Control Line: Scale
Dick Byron
In the July issue of Model Aviation, we had two pictures of a model built by the War Model Production Project, Pennsylvania. (Editor: The "model" looks like a mass of steel pipes welded together; it was set up for training in the mechanics and movements of the plane control surfaces. — DRP) Since that column was published, I have received two letters and a phone call regarding the model.
The first letter was from Edwin Gittleman, 188 North Broadway, Pennsville, NJ 08070. He writes:
"I just received the July issue of Model Aviation and was very surprised to see the pictures of the Piper J-3 Cub. It sent me back 30 years. I went to high school in Philadelphia and graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1951. One of the courses offered at the time was Aeronautics Shop and Theory, given by a former Air Corps flier, Mr. Cianochi. I have a picture of the plane with six of us students in my yearbook. The model was used to show details of construction and control function.
"The airplane was at the school when I arrived, and I last saw it in 1951 when I graduated. I understand that it was built during the war (as mentioned in the text), but I can't tell you anything else. It sure was a grand job. I hope this small bit of info helps you trace the great piece of work to Topeka."
The other letter was from Mr. Thomas J. Jellifer, 1525 Wakefield Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Mr. Jellifer writes:
"Enclosed is a Xerox copy of a photograph from my high school yearbook. The model was, in my memory, a Piper J-3. The one in our classroom was fully operational as far as control functions are concerned (dual sticks, seats, pedals, etc.). The object of the model was to show the construction of the airplane and operation of the controls. In your picture, I can identify the swing-out window frame, the throttle controls, rudder pedal, and one stick. I hope this helps some in identification. Possibly the Smithsonian could help ..."
I am almost positive that Mr. Jellifer and Mr. Gittleman are both in the same picture. Perhaps through this column we can reunite two old buddies from high school days. It shows what a small world we really live in—and how once the love of aircraft is kindled it never dies. Unfortunately, the yearbook picture is not suitable for publication, but I am sure the two writers are both in that picture.
Looking for information
I recently received a letter from Mr. Dan Riess, 1045 Avenue "B", Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Dan indicated he was looking for a copy of Profile Publications Aircraft Series No. 246 for the Supermarine Spitfire. If anybody has a copy they would like to part with, please contact Mr. Riess at the above address.
Pleas for help
I received a letter just last week from Mr. Edward T. Moore, Jr., 216 Seagull Avenue, Pleasantville, NJ 08232. Quoting from his letter:
"I have a problem flying Control Line airplanes. I cannot go around in a circle, because I get very dizzy. I am deaf in one ear. I have tried different remedies, all to no avail. I would like to know if there is some way I can stand outside the circle and fly. I have written to Mike Gretz, but he was unable to help. I am anxiously awaiting your reply."
I do not know Mr. Moore's age; perhaps he is young, and he is clearly very enthusiastic about flying Control Line airplanes. I remember reading many years ago in one of the model airplane magazines about a system devised for flying planes outside the circle, but I don't believe it was very successful. If anyone in the Pleasantville, NJ area can be of assistance, please contact Mr. Moore. Any help will be tremendously appreciated, I am sure.
Richard P. Byron 2506 S. 161st Cir. Omaha, NE 68130
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
