kitting many vintage designs like the Jetco + Jasco gliders, available here;
http://www.tmrcsailplanes.com/plans-and-patterns.html
Good Luck!
Ron