Letters to the Editor
Appreciation for the AMA Headquarters staff
I hope you find the following to be of sufficient interest to print in Model Aviation.
On August 21, I flew into Washington's Dulles Airport with the intention of spending the day at AMA HQ. I had spoken to Doug Pratt a couple of days earlier and was looking forward to visiting the museum and library.
When I arrived at the museum, I was treated as an honored guest. The staff was very friendly and made me feel right at home. I spent a few minutes discussing electric-powered aircraft with Mr. Pratt and wandered around the museum for a while taking in the exhibits. Any time I had a question, the staff was very helpful.
Col. Hurst Bowers, museum curator, was expecting my arrival, as I am building a model he designed, Flyline's Great Lakes Trainer, and wanted to get some material and documentation. When he arrived, I was ushered into his office and we spent quite a while discussing the model, going over the plans, and digging up material from the library. Afterwards, we spent a while just chatting about modeling in general.
It is unfortunate that I only had one day to spend at the museum, because it is a bastion of modeling history and information. Even though I left with a lot of material on the GLT, as well as copies of a number of plans and articles from several old American magazines (as well as some recent foreign ones), and was able to spend several hours going through the many books, magazines, and plans, I didn't even scratch the surface of what was available.
I would recommend a trip to Reston for anybody willing and capable, because the AMA's Headquarters is an amazing place. The next time I will certainly make arrangements to spend more than one day.
Tony Turley Dunbar, West Virginia
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No excuse for noise
I fly off a small field adjacent to the subdivision I live in and over another adjacent field so I don't overfly anyone's property. To avoid attracting attention, I've been flying electric, with the maiden flight of my Great Planes PT‑Electric being conducted one Sunday morning at 6:15 with nobody the wiser.
This is all well and good, but I do have a Telemaster 40 fitted with a Lee Custom K&B .61 that I only fly at the club field because of the noise it generates. Two weeks ago I purchased a Soundmaster muffler for this engine and can now fly in the immediate vicinity of my house, again with few if any people noticing. In fact, it takes a bit of mental training to not have the sound of the .61 to judge power!
This muffler almost caused a crash. My approach was much too high, so I opted to go around again. As the plane passed over at about 50 ft, I was startled to notice that the engine had stalled. Thanks to flaps and the Telemaster's flying ability, I violated the basic rule and did a quick and low 180 and landed without incident.
The purpose of this letter is not to endorse this muffler but only to point out that there's no excuse for noise anymore. Yes, it's true that silence doesn't come cheap, but most R/C modelers are notorious gadget spenders, and a good quiet muffler can hardly be called a gadget.
In a few years it is likely that two things will happen. Stock mufflers will be radically improved with engine costs reflecting the improvement, and aftermarket mufflers will become available from different sources, bringing the prices down somewhat. It behooves the major engine manufacturers to get on the bandwagon fast and take advantage of this trend of silence.
Thanks to this new muffler of mine, I can now fly in my own neighborhood without incurring any wrath or attracting every kid within a one‑mile radius. As an added bonus, this .61 of mine apparently finds no fault with its new appendage. My only complaint is that I had to go out and spend $5 for a tube of high‑temperature silicone sealant—and only had to use one small dab to seal the muffler‑to‑engine joint. Muffler people would do a great service if they could supply this necessary item in a small tube or packet.
Dick Swartwout AMA 109984 Penn Laird, Virginia
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Wanted: plans for a 1936 Aeronca C3
I am interested in building a 1/4‑scale model of the Aeronca C3 1935–36 Master, and would appreciate any help I can get. I am retired from the Lockheed California Co. after 41 years, most of which I spent as lead man in the model shop. I am 81 years old, and my eyes are not as good as they used to be, hence the 1/4‑scale so that I can see to fly.
Let me know the price of plans, and I will make you a check to cover costs.
Kenneth A. Aymarr 5123 Radford Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91607
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Things we all like to hear
I have recently joined the hobby of R/C flying along with AMA. Not long ago I built a Goldberg Eagle II, and with the help of the fliers at Nassau Aerodrome in Port Washington, New York, I have had as much fun learning about the hobby and flying my plane as I did building it.
I thoroughly enjoy the sport and everything that goes along with it, including your magazine and everything you do to keep this hobby as wonderful as it is. Never have I had a hobby that has captivated all my interests like this. My bride‑to‑be is worried. No need — R/Cer she soon shall be.
