16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/04
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23
16 MODEL AVIATION
BY MICHAEL RAMSEY
Lawrence Klingberg scratch-built this 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55 (foreground) and
1/3-scale Sopwith Pup on floats.
The Black Sheep Squadron arranged an
awesome exhibit of the variety FF
modeling offers. This is just one side of the
table display area.
THE PROMOTION OF aeromodeling
takes many forms. We see it in the products
offered by manufacturers, the SIGs that
moderate competitions and events, and
especially in the everyday modeler who
comes out to show off a new aircraft
creation.
Regardless of the special interest in the
hobby, AMA is willing to be a part of it
and help make it fun, safe, and enjoyable
for anyone. The Academy is host, either in
part or in whole, to many events, all of
which, of course, are organized to promote
aeromodeling.
Take part in any club event, whether it’s
flying or a monthly meeting, and AMA is a
part of it. Club members are, by definition,
local ambassadors of AMA, and without
provocation they spread the values and joy of
aviation modeling. This is the philosophy
behind the AMA Convention.
The convention center is a place to gather
all that is monumental and popular in
aeromodeling under one roof, in a convenient
location. It’s a “reunion,” of sorts, for the
procreation of fresh ideas, the telling of
traditions and history, and the opportunity for
all “ambassadors” to illuminate our youth so
they can share the magic of flight.
Born from the International Modeler
Show, commonly referred to as IMS, that was
founded long ago by Bill and Anita Northrop,
AMA has built on their foundation and
cultivated that tradition of promoting
modeling by boldly nurturing its following
into what is now known as the AMA
Convention. This year’s event was held at the
Ontario Convention Center in Ontario,
California, as it has been for the past two
years.
The Ontario Convention Center appealed
to the AMA board as an attractive location for
expanding the event because of its opportune
location, modern facilities, and enormous
showroom. In addition, it is a great area of the
California southern valley to sightsee—
especially if you’re an aviation enthusiast.
Two of the most famous air museums are
located less than an hour’s drive from the
convention center, not to mention the other
attractions that are available for the entire
family to enjoy if the weekend getaway is
conveniently timed on the calendar.
The 2006 convention was held the third
week of January, from Friday the 13th to
Sunday the 15th. For those of you who are
superstitious, I walked under two ladders,
stepped on countless cracks, and may not
have broken a mirror, but several grains of
salt were sacrificed during a breakfast
meeting. I’m still here and, to my knowledge,
everyone including myself got through the
weekend without as much as a hangnail.
The weather was bright (except for a little
rain on Saturday) and cool. Even though I
might be jinxing myself for next year, I’m
happy to report that geologic anomalies bared
no witness at our show.
As is the AMA Nationals, the AMA
Convention is a place where you’ll meet a
large portion of the headquarters staff and
Executive Council members who make the
Academy so well run. For the West Coast
contingent, this is an opportunity to match an
E-mail or telephone call with the face and
greet those who make up the nuts and bolts of
the association.
The layout of the showroom floor was
designed to be open, with wide aisles between
the exhibitors. At the center of it all was a
“village” area where AMA personnel could
easily be found. The show interior was filled
with 138 exhibitors covering 258 table
spaces. Roughly 8,000 guests visited the
convention during the course of the weekend.
Demonstration areas were easy to find at
the far end of the exhibit hall. They included a
large boat pond that was active with ships and
submersibles of every type, and beside it were
two full-scale aircraft displays. One featured
Jason Somes’ legendary Reno-class AlleyCat
racer.
Next to that was Mike Reagan’s
unbelievably light, American-made, state-ofthe-
art sailplane: the Sparrow Hawk. Loaded
with all the extra high-altitude equipment, the
all-composite aircraft still weighed less than
200 pounds.
As if the full-scale displays weren’t
impressive enough, Bill Hempel—a
professional UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle)
pilot and one of the most talented RC pilots in
the country—displayed his new 52% Edge
540 from Advanced Composite
Manufacturing.
