CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,27,28,29,30
CoAnMveAntion by Bob Hunt
2 0 0 5
The main convention floor accommodated a multitude of exhibitor booths, which offered a wide variety of products and services. It
was clean and comfortable! Mark Lanterman photo.
I’VE JUST RETURNED from AMA
Convention 2005, which took place January
7-9. This was its second year in the Ontario
Convention Center in Ontario, California, and
it represents the 28th consecutive year in the
show’s lineage.
This event was originally named the
“International Modeler Show.” It was created
by Bill and Anita Northrop, who at that time
owned and published Model Builder
magazine. To say that this event has continued
to grow in the six years since AMA took the
reins would be an understatement.
The Pasadena, California, venue was on
the verge of being too small when AMA
assumed control of the convention, and the
next two years there confirmed that a move to
larger facilities was a priority. That decision
was difficult because the relationship between
AMA and the convention-center staff and
management in Pasadena was extremely
good.
Jay Mealy—AMA Programs Director and
AMA Convention Committee chairman—
proposed a bold step, and the committee made
the decision to move the show to its new
facilities in Ontario in 2004. That first
convention there validated the committee’s
decision.
The venue is large, clean, easy to access,
and provides the necessary room to grow.
And the feedback from vendors and attendees
has been more than favorable. Hopefully this
will remain the convention’s home for many
years.
It’s important to make the distinction
between a modeling convention, a trade show,
and a consumer show. All of these affairs are
normally referred to as “trade shows,” which,
by definition, are open only to the trade’s
people—those who produce wares and those
who market, distribute, and retail them. Only
those who are in the “industry” can attend.
There are not many actual modeling trade
shows, but some of them do offer a “trade
day,” when those in the hobby industry can
visit with manufacturers and discuss business.
Even this practice has become less frequent in
recent years.
A “consumer show” is what the name
implies: an event that is open to consumers
who come to see, learn about, and purchase
wares. In our industry, even the consumer
show is becoming a thing of the past.
Enter the “Convention.” My Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines this as “A
Yuri Higuchi won the Aerobatic static competition with his Dave von Linsowe-designed 42% von Extra 260 from Troy Built Models. It
has four Hacker C-50 motors driving one propeller via a custom-engineered belt-drive system by Hacker. The Extra is covered with
MonoKote and features hand-cut MonoKote graphics. Lanterman photo.
April 2005 19
A Dave Patrick Models Super Cub was the sole raffle prize; proceeds went to the AMA
Scholarship Fund. It was ready to fly and contained products donated by Airtronics,
Du-Bro, Hobby Club USA, Horizon Hobby, and Tru-Turn. Lanterman photo.
Photos by the author except as noted
20 MODEL AVIATION
L-R: New AMA Executive Director Don Koranda, Joyce Hager, AMA District XI Vice
President Bruce Nelson, Bob Underwood, and Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
(Western Region) Wes De Cou at the AMA booth.
George Manning won the Sport Helicopter static competition with his stunning T&T
Works X-Cell, built only from upgrade parts by T&T and Miniature Aircraft. It features a
Futaba radio and an O.S. .61 WC engine. Lanterman photo.
Larry Klingberg dressed the part to man the Scale Squadron booth. This Southern
California-based group is active in promoting RC Scale modeling. Lanterman photo.
body of delegates, representatives, members, or
the like, periodically convened for a common
purpose.” Okay, I’ll buy that description. Now
let’s see if it fits what the AMA is doing in
Ontario each year.
Let’s be honest; the main thing that attracts
modelers to such a gathering is information
about new products and the ability to see them
in person. Those who attend can speak with
those who produce the wares they use and get
immediate feedback on questions. Sure,
information about any product or service can
be obtained via the Internet or by telephone,
but nothing compares to talking one-on-one
with a person—in person!
For the most part, those who manufacture
products for our hobby/sport are modelers
themselves, and they enjoy the opportunity to
see, firsthand, the live modelers’ reactions to
their latest and greatest gadget, goody, or
gizmo. It’s a good thing all around.