I'm grateful to be a part of this great sport. Thanks for being such a great publication and special thanks to Toni Palladino for taking countless hours to make me an R/C pilot without the expense of crashing my first plane . . . yet.
Robert Erichson South Searingtown, New York
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Oh! That RC C‑5B!
I just received my September issue of Model Aviation yesterday. When I got to Dan Bott's article on "An Air Force in the Spring" I couldn't believe it. I love Bill Hempel's C‑5B.
I've been recently medically discharged from the Air Force. For years I used to work on the Galaxies as a repair and reclamation specialist. When I first started to work there I started dreaming about making an R/C scale C‑5. But I must admit it never went further than the dream stage and a lot of sketches and ideas.
Bill's Galaxy looks very close to scale with a few exceptions that only a mechanic would note. I would like to commend him on the job he did from what pictures I've seen.
I would like to know if Mr. Hempel has plans available for his C‑5. If so could you please direct me on how to obtain a set? Thank you for your help and my best wishes to Mr. Hempel, and Happy Landings with F.R.E.D.*
Thomas E. Heskett 3896 White Oak Rd. Junction City, KY 40440
*PS: The guys on the flight line call the Galaxy F.R.E.D. (It stood for F**%& Ridiculous Economical Disaster.) When the plane first came out, it had a lot of expensive problems, and it uses a lot of gas.
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Imagine that!
Talk about excitement! The June issue did it to me. Since getting into R/C flight some two years ago I have been searching for anything on the Thomas Morse Scout.
My dad, now 92 years old, worked in the wing division of the plant here in Ithaca. He says he also ground tested them. Now I can get about building a memorial to him. Thanks.
Otis C. Drew Ithaca, New York
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Ah! A "warm fuzzy"!
I'm impressed! You were able to get the free‑flight World Champs in the September issue. That is very good turnaround time. As you can see with the June/July issue of the NFFS Digest I was not able to hold for that. You beat me on that and on Bob Randolph's FID record. That FID piece was going in the next Digest. Now I am going to have to look at everything that comes across my desk with an eye to Model Aviation. It will keep me on my toes.
The write‑up on the FF Champs is good and the art is great—especially the cover. There seems to be more FF stuff in the magazine in the past few months which is very nice. Keep up the good work.
Chris Weinreich Editor, NFFS Digest Olympia, Washington
(Editor's note: Sorry to cause you grief, Chris. But I'm glad that MA has been able to serve the FF community well with these two items. Too bad we can't do it every time! — RMcM)
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This modeler needs a kit
I am having difficulty locating a Kyosho kit of the Cessna 188 Agwagon. About five years ago I bought a kit from a popular supplier and am now told they don't handle it anymore. Perhaps a reader might have one that he would sell to me?
After painstakingly assembling and finishing my 188 Agwagon, I re‑kitted it on its fourth flight due to LH aileron hinge failure. From its first flight I loved this model. It was powered by an O.S. .40 Surpass, which was very realistic in sound and performance. I had flaps complete with the droop tips as shown on the plans. Slow speed was exceptional. A very realistic flier from start‑up to extensive aerobatic maneuvers.
Needless to say, I was lost when the model stopped suddenly in six inches of sod, but even more lost after learning that the kit is no longer available. I hope you may be able to assist me in locating another Kyosho Cessna 188 Agwagon kit for this winter's project. I have been a modeler since 1975, an AMA Museum Patron, and an All Season Flier—especially black fly season. Ha!
Todd Comber Rt. 6, Box 1042 Augusta, ME 04339
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Recent build — Simitar Slow Motion
Enclosed is a photo of some models I have built recently. This model is a Simitar Slow Motion. I dressed it up with a more appealing fuselage and a swept vertical fin. It flies like a Falcon 50 once it gets in the air. I made the tail skid too short at first, and it porpoised badly on takeoff and landing. It handles better now with an extended tail skid. Power is a Fox .15 Schneurle.
Andrew Love Stafford, Texas
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Club hospitality
Every member of this club was extremely friendly and made me feel welcome. They allowed me to fly as their guest for the entire month, attend their club meeting, and participate in their fun‑fly.
Readers may know this as the home flying site of "RC Electrics" columnist Bob Kopski. Bob allowed me to fly his electric Senator and Skylark. Both have been featured in MA and really are superbly flying airplanes. Bob's enthusiasm for electrics seems to have rubbed off on most of the club. Everyone seems to be having a lot of fun flying electrics and glow‑powered planes.
I can't thank the guys at Keystone enough for treating a visitor so well.
