Itcixive1e Dave Ritchie 3 First Qas Model Champion latter years Max Bassetts modeling career brought diminished activity diminished competitiveness last chapter Bassett story also reveals what became him after retirement hobby/sport includes some interesting information about Bill Browns early engines THE YEARS 1934 1935 mostly successful Maxwell Bassett far Gas model flying concerned Having started Gas model revolution Bill Brown 1932 1933 went win first NAA-sanctioned Gas model com petition Newark NJ spring 1934 co TrophyGas model ings ultimate prizefor second year run ning 1934 Akron Nationals launched Miss Philadelphia LV amazing 54-mile cross-country duration flight 21/2 hoursa feat though recognized NAA official record nevertheless brought him national prominence newsreels pub lications like Time Readers Digest Popu lar Science New York Times looked disappointment failure win Texaco Trophy third time 1935 St Louis Nationals least redeemed reputation being unbeatable taking first placeand $100 cash prizeat Junior Birdmen Gas Model Classic Lakehurst NJ later year However theres no getting around fact Max Bassetts modeling activity began diminish ever slightly 1935a trend continued next year No new planes emerged workshop over winter 1936 didnt go Nationals Detroit due last-minute accident Saturday February 22 1936 joined Bill Brown Victor Fritz local Philadelphia radio talk show re capping pioneering efforts Gas model movement During broadcast originated Franklin Insti tutes lecture hall Brown quoted number engines manufactured up time 1300 Bassett made first contest appearance 1936 season May 9 Hadley Field New Brunswick NJ Charlie Grants International Gas Model Airplane Association sponsoring its first all-Gas meet Proof booming popularity still-new form modeling fact now faced 115 other competitors mere eastern states regional meet Contest rules specified /6 oz fuel per pound airplane weightone-fourth usual allotment under NAA rules Miss Philly VI carried 5/ oz enough 3-mm engine run As show master hadnt lost magic touch model caught thermal soared away timers kept sight 24 mm 18 sec flight Contest Di rector Nathan Polk termed remarkable decisive winner 21/2 times long next-best mark posted Walter Dickenson Newark Bassett followed ship 10 miles car reach its landing place minutes after someone automobile Penn sylvania license plates seen carrying off reported theft state police succeeded getting model re turned Back meet received tor efforts gold-bronze LGMAA Trophy Forster 99 engine presented personally George Forster Bassett flew two contests 1936 both held Hadley Field meet sponsored Ben Shereshaws Kresge Aero Club October 3 settle third place behind Ray Heit Thracey Petrides weight-lifting event models required carry payload 25% net weight IGMAA fall contest October 31 proved rewarding Once again car ried off marbles first overall time 16 mm 464 sec duration event first consistency event three-flight total 23 mm 458 sec Incidentally second place consistency won another Philadelphian Ed Manulkin now deceased later founded Sterling Models next year 1937 saw kitting two Bassett designs Scientific Model Airplane Company Newark NJ Scien November 1983 75 Max Bassett shows off new model built 1937 12 Cu Lykens Brown engine design subsequently kitted Megow Models Cardinal tifics kit Miss Philadelphia V VI sold $995 less enginebut com plete virtually everything else needed build finish model goodies cluded pair air wheels prop bamboo paper covering Bassett trademark ce ment yellow blue dope neces sary hardwareeven battery hookup wire Deluxe versions kit could Brown B engine $29 Ohlsson Miniature engine $27 Baby Cyclone $26 com bination packages included speciallydesigned prop supposedly worth $195 extra whoopee Another Bassett design apparently cre ated especially Scientific called Streamliner 6-ft-span ship resembled Miss Philly Ill IV cabin models some degree kit sold $495 less engine wheels Bassett also wrote con struction articles several versions Miss Philly IV published year both Air Trails Flying Aces magazines plans some instances too accurate I-low got away selling similar articles two competing magazines anybodys guess Perhaps indication level popu larity During 1937 Bassett spent less time competition ever before fact National Meet held again Detroit July 10 contest entry turned out last made no special preparations contest aside mounting new engine nose now two-year-old Miss Philly V Abandoning Brown Jr served him well up now installed its place Baby Cyclone won prize previous years IGMAA fall contest itself may have some bearing 1937 National results 36 cu displacement Baby Cyke produced less power Brown considerably fuel-efficient quality fuel-allotment rules favored time Bassett up against list entries included Carl Goldberg famed successful Indoor modeler time Goldberg surprised everyone 1937 Nats showing up Gas job What Gas job huge beautifully streamlined Valkyrie mounted 10-ft el liptical wing said contain over 1100 individual parts its complicated very light trussed-rib structure saw considered finest Gas model field comparison Miss Philly V looked like outdated old crate Looks alone contest winner make Bassett once again proved send ing ship aloft astounding 70 mm 2 sec flight Open class ended OOS over neighboring city Wind sor Canada time Gold berg couldnt beat though tried valiantly losing beautiful Valkyrie forever second-place flight 17 mm seconds short Bassetts Inciden tally Bassetts system luck finding lost planes good winning contests Unlike Goldberg again recov ered lost model after contest Bassetts performance left everyone shak ing heads amazement best time Open-class com petition best entire contestalmost doubling existing Open record 3652 set previous Nats Mike Roll Everybody wonders does wrote Charlie Grant Sep tember 1937 Nats coverage Model Air plane News secrets success Max Bassett wasnt telling Nats modestly commented really hadnt expected very well fact though flight won him prizes single event hed ever entered list included Gar Wood Trophy pre sented other Jimmy Doolittle Baby Cyclone prize $150 cash Scien tifics prize $50 winning model kit line never mind prototype $1272 67 points flight earned 1u Pont Companys Gas model competition 76 Model Aviation Left Bassett Cardinal center flanked Bill Brown right Bob Scarsdale left latter stepfather Charles H Stagg operated small factory Somerton Airport Philadelphias northeast suburbs produced second production run Lykens Brown engines during 1939-40 first production run small engines Brown himself State College PA 1937-39 Right recent picture Bassett contemplates Cardinal now crumpled wing tip flattened wheels Brown used Miss Phillys II IV either V VI Bassett inducted Model Aviation Hall Fame the1983 Nats Continued page 168 Bassett wing-switcher photo taken Kresge Aero Club Meet Hadley Field NJ October 3 1936 proves graphically Wing bears designation B-i 17 rudder shows B-i 16 No matterboth Miss Philly V design twin ships sometimes differentiated caljing Miss Philly V other Miss Philly VI Bassetts victories popularized Gas power THE MEN TRAINER Discover what thousands M E N TRAINER pilots have learnedthere easy way learn fly A/C Fly trainer specifically designed absolute beginner A/C Years design engineering flight testing updating have given plane ifs unique flight characteristics Make introduction A/C flying enjoyable experience MEN TRAINERs ultra stability slow flight characteristics will allow hands-oft recovery control errors large size gives maximum visibility easy altitude recognition during learning proceas FEATURES Under-cambered wing ample dihedral slow 5 30 MPH stable flight3 lb flying weight average radio installedLarge roomy fuselage ease radio installation Sturdy plywood-spruce-balsa construction withstand beginners abuse learning landEasy follow plans instructionpre-formed landing gear braceTHRU-CUfl die cutting combined TRI SQUARE-LOG construction fast easy assembly Complete hardware packageMonokote cutting guide