120 MODEL AVIATION
was on equipment that was designed for gasoline operation. The “gasproof”
fuel tubing seemed to be swelling in the fuel tank and on the
attachment to the carburetor.
It would seem that the ethanol additive, now in almost all gasoline,
is the culprit. Some modelers suggested switching to aviation gasoline,
but when I went to the airport with a 5-gallon gas can, I was told that
the fuel can only be dispensed into aircraft;
it’s a federal law.
There are other solutions to this problem,
and they are cheaper than buying aviation gas.
One solution was to purchase Decalin Runup
Fuel Additive (item 05-01406) from Aircraft
Spruce & Specialty. It is reportedly safe to
handle and ship, as opposed to other additives.
A 16-ounce bottle will treat 320 gallons of
fuel.
Another alternative is to buy gasoline from
oil companies that sell fuel without ethanol,
such as Marathon Oil Corporation service
stations.
The solution that may help modelers
nationwide, and I’ve seen it done, is to use
Coleman Camp Fuel, which you can purchase at a sporting-goods store
such as Bass Pro Shops or Wal-Mart. It’s white gas, which used to be
available for purchase from service stations.
Piper PA-11 Build-Along: This Carl Goldberg Products kit is
available from Tower Hobbies and your local hobby shop through
WOW! A NEW year is about to begin. It seems like they arrive more
quickly each year. Have you made some new year’s resolutions for the
hobby? Maybe you’re thinking about obtaining a new model or kit,
attending a competition or event, or just getting some time off and
flying more.
Each of those things has crossed my mind, since the current lack of
gas in Tennessee after the last hurricane has
put a dent in the human spirit. Our Texan
friends on the south coast have it much worse,
with little or no services, much less flying
models.
Many Scale modelers use gas engines,
especially if their airplanes are quarter scale
or larger. Since the introduction of ethanol,
this has caused some interesting side effects,
apparently not only for automobiles, but also
for smaller gas engines and their fuel systems.
When mixed with gasoline, ethanol seems
to produce less fuel mileage in cars. It would
appear that the same additive could be
responsible for the failure of fuel tubing we
use for gasoline-engine-powered models.
Several modelers, including Frank Tiano, noticed that with ethanol
mixed into the gasoline, their trusty gas burners weren’t working as
they did before. Thinking at first that the tubing needed to be a smaller
diameter, changing the lines had no positive effect; they still slid off
the brass tube in the tank.
Stoppers were leaking and clunks were falling off, and all of this
Also included in this column:
• Piper PA-11 build-along
• Aces by W. Wayne Patton
• Calvin’s Classic Plans
• Upcoming events
Problems with gasoline enhanced with ethanol
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
David Ribbe flew his MiG-15 jet at the 2008 Top Gun tournament.
Kits for this aircraft are available from Bob Violett Models.
An interesting model at Top Gun 2008 was veteran modeler Steve
Sauger’s scratch-built Stinson Tri-Motor. Well-run events host the
best of the best.
Top Notch Product Company’s Cessna 195 has a wingspan of 48
inches and costs $129.95 plus shipping. The model is ideal for
electric power.
Calvin’s Classic Plans has three versions of Piper’s Tri-Pacer. The
company also has rights to Vince Miller and Bud Atkinson designs.
01sig4.QXD 11/24/08 1:05 PM Page 120
Hobbico. At this point, the basic wing and fuselage structures are
finished. A bit more sanding with 200-grit paper is the only thing
required before covering.
It’s time to add the wing to the fuselage with wing mounts and wing
bolts. This is one of the critical steps in building a good-flying model.
Temporarily install the windshield, and then align the wing against
the fuselage, measuring to make sure that both the front and rearmost
points on the fuselage are equal. Mark the wing at the front and TE, as
well as at the fuselage where the two parts meet. This alignment, along
with doing the same diligent process on the tail surfaces, will help
ensure that your airplane will fly straight when commanded by the RC
pilot.