James Goggin Maryland Heights, Missouri
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Brainbusters members — Attention!
The Brainbusters will host a 50th anniversary reunion during April 1992. We would appreciate it if you would help us pass the word. Interested parties should contact:
Ed Sullivan 19 Frederick Dr. Newport News, VA 23601
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It's all a matter of taste . . .
It is surprising to find that there are designers out there who are apparently competing for the category of the world's ugliest R/C machine. (I do not refer to it as a model aircraft.) It is further discouraging to see an internationally respected publication that seems to think so highly of this machine that it rates not only a construction article, but front cover status. I refer to your May 1991 issue, and the machine is called Foiler.
When Phil Kraft designed the Ugly Stick, it was treated as somewhat of a joke. Even Mr. Kraft named it for what it was. But after a while, the gag is not so funny anymore.
I urge you to exercise somewhat better judgment on your choice of feature construction articles. As for your covers, let's have more such as your April issue, featuring a great photo of Bill Winter—the cover was worth the price of the whole magazine.
Floyd E. Carter AMA 796 Los Altos, California
(Editor's reply: To each his own. I fell in love with the Foiler the moment I saw the first photo. It reminded me of nothing so much as the famous Super Zilch CL stunter of 45 years ago. The Foiler exemplifies form following function. Also, it seemed to be a good candidate for a Novice Pattern plane—the lack of criticism from the Pattern community. — RCMc.)
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You can't please everybody!
The name of your magazine is Model Aviation — and I emphasize the word "Model."
Although the recent articles on full‑size aircraft are good, I do believe that you are missing the point of the magazine. If a modeler needs information on full‑size aircraft he can and will go to most any bookstore and pick up any number of magazines and/or books on full‑size aircraft.
Last night I stopped at a local bookstore and counted no less than 21 monthly magazines on full‑size aircraft, not to mention the large number of hardback books available. Also, there are several catalog sales companies that sell nothing but books on full‑size aircraft, the rest of which cater to the scale modeler.
Are you getting my point? The model magazine does not need to push full‑size aircraft articles. Modelers want articles about models in a model magazine. That is why I buy your magazine. Thank you for your time.
Ed Hagerlin AMA 17144 Tucson, Arizona
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In the May 1991 edition of Model Aviation I enjoyed very much the article on the new Boeing 777. It's nice to read about full‑scale airplanes, too. I also enjoyed Don Berliner's articles. Keep up the good work.
Richard J. Mongin AMA 15846 Waukesha, Wisconsin
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Too much technology?
I'm constantly amused by today's electronic gadget‑prone society. In your October '91 issue, a writer's problem in locating contest sites was puzzling. Seems he'd rather fiddle with an expensive LORAN system than pick up a phone and call the contest director.
That's one reason the MA events listing contains the contest director's name, address, and phone number.
It seems to me he'd be much quicker (and far less expensive) to call and ask for directions . . . but then that's old technology, isn't it? Next thing you know, they'll be wanting limo service to and from contest sites!
Mike Keville AMA 14220 Mesa, Arizona
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And then there's the other view . . .
I would like to congratulate Mr. George M. Myers for his column "RC Flying Today." Myers's most informative story regarding LORAN navigation was a welcome revelation to me. The land navigation aspect of the LORAN, as used in finding model flying sites and contests, hit a nerve and a sore spot I've harbored for years.
I wrote another model magazine about their impressive layouts and stories on our biggest and brightest contests. For instance: one story, with magnificent photos, showed the Jet Rally at Spook Hills in Arizona. Was that in Prescott, Phoenix, Tucson, Casa Grande, or where? The article never said. Most of my life I was spent in Arizona, but I never heard of Spook Hills. I asked why they did not dateline their stories or carry an exact description of the location.
I never heard from them.
There have been other articles about contests I'd have loved to have logged the information on with the idea of attending the next year's edition. One such story was the Lake Havasu float contest, but Lake Havasu is a big lake: half of the shoreline is in California, the other in Arizona. Nowhere in the story was any kind of exact location of the contest site. Surely three or four lines giving location is not too much to ask.
Writing some other magazines is like sending letters to the dead letter office. That's the thorn in my side about our great model airplane contests. We need proper reporting of contest site locations so more interested people can attend the fun.
I am sending a copy of this letter to Mr. Myers for his information. George has done a real job in model airfield locations and locators. Thanks again, George. It was a well‑done article—and a great idea.
Carl C. Yost Newport Beach, California
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
