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"Aquitivity Roundup"
was a monthly column in American Modeler magazine (the precursor to American Aircraft
Modeler, precursor to the current Model Aviation). American Modeler
covered many aspects of modeling other than airplanes
including rockets, boats, cars, and to a lesser extent, trains and helicopters (helis
were for experimenters at the time). Radio control for
models boats was in full swing by 1962, both for engine and wind power. Just as
with model airplanes, model boats were run as free float (a la free flight - get
it?), on a tether (a la control line) and by remote control (could be via sound,
light, or radio signals). Aquativity Roundup
 By Bill Baughman
You may be interested in model boating and
like to read what is going on. Remember this-so does the other fellow. We don't
"manufacture" news of boating activities. You and other active hobbyists must supply
it and must do so continually. All known active clubs have been contacted and these
facts made clear to them.
There is more activity in boats than ever before ... 1961 has been the biggest
and most successful year our hobby has experienced. With each succeeding contest
the number of entries increased. What you are doing is of interest to others so
let us know what you and your group are doing. Also, if you have solved a problem
and want to pass the solution on send in your findings. If you have a problem and
no solution, let us know that. If you have pictures of interesting craft or a new
installation idea, shoot 'em in!
To augment the news angle of the column, we plan to include interesting facts
about boats ... why they are built as they are and what makes them operate successfully.
Design features of famous boats, racing and otherwise, discussions about hydro-foils
and such will be for the builder who wants to try something different.
Going Goodrich
Lead photo (above) shows Sgt. Roland W. Goodrich of Minneapolis, stationed in
Augsburg, and his fine collection of boats and hardware. In Germany for the past
four years, Roland started boat modeling there; competing in local contests he's
done very well. Says American Modeler is very popular, has to purchase two copies
each month to keep one in reference condition.
R.G., your speeds over there with Fox .59 power are very good and comparable
with the top boats here. 27 mph on straight runs and 21 mph around a three-buoy
course is about as fast as any .60 or .61 boat to our knowledge. Your electric speed
record of some 18 mph on a straight run hasn't been topped in the U.S. Any dispute
to this statement?
 Tri-o-Rama News.
To back up what we stated re 1961, Rich's Hobbytowne says "This has been the
most successful record-breaking season so far." At a New York Boat Club meet there
top tether speed was 103.69 mph. First place results: Class A, M. Biederman, 139.56
points; Class B, M. Biederman, 146.04; Class C, J. Howarth, 182.29; Class DM, E.
Kalfus, 170.97; Class DS, F. Shor, 169.85. The M and the S following the class designation
means "modified" or "stock" engines.
From the Roostertail.
Annual International Regatta held by IMPBA at Lombard, Illinois, saw established
thirteen new World's Records in R/C and two in Tether. There were 80 entries and
more R/C events than in any contest thus far. Top man Gary Preusse scored a first
in Precision Steering, Electric Speed and Gas Speed (over .30 C.I.D.) as well as
a second in Gas Speed (under .30 C.I.D.) and a third in the Straight Sixteenth (over
30 C.I.D.) speed event. In a Precision Steering event for women, Marianne Pitts
out-did many of the men with a perfect 120 points.
More Gals?
New York Mirror reports that 100 young skippers participated in its 5th Annual
Junior Championship Model Yacht Regatta before 1000 spectators. When the results
were in, Melissa Jahn, 14, of Mineola, L.I., had won two first place trophies, taking
Class E title event and Class II model boat competition, as well as second place
trophy in Class D championship race. Any of you rag boys done as well lately?
Posted May 4, 2013
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