Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Leon Shulman designed the CL Dronette in the late 1940s.
Howard Bueschel’s uses a Drone engine and weighs 27.5
ounces. Bueschel photo.
Allan Arnold launches his French Wakefield at Taibi Field. Model
has blue fuselage and fin with yellow wing and stabilizer. Kevin
Sherman photo.
Kevin Sherman with McCoy .60-powered Goldberg Sailplane—a
real classic. The yellow-and-red model is covered with Polyspan.
Sherman photo.
I’LL START BY thanking several contributors who sent photos
and material for use in this column, a couple of which were
exceedingly generous. There is a great deal of interest out there in
“gluing Part A to Part B” despite the current popularity of “buyand-
fly” items. Stick-and-tissue, rubber-powered airplanes remain
a favorite of many modelers, including replicas of the 1930s
Jimmie Allen designs.
An annual postal contest is held for those models, and thanks
to Hal Schwan of the St. Louis Thermaleers, I received complete
results from last year’s affair. The top team was the FAC (Flying
Aces Club) Cactus Squadron based in Gilbert, Arizona, which
consisted of Neal Hudson, Joe McGuire, and Jim Kutkuhn. Their
club name is now engraved on the perpetual championship trophy
that was originally donated by Larry Oliver of the San Diego
Orbiteers.
The Arizona group will also host this year’s Jimmie Allen Postal
Contest, which will run from June through September. It is open to
clubs of any persuasion—FF, CL, RC, or Society of Antique
Modelers (SAM)—as long as they can enter at least three members
with Jimmie Allen designs. (Two excellent sources for those are
Bob Holman and Easy Built Models.) For rules and an entry form,
contact Jim Kutkuhn, 1420 Wildflower Dr., Casa Grande AZ 85222.
While mentioning plans sources, I must add Charles Schultz’s
name. His latest list, No. 16, contains more than 475 plans from the
1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s, with a variety of types: Gas, Rubber
and Glider, FF, and CL, with an emphasis on rubber-powered Scale.
The designs’ wingspans range from 10 to 54 inches, but most are in
the 16- to 30-inch range. Many are adaptable to electric power and
the new miniature RC equipment.
Charles was kind enough to send several samples, thus I can add
that his plans are of excellent quality. They are black line on white
backgrounds. Of note is the large number of Earl Stahl plans. In the
cover letter, Charles wrote:
“I find it particularly satisfying to receive orders from model
builders in their 70s and 80s, expressing their thanks for having the
plans available for models they would like to have built back in the
1930s but were then too expensive—like $1.00 or $1.50.”
To receive a copy of List No. 16, send a dollar bill and a
business-size SASE to Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207.
Among the many club newsletters I receive is that of SAM 40 in
Michigan, edited by Joseph Roose. In a late 2004 issue, he penned
an item called “Pass the Transmitter,” which may be something
worth consideration by those whose eyesight is, well, not what it
once was. He wrote:
“Some of the members of SAM 40 are old! Hard to believe, but
we are all getting older, and therefore less capable of doing all the
things we want to do. That should not stop any SAM 40 member
from flying in our local contests and enjoying these Old-Time
airplanes and engines.
“At most contests, if the airplane you
are flying gets away from you, or you
lose sight of it, once you give up the
transmitter to a helper, that flight is over
and a zero recorded. Not this year at
SAM 40.
“Realizing that fun is the important
issue here [rather than] winning, our kind
and gentle president, Chuck Hutton,
brought up this issue at our winter
meeting. It was decided that if any flier
needs help flying an airplane, we will
offer help with no penalty to the flier or
his score. If you are flying high and lose
sight of your airplane, your timer or
capable member can help you get back
on track.
“We have some great people in SAM
40, and this is one way to show that our
members’ enjoyment is more important
than winning.”
Let’s not forget, however, that many
enjoy competition. I am in full
agreement with Aeromodeling Editor
Bob Hunt’s words that were published in
the 2004 MA Special Issue (aka the Nats
report—and there was a fun-fly
competition event!). It is true that “What
wins on Sunday sells on Monday,” and
nowhere is this more evident than in
events such as RC Aerobatics or my own
niche: CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt).
Some type of competition is
inevitable in modeling. See if two fliers
with ARF park flyers are not soon trying
to outfly each other, be it duration,
aerobatics, or whatever. I believe in and
support competition 100% and would
quickly get bored flying with no goal in
mind.
Be that as it may, competition often
involves a great deal of fun. For instance,
there is an annual contest in northern
Virginia for those old “hollow log”
Scientific CL Scale and sport models that
were so popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Although the kits went out of production
long ago (you can find them on eBay for
exorbitant prices), plans are available from
the designer: Walt Musciano.
The meet is normally held in September
and features Beauty, Speed, and Stunt
events. If these old designs touch a tender
spot in your heart and you would like to
participate, contact Hal Howard at
[email protected] for complete
details. He has some excellent E-mail
photos from last year’s gathering,
including one of the Beauty-class winner:
a gorgeous Curtiss P-6E Hawk.
While I’m on the subject of CL, March
9-12 are the dates for the 17th annual
Vintage Stunt Championships in Tucson,
Arizona. This is the world’s largest all-
Stunt contest, which my wife and I began
in 1989. For the past three years it has
been in the good hands of the Cholla
Choppers of Tucson—an AMA Gold
Leader Club.
There are three (unofficial) events:
CL Old-Time Stunt (OTS) for designs
prior to 1953, a separate spark-ignition
OT event, and CL Classic Stunt for
designs prior to 1970. The days of the
events are Wednesday through Saturday,
allowing Sunday for a travel day.
OT, including Ignition, will be flown
Wednesday and Thursday, and Classic will
be Friday and Saturday. A gala banquet
and awards ceremony is planned for
Saturday night, March 12.