Decide how much detail to add to the PA-11. This is a personal
choice to make on almost any model you want to build. Some of the
finer details have to be added either before the basic structure is
finished or before covering.
I’m going to paint the cockpit Cub Yellow. It will make little
difference under the windows, since that area is covered with radio
gear. I’ll put a pilot bust in the cockpit and a stock Piper Cub
instrument panel for interior details.
As mentioned in the plans, additional struts can be added behind the
windshield in the forward cockpit area. These small touches add a great
deal to the model.
A ton of details can be added to the outside of a simple airplane
such as the PA-11. That is one reason why different types of Cubs are
seen at events. Super Cubs and the like that are built to one-quarter or
one-third scale score well in competition.
One of the neat details I’ve seen is aileron cables running from the
underside of the wing to the inside of the fuselage, per the full-scale
airplane. That takes some effort.
Bookshelf: The Aces books by W. Wayne Patton, published by
Squadron/Signal Publications, include Aces, Aces II, and Aces III. This
short series of card-stock-cover books covers aces from World War I
through the Vietnam War. Besides aviation aces, there are a few tank
and submarine aces too.
Color side views, pilot histories, black-and-white drawings of each
ace featured, and a few multiviews are included in this three-volume
package. There are a few, and I do mean a few, photos in each book,
but they are rare and all black-and-white.
For help with a Fun Scale project, these books are inexpensive and
worth the money. For Sport Scale competition models, you would
want something that goes into more detail about particular types of
aircraft. The history of some of the pilots is interesting in itself.
New Products: Well, the airplane isn’t new, but the supplier is. I have
received several requests for information about the Piper Tri-Pacer that
was shown in the column a couple months ago.
To my knowledge, the 1/4-scale version from Ikon N’wst is
unavailable at this time. The company is going through a major
retooling of the kit line. I hope it will be back in business in 2009.
If you’re interested in the Tri-Pacer, plans are available from
Calvin’s Classic Plans. The company now has rights to distribute the
plans by Vince Miller and Bud Atkinson. This model is available in 1/6
scale, which spans 58.5 inches; 1/5 scale, which spans 71.5-inches; and
1/4 scale, which spans 88.5 inches.
The plans are for typical stick-and-former construction, for a light
civil aircraft, as are many Piper kits and plans. You can also build the
version that has conventional gear instead of
the tricycle gear.
Cessna 195: Finding new and interesting
Scale kits for electric power can be both
interesting and frustrating. Many kits and
ARFs are nowhere close to looking like the
full-scale aircraft.
An interesting line I’ve mentioned is by
Top Notch Product Company and was shown
at the 2008 Toledo Show. One of the kits was
for the new 48-inch-span Cessna 195 for
electric power.
This is a kit, and you have to build it; to
many, that’s part of the fun of Scale
modeling. The cowling and all parts are
122 MODEL AVIATION
included. Instructions and online highlights
show the different construction steps.
These models are unique compared with
older kit offerings, because they feature
strong notch and tab construction and
complex shapes built with fixtures. The
well-thought-out design makes it easier to
build complicated areas on the fuselage and
other parts. This feature also helps keep
things straight for the builder during
construction.
There are tons of 195 color schemes
from which to choose. If nothing else, you
could cover it with Aluminum MonoKote
to get that fresh-off-the-buffing-wheel
color scheme. This magazine has several
ads for companies that offer photo packs
for Scale models, so build that airplane!
Upcoming Events: The Top Gun
Invitational is one of the largest Scale
events in the country, and it will descend
on Southern Florida’s Lakeland Linder
Regional Airport from May 6 to May 10.
That is a date change; the contest had been
held the last week in April. Top Gun had to
move its dates since the full-scale Sun ’n
Fun Fly-In moved its dates up a week. The
airport is one of the advantages of Top
Gun; it features almost unlimited overfly
area.
If you are thinking about going to this
contest, make your reservations now; don’t
wait until the last week of April, or you
won’t find anything available. It’s a great
show as well as a great time for all who
attend. For more information, travel, hotels,
etc., go to the Top Gun Web site. (See the
“Sources” listing.)
