Types Of Scale Models

Our society was formed in November 2001 to serve the needs of the scale modellers of New South Wales. Our main objectives are to promote & maintain interest in the design, building & flying of all types, classes & categories of Scale model aircraft. We are also committed to encourage & assist beginners into scale modelling & to provide an information exchange service for use by all members of our society. We are the recognised New South Wales Scale Special Interest Group. Membership includes our bi-monthly newsletter, 'The Flyer'. This contains information from our meetings as well as upcoming events, competition & event reports. 'How To' articles and other information of interest to the scale modeller. All members are invited to have their own input to 'The Flyer' by way of articles, reviews, tutorials, photos etc. We are especially keen for members to submit a Profile of themselves outlining their involvement in the modelling scene. Interested in membership? Click on the 'Join' tab above to become a member.

Below is an overview of the different types of Scale Models.
(Based on an article from the VFSAA)

There are three basic types of scale models flown - free flight, control-line and radio controlled.

Fly "out of control", relying on the way the model is powered and trimmed to climb in circles, and when the power is exhausted, to glide gently down again in large circles. It takes a lot of skill and patience to build and fly free flight scale models. Rubber power (think elastic band and times it by 10), small diesel or glow-plug motors are all used but the latest developments in electric power have certainly made their mark & resulted in somewhat of a resurgence in the popularity of this type of scale model. Click Here to contact the New South Wales Free Flight Society if you would like to track down more information on this type of scale model.

Model Aircraft which are flown in a circle, restrained by a pair of steel wires about 15m long attached to a ‘control handle’ held by the pilot in the centre of the circle. The pilot controls the elevator using these wires. Additional lines may be used to control extra functions such as throttle control or retracting wheels using a special ‘Roberts’ type control handle or electric signals may be fed down the wires to control these extra functions using a system similar to radio control.

This is by far the most popular form of flying scale models today. The maximum weight allowed for a radio model (without special CASA approval) is 25kg but models are rarely built this large. Any radio model weighing more than 7kg currently requires a "Permit to Fly", which is issued by a "Large Model Inspector". If the inspector is satisfied that the model complies with the required standards a permit is issued. This requirement is currently under review. Contact your local club, Click Here to contact Miniature Aero Sports New South Wales, or Click Here to contact the Model Aircraft Association of Australia for the latest information on these permits.

Many clubs host "fly-in" events, specifically for scale models. The V.R.F. club in Shepparton, Victoria, host the Mammoth Scale Rally in September each year, claimed to be Australia’s largest. Keep an eye on this website for upcoming events both local & interstate. Fly-In’s are a great way to get to meet many of Australia’s best scale modellers who will have plenty of time to talk about their models & construction techniques without the pressure of serious competition.

This society flys our own radio controlled scale event throughout the year known as 'Clubscale'. This event consists of static judging of the models followed by four flying rounds, of which three are added to the final end of year score, the final score representing 25% static score and 75% flying score. The rules for this event are based on the 'Large Scale' rules but radio controlled scale models of all sizes up to 25 Kg in weight are eligible to enter. ARF models are also welcome. The rules will be available from this site in the future.

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Our Focus

Australian Competition Classes of Radio Controlled Scale Model Aircraft.

Three classes of formal competition are flown for radio controlled scale models in Australia. All are similar in that the model is both ‘static judged’ (not moving, sitting on a table using documentation provided by the competitor) and flight judged. The two scores are added together to form roughly half each of the final score. Many times a simple, well built model will finish in front of the "rivets and all" masterpiece just because it fly’s well. All three classes of radio control scale models fly to the same set of (F4C) flying rules. A common misconception is that scale models are physically measured. No scale models are measured for static judging purposes. Large Scale models are only measured to ensure that they are large enough to compete in the class. Models may be weighed to ensure they comply with entry requirements for their respective classes.

‘Stand Off Scale’ is not, as the name suggests, only for the shy competitor! Stand Off Scale was introduced as a scale model competition class using a simplified and quicker standard of static judging. The judges ‘stand off’ from the model at a distance of 3 metres and do not consider features that cannot generally be seen in flight e.g. cockpit detail. The weight limit for Stand Off Scale models is 7 Kg or 7.5 Kg for electric powered models including batteries. Stand Off Scale is considered the entry level for scale competition and we strongly encourage new members to enter.

F4C is the international class for scale models. Modellers who compete in this class are competing not just for personal satisfaction but may be trying for selection to represent Australia at the World Scale Championships held every 2 years. F4C models are judged from a distance for general accuracy but are then inspected very closely for the finest details, cockpit interiors, dummy engines and surface texture. The only limitation is that the judges must not touch the model. The weight limit for an F4C model is 12 Kg.

Large Scale is the third official class of radio controlled scale models flown in Australia. Static judging is similar to Stand off scale. The judging distance for Large Scale is 5 metres. To qualify as a large scale model the following criteria must be met: MINIMUM wingspan is 2 metres for a monoplane or 1.65 metres for a multi-wing aircraft. Maximum weight is 25 Kg.

A new class of scale models is just starting to develop. Following in the footsteps of indoor radio control models (electric powered) are Indoor Electric Scale models. Of between 0.4m and 1.0m wingspan and weighing up to 300g, these models have to be very light to fly slowly within the confines of indoor basketball stadiums, and the like. Almost ready to fly indoor scale models are available making it possible to participate with a minimum of time & effort.

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