JUST BEFORE THE deadline for this
issue I received a nice packet from David
Baker of England, who is a member of SAM
(Society of Antique Modelers) Chapter 1066.
This group is currently quite active with
small rubber-powered vintage designs.
David wrote that they often fly at Middle
Wallop: the “world’s most beautiful flatfield
flying site.”
As noted in the chapter’s publication, The
Clarion, there is much interest in 1950s
designs since “the majority of active model
flyers interested in rubber model types today
began their competitive model flying lives
within this classic period.” This agrees with
my oft-stated premise that “Old Timer” is a
relative term, depending on one’s date of
birth and/or initial involvement with
aeromodeling.
Also popular in the UK are pre-World
War II Wakefield designs, many of which
have been published in the Frank Zaic Year
Books. These are truly vintage models, many
with round, multistringer fuselages, taperedwing
planforms, and fixed landing gear. As
with all Old-Time (OT) modeling endeavors,
the British seem to have the delightful ability
to be more concerned with creating authentic
replicas than with trophy hunting.
For more information about this
particular SAM chapter’s activities, contact
David Baker, 24 Pinetrees, Weston Favell,
Northampton NNE 3ET, England; Tel.:
01604-406822.
Just Getting Started? You may have
noticed Model Aviation’s current emphasis
on information for beginners. Although most
newcomers may not be interested in OT, I
suppose it is possible.
Why? For one thing, the designs have
“eye appeal.” Notice the number of ARF
(Almost Ready-to-Fly) designs that have an
OT appearance. Those are usually flown
strictly for fun, which is the whole intent of
the OT movement in the first place.
Following is a brief introduction for those
who are new to the hobby. (Yes, I consider
this a hobby—not a sport.)
The majority of OT activity is in Free
Flight (FF) and Radio Control (RC);
however, there is a sizable contingent flying
OT Control Line (CL)—primarily Stunt, but
with growing interest in Carrier, Speed, and
Team Racing. Much of the appeal is in
building designs from our youth, although
some just like the relaxed pace and the
camaraderie among OT modelers.
In all categories some designs are
available in kit form, but most are built from
plans. As I noted in a previous column, I can
supply a list of sources if you send me a
legal-size self-addressed, stamped envelope
Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Reg Parham’s 1936 UK Wakefield entry based on Frank Zaic’s
1934-1935 entries was later converted to a Towline Glider.
Reg’s 1939 Wakefield’s round fuselage had 16 3⁄32 square
stringers. It was lost out of sight at Cranfield in 1940.
138 MODEL AVIATION
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:44 am Page 138
January 2004 139
(SASE). It’s not all-inclusive, but it does
attempt to list the more prominent suppliers.
Since model building is considered an
enjoyable phase of the hobby, nearly all OT
designs require some construction
experience. You will see a good deal of
iron-on coverings in the RC categories,
while pure FF and CL Stunt tend to honor
tradition by using silkspan or silk with
doped finishes. There is one major
difference: those who have been out of the
hobby for a long time will be absolutely
shocked at the prices!
Newcomers who are attracted to OT
designs may want to consider joining one
(or more) of the AMA Special Interest
Groups that cater to their tastes. A list of
those organizations appears at the close of
this column.
Among the sources for plans is Charles
Schultz, who provides a wide range of
designs from simple rubber-powered models
for the beginner to advanced Scale models
for the more accomplished builders. He also
has gliders and gas-powered FF plans and
some CL Scale designs, including many
from the old Berkeley series, but his
emphasis is on the excellent Earl Stahl
Rubber Scale designs. All plans are black
line on white background and are
exceptionally clear and well drawn.
As this was written, Charles’s plans list
contained more than 425 offerings on eight
pages. To receive a copy of the current list,
send $1 and a business-size SASE to
Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207. Tell him where you
read about it.
In the CL OT category there is much
interest in the old Veco kits. Plans are
available for the entire line, and some are
being kitted again by companies such as
Brodak and RSM. Larry Richards produces
custom kits for most Veco designs,
including the Redskin team racer and Bob
Palmer’s Hurricane and Lil’ T-Bird. Larry
does not make kits for commercial vendors;
it is strictly a hobby for him, thus he needs
at least two weeks to ship.