The modeler/consumer can pick up an item
and get a feel for its weight, quality, size, and
adaptability to his or her modeling. Many times
the conversation between a manufacturer and a
potential consumer will serve to give the maker
a new perspective on the buyer’s actual needs,
and a sort of grassroots engineering discussion
will result. This often leads to new and even
better products.
The component of personal contact and
discussion is invaluable both ways, and this fits
into the description of a convention. There is a
common purpose of seeing, showing, and
discussing new products.
At this year’s convention, 141 exhibitors
occupied a total of 256 booths for the attendees
to visit. The largest group of exhibitors
consisted of the various manufacturers who
offered products or services to the modeler.
Their wares spanned the entire spectrum of
modeling, and discussing who was there and
what they featured would be impossible in the
space available here.
For those of you who could not attend,
included is a list of the exhibitors present and
their contact information. If you think about it,
you can use this information to get online and
visit them all to, in essence, attend your own
virtual AMA Convention!
Most modeling shows now feature
symposiums and/or organizational meetings.
With so much talent and knowledge under one
roof, it only makes sense to tap into it for
educational purposes.
This year that aspect of the convention was
taken to a new level with a wide variety of
symposiums for the attendees during the three
days. And in speaking with many of those who
went, it was learned that the symposiums were
the deciding factor in whether or not they
would come to the convention.
Highlighting the symposium menu was a
presentation by Aero Telemetry CEO Joe Bok.
Joe and his company had recently been
involved with what may be the ultimate
modeling project to date; they were tasked with
building and operating the RPV (Remotely
Piloted Vehicle)-type craft that were used in
filming and production of the blockbuster and
April 2005 21
L-R: Jerry Clark, Larry Tuohino, and Swanje Tuohino represented
the Soaring Society of America. The organization’s motto is “If
flying were the language of man, soaring would be its poetry.”
AeroVironment engages in aerospace research-anddevelopment
work. Representative Jim Lueken said that they are
recruiting modelers. Send a resumé!
L-R: Don Koranda, Joe Bok, Bill Hempel, and Jason Somes at the MA booth. Joe’s
company Aero Telemetry Corporation produced the models used in the movie The
Aviator, and Bill and Jason piloted them. Joe gave an excellent talk about how the
models were produced and used.
John Redman won the Sport Jet static-display competition with the KingCat he built
from a Bob Violett Models kit. It features a JR radio and a JetCat P-120 turbine.
Lanterman photo.
The modern marquee at the Ontario
Convention Center: a home in which the
convention can continue to grow for
many years. Lanterman photo.
Large crowds of spectators watched expert RC pilots perform
spectacular maneuvers with indoor electric-powered aerobatic
models. Lanterman photo.
Product Guide Coordinator Wendy Wisehart sold convention
souvenirs at the AMA Supply and Service booth.
National Model Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith with
NASA Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness and the laser-powered
airplane that is on loan to AMA from NASA Dryden.
L-R: Tom Sanders, April Hathaway, Michael Smith, and Gordon
Schimmel staffed AMA’s education booth. Education Committee
member Charlie Bauer is at far right.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Right: MA Sport Aviator editor Frank Granelli (standing), MA
Production Associate Jennifer Orebaugh, and MA
Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt. Lanterman photo.
L-R: Martin Bowitz and Fred Shecter represented the Southern
California Rocket Association. The group conducted a Make
and Take program.
Black Sheep Squadron members staffed the Make and Take
program and provided patient, nurturing help for many potential
new modelers. Lanterman photo.
MA safety columnist Dave Gee—who is also a Black Sheep
Squadron member—built a Dumas stick-and-tissue Zero at the
convention.
L-R: Don Goeschl and Wayne Hamada, at the AMA District X
booth, were proud that the convention was in their district!
In the foreground are many Black Sheep Squadron members’
FF models. Behind is the Make and Take test-flight area.
Lanterman photo.
April 2005 23
Larry Klingberg won the Civilian Scale static competition with
this 1⁄6-scale Bellanca Aircruiser Flying “W” that he scratch-built
from factory drawings. Lanterman photo.
multiple-Academy Award-nominated hit The
Aviator.
