116 MODEL AVIATION
AS I WRITE this, Christmas has just passed.
I don’t know about you, but I have yet to
discover the secret to creating enough time to
build models during the holidays. Family and
club dinners and all the busy times between
Thanksgiving and the new year really cut into
modeling time.
More Piper PA-11 Build: Preparing a model for paint can take
longer than painting the model itself—and it should. Much of what
you do below the paint will turn up above the painted surfaces, to
make either a great-looking paint job or a lousy finish.
Be sure to have all of the edges sanded to the correct contour;
don’t leave the TEs shaped like a channel block with two sharp
edges. If there are any bumps or creases where two materials come
together, such as light plywood and balsa, carefully sand them out.
In some cases, this is where you should sparingly use fast-drying
spackle.
After applying Solartex fabric covering, from Balsa USA, and
trimming the excess off of the model, reseal the edges with your
covering iron. Let it cool for a day or so and seal the edges again.
After that, you should have a tight fit, and it will stay as tight as a
drum.
After covering, you might think it’s time to start painting. Uh,
no, not yet. It’s time to add details.
Some of the easiest details to feature on a fabric-covered model
Also included in this column:
• Remembering Scott
Christensen
• Vacation at Top Gun
• American Eagles
• New rules for RC Scale
Add those special touches—and then cover them with paint
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
The late Scott Christensen (L) and Mike Gretz at the RC Scale indoor event in Muncie IN
in 2006. Scott was a Scale competitor for most of his modeling life.
Dick Tonan’s de Havilland Tiger Moth ARF flies in Fun Scale at the
Mint Julep Scale Contest: a great place for beginners.
John Boyko’s 1/3-scale Pitts S-1A in competition at the Mint Julep
Scale Contest. It took John roughly two years to construct.
Sam Snyder’s Avro Vulcan at Top Gun 2008. The scratch-built,
111-inch-span model is powered by twin JetCat P120 turbines.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:27 AM Page 116
April 2009 117
Scott Christensen built his WACO cabin model with jewel-like
precision. Looks are deceiving; it isn’t much larger than a soda can.
The Hobby Lobby wing strut for the Piper PA-11 can be modified
as shown, to include a joint that attaches to the fuselage. It’s time
to add primer and paint.
are the rib tapes used on almost any fabric-covered aircraft on the
market. Some tapes have “pinked” edges, while others have
straight edges. Through the years, I’ve seen a few that have some
of both types.
I added the rib tapes to the PA-11’s tail surfaces before
hinging the rudder and the elevators. Adding these tapes to the
wing also helps create realism for the model after painting is
complete.
Inspection plates on the underside of the wings and fuselage
are details that add surface texture and give the model more scale
appeal. You can make these placards from plastic, such as from
the bottom of plastic cups or soda bottles.
At this time I fabricated the wing struts and jury struts on the
PA-11. You can use the balsa supplied with the kit and form them
with a sanding block or purchase the preformed struts from
Hobby Lobby. The preformed components look great and are
made from maple. Their shape is already determined; you only
need to cut them to the proper length.
I used an X-Acto hobby knife to carefully split the strut
material at the end to be joined to the fuselage, and then I used a
hobby saw to carefully cut the center of the strut for the strut
mount to be slid into.
There is a variety of ways to secure the strut, including glue,
screws, and I’ve even seen some secured with heat-shrink tubing.
I’ll use a combination of screws and glue, to make the struts
detachable for easy setup. This is not scalelike, but it’s close.
Other neat details are hand grabs and the step on the outside of
the fuselage door on the starboard side of the model. These are
easy to reproduce using clothes-hanger wire, which is soft and
bendable. I can find a multitude of uses for it in the shop—
especially as holders for small parts that need painting.
I selected Nelson Hobby Paint from Nelson Hobby Specialties
for my PA-11. There are several advantages to it; one of the main
ones is that you can use it in your home without a noticeable
smell that fouls the air and brings all kinds of grief from your
housemate.
Another advantage is that this paint cleans up with water, and
you can use water to thin it for your sprayer if you choose to use
one. This paint is user-friendly and environmentally safe, which
are pluses—especially if you have kids around. I’m using Cub
Yellow and Insignia Blue over the model’s white primer base.
In keeping with the theme of this build, I’ve chosen not to use
a sprayer, but to go with hobby sponges that I purchased at the
Hobby Lobby craft store. They are high in quality and should
hold up for at least this project.
After talking with Jerry Nelson of Nelson Hobby Specialties, I
decided to use a white primer on all surfaces, to make the colors
of the finished airplane as true as possible. The paint is fuelproof
and I’ve seen it used for several years.
Scott Christensen: While writing this column, I’ve learned that
Scott Christensen passed away suddenly on December 30, 2008.
He was a part of Sig Manufacturing for years and had been a
supporter of and participant in the Scale National Championships
even before that. He teamed with Claude McCullough as Claude’s
pilot several times and entered his own model. Scott was a prime
mover in the indoor RC Scale-competition movement and
supported the indoor events at every opportunity.
Jim Rediske, the RC Scale event director at the 2008 Nationals,
was with Scott when he was inducted into the AMA Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the NASA (National Association of
Scale Aeromodelers) banquet last summer. Jim said that Scott
enjoyed the Nationals last year.
