Author: Bob Hunt
Edition: Model Aviation - 2001/03
Page Numbers: 7,174
,

Modeling Spoken Here

Bob Hunt — Aeromodeling Editor

IN THE PAST few years, there have been some dramatic changes within our hobby/sport. The move toward larger (Giant Scale, Giant Sport, and Scale Aerobatic) and smaller (park flier and indoor flier) models is a significant part of these changes.

But the most startling movement, at least in my opinion, is the proliferation of Almost Ready-to-Fly (ARF), Almost Ready-to-Cover (ARC), and Ready-to-Fly (RTF) models. These "get into the air quickly" models have been around for years; this is not a new thing. What is amazing is the number of new model-airplane fliers who have had their first successful flying experience with them, and the level of quality many of these "instant airplanes" exhibit.

I remember the label given to these models when they first appeared: "rubber duckies." Many who had spent years learning how to build and fly took a superior stance in regard to those who showed up at the field with "duckies." (Yes, I was among the naysayers at the time.)

By and large, these early ARFs were not well designed or well built. They were usually heavy. The engine mounts were not rigid, and the engines tended to run erratically. The landing-gear mounts were weak and would routinely pull out during hard landings. Virtually everything about them was inferior to a well-built balsa kit-type model.

Basically, these were disposable airplanes that had little hope of a long and useful life. Some were better than others (and even a few were way ahead of their time, quality-wise), but they mostly received a well-deserved poor reputation. Those who pioneered the type must have been made of pretty sturdy stuff to survive the slings and arrows delivered by many, if not most, of the status quo of builder/flier modelers. It was not our finest moment.

Now I believe that most of the early suppliers of instant airplanes were truly trying to produce quality airplanes at affordable prices. In order to hit a target price, they had to cut some corners. The materials of the time and the manufacturing processes were crude by today's standards. Still, they persevered and learned. The result today is a new, large, and growing part of the sport.

Many of today's instant airplanes (IAs) are beautifully built and have finishes that rival the best scratch-built models on any field. They are strong, well engineered, light, and they fly extremely well. It's easy to see why they are gaining popularity!

Unfortunately, there are still some who look at this as a negative thing. Many longtime modelers with whom I've chatted have expressed real concern that the hobby of model building is doomed—or at least on the verge of a sharp decline. I totally disagree!

In my experience, everything runs in cycles. The pendulum swings only so far in one direction, then it begins to swing the other way. We have reached a point at which that pendulum is poised to reverse in respect to model building, and we will owe this swing largely to IAs. Hear me out.

At the WRAM (Westchester Radio Aero Modelers) Show a couple of years back, my very good friend Steve Anthony and I were manning a booth. Steve took a break to get some fresh air and stepped outside. When he returned, he said something that really hit me. He had observed those who were leaving and took note of the products that they had bought at the show. By his count, seven of ten were carrying ARF- or RTF-related products! Of course, that was a cursory appraisal. Maybe it was just a brief anomaly. But maybe it was indeed accurate. In any case, the number was large. Maybe truly as much as 50% of what was sold at that show was ARF-oriented. I say, "That's wonderful!"

Three groups involved with ARF and RTF

There are three distinct groups involved in this ARF and RTF movement:

  1. Those who buy an ARF or RTF model, give it a try, become bored, and move on to the next "adult toy." They might be coming from golf, and are on their way to go-karts. They are never in one sport or hobby for long. There is very little we can do to influence this particular group, nor should we waste too much time trying. They are a restless type and are destined to keep moving. This is the smallest of the three groups.
  1. Those who try an ARF or RTF, have a positive experience, and fall in love with model-airplane flying—but, for one reason or another, cannot or choose not to build their own models. They may not have the time, the room, or the skills required to build. They may have health concerns that preclude them from working with many adhesives and materials. Or they may be allergic to the dust created by sanding. There may be many other reasons, but the message is clear: they want to fly, but not build. We can, and must, accept and respect that. This group will probably continue to buy and fly ARF, RTF, and even custom-built airplanes supplied by builders/modelers, and enjoy the sport for many years.
  1. Those who have a positive flying experience, then after a season or so begin to look beyond the flying to the fun being had at the field by those who build their own models. Members of this group may—and hopefully will—conclude that flying is only half the fun available in this sport and begin building their own models from plans or kits. Many, if not most, of the next generation of model builders will emerge from this group.