Larry is also cutting kits for the old 48-
inch-span Midwest profile World War II
designs, the profile F-94C, and the Navion
formerly produced by Sterling. For more
information contact Larry at 26737 Chiplay
Ave., Hayward CA 94545; Tel.: (510) 786-
0796; E-mail: [email protected].
That mention of Monogram Speedee-Bilt
kits in the September 2003 column
definitely got some attention. (Special
thanks to Walter Legan [Orlando FL]; he
knows why.) I heard from several people
who remember those fondly and wish they
were still available.
As it turns out, reproductions of those
fine, old designs are being produced by Ron
Anderson. Available are copies of the
original plans, CAD drawings, parts
patterns, individual parts, and, yes, complete
kits.
All kits contain plans and patterns,
shaped “monofoil” wings and nose blocks,
THE BEST IN SCALE PLANS
ACCESSORIES & LASER CUT PARTS
1/5 Scale Grumman F4F Wildcat $45.00
Laser cut parts available
JERRY BATES PLANS
1⁄5 Scale Grumman F4F Wildcat (92") - $45.00
Laser cut parts $200.00 + s&h
Robart retracts available soon
1⁄5 Scale Curtiss SB2C Helldiver (100") - $45.00
Laser cut parts (includes flaps) $230.00 + s&h
Sea Fury - $35.00
Laser cut parts $190.00 + s&h
Hellcat (80") - $35.00
Laser cut parts $175.00 + s&h
C-46 - $40.00
Laser cut parts $200.00 + s&h
Yak 3 (68") - $35.00
Laser cut parts available.
SBD Daunless (85") - $40.00
Laser cut parts soon.
All plans - please add $8.00 for postage.
Best in scale catalog $5.00 + $3.20 p.p.
Cards Ok. • UK and German catalogs available.
BOB HOLMAN PLANS
P.O.BOX 741 San Bernardino CA 92402
909-885-3959 • [email protected] • www.bhplans.com
Model by Doug Imes
$18.95
per pair
MADISON COMPONENTS • 1-800-811-9135
1059 Valley Crest Drive, Birmingham, AL 35226
www.qualityrcproducts.com
It’s Time To Get a Grip
On Your Flying.
High quality transmitter knobs
offer more precise control
and feel.
Produced from
light weight
aluminum.
Black anodized
to assure long
lasting performance.
Features:
•Knurled on sides and
recessed on top for better
feel.
• They fit most popular
transmitters...Futaba, HiTec,
Airtronics, JR & others.
TRANSMITTER KNOBS
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:45 am Page 139
140 MODEL AVIATION
laser-cut balsa parts, hand-cast resin and
injection-molded plastic parts, canopies
(where applicable), rubber wheels, watertransfer
decals, colored tissue, rubber
motor, and hardware.
In addition to the complete line as we
knew it, Ron offers new designs which
include the Globe Swift, the PT-19, the
Texan, the Bonanza, the Spitfire, and
perhaps others by the time this item is in
print. I will not quote his prices here since
those could have changed by now.
As is the case with Larry Richards, Ron
cautions that “This is a low volume, hobby
operation with lots of hand processing
involved in the production of individual
parts. Kits are generally made up as orders
are received as I have difficulty keeping a
stockpile. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for
delivery.”
That seems like a reasonable request.
It’s been approximately 45 years since my
last Speedee-Bilt kit, so another six weeks
would hardly be an inconvenience.
Contact Ron Anderson directly for full
details and availability. His address is 115
Sue Ann Ct., Sterling VA 20164, and his Email
address is [email protected].
Okay, Ron, stand back!
Last year I noted with regret the demise of
the Thermal Thumbers club in California.
Roughly 30 years ago I was a member of
that illustrious group, enjoying many fine
times at Taft, Mile Square, and Elsinore.
Way before my time, club members were
part of the crowd that flew at the old
Rosecrans and Western site in Los Angeles.
Royce Childress (Kent WA) remembers the
site well, and he sent the following to me
via E-mail.
“To the west, asparagus went all the
way to Crenshaw; to the east were only a
couple of small farms between Western and
Vermont. It was about the same north and
south, except for a small airport just north
of the model field. After WW II they used
to fly P-38s, Mustangs, and PT-19s in there
to scrap them.
“I knew most of the Thermal Thumbers
at that time. Lud Kading was almost a
father to me. A couple of fairly well-known
members later were Lew Mahew and Frank
Cummings, both deservedly in the AMA
Model Aviation Hall of Fame.
