Radio Control: Old-Timers
SPARKERS! In my June column, I mentioned the availability of replacement parts-including the ignition timers ("points")-for those old spark-ignition engines which have been lying around for years, unused. Also, it seems to me that every issue of this magazine contains new ads for reproductions of various old ignition-type power plants. Therefore, it seems obvious to me that many RC-Assist fliers are going to have ignition engines to fly for the first time in their modeling experiences. Since first exposure to model airplane ignition systems can bring about an onset of a case of "anxieties" in some modelers, I've asked Bill Schmidt (who lives here in Wichita, KS) to share the "nuts and bolts" aspects of operating sparkers, since he has a vast range of experience with them and has been most successful in obtaining maximum power from the engines.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
A BUBBLE BURSTS. For many years, this writer has been trying his darndest to obtain drawings from which to build a KenHi Buzzer'd. I even went to the length of asking Hi Johnson (before his death) if he might know where I could find them. His several leads proved nonproductive. Gordon Codding (Kingham, AZ) sent photos of one he had obtained in derelict form and restored, and Associate Editor Ross McMullen advised that one hangs in the AMA museum. However, we consistently met with complete frustration when it came to anything to use for scratch-building. Even an appeal for help in this column produced only responses from others who wanted to build one.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
PUSHING ALONG in 1938. This month's Old-Timer subject was sent us by its original builder: Harry Scatena of Hammond, IN. He designed it in 1938 and had kept it in reasonably good flying condition all these years. Finally, the fabric had deteriorated to the point of needing a recover. Harry decided to convert it into a radio controlled version. Originally powered with an Ohlsson .23 swinging an eight-inch, hand-carved pusher prop, it is now reengined with an HP .21 four-cycle. The model has a span of 60 in., fuselage length of 37 in., stab 20 in., and fin 7 in.
Customized Field Box
TO THE NEWCOMER to RC flying, the incredible variety of field boxes seen at the average flying site must be nearly as confusing as the variety of trainers. Our personal advice to the novice is to purchase an inexpensive 1 1/2 V door-bell-type battery to light the glow plug and a $1.75 fuel bulb for transfer, and to hand-start the engine for a while. If he should encounter a balky engine, there is usually someone at the flying field willing to loan a starter. Our reasoning for suggesting this minimal support equipment is that the newcomer will know if RC flying is for him by the time the battery and fuel bulb are worn out. If he decides to move over to some less creative and mundane recreational activity, his investment will be minimal. For early flying sessions, an old cardboard box is sufficient to carry the equipment mentioned, an extra prop or two, and some tools.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
PACIFICOASTER. When Elbert ("Joe") Weathers passed away recently, I mentioned the fact in this column and noted that I had another of his designs to use as an Old-Timer of the Month (OTM) subject-and still another was being developed for publication. As I understand it, the Pacificoaster is going to be the subject of a construction article authored by Dave Benepe; however, some delays have apparently crept into the project for Dave, and I've decided to run the Pacificoaster this time, as a sort of preview.
