Control Line: Scale
Bill Boss
Servo mechanism
I believe it is fair to say our Scale events, even Sport, are getting more sophisticated all the time. We are seeing more models with many operational features, which means we are finding newer and better ways of performing them. Instead of using the old bellcrank-and-hard-linkage methods with three-line systems, we are seeing the use of various servo and electromechanical devices.
One such unit on the market is the Janaco Jackscrew Servo, offered by Janaco of Dallas, TX. The unit weighs approximately four oz. and is said to develop 10 lb. of thrust power. It comes completely wired with limit switches, reversing switch, low-drain/high-rpm motor, capacitor, and reversing diodes, and is ready for installation and use. The unit fits easily in the palm of your hand; its overall size is about 4 in. long, 2 in. wide, and 1 in. high. Its small size permits a wide variety of mounting possibilities.
Specifications and features:
- Operating travel adjustable from 5/8 in. to 1-1/4 in.
- Ready to operate many scale features: retracting landing gear, Fowler flaps, opening/closing access hatches and bomb bay doors, bomb and tank drops.
- Power options: any combination of 1.5 V AA alkaline cells or a 9 V transistor battery to provide operating voltages from 3 to 9 volts. Varying the voltage changes speed and power output.
- Activation: operate the reversing toggle switch in either direction. This can be done with a fourth-line and bellcrank arrangement or linked to the engine throttle control for Roberts- or GS-type three-line systems.
The unit appears to have the power and versatility to meet most scale modelers' needs for operating features. It can be obtained from Janaco, 11323 Cotillion, Dallas, TX 75228. The cost is $79.95, complete and ready for use, and will be shipped within a couple of days of receipt of orders. You will also receive fully detailed instructions for use and installation in both CL and RC applications.
X-Cell Team Contest
On Saturday and Sunday, October 1–2, 1983, the X-Cell Team of Lexington, KY will hold its second annual All-Scale AAA Meet at Kearney Field in Lexington. The contest will feature both RC and CL Scale events.
RC events:
- AMA Precision
- Sport
- Giant
- Helicopter
CL events:
- Precision Scale
- Sport Scale
- Advanced, Intermediate, and Expert PAMPA Stunt events
Trophies and/or merchandise will be awarded through at least three places. Manufacturers are encouraged to attend to demonstrate products. Swap shop tables will be permitted in the big tent, and food and refreshments will be available at reasonable prices. It should be a great weekend and a good opportunity for CL and RC scale modelers to see what each other is doing.
For full details on entry fees, registration, and camping, write or call: Lew McFarland, CD 3404 Keithshire Way Lexington, KY 40503 Day phone: 606-276-4881 Night phone: 606-223-2368
Help wanted
- Bill Brown (Woonsocket, RI) is looking for information on a kit he has obtained. The kit consists of blue-line-stamped sheets of balsa parts and each sheet bears the name "Capital Beechcraft." Bill would like to know if the kit is true scale and if anyone has a set of plans for this kit. Contact:
Bill Brown 87 Manville Road Woonsocket, RI 02895
- Weston Moore (Garland, TX) is looking for plans for a PT-19 from the early 1960s. Specifically, he seeks the plans for the six-foot model by Chuck Hollinger, which were used by Jetco for their PT-19 kit; the kit was later marketed by Sig for a short time. If you have information about the plans or kit, contact:
Weston Moore 4325 Pineridge Garland, TX 75042
While on the subject of needing help, I also need items for the column. It's almost a year since my first Scale column for MA, and I'm beginning to feel the pinch for solid items. The column isn't mine—it's yours. Let me hear from you about what you're building and flying these days in CL Scale!
Bill Boss 77-06 269th St. New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
