Control Line: Scale
Dick Byron
Now that the Nats have been determined to be in Lincoln, NE in 1982, there are some interesting facts I would like to share. Contrary to popular belief about motel and restaurant accommodations in Lincoln, the 1981 Lincoln Telegraph phone book lists exactly 222 restaurants and 38 motels. When the Nats was in Lincoln in 1979 (the "energy crisis" year) attendance seemed reduced; Lincoln is an outstanding flying site, and additional control-line practice circles will be available in 1982 — it should be a fantastic Nats year.
Miniature placards
Over the years, many scale model builders have been plagued with the difficulty of duplicating the miniature information panels inside cockpits. As an added effect for scale realism, these placards are invaluable though extremely difficult to reproduce. I used to know of a company that would reduce your artwork, reverse the negative, and print it on aluminum self-adhesive material, but I have lost track of them. I have devised an alternative method that works well:
- Determine the final placard size.
- Draw the placard on white paper in ink at 2×, 4×, or even 8× the required size. Use dry-transfer lettering (available at blueprint or photo-supply stores) for lettering and numbers.
- Have a black-and-white photo-finishing professional photograph the artwork and reduce the image by 50% one or more times until you reach the desired dimensions.
- Use the resulting photographic negative as the placard and apply flat model-railroad paint (or similar) that won’t damage the negative — this produces an excellent scale effect with properly reduced lettering.
Cost is minimal — perhaps $15 to $20 for an entire series of cockpit placards. I am currently using this method on a new scale airplane I am building for the World Championships.
B-17
I recently received a letter for the Model Aviation offices from Peter Miller of Suffolk, England, enclosing two pictures of his B-17 Flying Fortress. The model is built at 1/19th scale, giving a wingspan of approximately 64 in. It is powered by four G-Mark .12 cu. in. twin-cylinder engines, uses rolled-sheet construction, has a detachable wing, and all engines are throttled. It won second place at the Aeromodeller All Scale Day at Old Warden — the biggest scale event in England in 1980. Multi-engine models are always a contest favorite.
Profile Publications
Mr. Jim Ricketts (District 9 associate vice-president, Sioux Falls, SD) asked about the availability of Profile Publications. I located the American distributor and Profile's address in England:
- U.S. distributor: Zenith Aviation Books, North Branch, MN 55056 — $2.50 each; several issues available now.
- Publisher: Profile Books, Dial House, 6 Park Street, Windsor, Berks SL4 1LU, England.
Planned and available issues include:
- Curtiss P-40
- Messerschmitt Bf 109E
- Supermarine Spitfire
- Ki-43
- F4U-1 Corsair
- D.H. Mosquito
- Wildcat
- B-25 Mitchell
Profile intends to publish the entire series over several years. These publications are recognized for accurate profiles and color and are a real boost to scale modelers worldwide.
Precision Aerobatics and PAMPA
The U.S. Precision Aerobatics community has the World Champion individual since 1970 and the World Champion team since 1966, making this the premier event in world model airplaning. If we experiment with FAI team tryouts at the Nationals, we cannot expect to use a circle pock-marked with craters or uneven slabs of old concrete. We need a proper surface to avoid damage or unsafe conditions and to keep competitors satisfied. I recommend having a Precision Aerobatics representative on the Nationals Executive Committee.
Two other areas PAMPA could improve:
- Establish a technical committee to run tests on new equipment and to provide a "hot line" for novices' questions.
- Establish a rules committee to review rule proposals from AMA members, poll PAMPA membership on rules changes, and draft a section in the AMA rule book covering Nationals administration.
Perhaps new President Preszler can act on these suggestions. Write to him at: 1111 South Crescent Avenue Lodi, CA 95240
For information on Stunt or PAMPA, write: Wynn Paul 1640 Maywick Dr. Lexington, KY 40504
Plans are accepted by all scale judges throughout the world.
NASA and judging assistance
All scale modelers interested in promoting the hobby should consider joining NASA (National Association of Scale Aeromodellers). Their periodic information letter supports scale efforts nationwide.
For information or membership:
- Bill Pepin, 1416 Valle Alto Court, N.W., Albuquerque, NM 87107
- John Preston, 7012 Elvira Court, Falls Church, VA 22042
With the Nats in Lincoln, it is not too early to solicit assistance. Anyone interested in judging (flight or static) or helping for even one day will be appreciated. Contact: Bob Underwood, President, NASA 4109 Concord Oaks Drive St. Louis, MO 63128
I am sure Bob can use all the assistance available.
Richard P. Byron 2506 So. 161st Circle Omaha, NE 68130
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
