Laser doodles
Thayer Syme
Through a convoluted set of circumstances a few weeks before Christmas, a UPS truck parked at the end of my driveway with a new laser cutter onboard that just happened to be looking for a new home. Holiday schedules being what they are, I wasn’t able to get to it right away, but I finally broke down and stole enough time to get the laser cutter set up and running mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve.
Our hosts for that evening called at the 11th hour, asking for slightly more time to get ready. Little did they know that this respite allowed me enough time to arrive for dinner with a few freshly minted ornaments, neatly wrapped as gifts.
The laser still hasn’t been put through its full paces, nor has it even cut any model airplane balsa yet, but I have been dabbling and doodling with it. My son, of course, immediately began scouring Google for projects.
He now has a business card that transforms into a catapult, and marvels at how easy it is to fold origami cranes from precisely scored paper. We also decided that the workshop needed rockets hanging over our workbenches, so we cut the pair shown in the photo from cardstock.
We have cut some balsa, though. For the second year running, Gryffin thought that launching water rockets in January would be a fun science fair project. With the laser cutter now available, he decided to test fin size, shape, and materials. He settled on three shapes, laser cut (of course!) from both balsa and corrugated plastic, in three sizes.
Those of you who are mathematically inclined will immediately recognize that this adds up to a lot of testing. Yes, indeed it does. Gryffin made at least five launches of each configuration, and with some “redos” and false starts, he managed just shy of 100 launches throughout six days, with some flights reaching more than 350 feet. His project was selected as one of the top 10 at his school, so he is now moving on to the state science fair.
Hey, it’s all about making stuff and having fun, right? And so much the better if it soars overhead—the A grade doesn’t hurt either.
A Bit of Inspiration
“Wind is a Four Letter Word” is what Alan Abriss humorously subtitled his recent video of the 2016 Flying Aces Club (FAC) National Championships. For those who came from near and far, the 2016 FAC Nats will be remembered for the wind and the challenge it offered.
It takes a dedicated lot to build and fly stick-and-tissue Free Flight (FF) models—and all the more so when the wind blows well into the triple digits. Despite conditions that few would challenge on their home fields, a strong turnout offered up hundreds of flights throughout the week.
Alan captured countless memories, featuring a variety of models. His video provides lasting reminders for those who flew, and a compelling teaser for those who missed out.
One of the things I think I like most about Alan’s videos is that they are not overproduced. As a working photographer, he strikes a nice balance between professional polish and an engaging journalistic approach that helps bring the event back to our living rooms in a compelling “you were there” manner. Thanks, Alan, for your photographic vision, and the good sense to present it without undue trimmings. The best-of-the-FAC-best are
accompanied in this video with a fitting musical score by noted FF modeler Vance Gilbert. Vance’s music elegantly complements the images instead of competing with them for your attention. The combination is, as it should be, more than the sum of its parts.
When not working on his latest models, Vance can be heard throughout the Northeast and beyond offering his own distinct blend of folk storytelling, with a bit of his jazz roots on the side. Even at his shows, Vance usually wears an airplane-themed shirt.
If you’ve never heard Vance Gilbert, visit his website, poke around a bit, then listen to him offer “Old White Men” on YouTube. Then listen to it again. I’ve never asked him how autobiographical this ballad really is, simply because I don’t want to know. In my mind, it is a flawless, poetic description of exactly how he found out about workshops, building things, and growing up as a caring soul, all while selflessly sharing this thing we call life.
Baxter Plans Offer Continued
A couple of columns ago, I offered to email files for Dick Baxter’s Big Pussycat and Akro designs or include full-size prints for free with any Flying Models plans ordered through the end of January. I wanted to thank all who responded, and to let you know that I have decided to maintain both offers for the indefinite future.
These two designs are easy to build and great starter models for anyone interested in trying their hands at rubber-powered FF, or for sharing the fun of building a real, live flying machine with a new recruit. A sheet of 1/16-inch balsa and a new blade in your hobby knife are all you need to get started.
The recommended hardware includes a 6-inch plastic propeller, propeller bushing, and a 1/32 music wire propeller shaft. Most versions will fly well with 3/32 rubber that is lubricated and stretch wound with a simple winder. These items should all be readily available from your local hobby shop. If not, try vendors such as Peck-Polymers, Easy Built Models, Retro RC, or Volaré Products. These companies will be glad to help you out and get you started.
What Are You Building?
This is all I have time for this month, but before I go, I want to encourage everyone to let me share your latest building projects. If it has been a while,
a gentle nudge will help. Pull one of those kits you are saving for someday off your shelf and find a few minutes to get started. No matter how much we procrastinate, they still won’t build themselves. When you are done, send me a photo or three.
My own next build will be a Macchi M.5, available from Keith Sparks, who owns Park Flyer Plastics. The Macchi was featured in Flying Models in 2006. My wife bought the kit for me for Christmas, with the understanding that I would get to it soon. I think this one has aged long enough.
Easy Built Models
(334) 358-5184
www.easybuiltmodels.com
Park Flyer Plastics
(817) 233-1215
www.parkflyerplastics.com
Peck-Polymers
www.peck-polymers.com
Retro RC
(248) 212-9666
www.retrorc.us.com
Vance Gilbert
www.vancegilbert.com
Volaré Products
(269) 339-9795
www.volareproducts.com
SOURCES:
Alan Abriss/Homegrown Television Productions
contact@homegrowntv.com
www.homegrowntv.com
