Documentation and building tips
by Stan Alexander
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Wow, time flies when you’re having fun! I’ve been working on my Cessna and looking forward to spring as well as the flying season. The basic fuselage is now framed up and the wing panels are built.
Cessna built several versions of the Airmaster. To my knowledge, the C-165 was the last one manufactured before World War II. The next single-engine, tail-dragger Cessna was the C-190—a completely different aircraft. Cessna discontinued tail-draggers after the C-180 and C-190 to C-195 series, and only built tricycle landing gear-equipped aircraft after that.
Documentation about your Scale model is the starting point, before you ever cut or glue a piece of wood. It’s much easier to document an aircraft before you build it, rather than try to fix something you forgot or changed later.
For Fun Scale, the documentation is simple, but Sport Scale requires more preparation. I like to have the drawings, photos, plans, and any other documentation about the full-scale airplane I’m building, whether it’s going to be a competition model or not.
The Pietenpol Air Camper isn’t a competition airplane. It’s in its element when flying low and slow on a still summer afternoon. The Cessna Airmaster, however, will be entered in Sport Scale competition.
While looking for an attractive color scheme, I came across a black and international orange full-scale aircraft with a white pinstripe. First purchased by the government to map commercial aircraft routes, I believe the paint scheme is original.
I’ve met the owner and talked about the airplane. He even sent me part of the fabric from the fuselage because it had just been recovered and painted. I probably have roughly 75 photos of the full-scale airplane.
Cessna C-165 Airmaster
I’ve also included some additional construction photos of the Jerry Bates-designed ¼-scale Cessna C-165 Airmaster. The next step is to assemble the forward fuselage and mount the Zenoah G26 gas engine and fuel tank. I hope to have all of that done next month.
Learning From Scale Contests
If you look at the “Contest Calendar” section in Model
With the structure centered on the plans, you will need several lengths of clamps for this build. Harbor Freight Tools is a good source for clamps.
Old batteries set in the fuselage center section help hold the fuselage in place while you are working on the rear structure.
I used the disks from the wing ribs from the Bob Holman short kit for this model and cut them in half, using them for braces on the rear structure.
Aviation or the Event Calendar on the AMA website, you will see upcoming contests in your region. They might be Scale contests, Scale fly-ins for warbirds, or Dawn Patrol events. No matter which of these gatherings you choose to attend, you will see some of the best aircraft and builders in the country.
Are you afraid that your model isn’t good enough? Take it anyway. As long as you can fly it, take it and learn from other Scale modelers. Last year, Scale modelers gathered at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park in Falls of Rough, Kentucky, to attend Scale seminars that covered a variety of subjects.
This year, the Mint Julep, a National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA) Scale Classic open contest, will be May 20-22 at Rough River Dam State Resort. All AMA RC Scale classes are offered. If you are thinking about going, make your reservations early. Rooms are limited, and the campground is currently closed for renovations. I look forward to this and many other events throughout the year!
Let me know about activities in your area.
The Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo
The Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo will be held April 1-3, in Toledo, Ohio. Look for several Scale organizations at this trade show. Two Scale seminars will be held on Friday and Saturday in the outer meeting rooms (check the schedule at the event).
Toledo is a great place to get good deals on your modeling supplies, and sometimes it’s the little stuff that is important when building a Scale model. This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the huge variety of models that you’ll see.
2016 AMA Nats
I previously mentioned that the AMA Scale Nats has changed dates this year. Instead of being held in July, the Nats will take place June 24-26. The field will be open on Wednesday and Thursday,