On the Web: Dynamic Balsa’s shop in
Leonore, Illinois, features an extensive line
of products for Scale modelers, including
balsa, plywood, scale cockpit kits, sliding
canopy rails, guns and gun barrels, gun
sights, bombs, and other goodies. Check
out the Web site; I’m sure you will want to
mark it as a favorite.
The Wright Brothers Aeroplane
Company can provide you with almost
anything you could want to know about the
famous siblings and their airplanes. Kits
and scale models are just a small part of the
Wrights’ history and achievements. The
Web site includes links to other sites and
companies that offer research items related
to the invention of the airplane.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty
(877) 477-7823
www.aircraftspruce.com
Carl Goldberg Products
(217) 398-8970
www.carlgoldbergproducts.com
Squadron.com
(877) 414-0434
www.squadron.com
Calvin’s Classic Plans
(816) 478-8330
http://calvinsclassicplans.com
Top Notch Products Company
(615) 866-4327
www.topnotchkits.com
Top Gun Invitational:
www.franktiano.com
Dynamic Balsa
(815) 856-2272
www.dbalsa.com
Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company
Box 204
West Milton OH 45383
www.first-to-fly.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/01
Page Numbers: 120,121,122
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/01
Page Numbers: 120,121,122
120 MODEL AVIATION
was on equipment that was designed for gasoline operation. The “gasproof”
fuel tubing seemed to be swelling in the fuel tank and on the
attachment to the carburetor.
It would seem that the ethanol additive, now in almost all gasoline,
is the culprit. Some modelers suggested switching to aviation gasoline,
but when I went to the airport with a 5-gallon gas can, I was told that
the fuel can only be dispensed into aircraft;
it’s a federal law.
There are other solutions to this problem,
and they are cheaper than buying aviation gas.
One solution was to purchase Decalin Runup
Fuel Additive (item 05-01406) from Aircraft
Spruce & Specialty. It is reportedly safe to
handle and ship, as opposed to other additives.
A 16-ounce bottle will treat 320 gallons of
fuel.
Another alternative is to buy gasoline from
oil companies that sell fuel without ethanol,
such as Marathon Oil Corporation service
stations.
The solution that may help modelers
nationwide, and I’ve seen it done, is to use
Coleman Camp Fuel, which you can purchase at a sporting-goods store
such as Bass Pro Shops or Wal-Mart. It’s white gas, which used to be
available for purchase from service stations.
Piper PA-11 Build-Along: This Carl Goldberg Products kit is
available from Tower Hobbies and your local hobby shop through
WOW! A NEW year is about to begin. It seems like they arrive more
quickly each year. Have you made some new year’s resolutions for the
hobby? Maybe you’re thinking about obtaining a new model or kit,
attending a competition or event, or just getting some time off and
flying more.
Each of those things has crossed my mind, since the current lack of
gas in Tennessee after the last hurricane has
put a dent in the human spirit. Our Texan
friends on the south coast have it much worse,
with little or no services, much less flying
models.
Many Scale modelers use gas engines,
especially if their airplanes are quarter scale
or larger. Since the introduction of ethanol,
this has caused some interesting side effects,
apparently not only for automobiles, but also
for smaller gas engines and their fuel systems.
When mixed with gasoline, ethanol seems
to produce less fuel mileage in cars. It would
appear that the same additive could be
responsible for the failure of fuel tubing we
use for gasoline-engine-powered models.
Several modelers, including Frank Tiano, noticed that with ethanol
mixed into the gasoline, their trusty gas burners weren’t working as
they did before. Thinking at first that the tubing needed to be a smaller
diameter, changing the lines had no positive effect; they still slid off
the brass tube in the tank.
Stoppers were leaking and clunks were falling off, and all of this
Also included in this column:
• Piper PA-11 build-along
• Aces by W. Wayne Patton
• Calvin’s Classic Plans
• Upcoming events
Problems with gasoline enhanced with ethanol
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
David Ribbe flew his MiG-15 jet at the 2008 Top Gun tournament.
