FIREBALL TROPHY & SPIRIT OF SAM TROPHY, SAM 35 RULES, 2009 Onwards.

These rules cover ‘Fireball’ type events as originated by Mike beach for authentic reproductions of early control line
models. In order to expand interest and encourage younger modellers, ‘Spirit of SAM’ now provides an extra opportunity, for
models published by 31st December 1960.

THE AIMS:
The aim is to reproduce a model exactly as it would have been built and flown at the date of publication. This means
building the model accurately in all respects, using an appropriate engine, accessories, covering materials etc. It also means
flying the model in the correct manner.
It all sounds quite easy, but the following sections show what is required in practice and provides guidance for the
judges.

CUT OFF :
a/ The Fireball Trophy retains the original Mike beach inspired date of 31st December 1950.
b/ The Spirit of SAM Trophy has the cut off date set at 31st December 1960.
It is intended that these competitions be run simultaneously but they may be run separately, depending upon the
number of entries.

ENGINES:
Use engines appropriate to the period and type of model. Later versions of engines that are visually similar are
acceptable, but remember that higher performance is not always a good thing. Most flying sites require that a silencer be fitted.
Fitment of an effective silencer to any model in a sympathetic manner will incur no penalties.

COVERING /FINISH :
Materials that give the feel and appearance of the original should be used. There was not a lot of plastic film around
before the end of 1960!

ACCESSORIES :
Search for authentic items such as wheels, tanks, bellcranks etc, or make suitable ones. For the static judging, find or
make a propeller that gives the correct appearance and exchange it prior to flying.

FIDELITY TO DESIGN :
Simply copy the design. Do not be tempted to ‘improve’ things by changing the shape or appearance, an authentic
reproduction is what is needed! The entrant will need to supply documentary evidence such as a plan, drawings, photographs
etc of the design to validate the accuracy of reproduction.

FINISH :
This is not a Concours d’Elegance so a fancy paint job is not neded. Finish it like the original, to a good standard.
Use transfers, decals etc of your club or model group, tastefully applied.

FLYING :
Fly the model as appropriate to it’s prototype. A stunt model will be expected to perform loops, wing overs etc, a
trainer will stooge around and a team racer or speed model will be expected to be fast! Remember that all types of models have
won in the past! Each entrant selected to fly will be allocated a 15 minute slot.

SCORING :
STATIC FLYING
1/ Fidelity to original 40 1/ Launch / Takeoff 10
2/ Engine 20 2/ Overall impression
3/ Covering/ Finish 30 (does it fly like the original?) 80
4/ Workmanship 40 3/ Landing (With or without
5/ Accessories 40 undercarriage) 10

TOTAL (Max) : 150 100.

JUDGING :
A minimum of two judges is required, for both flying and static sections. Static judging will take place first and the
top twelve in total will then be invited to fly.
ORDER OF EVENTS :
Models to be presented for entry and static judging from 10.00 am.
Flying will commence at 2.00pm.
To reduce last minute rushes, competitors being unable to fly due to lack of time, and thus resulting in inequalities to
some entrants, no entries will be accepted after 1.00pm.

January 2001. (Re typed 4th December 2008)