He thinks highly of his aircraft and
treasures them almost as much as he does his
The Planes of Fame Museum (Chino CA) is a short driving distance from the Ontario
Convention Center. It houses pristine full-scale aircraft such as this Supermarine Spitfire
XIV. Mark Lanterman photo.
Dave Gee lets his imagination get the better of him sometimes. His latest is this Mk III
Creature. As a CL model it’s powered with two IPS motor drives. Yes, it does fly, and on
just a two-cell Li-Poly battery.
Ken Schuiz finished this Vario AS365 Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard colors. The model is
almost 1/7 scale and is powered with a 23cc gas engine.
April 2006 17
Photos by the author except as noted
Bill Hempel’s latest Scale Aerobatics model—a 52% Edge 540T—is equipped with a 3W-342
twin-cylinder engine producing 30 horsepower, turning a 38-inch propeller. Flying weight is
75 pounds minus the fully animated pilot seen under the green canopy. That’s 6-year-old
Caylie Hempel, whose pride in her daddy’s latest creation was obvious—and no, she will not
be a passenger in the model.
The Ontario Convention Center’s interior hall was flooded with spectators waiting for
the show to start. To keep people occupied, several seminars were held before the
exhibit hall opened.
Lynell Jackson (Pasadena CA) built this
Little Joe II scale rocket from an Estes kit.
Its scale is 1/100, which makes it
approximately a foot tall.
The Soaring Society of America’s Mike Reagan displayed his carbon-fiber Sparrow Hawk.
This high-performance-class glider is one of only two sailplanes currently manufactured in
the US.
Hundreds of Sky Streak FF models were
built in the model airplane make-and-take
area. Shown is the stock version above a
creative builder’s example of what can be
done with the same kit parts.
Left: A panoramic view from the
southeast corner of the exhibit hall
observation lounge. The wide-aisle floor
plan made it comfortable to get around.
Lanterman photo.
AMA President Dave Brown closely
examines the meticulous craftsmanship of
Ron Wittman’s record-holding Supersweep
22 Hand Launch Glider, which has been
donated to the AMA museum. The record
flight time is 1 minute, 30 seconds.
Burt Rutan (second from left) was presented with the Model Aviation Hall of Fame award
during a banquet in his honor. With him are District X Vice President Rich Hanson (L),
Dave Brown, and committee member Norm Rosenstock (R).
Above and Below: Mort Rosenthal’s 86-inch-wingspan F4U Corsair
has a G-62 engine up front. The remarkable thing about this gullwing
model is that it’s equipped with functioning pneumatic
folding wings that operate remotely. Its other features include
retracts, operational tailhook, electric sliding canopy, and
navigation lights.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Charger RC demonstration pilot Paul Anderson skillfully hovers
his CR-1 foamie close in while holding the transmitter upside
down behind his back.
Richard Spencer scratch-built this 1/6-scale Bf 109 with an amazing
amount of detail. Without looking under the hood (for the
missing engine) it’s hard to tell that this is a Slope Soaring model.
Construction is almost entirely EPP foam.
family of three daughters—Brittany, Madison, and Caylie—who were
present Saturday and Sunday to help show how well engineered for
strength Bill’s new airplane was built.
Around the cockpit area of the big model, all radio equipment had
been neatly arranged fore and aft of the opening, and at the floor of the
compartment was a plate angled backward. I thought I might have
been mistaken, but it looked as though there were dainty footprints
imprinted comically on the floor.
As I learned in a roundabout way, those Keds treads belonged to
Bill’s 6-year-old daughter Caylie. We had a chance to meet after I
drifted by the aircraft that Saturday morning, when I saw her cheery
head and shoulders inside the almost custom-fit, green-tinted canopy.
She gave me a thumbs up, and I did a double take. Then she surprised
me again by working the aircraft control surfaces vigorously back and
forth.
Bill was close by and couldn’t help but laugh as he stood out of
view. He wasn’t holding the transmitter, though.
“Hey Bill, what’s up?” I asked. Then Caylie popped the cockpit
open, bringing the side-hinged, perfect-fitting cover at rest with the
safety cable holding it off to the side as if it were a full-scale airplane.