“The last time I saw Lew we were on a
fishing trip in Bishop, California. I used to
have a first-place trophy from a club
contest. Lew told me I could enter ‘if I
didn’t enter that … Sailplane,’ so I used my
Playboy instead.”
The 16th annual Vintage Stunt
Championships for OT and Classic CL
Stunt will be held March 18-21 in Tucson,
Arizona. Two official rounds are flown and
those scores are added for a total, although
approximately 95% of the participants are
there strictly for fun. (See Bob Hunt’s
report on last year’s Vintage Stunt
Championships in the September 2003
issue.) For more details and preregistration
info, contact Lou Wolgast, 11310 E.
Concho Cir., Tucson AZ 85749; Tel.: (520)
749-1812. MA
AMA Special Interest Groups and other
organizations for those interested in OT
modeling:
SAM:
Gene Wallock
13 N.W. Sandy Trail Ln.
Lawton OK 73505
[email protected]
VR/CS (Vintage Radio Control Society):
Scott Wallace
3621 Mathews Dr.
Endwell NY 13760
www.vintagercsociety.org
MECA (Model Engine Collectors
Association):
Bob McLelland
3007 Travis St.
West Lake LA 70669
PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association), for CL Stunt including OT and
Classic:
Shareen Fancher
158 Flying Cloud Isle
Foster City CA 94404
[email protected]
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:45 am Page 140
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/01
Page Numbers: 138,139,140
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/01
Page Numbers: 138,139,140
JUST BEFORE THE deadline for this
issue I received a nice packet from David
Baker of England, who is a member of SAM
(Society of Antique Modelers) Chapter 1066.
This group is currently quite active with
small rubber-powered vintage designs.
David wrote that they often fly at Middle
Wallop: the “world’s most beautiful flatfield
flying site.”
As noted in the chapter’s publication, The
Clarion, there is much interest in 1950s
designs since “the majority of active model
flyers interested in rubber model types today
began their competitive model flying lives
within this classic period.” This agrees with
my oft-stated premise that “Old Timer” is a
relative term, depending on one’s date of
birth and/or initial involvement with
aeromodeling.
Also popular in the UK are pre-World
War II Wakefield designs, many of which
have been published in the Frank Zaic Year
Books. These are truly vintage models, many
with round, multistringer fuselages, taperedwing
planforms, and fixed landing gear. As
with all Old-Time (OT) modeling endeavors,
the British seem to have the delightful ability
to be more concerned with creating authentic
replicas than with trophy hunting.
For more information about this
particular SAM chapter’s activities, contact
David Baker, 24 Pinetrees, Weston Favell,
Northampton NNE 3ET, England; Tel.:
01604-406822.
Just Getting Started? You may have
noticed Model Aviation’s current emphasis
on information for beginners. Although most
newcomers may not be interested in OT, I
suppose it is possible.
Why? For one thing, the designs have
“eye appeal.” Notice the number of ARF
(Almost Ready-to-Fly) designs that have an
OT appearance. Those are usually flown
strictly for fun, which is the whole intent of
the OT movement in the first place.
Following is a brief introduction for those
who are new to the hobby. (Yes, I consider
this a hobby—not a sport.)
The majority of OT activity is in Free
Flight (FF) and Radio Control (RC);
however, there is a sizable contingent flying
OT Control Line (CL)—primarily Stunt, but
with growing interest in Carrier, Speed, and
Team Racing. Much of the appeal is in
building designs from our youth, although
some just like the relaxed pace and the
camaraderie among OT modelers.
In all categories some designs are
available in kit form, but most are built from
plans. As I noted in a previous column, I can
supply a list of sources if you send me a
legal-size self-addressed, stamped envelope
Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Reg Parham’s 1936 UK Wakefield entry based on Frank Zaic’s
1934-1935 entries was later converted to a Towline Glider.
Reg’s 1939 Wakefield’s round fuselage had 16 3⁄32 square
stringers. It was lost out of sight at Cranfield in 1940.
138 MODEL AVIATION
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:44 am Page 138
January 2004 139
(SASE). It’s not all-inclusive, but it does
attempt to list the more prominent suppliers.
Since model building is considered an
enjoyable phase of the hobby, nearly all OT
designs require some construction
experience. You will see a good deal of
iron-on coverings in the RC categories,
while pure FF and CL Stunt tend to honor
tradition by using silkspan or silk with
doped finishes. There is one major
difference: those who have been out of the
hobby for a long time will be absolutely
shocked at the prices!