Building time 12 25 hours THE TWIN TRAINER youve always wanted fly twin have put off cost problems hazards MEN has airplane youve wating MEN TWIN TRAINER Weve taken ultra stable MEN TRAINER has introduced thousands modelers pleasures A/C modeling converted simple twin design can flown trimotor new MEN TWIN TRAINER available two ways complete kit already own MEN TRAINERS simple building wing kit nose conversion requires no further modification airplane Just switch wings youre oft Model Engineering Norwalls THRU CUT die cutting combined TRl-SQUARE-LOC construc tion plywood balsa spruce make construction fast simple MEN TWIN TRAINER can flown two tig 15 engines three channel radio easy-flying twinengine fun MEN TWIN TRAINER cant beat CAP 21*Flown M les Reed air show IMAA Nat onals Ida Grove IA 88wing span 1232 sq 16-18 lbs engine 20-31 Plans S20 CAP 20184 wing span 1272 sq in. 16-18 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 TEMPEST86 wing span 1420 sq 18-20 lbs engine 2 4-3 7Plans S25 RV3* 86 wing span 1638 sq 17-19 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 R C Garmhausen 2715 Maple Ave NE Canton OH 44714 *RV3 CAP 2 pre-assembled kits available write information THE MEN TRAINER over running engine start next both engines running full revs tune needle valves until running synchronization no sweeter sound two eneines tune Fly Skyrocket 35-ft steel control lines Ive good luck 007 solid Speed-type lines put away Just sure steel lines cloth Have fun flying no-longer-boring profile trainer Bassett/Ritchie Continued page 76 model plames real thiag Some say its wise champion retires peak form Perhaps Maxwell Bassett shared view theres probably other reason made 1937 Nationals last fling actiVe com petition Viewed overall per spective modeling seems have sim ply stage though very important development young mana prepara tion things come time interest modeling giving way pursuit career full-size aviation Bassett didnt actually cease model build ing flying altogether last Nats win During period designed built entirely new model 48-in wingspan test-bed miniscule new engine Bill Brown developing engine 12 cu Lykens Brown Likens Browns middle name Ahead its time design-wise first model engine incorporate form Schnuerle porting Unfortunately lack sophistica tion marketing resulted about 100 examples being soldmostly through Fred Megows organization Patterned after Rearwin Speedster popular modeling subject day plane much prettier rather boxy ships designed before 1938 kitted Megow Cardi nal Bassetts models has survived today Bassett also says before giving up hobby good built flew suc cessfully Radio Control model never entered competition really wasnt much RC competition outside Nats late 1930s anyway rudder-only control says receiver two tubes 1939 graduated University Pennsylvania mechanical engineer ing degree After doing graduate work aeronautical engineering joined Martin Aircraft Co Baltimore MD aircraft designer early projects Martin cluded extensive design work B-26 Mars flying boat other tnilitary air craft during World War II day 1944 looked like wars end nearing found note desk summoning him boss Glen L Martins office Martin made head advanced design department 168 Model Aviation THE TWIN TRAINER says Bassett sole mem ber about year task come up design projected postwar air line transport result assignment twin-engine Martin 202 intro duced 1946 Quite likely last major aircraft ever designed person Bassett says after first year soli tary work department grew 100 people basic 202 transport de sign alone Bassett continued Martin through 1950s early part decade memorable projects involved heading design team evolved B-57D high-altitude reconaissance ver sion Canberra bomber served precursor U-2 spy plane Bassett given task taking existing aircraft modifying very special purpose using avail able technology could find rush job whole project take about five seven months start finish lengthened planes wingspan considerably installed different engines general transformed entire air plane off-the-shelf parts something quite different what originally end about left original aircraft cockpit section During mid late 1950s Bassett came involved Titan missile proj ect After gravitated towards electronicsand managementthan aero nautical design Around 1961 joined General Precision Equipment Corp avi onics concern held various man agement positions until leaving company 1970 Since has specialized manage ment consulting development hightechnology projects involving lasers similar equipment reviving compa nies ailing financially recreation enjoys hobby goes back early days Martin began spending fair amount spare time sailing broad waters Chesapeake Bay course hes come up bit small sailboats piloted back entering foyer beautiful home Connecticut hills con fronted glass-encased model allaluminum Sparkman & Stevens-designed ocean-going sailing yacht built like air craft says campaigns major Atlantic Ocean races Obviously hes still very much com petitor Though Bassetts retirement modeling scene com plete ever almost no hobby has known doings whereabouts since 1937 still keeps occasional touch old friends like Bill Brown Charlie Grant Nat Polk others Besides thick scrap book full newspaper magazine clip pings good deal article researched collection modeling memorabilia includes trophies prototype Megow Cardinal original Brown Jr engines serial num ber A17 16mm black-and-white film Victor Fritz shot 21/2-hr flight Miss Philadelphia IV Camden NJ Middletown DE Bassett still enjoys good gabfest about airplanes though isnt much volved anymore No question about says miss aviation business Gas modelings foremost pioneer tends categorize people either dreamers doers definitely doesnt dwell past Hes much too busy whatever task happens hand turning client companys finances around overseeing development new laser competing yacht race Carib bean Would ever get back modeling would fun admits just dont see Id find time build again Thats probably good rest us contest whod stand chance against competitor like Maxwell Bassett Brown Engines/Ritchie Continued aoe 77 Bill Browns first 278 Cu Midget keeps souvenir first pioneering ex periments model engine design appears much same did first tested half century ago spring-loaded poppet valve its crankcase backplate per forms same function admitting fuel1061 F-84 Thunderjet action New actions $495 Look SquadronlSignal Display ALL better Hobby Shops Book Stores favorite hobby shop bookstore does carry SquadronlSlgnal books send S50 postage & handling name address us FREE SquadronlSignal catalog SquadronlSignal Publications Dept SP2 1115 Crowley Dr Carrollton Tx 75011-5010 Y Catalina fl ac GIANT SCALE & SPORT PLANS SETS & KITS manual Ormers already prices parts J B Special MK 4 Cornertible 84 Monoplane 78 Biplane Weighs 18 lbs Low Wing Biplane & Parasol Plans $1700Plans $1700 Partial Kit $8500 EitherBoth Partial Kit $9600 Travel Air 2000 lOB Classic Scaie Biplane Wt 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Travel Air 4000 99 Radial Eng Classic Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Fokker D-vll 88German WWI Fighter Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Sopwith Tripehound80 WWI Triplane 17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $14000 Sopwith Pup80 WWI Biplane18-17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 WACO uPF-790 Biplane 23 lbsPlans $1700 Airplanes Landing Gear 2 wire formed $995 hipping Assembled ready install $1995 $1 shipping lWheel Pants models add $51 Cabanes$998 hipping Fokker Cabanas$1495 -- $1 shipping Hardware Packageincludes famous Behrens strut system$119BPP Ordering information orders shipped ups Par cel Post add $3 shipping plans $10 kits Make checks payable Jerry Behrens fastest service send Postal Money Order bank check Sorry no CODs accepted Send mail orders BEHRENS PLAN SERVICE 31-27 Healy Ave Far Rockawey NY 11691 Phone 12121337-6857 Allow 4-8 weeks delivery November 1983 169
Edition: Model Aviation - 1983/11
