Letters to the Editor
WACO
Regarding the article "WACO UPF-7, A Biplane From the Golden Age" (February 1995), written by Roy Day: some of Mr. Day's information is correct; however, the UPF-7 is in no way inferior to a "Stearman."
The facts are that the Stearman Mr. Day is referring to is in reality a Boeing airplane — a Boeing A-75 (Continental powered) or E-75 (Lycoming powered). The A-75 had 220 hp; the E-75, 225 hp. These airplanes were roughly 300 lb heavier than the UPF.
The Boeing had only two ailerons and six more feet of wingspan than the WACO. Hence the Boeing airplanes did not climb as fast, cruise as fast, or roll as fast as the UPF-7.
Almost all "air show" Boeings — or "Stearmans," as people call them — are modified to four ailerons and the Pratt & Whitney R-985 450 hp engine. This makes quite a performer out of them.
The WACO is a much more labor-intensive airplane to build than the Boeing. WACO could not possibly keep up with AAC and USN demands. Almost 11,000 Boeing 75s were built; only slightly over 600 UPF-7s. This is the real reason you don't see many WACOs on the air show circuit. If you have any doubts as to the performance of the UPF-7, watch for the name Jim Franklin at an air show near you — it is awesome! Or, as the WACO logo states: ask any pilot. Great to see such a beautiful model of the WACO; my hat's off to Mr. Day.
Joe Maguire Owner, NC-164 (pictured in Mr. Day's article) Canton, Ohio
"Two Fledglings . . ."
Thank you for printing the article "Two Fledglings Earn Their Wings" (March 1995). I always tend to first read the columns on Electrics and Giants, but this time Van Twelves' great "how to help your kids build and fly their first model" story really caught my attention and got me dreaming and scheming.
I proposed to my wife while flying in a Grumman American Trainer. She caught the bug and ended up taking her private pilot check ride on our honeymoon. Later, she took her flight instructor rating check ride while seven months pregnant with Sarah. Our daughter came home from the hospital to a baby's room plastered with aircraft photos.
My wife, who can at times be inconsiderate of my feelings, thought I went one step too far when I pinned a poster of a Cessna 172 instrument panel to the ceiling directly above the crib. She made me take it down.
If Sarah (who is now five) still likes airplanes when she turns seven or eight, we're going to build an RC sailplane with her — using this article to help avoid the pitfalls. Thank you, Van, and Model Aviation for bringing this article to us.
Jim Boxmeyer Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
SAM Champs
You asked for feedback on your report on the '94 SAM Champs in the recent March issue of MA. I think it was great — lots of good photos and a few words to relate the highlights. The photos really turn me on, as I imagine is the case with many. This is better than just a day listing of events, times, winners, etc.
I hope to see more of this. Good issue, Jim.
Bob Haines Amston, Connecticut
Thanks for your input, Bob. Comment received so far has been in favor of the "photo story" approach, with limited text.
"The Haught Corner"
In regard to your "The Haught Corner" (March 1995), I must commend you on your Nats. You were very fortunate in placing in the Nats. My only claim to fame was to set an official AMA record in A/1 Nordic Glider (way back in 1965). Not as good as yours, but nevertheless it was a great satisfaction for me.
I still enjoy competition flying, but not with as much enthusiasm (probably age). In regard to the youth/beginner: I belong to three clubs:
- San Diego Orbiteers (free flight club)
- S. D. Silent Electric Flyers (gung-ho young speed merchants)
- SAM 41 (old guys with old RC models)
In all three, I only know one 13-year-old boy who is active in model aircraft. It's a shame.
Yes! The SAM report in the March issue was right up my alley. I liked the way you handled it — do it again.
Unfortunately, the site (Muncie) was so far away from Dayton. I only know of one person who attended — once you have been to Taft or Lost Hills, it's pretty hard to handle cornfields and wind.
No criticisms, no disagreements. Keep up the good work.
Howard Harvey San Diego, California
Help Wanted
I am looking for information on a flight simulator that runs on an Apple Macintosh computer — something that would be similar to flying a radio-control model airplane. I understand that there is something like this available, and I wonder if you could give me some information on companies that might have this in stock, or the names and addresses of the products that are available.
Thank you for your help.
Loren Uhrig 1406 24th Ave. Greeley, Colorado 80631
Almost everyone in powered modeling has gone home with stains on their clothing. These stains, which usually result from fuel, appear to be impossible to remove.
I don't know if it's the alcohol, the synthetic, or the castor oil, but the stains resist every cleaning trick my wife and I know.
Does anyone out there know how to remove these stains?
Yours for better modeling and cleaner clothing . . .
Mercer Helms 3800 Tanglewilde #308 Houston, Texas 77063
Mercer, this is a tough one. With some fliers, the problem is so bad that they have to keep their flying clothes in the garage or workshop — their spouse won't allow the nasty things in the house!
Kudos
In my many, many years of membership, never have I known so much to be so well with our Academy. Simply said, you're doing a superb job. (This is from a member not reluctant to speak, forcefully, when perceiving things not going well.)
To the degree that I represent the members of my club, I thank you. Not many years ago, a frequent conversation topic at club meetings was the shortcomings of AMA. I'm happy to report that subject's not been heard for considerably more than a year.
How infrequently we take time to say a simple thank you to those to whom we owe so much!
Grant Carson President, Thermal Thumbers Westminster, California
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