Kits for this aircraft are available from Bob Violett Models.
An interesting model at Top Gun 2008 was veteran modeler Steve
Sauger’s scratch-built Stinson Tri-Motor. Well-run events host the
best of the best.
Top Notch Product Company’s Cessna 195 has a wingspan of 48
inches and costs $129.95 plus shipping. The model is ideal for
electric power.
Calvin’s Classic Plans has three versions of Piper’s Tri-Pacer. The
company also has rights to Vince Miller and Bud Atkinson designs.
01sig4.QXD 11/24/08 1:05 PM Page 120
Hobbico. At this point, the basic wing and fuselage structures are
finished. A bit more sanding with 200-grit paper is the only thing
required before covering.
It’s time to add the wing to the fuselage with wing mounts and wing
bolts. This is one of the critical steps in building a good-flying model.
Temporarily install the windshield, and then align the wing against
the fuselage, measuring to make sure that both the front and rearmost
points on the fuselage are equal. Mark the wing at the front and TE, as
well as at the fuselage where the two parts meet. This alignment, along
with doing the same diligent process on the tail surfaces, will help
ensure that your airplane will fly straight when commanded by the RC
pilot.
Decide how much detail to add to the PA-11. This is a personal
choice to make on almost any model you want to build. Some of the
finer details have to be added either before the basic structure is
finished or before covering.
I’m going to paint the cockpit Cub Yellow. It will make little
difference under the windows, since that area is covered with radio
gear. I’ll put a pilot bust in the cockpit and a stock Piper Cub
instrument panel for interior details.
As mentioned in the plans, additional struts can be added behind the
windshield in the forward cockpit area. These small touches add a great
deal to the model.
A ton of details can be added to the outside of a simple airplane
such as the PA-11. That is one reason why different types of Cubs are
seen at events. Super Cubs and the like that are built to one-quarter or
one-third scale score well in competition.
One of the neat details I’ve seen is aileron cables running from the
underside of the wing to the inside of the fuselage, per the full-scale
airplane. That takes some effort.
Bookshelf: The Aces books by W. Wayne Patton, published by
Squadron/Signal Publications, include Aces, Aces II, and Aces III. This
short series of card-stock-cover books covers aces from World War I
through the Vietnam War. Besides aviation aces, there are a few tank
and submarine aces too.
Color side views, pilot histories, black-and-white drawings of each
ace featured, and a few multiviews are included in this three-volume
package. There are a few, and I do mean a few, photos in each book,
but they are rare and all black-and-white.
For help with a Fun Scale project, these books are inexpensive and
worth the money. For Sport Scale competition models, you would
want something that goes into more detail about particular types of
aircraft. The history of some of the pilots is interesting in itself.
New Products: Well, the airplane isn’t new, but the supplier is. I have
received several requests for information about the Piper Tri-Pacer that
was shown in the column a couple months ago.
To my knowledge, the 1/4-scale version from Ikon N’wst is
unavailable at this time. The company is going through a major
retooling of the kit line. I hope it will be back in business in 2009.
If you’re interested in the Tri-Pacer, plans are available from
Calvin’s Classic Plans. The company now has rights to distribute the
plans by Vince Miller and Bud Atkinson. This model is available in 1/6
scale, which spans 58.5 inches; 1/5 scale, which spans 71.5-inches; and
1/4 scale, which spans 88.5 inches.
The plans are for typical stick-and-former construction, for a light
civil aircraft, as are many Piper kits and plans. You can also build the
version that has conventional gear instead of
the tricycle gear.
Cessna 195: Finding new and interesting
Scale kits for electric power can be both
interesting and frustrating. Many kits and
ARFs are nowhere close to looking like the
full-scale aircraft.
An interesting line I’ve mentioned is by
Top Notch Product Company and was shown
at the 2008 Toledo Show. One of the kits was
for the new 48-inch-span Cessna 195 for
electric power.
