CONTROL LINE SCALE
Bill Boss 77-06 269th Street, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
SCALE FOR FUN? For the past several years many letters have been received from modelers interested in Scale, but not necessarily for competition. Their interest is in building nonflying models for show, or for fun and challenge only. One such recent letter came from Ron Heiser of Houston, Texas.
Ron wrote that he has enjoyed building and flying Scale and Stunt models for over 45 years. Ron is seen in one of the accompanying photos with his latest Scale plane, a Great Lakes Trainer made from a converted Flying Models R/C kit.
The model is powered by a fully cowled Fox .35 Stunt engine, has operating oleo struts on the landing gear, and is detailed from Wylam plans. The covering is Silkspan, and it is finished in Sig orange and black butyrate dope. Ron pointed out that the plane is a crowd pleaser and a great acrobatic performer.
Ron also requested a copy of the electronic system miniguide offered in this column, and he thought the electronics idea would generate more interest in CL Scale. Perhaps it will even interest Ron enough to try Scale competition.
The National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (N.A.S.A.) wants you! N.A.S.A. had its beginnings in 1977 and is the only national organization that truly represents the Scale modeler in the U.S.A. If you don't belong to N.A.S.A., I urge you to consider becoming a member and joining those who are helping to promote and advance all phases of Scale aeromodeling in the United States, regardless of the size, power, or mode of control of the models.
N.A.S.A. encourages formation of Scale clubs, flying competitions, the sharing of data, training, and dialogue on all Scale-related matters among its members.
Another important aspect of N.A.S.A. is its ongoing support of the U.S. FAI Scale team selection program and its role in assuming the major portion of responsibility for the organization and running of Scale events at our annual National Championships.
The cost of belonging to N.A.S.A. is only $8 per year. For this small sum you are entitled to:
- A copy of N.A.S.A.'s Scale Data Source List.
- The N.A.S.A. Newsletter (published bimonthly).
- A three-inch embroidered patch.
- A three-inch decal.
- A membership card.
The data list alone is well worth the cost of membership. To join, send your name, address, and a check for $8 to N.A.S.A. Secretary Bert Dugan, 11090 Phyllis Dr., Clio, MI 48420.
Control line supplies
Having trouble finding control line supplies? From the inquiries I receive, it seems many of you are having just that problem.
A good place to try is Brodak's Control Line Aviation Supplies and Services. John Brodak, a control line flier for many years, observes that it has been difficult to find high-quality control line airplanes and supplies, and that many of us have spent more time and money looking for parts than in enjoying our hobby.
Brodak published his first catalog more than a year ago and asked for comments about what the average control line modeler wanted or needed. His response was to include in the new catalog 89 pages dedicated entirely to listing control line kits, engines, and supplies.
Of great importance to control liners, Brodak's carries:
- A complete line of two- and three-line bellcranks, handles, and control systems now known as Brodak J. Roberts bellcranks and handles (control systems previously known as J. Roberts systems).
- 100 CL airplanes listed.
- The J. Roberts profile scale models: Bearcat, Corsair, Skyraider.
- Roberts' classic Scale kits: Howard DGA (57-inch wingspan) and Stinson Reliant SR-6 (62-inch wingspan).
In a recent conversation, J. Robert Smurthwaite, originator of the J. Roberts profile models, remarked there is a good chance of adding four designs to the profile line: P-5H Supermarine Spiteful, Seafang, Martin AM-1 Mauler, and Grumman F7F-3 Tigercat, about the same size as the original line.
Anyone wishing to receive a copy of the new catalog can write: Brodak's Control Line Aviation Supplies and Services 100 Park Ave., Carmichaels, PA 15320 Tel. 412-966-2726. Cost of catalog: $3.
CL Scale/Boss
Workshop hints
Bob Furr of the Orbiting Eagles of Omaha says that making flexible cable leadouts has always been a problem for him. Not because it is hard to do, but because the tubing needed for crimped ends is not easily cut. He noted that when shopping for fishing tackle he came across precut tubing (sleeves) used for making cable fishing leaders. The sleeves come in various sizes, are cleanly cut, and save a lot of time.
If sleeves are not available at your local fishing/bait shop, perhaps they'll order them for you. If placing an order is not an option, the sleeves can be obtained from the Netcraft Company:
Netcraft Company 2800 Tremainsville Rd., Toledo, OH 43613
Netcraft has Surflon connector sleeves in five sizes that might be used for model leadouts with the following inside diameters:
- #1 — .033 in.
- #2 — .047 in.
- #3 — .055 in.
- #4 — .071 in.
- #5 — .080 in.
The sleeves, depending on size, come in boxes of 25 or 36, or in bags of 100. A crimping tool is also available. For full details and cost of the sleeves and crimping tool, write to Netcraft.
Bob goes on to say that if you insist on cutting your own tubing, it can be done by inserting music wire into the tubing and rolling the tubing under a modeling knife to score it. Once the tubing is scored, move the music wire until it lines up with the score and flex the tubing. Usually it will break cleanly along the score, because brass and copper harden rapidly as a knife is rolled over them.
Hair clips? The following tip was found in Wing Tips, the newsletter of the Mid-Hudson Modelmasters, and while meant for Peanut Scale builders, it is useful to all Scale builders.
Useful lightweight clamps can be made easily from aluminum hair clips, which can be formed or shaped to accommodate various clamping requirements. The clamping action is soft but firm, making the clips suitable for clamping chores while building fine cockpit details. Because of their long reach, they also make excellent self-closing tweezers. The clips cost about two dollars for a six-pack at your local drugstore or any store that sells women's hair accessories.
Help! Now that the winter months have passed and a new flying season is at hand (I am writing this column at the beginning of June), maybe you will have some new material for the column. How about telling me about your new projects and special building techniques? How about photos? I can use a new supply of things to write about.
Please send ideas, notice of upcoming CL Scale events, contest reports, and especially photos of CL Scale activity to me at the address at the very top of this column.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
