Free Flight: OLD-TIMER
Clarence Haught
New Old-Timers
By name and definition, Old-Timer enthusiasts are not concerned with advancing the state of the art but rather are content to savor the flavor of Free Flight as it started. This observation is further supported by the lack of popularity of the SAM special event entitled Old Ruler, which permits the builder to design a new model under the 1941 rules to be flown in this special event in the spirit of Old-Timer Free Flight.
Today we tend to think in terms of established lists of familiar designs that have been reduced to a relatively few good-performing models. We tend to forget that, just as in modern Free Flight, there are modelers who rarely build from published plans or kits and must design their own. For that matter, where did all those well-established models come from? Obviously they were the emerging victors of the contest circuit or the result of fortunate encounters with strong thermals. For every surviving design there had to be a multitude of designs—good, bad, or indifferent—that were never noticed by the right people.
What about all those others lurking in attics and barns? Once in a while someone sends a photo of an interesting old model or models, like the ones presented here by Peter Nadrowski of Chicopee, MA. These examples were his own designs, and he still has good information and details on the models. They could, no doubt, be documented as to their age and thus qualify for SAM competitions. There are probably many examples of good‑flying designs just waiting to be discovered.
SAM rules specify models designed, kitted, or published before December 31, 1942. The key word in this statement is "designed." SAM provides for just this sort of discovery through approval by its executive committee. In fact, the executive committee just approved another Antique-class model, the Goon, designed in 1938 by Fred Lemberg.
- Fred Lemberg
2426 Bolker Dr. Port Hueneme, CA 93401
Let’s all be aware of the possible discovery of other designs of the period—there may be some sleepers still out there!
Note on the Nadrowski models: Peter flew two Old-Timers from the 1932–34 era powered by Brown Jr. engines swinging 14‑in. props. One had an 8‑ft. span, the other 7½ ft. Weights were around six pounds. Covering was silk with clear colored dope. Note the patriotic color schemes and plug‑together wings. Peter now flies RC models and still designs his own planes, just as he did those originals back in the Free Flight days.
Catalogs
One can never have too much information at hand concerning our hobby. Most of us maintain lists or catalogs of Old-Timer supplies if for no other reason than to be able to refer others to sources for meeting their needs. A couple of my latest acquisitions are worthy additions to any Free Flighter's library.
- 77 Products (Otto Bernhard)
17119 South Harvard Blvd. Gardena, CA 90247
Otto Bernhard puts out an excellent publication for the ignition-engine enthusiast. He has been converting glow engines to ignition for many years, both for Old-Timer use and for general RC flying. Offerings include:
- OS Max conversions from .15 to .35 cu. in. displacement for Free Flight, and RC versions from .15 to four‑cycle .60s.
- The 77 Special, based on the powerful Merco .61 with refinements in porting, polishing, cooling, and a choice of carburetors.
- Ignition accessories: coils, condensers, engine and dethermalizer timers, spark plugs, SAE 70 oil, neoprene goods, and heavy‑duty silk.
- A transistorized ignition system for RC fliers that eliminates electrical noise affecting radio control systems.
- A section on running an ignition engine, with wiring diagrams and troubleshooting, and reprints of Otto's Model Builder magazine articles.
The catalog is a wealth of information and enjoyable reading for only two bucks.
- Simplex (John Morrill)
143 Richmond St. El Segundo, CA 90245
John Morrill, producer of the Hornet .19 and the Simplex .25, has a useful catalog. Simplex .25s are out of production for the moment, but another run is still possible. John also produces items of interest to Free Flighters, including:
- Sidewinder rubber motor winder with optional turns counter.
- Simplex torque‑actuated front end for Wakefield and Mulvihill rubber models.
- Precision shafting in popular modeling sizes.
Down under
Once in a while we hear from Ron Magill, who writes from New Zealand. They are getting into Old-Timer Towline Gliders, and Ron is looking for plans.
- Ron Magill
2407 Great North Road Glen Eden, Auckland 8 New Zealand
One source that comes to mind is Frank Zaic's book Model Glider Design. Written in 1944 while Frank was serving in the Army, the book is loaded with information on gliders. It deals with all aspects of Old-Timer gliders, including theory, design, and construction techniques. If anyone would like to borrow it, send a SASE to Ron.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