This is a kit, and you have to build it; to
many, that’s part of the fun of Scale
modeling. The cowling and all parts are
122 MODEL AVIATION
included. Instructions and online highlights
show the different construction steps.
These models are unique compared with
older kit offerings, because they feature
strong notch and tab construction and
complex shapes built with fixtures. The
well-thought-out design makes it easier to
build complicated areas on the fuselage and
other parts. This feature also helps keep
things straight for the builder during
construction.
There are tons of 195 color schemes
from which to choose. If nothing else, you
could cover it with Aluminum MonoKote
to get that fresh-off-the-buffing-wheel
color scheme. This magazine has several
ads for companies that offer photo packs
for Scale models, so build that airplane!
Upcoming Events: The Top Gun
Invitational is one of the largest Scale
events in the country, and it will descend
on Southern Florida’s Lakeland Linder
Regional Airport from May 6 to May 10.
That is a date change; the contest had been
held the last week in April. Top Gun had to
move its dates since the full-scale Sun ’n
Fun Fly-In moved its dates up a week. The
airport is one of the advantages of Top
Gun; it features almost unlimited overfly
area.
If you are thinking about going to this
contest, make your reservations now; don’t
wait until the last week of April, or you
won’t find anything available. It’s a great
show as well as a great time for all who
attend. For more information, travel, hotels,
etc., go to the Top Gun Web site. (See the
“Sources” listing.)
On the Web: Dynamic Balsa’s shop in
Leonore, Illinois, features an extensive line
of products for Scale modelers, including
balsa, plywood, scale cockpit kits, sliding
canopy rails, guns and gun barrels, gun
sights, bombs, and other goodies. Check
out the Web site; I’m sure you will want to
mark it as a favorite.
The Wright Brothers Aeroplane
Company can provide you with almost
anything you could want to know about the
famous siblings and their airplanes. Kits
and scale models are just a small part of the
Wrights’ history and achievements. The
Web site includes links to other sites and
companies that offer research items related
to the invention of the airplane.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty
(877) 477-7823
www.aircraftspruce.com
Carl Goldberg Products
(217) 398-8970
www.carlgoldbergproducts.com
Squadron.com
(877) 414-0434
www.squadron.com
Calvin’s Classic Plans
(816) 478-8330
http://calvinsclassicplans.com
Top Notch Products Company
(615) 866-4327
www.topnotchkits.com
Top Gun Invitational:
www.franktiano.com
Dynamic Balsa
(815) 856-2272
www.dbalsa.com
Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company
Box 204
West Milton OH 45383
www.first-to-fly.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/01
Page Numbers: 120,121,122
120 MODEL AVIATION
was on equipment that was designed for gasoline operation. The “gasproof”
fuel tubing seemed to be swelling in the fuel tank and on the
attachment to the carburetor.
It would seem that the ethanol additive, now in almost all gasoline,
is the culprit. Some modelers suggested switching to aviation gasoline,
but when I went to the airport with a 5-gallon gas can, I was told that
the fuel can only be dispensed into aircraft;
it’s a federal law.
There are other solutions to this problem,
and they are cheaper than buying aviation gas.
One solution was to purchase Decalin Runup
Fuel Additive (item 05-01406) from Aircraft
Spruce & Specialty. It is reportedly safe to
handle and ship, as opposed to other additives.
A 16-ounce bottle will treat 320 gallons of
fuel.
Another alternative is to buy gasoline from
oil companies that sell fuel without ethanol,
such as Marathon Oil Corporation service
stations.
The solution that may help modelers
nationwide, and I’ve seen it done, is to use
Coleman Camp Fuel, which you can purchase at a sporting-goods store
such as Bass Pro Shops or Wal-Mart. It’s white gas, which used to be
available for purchase from service stations.