Page Numbers: 75, 76, 168, 169
Itcixive1e Dave Ritchie 3 First Qas Model Champion latter years Max Bassetts modeling career brought diminished activity diminished competitiveness last chapter Bassett story also reveals what became him after retirement hobby/sport includes some interesting information about Bill Browns early engines THE YEARS 1934 1935 mostly successful Maxwell Bassett far Gas model flying concerned Having started Gas model revolution Bill Brown 1932 1933 went win first NAA-sanctioned Gas model com petition Newark NJ spring 1934 co TrophyGas model ings ultimate prizefor second year run ning 1934 Akron Nationals launched Miss Philadelphia LV amazing 54-mile cross-country duration flight 21/2 hoursa feat though recognized NAA official record nevertheless brought him national prominence newsreels pub lications like Time Readers Digest Popu lar Science New York Times looked disappointment failure win Texaco Trophy third time 1935 St Louis Nationals least redeemed reputation being unbeatable taking first placeand $100 cash prizeat Junior Birdmen Gas Model Classic Lakehurst NJ later year However theres no getting around fact Max Bassetts modeling activity began diminish ever slightly 1935a trend continued next year No new planes emerged workshop over winter 1936 didnt go Nationals Detroit due last-minute accident Saturday February 22 1936 joined Bill Brown Victor Fritz local Philadelphia radio talk show re capping pioneering efforts Gas model movement During broadcast originated Franklin Insti tutes lecture hall Brown quoted number engines manufactured up time 1300 Bassett made first contest appearance 1936 season May 9 Hadley Field New Brunswick NJ Charlie Grants International Gas Model Airplane Association sponsoring its first all-Gas meet Proof booming popularity still-new form modeling fact now faced 115 other competitors mere eastern states regional meet Contest rules specified /6 oz fuel per pound airplane weightone-fourth usual allotment under NAA rules Miss Philly VI carried 5/ oz enough 3-mm engine run As show master hadnt lost magic touch model caught thermal soared away timers kept sight 24 mm 18 sec flight Contest Di rector Nathan Polk termed remarkable decisive winner 21/2 times long next-best mark posted Walter Dickenson Newark Bassett followed ship 10 miles car reach its landing place minutes after someone automobile Penn sylvania license plates seen carrying off reported theft state police succeeded getting model re turned Back meet received tor efforts gold-bronze LGMAA Trophy Forster 99 engine presented personally George Forster Bassett flew two contests 1936 both held Hadley Field meet sponsored Ben Shereshaws Kresge Aero Club October 3 settle third place behind Ray Heit Thracey Petrides weight-lifting event models required carry payload 25% net weight IGMAA fall contest October 31 proved rewarding Once again car ried off marbles first overall time 16 mm 464 sec duration event first consistency event three-flight total 23 mm 458 sec Incidentally second place consistency won another Philadelphian Ed Manulkin now deceased later founded Sterling Models next year 1937 saw kitting two Bassett designs Scientific Model Airplane Company Newark NJ Scien November 1983 75 Max Bassett shows off new model built 1937 12 Cu Lykens Brown engine design subsequently kitted Megow Models Cardinal tifics kit Miss Philadelphia V VI sold $995 less enginebut com plete virtually everything else needed build finish model goodies cluded pair air wheels prop bamboo paper covering Bassett trademark ce ment yellow blue dope neces sary hardwareeven battery hookup wire Deluxe versions kit could Brown B engine $29 Ohlsson Miniature engine $27 Baby Cyclone $26 com bination packages included speciallydesigned prop supposedly worth $195 extra whoopee Another Bassett design apparently cre ated especially Scientific called Streamliner 6-ft-span ship resembled Miss Philly Ill IV cabin models some degree kit sold $495 less engine wheels Bassett also wrote con struction articles several versions Miss Philly IV published year both Air Trails Flying Aces magazines plans some instances too accurate I-low got away selling similar articles two competing magazines anybodys guess Perhaps indication level popu larity During 1937 Bassett spent less time competition ever before fact National Meet held again Detroit July 10 contest entry turned out last made no special preparations contest aside mounting new engine nose now two-year-old Miss Philly V Abandoning Brown Jr served him well up now installed its place Baby Cyclone won prize previous years IGMAA fall contest itself may have some bearing 1937 National results 36 cu displacement Baby Cyke produced less power Brown considerably fuel-efficient quality fuel-allotment rules favored time Bassett up against list entries included Carl Goldberg famed successful Indoor modeler time Goldberg surprised everyone 1937 Nats showing up Gas job What Gas job huge beautifully streamlined Valkyrie mounted 10-ft el liptical wing said contain over 1100 individual parts its complicated very light trussed-rib structure saw considered finest Gas model field comparison Miss Philly V looked like outdated old crate Looks alone contest winner make Bassett once again proved send ing ship aloft astounding 70 mm 2 sec flight Open class ended OOS over neighboring city Wind sor Canada time Gold berg couldnt beat though tried valiantly losing beautiful Valkyrie forever second-place flight 17 mm seconds short Bassetts Inciden tally Bassetts system luck finding lost planes good winning contests Unlike Goldberg again recov ered lost model after contest Bassetts performance left everyone shak ing heads amazement best time Open-class com petition best entire contestalmost doubling existing Open record 3652 set previous Nats Mike Roll Everybody wonders does wrote Charlie Grant Sep tember 1937 Nats coverage Model Air plane News secrets success Max Bassett wasnt telling Nats modestly commented really hadnt expected very well fact though flight won him prizes single event hed ever entered list included Gar Wood Trophy pre sented other Jimmy Doolittle Baby Cyclone prize $150 cash Scien tifics prize $50 winning model kit line never mind prototype $1272 67 points flight earned 1u Pont Companys Gas model competition 76 Model Aviation Left Bassett Cardinal center flanked Bill Brown right Bob Scarsdale left latter stepfather Charles H Stagg operated small factory Somerton Airport Philadelphias northeast suburbs produced second production run Lykens Brown engines during 1939-40 first production run small engines Brown himself State College PA 1937-39 Right recent picture Bassett contemplates Cardinal now crumpled wing tip flattened wheels Brown used Miss Phillys II IV either V VI Bassett inducted Model Aviation Hall Fame the1983 Nats Continued page 168 Bassett wing-switcher photo taken Kresge Aero Club Meet Hadley Field NJ October 3 1936 proves graphically Wing bears designation B-i 17 rudder shows B-i 16 No matterboth Miss Philly V design twin ships sometimes differentiated caljing Miss Philly V other Miss Philly VI Bassetts victories popularized Gas power THE MEN TRAINER Discover what thousands M E N TRAINER pilots have learnedthere easy way learn fly A/C Fly trainer specifically designed absolute beginner A/C Years design engineering flight testing updating have given plane ifs unique flight characteristics Make introduction A/C flying enjoyable experience MEN TRAINERs ultra stability slow flight characteristics will allow hands-oft recovery control errors large size gives maximum visibility easy altitude recognition during learning proceas FEATURES Under-cambered wing ample dihedral slow 5 30 MPH stable flight3 lb flying weight average radio installedLarge roomy fuselage ease radio installation Sturdy plywood-spruce-balsa construction withstand beginners abuse learning landEasy follow plans instructionpre-formed landing gear braceTHRU-CUfl die cutting combined TRI SQUARE-LOG construction fast easy assembly Complete hardware