This is your chance to see pioneering
CL Stunt designs in flight, many of which
will be flown by such pilots as current
World Champion Bill Werwage, PAMPA
(Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association) Vice President Ted Fancher,
and Bob Hunt. However, the vast majority
of entrants are “just plain folks” who revel
134 MODEL AVIATION
in the sight and sound of CL Stunt from the
early years.
Friday evening’s Classic appearance
judging at the Rodeway Inn is worth the
trip in itself! Lou Wolgast will be the CD,
assisted by Robin Sizemore. For an entry
form and full details, contact Jim
Hoffman at 2658 W. Montgomery Dr.,
Chandler AZ 85224; Tel.: (480) 897-
0630; E-mail: [email protected]. All
entries must be received no later than
midnight on March 2.
One thing that is helpful when writing
these columns is that I get to swipe articles
from others. That’s why they send me their
newsletters. One such letter is from the
Southern California Ignition Flyers’ (SCIF)
Flightplug, edited by Mike Myers, who is
also the SAM president. It’s an excellent
news source for OT fliers, and I am now on
his mailing list.
If you want your own subscription, they
are $20 per year. Write to M.H. “Bud”
Matthews, 20006 Delight St., Canyon
Country CA 91351.
Among the items I am “borrowing” is
one that Gene Wallock wrote, which was
originally published in the SAM newsletter
SAM Speaks. Mike condensed it in the
Flightplug, but following is Gene’s
original; I thought it might be of interest to
fellow OT fliers.
“I’ve heard that good, tempered, 1⁄16
inch diameter wire was hard to find these
days. The hobby shop varieties seem to be
too soft. I contacted McMaster-Carr on
the Internet and they carry what we’re
looking for. It’s listed under wire, springtemper
carbon steel, known as music wire.
Its part number is 8907K85.
“I bought mine in 24-inch lengths, 100
pieces, for $28.97 plus shipping. I have
enough to last a lifetime, so I shared with
Bob Hanford the Elder, and now we’re
both set for life. They also carry a wide
assortment of diameters, up to 3⁄16. Check
their site for length sizes and whether it
comes in lengths or coils.”
Thanks also to Kevin Sherman, who
edits the Gas Lines newsletter of the
Southern California Antique Model Plane
Society (SCAMPS). He sent photos and
several back issues of the newsletter, and
he added me to his mailing list.
Among other venues, this group flies
each Wednesday at the Perris, California
(Taibi Field), flying site. Several members
specialize in twin-pusher Rubber FF, with
the oft-stated goal being to “beat
Mikkelson.”
I remember Mik from 1979-1980,
when I flew FF Rubber Scale, as a firstclass
gentleman and an outstanding
craftsman. Apparently he is now a force to
be reckoned with in the Twin Pusher
event.
I plan to “extract” material quite
extensively from the SCIF and SCAMPS
newsletters for future columns. I thank
Mike and Kevin for adding me to their
mailing lists.
If you would like your items and photos
included here, feel free to send them, but
please bear in mind that we have a threemonth
lead time. Therefore, contest
announcements should be made well in
advance. Also, results will be somewhat
dated by the time they are printed.
I am experimenting with sending some
photos on disk, but the best of all worlds
involves clear, sharp 4 x 6-inch original
color prints.
Meanwhile, for those of you in warmer
climes, go fly. Way up here we’re still
building. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,132,134,135
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,132,134,135
Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Leon Shulman designed the CL Dronette in the late 1940s.
Howard Bueschel’s uses a Drone engine and weighs 27.5
ounces. Bueschel photo.
Allan Arnold launches his French Wakefield at Taibi Field. Model
has blue fuselage and fin with yellow wing and stabilizer. Kevin
Sherman photo.
Kevin Sherman with McCoy .60-powered Goldberg Sailplane—a
real classic. The yellow-and-red model is covered with Polyspan.
Sherman photo.
I’LL START BY thanking several contributors who sent photos
and material for use in this column, a couple of which were
exceedingly generous. There is a great deal of interest out there in
“gluing Part A to Part B” despite the current popularity of “buyand-
fly” items. Stick-and-tissue, rubber-powered airplanes remain
a favorite of many modelers, including replicas of the 1930s
Jimmie Allen designs.
An annual postal contest is held for those models, and thanks
to Hal Schwan of the St. Louis Thermaleers, I received complete
results from last year’s affair. The top team was the FAC (Flying
Aces Club) Cactus Squadron based in Gilbert, Arizona, which
consisted of Neal Hudson, Joe McGuire, and Jim Kutkuhn. Their
club name is now engraved on the perpetual championship trophy
that was originally donated by Larry Oliver of the San Diego
Orbiteers.
The Arizona group will also host this year’s Jimmie Allen Postal
Contest, which will run from June through September. It is open to
clubs of any persuasion—FF, CL, RC, or Society of Antique
Modelers (SAM)—as long as they can enter at least three members
with Jimmie Allen designs. (Two excellent sources for those are
Bob Holman and Easy Built Models.) For rules and an entry form,
contact Jim Kutkuhn, 1420 Wildflower Dr., Casa Grande AZ 85222.
While mentioning plans sources, I must add Charles Schultz’s
name. His latest list, No. 16, contains more than 475 plans from the
1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s, with a variety of types: Gas, Rubber
and Glider, FF, and CL, with an emphasis on rubber-powered Scale.
The designs’ wingspans range from 10 to 54 inches, but most are in
the 16- to 30-inch range. Many are adaptable to electric power and
the new miniature RC equipment.
