Control Line: Scale
Bill Boss 77-06 269th Street New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Back to basics
It appears that from time to time there is a need to review some of the basics in getting started with your particular area of modeling, and Scale is no exception. Several readers have requested introductory information for newcomers. Gerry Deneau (Aurora, CO), whose Sport Scale scoresheets were a major topic in the July column, is covering the basics of getting started in Scale in a series of articles in The Probable Cause newsletter of the Rocky Mountain Aeromodelers. While the material will probably not be earth-shattering to the very experienced Scale modeler, it can be of great help to the modeler (regardless of other modeling experience level) who always wanted to do something in Scale but didn't know where to start.
Over the next few months I will be presenting information on getting started in Sport Scale based on the ideas and thoughts of Gerry Deneau.
Choosing a subject
The first step is to choose the subject. This choice is generally influenced by your preferences in full-sized aircraft and gives you the opportunity to create a model of your favorite aircraft, civilian or military, from WW I to present-day jets. Creating the model can be approached in several ways, but the most common methods are building from kits and scratchbuilding. The method chosen will most likely be dictated by past modeling experience.
If you are a kit builder, research the market to find a kit of the plane you wish to build. Since few CL kits are currently produced, you will often have to look toward RC kits, which are available in quantity and a wide range of subjects. Conversion of RC kits to CL use is a fairly easy task; Gerry indicated he will cover this in a future article. An update on conversions would be useful—the last detailed coverage I did was in the December 1982 issue.
Buyer's Guide
To find out what kits are available, get an overview from Scale kit listings in publications such as the Radio Control Buyer's Guide, The Modelers Wishbook by Sig, or various mail-order catalogs. (The RC Buyer's Guide and Sig Wishbook are generally available in most hobby shop magazine sections.)
Model size
Once you have decided on a subject, consider model size. It is suggested the model have a wingspan in the 48 to 60 in. range and, when completed, weigh about six to nine pounds. Models in this size range provide sufficient room for installation of control systems and are generally good flying models if properly balanced and powered.
There is nothing to stop you from building beyond the suggested 60 in., but be aware larger models may pose transportation problems and heavier models have greater pull in flight.
Scratch-building and plans
Scratch-building by the more experienced modeler raises the decision of whether to build from published full-size plans or draw one’s own. In either case, research is required to find published plans or to obtain proper documentation, three-views, photos, and other sources needed to make full-size plans.
Major model magazines carry listings of available plans, including:
- Model Aviation
- R/C Modeler
- Flying Models
- Model Builder
Several businesses specialize in plans and documentation for full-size and model aircraft. Addresses for these plan services can be found in most issues of the magazines above.
For modelers who will be drawing their own plans, outlets for three-view drawings, documentation, and photos include:
- Bob Holman Plans
- Scale Model Research
- Repli-Tech International
- Historic Aviation Album
- Scale Plans and Photo Service
- Scale Drawings by Wylam and Nye
- Pete Westburg's Scale Views
- Race Planes & Scale Drawings by R.S. Hirsch
Addresses and contact information for these sources appear in ads in most modeling magazines. Also see the "Notes from NASA" section below for information on a Scale data source list that promises to be one of the best in the country.
Collect documentation before you start
If you're new to Scale modeling and ready to start your project, ask yourself which to do first: choose the subject, buy the kit, or look for the documentation? Regardless of whether you're a beginner, scratch-builder from plans, or one who draws plans, it's wise to go slow at the beginning of any Scale project.
It would be wrong to buy a kit or start plans only to find you can't find some portion of the documentation (three-views, photos, or proof of color and markings) required to properly complete and detail the model for competition purposes. Choose your subject and collect all necessary data before you buy the kit or begin building. A few dollars spent for three-views, photos, or color and markings documentation before starting the project is money well spent.
As we continue discussing getting started in Sport Scale, we will take a fresh look at the Sport Scale rules, some difficulties in Scale building, and hints and tips on installation of controls and operational features.
Notes from NASA (National Association of Scale Aeromodelers)
In the March/April issue of Replica (the NASA newsletter), President John Guenther discussed needs for newsletter production help and for more NASA representation within the AMA district structure.
Newsletter production help
There is a need for someone to assist Stan Alexander, present editor of Replica, with production chores. Anyone with a computer/word processor and the inclination and time to help should contact:
Stan Alexander 3709 Valley Ridge Dr. Nashville, TN 37211
NASA district representatives
John Guenther proposes that NASA have representatives in each AMA district for each Scale category: FF, CL, and RC. Each representative would report to NASA for newsletter publication on Scale activities within the district related to their category. Reports might include contest reports, building tips, rule proposals, and so on. Anyone interested in helping as a NASA "rep" for their Scale activity should contact:
John Guenther R.R. #3, Box 297A Borden, IN 47016
Scale data source list
The Scale data source list project, headed by Claude McCullough, is well on its way to completion and should be available about the time you read this column. This master source document will contain listings of museums, periodicals, specialty magazines, aviation books, three-view and photo sources, and many other items useful to the Scale modeler.
A copy of the Scale Data Source List will be given to all current NASA members and will be offered at a price (yet to be established) to non-NASA members. Subsequent updates and additions will be made via Replica. It is said the document will probably be the only one of its kind in this country.
If you're not a NASA member, now would be a good time to join. Your $6 membership fee will support Scale modeling in the U.S.A., bring you a great newsletter, and get you a copy of the new Scale data document. Send your fee to:
Bert Dugan 11090 Phyllis Dr. Clio, MI 48420
New product: Vend Mount System
G&A Products, P.O. Box 36025, Sarasota, FL 34233, is selling by mail order the Vend Mount System. It consists of a set of fuel-proof rubber bushings, washers, and aluminum spacing material. The system is a new method for attaching engine-bearing mounts to the model's firewall and, according to data presented, it reduces engine vibration considerably. Reduced vibration means longer life for the model's basic structure and control systems.
Mounting of the engine mount (depending on engine size) can be accomplished using bolts sized #6, #8, #10, or 1/4 in. The mounts are generally meant for engines of .45 cu. in. or larger, but can be adapted for smaller engines by using smaller shoulder washers (5/16 in.) if the firewall area is not too small. Further information can be obtained by sending a SASE to G&A Products at the address above.
Newsletters and subscriptions
Club newsletters are a great source for finding out what's happening in different parts of the country and often contain building tips on many aspects of aeromodeling. While distribution of most newsletters is confined to club members, subscriptions to some newsletters are available to anyone.
Bob Furr, editor of the Orbiting Eagles of Omaha Newsletter, indicates subscriptions are available by sending your name, address, AMA number, and $10 to:
Orbiting Eagles Newsletter 8147 Read St. Omaha, NE 68122
Please send comments, contest activity reports, and especially photos of CL Scale activity to me at the address at the top of this column.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