The transmitter was tray-mounted inside the cockpit for Caylie to
operate easily. Then she stood upright in the cockpit, all 46 pounds of
her, brought her left foot up onto the wing, stepped all the way onto it,
and then jumped off the aircraft.
“So Bill, do you think this Edge is tough enough to hold up to the
typical dramatic demonstrations we’re so used to seeing you do?” I
asked.
“Though my daughter will never fly in this aircraft, I’m confident
that its maiden flight will be very pleasing,” he answered, laughing.
Since the Edge weighs 75 pounds, it will be registered in
AMA’s RC Experimental Class. Although the preceding story is
a little on the dramatic side, such special exhibits are what make
conventions so memorable.
Those who came to the show as public guests were welcomed to
play out some experiences of their own. When it came to the
youngsters, “make-and-take” areas were extremely busy all weekend.
Also on that far end of the exhibit hall was the rocket-building area,
where some of the finest-built specimens of today’s rocketing model
sciences were located.
Quest Aerospace, which donated the rocket kits, and the Southern
California Rocket Association (SCRA) volunteered to mentor anyone
April 2006 21
2006 AMA Convention Exhibitors
3 Sea Bees Models Inc. www.3seabees.com
707 Specialties http://home.earthlink.net/~namba707spec/
Abell Hobby www.abellrc.com
Ace Hobby Distributors www.acehobby.com
Aero Electric [email protected]
Aero Model/Hacker Brushless www.hackerbrushless.com
Aeroworks www.aero-works.net
Air Age Media www.airage.com
Airtronics, Inc. www.airtronics.net
AirWild Hobbies www.airwildhobbies.com
Align RC USA www.alignrcusa.com
All Star Warbirds Custom Embroidery www.allstarwarbirds.com
AMA History Program and AMA Plans Service
www.modelaircraft.org
AMA Supply and Service www.modelaircraft.org
AON Electric www.aonelectric.com
AstroFlight, Inc. www.astroflight.com
Batteries America www.batteriesamerica.com
Berna-Innovations [email protected]
Bill Northrop’s Plans Service [email protected]
Bob Gregory Boats (714) 897-1575
Bob Holman Plans www.bhplans.com
Bob’s Aircraft Documentation www.bobsairdoc.com
Castle Creations www.castlecreations.com
Century Helicopter Products www.centuryheli.com
Cermark LLC www.cermark.com
Charger RC www.chargerrc.com
Chip Hyde Products www.chiphyde.com
Cimmaster, Inc. www.cimmaster.com
Combat Wings www.combatwings.com
Common Sense RC www.commonsenserc.com
Cool Running Corp. www.coolrunningusa.com
Creative Aeromodeling www.creativeaero.com
CST—The Composites Store www.cstsales.com
D&L Designs www.dldesigns.net
Dave Brown Products www.dbproducts.com
Dave Patrick Models www.davepatrickmodels.com
Desert Aircraft www.desertaircraft.com
AMA District IX www.amadistrict-ix.org
Diversity Model Aircraft www.flydma.com
DreamHobbies www.dreamhobbies.com
Du-Bro Products www.dubro.com
Dumas Products, Inc. www.dumasproducts.com
Duralite Flight Systems www.duralitebatteries.com
Dymond Modelsports www.rc-dymond.com
Experimental Aircraft Association www.eaa.org
Edjer Company [email protected]
eHobbies www.ehobbies.com
Electronic Model Systems www.emsjomar.com
Emax Toys, Inc. www.emaxinc.com
E-Power RC www.e-powerrc.com
Fliton USA www.fliton.com
FlyingFoam.com www.flyingfoam.com
Four Pi, Inc. www.fourpi.com
Fourmost Products www.fourmost.com
Gizmos and Gadgets Inc. [email protected]
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft www.goldenskiesrc.com
Great Planes Model Distributors www.greatplanes.com
Green RC Models USA www.greenmodelusa.com
GWS USA www.gws.com.tw/english/dealer/dealer_gwsusa.htm
Ham Source www.hamsource.com
Hayes Products (714) 554-0531
Hitec RCD www.hitecrcd.com
Hobby Manufacturers Association www.modelretailer.com
HobbyZone www.hobbyzonesports.com
