Radio Control: Giants
John A. de Vries 4610 Moffat Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Remember When
Remember when Comet and Megow scale model kits could be bought for a nickel or a dime at the local drugstore? Remember when a giant rubber-powered model—with a staggering 60-inch wingspan—could be purchased for a paltry $1.50? Remember when a new Ohlsson 23 cost $16.50 and included the necessary coil and condenser? Do you recall when Jim Walker's almost-solid-balsa Fireball kit was a staggering $10? Those days are gone forever, more's the pity.
It's interesting to note what's happened to yesteryear's rubber-powered kits. The models that we used to buy for two bits at the corner drugstore are (more or less) still available. However, their price has risen a little bit—to $25–$40 each! Bring on your computer chips!
Computers and CAD
The magic word today is computer. Not only are our RC radios full of computer chips, but we're also bombarded with model-airplane-related programs for the "bug-eyed monster" that lurks on many of our desks.
Software is the way of the future. It can help us predict the performance of a Giant Scale model even before it's constructed. However, most of the programs designed for the modeler's personal computer (PC) are labeled CAD—Computer-Assisted Drawing. They take a computer-scanned three-view drawing of an airplane and, through a complex process, produce a set of working plans for a scale model of the desired size.
It's a long and laborious process to become proficient with CAD programs. However, with the appropriate machinery and some software proficiency, the average R/Cer can "ride" the learning curve and produce some truly magnificent drawings.
WindSoft and resources
One of the leaders in the model airplane CAD field is the WindSoft Company (1405 Hopkins Ave., Dover, DE 19901-4003). WindSoft markets an integrated series of model-aircraft CAD software programs. Fundamental to their system is DesignCAD 2D and their Dot Matrix Plotter program—it'll handle any Giant Scale drawing. This plotter can produce drawings that are 91 feet long! The printouts have registration marks, so several strips can be taped together to produce larger Giant Scale drawings. WindSoft also offers pre-scanned drawings on disk, including the entire Paul Matt library of scale views.
WindSoft's catalog includes an explanation of how the programs work, as well as several reviews of the products.
Bob Holman (Box 741, San Bernardino, CA 92402) also carries the full WindSoft line. If you're computer-proficient and have the "hots" to design and build a truly obscure airplane, check with WindSoft (or Holman) to find out how to produce working drawings.
Ralph Beck's Lincoln Sport (1/3 scale)
One of the neat things about bolting together a Giant Scale column every month is that I get to see the best of the best—outstanding models created by true craftsmen. This month Ralph Beck of Beloit, Wisconsin, sent a photo of his latest masterpiece, a 1/3-scale model of the 1925 Lincoln Sport biplane.
Ralph really did his research and homework in the design and construction of the biplane. He acquired reprinted copies of the 1930 Flying and Glider Manual with the aircraft's home-building drawings. These provided the basic data for Ralph's model plans.
Ralph determined that the full-scale Lincoln Sports were powered by a number of different engines. He chose a version that featured the two-cylinder, horizontally opposed Lawrence power plant, as he intended to use a Saito 270 twin.
Ralph had an advantage that few of us have when we sit down at the drawing boards: a restored Lincoln Sport, owned by Denny Trone, is based eight miles from Ralph's home. The full-scale Lincoln was the only factory-built Lincoln Sport—it carries serial number one!
Mr. Trone loaned factory drawings to Ralph, and let him photograph the aircraft. The photo of the 80-inch-span model reveals how well Ralph duplicated the original's structure. It's a truly awesome model!
British and European references
If your interests lean toward British or European aircraft, England's Midland Counties Publications prints books that are right up your runway. They may have just the book you need to document your latest model. Their 71-page catalog lists some fascinating titles on relatively obscure aircraft. Although the book prices are in pounds, the company accepts Visa and MasterCard orders. Postage is only 15% for four- to six-week delivery. They also ship UPS, DHL, or Federal Express at extra cost.
Contact: Midland Counties Publications, Unit 3 Maizefield, Hinckley, LE10 1YF, England.
Buy early — a suggestion
Unfortunately, many small model-airplane companies are short-lived. This creates a problem—and generates a suggestion.
If you see a kit, a set of Giant Scale plans, a specialized tool, or a model accessory advertised in a magazine, it's a good idea to buy one when it first appears on the market. An early purchase has two effects:
- It assures you that you'll get the advertised item.
- It encourages the supplier to stay in business. If he or she has a good product, your early purchase will help ensure that it continues to be available for other model builders.
Also, the introductory price of an item is often substantially lower. I bought my first Quadra engine soon after they were introduced for an unbelievable $89. Another low-price purchase included a fiberglass fuselage, cowl, and molded canopy for Nick Ziroli's Giant Scale AT-6, plus a suitable Kawasaki engine and a set of electric retracts (with wheels). All of these items were purchased for less than $500—the result of an early buy.
Current prices in the Giant Scale arena may seem daunting, but early-purchase bargains are still out there.
Conclusion / Call for photos
I sure could use some nifty photos of your latest Giant Scale model!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
