SMALL-FIELD FLYING
THE TOOLS OF
THE TRADE
By Pat T ritle | patscustommodels@gmail.com
AS MODELERS, we all know the value of the tools that we need to accomplish any number of modeling tasks. The types of models that we build play a big part in determining the kinds of tools needed as well. Building simple Free Flight (FF) and RC park flyers from kits requires only the basic hand tools, such as X-Acto knives, sanding blocks, and a Dremel rotary tool, plus a handful of other common hand tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, and such.
However, when kit- or scratch-building larger RC park flyers, especially scale models with lots of detail, we need a more sophisticated line of power tools up to, and often including, a drill press, bandsaw, scroll saw, and even a lathe and a mill.
Another handy little tool for those of us who have not yet delved into 3D printing is a vacuum-forming machine to make small detail parts. Michael Myers uses a YIYIBYUS dental vacuum-molding machine. This particular, very affordable machine has a 3.5-inch square forming bed that is large enough to make smaller detail parts, such as windshields, spinners, exhaust stacks, and any number of other items. I have one on order now and will bring updates as soon as I’ve had the chance to work with it some.
Having worked with the old Mattel Vac-U-Form machine back when I was scratch-building 1:32-scale plastic models, I found it to be invaluable, so I am really looking forward to having this handy, little gadget in the arsenal.
Of course, where molding parts is involved, molds must be made first, which is an art form in its own right. In that vein, I will touch on some of the materials used to make molds for one-off parts as well. For modelers, it’s always fun to expand our skills and add new aspects to our hobby.
Another handy, little item came to me from George Ash. Nearly every modeler has a Dremel rotary tool, but for those smaller tasks, George uses a battery-powered manicure/pedicure tool. It’s a small, handheld, two-speed forward/two-speed reverse rotary tool that can get into places where the Dremel might be a bit too bulky to handle. The unit comes with five grinding stones and a polishing pad, and it is recharged using a phone charger.
Not being one to pass along anything that I wouldn’t be willing to try myself, I ordered one and am very impressed with the way it works. The small-shank Dremel stones will fit the tool too, so we’re not limited to only the stones that come with it.
Putting Tools to Good Use
In my last column, I offered a quick mention of Michael Myers’ latest project, which, as anticipated, has been completed and flown. The 50-inch wingspan Easy-Built P-40 FF kit was converted to four-channel RC. The airframe was built basically stock, with the addition of a battery access hatch and the necessary modifications for the movable control surfaces.
The vacuum-forming machine mentioned earlier was used to make the windscreen, exhaust stacks, and air inlet fairing. The covering is Polyspan and dope. A 450-class outrunner motor and a 3S 1,300 mAh LiPo battery supply power for solid 10-minute flights.
As long as we’re on the subject of warbirds, Don Paddock has come on board with his 60-inch wingspan L-19 Bird Dog. Don’s L-19 was built from the Dare/Brodak kit and is powered by an E-flite 450 outrunner motor with a 20-amp ESC and 2,000 mAh 2S LiPo battery swinging an APC 11 x 5.5E propeller. Hitec HS-55 servos were used in the wing to control the flaps and
ailerons, and Spektrum 9-gram servos from a wrecked foamie were used for the rudder and elevator. The Bird Dog was covered with UltraCote ParkLite and finished out at 30 ounces.
Don reports the model to be a nice, scale-like flier and found the flaps to be very effective for both the takeoff and landing, as well as an occasional touch-and-go.
Next up, our old friend Jaden Shumate is back in the game with three of his latest creations. Jaden loves World War I subject matter and, in that vein, has mastered the art of printing tissue to cover his models. The Nieuport 17 and 24-inch Fokker D.I are Mike Midkiff designs, so you know they’re going to be great fliers. The 24-inch wingspan Fokker D.VII was built from a Herr Engineering kit and is also a terrific flier. After a bit of a hiatus from these pages, it’s great to see Jaden back in the saddle and once again building some beautiful Scale models.
And with that, I have the bases pretty well covered for this installment, with a broad spectrum of modeling subjects, as well as a couple of new tools to possibly add to your lineup. Modeling is still about the modeler doing the work, but good tools can enhance the modeler’s skills and are always a plus when it comes to adding detail to our finished creations.
So, for now, I’d like to offer a hearty “Well done!” to Michael, Don, and Jaden for some beautiful models. And to all, drop a line with your latest projects. I love to see what you all are up to.
Until next time, keep the sawdust flying and the iron hot.
SOURCES:
Brodak Manufacturing & Distributing Company, Inc.
(724) 966-2726
www.brodak.com
Easy Built Models
(334) 358-5184
www.easybuiltmodels.com
Finishing Touch Salon Nails Kit
Amazon
www.amazon.com/Finishing-Touch-Flawless-Electronic-Manicure/dp/B08GQZ7T24
YIYIBYUS Dental Vacuum-Molding Machine
Amazon
www.amazon.com/YIYIBYUS-Forming-Molding-Thermoforming-Equipment/dp/B096X...
