Control Line: Scale
Mike Stott
IN LAST MONTH'S article we covered some of the reasons why a lot of modelers overlook Scale when getting into modeling. We covered various points, such as the industrious research that is required to build the model. We took a look at some of the necessary equipment and the tools that might be helpful when building. So in this month's article we'll follow up with the personal characteristics and abilities that a good scale builder should cultivate.
First, a scale builder should enjoy airplanes and working on them. Don't pick a model that you will tire of easily, because many long hours will be spent working on it. Some models require a building time of several years because of their complexity. And, also, some scale builders take one or two years to build their planes to match their standards.
Above all a good modeler needs patience. Not just the kind of patience that will get him through the long hours of detailed building, but the kind that also allows him to get up and walk away from a persistent problem and come back later for a fresh start.
Good workmanship is also essential in the list of qualities. Workmanship counts for 50% of your static score, the other 50% is accredited to detailing. So even if you had all the details on your model, such as exact rivet count, cockpit and landing gear detail, but your workmanship is poor, you only have the possibility of getting 50% of the static score. That's too many points to be missing out on.
Working knowledge of woodworking is an extremely important advantage to have. Most of your model and the detailing work deals with wood. Take the time to study the different stresses and graining of the wood for use when you are bending, shaping or carving with it. Certain grains will allow you to bend the wood extremely well, whereas other woods with inter-mixed grains will have a tendency to break when you start to bend them.
Mechanical and electrical knowledge is often very helpful. Where electrical knowledge is concerned, you don't have to know as much as your local electrician but information is often needed about micro-switches, rotary switches and small electrical motors to hook up to your control system. These switches could operate such items as landing gear, revolving gun turrets and lights, to name a few.
Mechanical hookups are usually activated by pulling on the lines to obtain the desired performance. This would include a basic knowledge of bellcranks, pushrods and control horns.
If a model builder takes pride in the model he is building it will show in the finished product. Even if the model is not the best one on the flying field or entered in the contest, the pride that you take in it will make you just that much more a better scale modeler.
I've saved one of the most important qualities till last, and that is the flying ability. It is so important to have this because most of the scale models built are probably some of the worst flying models and the hardest to maneuver. There is no substitute for flying experience when you are out on the flying circle with the plane you have worked so long and hard on.
The percentage of flying points available towards your score is increasing over what
CL Scale/Stott
it has been in the past years. The judges should no longer be giving maximum points just because you did the maneuver or the flying option. They are now instructed to judge the performance of the flight for realism and the quality of the performance.
If you read both of these articles regarding scale modeling, you can understand why some are discouraged from scale. It takes a lot of patience, determination and ability, not just in building but in flying also, to become a good scale builder. Scale is not one of the easiest areas of modeling, but is highly rewarding.
We do have a correction on one of our past articles. In it we stated that the World Championships may be going to a three-year schedule. But I have been informed that they are going to remain at the present two-year schedule for the time being. I personally hope they reconsider the three-year proposal at a future date.
Mike Stott, 118 East Wheeler St., North Mankato, MN 56001.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