Joe spoke for an hour about the project, its
time-limitation problems, and the technical
aspects of the aircraft. He showed still photos
and a video depicting the construction of the
three airplanes at his facility: the Hughes H-1,
the Hughes XF-11, and the Hughes H-4
Hercules, which is commonly referred to as
the Spruce Goose.
There was even an opportunity to meet
those who piloted the behemoth craft for
filming. It’s no surprise that they came from
AMA’s modeling ranks. Bill Hempel and
Jason Somes gave a modeler’s viewpoint of
what it was like to make these airplanes
perform on cue according to the director’s
wishes. It was spellbinding! Thanks to Joe,
Bill, and Jason for their time and effort in
sharing this experience with a standing-roomonly
crowd.
I don’t want to let too much out of the bag
about Joe’s adventure because MA is planning
on presenting a series of articles about this
entire project in the not-too-distant future.
Most of the other symposium subjects
were directly related to more normal
modeling subjects. There were how-to talks
about building and finishing techniques, a
number of presentations about proper and safe
battery usage, and seminars about many other
informative and interesting modeling subjects.
The meeting rooms available to us were
also scheduled for several organizational
meetings, an AMA general membership
meeting, and a District X meeting. New AMA
Executive Director Don Koranda was present
for the District X meeting, which gave the
westernmost AMA members their first
opportunity to get to know him in person.
I had my first meaningful chat with Don at
Ontario, and our discussion was far-ranging in
subject matter. I learned that one of his main
concerns and goals is safety education and
awareness for all AMA members. He was
pleased to see that many of the exhibitors
were also concerned about safety and
specifically pleased to see how they addressed
the issue in designing and manufacturing their
products.
Don brings a fresh perspective to AMA,
and I suspect that the changes he suggests will
be implemented quickly and efficiently. He
spent most of his time at the convention at the
AMA booth, answering members’ questions
and getting to know them. He a hands-on kind
of guy who I predict will be extremely
popular because of his willingness to listen
and talent to motivate.
On the subject of safety, AMA Special
Services Director Carl Maroney and Larry
Johnson—president of AMA’s insurance
broker, FirstLine Insurance—gave a
comprehensive presentation on flightline
safety.
These symposiums are popular and
needed, and the plan is to make them an even
more integral part of the convention in the
coming years.
AMA is an “Academy.” Webster’s defines
that as “A place of training; a school.” This
organization is certainly more than a school
but is indeed that to a degree. Training and
teaching should be paramount in our goals for
the membership, and where better to
demonstrate that than at AMA’s own
convention?
Dedicated teaching professionals staffed
the AMA education booth located in the
convention’s activities area. The materials and
hands-on modeling learning aids were well
received by modelers and those who came in
as nonmodeling curiosity seekers. We have
begun to turn from the choir and are
preaching our message to all who might have
an interest in modeling.
The RCAD (Radio Control Aircraft
24 MODEL AVIATION
Demonstrator) that AMA Education Director
Jack Frost and AMA National Model
Aviation Museum Curator Michael Smith
developed a few years ago continues to allow
newcomers to actually move the sticks on a
transmitter and see how the inputs control a
typical four-channel model. Not only do the
control surfaces move, but the gimbalmounted
model responds appropriately in
attitude upon its articulated base.
Armed with the knowledge of what
control input yields what response, the
newcomer is then introduced to a computer
simulator. There, he or she receives virtual
flight training and learns more quickly
because of the proper sequence of instruction.
The look of achievement and satisfaction on
the students’ faces is reward enough for the
staffers.
From there the new modeler moves to a
hands-on building lesson, staffed and taught
by members of the Black Sheep Squadron—
an extremely active and beginner-aware
group from the nearby Southern California
area. MA safety columnist Dave Gee was one
of the workers, and, among his other duties,
he built a fairly complex stick-and-tissue
model as the hopeful new modelers looked
on in amazement.
The students got to try cutting and gluing
while assembling a simple sheet-balsa,
rubber-powered model in the “Make and
Take” area. A member of the Black Sheep
Squadron, who patiently explained the tools,
materials, and techniques as they proceeded,
oversaw this construction phase for safety’s
sake and to ensure that good technique was
being learned.
