Old timers really had to learn to fly

Old designs were plagued with thin wings and narrow spans. They stall in the maneuvers and therefore needed a lot of speed which period engines couldn't deliver. In addition, they used close coupled control surfaces and were generally overweight.  The OTS pattern is not one that demands a lot of momentum to keep things looking the same. The planes are already handicapped therefore they can't properly perform a PAMPA pattern. Certain models of that era were different. This is why you see the OTS guys flying the same models, The Humongous, Jamison Special etc. These had larger than normal for the time wingspans with thicker airfoils.

The real test of the plane and your patience is when you introduce the bonus points for period correct engines. This is where you throw your handle across the circle and throw a tantrum. Rusty posted his flying experience with Bob Zambelli at Fort Jax. Bob uses a OK .60 in the Viking. The video presented a nice flying plane and the engine was on song for the video. A few weeks later at Huntersville, nothing. The engine wouldn't start and all the variables were correct in order but no run. I still haven't asked him what the problem was.

Old designs with the exception of few just don't track or fly correctly.  Don't believe what you read in the old magazines in regards to the way these old models fly. The editor's were like car salesman. The fact that you can use modern engines on old designs is what changed the playing field.Garden State Circle Burners have been monumental in OTS rules.  A modern engine develops enough power  (with reserve) to keep things chugging along.

I've flown a lot of old time designs and while I feel they're neat and interesting I do like the modern stuff. We were recently flying a Drone .29 diesel on a late 40's design plane which the name escapes me. Our entire club flew the plane and a few of us even managed flying it inverted which was pretty amazing. The plane however could loop fairly well assuming you nursed it through. Ken