Sport Scale
OVERVIEW
Sport Scale is a somewhat “relaxed” version of the Scale event. In Sport Scale, dimensional accuracy is based on visual assessment of similarity of outline instead of direct measurement of dimensions. This can help speed static judging, thereby making Sport Scale a feasible event even at smaller contests. In addition, the data documentation package is simplified by not needing a dimensioned drawing. This expands the number of prototypes that can be modeled.
For the full set of rules see The Sporting Code
SCORING
The score is the total of the Static Judging score and the Flight score. In summary:
- Similarity of Outline: 200 points
- Finish, Color, and Markings: 200 points
- Degree of Difficulty: 100 points
- Craftsmanship: 300 points
- Flight and Mission Points: 300 points
Highest score wins.
GENERAL TIPS
by Chris Flanigan, NAR 17540
Data Package. A data package is required that documents the appearance (outline, colors, markings, etc.) of the prototype. Dimensioned drawings can be provided if desired but are not required.
Size. Sport Scale has three subclasses based on the size of the model:
- Sport Scale. Any model size is acceptable.
- Peanut Sport Scale. The model must be no more than 30 centimeters in overall length or no more than 2 centimeters in body diameter.
- Giant Sport Scale. The model must be at least 100 centimeters in overall length or at least 10 centimeters in body diamete
Each category has interesting challenges and benefits. Giant Sport Scale is especially crowd pleasing due to the large size of the models (and often the large motors used by the large models).
Judging Distance. Similarity of Outline is judged at a distance of one meter. At this distance, the proportion of length, diameter, fin size, and other features are evaluated. After judging Similarity of Outline, judges may closely approach the model to inspect craftsmanship, paint texture, and other features. Therefore, you need to build a nice model.
Note that Sport Scale is not “one meter scale.” A model that looks OK at a distance of one meter but looks poor up close will probably not get a high score. For example, erratic glue joints might not be highly visible from a distance but will be seen when judging for Craftsmanship points.
Scale Modeling Techniques. The scale model aspects of Sport Scale are essentially the same of as for the Scale event. See the Scale event page for further information.
NARAM 68 Sport Scale Beginner Tips
The Sport Scale subclass will be flown at NARAM 68. That means any size is acceptable.
Scale is an event which may be best done by jumping in with both feet and seeing how it goes. This is typically not an event anyone will do exceptionally well in on their first attempt. A typical path for a modeler getting into scale is to start with a kit and then decide if the modeler wants to continue to go down the deep rabbit hole that is scale model rocketry. At NARAM a set of judges will provide feedback on a model, and a modeler may use that feedback to improve in the future.
At NARAM 67 the Junior team used the Estes Black Brant III (Kit #1293) for the S5 event. This is a relatively simple rocket to build and could be one of many reasonable first kits for a beginner. As stated in the article by Chris Flanigan, a data packet is required to enter the event. A minimal data packet for the Estes Black Brant III kit is in the external links.
The gold standard in scale data is Peter Alway's Rockets of the World; however, a beginner doesn't typically need to purchase the book to just enter one event as often times drawings for individual rockets are available through other NAR members or in NAR publications.
Another source of scale data is the digital archive on the NAR website, at the time of publication, in the Scale Rocket Information folder.
Without a data packet a model will not be qualified.
External Links
Estes_Black_Brant_III_Example_Data_Packet.docx