A1H Skyraider
WHEN THE DESIRE for a Sport Scale Control Line model surfaced a few months ago, I decided it would be a nice change of pace from the usual stick-and-tissue Free Flight planes that take up most of my modeling time. This would be a simplified Scale subject and at the same time be designed to do more than just go around the circle. Thoughts about the project began to jell, equipment and materials to accumulate, and a large file of "someday I'm going to do this one, too" Scale three-views and photos
Hansa Profile
MOST MODELERS have the urge now and then to build something that looks a bit different. My efforts along these lines have been fairly tame, centering around a number of low-wing and biplane Rubber models. When I saw a three-view and picture of the Hansa, though, that changed. Here was an airplane that begged to be modeled. With its swept-forward wing and swept-back tail, the Hansa is definitely unusual. This business jet and light transport plane features quick-change facilities to allow conversion from a cargo layout to one that accommodates up to 12 passengers. Hailing from West Germany, the Hansa had its inaugural flight in 1964. Just 50 of the planes were made, including eight for the West German air force.
CO2 Messerschmitt Me-163B
ALTHOUGH it was operational for only nine months at the end of World War II, the Messerschmitt Me-163 was clearly on the way to leapfrogging everything the Allied designers had on the drawing board. But the end of the war came, and the Me-163 became another brilliant idea that never reached full development. Nevertheless, it stands as one of the most radical combat aircraft to have seen action in the Second World War.
Rocketeer 'A'
HERE'S A MODEL that seems, to me, to be the essence of an "old-timer." Cabin models were standard fare during the 30's. Although some parasol or stick models were occasionally seen, more often than not, modelers preferred their efforts to look like real airplanes. The "Rocketeer A" goes beyond just being a cabin model, however, and has its own special characteristics, due to the many curved lines and its distinctive profile. Although popularity of cabin models began to fade with the advent of the pylon model in the mid and late 30's, this model was designed in that time period. Originated by Maurice Schoenbrun, the Rocketeer A had a 40-in. span and was intended for class "A" or "B". It was sold by H&F Model Airplane Co. of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Arrow Sport Peanut
THE ARROW Sport V-8 was an unusual airplane when it was new, and is even more unusual now. It is one of very few production planes powered with an automobile engine, a Ford V-8, familiar to generations of hot rodders as the Ford flathead. Buyers were given a choice of models: the Master, with open cockpit; the Master Coupe, with closed cockpit; and the Deluxe Coupe. One real advantage for owner of the Arrow Sport V-8 concerned maintenance. Because of the Ford engine, a complete major engine overhaul cost only $55. There are quite a few model engines that cost more than that today! The plane selected for our model is owned by a man in El Centro, California, who has owned the plane since it was new and has recorded just 800 flight hours in that time. NC 18018 is serial #31, and is a Master Coupe.