Newcomers who are attracted to OT
designs may want to consider joining one
(or more) of the AMA Special Interest
Groups that cater to their tastes. A list of
those organizations appears at the close of
this column.
Among the sources for plans is Charles
Schultz, who provides a wide range of
designs from simple rubber-powered models
for the beginner to advanced Scale models
for the more accomplished builders. He also
has gliders and gas-powered FF plans and
some CL Scale designs, including many
from the old Berkeley series, but his
emphasis is on the excellent Earl Stahl
Rubber Scale designs. All plans are black
line on white background and are
exceptionally clear and well drawn.
As this was written, Charles’s plans list
contained more than 425 offerings on eight
pages. To receive a copy of the current list,
send $1 and a business-size SASE to
Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207. Tell him where you
read about it.
In the CL OT category there is much
interest in the old Veco kits. Plans are
available for the entire line, and some are
being kitted again by companies such as
Brodak and RSM. Larry Richards produces
custom kits for most Veco designs,
including the Redskin team racer and Bob
Palmer’s Hurricane and Lil’ T-Bird. Larry
does not make kits for commercial vendors;
it is strictly a hobby for him, thus he needs
at least two weeks to ship.
Larry is also cutting kits for the old 48-
inch-span Midwest profile World War II
designs, the profile F-94C, and the Navion
formerly produced by Sterling. For more
information contact Larry at 26737 Chiplay
Ave., Hayward CA 94545; Tel.: (510) 786-
0796; E-mail: [email protected].
That mention of Monogram Speedee-Bilt
kits in the September 2003 column
definitely got some attention. (Special
thanks to Walter Legan [Orlando FL]; he
knows why.) I heard from several people
who remember those fondly and wish they
were still available.
As it turns out, reproductions of those
fine, old designs are being produced by Ron
Anderson. Available are copies of the
original plans, CAD drawings, parts
patterns, individual parts, and, yes, complete
kits.
All kits contain plans and patterns,
shaped “monofoil” wings and nose blocks,
THE BEST IN SCALE PLANS
ACCESSORIES & LASER CUT PARTS
1/5 Scale Grumman F4F Wildcat $45.00
Laser cut parts available
JERRY BATES PLANS
1⁄5 Scale Grumman F4F Wildcat (92") - $45.00
Laser cut parts $200.00 + s&h
Robart retracts available soon
1⁄5 Scale Curtiss SB2C Helldiver (100") - $45.00
Laser cut parts (includes flaps) $230.00 + s&h
Sea Fury - $35.00
Laser cut parts $190.00 + s&h
Hellcat (80") - $35.00
Laser cut parts $175.00 + s&h
C-46 - $40.00
Laser cut parts $200.00 + s&h
Yak 3 (68") - $35.00
Laser cut parts available.
SBD Daunless (85") - $40.00
Laser cut parts soon.
All plans - please add $8.00 for postage.
Best in scale catalog $5.00 + $3.20 p.p.
Cards Ok. • UK and German catalogs available.
BOB HOLMAN PLANS
P.O.BOX 741 San Bernardino CA 92402
909-885-3959 • [email protected] • www.bhplans.com
Model by Doug Imes
$18.95
per pair
MADISON COMPONENTS • 1-800-811-9135
1059 Valley Crest Drive, Birmingham, AL 35226
www.qualityrcproducts.com
It’s Time To Get a Grip
On Your Flying.
High quality transmitter knobs
offer more precise control
and feel.
Produced from
light weight
aluminum.
Black anodized
to assure long
lasting performance.
Features:
•Knurled on sides and
recessed on top for better
feel.
• They fit most popular
transmitters...Futaba, HiTec,
Airtronics, JR & others.
TRANSMITTER KNOBS
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:45 am Page 139
140 MODEL AVIATION
laser-cut balsa parts, hand-cast resin and
injection-molded plastic parts, canopies
(where applicable), rubber wheels, watertransfer
decals, colored tissue, rubber
motor, and hardware.
In addition to the complete line as we
knew it, Ron offers new designs which
include the Globe Swift, the PT-19, the
Texan, the Bonanza, the Spitfire, and
perhaps others by the time this item is in
print. I will not quote his prices here since
those could have changed by now.
