Letters to the Editor
Beginning RC Glider Help
I sympathize with S. J. Casden ("Letters," November 1980). Everybody tells the neophyte all about trainers—that is, except those with empathy, experience, and education.
Being a retired school teacher—66 years of age—model nut since 1930—FF—now struggling with RC—I know that so-called trainers are a rip-off unless suited to the individual.
I was in a complete state of confusion until my son—darn good pilot, either models or one-to-one scale—gave me a Mark's Models Windward and said, "put a Medallion in the nose, and fly when you want to; I know you can out-guess such a slow plane."
It worked! I treated it like a FF, and have always reached the ground in a flying attitude. When thermals are decent, I get 15 to 30 minutes on a 2½-minute engine run. Best flight so far has been one hour and 18 minutes. I added (rubber-banded) a wire landing gear for use on hard runways. Takeoffs are fun.
If I turned purist and joined up with the high-start guys, I would be ready. But it is fun to fly without stretching that big rubberband.
To each his own, but keep it simple to build or fly.
Graham Selick, Sr. Green Cove Springs, FL
Calling Pappy Boyington
Do you have available, or can you direct me to someone who can give me the address of Major Gregory Boyington? I have a print of his aircraft from WWII, and would like him to sign it. I have already tried NBC, and did not have much success.
Ron Weir 4912 W. Bahama Ct. Louisville, KY 40219
We didn't have the address, either. Can anyone out there help Ron? It could be that Major Boyington isn't home, wherever that is, long enough to read his mail, because we understand that he's on tour as a guest at airshows all over the country.
Helping Has Its Rewards
As secretary of Clinton Model Aviators (AMA Club No. 1206) of Wilmington, OH, I would like to thank the Nats contestants who used our flying field for practice before and during the 1980 Nats. We had clothespins for 72 MHz frequency control. We must apologize for not having pins for 53 MHz. Had we known those frequencies would be used, we could have made some up. We must also apologize for our field being somewhat rough. I really did not think that fliers with retracts would use it; but they did—the finest Pattern fliers in the country. They simply (if necessary) bent their gear back into place after landing!
On Friday before the Nats, Joe Bridi and several others—mostly from California—had been there all day, and were having a fine time. I mention Mr. Bridi only because I was introduced to him (and was very glad to meet the gentleman), but all the people were great. They conducted their own schedule and frequency control. I am sure there must have been some things that "miffed" them, but no grumbling! They did not litter, nor break anything (I wonder if the plane that ended up in the thorn tree—thorn trees are all we have—broke any twigs. It sure broke the airplane!).
There was constant activity; we hardly found time or opportunity to mow the runway! Several other types besides Pattern were flown, also. We were pleased to have provided a useful facility, and were pleased to watch the fine flying by a fine group of people.
We hope to help host the Nats again sometime.
Warren D. Behymer, Sec.-Treas. Clinton Model Aviators
Fleet's Washout
Your article in the September issue on the 1930 Fleet caught my fancy, and I ordered the full-size plans for same. I am a comparatively new modeler, even though I'm 58 years old and have been interested in the hobby most of my life. Years ago (in the early 50s) I was quite active. Just got nicely into RC when I ran out of time to pursue the hobby. It wasn't until about a year and a half ago that I became re-activated. I have Kraft equipment, and have built a Sig Kadet, Ace Bipe, and the Airtronics S-Tec. The S-Tec called for 1/4-inch washout on the wing. I had no luck in accomplishing this task.
Now you probably know the reason for my letter. I noticed that it calls for 1/4-inch washout on both wings of the Fleet. I wonder if you could tell me how this is done? I will be most appreciative.
D. C. McCray Corry, PA
Whenever possible, we endeavor to have the authors respond to questions which are posed. Gary Brown was the author of "The 1930 Fleet" which appeared in the September 1980 issue, and his response follows. Also worthy of attention is the Free Flight Duration column by Bob Meuser in this issue, as he talks about methods of building in washout, which is applicable to all built-up structures.
Washout of the tips, or decreasing angle of attack relative to the root section, can be accomplished by several methods.
The easiest method is to warp washout in with the covering material. Cover the wing in the normal way, whether it be heat- or water-shrinkable material. When the wing is completely covered (before painting) and the material has been shrunk, hold the wing at the center section with one hand, and the tip with the other. Now, twist the tip so that you lower the trailing edge and raise the leading edge, and leave it there until the covering shrinks and "freezes" the twist.
Letters to the Editor
Worthy of Recognition
I am writing to you, because I feel there is a modeler who has set a fine example. I am not much of a writer; however, I can recount the facts, and let you be the judge.
The man I'll be talking about is Ed Schwerkolt who lives in Bedford, OH. Ed, like myself, was entered in the 1980 Nationals. We were both flying Control Line Sport Scale. Ed was flying a Spitfire with retracts, throttle, and engine cut-off. Ed earned the CL Flight Achievement Award, plus 5th place. This, however, was nothing as compared to what he did for a crippled spectator.
While the contest flying was taking place, and we were trying to make adjustments to improve our scores, a young man was wheeled over in a wheelchair by his dad. Ed stopped doing everything, just to help explain the event — and then, wonder of wonders, he took the lad and put him in the center of the circle, and flew his Spitfire just like it was being counted for an official score. His heart is like gold. Ed just shrugged off this feat. But I told him that just watching this dramatic event was worth going to the Nats — and far more important than a trophy.
Thanks for listening. We love your magazine.
Jim Deutsch Orange Village, OH
So far, we have been able to correspond with everyone — which makes us appreciate Frank Zajc's monumental efforts in producing all those incredible yearbooks.
Jack Voiles, 11359 Judy Dr., Sterling Heights, MI 48078, sends a picture of his "green machine," a field box which holds his Sig Cadet at convenient height. The odd thing about this box is that it has a retractable landing gear. A simple toggle locks it down for transport, retracts for solid support at the field, all 1/4-inch plywood. Who'll be the first to put flaps on a tote? Like other guys who write, he is building a Morris training tray (October 1980 M/A), but with his own linkage. (You guys with questions, address Lt. Col. Bob Morris in care of the editor, and he will answer directly.)
Jack fell into the old trap of flying out too far, and correcting a right bank which was really a left bank. Sound familiar? Now building a Bird Trainer .40, but with three inches more span — we like that because we can't quite slow ours enough for him to take over and steer gently about. Will have cowl, rounded wingtips and tail feathers, and a flying stabilizer. The double-jointed needle valve extension sounds good, too. Spring needle valve extensions, turning 90 degrees rearward, were common years ago. Those days you carried Band-Aids for skinned knuckles. Jack calls it the Skat Cat, but already has a new passion.
"Burt Rutan's beautiful concepts have me entranced," Voiles tells us. "Did you know he has RC plans ($4.75) of his Vari-Viggen (555 sq. in.)?"
"I am planning a ducted prop for it. How does an .8–.9 at about 8,000 rpm sound — maybe a 4-blade?" Jack is studying prop theory at the library—would like to relate torque to displacement. He asks for ideas.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
