Radio Control: Scale
EXPERIMENTAL Aircraft Association members, for a number of years, have been building planes that are reduced-size versions of military aircraft. Their problems in scaling down are similar to those encountered by modelers. Ben Owen of EAA headquarters staff, who is also an AMA modeler, has summarized the scaling technique as follows: What this proves, or shows, is that there are different reductions in each measurement in scaling. For convenience, engineers have historically used linear measurement when scaling. The fact that a linear reduction of 1/2 does not mean 1/2 of the area or 1/2 of the weight or volume should be clearly kept in mind. Examples:
Radio Control: Scale
THE WIDE variation in quality and quantity in proof-of-scale presentations by competitors must have a pronounced effect on the judges' decisions and the scores obtainable during static judging. At Las Vegas, where the Tournament of Champions had assembled more superb scale models in one place than ever before, the presentations were extremely variable. Some were the best quality while others contained far too much material or too little. Competitors were overlooking a source of higher points in their scores for presentations that would please the judges. One of the better presentations was that of winner Bob Nelitz for his De Havilland Chipmunk (July 1977, Model Aviation). His book began with a table of contents describing the method of division by which the plane was broken down into major components. This was followed by a description and principal dimensions. A note to the judges stated that photos were to verify construction only. Each subsequent section of the book contained an exploded isometric drawing showing a portion of the plane.
Radio Control: Scale
WE RECENTLY received a letter indicating that someone is trying to breathe new life into the AMA Precision Scale event. This from Larry D'Attilio, contest director for the Milwaukee Flying Electrons Seventh Annual Pattern-Scale Contest. In addition to his duties as CD, Larry is highly qualified to speak on the subject of RC Scale, as he is a top grade scale modeler. The first portion of his letter is an announcement of the coming contest. Following that are some probing questions, with enlightening answers, concerning our hobby and sport, from the view-point of a contest oriented person. "The Milwaukee Flying Electrons, one of America's largest R/C clubs is hosting its Seventh Annual Pattern-Scale Contest on August 19 and 20, 1978 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin (a suburb of Milwaukee).
Radio Control: Scale
INFORMATION SOURCES: The book "Veteran and Vintage Aircraft" by Leslie Hunt (The Garnstone Press Limited, 59 Brompton Road, London SW3 1DS) contains a listing of the world's aeronautical museums and collections of civil and military, as well as individual display and privately owned aircraft. The era covered includes the two World Wars and the period between. Nine thousand fascinating and rare machines are described and listed according to location with a cross index to plane names. The book contains a list of useful addresses and the locations of the world's major aviation collections, a large percentage of which are here in the U.S. Knowing where to gather information on the plane of your choice is a long step in the direction of accurate documentation and construction.
Radio Control: Scale
GLOW HEAT for Older Engines: The Ross twin .60 engines were always a favorite of scale modelers because they were easily fitted into the cowl of any plane that used a flat four- or six-cylinder engine. The appearance of two cylinders through the open cowl front offered very desirable scale authenticity. The Ross carburetor was good for its day, but modern carbs afford a much greater reliability at idle. The tendency for one glow plug to cool off and quite while idling was always a possibility and the firing cylinder could not overcome the drag of the dead piston and rod while maintaining level flight in a heavy ship. The addition of airborne batteries for supplying glow heat meant adding more weight but was good insurance against an unwanted landing with only half an engine.