As is the case with Larry Richards, Ron
cautions that “This is a low volume, hobby
operation with lots of hand processing
involved in the production of individual
parts. Kits are generally made up as orders
are received as I have difficulty keeping a
stockpile. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for
delivery.”
That seems like a reasonable request.
It’s been approximately 45 years since my
last Speedee-Bilt kit, so another six weeks
would hardly be an inconvenience.
Contact Ron Anderson directly for full
details and availability. His address is 115
Sue Ann Ct., Sterling VA 20164, and his Email
address is [email protected].
Okay, Ron, stand back!
Last year I noted with regret the demise of
the Thermal Thumbers club in California.
Roughly 30 years ago I was a member of
that illustrious group, enjoying many fine
times at Taft, Mile Square, and Elsinore.
Way before my time, club members were
part of the crowd that flew at the old
Rosecrans and Western site in Los Angeles.
Royce Childress (Kent WA) remembers the
site well, and he sent the following to me
via E-mail.
“To the west, asparagus went all the
way to Crenshaw; to the east were only a
couple of small farms between Western and
Vermont. It was about the same north and
south, except for a small airport just north
of the model field. After WW II they used
to fly P-38s, Mustangs, and PT-19s in there
to scrap them.
“I knew most of the Thermal Thumbers
at that time. Lud Kading was almost a
father to me. A couple of fairly well-known
members later were Lew Mahew and Frank
Cummings, both deservedly in the AMA
Model Aviation Hall of Fame.
“The last time I saw Lew we were on a
fishing trip in Bishop, California. I used to
have a first-place trophy from a club
contest. Lew told me I could enter ‘if I
didn’t enter that … Sailplane,’ so I used my
Playboy instead.”
The 16th annual Vintage Stunt
Championships for OT and Classic CL
Stunt will be held March 18-21 in Tucson,
Arizona. Two official rounds are flown and
those scores are added for a total, although
approximately 95% of the participants are
there strictly for fun. (See Bob Hunt’s
report on last year’s Vintage Stunt
Championships in the September 2003
issue.) For more details and preregistration
info, contact Lou Wolgast, 11310 E.
Concho Cir., Tucson AZ 85749; Tel.: (520)
749-1812. MA
AMA Special Interest Groups and other
organizations for those interested in OT
modeling:
SAM:
Gene Wallock
13 N.W. Sandy Trail Ln.
Lawton OK 73505
[email protected]
VR/CS (Vintage Radio Control Society):
Scott Wallace
3621 Mathews Dr.
Endwell NY 13760
www.vintagercsociety.org
MECA (Model Engine Collectors
Association):
Bob McLelland
3007 Travis St.
West Lake LA 70669
PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association), for CL Stunt including OT and
Classic:
Shareen Fancher
158 Flying Cloud Isle
Foster City CA 94404
[email protected]
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:45 am Page 140
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/01
Page Numbers: 138,139,140
JUST BEFORE THE deadline for this
issue I received a nice packet from David
Baker of England, who is a member of SAM
(Society of Antique Modelers) Chapter 1066.
This group is currently quite active with
small rubber-powered vintage designs.
David wrote that they often fly at Middle
Wallop: the “world’s most beautiful flatfield
flying site.”
As noted in the chapter’s publication, The
Clarion, there is much interest in 1950s
designs since “the majority of active model
flyers interested in rubber model types today
began their competitive model flying lives
within this classic period.” This agrees with
my oft-stated premise that “Old Timer” is a
relative term, depending on one’s date of
birth and/or initial involvement with
aeromodeling.
Also popular in the UK are pre-World
War II Wakefield designs, many of which
have been published in the Frank Zaic Year
Books. These are truly vintage models, many
with round, multistringer fuselages, taperedwing
planforms, and fixed landing gear. As
with all Old-Time (OT) modeling endeavors,
the British seem to have the delightful ability
to be more concerned with creating authentic
replicas than with trophy hunting.
For more information about this
particular SAM chapter’s activities, contact
David Baker, 24 Pinetrees, Weston Favell,
Northampton NNE 3ET, England; Tel.:
01604-406822.
Just Getting Started? You may have
noticed Model Aviation’s current emphasis
on information for beginners. Although most
newcomers may not be interested in OT, I
suppose it is possible.