Charles was kind enough to send several samples, thus I can add
that his plans are of excellent quality. They are black line on white
backgrounds. Of note is the large number of Earl Stahl plans. In the
cover letter, Charles wrote:
“I find it particularly satisfying to receive orders from model
builders in their 70s and 80s, expressing their thanks for having the
plans available for models they would like to have built back in the
1930s but were then too expensive—like $1.00 or $1.50.”
To receive a copy of List No. 16, send a dollar bill and a
business-size SASE to Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207.
Among the many club newsletters I receive is that of SAM 40 in
Michigan, edited by Joseph Roose. In a late 2004 issue, he penned
an item called “Pass the Transmitter,” which may be something
worth consideration by those whose eyesight is, well, not what it
once was. He wrote:
“Some of the members of SAM 40 are old! Hard to believe, but
we are all getting older, and therefore less capable of doing all the
things we want to do. That should not stop any SAM 40 member
from flying in our local contests and enjoying these Old-Time
airplanes and engines.
“At most contests, if the airplane you
are flying gets away from you, or you
lose sight of it, once you give up the
transmitter to a helper, that flight is over
and a zero recorded. Not this year at
SAM 40.
“Realizing that fun is the important
issue here [rather than] winning, our kind
and gentle president, Chuck Hutton,
brought up this issue at our winter
meeting. It was decided that if any flier
needs help flying an airplane, we will
offer help with no penalty to the flier or
his score. If you are flying high and lose
sight of your airplane, your timer or
capable member can help you get back
on track.
“We have some great people in SAM
40, and this is one way to show that our
members’ enjoyment is more important
than winning.”
Let’s not forget, however, that many
enjoy competition. I am in full
agreement with Aeromodeling Editor
Bob Hunt’s words that were published in
the 2004 MA Special Issue (aka the Nats
report—and there was a fun-fly
competition event!). It is true that “What
wins on Sunday sells on Monday,” and
nowhere is this more evident than in
events such as RC Aerobatics or my own
niche: CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt).
Some type of competition is
inevitable in modeling. See if two fliers
with ARF park flyers are not soon trying
to outfly each other, be it duration,
aerobatics, or whatever. I believe in and
support competition 100% and would
quickly get bored flying with no goal in
mind.
Be that as it may, competition often
involves a great deal of fun. For instance,
there is an annual contest in northern
Virginia for those old “hollow log”
Scientific CL Scale and sport models that
were so popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Although the kits went out of production
long ago (you can find them on eBay for
exorbitant prices), plans are available from
the designer: Walt Musciano.
The meet is normally held in September
and features Beauty, Speed, and Stunt
events. If these old designs touch a tender
spot in your heart and you would like to
participate, contact Hal Howard at
[email protected] for complete
details. He has some excellent E-mail
photos from last year’s gathering,
including one of the Beauty-class winner:
a gorgeous Curtiss P-6E Hawk.
While I’m on the subject of CL, March
9-12 are the dates for the 17th annual
Vintage Stunt Championships in Tucson,
Arizona. This is the world’s largest all-
Stunt contest, which my wife and I began
in 1989. For the past three years it has
been in the good hands of the Cholla
Choppers of Tucson—an AMA Gold
Leader Club.
There are three (unofficial) events:
CL Old-Time Stunt (OTS) for designs
prior to 1953, a separate spark-ignition
OT event, and CL Classic Stunt for
designs prior to 1970. The days of the
events are Wednesday through Saturday,
allowing Sunday for a travel day.
OT, including Ignition, will be flown
Wednesday and Thursday, and Classic will
be Friday and Saturday. A gala banquet
and awards ceremony is planned for
Saturday night, March 12.
This is your chance to see pioneering
CL Stunt designs in flight, many of which
will be flown by such pilots as current
World Champion Bill Werwage, PAMPA
(Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association) Vice President Ted Fancher,
and Bob Hunt. However, the vast majority
of entrants are “just plain folks” who revel
134 MODEL AVIATION
in the sight and sound of CL Stunt from the
early years.
Friday evening’s Classic appearance
judging at the Rodeway Inn is worth the
trip in itself! Lou Wolgast will be the CD,
assisted by Robin Sizemore. For an entry
form and full details, contact Jim
Hoffman at 2658 W. Montgomery Dr.,
Chandler AZ 85224; Tel.: (480) 897-
0630; E-mail: [email protected]. All
entries must be received no later than
midnight on March 2.
One thing that is helpful when writing
these columns is that I get to swipe articles
from others. That’s why they send me their
newsletters. One such letter is from the
Southern California Ignition Flyers’ (SCIF)
Flightplug, edited by Mike Myers, who is
also the SAM president. It’s an excellent
news source for OT fliers, and I am now on
his mailing list.
If you want your own subscription, they
are $20 per year. Write to M.H. “Bud”
Matthews, 20006 Delight St., Canyon
Country CA 91351.
Among the items I am “borrowing” is
one that Gene Wallock wrote, which was
originally published in the SAM newsletter
SAM Speaks. Mike condensed it in the
Flightplug, but following is Gene’s
original; I thought it might be of interest to
fellow OT fliers.
“I’ve heard that good, tempered, 1⁄16
inch diameter wire was hard to find these
days. The hobby shop varieties seem to be
too soft. I contacted McMaster-Carr on
the Internet and they carry what we’re
looking for. It’s listed under wire, springtemper
carbon steel, known as music wire.
Its part number is 8907K85.
“I bought mine in 24-inch lengths, 100
pieces, for $28.97 plus shipping. I have
enough to last a lifetime, so I shared with
Bob Hanford the Elder, and now we’re
both set for life. They also carry a wide
assortment of diameters, up to 3⁄16. Check
their site for length sizes and whether it
comes in lengths or coils.”
Thanks also to Kevin Sherman, who
edits the Gas Lines newsletter of the
Southern California Antique Model Plane
Society (SCAMPS). He sent photos and
several back issues of the newsletter, and
he added me to his mailing list.