The payoff—and the fun part—was when
the proud owners of these self-built models
wound the rubber and let their creations take
wing in one of the spacious indoor flying
areas. Invariably the models needed some
trim work before they displayed the desired
flying characteristics and flight path, but the
Black Sheep members were on the job and
ready to instruct.
The new modelers were even introduced
to the joys and trials of competition with a
mass-launch contest. This was an all-up/lastdown
affair. A number of models were
launched on signal, and the last airplane
flying was declared the winner!
But win or lose in this fun event, each
newcomer experienced a small part of almost
the entire modeling experience. They went
through theory, flight-simulator training,
building, trimming, and flying in roughly an
hour’s worth of enjoyable time. Tell me that
isn’t worth it!
Thanks to the AMA education-booth
staffers and the Black Sheep Squadron
members who helped out in the education,
activity, and Make and Take areas.
Another interesting aspect of the
education area was the NASA Dryden
booth. Among its displays was one
featuring a proof-of-concept, laser-powered
model called the Moth, which is currently
on loan to AMA and will soon be on
display in the museum along with Dryden’s
X-33 radio-controlled drop-test model and
the radio-controlled Mother Ship.
The Mother Ship has served for the past
30-plus years, releasing various drop-test
models for NASA. I took the accompanying
photo of AMA’s Michael Smith and NASA
Dryden’s Mary Ann Harness posing with the
Moth.
The real significance of this booth was
that it showed newcomers and veteran
modelers just one way in which modeling can
lead to a career in aviation and aerospace. If
that doesn’t complete the education loop, I
don’t know what will!
On the other end of the convention floor
was another Make and Take area, featuring
model rockets. This program was staffed by
members of the Southern California Rocket
Association.
Seeing new products, attending symposiums,
and learning about modeling rudiments seems
like plenty to achieve our goal of living up to
the definition of a convention, but something
is missing. I know: action!
The flight-demonstration and activity
areas were well isolated from the main
convention floor for safety’s sake, and there
was continuous action as some well-known
modelers demonstrated their amazing piloting
skills with the hugely popular, sheet-foam, 3-
D-type, electric-powered airplanes. If you
haven’t seen this type of model fly, you are
missing one of the most entertaining things to
come along in our hobby/sport in many years.
Seeing what these simple and relatively
inexpensive airplanes are capable of is a
surefire selling point for modeling, especially
for the younger crowd. The latest fad in the
youth market is “extreme sports”; making a
bike, a skateboard, or a motorcycle do
seemingly impossible maneuvers, set to
music, has become a phenomenon. You see it
all over the cable channels on TV.
This new type of modeling can offer those
same types of thrills, only in a safer manner.
Those who witnessed the E-TOC (Electric
Tournament of Champions) during last year’s
Weak Signals (Toledo OH) R/C Exposition
know what I’m referring to. This could be the
catalyst that finally brings younger members
to modeling and to AMA in some numbers!
I’ll have much more thoughts about this in a
future editorial.
Let’s turn from action aspects to the static
features. The convention features a staticcompetition
area, where modelers share their
craftsmanship and finishing skills with
airplanes, boats, and cars. This year’s models
were amazing in quality and diversity.
My favorite was Larry Klingberg’s
fantastic Bellanca Aircruiser that won top
honors in the Scale Civilian class. Details of
this airplane and many others that were on
display are presented in this month’s RC
Scale column by Stan Alexander. I have
included photos of the static models to show
that many modelers still do build from scratch
and from kits.
As an organization, the Academy
acknowledges several companies for their
generosity in donating products used in the
model that was raffled off to support the
AMA Scholarship Fund.
A great big AMA thanks to Airtronics
(radio-control system), Dave Patrick Models
(fully assembled Super Cub ARF), Du-Bro
Products (scale Cub wheels, control horns,
and miscellaneous hardware items), Hobby
Club USA (glue, propeller, and various small
items), Horizon Hobby (Saito 120 engine),
and Tru-Turn (spinner and spinner adapter).
