Radio Control: Scale
I'M GOING TO BREAK form for this issue. No Docu-Search; no manufacturers' news; not even modelers' projects. I'll make this one all business and address a subject that's been something of a scaremonger for modelers down through the ages, especially with the increasing interest in WW II subjects for larger-than-.60 engines: fiberglassing an airframe. Nothing else could be quite so intimidating or quite so misunderstood. Let's face it: if you've never done it, fiberglassing an airplane is just plain scary. In fact, if you've tried it but botched the job, it's going to be even scarier.
Radio Control: Scale
THIS YEAR'S WEAK SIGNALS Expo in Toledo, Ohio was a very powerful show. The static models, Scale and otherwise, were magnificently crafted to the last. On the down side, I can't seem to find my Toledo film anywhere, so I'm unable to share the experience with all of you. There was plenty to see in manufacturers' exhibits as well as the static tables, but for me, two models stood out from the crowd: Terry Nitsch's F-86 had a metal finish that was not to be believed and Dennis Crooks' impressive Lear 35 finally received the First Place recognition it's always deserved. I'm partial to antique aeroplanes, but I always try to maintain objectivity; these two jets were top-shelf material.
Radio Control: Scale
IN THIS SPORT/HOBBY, there are few combinations more satisfying than long, sunny days with light winds, plenty of fuel, and a good Scale model. This is the right time of the year for all these things, so I hope every one of you is making the most of them. I've been a bit long-winded and light on the photographs over the last two columns, so this month I'll lay low and share some great looking airplanes you've been kind enough to photograph and bring to my attention.
Radio Control: Scale
I'VE BEEN SOMEWHAT long-winded over the last couple of issues, so I'll give the procedural angles a rest for a while to show photos of some of the great models you've built. Modelers' Projects: Our opener comes from Tom Senften, a firefighter from Middletown, Ohio and a member of the Miami Valley Radio Control Club. Tom built this striking Fokker D. VII from modified Rich Uravitch plans. The model weighs 18 1/2 pounds, spans 75 1/2 inches, and carries a Quadra 40 up front. The D. VII's paint scheme emulates that of Ernst Udet, but handled with Mooreguard red and white latex house paint and Accent Acrylic Country Colors (for the lozenge pattern) over Solartex fabric from England. Tom claims that "It's a great flier, but as you might expect, the narrow gear keeps you on your toes."
Radio Control: Scale
ON JULY 16 I enjoyed a very pleasant Sunday afternoon with Contest Directors Mel Katz, Mike Dalton and their club, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Aeromodelers Radio Control Society. The occasion was the SPARCS' 20th Annual Sport Scale Meet and US Scale Masters Regional Qualifier at Warminster (PA) Naval Air Station. The large paved runways provided the perfect atmosphere and operating conditions for the meet. Fourteen fliers brought first-class models and top-level flight skills to Warminster. Aircraft ranged from Norm Malinowski's SE-5 and Bill Setzler's Fokker Eindecker to Dave Malchione's more-contemporary Lockheed T-33. I arrived after static judging had taken place, but I did check the board to find that the impressive Setzler Eindecker had taken top static honors with a 93.5.