packageMonokote cutting guide Building time 12 25 hours THE TWIN TRAINER youve always wanted fly twin have put off cost problems hazards MEN has airplane youve wating MEN TWIN TRAINER Weve taken ultra stable MEN TRAINER has introduced thousands modelers pleasures A/C modeling converted simple twin design can flown trimotor new MEN TWIN TRAINER available two ways complete kit already own MEN TRAINERS simple building wing kit nose conversion requires no further modification airplane Just switch wings youre oft Model Engineering Norwalls THRU CUT die cutting combined TRl-SQUARE-LOC construc tion plywood balsa spruce make construction fast simple MEN TWIN TRAINER can flown two tig 15 engines three channel radio easy-flying twinengine fun MEN TWIN TRAINER cant beat CAP 21*Flown M les Reed air show IMAA Nat onals Ida Grove IA 88wing span 1232 sq 16-18 lbs engine 20-31 Plans S20 CAP 20184 wing span 1272 sq in. 16-18 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 TEMPEST86 wing span 1420 sq 18-20 lbs engine 2 4-3 7Plans S25 RV3* 86 wing span 1638 sq 17-19 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 R C Garmhausen 2715 Maple Ave NE Canton OH 44714 *RV3 CAP 2 pre-assembled kits available write information THE MEN TRAINER over running engine start next both engines running full revs tune needle valves until running synchronization no sweeter sound two eneines tune Fly Skyrocket 35-ft steel control lines Ive good luck 007 solid Speed-type lines put away Just sure steel lines cloth Have fun flying no-longer-boring profile trainer Bassett/Ritchie Continued page 76 model plames real thiag Some say its wise champion retires peak form Perhaps Maxwell Bassett shared view theres probably other reason made 1937 Nationals last fling actiVe com petition Viewed overall per spective modeling seems have sim ply stage though very important development young mana prepara tion things come time interest modeling giving way pursuit career full-size aviation Bassett didnt actually cease model build ing flying altogether last Nats win During period designed built entirely new model 48-in wingspan test-bed miniscule new engine Bill Brown developing engine 12 cu Lykens Brown Likens Browns middle name Ahead its time design-wise first model engine incorporate form Schnuerle porting Unfortunately lack sophistica tion marketing resulted about 100 examples being soldmostly through Fred Megows organization Patterned after Rearwin Speedster popular modeling subject day plane much prettier rather boxy ships designed before 1938 kitted Megow Cardi nal Bassetts models has survived today Bassett also says before giving up hobby good built flew suc cessfully Radio Control model never entered competition really wasnt much RC competition outside Nats late 1930s anyway rudder-only control says receiver two tubes 1939 graduated University Pennsylvania mechanical engineer ing degree After doing graduate work aeronautical engineering joined Martin Aircraft Co Baltimore MD aircraft designer early projects Martin cluded extensive design work B-26 Mars flying boat other tnilitary air craft during World War II day 1944 looked like wars end nearing found note desk summoning him boss Glen L Martins office Martin made head advanced design department 168 Model Aviation THE TWIN TRAINER says Bassett sole mem ber about year task come up design projected postwar air line transport result assignment twin-engine Martin 202 intro duced 1946 Quite likely last major aircraft ever designed person Bassett says after first year soli tary work department grew 100 people basic 202 transport de sign alone Bassett continued Martin through 1950s early part decade memorable projects involved heading design team evolved B-57D high-altitude reconaissance ver sion Canberra bomber served precursor U-2 spy plane Bassett given task taking existing aircraft modifying very special purpose using avail able technology could find rush job whole project take about five seven months start finish lengthened planes wingspan considerably installed different engines general transformed entire air plane off-the-shelf parts something quite different what originally end about left original aircraft cockpit section During mid late 1950s Bassett came involved Titan missile proj ect After gravitated towards electronicsand managementthan aero nautical design Around 1961 joined General Precision Equipment Corp avi onics concern held various man agement positions until leaving company 1970 Since has specialized manage ment consulting development hightechnology projects involving lasers similar equipment reviving compa nies ailing financially recreation enjoys hobby goes back early days Martin began spending fair amount spare time sailing broad waters Chesapeake Bay course hes come up bit small sailboats piloted back entering foyer beautiful home Connecticut hills con fronted glass-encased model allaluminum Sparkman & Stevens-designed ocean-going sailing yacht built like air craft says campaigns major Atlantic Ocean races Obviously hes still very much com petitor Though Bassetts retirement modeling scene com plete ever almost no hobby has known doings whereabouts since 1937 still keeps occasional touch old friends like Bill Brown Charlie Grant Nat Polk others Besides thick scrap book full newspaper magazine clip pings good deal article researched collection modeling memorabilia includes trophies prototype Megow Cardinal original Brown Jr engines serial num ber A17 16mm black-and-white film Victor Fritz shot 21/2-hr flight Miss Philadelphia IV Camden NJ Middletown DE Bassett still enjoys good gabfest about airplanes though isnt much volved anymore No question about says miss aviation business Gas modelings foremost pioneer tends categorize people either dreamers doers definitely doesnt dwell past Hes much too busy whatever task happens hand turning client companys finances around overseeing development new laser competing yacht race Carib bean Would ever get back modeling would fun admits just dont see Id find time build again Thats probably good rest us contest whod stand chance against competitor like Maxwell Bassett Brown Engines/Ritchie Continued aoe 77 Bill Browns first 278 Cu Midget keeps souvenir first pioneering ex periments model engine design appears much same did first tested half century ago spring-loaded poppet valve its crankcase backplate per forms same function admitting fuel1061 F-84 Thunderjet action New actions $495 Look SquadronlSignal Display ALL better Hobby Shops Book Stores favorite hobby shop bookstore does carry SquadronlSlgnal books send S50 postage & handling name address us FREE SquadronlSignal catalog SquadronlSignal Publications Dept SP2 1115 Crowley Dr Carrollton Tx 75011-5010 Y Catalina fl ac GIANT SCALE & SPORT PLANS SETS & KITS manual Ormers already prices parts J B Special MK 4 Cornertible 84 Monoplane 78 Biplane Weighs 18 lbs Low Wing Biplane & Parasol Plans $1700Plans $1700 Partial Kit $8500 EitherBoth Partial Kit $9600 Travel Air 2000 lOB Classic Scaie Biplane Wt 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Travel Air 4000 99 Radial Eng Classic Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Fokker D-vll 88German WWI Fighter Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Sopwith Tripehound80 WWI Triplane 17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $14000 Sopwith Pup80 WWI Biplane18-17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 WACO uPF-790 Biplane 23 lbsPlans $1700 Airplanes Landing Gear 2 wire formed $995 hipping Assembled ready install $1995 $1 shipping lWheel Pants models add $51 Cabanes$998 hipping Fokker Cabanas$1495 -- $1 shipping Hardware Packageincludes famous Behrens strut system$119BPP Ordering information orders shipped ups Par cel Post add $3 shipping plans $10 kits Make checks payable Jerry Behrens fastest service send Postal Money Order bank check Sorry no CODs accepted Send mail orders BEHRENS PLAN SERVICE 31-27 Healy Ave Far Rockawey NY 11691 Phone 12121337-6857 Allow 4-8 weeks delivery November 1983 169