By definition we had us an AMA Convention
good and proper. AMA continues to learn
from its members who attend this affair each
year how it can be continually improved to
serve their needs and desires. If only the
weather will cooperate next year and yield
some sunshine instead of rain (this was
Southern California, right?), this thing just
might approach perfection! MA
Bob Hunt
AMA Convention 2005
Static Model Competition
Category:Winner
Aircraft—Aerobatic:Yuri Higchi
Aircraft—Sport:William Male
Aircraft—Scale, Military (non-jet):
Jimmy Markham
Aircraft—Glider/Sailplane:Mitchell
Schwartzberg
Aircraft—Scale, Civilian (nonjet):
Lawrence Klingberg
Aircraft—Sport, Jet:John Redman
Aircraft—Scale, Jet:Henry Nguyen
Helicopter—Sport:George Manning
Helicopter—Scale:Ken Schulz
Rocket—Scale/Scale-Like:Ross Iwamoto
Rocket—Sport:Marc McReynolds
Boat—Sport:Bob Gregory
Boat—Scale:Kay Tillman
Boat—Pleasure Boats:Richard Macy
Boat—Military:Will Oudmayer
Boat—Work Boats:Tony Gaeta
Car—Electric On Road:Charlie Barnes
Car—Electric Off Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow On Road:Ralph Salgado
Car—Gas/Glow Off Road:Charlie Barnes
CoAnMveAntion
22 00 00 55
AMA Booths:
District X
Box 3312
Scottsdale AZ 85271
(888) 899-3548
www.ama10.org
Education Committee
Activities Arena
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.buildandfly.com
Membership
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Supply and Service
5151 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org/
Magazines:
Air Age Media
100 East Ridge
Ridgefield CT 06877
(203) 431-9000
www.airage.com
Kiona Publishing
Box 4250
West Richland WA 99353
(866) 627-0456
www.kionapublishing.com
Model Aviation
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie IN 47302
(765) 287-1256
www.modelaircraft.org
R/C Modeler
Box 487
Sierra Madre CA 91025
(800) 523-1736
www.rcmmagazine.com
Traplet Distribution
Box 350
Monticello IL 61856
(217) 762-9099
www.traplethouse.com
Associations:
Experimental Aircraft
Association
Box 3086
Oshkosh WI 54903
(920) 426-4800
www.eaa.org
International Miniature
Aircraft Association (See
www.fly-imaa.org/imaa/
official.html for a list of
contacts.) www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels (See
www.inlandsloperebels.com/
isrcont.htm for a list of
contacts) www.inlands
loperebels.com
Knights of the Round Circle
9382 Lomita Dr.
Alta Loma CA 91701
(909) 989-4188
[email protected]
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino
834 E. Virginia St.
Rialto CA 92376
(909) 875-8700
www.marksrcclub.com
Model Engine Collectors
Association (See www.model
engine.org/coordinator.htm for
a list of contacts.)
www.modelengine.org
NAMBA International
1815 Halley St.
San Diego CA 92154
(619) 424-9763
National Association of Scale
Aeromodelers (See www.nasa
scale.org/about.htm for a
list of contacts.)
www.nasascale.org
Radio Control Combat
Association (See www.rc
combat.com/officers.asp for a
list of contacts.)
www.rccombat.com/
Radio Control Hobby Trade
Association
Box 315
Butler NJ 07405
(973) 283-9088
www.rchta.org
San Gabriel Valley Radio
Control League (See www.sg
vrcl.org/officers.htm for a list
of contacts.)www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Squadron of Southern
California (See http://scale
squadron.tripod.com/club/club.
htm for a list of contacts.)
http://scalesquadron.
tripod.com
Soaring Society of America
Box 2100
Hobbs NM 88241
(505) 392-1177
www.ssa.org
Society of Antique Modelers
(See www.antique
modeler.org/chapters.html for
a list of contacts.)
www.antiquemodeler.org
Southern California Rocket
Association
Box 5165
Fullerton CA 92838
(714) 529-1598
http://home.earthlink.net/~meb
owitz/
Unlimited Scale Racing
Association
1828 N. Dearing Ave.
Fresno CA 93703
(440) 257-0177
www.usrainfo.org
Other:
AeroVironment (Corporate
Headquarters)
825 S. Myrtle Dr.
Monrovia CA 91016
(626) 357-9983
www.aerovironment.com
All Star Warbirds Custom
Embroidery
1101 19th Ave. S.