Why? For one thing, the designs have
“eye appeal.” Notice the number of ARF
(Almost Ready-to-Fly) designs that have an
OT appearance. Those are usually flown
strictly for fun, which is the whole intent of
the OT movement in the first place.
Following is a brief introduction for those
who are new to the hobby. (Yes, I consider
this a hobby—not a sport.)
The majority of OT activity is in Free
Flight (FF) and Radio Control (RC);
however, there is a sizable contingent flying
OT Control Line (CL)—primarily Stunt, but
with growing interest in Carrier, Speed, and
Team Racing. Much of the appeal is in
building designs from our youth, although
some just like the relaxed pace and the
camaraderie among OT modelers.
In all categories some designs are
available in kit form, but most are built from
plans. As I noted in a previous column, I can
supply a list of sources if you send me a
legal-size self-addressed, stamped envelope
Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Reg Parham’s 1936 UK Wakefield entry based on Frank Zaic’s
1934-1935 entries was later converted to a Towline Glider.
Reg’s 1939 Wakefield’s round fuselage had 16 3⁄32 square
stringers. It was lost out of sight at Cranfield in 1940.
138 MODEL AVIATION
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:44 am Page 138
January 2004 139
(SASE). It’s not all-inclusive, but it does
attempt to list the more prominent suppliers.
Since model building is considered an
enjoyable phase of the hobby, nearly all OT
designs require some construction
experience. You will see a good deal of
iron-on coverings in the RC categories,
while pure FF and CL Stunt tend to honor
tradition by using silkspan or silk with
doped finishes. There is one major
difference: those who have been out of the
hobby for a long time will be absolutely
shocked at the prices!
Newcomers who are attracted to OT
designs may want to consider joining one
(or more) of the AMA Special Interest
Groups that cater to their tastes. A list of
those organizations appears at the close of
this column.
Among the sources for plans is Charles
Schultz, who provides a wide range of
designs from simple rubber-powered models
for the beginner to advanced Scale models
for the more accomplished builders. He also
has gliders and gas-powered FF plans and
some CL Scale designs, including many
from the old Berkeley series, but his
emphasis is on the excellent Earl Stahl
Rubber Scale designs. All plans are black
line on white background and are
exceptionally clear and well drawn.
As this was written, Charles’s plans list
contained more than 425 offerings on eight
pages. To receive a copy of the current list,
send $1 and a business-size SASE to
Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207. Tell him where you
read about it.
In the CL OT category there is much
interest in the old Veco kits. Plans are
available for the entire line, and some are
being kitted again by companies such as
Brodak and RSM. Larry Richards produces
custom kits for most Veco designs,
including the Redskin team racer and Bob
Palmer’s Hurricane and Lil’ T-Bird. Larry
does not make kits for commercial vendors;
it is strictly a hobby for him, thus he needs
at least two weeks to ship.
Larry is also cutting kits for the old 48-
inch-span Midwest profile World War II
designs, the profile F-94C, and the Navion
formerly produced by Sterling. For more
information contact Larry at 26737 Chiplay
Ave., Hayward CA 94545; Tel.: (510) 786-
0796; E-mail: [email protected].
That mention of Monogram Speedee-Bilt
kits in the September 2003 column
definitely got some attention. (Special
thanks to Walter Legan [Orlando FL]; he
knows why.) I heard from several people
who remember those fondly and wish they
were still available.
As it turns out, reproductions of those
fine, old designs are being produced by Ron
Anderson. Available are copies of the
original plans, CAD drawings, parts
patterns, individual parts, and, yes, complete
kits.
All kits contain plans and patterns,
shaped “monofoil” wings and nose blocks,
THE BEST IN SCALE PLANS
ACCESSORIES & LASER CUT PARTS
1/5 Scale Grumman F4F Wildcat $45.00
Laser cut parts available
JERRY BATES PLANS
1⁄5 Scale Grumman F4F Wildcat (92") - $45.00
Laser cut parts $200.00 + s&h
Robart retracts available soon
1⁄5 Scale Curtiss SB2C Helldiver (100") - $45.00
Laser cut parts (includes flaps) $230.00 + s&h
Sea Fury - $35.00
Laser cut parts $190.00 + s&h
Hellcat (80") - $35.00
Laser cut parts $175.00 + s&h
C-46 - $40.00
Laser cut parts $200.00 + s&h
Yak 3 (68") - $35.00
Laser cut parts available.
