Flying for Fun - 2004/01
THE DECEMBER COLUMN’S theme
was the use of model aircraft by the Wright
brothers, and others, in the development of
the first man-carrying, heavier-than-air
aircraft. Since submitting that text I’ve
noticed a need to clarify what I see as two
separate but interrelated and extremely
essential developments by the brothers that
made manned, powered flight possible.
Flying for Fun 2003/02
BANISHED TO the Boonies: In last
month’s column I expounded at length on
the advantages of presenting our modeling
activities to the public as a sport rather than
a hobby. Fundamental to that presentation
are exposure and demonstration—areas in
which we have some problems.
Flying for Fun
As time goes by, the inevitable march of
time takes more of those good guys away,
leaving us with a void that can never be
refilled and a nagging sense of loss. I am
still working on the loss of Tom Runge,
then came word of Radio Control Modeler
(RCM) editor Dick Kidd’s passing.
Dick had the knack of being kind and
gracious while being particular about what
material went into his magazine. On
numerous occasions Dick called me and
advised me that my submission fell short of
his quality standards while not insulting me
or even making me feel bad or angry about
it. His guidance and suggestions invariably
led to much better pieces in the magazine.
He had a gift for interpersonal
communication that is rare in these modern
times.
Flying for Fun - 2001/05
LaSt Month I detailed Bill Schmidt’s
method of creating model-airplane
decorations using clear tape and a
photocopier.
After submitting that column, I was
trimming some areas on my current project
with UltraCote plus™ when I started
wondering if that material might take and
hold images from a copier.
I’ve tried it, and it does!
Flying for Fun - 2001/04
AnOther twiLight Zone Story:
This column has become somewhat of a
“lightning rod” for “paranormal” stories
about model airplanes. I’ve passed on some
incredible experiences in this column
throughout the years, but this one might
rank at the top.
Warren Plohr of Ann Arbor MI relates
the following:
“I grew up in The Bronx, NYC. In the
late 1930s, flying rubber-powered models
in the streets, vacant lots, and small local
parks, was the norm. When gas engines
first appeared, a larger park was needed.
Van Courtland Park was the only real
choice in the borough. I saw my first gas
model fly from The Meadows Field in
V.C.P., bounded by Broadway on one side,
and trees on the other.