Princeton MN 55371
(763) 631.1500
http://allstarwarbirds.com
Dental Ventures of America
17 Lewis Ct.
Corona CA 92882
(951) 270-0606
www.dentalventures.com
NASA Dryden Flight Research
Center
Box 273 Edwards CA 93523
(661) 276-3311
www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/
home/
U.S. Bank (See www.us
bank.com/personal/sub_global/
personal_cu.html for a list of
contacts.) www.usbank.com
Manufacturers:
3 Sea Bees Models
Box 747
Lake Stevens WA 98258
(425) 334-6089
www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties
Box 2454
Big Bear City CA 92314
(909) 584-1638
http://home.earthlink.net/~nam
ba707spec/
Abell Hobby
314 9th St. W.
Billings MT 59101
(406) 259-4882
www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
2055 Main St.
Irvine CA 92614
(949) 833-0088
www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric
3706 N. 33rd St.
Galesburg MI 49053
(269) 665-9693
Aero-Model/Hacker Brushless
USA, Inc.
2122 W. 5th Pl.
Tempe AZ 85281
(480) 726-7519
www.hackerbrushless.com
Aerospace Composite Products
357 Stealth Ct.
Livermore CA 94551
(925) 443-5900
www.acp-composites.com
AirWild Hobbies, 23172-B
Alcalde
Laguna Hills CA 92653
Exhibitors
April 2005 29
(949) 699-1059
www.airwildhobbies.com
Airtronics
1185 Stanford Ct.
Anaheim CA 92805
(714) 978-1895
www.airtronics.net
Aon Electric
1830 Westholme Ave. #201
Los Angeles CA 9002
(310) 470-5188
www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight
13311 Beach Ave.
Marina Del Rey CA 90292
(310) 821-6242
www.astroflight.com
Batteries America
2211-D Parview Rd.
Middleton WI 53562
(800) 308-4805
www.batteriesamerica.com
Battery Bunker/Kelley
Ceramics
Box 400506
Hesperia CA 92340
(760) 247-6980
www.batterybunker.net
Bill Northrop Plans Service
2019 Doral Ct.
Henderson NV 89014
(702) 896-2162
[email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats
15862 Maybrook
Westminster CA 92683
(714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans
Box 741
San Bernardino CA 92402
(909) 885-3959
http://bhplans.com/
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92626
(714) 979-8058
www.bobsairdoc.com
Boca Bearing
500 SW 30th Ave. Unit #1
Boynton Beach FL 33426
(800) 332-3256
www.bocabearings.com
Brison R/C Engines
12075 Denton Dr. Suite 11
Dallas TX 75234
(631) 254-9571
www.brisonaircraft.com
Bruce Tharpe Engineering
8622 E. Evans Creek Rd.
Rogue River OR 97537
(800) 557-4470
www.btemodels.com
C3GM/Sidewalk Flyers
Box 1510
Jacksonville OR 97530
(541) 734-2088
www.c3gm.com/about.php
Cajun R/C Specialties
312 Martin Oaks Dr.
Lafayette LA 70501
(337) 269-5177
www.cajunrc.com
Castle Creations
402 E. Pendleton Ave.
Wellsville KS 66092
(785) 883-4519
www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products
1740-C Junction Ave.