Among other venues, this group flies
each Wednesday at the Perris, California
(Taibi Field), flying site. Several members
specialize in twin-pusher Rubber FF, with
the oft-stated goal being to “beat
Mikkelson.”
I remember Mik from 1979-1980,
when I flew FF Rubber Scale, as a firstclass
gentleman and an outstanding
craftsman. Apparently he is now a force to
be reckoned with in the Twin Pusher
event.
I plan to “extract” material quite
extensively from the SCIF and SCAMPS
newsletters for future columns. I thank
Mike and Kevin for adding me to their
mailing lists.
If you would like your items and photos
included here, feel free to send them, but
please bear in mind that we have a threemonth
lead time. Therefore, contest
announcements should be made well in
advance. Also, results will be somewhat
dated by the time they are printed.
I am experimenting with sending some
photos on disk, but the best of all worlds
involves clear, sharp 4 x 6-inch original
color prints.
Meanwhile, for those of you in warmer
climes, go fly. Way up here we’re still
building. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,132,134,135
Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Leon Shulman designed the CL Dronette in the late 1940s.
Howard Bueschel’s uses a Drone engine and weighs 27.5
ounces. Bueschel photo.
Allan Arnold launches his French Wakefield at Taibi Field. Model
has blue fuselage and fin with yellow wing and stabilizer. Kevin
Sherman photo.
Kevin Sherman with McCoy .60-powered Goldberg Sailplane—a
real classic. The yellow-and-red model is covered with Polyspan.
Sherman photo.
I’LL START BY thanking several contributors who sent photos
and material for use in this column, a couple of which were
exceedingly generous. There is a great deal of interest out there in
“gluing Part A to Part B” despite the current popularity of “buyand-
fly” items. Stick-and-tissue, rubber-powered airplanes remain
a favorite of many modelers, including replicas of the 1930s
Jimmie Allen designs.
An annual postal contest is held for those models, and thanks
to Hal Schwan of the St. Louis Thermaleers, I received complete
results from last year’s affair. The top team was the FAC (Flying
Aces Club) Cactus Squadron based in Gilbert, Arizona, which
consisted of Neal Hudson, Joe McGuire, and Jim Kutkuhn. Their
club name is now engraved on the perpetual championship trophy
that was originally donated by Larry Oliver of the San Diego
Orbiteers.
The Arizona group will also host this year’s Jimmie Allen Postal
Contest, which will run from June through September. It is open to
clubs of any persuasion—FF, CL, RC, or Society of Antique
Modelers (SAM)—as long as they can enter at least three members
with Jimmie Allen designs. (Two excellent sources for those are
Bob Holman and Easy Built Models.) For rules and an entry form,
contact Jim Kutkuhn, 1420 Wildflower Dr., Casa Grande AZ 85222.
While mentioning plans sources, I must add Charles Schultz’s
name. His latest list, No. 16, contains more than 475 plans from the
1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s, with a variety of types: Gas, Rubber
and Glider, FF, and CL, with an emphasis on rubber-powered Scale.
The designs’ wingspans range from 10 to 54 inches, but most are in
the 16- to 30-inch range. Many are adaptable to electric power and
the new miniature RC equipment.
Charles was kind enough to send several samples, thus I can add
that his plans are of excellent quality. They are black line on white
backgrounds. Of note is the large number of Earl Stahl plans. In the
cover letter, Charles wrote:
“I find it particularly satisfying to receive orders from model
builders in their 70s and 80s, expressing their thanks for having the
plans available for models they would like to have built back in the
1930s but were then too expensive—like $1.00 or $1.50.”
To receive a copy of List No. 16, send a dollar bill and a
business-size SASE to Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207.
Among the many club newsletters I receive is that of SAM 40 in
Michigan, edited by Joseph Roose. In a late 2004 issue, he penned
an item called “Pass the Transmitter,” which may be something
worth consideration by those whose eyesight is, well, not what it
once was. He wrote:
“Some of the members of SAM 40 are old! Hard to believe, but
we are all getting older, and therefore less capable of doing all the
things we want to do. That should not stop any SAM 40 member
from flying in our local contests and enjoying these Old-Time
airplanes and engines.
“At most contests, if the airplane you
are flying gets away from you, or you
lose sight of it, once you give up the
transmitter to a helper, that flight is over
and a zero recorded. Not this year at
SAM 40.
“Realizing that fun is the important
issue here [rather than] winning, our kind
and gentle president, Chuck Hutton,
brought up this issue at our winter
meeting. It was decided that if any flier
needs help flying an airplane, we will
offer help with no penalty to the flier or
his score. If you are flying high and lose
sight of your airplane, your timer or
capable member can help you get back
on track.
“We have some great people in SAM
40, and this is one way to show that our
members’ enjoyment is more important
than winning.”
Let’s not forget, however, that many
enjoy competition. I am in full
agreement with Aeromodeling Editor
Bob Hunt’s words that were published in
the 2004 MA Special Issue (aka the Nats
report—and there was a fun-fly
competition event!). It is true that “What
wins on Sunday sells on Monday,” and
nowhere is this more evident than in
events such as RC Aerobatics or my own
niche: CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt).
Some type of competition is
inevitable in modeling. See if two fliers
with ARF park flyers are not soon trying
to outfly each other, be it duration,
aerobatics, or whatever. I believe in and
support competition 100% and would
quickly get bored flying with no goal in
mind.
Be that as it may, competition often
involves a great deal of fun. For instance,
there is an annual contest in northern
Virginia for those old “hollow log”
Scientific CL Scale and sport models that
were so popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Although the kits went out of production
long ago (you can find them on eBay for
exorbitant prices), plans are available from
the designer: Walt Musciano.