Piper PA-11 Build-Along: This Carl Goldberg Products kit is
available from Tower Hobbies and your local hobby shop through
WOW! A NEW year is about to begin. It seems like they arrive more
quickly each year. Have you made some new year’s resolutions for the
hobby? Maybe you’re thinking about obtaining a new model or kit,
attending a competition or event, or just getting some time off and
flying more.
Each of those things has crossed my mind, since the current lack of
gas in Tennessee after the last hurricane has
put a dent in the human spirit. Our Texan
friends on the south coast have it much worse,
with little or no services, much less flying
models.
Many Scale modelers use gas engines,
especially if their airplanes are quarter scale
or larger. Since the introduction of ethanol,
this has caused some interesting side effects,
apparently not only for automobiles, but also
for smaller gas engines and their fuel systems.
When mixed with gasoline, ethanol seems
to produce less fuel mileage in cars. It would
appear that the same additive could be
responsible for the failure of fuel tubing we
use for gasoline-engine-powered models.
Several modelers, including Frank Tiano, noticed that with ethanol
mixed into the gasoline, their trusty gas burners weren’t working as
they did before. Thinking at first that the tubing needed to be a smaller
diameter, changing the lines had no positive effect; they still slid off
the brass tube in the tank.
Stoppers were leaking and clunks were falling off, and all of this
Also included in this column:
• Piper PA-11 build-along
• Aces by W. Wayne Patton
• Calvin’s Classic Plans
• Upcoming events
Problems with gasoline enhanced with ethanol
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
David Ribbe flew his MiG-15 jet at the 2008 Top Gun tournament.
Kits for this aircraft are available from Bob Violett Models.
An interesting model at Top Gun 2008 was veteran modeler Steve
Sauger’s scratch-built Stinson Tri-Motor. Well-run events host the
best of the best.
Top Notch Product Company’s Cessna 195 has a wingspan of 48
inches and costs $129.95 plus shipping. The model is ideal for
electric power.
Calvin’s Classic Plans has three versions of Piper’s Tri-Pacer. The
company also has rights to Vince Miller and Bud Atkinson designs.
01sig4.QXD 11/24/08 1:05 PM Page 120
Hobbico. At this point, the basic wing and fuselage structures are
finished. A bit more sanding with 200-grit paper is the only thing
required before covering.
It’s time to add the wing to the fuselage with wing mounts and wing
bolts. This is one of the critical steps in building a good-flying model.
Temporarily install the windshield, and then align the wing against
the fuselage, measuring to make sure that both the front and rearmost
points on the fuselage are equal. Mark the wing at the front and TE, as
well as at the fuselage where the two parts meet. This alignment, along
with doing the same diligent process on the tail surfaces, will help
ensure that your airplane will fly straight when commanded by the RC
pilot.
Decide how much detail to add to the PA-11. This is a personal
choice to make on almost any model you want to build. Some of the
finer details have to be added either before the basic structure is
finished or before covering.
I’m going to paint the cockpit Cub Yellow. It will make little
difference under the windows, since that area is covered with radio
gear. I’ll put a pilot bust in the cockpit and a stock Piper Cub
instrument panel for interior details.
As mentioned in the plans, additional struts can be added behind the
windshield in the forward cockpit area. These small touches add a great
deal to the model.
A ton of details can be added to the outside of a simple airplane
such as the PA-11. That is one reason why different types of Cubs are
seen at events. Super Cubs and the like that are built to one-quarter or
one-third scale score well in competition.
One of the neat details I’ve seen is aileron cables running from the
underside of the wing to the inside of the fuselage, per the full-scale
airplane. That takes some effort.
Bookshelf: The Aces books by W. Wayne Patton, published by
Squadron/Signal Publications, include Aces, Aces II, and Aces III. This
short series of card-stock-cover books covers aces from World War I
through the Vietnam War. Besides aviation aces, there are a few tank
and submarine aces too.
Color side views, pilot histories, black-and-white drawings of each
ace featured, and a few multiviews are included in this three-volume
package. There are a few, and I do mean a few, photos in each book,
but they are rare and all black-and-white.
