Old Timers

Old Timers are replicas of vintage model aircraft, based on designs published or available as kits during the “golden era of model aviation”, prior to WWII.

Our interest is in Electric Powered Old Timers (EOT) model aircraft. AEFA is actively involved in promoting and developing Electric Old Time models. A "Fact Sheet" describing some of the basic aspects of EOT can be seen here .  

‘Old Timer’s were originally free flight models powered by ignition engines or rubber motors. In that era, there were two types of competition, one for a limited motor run, the other for a limited fuel allowance. Current competition rules emulate those concepts.

EOT events encouraged by AEFA are:

• Texaco - limited battery (fuel) allowance based on aircraft weight
• Duration - limited motor runs, battery based on wing area
• Height Limited - single, limited motor run to a capped ceiling
• 1/2A Texaco - the same idea as Texaco but aircraft are limited in size and battery options are reduced
• Vintage Glider - 7 minute flight. Single motor run with an electronic plug-in device limiting motor run time and aircraft height under power.

Rules and some suggestions for models and power systems for EOT events currently supported and flown by AEFA members can be downloaded here .  

The full set of rules for Old Timer events is available on MAAA website. You can go to them - here

Starting out with ‘old timers’ might seem a challenge but selecting a good design, and appropriate power package can be very simple if we look at what currently works for others

Here are some tables describing some of the models currently competing in AEFA events.They show that one or two designs dominate and that mid to low price range motors give good results. Note:- the Tables below can be downloaded using the link above.

DURATION

HEIGHT LIMITED

TEXACO

Experience in AEFA competitions has also shown that for these first three categories, flyers can be very successful using the same airframe and motor. All that is needed is to change propeller and battery for each category.

1/2A TEXACO