San Jose CA 95112
(408) 451-1155
www.centuryheli.com
Cermark
9830 Bell Ranch Dr.
Santa Fe Springs CA 90670
(562) 906-0808
www.cermark.com
Choppahedz, LLC
1815 W. 205th St., Suite 301
Torrance CA 90501
(310) 787-9909
[email protected]
www.choppahedz.com
Combatwings
10611 Lawson River
Fountain Valley CA 92708
(714) 968-4491
www.combatwings.com
CST—The Composites Store
Box 622 Dept JT
Tehachapi CA 93581
(800) 338-1278
www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs
1145 E. Kleindale Rd.
Tucson AZ 85719
(520) 887-0771
www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products
4560 Layhigh Rd.
Hamilton OH 45013
(513) 738-1576
www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models
1811 E. 400 North Rd.
Milford IL 60953
(815) 457-3128
www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft
1815 South Research Loop
Tucson AZ 85710
(520) 722-0607
www.desertaircraft.com
DreamHobbies
US toll-free: (866) 869-9191
Local: (562) 790-8801
www.dreamhobbies.com
Dremel
4915 21st St.
Racine WI 53406
(800) 437-3635 or (262) 554-
1390 (7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST
Monday-Friday)
[email protected]
www.dremel.com
Du-Bro Products, Inc.
Box 815
Wauconda IL 60084
(847) 526-2136
www.dubro.com
Dymond Modelsport
3904 Convoy St. #110
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 495-0098
www.rc-dymond.com
Edjer Co.
Box 1775
Hemet CA 92546
(909) 925-2344
eHobbies
(877) 346-2243
www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems
22605 E. La Palma Ave. Suite
516
Yorba Linda CA 92887
(800) 845-8978
www.emsjomar.com
E-Power RC/DC Power
Products
Box 1201
Los Alamitos CA 90702
(562) 240-2134
Experimental Aircraft Models
33924 Cotswold Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335
(800) 297-1707
www.rchomebuilts.com
F & M Enterprises
9910 Airpark Dr.
Granbury TX 76049
(817) 279-8045
www.stits.com
FlyingFoam.com
9990 Indiana Ave. #8
Riverside CA 92503
(951) 324-8205
www.flyingfoam.com
FMA Direct, Inc.
5716A Industry Ln.
Frederick MD 21704
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Four Pi
4944 N. Orange Ave.
Norridge IL 60706
(708) 457-2177
www.fourpi.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft
30882 Rivera Pl.
Laguna Niguel CA 92677
(866) 429-2910
www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes
Box 9021
Champaign IL 61826
(217) 398-8970
www.greatplanes.com
Green-Mountain Co.
22610 285th Ave. SE
Maple Valley WA 98038
(425) 413-8240
www.handi-hands.com
GWS Expert
644 Midford St.
Los Angeles CA 90042
(213) 591-0671
www.gwsexpert.com
GWS Express
24431 Eshelman Ave.
(310) 534-4321
Lomita CA 90717
GWS USA
138 S. Brent Cir.
City of Industry CA 91789
(909) 594-4979
www.gws.com.tw/english/deal
er/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Hayes Products
14325 Commerce Dr.
Garden Grove CA 92843
(714) 554-0531
High Desert 3-D/HD Mfg.
4455 Donald Cir.
Fort Mahave AZ 86426
(909) 917-3546
www.hd3d.net
Hitec
12115 Paine St.
Poway CA 92064
(858) 748-6948
www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Club
Box 6004
San Clemente CA 92674
(949) 425-1362
www.hobbyclub.com
Hobby Zone
1617A Victory Blvd.
Glendale CA 91201
(818) 546-2291
www.hobby-zone.com
Horizon Hobby
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa
10101 Yucca Rd.
Adelanto CA 92301
(760) 246-6462
www.houseofbalsa.com
i4C Products
6924 E. 92nd
Tulsa OK 74133
(918) 492-9435
www.i4cproducts.com
Jet Hangar Hobbies
Box 1607
Hawaiian Gardens CA 90716
(562) 467-0260
www.jethangar.com
JMD Models
10249 Randwirk Dr.
Temple City CA 91780
www.jmdmodels.com
Klotz Special Formula
Products
7424 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne IN 46818
(800) 242-0489
www.klotzlube.com
Lears Video Productions
2575 Agile Ct.
Perris CA 92571
(951) 657-0200
www.learsvideo.com
Leisure Electronics
10039 Lesterford Ave.
Downey CA 90240
(949) 586-0955
www.leisurelectronics.com
LittleScreamers.com
1329 Sherman Dr.
Longmont CO 80501
(425) 971-9121
http://littlescreamers.com/
Maritime Modelers
13596 Marsh Ave.
Chino CA 91710
(909) 591-5924
Micro Fasteners
24 Cokesbury Rd. Suite 2
Lebanon NJ 08833
(908) 236-8120
www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks, LLC
11-32 30th Rd.