If this is true, we have an unprecedented opportunity for a renaissance in model building. It might even equal the growth in the early years of the hobby.

Why new flyers may become builders

Why will these people want to begin building their own models? There are several possible reasons:

  • Pride of ownership of something they have created.
  • The ability to have any design or type of model—not just the ones developed by IA producers.
  • The desire to be a "complete" modeler.
  • Simple curiosity and the challenge of creating something.

Those of us who enjoy building our own models know all this, and we should share our reasons for building with this new group of enthusiasts. To help this along, we must pass along the wealth of building lessons we have learned.

The rub here is that we must present this material to the new builder from a position of respect for what he or she already knows. The new builders will already be versed in flying. They will know about engines, fuel systems, propeller selection, radio-control installation, field rules, flight-line etiquette, etc. They will need building information—not necessarily a complete course in modeling.

This magazine will try hard to fulfill their needs by publishing articles that give them the how-to information they desire. Yes, this will mean covering some old ground.

All modeling information should be revisited at least every three to five years. Not only are new modelers who have never been exposed to this stuff reading the magazine, but the techniques and materials change. All modelers could benefit from a review of basic tools and techniques.

Practically Fall Together (PFT) kits

A group of manufacturers seems to have figured all this out and have started engineering kits aimed directly at the first-time builder. Modern materials and manufacturing techniques have spawned a whole new category of kits.

For the most part, these kits feature hyperaccurate laser-cut parts and ultra-intuitive engineering, yielding products that are almost impossible to be incorrectly assembled. This almost ensures a positive first experience. I'll call these Practically Fall Together (PFT) kits.

After building one or two PFT offerings, the new builder will probably take on a more-difficult project. Perhaps he or she will try scratch-building from plans or take on a more-involved "builder's kit." Either way, the process will be complete. We'll have a new model builder!

...the process will be complete. We'll have a new model builder!

Kenny and Al

Kenny and Al done good! One of my oldest friends and one of my newer friends have done a wonderful thing, and I'm so proud of them I could bust!

I've known Kenny Wills for nearly 45 years. As kids, we were members of the Union Model Airplane Club in central New Jersey. Many times my mom took us to the club field during summer vacation and left us there to fly our Control Line (CL) models. More often than not, we broke our models on the first or second flight, then we had to kill time until we were picked up hours later (no cyanoacrylate [CyA] glues in those days!). We still had fun just being at the field, talking about models, and planning how we would fly in the Nationals someday and become champions.

Kenny never really had as much time to devote to modeling as he would have liked. He has drifted in and out of the sport as work and family obligations have dictated. Deep inside, I know Kenny would have become a well-known modeler if things had been different.

I've only known Al Knight for a couple of years, but I have grown to respect him as a gifted modeler and a giving human being. He and his wife Mary are among the first to step up and offer help when it's needed.

Recently, Kenny has been sport-flying with another old mutual pal—Larry Scarinzi. Larry told me the story of what happened the day they were enjoying the action at one of the Garden State Circle Burners' CL meets in November.

There was a sudden cry from one of the circles, and Kenny and Larry looked up to see what the excitement was about. Before Larry could react, Kenny was off like a shot across the field to the scene of the commotion. Al arrived moments later.

Fellow modeler/friend Dave King was experiencing a heart attack.

Kenny had taken a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course, and he immediately put his training to use. Apparently, Dave showed no vital signs and Kenny began the prescribed repetitions of 15 chest presses followed by two mouth-to-mouth breaths.

Al saw what Kenny was doing and offered to help. Kenny continued the presses while instructing Al how to administer the mouth-to-mouth part of the technique.

They revived Dave three times before the paramedics arrived. They saved his life.

This is a wonderful story, and it should serve notice that we all need to identify those among us who have these lifesaving skills. It might even move us to take a CPR course, so we might be the ones with these skills when someone else—perhaps a good friend—is in need.

Many members of the Garden State Circle Burners club elected to take the CPR course because of this incident. They also donated $100 to the Lincoln Park Ambulance Corps.

If you or any members of your club would like to take the CPR course, get in touch with your local Red Cross chapter for information on where and when classes are held.

Dave had a successful heart bypass operation and is doing great. He's looking forward to the flying season. I'm sure he'd be the first to tell you that Kenny Wills and Al Knight are champions in the truest meaning of the word.

Contact

If you'd like to get in touch with me to share your thoughts on the above or any other model-airplane-related subjects:

Now go build something! MA

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.