Letters to the Editor
Corrections
You were good enough to publish a press release on a Computer Frequency Control Board software in your July issue ("Modeler's Mall," page 129, top left column). The telephone number published is my fax number. The correct information is as follows:
Arnold E. Acker Tel.: (209) 588-9435 Fax: (209) 588-9642 E-mail: arnacker@jps.net
Arnold Acker Sonora, California
Larry King of Carl Goldberg Models called our offices to advise that the deluxe version of the Tiger 60 (with Robart pneumatic retracts) was released at Toledo (coverage in the August 1999 issue).
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Hobby Shops / List Hobby Shops
It appears you've touched off a firestorm of defense after publishing Lance Novak's letter degrading local hobby shops (June MA issue p. 173). Rather than joining the chorus attacking Mr. Novak, allow me to ask the publishers of Model Aviation: Where's your support, or a simple, collective opportunity to advertise for local hobby shops?
For many years, and in each and every issue, Model Railroader and Classic Toy Trains have run a text-only listing of virtually every hobby shop in the United States and Canada that support model railroading. It's very simple: just the name, address, store hours, and phone number, arranged alphabetically by state or province.
The magazines don't give away this service. There is a listing charge, but it's not an arm and a leg. And I must tell you, it gives hobbyists across North America a snapshot and clear reference to all those mom-and-pop stores that are the entrance portal and backbone of any hobby.
I have long been surprised that Model Aviation does not provide a similar service. Clearly the publishers willingly accept large-dollar, full-page ads for the superstores. What about all those local hobby shops who can't afford full-page ads? Your magazine is probably sold in many of them. Do you want to generate a little more ad revenue and provide an invaluable service to your readers? I think Model Aviation clearly needs to better support local hobby shops by borrowing a page or two from Model Railroader.
Tom Polk Farmington Hills, Michigan
Model Aviation publishes "Hobby Shop Corner" listings at no charge.
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Servicing the People
This is in regard to a letter from Lance Novak that you published. Mr. Novak may or may not have had an undeserved experience in one hobby shop, as he tells it. Reading the letter makes me wonder what might really have taken place in that store.
He has taken on a mission in his little life to carry on a vendetta against all retail hobby shops that he thinks are not entitled to exist. This comes around to your publication.
There is a very real contradiction when you publish something like this. A lot of print space was given to Mr. Novak's rantings. Where is the equal space in the same issue that promotes the hobby? The advertising doesn't count. Your publication is supposed to support and promote the model aviation hobby. If that is the mission of your publication, perhaps you will print this or any similar letter received from retailers that stay in business because they service the people in the hobby.
Mike Hill Park Ridge, Illinois
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Supporting Local Shops (from a customer)
I have just finished reading "Letters to the Editor" from the August 1999 issue. I have decided to put my two cents in and tell you of my great experience with a mom-and-pop hobby shop.
First, I have to say something to Mr. Byrd [hobby shop owner who had decided to close his shop]. Keep the shop open — don't listen to Mr. Novak. Mr. Novak looks for the cheapest price and doesn't seem to care about the personal relationship between customer and shop owner. People value that relationship. I'm sure customers would be saddened by shops closing. Maybe you should take a poll of your customers and see what they think. I bet they would want to keep the shop open.
My local hobby shop near me is very competitive with mail-order prices. Many things are actually below mail-order price. Some kits and radios are higher than mail-order sale prices, but not paying shipping and having to wait weeks to get what you buy is worth it. When I want something the shop doesn't have, they will order it for me with no shipping charge. It does not matter how large or small, expensive or cheap the item — you can also ask for advice and help from knowledgeable employees. I enjoy talking to a person instead of an automated answering device when I buy something.
When it comes to supporting local hobby shops, count me in. I don't wish to insult mail-order stores — I recognize good mail-order stores — but shop local hobby shop first.
T. J. Wingard Bethany, Illinois
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Poorly Written
I am an AMA member and receive Model Aviation magazine monthly. I feel some articles are poorly written. For instance, the July issue column "Radio Control Aerobatics" actually refers to Nationals reasons to go. I don't have a doctorate or master's degree nor am I the author, but I'm sure better reading vocabulary and common speech would help. Humor is great and stays within columns, but contents should be clear — everybody knows basketball; it's a long way to model aviation. We have readers of many ages and levels of experience. The magazine can help our sport of modeling; just remember the KISS rule: keep it simple, stupid. I'm saying some writers should simplify.
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Stop By Anytime
I just read with interest the "Radio Control Giants" article in the August issue by John de Vries. He mentions that Jim Messer had a tough time getting accepted by his new club members in Florida until he designed and built a 1/3-scale Piper J-4, and then offered to kit it for any club members who were interested. Gee, that's quite an initiation!
Our club welcomes anyone who wants to fly, particularly the guy or gal who shows up with a new trainer and a gleam in their eye.
Jim, anytime you're in Michigan, please feel free to stop by and fly at our field, no plans or kits necessary.
Bill Oates Brighton, Michigan
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In Memoriam: Alfred Lehmberg
It is with great sorrow that the family of Alfred Lehmberg tells of his unexpected death on July 6, 1999. He had a lifelong love of model aeronautics and had a great appreciation for the wonderful job the AMA does in promoting this hobby that brought him such joy for more than 60 years.
— The Lehmberg family
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Transformers
In the July 1999 Model Aviation, Joe Beshar describes what appears to be a fire hazard. He appears to be using a doorbell transformer in his foam carver power supply.
Most common doorbell transformers are rated for around 18 VA, or less than one amp. He has fused it at three amps, or about 50 watts rms — well in excess of the rating of the transformer.
If you're going to hunt for power transformers in the hardware store, look in the low-voltage lighting section, where you can find transformers rated for 100 watts or more.
Also note that most common light dimmers are rated for 600 watts, so there is no problem there.
James M. Lee Arroyo Grande, California
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
