Proposed Slow Rat Changes

Proposed Slow Rat Changes
The following rule-change proposal has been submitted to AMA for changing the current Slow Rat (Event 312) rules. The rational and changes that will be required are listed below. A complete set of "25 Slow Rat" rules are at the bottom, prepared as if this proposal is accepted.

Rationale: Use of lighter weight and less powerful but widely available equipment in Event 312 to enhance its participation and competitiveness. This revision will enhance the safety of event 312 and encourage broader participation, while recovering the highly competitive edge it once held as a premier racing event.
1. Revise table at bottom of page CLR-6 for engine size, line length and diameter as follows: Class Engine Size to specify 0 - .2599 cubic inch (4.2 cc.)
Max Model Weight to specify: 2.5 lbs
Required Minimum Diameter of Each Line to specify: Single Strand 2 lines = .016", Multi Strand 2 Lines = .018"
Pull Test to specify: 35 lbs
2. Add to paragraph 2.2: The engine must have a fixed size (non-adjustable) choke area venture. Engines equipped with factory type RC throttles or carburetors must have the variable intake portion of the carburetor locked in position throughout the flight.
3. Revise paragraph 2.3 second sentence to read: The models must have a minimum fuselage length of 22 inches when measured from the propeller thrust washer face to the leading edge of the moveable elevator surface.
4. The entire fuel tank must be located ahead of the leading edge of the wing, with no surface nor edge more than 1/8th inch inboard of the centerline of the engine.
5. Revise paragraph 3.3 to read: All races will be run with three (3) fliers. Races with less than three (3) will be considered only as exceptions based on the number of entries.
Eliminate paragraph 2.6.
5. Revise paragraph 3.3 to read: All races to be run with at least two (2) but no more than three (3) fliers.
(Note that there are two Item 5s. It is uncertain at his writing which one is the actual proposal. Also note that Item 4 is actually a modification to paragraph 2.6 and should be so-identified, and the line that says to eliminate 2.6 should be removed.)

Proposed Slow Rat Changes
The following rule-change proposal has been submitted to AMA for changing the current Slow Rat (Event 312) rules. The rational and changes that will be required are listed below. A complete set of "25 Slow Rat" rules are at the bottom, prepared as if this proposal is accepted.
Rationale: Use of lighter weight and less powerful but widely available equipment in Event 312 to enhance its participation and competitiveness. This revision will enhance the safety of event 312 and encourage broader participation, while recovering the highly competitive edge it once held as a premier racing event. 1. Revise table at bottom of page CLR-6 for engine size, line length and diameter as follows: Class Engine Size to specify 0 - .2599 cubic inch (4.2 cc.) Max Model Weight to specify: 2.5 lbs Required Minimum Diameter of Each Line to specify: Single Strand 2 lines = .016", Multi Strand 2 Lines = .018" Pull Test to specify: 35 lbs 2. Add to paragraph 2.2: The engine must have a fixed size (non-adjustable) choke area venture. Engines equipped with factory type RC throttles or carburetors must have the variable intake portion of the carburetor locked in position throughout the flight. 3. Revise paragraph 2.3 second sentence to read: The models must have a minimum fuselage length of 22 inches when measured from the propeller thrust washer face to the leading edge of the moveable elevator surface. 4. The entire fuel tank must be located ahead of the leading edge of the wing, with no surface nor edge more than 1/8th inch inboard of the centerline of the engine. 5. Revise paragraph 3.3 to read: All races will be run with three (3) fliers. Races with less than three (3) will be considered only as exceptions based on the number of entries. Eliminate paragraph 2.6. 5. Revise paragraph 3.3 to read: All races to be run with at least two (2) but no more than three (3) fliers. (Note that there are two Item 5s. It is uncertain at his writing which one is the actual proposal. Also note that Item 4 is actually a modification to paragraph 2.6 and should be so-identified, and the line that says to eliminate 2.6 should be removed.)

CONTROL LINE SLOW RAT RACING
1. Applicability. All rules from the Unified Control Line Racing rules apply to this event except as modified, appended, or specified here.
2. Model Specifications.
2.1. The maximum length of the exhaust system as measured along its center line from the face of the piston shall be 1.1 inches.
2.2. Pressure fuel systems are not allowed with the exception that the fuel tank vent tubes may be directed into the airstream. The engine must have a fixed size (non-adjustable) choke area venturi. Engines equipped with factory type RC throttles or carburetors must have the variable intake portion of the carburetor locked in position throughout the flight.
2.3. Models must be of profile fuselage type, and must conform to the general profile definition. The models must have a minimum fuselage length of 22 inches when measured from the propeller thrust washer face to the leading edge of the moveable elevator surface.
2.4. The minimum wing area shall be 300 square inches. The wing must have a minimum thickness of one (1) inch when measured at any point along the span, with the exception of the last two (2) inches before each wing tip.
2.5. All models must have a canopy, horizontal stabilizer, elevator and vertical fin.
2.6. The entire fuel tank must be located ahead of the leading edge of the wing with no surface nor edge more than 1/8th inch inboard of the thrustline of the engine.
2.7. Models must have a fixed landing gear with minimum of one (1) wheel, and must be capable of unassisted ROG takeoff. Hand launching is permitted only when it is the Contest Director's opinion that the flying site will not permit a safe ROG.

3. Races.
3.1. Each contestant shall be allowed two (2) qualifying heats of 70 laps in length. One (1) refueling stop is mandatory in each heat.
3.2. Final races shall be 140 laps in length with three (3) mandatory refueling stops.
3.3. All races will be run with three (3) fliers. Races with less than three (3) will be considered only as exceptions based on the number of entries.
(Note: this may be revised to "at least 2 and no more than 3".)