Letters to the Editor
Send your Letters to the Editor to: Model Aviation, 5151 East Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302
Show Teams
I seem to remember that some time ago there was a request for suggestions of information to be included in Model Aviation. I have been wondering for some time if there was a way for the public performances of the AMA Air Show Teams to be listed. We are provided with a list of the teams, but I have never seen any information about their shows. What better way to acquaint someone with what model flying is all about than to take them to one of these presentations? I note they are not all private. Seems like a good way to promote the hobby to me.
I noted with interest the listing of the clubs with 100 or more members in the August 1996 issue. Emphasis was placed on the fact that these clubs were almost 6% of the total 1996 chartered clubs. Of more significance to me is the fact that over 94% of the clubs have less than 100 members. In addition, the report shows that more than 50% of clubs have less than 25 members. I have had a concern that the smaller clubs (like the one I belong to, Electronic Flyers of Virginia #1578, with 22 members) do not perhaps receive enough consideration from the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Lonnie D. Goad Strasburg, Virginia
Combat Bug
Earlier this summer my nine-year-old son Matthew made his first solo flight in a Jr Ringmaster we built together. Since that time we fly together every chance we get. Several weeks ago we went to a local Formula GX Combat meet in Worcester, MA. Matt really enjoyed the lively flying and, as he said, "These planes really crank, Dad!"
We got the chance to talk with some of the fliers and they were very gracious in answering each of Matt's 20 questions. On the ride home Matt couldn't stop talking about the line tangles and the "cool midairs." I had a feeling the Combat bug had bitten him.
Questions came up once we were home, like, "Can we go to another meet?" and "You think we could build a plane like those guys, Dad?"
This past weekend the Wingbusters Model Aircraft Club had their first Invitational RC and Control Line Combat meet. Matthew entered in the Sportsman class for Formula GX Slow Combat. This was his first-ever meet for both of us, so we sort of jumped directly into the fire.
When we arrived at the field, we met a few of the same fliers that were at the Worcester meet. They helped us set up our pit and they answered 20 more questions. Neil Simpson, Dana Lord, and Conrad Wondolowski were instrumental in getting us up and flying.
I noticed that things are done a little differently in the world of Combat. These guys can improvise and adapt to almost anything. I thought I heard a few snickers, though, when Matt and I walked up with two Ringmasters to fly at a Combat meet.
After a few "modifications" we were ready. Matthew had a first-round flight against Neil Simpson. Unfortunately a leaky tank resulted in a DNF. Matt was disappointed but not the least bit discouraged.
When my turn came, the previous problems were fixed and I got in a complete flight. Conrad W. was my opponent, and he walked me through it. He was merciful in taking only a few cuts. He said I needed to know how it felt. Yeah, right!
On Matthew's next flight, not only did he complete it, he won the match! No cuts, no line tangles, no midairs. Nothing but a smile from ear to ear.
The rest of the meet went on, with our team suffering several mishaps. Although we were no worse for the wear, our Ringmasters didn't fare so well; neither was repairable by the end of the day. Dana Lord spent most of his spare time helping us stay airworthy. Without his assistance, Matthew and I never would have been able to get through the meet.
I ended up placing first in Sportsman by 30 points over Matthew. Dads need to win sometimes too.
Special thanks to Neil, Conrad, and Dana. These guys came to us without being asked and they stayed with us to the end. Their unselfishness and willingness to help others is just what this hobby needs.
Matthew chewed my ear off all the way home again, asking, "How long do you think it would take to build one of those Combat ships?" I smiled and told Matt I would give him something to put on that bite.
Brian Stas Kingston, Massachusetts
Satisfied Customer
I recently installed retracts in a model for the first time. I chose Spring Air because I liked the fact that they use springs to bring the gear down. Being a "retract rookie" I had many questions after receiving them. I have called Spring Air directly three or four times with questions and was very pleased with their friendly, helpful manner. They went out of their way to answer and explain anything I wanted to know. I think a lot of other manufacturers could learn from them. In my opinion, Spring Air and their products are first-rate.
Mike Cramer Mountville, Pennsylvania
Mailbox
During one of my favorite shopping trips to our local Home Depot one day, I came upon the mailbox section: our mailbox was getting quite old and unattractive and I felt that it was about time that I replaced it with a new one. The industry has begun to show many new boxes with very nice designs on them. They were all very attractive, but it opened up my mind to an idea: why not make my own, with airplanes on it, to let the neighborhood know of my interests?
I purchased a mailbox that had plain wood surfaces. I reduced several pictures of RC airplanes on my photocopy machine to the size I wanted and traced them on the mailbox with carbon paper.