Horizon Hobby www.horizonhobby.com
House of Balsa www.houseofbalsa.com
International Miniature Aircraft Association www.fly-imaa.org
Inland Slope Rebels www.inlandsloperebels.com
Jason Air Racing www.jasonairracing.com
Jet Hangar International www.jethangar.com
JMD Models www.jmdmodels.com
Kiona Publishing, Inc. www.kionapublishing.com
Klotz Special Formula Products, Inc. www.klotzlube.com
Knights of the Round Circle [email protected]
Kyosho Corporation www.kyoshoamerica.com
Leisure Electronics www.leisurelectronics.com
M.A.R.K.S. of San Bernardino www.rcmarks.com
Maritime Modelers www.ssmana.org
Mega Motor USA www.megamotorusa.com
Micro Fasteners www.microfasteners.com
Mike’s Subworks www.mikessubworks.com
Mikro Designs www.mikrodesigns.com
Miller RC Products (707) 833-5905
Model Aviation/Sport Aviator www.modelaircraft.org/mag/index.htm,
www.masportaviator.com
Model Engine Collectors Association www.modelengine.org
Model Machining (949) 631-3772
Model Rectifier Corporation www.modelrectifier.com
Motortron System Inc. www.motortron.com
MTA Hobbies www.mtahobbies.com
North American Model Boating Association www.namba.com
National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics www.nsrca.org
On Track Productions [email protected]
Pacific Aeromodel, Inc. www.pacaeromodel.com
Paragon Aero www.paragonaero.com
Peak Electronics www.siriuselectronics.com
Peck-Polymers www.peck-polymers.com
Pegasus Hobbies www.pegasushobbies.com
Polk’s Hobby www.polkshobby.com
Propwash Video Productions www.propwashvideo.com
Quark Brushless Systems www.sky-technology.net
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkel/index.html
Ram Model, Inc. www.ramrcandramtrack.com
RC TrayMan USA www.rctraymanusa.com
Richmodel Works www.avia-richmodel.com
Robart Manufacturing www.robart.com
San Gabriel Valley Radio Control League www.sgvrcl.org
Scale Shipyard www.scaleshipyard.com
Scale Squadron of Southern California
http://scalesquadron.tripod.com
See Temp www.seetemp.com
Skyshark R/C www.skysharkrc.com
Smart-Fly www.smart-fly.com
Smiley Antenna Company www.smileyantenna.com
Soaring Society of America www.ssa.org
SoaringUSA.com www.soaringusa.com
Society of Antique Modelers www.antiquemodeler.org
Sophos Silk Screening www.sophoswear.com
Southern California Rocket Association
http://home.earthlink.net/~mebowitz/
Sureflite www.sureflite.com
The Chino Flyers www.amaachinofliers.com
Tony & Addie Hobby Lobby (818) 842-5062
Unlimited Scale Racing Association www.usrainfo.org
Utopia Tools www.utopiatools.com
West Coast Blimps and Electronics http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Wild R/C Inc. www.wildrc.com
Xoar International www.xoarintl.com
Zurich Sunglasses www.zurichsunglasses.com
who was interested in getting into the hobby.
Modelers from SCRA supervised the
assembly of the guests’ own rockets, which
they took home free of charge. Building
seminars were held every hour during the
three days.
As at most conventions, which many
incorrectly refer to as trade shows, a large
static display was prepared to welcome local
modelers to compete in a beauty competition.
This was by no means “Top Gun”-class
judging, but many of the models could
contend with the big boys. Trophies and some
serious cash prizes were awarded to firstthrough
third-place finishers. You can find the
results elsewhere in this article.
One of the most unique aircraft was by
veteran and modeler Lawrence Klingberg. He
scratch-builds most of his creations, including
his 1/6-scale Savoia-Marchetti S.M.55. It is a
skillful depiction of the Santa Maria—the first
aircraft to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in May
1927. That was before Ryan Aircraft and
Charles Lindbergh set out on the solo quest
for a nonstop leap from New York to Paris.
