Radio Control: Scale
THIS YEAR, the previously titled "youth issue" of Model Aviation has been more accurately dubbed the "Newcomer issue." The purpose of this special annual issue was never to compile topics relating only to children, but rather to provide useful first-step information in each of aeromodeling's many categories to neophyte modelers of any age group. You don't have to be a beginner to modeling, but if you happen to be a beginner to a specific discipline, like RC Scale, then this is your issue and you've got your nose in the right place. Radio Control Scale modeling is considered by many to be taboo territory for those who are relatively new to the hobby. I'm here to let you know that this doesn't have to be the case; you can fly a Scale model as a low-time RC pilot if you pick your subject carefully. At its upper levels, RC Scale can be a difficult and wholly consuming discipline, but with more casual involvement, it can be easy, fun, and especially rewarding. The prerequisite to success in Scale (or any other undertaking) is primarily dependent on knowing your abilities and choosing appropriate projects that will complement your skills.
Radio Control: Scale
THE 1996 WRAM SHOW, held February 23-25, was as spectacular as ever, with two packed floors of industry exhibitors, hundreds of first-class static-display models, and thousands of dedicated aeromodelers in attendance. Unusually fair weather made a healthy contribution to the event, keeping the airports and major highways open, and ensuring that White Plains, New York would be conveniently accessible. The WRAM agenda offered a new feature this year: There was a series of informative daily seminars on modeling techniques by some of the industry's most knowledgeable and colorful speakers. Faye Stilley shared many of his impressive MonoKote techniques, and Larry Sribnick of SR Batteries opened our eyes to the ever-changing technology of Electric flight.
Radio Control: Scale
DOCU-SEARCH: Robert Plecha wrote to express his interest in Jerry Pate's 1/5-scale D.H. 98 Mosquito. Robert would like to construct a Mosquito of his own, and he wonders if plans are available. Robert may be relatively new to the Scale community, and may not be aware of where to look for what he needs (and that an eight-mile-high stack of information is available). I've already suggested the commercial documentation services, but perhaps there are some of you who have particular items available for this popular airplane that are beyond the necessary photos and three-views he will need to get started. Contact Robert at 216 Vine St., Geneva OH 44041. James Cook is about to begin construction on an F-82 Twin Mustang, and he would like to make it as realistic as possible. I got the impression James must already have either plans or a kit on hand. If you have any available dope on this interesting aircraft, James would like you to share it with him. James is at 13915 Stoneshire, Houston TX 77037.
Radio Control: Scale
TOLEDO: Toledo was an incredibly good time, as always. The Weak Signals hosted a first-class show that drew hundreds of industry exhibitors, hundreds of the world's finest models, and thousands upon thousands of dedicated aircraft modelers. The Weak Signals' Toledo show is often referred to as "Modelers' Mecca," simply because that's what it is. On Sunday, I created an opportunity to leave our exhibition booth and photograph many of the Scale-related items I thought you'd enjoy seeing. There were an exceptionally large number of exciting products. Photo captions are enough tease-factor to whet your appetites; you'll find the addresses of the various manufacturers by using the "Advertisers Index" near the back of this magazine. Enjoy the show!
Radio Control: Scale
TOLEDO '96: I have run a few things from this year's show past you already, but there were several items left when I ran out of space in the magazine. Better to run them a bit late than not run them at all. The first item is good news for users of ModelCAD, DesignCAD 2-D, and DesignCAD 3-D software. New program versions for Windows 95 have been released, and are currently available. In fact, these new versions have been available ever since the Toledo show, so if you haven't upgraded yet, now is the time to do it.
