Radio Control: Scale
Spitfire Build-along: Last month the Dynaflite Spitfire was announced as the next build-along subject. The model and its destination, Fun Scale, are creations of RC industry icon Mark Smith. His big Spitfire was engineered just like his .40-class pseudo fighters-to be built quickly and effortlessly, to fly forgivingly, and to bring modelers with little or no Scale technique experience a relatively low-dollar project with which they could most likely succeed. The classic Spitfire was the perfect airframe for such a project. Mark's choice of the Spitfire was absolutely correct- the knew that few modelers could resist the airplane's graceful outline, its glorious contribution to history during the Battle of Britain, or one or more of the many color-and-markings it exhibited throughout its long service life. The Spitfire is perceived by many to be the perfect airplane. Even if a modeler is not particularly a fan of WW II aircraft, it's still hard not to fall victim to the Spitfire's charm.
Radio Control: Scale
SHOW SEASON is here and it seems as though this might be a very powerful year for Radio Control aircraft. The Radio Control Hobby and Trade Association's annual Model and Hobby Show in October at Rosemont, Illinois had record consumer attendance, its trade days were busy, and international attendance was very strong. I'm getting ready for a trip to California for the Endless Horizons Show in Long Beach and the International Modeler Show (IMS) in Pasadena. On the rare occasions when home and scholastic schedules allow, I get to bring my wife and daughter on these roads trips - they've really been looking forward to this one. My daughter Devin is six, and she's finally going to meet Mickey, Donald, and Goofy on their own ground. I'll get to see great models on the shows' static tables and an endless sea of products and craftsmanship in the manufacturers' exhibits.
Radio Control: Scale
IN JANUARY, Southern California hosted two major hobby expositions: The International Modelers Show (IMS) was in Pasadena, and the Endless Horizons Expo was in Long Beach. It was fun for me to attend these shows as a member of the press, and not as an exhibitor locked into a booth, as I had always been. I saw these shows as the consumer saw them. Endless Horizons had a full-line mix of exhibitors; there were airplane, car, boat, train, and plastics manufacturers of every size and description. IMS was more of an airplane modeler's show, although there was a solid cross-section of hobbies. The weather was fantastic, and the Southern California hospitality and dining were first-rate (thanks, Barbara, Roy, and Susan). The only negative aspect was that both shows took place during the same four days, which put a terrific burden on exhibitors and consumers. I spent two days at each event, but that's not convenient for exhibitors, who must either choose to attend one show or bear the costs of participation in both.
Radio Control: Scale
SPITFIRE BUILD-ALONG: If you haven't purchased your Dynaflite Spitfire kit yet, but are planning to join me in the build-along, there's good news. Great Planes purchased Dynaflite last year, and one of the first improvements made to Mark Smith's excellent 81-inch Spitfire was to create a quality construction manual. The original typed and photocopied pages are replaced by 16 pages of clearly written step-by-step instructions and detailed CAD-drawn illustrations. I intended to begin construction of the Spitfire's fuselage in time for this month's installment, but after examining the Great Planes kit I felt that it would be more prudent to see what changes have been made - especially since so many more of you will be working from the new kit than from the original. If you are building the original Dynaflite model, there is nothing to worry about; nothing in the Great Planes version renders the original obsolete. A large number of fine Spitfires have been built from the Dynaflite kit.
Radio Control: Scale
ON MARCH 4, the 43rd Annual Weak Signals Radio Control Expo, Toledo OH, opened its doors to a huge crowd. In an instant, preshow anticipation gave way to an invigorating lightning bolt of activity. The SeaGate Center was bustling, and vendors were busy. Airplanes were alive and well, and the show was off the deck and climbing. There were big crowds and scores of great products. The show gave every indication of brighter aeromodeling skies ahead. Aisle after exciting aisle was packed with modelers who had brilliant designs, clever accessories, labor-saving field-support products, and the most carefully and creatively crafted flying models in the world. Exhibitors met the onslaught of modelers with a barrage of products for specific interests, answers to many questions, and plans for future releases.
