Scale
Mike Stott
HAVE YOU EVER wondered why scale modelers are far and few between? In this article I'm going to try to analyze that question and see what are some of the reasons behind it.
This is just a guideline to the person who wants to know what is ahead of him in building scale. There are different stages of modeling, from the beginner to the highly competitive model builder. So what you put into it in terms of time, work and money is up to the individual builder.
Every event in modeling requires a special quality that will enable that person to excel in that area. Probably one of the biggest requirements of a scale builder is a strong dedication to the completion of the project. You often can't see all the hang-ups ahead of you, so you have to take them as they come and try and solve them one by one. It requires a lot of patience. Building your model as much to scale as you can, requires a lot of time-consuming, detailed construction. Many long hours are put into a good scale ship. A builder must be willing to put in these long hours and not give way to the temptations of going fishing, watching football or the movie of the week. Also, you have to have a very understanding family, be it mother and father or wife and children. This could be your biggest asset.
After deciding on a plane to model, some research is necessary. This can be one of your most expensive portions of your model. At least it would rank in the top two or three expenses. First of all, you need a good set of 3-views to work from. The factory 3-views are not always 100% accurate in outline. So, you'll end up scouting around, calling your friends, looking through back issues of magazines to locate an acceptable set.
Photos also are a necessary part of your research. You need good photos of the airplane for your presentation booklet and to build from when it comes to putting on the finishing touches. If the airplane of your choice is not in the close vicinity, so that you can drive over and take your own photos, you will have to find someone to do it for you. How much work and detailing you plan on doing to your model dictates the amount of pictures you will need. For example, if you don't plan on doing a lot of the cockpit detail you won't need so many close-up pictures of the cockpit area to build from. Also, you won't need to provide the judges with these photos in your presentation. Now, on the other hand, if you plan to put a lot of time and effort into your cockpit you will need quite a few good detailed photos of this and, by all means, provide these pictures for the judges to prove your skillfulness.
Okay, so you chose an antique or a no longer existing plane to model. All of a sudden the price of photos has increased even more. These photos are available from places like the National Archives or Air Force Museum and they carry a pretty stiff price of $2.25 a piece. If you are interested more on this subject, check our past article in the Aug. 1976 issue of Model Aviation.
Every modeler has visions of the perfect workshop. Good workshop facilities doesn't mean a fancy room of wall to wall tools with all the comforts of your living room. What you do need is a place where your model can safely remain when you are not working on it.
Tools are not that much of a big expense. Of course, you will need the basic hand tools—as does any modeler. You'll find that you will be improvising a lot of the tools to get your desired effect.
The basic cost of the kit and engine are similar to those in other areas of modeling.
Probably, the major expense in a highly complicated scale model will be the equipment used to operate the different maneuvers and functions of the model. Some of these are retractable landing gear units, servos, electrical control systems, special engines and mufflers and other mechanical installations.
In next month's issue I will try to cover some of the various talents and abilities that are helpful in building a good scale model.
Mike Stott, 118 E. Wheeler St., North Mankato, MN 56001.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