The meet is normally held in September
and features Beauty, Speed, and Stunt
events. If these old designs touch a tender
spot in your heart and you would like to
participate, contact Hal Howard at
[email protected] for complete
details. He has some excellent E-mail
photos from last year’s gathering,
including one of the Beauty-class winner:
a gorgeous Curtiss P-6E Hawk.
While I’m on the subject of CL, March
9-12 are the dates for the 17th annual
Vintage Stunt Championships in Tucson,
Arizona. This is the world’s largest all-
Stunt contest, which my wife and I began
in 1989. For the past three years it has
been in the good hands of the Cholla
Choppers of Tucson—an AMA Gold
Leader Club.
There are three (unofficial) events:
CL Old-Time Stunt (OTS) for designs
prior to 1953, a separate spark-ignition
OT event, and CL Classic Stunt for
designs prior to 1970. The days of the
events are Wednesday through Saturday,
allowing Sunday for a travel day.
OT, including Ignition, will be flown
Wednesday and Thursday, and Classic will
be Friday and Saturday. A gala banquet
and awards ceremony is planned for
Saturday night, March 12.
This is your chance to see pioneering
CL Stunt designs in flight, many of which
will be flown by such pilots as current
World Champion Bill Werwage, PAMPA
(Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association) Vice President Ted Fancher,
and Bob Hunt. However, the vast majority
of entrants are “just plain folks” who revel
134 MODEL AVIATION
in the sight and sound of CL Stunt from the
early years.
Friday evening’s Classic appearance
judging at the Rodeway Inn is worth the
trip in itself! Lou Wolgast will be the CD,
assisted by Robin Sizemore. For an entry
form and full details, contact Jim
Hoffman at 2658 W. Montgomery Dr.,
Chandler AZ 85224; Tel.: (480) 897-
0630; E-mail: [email protected]. All
entries must be received no later than
midnight on March 2.
One thing that is helpful when writing
these columns is that I get to swipe articles
from others. That’s why they send me their
newsletters. One such letter is from the
Southern California Ignition Flyers’ (SCIF)
Flightplug, edited by Mike Myers, who is
also the SAM president. It’s an excellent
news source for OT fliers, and I am now on
his mailing list.
If you want your own subscription, they
are $20 per year. Write to M.H. “Bud”
Matthews, 20006 Delight St., Canyon
Country CA 91351.
Among the items I am “borrowing” is
one that Gene Wallock wrote, which was
originally published in the SAM newsletter
SAM Speaks. Mike condensed it in the
Flightplug, but following is Gene’s
original; I thought it might be of interest to
fellow OT fliers.
“I’ve heard that good, tempered, 1⁄16
inch diameter wire was hard to find these
days. The hobby shop varieties seem to be
too soft. I contacted McMaster-Carr on
the Internet and they carry what we’re
looking for. It’s listed under wire, springtemper
carbon steel, known as music wire.
Its part number is 8907K85.
“I bought mine in 24-inch lengths, 100
pieces, for $28.97 plus shipping. I have
enough to last a lifetime, so I shared with
Bob Hanford the Elder, and now we’re
both set for life. They also carry a wide
assortment of diameters, up to 3⁄16. Check
their site for length sizes and whether it
comes in lengths or coils.”
Thanks also to Kevin Sherman, who
edits the Gas Lines newsletter of the
Southern California Antique Model Plane
Society (SCAMPS). He sent photos and
several back issues of the newsletter, and
he added me to his mailing list.
Among other venues, this group flies
each Wednesday at the Perris, California
(Taibi Field), flying site. Several members
specialize in twin-pusher Rubber FF, with
the oft-stated goal being to “beat
Mikkelson.”
I remember Mik from 1979-1980,
when I flew FF Rubber Scale, as a firstclass
gentleman and an outstanding
craftsman. Apparently he is now a force to
be reckoned with in the Twin Pusher
event.
I plan to “extract” material quite
extensively from the SCIF and SCAMPS
newsletters for future columns. I thank
Mike and Kevin for adding me to their
mailing lists.
If you would like your items and photos
included here, feel free to send them, but
please bear in mind that we have a threemonth
lead time. Therefore, contest
announcements should be made well in
advance. Also, results will be somewhat
dated by the time they are printed.
I am experimenting with sending some
photos on disk, but the best of all worlds
involves clear, sharp 4 x 6-inch original
color prints.
Meanwhile, for those of you in warmer
climes, go fly. Way up here we’re still
building. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,132,134,135
Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Leon Shulman designed the CL Dronette in the late 1940s.
Howard Bueschel’s uses a Drone engine and weighs 27.5
ounces. Bueschel photo.
Allan Arnold launches his French Wakefield at Taibi Field. Model
has blue fuselage and fin with yellow wing and stabilizer. Kevin
Sherman photo.
Kevin Sherman with McCoy .60-powered Goldberg Sailplane—a
real classic. The yellow-and-red model is covered with Polyspan.
Sherman photo.
I’LL START BY thanking several contributors who sent photos
and material for use in this column, a couple of which were
exceedingly generous. There is a great deal of interest out there in
“gluing Part A to Part B” despite the current popularity of “buyand-
fly” items. Stick-and-tissue, rubber-powered airplanes remain
a favorite of many modelers, including replicas of the 1930s
Jimmie Allen designs.
An annual postal contest is held for those models, and thanks
to Hal Schwan of the St. Louis Thermaleers, I received complete
results from last year’s affair. The top team was the FAC (Flying
Aces Club) Cactus Squadron based in Gilbert, Arizona, which
consisted of Neal Hudson, Joe McGuire, and Jim Kutkuhn. Their
club name is now engraved on the perpetual championship trophy
that was originally donated by Larry Oliver of the San Diego
Orbiteers.