I wanted something to be the center of attraction, so another part of the project was to cut out a biplane on a scroll saw, which was stained and epoxied to the sides of the box.
All of the woodburning was done with a 20-watt Ungar soldering iron with a fine round tip. After several trials, I found this to be the best to control. The mailbox was given approximately six spray coats of exterior varnish, with very light sanding after the first and second coats.
The mailbox has been the attraction of our neighborhood, with many youngsters asking to see my airplanes. I have a few youngsters whose interest in model aviation will start them in the hobby. Total cost of the project was about $30.
If all AMA members were to place mailboxes of this type in front of their homes, I think they would attract some new modelers to the hobby. Here is a project for the winter months and a challenge for the future of model aviation.
George Bucic Downers Grove, Illinois
Wants Diesels
I feel quite sure that there are many of us in the country that use diesel power in our hobby. Would it be possible to publish a few articles on the use of diesels? It would be most appreciated.
George R. Pronovost Chelmsford, Massachusetts
(Note: Larry Renger's article on diesels is in this issue.)
AMA Supporter
The November issue of Model Aviation is especially interesting, for I have become reacquainted with some people that I had not thought of for years. There is a photo of Bert Pond; I have not seen him since my mother and I rode with him to the 1936 Nationals in Detroit. I have not attended a contest since, except as a helper.
Ted Strader was mentioned; because of the name, I made it a point to talk to him at some meeting a lifetime ago. I am glad to see that so many of the oldtimers are still around and active. I much enjoyed reading about the people whose plans and kits I have used and built over the past 55 years. Actually it has been longer than that, for I started building models with that baby ROG in 1930.
I have supported the AMA all these years because it is imperative that this organization exists; to assure the continuance of this aid to our sport hobby. I read Model Aviation to keep informed of all types of modeling and the people who support me and all others who pursue this hobby.
I appreciate all the good work you at HQ are doing; so good luck, may God bless and keep on keeping on.
Roy Strader South Bend, Indiana
Don't Change a Thing
I truly enjoy reading the Model Aviation magazine. There is nearly always something that I learn from. I wouldn't get too excited by the comments of modelers. Your magazine is great! Don't change a thing!
Ken Duncan Crawfordsville, Indiana
1/2A RC
The biggest problem that a newcomer has with 1/2A RC, and it is a very real problem, is that most instructors share certain misconceptions. If the newcomer can find an instructor that is comfortable with 1/2A R/C, it is a great way to go. Haught's Indicator looks like a good trainer. Hand-launching is practical and easy. I would discard the landing gear.
Scratch-building your first model (from plans) is appropriate and, with just a little help, has a very high probability of success. Building is an essential part of this hobby. It is just as important that a newcomer learn to build as it is to learn to fly. If you really do not like building you will probably move on to a new hobby. Most longtime modelers move around within the hobby. The core activity is building flying models.
William J. Kuhnle Richardson, Texas
AVP a Big Help
My son and I recently got into the RC airplane hobby. Knowing nothing about it, I began to research the subject and came across a copy of your magazine in which you list the names and phone numbers of regional Vice Presidents and Associate Vice Presidents. Living in Hawaii, I found the name of Michael Harrington as the Associate Vice President for District X.
One night I called Mr. Harrington for information on flying clubs in the area, the AMA, etc., and he was more than willing to share the information I requested — plus a whole lot more. In fact, he has helped us to find a trainer, complete its construction, and will instruct us on how to fly it!
I just wanted to share this experience with you and express my appreciation for Mr. Harrington's support. With people such as he in key positions of your organization, the future of model aeronautics looks bright and promising.
Edward F. Davidson Kaneohe, Hawaii
Heavy Lifting
I thought you might be interested in a follow-up of the "Carlton's Cargo" event that you published last year.
Three of the 1996 entrants are an extended-wing Sig Kadet Senior by Don Baker; a 16-foot-span original by Gerry Freck, George Yewell, and John Torillo; and Atlas II, a 12-foot-span original by me.
You may remember that all airplanes are powered by stock O.S. .40FP engines. To date the best lift has been 17 pounds, 6 ounces; all are still trying for the elusive 20 pounds. It has been a good experience.
Carlton Molesworth Mount Vernon, Washington
Help Wanted
I am trying to research the early Czech Air Force during the interwar period of 1918–38 but I am not having much luck as of yet. My intent is to get an overview of some of the aircraft flown and built by the Czechs in order to pick a topic or topics for an RC scale model. I will be looking for interior and exterior details as well as dimensional drawings from which I can draw up plans.
I wonder if anyone can give me a lead where I can find such information? I will most gladly receive word at my physical address or my e-mail address.
Will Volny 1813 W. Golf #134 Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 will.volny@amersham.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