Lawrence and I had a pleasant
conversation about the methodology behind
the layout and construction of the all-wood
model. It quickly became obvious why he’s
such a respected member of the Scale
Squadron of Southern California. His intense
activity in the preservation of aviation history
must be a rewarding asset to AMA District X.
Lawrence’s display was adorned with
figurines of the three-man crew, aqua-blue
carpet for water, and a two-man rowboat
posed as if it were greeting the world
explorers. Simulated in-line engines were
perched in place where two O.S. 91 fourstroke
engines will soon take a push-pull
position and assist in making this fine vessel
airworthy.
Black Sheep Squadron (BSS) member and
MA safety columnist Dave Gee was active
with a large number of club members in the
Mayoral Conference rooms, across the hall
from the main exhibit space. This area was
approximately one-third the size of the main
exhibit hall (enormous, in other words) and
partitioned with one side for the FFers and the
other for the RC crowd.
Dave’s goal is to attract people to the
hobby, and he does so in an inventive manner.
He leads by example with his models,
showing what the imagination can create and
how the perseverance (or stubbornness) of the
competitive spirit can result in achievement.
He and the BSS members covered the
many tables with all kinds of FF, RC, and CL
models. Biplanes, monoplanes, ornithopters,
helicopters, and even a no-cal Scaled
Composites SpaceShipOne model could be
adored up close.
Dave showed me a unique model, and I
just couldn’t get over how bizarre it was, yet it
so definitively exemplified the pioneer spirit
living in those who build model airplanes.
Call it “out-of-the-box thinking” to an
extreme, but the result is a conveyance of
imagination I found to be contagious.
Fueled with the attitude of “Why not?”
Dave presented me with generation three of a
design he calls Mk III Creature. This
particular model was for CL, and versions one
and two were for FF and RC respectively. The
design includes contradiction after
contradiction in aircraft-design philosophy.
Look at the accompanying picture to get an
idea of what I mean. Almost the only thing
normal about it is that it has wings and tail
surfaces.
The forethought of this model portrays an
unwritten rule that in design there are no
constraints that can’t be overcome; the rule is
the same in modeling. For instance, this model
is electric powered, a twin at that, and guided
by control line. Electric power is becoming
viable in CL modeling, where for decades the
very thought was (maybe still is) a faux pas.
To prove that Dave’s thinking is ahead of
its time, it just so happens that several electricpowered
CL models are expected to compete
at the next World Championships. From what
I’ve seen, the competition has its work cut out
for it if it’s to beat these Stunt (Precision
Aerobatics) models. Maybe Dave’s design is a
bit over the top, but looking at it was fuel
enough for me to try some ideas of my own.
AMA’s Education Committee also plays a
big part in this area of the convention.
Education Coordinator Jack Frost and his
band of helpers inspired thousands of guests
and hundreds of children in the aircraft makeand-
take area. Don’t ask me how many
pounds of rubber they went through, but the
people who manned the more than 20 custombuilt
winding stations must have appreciated
the effort.
This is where the seeds of aeromodeling
seemed to immediately take root and grow.
The idea isn’t just to give a model airplane
away, but to plant some skills about learning
to build and handle tools and materials, fly the
creations, and get familiar with the rudiments
of aerodynamics, and then benchmark the
effort by participating in a little friendly
competition, mass-launch style.
This wasn’t one of those walk-throughquick
areas of the convention. People of all
ages who came to this venue spent a lot of
time and had a lot of fun. The success of
making models fly is a contagious activity
and, more important, leads to an “I can do it”
attitude.
Seminars are a daily part of the
convention, and the schedule included a
friendly opening address by AMA President
Dave Brown. Then different hourly speakers
covered such topics as the new wideband
radio technology, battery know-how, AMA’s
successful new Superfund field acquisition
program, and many other interesting
discussions directed by top people in the
industry.
Perhaps the jewel of this year’s AMA
Convention was the Model Aviation Hall of
Fame induction ceremony honoring aviation
pioneer Burt Rutan. Look for a separate article
in this issue covering that event. I don’t think
anyone who attended this sold-out banquet
wasn’t touched by the spokesmen’s thoughts
and Mr. Rutan’s speech.