The Arizona group will also host this year’s Jimmie Allen Postal
Contest, which will run from June through September. It is open to
clubs of any persuasion—FF, CL, RC, or Society of Antique
Modelers (SAM)—as long as they can enter at least three members
with Jimmie Allen designs. (Two excellent sources for those are
Bob Holman and Easy Built Models.) For rules and an entry form,
contact Jim Kutkuhn, 1420 Wildflower Dr., Casa Grande AZ 85222.
While mentioning plans sources, I must add Charles Schultz’s
name. His latest list, No. 16, contains more than 475 plans from the
1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s, with a variety of types: Gas, Rubber
and Glider, FF, and CL, with an emphasis on rubber-powered Scale.
The designs’ wingspans range from 10 to 54 inches, but most are in
the 16- to 30-inch range. Many are adaptable to electric power and
the new miniature RC equipment.
Charles was kind enough to send several samples, thus I can add
that his plans are of excellent quality. They are black line on white
backgrounds. Of note is the large number of Earl Stahl plans. In the
cover letter, Charles wrote:
“I find it particularly satisfying to receive orders from model
builders in their 70s and 80s, expressing their thanks for having the
plans available for models they would like to have built back in the
1930s but were then too expensive—like $1.00 or $1.50.”
To receive a copy of List No. 16, send a dollar bill and a
business-size SASE to Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207.
Among the many club newsletters I receive is that of SAM 40 in
Michigan, edited by Joseph Roose. In a late 2004 issue, he penned
an item called “Pass the Transmitter,” which may be something
worth consideration by those whose eyesight is, well, not what it
once was. He wrote:
“Some of the members of SAM 40 are old! Hard to believe, but
we are all getting older, and therefore less capable of doing all the
things we want to do. That should not stop any SAM 40 member
from flying in our local contests and enjoying these Old-Time
airplanes and engines.
“At most contests, if the airplane you
are flying gets away from you, or you
lose sight of it, once you give up the
transmitter to a helper, that flight is over
and a zero recorded. Not this year at
SAM 40.
“Realizing that fun is the important
issue here [rather than] winning, our kind
and gentle president, Chuck Hutton,
brought up this issue at our winter
meeting. It was decided that if any flier
needs help flying an airplane, we will
offer help with no penalty to the flier or
his score. If you are flying high and lose
sight of your airplane, your timer or
capable member can help you get back
on track.
“We have some great people in SAM
40, and this is one way to show that our
members’ enjoyment is more important
than winning.”
Let’s not forget, however, that many
enjoy competition. I am in full
agreement with Aeromodeling Editor
Bob Hunt’s words that were published in
the 2004 MA Special Issue (aka the Nats
report—and there was a fun-fly
competition event!). It is true that “What
wins on Sunday sells on Monday,” and
nowhere is this more evident than in
events such as RC Aerobatics or my own
niche: CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt).
Some type of competition is
inevitable in modeling. See if two fliers
with ARF park flyers are not soon trying
to outfly each other, be it duration,
aerobatics, or whatever. I believe in and
support competition 100% and would
quickly get bored flying with no goal in
mind.
Be that as it may, competition often
involves a great deal of fun. For instance,
there is an annual contest in northern
Virginia for those old “hollow log”
Scientific CL Scale and sport models that
were so popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Although the kits went out of production
long ago (you can find them on eBay for
exorbitant prices), plans are available from
the designer: Walt Musciano.
The meet is normally held in September
and features Beauty, Speed, and Stunt
events. If these old designs touch a tender
spot in your heart and you would like to
participate, contact Hal Howard at
[email protected] for complete
details. He has some excellent E-mail
photos from last year’s gathering,
including one of the Beauty-class winner:
a gorgeous Curtiss P-6E Hawk.
While I’m on the subject of CL, March
9-12 are the dates for the 17th annual
Vintage Stunt Championships in Tucson,
Arizona. This is the world’s largest all-
Stunt contest, which my wife and I began
in 1989. For the past three years it has
been in the good hands of the Cholla
Choppers of Tucson—an AMA Gold
Leader Club.
There are three (unofficial) events:
CL Old-Time Stunt (OTS) for designs
prior to 1953, a separate spark-ignition
OT event, and CL Classic Stunt for
designs prior to 1970. The days of the
events are Wednesday through Saturday,
allowing Sunday for a travel day.
OT, including Ignition, will be flown
Wednesday and Thursday, and Classic will
be Friday and Saturday. A gala banquet
and awards ceremony is planned for
Saturday night, March 12.
This is your chance to see pioneering
CL Stunt designs in flight, many of which
will be flown by such pilots as current
World Champion Bill Werwage, PAMPA
(Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association) Vice President Ted Fancher,
and Bob Hunt. However, the vast majority
of entrants are “just plain folks” who revel
134 MODEL AVIATION
in the sight and sound of CL Stunt from the
early years.
Friday evening’s Classic appearance
judging at the Rodeway Inn is worth the
trip in itself! Lou Wolgast will be the CD,
assisted by Robin Sizemore. For an entry
form and full details, contact Jim
Hoffman at 2658 W. Montgomery Dr.,
Chandler AZ 85224; Tel.: (480) 897-
0630; E-mail: [email protected]. All
entries must be received no later than
midnight on March 2.
One thing that is helpful when writing
these columns is that I get to swipe articles
from others. That’s why they send me their
newsletters. One such letter is from the
Southern California Ignition Flyers’ (SCIF)
Flightplug, edited by Mike Myers, who is
also the SAM president. It’s an excellent
news source for OT fliers, and I am now on
his mailing list.
If you want your own subscription, they
are $20 per year. Write to M.H. “Bud”
Matthews, 20006 Delight St., Canyon
Country CA 91351.