Edition: Model Aviation - 1983/11
Page Numbers: 75, 76, 168, 169
Itcixive1e Dave Ritchie 3 First Qas Model Champion latter years Max Bassetts modeling career brought diminished activity diminished competitiveness last chapter Bassett story also reveals what became him after retirement hobby/sport includes some interesting information about Bill Browns early engines THE YEARS 1934 1935 mostly successful Maxwell Bassett far Gas model flying concerned Having started Gas model revolution Bill Brown 1932 1933 went win first NAA-sanctioned Gas model com petition Newark NJ spring 1934 co TrophyGas model ings ultimate prizefor second year run ning 1934 Akron Nationals launched Miss Philadelphia LV amazing 54-mile cross-country duration flight 21/2 hoursa feat though recognized NAA official record nevertheless brought him national prominence newsreels pub lications like Time Readers Digest Popu lar Science New York Times looked disappointment failure win Texaco Trophy third time 1935 St Louis Nationals least redeemed reputation being unbeatable taking first placeand $100 cash prizeat Junior Birdmen Gas Model Classic Lakehurst NJ later year However theres no getting around fact Max Bassetts modeling activity began diminish ever slightly 1935a trend continued next year No new planes emerged workshop over winter 1936 didnt go Nationals Detroit due last-minute accident Saturday February 22 1936 joined Bill Brown Victor Fritz local Philadelphia radio talk show re capping pioneering efforts Gas model movement During broadcast originated Franklin Insti tutes lecture hall Brown quoted number engines manufactured up time 1300 Bassett made first contest appearance 1936 season May 9 Hadley Field New Brunswick NJ Charlie Grants International Gas Model Airplane Association sponsoring its first all-Gas meet Proof booming popularity still-new form modeling fact now faced 115 other competitors mere eastern states regional meet Contest rules specified /6 oz fuel per pound airplane weightone-fourth usual allotment under NAA rules Miss Philly VI carried 5/ oz enough 3-mm engine run As show master hadnt lost magic touch model caught thermal soared away timers kept sight 24 mm 18 sec flight Contest Di rector Nathan Polk termed remarkable decisive winner 21/2 times long next-best mark posted Walter Dickenson Newark Bassett followed ship 10 miles car reach its landing place minutes after someone automobile Penn sylvania license plates seen carrying off reported theft state police succeeded getting model re turned Back meet received tor efforts gold-bronze LGMAA Trophy Forster 99 engine presented personally George Forster Bassett flew two contests 1936 both held Hadley Field meet sponsored Ben Shereshaws Kresge Aero Club October 3 settle third place behind Ray Heit Thracey Petrides weight-lifting event models required carry payload 25% net weight IGMAA fall contest October 31 proved rewarding Once again car ried off marbles first overall time 16 mm 464 sec duration event first consistency event three-flight total 23 mm 458 sec Incidentally second place consistency won another Philadelphian Ed Manulkin now deceased later founded Sterling Models next year 1937 saw kitting two Bassett designs Scientific Model Airplane Company Newark NJ Scien November 1983 75 Max Bassett shows off new model built 1937 12 Cu Lykens Brown engine design subsequently kitted Megow Models Cardinal tifics kit Miss Philadelphia V VI sold $995 less enginebut com plete virtually everything else needed build finish model goodies cluded pair air wheels prop bamboo paper covering Bassett trademark ce ment yellow blue dope neces sary hardwareeven battery hookup wire Deluxe versions kit could Brown B engine $29 Ohlsson Miniature engine $27 Baby Cyclone $26 com bination packages included speciallydesigned prop supposedly worth $195 extra whoopee Another Bassett design apparently cre ated especially Scientific called Streamliner 6-ft-span ship resembled Miss Philly Ill IV cabin models some degree kit sold $495 less engine wheels Bassett also wrote con struction articles several versions Miss Philly IV published year both Air Trails Flying Aces magazines plans some instances too accurate I-low got away selling similar articles two competing magazines anybodys guess Perhaps indication level popu larity During 1937 Bassett spent less time competition ever before fact National Meet held again Detroit July 10 contest entry turned out last made no special preparations contest aside mounting new engine nose now two-year-old Miss Philly V Abandoning Brown Jr served him well up now installed its place Baby Cyclone won prize previous years IGMAA fall contest itself may have some bearing 1937 National results 36 cu displacement Baby Cyke produced less power Brown considerably fuel-efficient quality fuel-allotment rules favored time Bassett up against list entries included Carl Goldberg famed successful Indoor modeler time Goldberg surprised everyone 1937 Nats showing up Gas job What Gas job huge beautifully streamlined Valkyrie mounted 10-ft el liptical wing said contain over 1100 individual parts its complicated very light trussed-rib structure saw considered finest Gas model field comparison Miss Philly V looked like outdated old crate Looks alone contest winner make Bassett once again proved send ing ship aloft astounding 70 mm 2 sec flight Open class ended OOS over neighboring city Wind sor Canada time Gold berg couldnt beat though tried valiantly losing beautiful Valkyrie forever second-place flight 17 mm seconds short Bassetts Inciden tally Bassetts system luck finding lost planes good winning contests Unlike Goldberg again recov ered lost model after contest Bassetts performance left everyone shak ing heads amazement best time Open-class com petition best entire contestalmost doubling existing Open record 3652 set previous Nats Mike Roll Everybody wonders does wrote Charlie Grant Sep tember 1937 Nats coverage Model Air plane News secrets success Max Bassett wasnt telling Nats modestly commented really hadnt expected very well fact though flight won him prizes single event hed ever entered list included Gar Wood Trophy pre sented other Jimmy Doolittle Baby Cyclone prize $150 cash Scien tifics prize $50 winning model kit line never mind prototype $1272 67 points flight earned 1u Pont Companys Gas model competition 76 Model Aviation Left Bassett Cardinal center flanked Bill Brown right Bob Scarsdale left latter stepfather Charles H Stagg operated small factory Somerton Airport Philadelphias northeast suburbs produced second production run Lykens Brown engines during 1939-40 first production run small engines Brown himself State College PA 1937-39 Right recent picture Bassett contemplates Cardinal now crumpled wing tip flattened wheels Brown used Miss Phillys II IV either V VI Bassett inducted Model Aviation Hall Fame the1983 Nats Continued page 168 Bassett wing-switcher photo taken Kresge Aero Club Meet Hadley Field NJ October 3 1936 proves graphically Wing bears designation B-i 17 rudder shows B-i 16 No matterboth Miss Philly V design twin ships sometimes differentiated caljing Miss Philly V other Miss Philly VI Bassetts victories popularized Gas power THE MEN TRAINER Discover what thousands M E N TRAINER pilots have learnedthere easy way learn fly A/C Fly trainer specifically designed absolute beginner A/C Years design engineering flight testing updating have given plane ifs unique flight characteristics Make introduction A/C flying enjoyable experience MEN TRAINERs ultra stability slow flight characteristics will allow hands-oft recovery control errors large size gives maximum visibility easy altitude recognition during learning proceas FEATURES Under-cambered wing ample dihedral slow 5 30 MPH stable flight3 lb flying weight average radio installedLarge roomy fuselage ease radio installation Sturdy plywood-spruce-balsa construction withstand beginners abuse learning landEasy follow plans instructionpre-formed landing gear braceTHRU-CUfl die cutting combined TRI SQUARE-LOG construction fast easy assembly