Control Line: Aerobatics
Frank McMillan 12106 Gunter Grove, San Antonio, TX 78231
Overview
This is a wonderful time to be modeling—especially for Control Line Stunters. Every day new products entice modelers and make modeling more enjoyable. However, many suppliers are small operations and are in the business as much for the love of the hobby as for personal gain. These businesses are proud of their products. The following are some recent items and developments you may find interesting.
Werwage Trilogy and I-beam Wings
One significant trend in precision aerobatics over the last five years has been the sharing of information and designs by Stunt legends. Some of the most famous designs that have stood the test of time are Bill Werwage's.
Warren Tiahrt thoroughly documented the real ’59 Ares several years ago. His version was not what was kitted or published: it was slightly larger, differed in many small details, and is a better-flying design. Warren later drew plans for the world champion USA-1. After much urging, Bill and Warren have recently completed the final element in the "Werwage Trilogy" — the Super Ares.
The Super Ares is a much larger version that Bill flew in the mid-1960s. It was first flown with a K&B .45, then with a series of other engines. The Super Ares is a true .50–.60-size airplane and needs the power of a modern engine. It is an elegant design that flies very well; I saw it at the 1967 National Aeromodelling Championships (Nats) and have wanted to build one ever since.
Plans for the Werwage Trilogy have been produced from the original models (which still exist) and are accurate. Each model is Classic-legal. Plans are of Warren Tiahrt's usual excellent quality and are $10 each, or $25 for the Werwage Trilogy, plus postage and handling. Contact Bill Werwage for details.
The Detroiter / I-beam Wing
The most prominent feature of the Werwage Trilogy designs is the famous Detroiter or I-beam wing. For many years this construction approach was considered a secret weapon, and the technique was limited to very few people. Although drawings of many I-beam designs have been available, detailed assembly procedures have been sketchy—until now.
As part of his ongoing technology series, Bob Hunt of Robin's View Productions, L.L.C. collaborated with Bill Werwage to produce How to Build I-Beam Wings. This expertly edited video takes you through construction of a ’59 Ares wing, from layout to landing gear installation. It's the best how-to tape I've seen and an ideal companion to the I-beam plans—highly recommended. Introductory price: $19.95. Contact Bob Hunt at Robin's View Productions, L.L.C.
Bob has also returned from a field trip that included lengthy stops at the homes of George Aldrich, Bob Gieseke, and Al Rabe. Watch for feature tapes on Aldrich and Rabe, with many clips of never-before-seen airplanes and views.
Engines and Propellers
There are some new releases in the high-quality engine field.
- Randy Smith's Precision Aero series began as a .40, then a .51, and now a .61. These were tuned-pipe engines, but side-exhaust versions were planned. Randy now has a side-exhaust .61 available; it is timed for non-piped muffler operation (the classic Z-4 Brear) and at just over 11 ounces it will fit ST .60 designs, offering more power and better fuel economy. Contact Randy at Aero Products.
- Production versions of the previously reviewed Jett .50 are available in a side-exhaust version for conventional installations. The workmanship and fit are first-rate. Contact George Aldrich.
- At the Vintage Stunt Championships, the Double Star .40 and .50 (imported by Tom Dixon) received good reports. These are lightweight ABC engines of excellent quality. Contact Tom Dixon.
- Tom Lay has long supplied first-rate custom engines for Stunt models. He offers muffled or piped versions of the popular ST .51 and VF .46. Of particular interest to ST .60 and Classic designs is his ST .60. Tom also carries the extensive line of Brian Eather carbon-fiber propellers—typically undercambered, lightweight, and with an exceptionally fine finish. Brian has developed 2-, 3-, and 4-blade types for the extraordinarily powerful PA .61. Tom has also developed a very light, conventional-chamber muffler available for most current Stunt engines. Contact Tom Lay for information.
- Edom Enterprises (Bill Lee and John McCollum) have begun producing carbon propellers—quality 2- and 3-blade props targeted for .50- and .60-size tuned-pipe engines.
Kits and Laser Production
Many current kit producers are moving to laser-cut parts:
- Randy Smith has converted his extensive kit series to laser production; modelers report exceptional quality.
- Windy Urtnowski has also converted to laser production. His Cardinal series and the Strecha will be available by the time of the Nats. He is also making rib sets to fit the kits, available separately for $29.95.
Windy also offers an extensive line of videos containing valuable finishing techniques from multiple-Concours selections. The Spitfire videos include procedures for molding balsa, fiberglass, and carbon technology. I recommend this series as a valuable technical resource.
Brodak's Distributing Co., Inc. remains a comprehensive supplier of kits, engines, and accessories. John Brodak is a Control Line enthusiast and has purchased the entire K&B production run of the new K&B .40. He is making it available at $89.95 — a wonderful value. Look also for a series of Aldrich designs, such as the Nobler in kit form. Brodak has a large inventory and is a reliable mail-order source.
Accessories, Figures, and Graphics
You never can tell who will be at the Vintage Stunt Championships or what goodies will appear.
- Carol Layton creates custom pilot figures. Her pilots are attractive, light, and the right size; they can be made to suit your desires. "Did you see those cute pilots?" was a common reaction. Contact Carol for custom figures.
- With modern graphics software and dry-transfer technology, preplanned and custom graphics are easier than ever. For my Caudrons (racing models), I use sponsor dry-transfer sheets from ProMark Model Graphics. The logos are attractive, easy to transfer, and accept paint easily. I plan to use a custom set on my next project. Contact ProMark for dry-transfer sheets.
Sources
- Jett .50 Engines — George Aldrich
12822 Tarantown Rd. San Antonio, TX 78233-4628 (210) 656-2021
- K & B .40s, Aldrich Design Kits — Brodak's Distributing Co., Inc.
100 Park Ave. Carmichaels, PA 15320 (412) 966-2726
- Double Star .40 and .50 — Tom Dixon
Box 671160 Marietta, GA 30066
- Carbon Propellers — Edom Enterprises
Route 2, Box 2200 Chandler, TX 75758 (903) 852-3033 / (903) 852-5599
- "How I Build I-Beam Wings" Video Tape — Bob Hunt, Robin's View Productions
Box 68 Stockertown, PA 18083 (610) 746-0106
- Engines, Brian Eather Propellers, Chamber Mufflers — Tom Lay
Box 6052 Torrance, CA 90504
- Custom Pilots — Carol Layton
1841 E. 32nd St. Davenport, IA 52807 (319) 386-2487
- Laser Production Kits, Side-Exhaust .61 Engines — Randy Smith, Aero Products
1880 Scenic Highway Snellville, GA 30278 (770) 979-2035
- Dry-Transfer Sheets — ProMark
751 Airport Rd. Metropolis, IL 62960 (618) 524-2440
- Laser Production Kits, Videos — Windy Urtnowski
93 Elliot Place Rutherford, NJ 07070 (201) 986-8740
- Werwage Trilogy — Bill Werwage
111 Jacqueline Dr. Berea, OH 44017-2729 (216) 234-4296
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