SBD Daunless (85") - $40.00
Laser cut parts soon.
All plans - please add $8.00 for postage.
Best in scale catalog $5.00 + $3.20 p.p.
Cards Ok. • UK and German catalogs available.
BOB HOLMAN PLANS
P.O.BOX 741 San Bernardino CA 92402
909-885-3959 • [email protected] • www.bhplans.com
Model by Doug Imes
$18.95
per pair
MADISON COMPONENTS • 1-800-811-9135
1059 Valley Crest Drive, Birmingham, AL 35226
www.qualityrcproducts.com
It’s Time To Get a Grip
On Your Flying.
High quality transmitter knobs
offer more precise control
and feel.
Produced from
light weight
aluminum.
Black anodized
to assure long
lasting performance.
Features:
•Knurled on sides and
recessed on top for better
feel.
• They fit most popular
transmitters...Futaba, HiTec,
Airtronics, JR & others.
TRANSMITTER KNOBS
01sig5.QXD 10/27/03 8:45 am Page 139
140 MODEL AVIATION
laser-cut balsa parts, hand-cast resin and
injection-molded plastic parts, canopies
(where applicable), rubber wheels, watertransfer
decals, colored tissue, rubber
motor, and hardware.
In addition to the complete line as we
knew it, Ron offers new designs which
include the Globe Swift, the PT-19, the
Texan, the Bonanza, the Spitfire, and
perhaps others by the time this item is in
print. I will not quote his prices here since
those could have changed by now.
As is the case with Larry Richards, Ron
cautions that “This is a low volume, hobby
operation with lots of hand processing
involved in the production of individual
parts. Kits are generally made up as orders
are received as I have difficulty keeping a
stockpile. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for
delivery.”
That seems like a reasonable request.
It’s been approximately 45 years since my
last Speedee-Bilt kit, so another six weeks
would hardly be an inconvenience.
Contact Ron Anderson directly for full
details and availability. His address is 115
Sue Ann Ct., Sterling VA 20164, and his Email
address is [email protected].
Okay, Ron, stand back!
Last year I noted with regret the demise of
the Thermal Thumbers club in California.
Roughly 30 years ago I was a member of
that illustrious group, enjoying many fine
times at Taft, Mile Square, and Elsinore.
Way before my time, club members were
part of the crowd that flew at the old
Rosecrans and Western site in Los Angeles.
Royce Childress (Kent WA) remembers the
site well, and he sent the following to me
via E-mail.
“To the west, asparagus went all the
way to Crenshaw; to the east were only a
couple of small farms between Western and
Vermont. It was about the same north and
south, except for a small airport just north
of the model field. After WW II they used
to fly P-38s, Mustangs, and PT-19s in there
to scrap them.
“I knew most of the Thermal Thumbers
at that time. Lud Kading was almost a
father to me. A couple of fairly well-known
members later were Lew Mahew and Frank
Cummings, both deservedly in the AMA
Model Aviation Hall of Fame.
“The last time I saw Lew we were on a
fishing trip in Bishop, California. I used to
have a first-place trophy from a club
contest. Lew told me I could enter ‘if I
didn’t enter that … Sailplane,’ so I used my
Playboy instead.”
The 16th annual Vintage Stunt
Championships for OT and Classic CL
Stunt will be held March 18-21 in Tucson,
Arizona. Two official rounds are flown and
those scores are added for a total, although
approximately 95% of the participants are
there strictly for fun. (See Bob Hunt’s
report on last year’s Vintage Stunt
Championships in the September 2003
issue.) For more details and preregistration
info, contact Lou Wolgast, 11310 E.
Concho Cir., Tucson AZ 85749; Tel.: (520)
749-1812. MA
AMA Special Interest Groups and other
organizations for those interested in OT
modeling:
SAM:
Gene Wallock
13 N.W. Sandy Trail Ln.
Lawton OK 73505
[email protected]
VR/CS (Vintage Radio Control Society):
Scott Wallace
3621 Mathews Dr.
Endwell NY 13760
www.vintagercsociety.org
MECA (Model Engine Collectors
Association):
Bob McLelland
3007 Travis St.
West Lake LA 70669
PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association), for CL Stunt including OT and
Classic:
Shareen Fancher
158 Flying Cloud Isle
Foster City CA 94404
[email protected]
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