Control Line: Aerobatics
Wynn Paul
We control-line enthusiasts must work together to preserve our events and ensure an adequate supply of the many items needed to compete, and to make sure there are sufficient quantities of basic pieces of equipment for beginners and novices. While there are a good number of basic kits available, many accessories and vital supplies are hard to get. For instance, James Dulaney, Lubbock, TX, wrote that he was unable to obtain a control-line version of the OS Max .35. I suggested Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami or The Hobby Market in Fort Worth. I constantly get requests for venturis, lead-out guides, fuel tanks, and even such basic items as control horns and bellcranks. Philip Jacobs, West Islip, NY, wrote that he was unable to find a venturi, spray bar, or needle valve and asked if there is a source for such a venturi setup.
Problems with small suppliers and service
Those of us who have been in the stunt world for a while are aware of problems encountered in recent years with "engine rework men" who could not or would not produce finished work even after cashing checks. I still get calls from people looking for engines that have been in others' shops for two years. It is partially my fault for helping some of these operators advertise, based on good-faith recommendations from friends who did receive service. This type of unreliable service and accessory availability is something we don't need, but may be stuck with.
The master machinist Gene Martine tried to produce exquisite aluminum mufflers, adjustable handles, venturis, etc., but soon found he didn't have enough volume to efficiently operate a real business. For a while, World Champ Bob Hunt was trying to produce wings, handles, venturis, lead-out guides, landing gear blocks and pre-bent wire, nose weights and other stunt items, but he was barely getting by while trying to cater to perhaps 500–700 stunt enthusiasts in the U.S. His shop also became a Mecca for stunt fliers in the NY–NJ area, which made it difficult to sustain a business. Given these pressures, his move to become Assistant Editor of Flying Models is understandable.
Reliable sources and cottage industries
- J & K Wings (John Poynter) — Currently the only producer of stunt foam wings; produces high-quality wings, stabs, elevators, and flaps without long delays.
- Address: 10261 Janice Lynn, Cypress, CA 90630
- Mike Mustain — Makes fuel tanks to order, does a good job at a reasonable price.
- Address: 214 Gilbert Street, Kenton, OH 43326
- Gene Martine — Still doing some machining and special work, but only in limited quantities (Jacksonville, FL).
- Joe Klause — Recommended for Cox engines; does a great job for those who want a good half-A engine for a Half-A stunter.
- Glen Dye (Minneapolis, MN) — Does freelance work for stunt fliers; worth contacting to see what he can do.
- Vic Garner (Livermore, CA) — A member of the Control Line Contest Board who has been doing some stunt-related work; you'll need to explore his current capacity.
Free-flight enthusiasts have long benefited from cottage industries producing supplies (tow hooks, dihedral jigs, engine parts). Model Aviation columnist Bob Meuser suggested a similar directory for stunt fliers. A good reference for free-flight cottage industries is the FF Products Directory, April 1980 issue.
Hobby shops and lists of suppliers
A list of hobby shops that specialize in control-line equipment would be beneficial. When compiling such a list, include names, addresses, and telephone numbers, and verify that the shop actually handles control-line items. Hobby shops might be encouraged to stock control-line items, and experienced machine-shop operators could be persuaded to work on engines — but realistic expectations are needed: someone experienced in general machining may not immediately know how to service an ST .46 or an OS Max .35 unless you provide clear instructions.
When sending names of hobby shops, please check thoroughly with the owner and supply at least one employee contact name in the shop.
Plans and additional resources
Many stunt-plane plans are still available. Plans that appeared in Model Aviation, Flying Models, and Model Airplane News remain available from those magazines. Several additional plans are available from Hobby Helpers:
- Hobby Helpers
- Address: 1543 Stillwell Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461
- Plans available include: Ares (Werwaga), Carousel (Mackey), Ryan ST (Parrott), Barracuda (Peck), Shark (McFarland), Impala (Elasick), Tony (Warburton), Sting Ray (Gialdini), Novi (Gierke), P-6 (Baron), Challenger III (Rolland McDonald), Tucker Special (Tucker), and Olympic Mark VI (Gialdini).
How to help compile a directory
If you wish to assist in compiling a list of suppliers and machinists, please be complete in the addresses and telephone numbers. Also confirm that the person or shop is actually willing to do the work you expect. Include at least one contact name for shops and verify the scope of services for machinists and engine repairers.
For information on stunt or PAMPA contact: Wynn Paul 1640 Maywick Dr. Lexington, KY 40504
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