Complete hardware packageMonokote cutting guide Building time 12 25 hours THE TWIN TRAINER youve always wanted fly twin have put off cost problems hazards MEN has airplane youve wating MEN TWIN TRAINER Weve taken ultra stable MEN TRAINER has introduced thousands modelers pleasures A/C modeling converted simple twin design can flown trimotor new MEN TWIN TRAINER available two ways complete kit already own MEN TRAINERS simple building wing kit nose conversion requires no further modification airplane Just switch wings youre oft Model Engineering Norwalls THRU CUT die cutting combined TRl-SQUARE-LOC construc tion plywood balsa spruce make construction fast simple MEN TWIN TRAINER can flown two tig 15 engines three channel radio easy-flying twinengine fun MEN TWIN TRAINER cant beat CAP 21*Flown M les Reed air show IMAA Nat onals Ida Grove IA 88wing span 1232 sq 16-18 lbs engine 20-31 Plans S20 CAP 20184 wing span 1272 sq in. 16-18 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 TEMPEST86 wing span 1420 sq 18-20 lbs engine 2 4-3 7Plans S25 RV3* 86 wing span 1638 sq 17-19 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 R C Garmhausen 2715 Maple Ave NE Canton OH 44714 *RV3 CAP 2 pre-assembled kits available write information THE MEN TRAINER over running engine start next both engines running full revs tune needle valves until running synchronization no sweeter sound two eneines tune Fly Skyrocket 35-ft steel control lines Ive good luck 007 solid Speed-type lines put away Just sure steel lines cloth Have fun flying no-longer-boring profile trainer Bassett/Ritchie Continued page 76 model plames real thiag Some say its wise champion retires peak form Perhaps Maxwell Bassett shared view theres probably other reason made 1937 Nationals last fling actiVe com petition Viewed overall per spective modeling seems have sim ply stage though very important development young mana prepara tion things come time interest modeling giving way pursuit career full-size aviation Bassett didnt actually cease model build ing flying altogether last Nats win During period designed built entirely new model 48-in wingspan test-bed miniscule new engine Bill Brown developing engine 12 cu Lykens Brown Likens Browns middle name Ahead its time design-wise first model engine incorporate form Schnuerle porting Unfortunately lack sophistica tion marketing resulted about 100 examples being soldmostly through Fred Megows organization Patterned after Rearwin Speedster popular modeling subject day plane much prettier rather boxy ships designed before 1938 kitted Megow Cardi nal Bassetts models has survived today Bassett also says before giving up hobby good built flew suc cessfully Radio Control model never entered competition really wasnt much RC competition outside Nats late 1930s anyway rudder-only control says receiver two tubes 1939 graduated University Pennsylvania mechanical engineer ing degree After doing graduate work aeronautical engineering joined Martin Aircraft Co Baltimore MD aircraft designer early projects Martin cluded extensive design work B-26 Mars flying boat other tnilitary air craft during World War II day 1944 looked like wars end nearing found note desk summoning him boss Glen L Martins office Martin made head advanced design department 168 Model Aviation THE TWIN TRAINER says Bassett sole mem ber about year task come up design projected postwar air line transport result assignment twin-engine Martin 202 intro duced 1946 Quite likely last major aircraft ever designed person Bassett says after first year soli tary work department grew 100 people basic 202 transport de sign alone Bassett continued Martin through 1950s early part decade memorable projects involved heading design team evolved B-57D high-altitude reconaissance ver sion Canberra bomber served precursor U-2 spy plane Bassett given task taking existing aircraft modifying very special purpose using avail able technology could find rush job whole project take about five seven months start finish lengthened planes wingspan considerably installed different engines general transformed entire air plane off-the-shelf parts something quite different what originally end about left original aircraft cockpit section During mid late 1950s Bassett came involved Titan missile proj ect After gravitated towards electronicsand managementthan aero nautical design Around 1961 joined General Precision Equipment Corp avi onics concern held various man agement positions until leaving company 1970 Since has specialized manage ment consulting development hightechnology projects involving lasers similar equipment reviving compa nies ailing financially recreation enjoys hobby goes back early days Martin began spending fair amount spare time sailing broad waters Chesapeake Bay course hes come up bit small sailboats piloted back entering foyer beautiful home Connecticut hills con fronted glass-encased model allaluminum Sparkman & Stevens-designed ocean-going sailing yacht built like air craft says campaigns major Atlantic Ocean races Obviously hes still very much com petitor Though Bassetts retirement modeling scene com plete ever almost no hobby has known doings whereabouts since 1937 still keeps occasional touch old friends like Bill Brown Charlie Grant Nat Polk others Besides thick scrap book full newspaper magazine clip pings good deal article researched collection modeling memorabilia includes trophies prototype Megow Cardinal original Brown Jr engines serial num ber A17 16mm black-and-white film Victor Fritz shot 21/2-hr flight Miss Philadelphia IV Camden NJ Middletown DE Bassett still enjoys good gabfest about airplanes though isnt much volved anymore No question about says miss aviation business Gas modelings foremost pioneer tends categorize people either dreamers doers definitely doesnt dwell past Hes much too busy whatever task happens hand turning client companys finances around overseeing development new laser competing yacht race Carib bean Would ever get back modeling would fun admits just dont see Id find time build again Thats probably good rest us contest whod stand chance against competitor like Maxwell Bassett Brown Engines/Ritchie Continued aoe 77 Bill Browns first 278 Cu Midget keeps souvenir first pioneering ex periments model engine design appears much same did first tested half century ago spring-loaded poppet valve its crankcase backplate per forms same function admitting fuel1061 F-84 Thunderjet action New actions $495 Look SquadronlSignal Display ALL better Hobby Shops Book Stores favorite hobby shop bookstore does carry SquadronlSlgnal books send S50 postage & handling name address us FREE SquadronlSignal catalog SquadronlSignal Publications Dept SP2 1115 Crowley Dr Carrollton Tx 75011-5010 Y Catalina fl ac GIANT SCALE & SPORT PLANS SETS & KITS manual Ormers already prices parts J B Special MK 4 Cornertible 84 Monoplane 78 Biplane Weighs 18 lbs Low Wing Biplane & Parasol Plans $1700Plans $1700 Partial Kit $8500 EitherBoth Partial Kit $9600 Travel Air 2000 lOB Classic Scaie Biplane Wt 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Travel Air 4000 99 Radial Eng Classic Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Fokker D-vll 88German WWI Fighter Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Sopwith Tripehound80 WWI Triplane 17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $14000 Sopwith Pup80 WWI Biplane18-17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 WACO uPF-790 Biplane 23 lbsPlans $1700 Airplanes Landing Gear 2 wire formed $995 hipping Assembled ready install $1995 $1 shipping lWheel Pants models add $51 Cabanes$998 hipping Fokker Cabanas$1495 -- $1 shipping Hardware Packageincludes famous Behrens strut system$119BPP Ordering information orders shipped ups Par cel Post add $3 shipping plans $10 kits Make checks payable Jerry Behrens fastest service send Postal Money Order bank check Sorry no CODs accepted Send mail orders BEHRENS PLAN SERVICE 31-27 Healy Ave Far Rockawey NY 11691 Phone 12121337-6857 Allow 4-8 weeks delivery November 1983 169