Among the items I am “borrowing” is
one that Gene Wallock wrote, which was
originally published in the SAM newsletter
SAM Speaks. Mike condensed it in the
Flightplug, but following is Gene’s
original; I thought it might be of interest to
fellow OT fliers.
“I’ve heard that good, tempered, 1⁄16
inch diameter wire was hard to find these
days. The hobby shop varieties seem to be
too soft. I contacted McMaster-Carr on
the Internet and they carry what we’re
looking for. It’s listed under wire, springtemper
carbon steel, known as music wire.
Its part number is 8907K85.
“I bought mine in 24-inch lengths, 100
pieces, for $28.97 plus shipping. I have
enough to last a lifetime, so I shared with
Bob Hanford the Elder, and now we’re
both set for life. They also carry a wide
assortment of diameters, up to 3⁄16. Check
their site for length sizes and whether it
comes in lengths or coils.”
Thanks also to Kevin Sherman, who
edits the Gas Lines newsletter of the
Southern California Antique Model Plane
Society (SCAMPS). He sent photos and
several back issues of the newsletter, and
he added me to his mailing list.
Among other venues, this group flies
each Wednesday at the Perris, California
(Taibi Field), flying site. Several members
specialize in twin-pusher Rubber FF, with
the oft-stated goal being to “beat
Mikkelson.”
I remember Mik from 1979-1980,
when I flew FF Rubber Scale, as a firstclass
gentleman and an outstanding
craftsman. Apparently he is now a force to
be reckoned with in the Twin Pusher
event.
I plan to “extract” material quite
extensively from the SCIF and SCAMPS
newsletters for future columns. I thank
Mike and Kevin for adding me to their
mailing lists.
If you would like your items and photos
included here, feel free to send them, but
please bear in mind that we have a threemonth
lead time. Therefore, contest
announcements should be made well in
advance. Also, results will be somewhat
dated by the time they are printed.
I am experimenting with sending some
photos on disk, but the best of all worlds
involves clear, sharp 4 x 6-inch original
color prints.
Meanwhile, for those of you in warmer
climes, go fly. Way up here we’re still
building. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/02
Page Numbers: 129,130,132,134,135
Mike Keville, 31 Franklin Pkwy., Brunswick ME 04011; E-mail: [email protected]
OLD-TIMERS
Leon Shulman designed the CL Dronette in the late 1940s.
Howard Bueschel’s uses a Drone engine and weighs 27.5
ounces. Bueschel photo.
Allan Arnold launches his French Wakefield at Taibi Field. Model
has blue fuselage and fin with yellow wing and stabilizer. Kevin
Sherman photo.
Kevin Sherman with McCoy .60-powered Goldberg Sailplane—a
real classic. The yellow-and-red model is covered with Polyspan.
Sherman photo.
I’LL START BY thanking several contributors who sent photos
and material for use in this column, a couple of which were
exceedingly generous. There is a great deal of interest out there in
“gluing Part A to Part B” despite the current popularity of “buyand-
fly” items. Stick-and-tissue, rubber-powered airplanes remain
a favorite of many modelers, including replicas of the 1930s
Jimmie Allen designs.
An annual postal contest is held for those models, and thanks
to Hal Schwan of the St. Louis Thermaleers, I received complete
results from last year’s affair. The top team was the FAC (Flying
Aces Club) Cactus Squadron based in Gilbert, Arizona, which
consisted of Neal Hudson, Joe McGuire, and Jim Kutkuhn. Their
club name is now engraved on the perpetual championship trophy
that was originally donated by Larry Oliver of the San Diego
Orbiteers.
The Arizona group will also host this year’s Jimmie Allen Postal
Contest, which will run from June through September. It is open to
clubs of any persuasion—FF, CL, RC, or Society of Antique
Modelers (SAM)—as long as they can enter at least three members
with Jimmie Allen designs. (Two excellent sources for those are
Bob Holman and Easy Built Models.) For rules and an entry form,
contact Jim Kutkuhn, 1420 Wildflower Dr., Casa Grande AZ 85222.
While mentioning plans sources, I must add Charles Schultz’s
name. His latest list, No. 16, contains more than 475 plans from the
1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s, with a variety of types: Gas, Rubber
and Glider, FF, and CL, with an emphasis on rubber-powered Scale.
The designs’ wingspans range from 10 to 54 inches, but most are in
the 16- to 30-inch range. Many are adaptable to electric power and
the new miniature RC equipment.
Charles was kind enough to send several samples, thus I can add
that his plans are of excellent quality. They are black line on white
backgrounds. Of note is the large number of Earl Stahl plans. In the
cover letter, Charles wrote:
“I find it particularly satisfying to receive orders from model
builders in their 70s and 80s, expressing their thanks for having the
plans available for models they would like to have built back in the
1930s but were then too expensive—like $1.00 or $1.50.”
To receive a copy of List No. 16, send a dollar bill and a
business-size SASE to Charles F. Schultz, 910 Broadfields Dr.,
Louisville KY 40207.
Among the many club newsletters I receive is that of SAM 40 in
Michigan, edited by Joseph Roose. In a late 2004 issue, he penned
an item called “Pass the Transmitter,” which may be something
worth consideration by those whose eyesight is, well, not what it
once was. He wrote:
“Some of the members of SAM 40 are old! Hard to believe, but
we are all getting older, and therefore less capable of doing all the
things we want to do. That should not stop any SAM 40 member
from flying in our local contests and enjoying these Old-Time
airplanes and engines.
“At most contests, if the airplane you
are flying gets away from you, or you
lose sight of it, once you give up the
transmitter to a helper, that flight is over
and a zero recorded. Not this year at
SAM 40.