For help with a Fun Scale project, these books are inexpensive and
worth the money. For Sport Scale competition models, you would
want something that goes into more detail about particular types of
aircraft. The history of some of the pilots is interesting in itself.
New Products: Well, the airplane isn’t new, but the supplier is. I have
received several requests for information about the Piper Tri-Pacer that
was shown in the column a couple months ago.
To my knowledge, the 1/4-scale version from Ikon N’wst is
unavailable at this time. The company is going through a major
retooling of the kit line. I hope it will be back in business in 2009.
If you’re interested in the Tri-Pacer, plans are available from
Calvin’s Classic Plans. The company now has rights to distribute the
plans by Vince Miller and Bud Atkinson. This model is available in 1/6
scale, which spans 58.5 inches; 1/5 scale, which spans 71.5-inches; and
1/4 scale, which spans 88.5 inches.
The plans are for typical stick-and-former construction, for a light
civil aircraft, as are many Piper kits and plans. You can also build the
version that has conventional gear instead of
the tricycle gear.
Cessna 195: Finding new and interesting
Scale kits for electric power can be both
interesting and frustrating. Many kits and
ARFs are nowhere close to looking like the
full-scale aircraft.
An interesting line I’ve mentioned is by
Top Notch Product Company and was shown
at the 2008 Toledo Show. One of the kits was
for the new 48-inch-span Cessna 195 for
electric power.
This is a kit, and you have to build it; to
many, that’s part of the fun of Scale
modeling. The cowling and all parts are
122 MODEL AVIATION
included. Instructions and online highlights
show the different construction steps.
These models are unique compared with
older kit offerings, because they feature
strong notch and tab construction and
complex shapes built with fixtures. The
well-thought-out design makes it easier to
build complicated areas on the fuselage and
other parts. This feature also helps keep
things straight for the builder during
construction.
There are tons of 195 color schemes
from which to choose. If nothing else, you
could cover it with Aluminum MonoKote
to get that fresh-off-the-buffing-wheel
color scheme. This magazine has several
ads for companies that offer photo packs
for Scale models, so build that airplane!
Upcoming Events: The Top Gun
Invitational is one of the largest Scale
events in the country, and it will descend
on Southern Florida’s Lakeland Linder
Regional Airport from May 6 to May 10.
That is a date change; the contest had been
held the last week in April. Top Gun had to
move its dates since the full-scale Sun ’n
Fun Fly-In moved its dates up a week. The
airport is one of the advantages of Top
Gun; it features almost unlimited overfly
area.
If you are thinking about going to this
contest, make your reservations now; don’t
wait until the last week of April, or you
won’t find anything available. It’s a great
show as well as a great time for all who
attend. For more information, travel, hotels,
etc., go to the Top Gun Web site. (See the
“Sources” listing.)
On the Web: Dynamic Balsa’s shop in
Leonore, Illinois, features an extensive line
of products for Scale modelers, including
balsa, plywood, scale cockpit kits, sliding
canopy rails, guns and gun barrels, gun
sights, bombs, and other goodies. Check
out the Web site; I’m sure you will want to
mark it as a favorite.
The Wright Brothers Aeroplane
Company can provide you with almost
anything you could want to know about the
famous siblings and their airplanes. Kits
and scale models are just a small part of the
Wrights’ history and achievements. The
Web site includes links to other sites and
companies that offer research items related
to the invention of the airplane.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty
(877) 477-7823
www.aircraftspruce.com
Carl Goldberg Products
(217) 398-8970
www.carlgoldbergproducts.com
Squadron.com
(877) 414-0434
www.squadron.com
Calvin’s Classic Plans
(816) 478-8330
http://calvinsclassicplans.com
Top Notch Products Company
(615) 866-4327
www.topnotchkits.com
Top Gun Invitational:
www.franktiano.com
Dynamic Balsa
(815) 856-2272
www.dbalsa.com
Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company
Box 204
West Milton OH 45383
www.first-to-fly.com