FREE FLIGHT OLD-TIMERS
Bill Effinger, 1902 Peter Pan, Norman OK 73072
Bill Effinger has let me use some great photos, including the two in this issue. I will spread the others out during the next year or so. I really like old photos and wish more people would share theirs. Get up into the attic and find them! One thing: don't send me anything you can't afford to lose. The best thing is to get a copy made if you no longer have the negative.
Mr. Effinger is the founder of Berkeley Models, a company that was very important in many ways in the production of model kits. He is still active with plans and pattern sets advertised in this magazine under the name W.E. Technical Services. In addition to the scale models featured in his ad, his catalog contains several Free Flight designs, such as Korda's Powerhouse, the Sinbad glider, and the Super Buccaneer.
One photo, which cuts off the heads of the men in the back row, is of the successful 1939 American Wakefield team. The other photo shows engine manufacturers Harry Rice and Irwin Ohlsson in 1940. The Ohlsson and Rice engines had a unique construction, with the cylinder held to the crankcase by a spot weld. Unfortunately, the gasket between those two components sometimes developed leaks, wasting valuable compression.
From a recent issue of The Flightplug, an Old-Timer–oriented newsletter of the Southern California Ignition Flyers, I learned that George Tallent has the equipment and skills for "re-gasketing" Ohlsson and Rice engines. If you need such a service, George's address is Box 251, Picacho AZ 85241; Tel: (520) 466-7655. If you want to subscribe to The Flightplug, the editor is Art Swift, 21306 Lopez St., Woodland Hills CA 91364.
This is big news: Bob Holman now has a more powerful laser, which does great parts-cutting not only for his many scale plans, but for popular Old-Timer designs such as Bombers, Playboys, Powerhouses, Anderson Pylons, Pacers, Red Zephyrs, and others as demand indicates.
He can also cut parts for Jim O'Reilly's extensive line of Free Flight (FF) plans, including many rubber models such as the Kansas Wakefield by Ernie L. He is set up to produce laser-cut parts for Jimmie Allen Models and can produce handsome laser-engraved awards and plaques.
Communicate with Bob Holman Plans, Box 741, San Bernardino CA 92402; Tel: (909) 885-3959; Fax: (909) 889-9307. Bob says that Jim does a really nice job on the CAD drawings, and the parts are accurate, so they fit. An illustrated catalog of O'Reilly's plans is $2 from Jim at 4760 N. Battin, Wichita KS 67220.
I received a letter from Bob Angel and a copy of his fine Old-Timer–oriented newsletter, which is one of the more informative newsletters I have seen. He is concerned that my statement in a recent issue (that the SAM [Society of Antique Modelers] engine committee recommended that the OK Cub .049 be considered legal for 1/2A Texaco events) will be misunderstood as meaning that the OK Cub is "legal" in those events.
Bob correctly points out that it will take much time, maybe a year or more, before the membership can vote on this if it ever gets to the stage at which it will require a vote. So don't go to a contest expecting to be able to use the Cub in 1/2A Texaco unless the contest advertises that the Cub will be allowed as an experiment; I suspect that it will be in some smaller club contests. If you are interested in subscribing to Bob's newsletter, his address is 1001 Patterson Rd., Santa Maria CA 93455.
The fourth printing of the great book Rubber Powered Flying Models by Don Ross has been released. The reprint is well deserved, and it's the only book on the subject that I can recommend without reservation. It is available from most booksellers, including my favorite, Hannan's Runway, Box 210, Magalia CA 95954; Tel: (916) 873-6421; Fax: (916) 873-6329.
Another reprint is Old Buzzard's Soaring Book by one of my favorite people — Dave Thornburg. It is the best book ever on the subject of thermals. Dave is one of my favorite people because he is crazy like I am; he flies FF, radio control, and control line, and he likes old models, new models, or whatever flies, but we love things that thermal the most. Order Dave's book at 5 Monticello Dr., Albuquerque NM 87123. $16.95 postpaid. Tell old Dave I sent you.
I subscribed to the English magazine Aeromodeller for many years, and it was always a problem to renew because of the money-changing problem, but that problem no longer exists. Wise Owl Worldwide Publications imports foreign magazines, so you can get your subscription and order plans directly from them.
I reviewed three of the model magazines that Wise Owl distributes (there are many more): Aeromodeller, Flying Scale Models, and Aviation Modeller International. One of the striking features is the full-size plans—a total of 10 in the three magazines. There were also construction articles for larger models, which can be ordered from Wise Owl.
The company offers magazines that cover nearly every corner of specialized interest. For the list of magazines and other information, send SASE to Wise Owl Worldwide Publications, 4314 West 238th St., Torrance CA 90505-4509; Tel: (310) 375-6258; Fax: (310) 375-0548.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