I’m always looking to get my hands on the
latest and greatest deal as well as all the
scoops I can get on model airplane gadgets
and new aircraft. I spent many hours on the
exhibit floor with the manufacturers. Take a
look at this month’s “Worth a Closer Look”
section on page 14 to see just a few of the
great new products that will soon be available
at your favorite dealer. There’s a lot of neat
stuff out there.
I hope some of the stories I’ve shared with
you have helped you understand the pride and
scope of what the 2006Convention 2006
Static Awards
Listings are by order of final standing
Air—Scale Civilian (non-jet)
Lawrence Klingberg: Savoia-Marchetti
S.55
Kenneth Johnson: Waco SRE
Don Goeschl: Velocity XL
Scott Raines: AlleyCat
Air—Scale Military (non-jet)
Richard J. Bruman: S.E.5a
Scott Raines: P-47C
Ken Perkins: Curtiss Seagull 503C
David Gee: Siemens-Shuckert R.1
Morton D. Rosenthal: F4U Corsair
Lawrence Klingberg: Sopwith Pup on
floats
Robert W. Sheere: T-34A Mentor
Kenneth B. Johnson: Vought V173
Air—Aerobatic
Brian Hueffmeier: Extra 260
Bill Hempel: Edge 540
Don Butman: Miles Hawk Speed Six
Air—Sport
Miquel Arzola: Gee Bee Q&D
Don Butman: Nieuport monoplane
Jim Levell: RV-4
Robert W. Sheere: Piglet
Randy Wrisley: Gyro Shtick “E”
Air—Sailplane
Mel Schwartzburg: Schliecher Ka8b
Richard Spencer: Bf 109
Carl Maas: Me 109G
Raymond Rogers: Thermic 50
Air—Sport Jet
Henry Nguyen: BVM KingCat
George J. Manning Jr.: BobCat XL
Air—Scale Jet
Henry Nguyen: F9F Panther
Jimmy Markham: Antonov An-225
Scott Raines: F-18 Hornet
Helicopter—Sport
Rozina Ahamed: Knight 50
George Manning Jr.: T-Rex
Charlie Barnes: CFX Special
Helicopter—Scale
Ken Schulz: AS365 Dauphin 2
Dennis Cica: Bell 222
Jack Bitters: Airwolf
Rosina Ahamed: Jet Ranger
David Nick: Robinson R-22
Car—Electric (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Mightmaire By Xmas
Alan Haskell: Tamiya Big Rig with
WW2 Tank
Ken Tran: Alpine Racer
Car—Electric (off-road)
Ken Tran: Hummer
Charlie Barnes: Dunn Racing
Alex Schulz: Rising Storm
Car—Gas (on-road)
Charlie Barnes: Serpent Racer
Ken Tran: Honda Civic
Car—Gas (off-road)
Robert Gin: HPI Plus Custom
Boat—Sport
Leon Embry: Miss Trifairy
Dennis Hoover: Miss U.S.
Edward W. Bair: Miss Behave
Mike Koehrer: Miss Tahoe
Boat—Military
Richard Macy: Paukenschlag
Frank Milowicki: T-112-4 (Tango 4)
Will Oudmayer: SJorman
Steven C. Lund: USS Monitor
Bill Hathaway: USS Saugus
Jack Bitters: USS Marlin
Boat—Pleasure
Edward W. Bair: Miss Cucuey
Ray Tillman: Port Land
Richard Macy: Fool’s Gold
Boat—Work
Robert Linton: Kara Foss
Richard Macy: Heather
Bill Hathaway: Crow
Harold Wakeland: Redondo
Robert A. Shindel: H96-Hellen
Boat—Static
Pat Miller: American Scout
Harold Wakeland: Tito Niro
Rocket—Sport
Ross Iwamoto: Cherokee D
Lynell Jackson: Black Hawk
Marc McReynolds: Delta Canard
Fred Sheltar: Mega Alpha
Rocket—Scale
Marc McReynolds: Honest John-Orion
Ross Iwamoto: Honest John
Fred Shelter: MiG-23
Lynell Jackson: Little Joe II
Martin Bowitz: Phoenix Missile