Edition: Model Aviation - 1983/11
Page Numbers: 75, 76, 168, 169
Itcixive1e Dave Ritchie 3 First Qas Model Champion latter years Max Bassetts modeling career brought diminished activity diminished competitiveness last chapter Bassett story also reveals what became him after retirement hobby/sport includes some interesting information about Bill Browns early engines THE YEARS 1934 1935 mostly successful Maxwell Bassett far Gas model flying concerned Having started Gas model revolution Bill Brown 1932 1933 went win first NAA-sanctioned Gas model com petition Newark NJ spring 1934 co TrophyGas model ings ultimate prizefor second year run ning 1934 Akron Nationals launched Miss Philadelphia LV amazing 54-mile cross-country duration flight 21/2 hoursa feat though recognized NAA official record nevertheless brought him national prominence newsreels pub lications like Time Readers Digest Popu lar Science New York Times looked disappointment failure win Texaco Trophy third time 1935 St Louis Nationals least redeemed reputation being unbeatable taking first placeand $100 cash prizeat Junior Birdmen Gas Model Classic Lakehurst NJ later year However theres no getting around fact Max Bassetts modeling activity began diminish ever slightly 1935a trend continued next year No new planes emerged workshop over winter 1936 didnt go Nationals Detroit due last-minute accident Saturday February 22 1936 joined Bill Brown Victor Fritz local Philadelphia radio talk show re capping pioneering efforts Gas model movement During broadcast originated Franklin Insti tutes lecture hall Brown quoted number engines manufactured up time 1300 Bassett made first contest appearance 1936 season May 9 Hadley Field New Brunswick NJ Charlie Grants International Gas Model Airplane Association sponsoring its first all-Gas meet Proof booming popularity still-new form modeling fact now faced 115 other competitors mere eastern states regional meet Contest rules specified /6 oz fuel per pound airplane weightone-fourth usual allotment under NAA rules Miss Philly VI carried 5/ oz enough 3-mm engine run As show master hadnt lost magic touch model caught thermal soared away timers kept sight 24 mm 18 sec flight Contest Di rector Nathan Polk termed remarkable decisive winner 21/2 times long next-best mark posted Walter Dickenson Newark Bassett followed ship 10 miles car reach its landing place minutes after someone automobile Penn sylvania license plates seen carrying off reported theft state police succeeded getting model re turned Back meet received tor efforts gold-bronze LGMAA Trophy Forster 99 engine presented personally George Forster Bassett flew two contests 1936 both held Hadley Field meet sponsored Ben Shereshaws Kresge Aero Club October 3 settle third place behind Ray Heit Thracey Petrides weight-lifting event models required carry payload 25% net weight IGMAA fall contest October 31 proved rewarding Once again car ried off marbles first overall time 16 mm 464 sec duration event first consistency event three-flight total 23 mm 458 sec Incidentally second place consistency won another Philadelphian Ed Manulkin now deceased later founded Sterling Models next year 1937 saw kitting two Bassett designs Scientific Model Airplane Company Newark NJ Scien November 1983 75 Max Bassett shows off new model built 1937 12 Cu Lykens Brown engine design subsequently kitted Megow Models Cardinal tifics kit Miss Philadelphia V VI sold $995 less enginebut com plete virtually everything else needed build finish model goodies cluded pair air wheels prop bamboo paper covering Bassett trademark ce ment yellow blue dope neces sary hardwareeven battery hookup wire Deluxe versions kit could Brown B engine $29 Ohlsson Miniature engine $27 Baby Cyclone $26 com bination packages included speciallydesigned prop supposedly worth $195 extra whoopee Another Bassett design apparently cre ated especially Scientific called Streamliner 6-ft-span ship resembled Miss Philly Ill IV cabin models some degree kit sold $495 less engine wheels Bassett also wrote con struction articles several versions Miss Philly IV published year both Air Trails Flying Aces magazines plans some instances too accurate I-low got away selling similar articles two competing magazines anybodys guess Perhaps indication level popu larity During 1937 Bassett spent less time competition ever before fact National Meet held again Detroit July 10 contest entry turned out last made no special preparations contest aside mounting new engine nose now two-year-old Miss Philly V Abandoning Brown Jr served him well up now installed its place Baby Cyclone won prize previous years IGMAA fall contest itself may have some bearing 1937 National results 36 cu displacement Baby Cyke produced less power Brown considerably fuel-efficient quality fuel-allotment rules favored time Bassett up against list entries included Carl Goldberg famed successful Indoor modeler time Goldberg surprised everyone 1937 Nats showing up Gas job What Gas job huge beautifully streamlined Valkyrie mounted 10-ft el liptical wing said contain over 1100 individual parts its complicated very light trussed-rib structure saw considered finest Gas model field comparison Miss Philly V looked like outdated old crate Looks alone contest winner make Bassett once again proved send ing ship aloft astounding 70 mm 2 sec flight Open class ended OOS over neighboring city Wind sor Canada time Gold berg couldnt beat though tried valiantly losing beautiful Valkyrie forever second-place flight 17 mm seconds short Bassetts Inciden tally Bassetts system luck finding lost planes good winning contests Unlike Goldberg again recov ered lost model after contest Bassetts performance left everyone shak ing heads amazement best time Open-class com petition best entire contestalmost doubling existing Open record 3652 set previous Nats Mike Roll Everybody wonders does wrote Charlie Grant Sep tember 1937 Nats coverage Model Air plane News secrets success Max Bassett wasnt telling Nats modestly commented really hadnt expected very well fact though flight won him prizes single event hed ever entered list included Gar Wood Trophy pre sented other Jimmy Doolittle Baby Cyclone prize $150 cash Scien tifics prize $50 winning model kit line never mind prototype $1272 67 points flight earned 1u Pont Companys Gas model competition 76 Model Aviation Left Bassett Cardinal center flanked Bill Brown right Bob Scarsdale left latter stepfather Charles H Stagg operated small factory Somerton Airport Philadelphias northeast suburbs produced second production run Lykens Brown engines during 1939-40 first production run small engines Brown himself State College PA 1937-39 Right recent picture Bassett contemplates Cardinal now crumpled wing tip flattened wheels Brown used Miss Phillys II IV either V VI Bassett inducted Model Aviation Hall Fame the1983 Nats Continued page 168 Bassett wing-switcher photo taken Kresge Aero Club Meet Hadley Field NJ October 3 1936 proves graphically Wing bears designation B-i 17 rudder shows B-i 16 No matterboth Miss Philly V design twin ships sometimes differentiated caljing Miss Philly V other Miss Philly VI Bassetts victories popularized Gas power THE MEN TRAINER Discover what thousands M E N TRAINER pilots have learnedthere easy way learn fly A/C Fly trainer specifically designed absolute beginner A/C Years design engineering flight testing updating have given plane ifs unique flight characteristics Make introduction A/C flying enjoyable experience MEN TRAINERs ultra stability slow flight characteristics will allow hands-oft recovery control errors large size gives maximum visibility easy altitude recognition during learning proceas FEATURES Under-cambered wing ample dihedral slow 5 30 MPH stable flight3 lb flying weight average radio installedLarge roomy fuselage ease radio installation Sturdy plywood-spruce-balsa construction withstand beginners abuse learning landEasy follow plans instructionpre-formed landing gear braceTHRU-CUfl die cutting combined TRI SQUARE-LOG construction