Control Line: Navy Carrier
SBN-1 models: My last column included a photo of the model pictured this month. It was incorrectly identified as a Brewster XSBA-1. Leon Ryktarsyk called to correct my error. The model is the production variant of the aircraft manufactured by the Naval Aircraft Factory as the SBN-1. As I promised in my previous column, this month I'll describe the construction details of the SBN-1 models flown by Leon Ryktarsyk and Marc Warwashana. The accompanying photos tell the story better than words, but I'll try to add a little.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
MODIFICATIONS to the O.S. .32: Bill Bischoff (Dallas, Texas), CL Contest Board Chairman and active Carrier flier, has been using the O.S. .32F engine on Profile Carrier models for over a year and reports the results of some of the modifications he has performed on the engine to increase performance. The basic configuration with which Bill started was a stock engine with the head clearance reduced to .015 in. (refer to my June column for a discussion on compression ratios in stock engines).
Control Line: Navy Carrier
GUARDIAN on display: Since writing, in my last column, about the AF-2S Grumman Guardian on display at the Pima Air Museum, I've learned of another one. The Naval Aviation Museum at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, has a Guardian with original Navy colors (dark blue), markings, and configuration. The Naval Aviation Museum is without a doubt the largest collection of aircraft and other artifacts dedicated to preserving the history of U.S. naval aviation.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
NEW ADDRESS: Once again I'm changing locations. The Air Force is sending me to California, to Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino for 10 months, then on to Albuquerque in the summer of 1993. I plan to enjoy some family time during the transition. Those of you who try to contact me between late August and early October will have caught me between homes. Please be patient. Scale documentation: The experienced carrier modeler is fully aware of the requirement for documentation of the scale outlines of the model in order to receive the 100 scale bonus points. In spite of the clear statement in the rule book, I've seen more than one modeler disappointed at processing because he was denied the bonus.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
ON THE ROAD: I mean that quite literally-I'm in Indiana (en route to California) at a borrowed typewriter. My car is full of fuel, paint, and a host of other modeling staples that moving companies under government contract won't move, and with model airplanes that I won't let them move. Unfortunately, I am separated from my records, photos, drawings, letters, and all the other things that are the lifeblood of a bimonthly columnist. You have the opportunity to read this column only because the editorial staff at Model Aviation struggled through the weak print made by an old typewriter ribbon and the many errors and corrections that my computer usually eliminates before I send out my final copy. My thanks to the editors for overcoming the obstacles to put this in print.
