Radio Control: Scale
THE RADIO CONTROL HOBBY and Trade Association's 1994 Chicago show was filled with Scale activity. There were new kits, excellent models on the static tables, and each exhibitor of Scale airplanes or accessories had something of value to contribute to our discipline. Scale was huge. Walking the show floor could amount to days, if one wanted to take the full impact of everything displayed. In addition to the Scale goodies that were part of the many airplane-related exhibits, you could also take in boat exhibitors, car and truck displays, helicopter kits and accessories, plastic kits, trains and hobby accessories of every size, purpose and description, even gaming, books, and extensive arrays of hand and power hobby tools. If you looked deep enough past the show's steady flow of onlookers, you would have found none other than Neil Young doing his part for the show, sans guitar, talking to train fans at the Lionel display. You bet Chicago was a kick. Have a look . . .
Radio Control: Scale
WHATEVER YOUR AGE, aeromodeling interest, or experience level, I'm here to tell you that Scale modeling is fun. Have others led you to believe that Scale modeling is not for the squeamish? Have you heard that Scale models are difficult to build or fly? Are you under the impression that only the most skilled modelers are able to produce acceptable Scale models? If any of these views are embedded in your thought process, read on. If the idea of building a flying Scale model is new to you or intimidates you for some reason, pay attention. Scale aeromodeling can never be any more or less than what you make of it. There are simple full-scale airplanes and complicated full-scale airplanes, and of course, there are models that behave nicely in the air and those that do not. All you have to do is select an airplane whose style and grace inspires you, and equally important, select one that is suited to your building and flying skills.
Radio Control: Scale
BUILDING TIME IS IN FULL SWING. Snow is falling just about everywhere it usually falls, and I'm not ashamed to be lashed to my bench once again. As you read this, I will have attended the Puyallup, Washington show for the first time over the weekend of February 3-4. Scale activity in the Pacific Northwest is plentiful, so I should be able to have several show photos and a report for you next month. The WRAM Show is also near, so stay with us for a close look if you can't get there in person. I've recently received a number of requests for information regarding my technique for finishing cloth-covered vintage aeroplanes. In truth, the method is so quick and easy that it may forever change the way you finish these types of models.
Radio Control: Scale
THE POWERS THAT BE were kind this year in allowing me to make my first trip to the Mt. Rainier RC Society's annual Pacific Northwest Exhibition in Puyallup, Washington. The show ran without a flaw February 4-5; exhibitors and attendees alike were treated to unparalleled courtesy and professionalism, and the sights were as good as it gets. This show is no small production; it offered many major exhibitors of every size and description. Static tables in every category were crammed with quality projects, a few of which I was able to photograph for you. Please forgive the lack of information about most of these airplanes. Few details were listed in their documentation (plenty of stuff on the full-scale versions, as you would expect, but little, if any, on how the model was constructed), and the club forms that accompanied the models didn't address items like finish, radio, engine, materials, and plan or kit source.
Radio Control Scale
THE WRAM SHOW in White Plains, New York is always a kick. Good people, good stuff. Several items of interest to Scale modelers were displayed in White Plains this past February, both in the 100-plus professional manufacturers' exhibits and on the crowded (but well organized) static tables. I sneaked away from our company exhibit [Coverite] long enough to get shoot a few rolls of film and meet with a great bunch of Scale modelers who had displayed their airplanes for the static competition.