fast easy assembly Complete hardware packageMonokote cutting guide Building time 12 25 hours THE TWIN TRAINER youve always wanted fly twin have put off cost problems hazards MEN has airplane youve wating MEN TWIN TRAINER Weve taken ultra stable MEN TRAINER has introduced thousands modelers pleasures A/C modeling converted simple twin design can flown trimotor new MEN TWIN TRAINER available two ways complete kit already own MEN TRAINERS simple building wing kit nose conversion requires no further modification airplane Just switch wings youre oft Model Engineering Norwalls THRU CUT die cutting combined TRl-SQUARE-LOC construc tion plywood balsa spruce make construction fast simple MEN TWIN TRAINER can flown two tig 15 engines three channel radio easy-flying twinengine fun MEN TWIN TRAINER cant beat CAP 21*Flown M les Reed air show IMAA Nat onals Ida Grove IA 88wing span 1232 sq 16-18 lbs engine 20-31 Plans S20 CAP 20184 wing span 1272 sq in. 16-18 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 TEMPEST86 wing span 1420 sq 18-20 lbs engine 2 4-3 7Plans S25 RV3* 86 wing span 1638 sq 17-19 lbs engine 20-31Plans S20 R C Garmhausen 2715 Maple Ave NE Canton OH 44714 *RV3 CAP 2 pre-assembled kits available write information THE MEN TRAINER over running engine start next both engines running full revs tune needle valves until running synchronization no sweeter sound two eneines tune Fly Skyrocket 35-ft steel control lines Ive good luck 007 solid Speed-type lines put away Just sure steel lines cloth Have fun flying no-longer-boring profile trainer Bassett/Ritchie Continued page 76 model plames real thiag Some say its wise champion retires peak form Perhaps Maxwell Bassett shared view theres probably other reason made 1937 Nationals last fling actiVe com petition Viewed overall per spective modeling seems have sim ply stage though very important development young mana prepara tion things come time interest modeling giving way pursuit career full-size aviation Bassett didnt actually cease model build ing flying altogether last Nats win During period designed built entirely new model 48-in wingspan test-bed miniscule new engine Bill Brown developing engine 12 cu Lykens Brown Likens Browns middle name Ahead its time design-wise first model engine incorporate form Schnuerle porting Unfortunately lack sophistica tion marketing resulted about 100 examples being soldmostly through Fred Megows organization Patterned after Rearwin Speedster popular modeling subject day plane much prettier rather boxy ships designed before 1938 kitted Megow Cardi nal Bassetts models has survived today Bassett also says before giving up hobby good built flew suc cessfully Radio Control model never entered competition really wasnt much RC competition outside Nats late 1930s anyway rudder-only control says receiver two tubes 1939 graduated University Pennsylvania mechanical engineer ing degree After doing graduate work aeronautical engineering joined Martin Aircraft Co Baltimore MD aircraft designer early projects Martin cluded extensive design work B-26 Mars flying boat other tnilitary air craft during World War II day 1944 looked like wars end nearing found note desk summoning him boss Glen L Martins office Martin made head advanced design department 168 Model Aviation THE TWIN TRAINER says Bassett sole mem ber about year task come up design projected postwar air line transport result assignment twin-engine Martin 202 intro duced 1946 Quite likely last major aircraft ever designed person Bassett says after first year soli tary work department grew 100 people basic 202 transport de sign alone Bassett continued Martin through 1950s early part decade memorable projects involved heading design team evolved B-57D high-altitude reconaissance ver sion Canberra bomber served precursor U-2 spy plane Bassett given task taking existing aircraft modifying very special purpose using avail able technology could find rush job whole project take about five seven months start finish lengthened planes wingspan considerably installed different engines general transformed entire air plane off-the-shelf parts something quite different what originally end about left original aircraft cockpit section During mid late 1950s Bassett came involved Titan missile proj ect After gravitated towards electronicsand managementthan aero nautical design Around 1961 joined General Precision Equipment Corp avi onics concern held various man agement positions until leaving company 1970 Since has specialized manage ment consulting development hightechnology projects involving lasers similar equipment reviving compa nies ailing financially recreation enjoys hobby goes back early days Martin began spending fair amount spare time sailing broad waters Chesapeake Bay course hes come up bit small sailboats piloted back entering foyer beautiful home Connecticut hills con fronted glass-encased model allaluminum Sparkman & Stevens-designed ocean-going sailing yacht built like air craft says campaigns major Atlantic Ocean races Obviously hes still very much com petitor Though Bassetts retirement modeling scene com plete ever almost no hobby has known doings whereabouts since 1937 still keeps occasional touch old friends like Bill Brown Charlie Grant Nat Polk others Besides thick scrap book full newspaper magazine clip pings good deal article researched collection modeling memorabilia includes trophies prototype Megow Cardinal original Brown Jr engines serial num ber A17 16mm black-and-white film Victor Fritz shot 21/2-hr flight Miss Philadelphia IV Camden NJ Middletown DE Bassett still enjoys good gabfest about airplanes though isnt much volved anymore No question about says miss aviation business Gas modelings foremost pioneer tends categorize people either dreamers doers definitely doesnt dwell past Hes much too busy whatever task happens hand turning client companys finances around overseeing development new laser competing yacht race Carib bean Would ever get back modeling would fun admits just dont see Id find time build again Thats probably good rest us contest whod stand chance against competitor like Maxwell Bassett Brown Engines/Ritchie Continued aoe 77 Bill Browns first 278 Cu Midget keeps souvenir first pioneering ex periments model engine design appears much same did first tested half century ago spring-loaded poppet valve its crankcase backplate per forms same function admitting fuel1061 F-84 Thunderjet action New actions $495 Look SquadronlSignal Display ALL better Hobby Shops Book Stores favorite hobby shop bookstore does carry SquadronlSlgnal books send S50 postage & handling name address us FREE SquadronlSignal catalog SquadronlSignal Publications Dept SP2 1115 Crowley Dr Carrollton Tx 75011-5010 Y Catalina fl ac GIANT SCALE & SPORT PLANS SETS & KITS manual Ormers already prices parts J B Special MK 4 Cornertible 84 Monoplane 78 Biplane Weighs 18 lbs Low Wing Biplane & Parasol Plans $1700Plans $1700 Partial Kit $8500 EitherBoth Partial Kit $9600 Travel Air 2000 lOB Classic Scaie Biplane Wt 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Travel Air 4000 99 Radial Eng Classic Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Fokker D-vll 88German WWI Fighter Biplane 23 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 Sopwith Tripehound80 WWI Triplane 17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $14000 Sopwith Pup80 WWI Biplane18-17 lbs Plans $1700Partial Kit $13000 WACO uPF-790 Biplane 23 lbsPlans $1700 Airplanes Landing Gear 2 wire formed $995 hipping Assembled ready install $1995 $1 shipping lWheel Pants models add $51 Cabanes$998 hipping Fokker Cabanas$1495 -- $1 shipping Hardware Packageincludes famous Behrens strut system$119BPP Ordering information orders shipped ups Par cel Post add $3 shipping plans $10 kits Make checks payable Jerry Behrens fastest service send Postal Money Order bank check Sorry no CODs accepted Send mail orders BEHRENS PLAN SERVICE 31-27 Healy Ave Far Rockawey NY 11691 Phone 12121337-6857 Allow 4-8 weeks delivery November 1983 169