Flying for Fun
NOSTALGIA: The conventional explanation for the interest in Old-Timer Free Flight (FF), Jimmie Allen designs, NosGas (Nostalgia Gas FF), Control Line (CL) Old-Time Stunt, Vintage Radio Control (RC), etc. is a common desire to recreate a bygone era. A recent series of experiences has caused me to reexamine that rationalization, while adding a twist to my thinking. Could those of us with an interest in recreating models of our youth be motivated by a desire to overcome some less-than-pleasant memories? Seldom are we presented with an opportunity to alter errors of the past, but we can through building and flying such model airplanes. We have the opportunity to build designs that were beyond our skills and/or financial means, and fly them in ways that were beyond our wildest dreams. My joy in revisiting the classic Rudder Bug, related in a construction article in the May 1998 issue, is a perfect example.
Flying for Fun
Now and again, my column idea file folder overflows with items that are very interesting, but are just not of sufficient length for a full column. In the past, I've called a column built on short items by several fancy names, but I'll stick with "pot luck" this time. As one does at such social events, look through what this column has to offer, select some choices for your plate, and chew on them for a while. Whether you swallow them or not depends on you. Care and Handling of CyA: I received a sample of the best thin cyanoacrylate glue (CyA) I've used in years from Model Research Laboratories (MRL) (25108 Marguerite #160, Mission Viejo CA 92692; Tel.: [949] 707-4450).
Flying for Fun
A RECENT conversation with a modeling friend of 40 years called my attention to confusion about several columns I've written on power loading (engine displacement relative to wing area and gross weight). It may well be the result of oversimplification on my part. As I illustrated with several photos, some models are designed to handle incredible amounts of power, while others are unable to do so; the difference lies in the rigging, and I'll try to clarify that this month. Underpowering is not usually a problem, since the model will likely barely fly anyway; on the other hand, overpowering a model is fraught with potential aerodynamic problems.
Flying for Fun
Really Big: Last month I mentioned 250 sq. in. (square inches) per .10 cu. in. (cubic inches) as a benchmark for light, low-speed model aircraft, such as Old-Timers and primary trainers. On the other hand, performance requirements lower that ratio as weight, required velocity, and aerobatic performance increase. A .60-size sport Pattern model will have, on average, about 800 sq. in., or 130 sq. in. per .10 cu. in. of power, and a wild unlimited-vertical-performance model will have as little as 60 sq. in. per .10 cu. in. Just for fun, I'll put those ranges into John Light's 1/2-size Laser. The model weighs 54 pounds, spans 144 inches (12 feet), and has about 3,900 sq. in. of wing area. Hence, a wing loading in the neighborhood of 32 ounces per sq. ft. is actually light for a model this size. The power plant is a 3W 200 twin (12 cu. in.) swinging a 30 × 10 propeller.
Druine Turbulent: "An absolute joy to fly"
On final approach. Design has been a favorite of modelers and full-scale aircraft builders for many years. Ever wonder why some full-scale aircraft are repeatedly chosen as subjects for modeling, but others are rarely developed? I'm sure a wide and diverse group of motivational forces are at work, from a desire to recreate longtime personal favorites to the comfort found in having seen certain Scale models fly well. The French-designed Druine Turbulent is short of the macho appeal of a warbird or the spectacular colors and aerobatics of the contemporary acrobatic prototypes, but it is undeniably long on simplicity and diminutive size. And its undeniable resemblance to a model aircraft only adds to its appeal.