Astoria NY 11102
(718) 278-0475
www.mikessubworks.com
Miller RC Products
Box 425
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 833-5905
Model Machining
1816 Monrovia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison NJ 08837
(732) 225-6144
www.modelrectifier.com
MS Composit USA
(510) 226-1165
http://mscomposit-usa.com
MTA RC Helicopter Hobbies
2068 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance CA 90501
(800) 952-2143
www.mtahobbies.com
Nelson Hobby
Box 1598
Hillsboro OR 97123
(503) 531-8811
www.nelsonhobby.com
New York Cargo, Inc.
1660 Placentia Ave.
Costa Mesa CA 92627
(949) 645-3550
www.thelastglue.net
Pacific Aeromodel
Manufacturing
12368 Valley Blvd. Suite 109
El Monte CA 91732
(800) 780-0100
www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragonaero
2341 S. Friebus Suite 13
Tucson AZ 85713
(520) 571-8880
www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics
934 East Houston Ave.
Gilbert AZ 85234
(480) 558-1996
www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers
Box 710399
Santee CA 92072
(619) 448-1818
www.peck-polymers.com
Polk’s Hobby
98 S. 21st St.
Irvington NJ 07111
(973) 351-9800
www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Products
2973 Berman St.
Las Vegas NV 89109
(800) 355-7333
www.propwashvideo.com
Ram Radio Controlled Models
229 E. Rollins Rd.
Round Lake Beach IL 60073
(847) 740-8726
www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC Direct
4428 Convoy St.
San Diego CA 92111
(858) 277-4531
www.rc-direct.com
RCAT Systems
812 Asbury St.
San Jose CA 95126
(408) 292-9794
www.rcatsystems.com
RC Trayman USA
7021 Mary Ellen Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-5518
www.rctraymanusa.com
Robart Manufacturing
Box 1247
Saint Charles IL 60174
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
Rodman & Co., Inc.
2823 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank CA 91504
(818) 846-9494
Scande Research, Inc.
(630) 833-8395
www.geocities.com/scandeman
Shulman Aviation
1140 Citrus Oaks Run
Winter Springs FL 32708
(407) 359-1020
www.shulmanaviation.com
Sling Wing
Box 1392
Lake Arrowhead CA 92352
(909) 640-3890
www.slingwing.com
Smiley Antenna Co. Inc.
408 La Cresta Heights Rd.
El Cajon CA 92021
(619) 579-8916
www.htantennas.com/
SoaringUSA.com
809 N. Glendora Ave.
Covina CA 91724
(626) 967-6660
www.soaringusa.com
Sophos Silk Screening
5331 San Fernando Rd. W.
Los Angeles CA 90039
(818) 500-7303
www.sophoswear.com
SR Batteries
Box 287
Bellport NY 11713
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Startek International Inc.
398 NE 38th St.
Fort Lauderdale FL 33334
(800) 638-8050
www.startekvideo.com
Sureflite, Inc.
10054 Mesa Ridge Ct. Suite
110
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 404-0102
www.sureflite.com
The Tool Man
7621 Lake Highland Dr.
Fort Worth TX 76179
(817) 306-0884
www.hobbytools.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby
3512 W. Victory Blvd.
Burbank CA 91505
Utopia Tools
231 Pelayo Ave. #A
San Clemente CA 92672
(760) 717-6762
www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and
Electronics
713 Cottonwood Dr.
Ridgecrest CA 93555
(760) 375-2108
http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
William Mark Corp
112 N. Harvard Ave.
Claremont CA 91711
(909) 608-7340
WingsPro
040 Carroll Way Suite 7
San Diego CA 92121
(858) 549-9902
www.wingspro.com
Zurich International
9418 Snow Lake Pl.
Elk Grove CA 95758
(916) 691-6467
www.zurichsunglasses.com