“Realizing that fun is the important
issue here [rather than] winning, our kind
and gentle president, Chuck Hutton,
brought up this issue at our winter
meeting. It was decided that if any flier
needs help flying an airplane, we will
offer help with no penalty to the flier or
his score. If you are flying high and lose
sight of your airplane, your timer or
capable member can help you get back
on track.
“We have some great people in SAM
40, and this is one way to show that our
members’ enjoyment is more important
than winning.”
Let’s not forget, however, that many
enjoy competition. I am in full
agreement with Aeromodeling Editor
Bob Hunt’s words that were published in
the 2004 MA Special Issue (aka the Nats
report—and there was a fun-fly
competition event!). It is true that “What
wins on Sunday sells on Monday,” and
nowhere is this more evident than in
events such as RC Aerobatics or my own
niche: CL Precision Aerobatics (Stunt).
Some type of competition is
inevitable in modeling. See if two fliers
with ARF park flyers are not soon trying
to outfly each other, be it duration,
aerobatics, or whatever. I believe in and
support competition 100% and would
quickly get bored flying with no goal in
mind.
Be that as it may, competition often
involves a great deal of fun. For instance,
there is an annual contest in northern
Virginia for those old “hollow log”
Scientific CL Scale and sport models that
were so popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Although the kits went out of production
long ago (you can find them on eBay for
exorbitant prices), plans are available from
the designer: Walt Musciano.
The meet is normally held in September
and features Beauty, Speed, and Stunt
events. If these old designs touch a tender
spot in your heart and you would like to
participate, contact Hal Howard at
[email protected] for complete
details. He has some excellent E-mail
photos from last year’s gathering,
including one of the Beauty-class winner:
a gorgeous Curtiss P-6E Hawk.
While I’m on the subject of CL, March
9-12 are the dates for the 17th annual
Vintage Stunt Championships in Tucson,
Arizona. This is the world’s largest all-
Stunt contest, which my wife and I began
in 1989. For the past three years it has
been in the good hands of the Cholla
Choppers of Tucson—an AMA Gold
Leader Club.
There are three (unofficial) events:
CL Old-Time Stunt (OTS) for designs
prior to 1953, a separate spark-ignition
OT event, and CL Classic Stunt for
designs prior to 1970. The days of the
events are Wednesday through Saturday,
allowing Sunday for a travel day.
OT, including Ignition, will be flown
Wednesday and Thursday, and Classic will
be Friday and Saturday. A gala banquet
and awards ceremony is planned for
Saturday night, March 12.
This is your chance to see pioneering
CL Stunt designs in flight, many of which
will be flown by such pilots as current
World Champion Bill Werwage, PAMPA
(Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association) Vice President Ted Fancher,
and Bob Hunt. However, the vast majority
of entrants are “just plain folks” who revel
134 MODEL AVIATION
in the sight and sound of CL Stunt from the
early years.
Friday evening’s Classic appearance
judging at the Rodeway Inn is worth the
trip in itself! Lou Wolgast will be the CD,
assisted by Robin Sizemore. For an entry
form and full details, contact Jim
Hoffman at 2658 W. Montgomery Dr.,
Chandler AZ 85224; Tel.: (480) 897-
0630; E-mail: [email protected]. All
entries must be received no later than
midnight on March 2.
One thing that is helpful when writing
these columns is that I get to swipe articles
from others. That’s why they send me their
newsletters. One such letter is from the
Southern California Ignition Flyers’ (SCIF)
Flightplug, edited by Mike Myers, who is
also the SAM president. It’s an excellent
news source for OT fliers, and I am now on
his mailing list.
If you want your own subscription, they
are $20 per year. Write to M.H. “Bud”
Matthews, 20006 Delight St., Canyon
Country CA 91351.
Among the items I am “borrowing” is
one that Gene Wallock wrote, which was
originally published in the SAM newsletter
SAM Speaks. Mike condensed it in the
Flightplug, but following is Gene’s
original; I thought it might be of interest to
fellow OT fliers.
“I’ve heard that good, tempered, 1⁄16
inch diameter wire was hard to find these
days. The hobby shop varieties seem to be
too soft. I contacted McMaster-Carr on
the Internet and they carry what we’re
looking for. It’s listed under wire, springtemper
carbon steel, known as music wire.
Its part number is 8907K85.
“I bought mine in 24-inch lengths, 100
pieces, for $28.97 plus shipping. I have
enough to last a lifetime, so I shared with
Bob Hanford the Elder, and now we’re
both set for life. They also carry a wide
assortment of diameters, up to 3⁄16. Check
their site for length sizes and whether it
comes in lengths or coils.”
Thanks also to Kevin Sherman, who
edits the Gas Lines newsletter of the
Southern California Antique Model Plane
Society (SCAMPS). He sent photos and
several back issues of the newsletter, and
he added me to his mailing list.
Among other venues, this group flies
each Wednesday at the Perris, California
(Taibi Field), flying site. Several members
specialize in twin-pusher Rubber FF, with
the oft-stated goal being to “beat
Mikkelson.”
I remember Mik from 1979-1980,
when I flew FF Rubber Scale, as a firstclass
gentleman and an outstanding
craftsman. Apparently he is now a force to
be reckoned with in the Twin Pusher
event.
I plan to “extract” material quite
extensively from the SCIF and SCAMPS
newsletters for future columns. I thank
Mike and Kevin for adding me to their
mailing lists.
If you would like your items and photos
included here, feel free to send them, but
please bear in mind that we have a threemonth
lead time. Therefore, contest
announcements should be made well in
advance. Also, results will be somewhat
dated by the time they are printed.
I am experimenting with sending some
photos on disk, but the best of all worlds
involves clear, sharp 4 x 6-inch original
color prints.
Meanwhile, for those of you in warmer
climes, go fly. Way up here we’re still
building. MA