Scott was a prolific designer, businessman, modeler,
competitor, and all-around great guy. In a previous column, I
treated you to some of his accomplishments. He will be missed
very much by all who knew him. To his family, my sincere
condolences.
Top Gun usually takes place at the end of April, but this year it
will be held May 6-10. If you want to see some of the most
interesting Scale models on the planet, this is the place to be! In
addition, there will be many activities on-site, and the Orlando
area is roughly a 30-minute drive from the venue: the Lakeland
Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida.
Combining trips for the family and your hobby can make a
great vacation. It can also make the trip doable where it might not
be otherwise. The different types of entertainment available in this
area could make it a great time.
Another upcoming event is the Mint Julep Scale Contest,
which will take place May 15-17. It is hosted by the Southern
Indiana R/C Modelers club.
The competition features many Scale classes, and there is also
a division in which you can be competitive flying a Piper J-3 Cub.
In some contests, a J-3 will be flying against a P-47 Thunderbolt,
which is at the opposite end of the Scale spectrum.
Bookshelf: American Eagles: American Volunteers in the RAF
1937-1943 (ISBN 1-0903223-16-4) by Tony Holmes was
published by Classic Aviation Publications in 2001. This softcover,
127-page book provides the reader with a good history in
print and with photographs of the efforts of pilots from several
countries—mainly the US, but Canada and Australia as well.
The first American to die in Britain’s defense was Billy Fiske,
flying a Hurricane out of Tangmere. Although he did bring back
his Hawker, he didn’t survive the burns he suffered.
Billy Fiske was honored with a bronze tablet in the crypt of St.
Paul’s Cathedral. Sir Archibald Sinclair unveiled the plaque on
Independence Day in 1941, and it bore the inscription: “An
04sig4.QXD 2/25/09 8:43 AM Page 117
American citizen who died that England
might live.”
One of the telling photos in this book is
the group image taken at Beggin Hill of 133
Squadron on June 10, 1942. Almost all of
the 23 pilots shown were killed by the time
that October arrived.
The American volunteers soldiered on
into 1942, and on September 29 of that year,
all three Eagle Squadrons were handed over
to the 8th Air Force. They became the 334th,
335th, and 356th squadrons.
For modelers, the book shows several
out-of-the-norm paint schemes to select for
Spitfires and Hurricane fighters. There are
more than 30 color side plates and numerous
black-and-white photos.
Around Scale: New Scale classes both in
AMA and FAI competition have been
formalized. Go to the AMA Web site’s
main page and click on “Competition/
Events.” There, you can download the
2009-2010 Competition Regulations
section for RC Scale and check out RC
Open Scale.
This event is open to any modeler who
has built or purchased a built RC Scale
aircraft; there is no “builder of the model”
rule. With notice, the event can be
conducted in different classes based on
skill or age level; e.g., Open Expert, Open
Novice, Open Junior, or Open Senior.
At a meeting in March 2008, the FAI
Scale event for the World Championships
adopted a similar category. These rules
are available from the FAI Web site.
Although Open Scale is not a World
Championships division at this time, I
believe it will be within the next two years.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421
www.balsausa.com
Nelson Hobby Specialties
(817) 431-9898
www.nelsonhobby.com
Hobby Lobby International
(866) 933-5972
www.hobby-lobby.com
Top Gun Invitational:
www.franktiano.com
Information about the Orlando, Florida,
area:
www.orlando.org
Mint Julep Scale Contest:
www.sircm.org
AMA
(800) 435-9262
www.modelaircraft.org
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 116,117,118
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 116,117,118
116 MODEL AVIATION
AS I WRITE this, Christmas has just passed.
I don’t know about you, but I have yet to
discover the secret to creating enough time to
build models during the holidays. Family and
club dinners and all the busy times between
Thanksgiving and the new year really cut into
modeling time.
More Piper PA-11 Build: Preparing a model for paint can take
longer than painting the model itself—and it should. Much of what
you do below the paint will turn up above the painted surfaces, to
make either a great-looking paint job or a lousy finish.
Be sure to have all of the edges sanded to the correct contour;
don’t leave the TEs shaped like a channel block with two sharp
edges. If there are any bumps or creases where two materials come
together, such as light plywood and balsa, carefully sand them out.
In some cases, this is where you should sparingly use fast-drying
spackle.
After applying Solartex fabric covering, from Balsa USA, and
trimming the excess off of the model, reseal the edges with your
covering iron. Let it cool for a day or so and seal the edges again.
After that, you should have a tight fit, and it will stay as tight as a
drum.
After covering, you might think it’s time to start painting. Uh,
no, not yet. It’s time to add details.
Some of the easiest details to feature on a fabric-covered model
Also included in this column:
• Remembering Scott
Christensen
• Vacation at Top Gun
• American Eagles
• New rules for RC Scale
Add those special touches—and then cover them with paint
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
The late Scott Christensen (L) and Mike Gretz at the RC Scale indoor event in Muncie IN
in 2006. Scott was a Scale competitor for most of his modeling life.
Dick Tonan’s de Havilland Tiger Moth ARF flies in Fun Scale at the
Mint Julep Scale Contest: a great place for beginners.
John Boyko’s 1/3-scale Pitts S-1A in competition at the Mint Julep
Scale Contest. It took John roughly two years to construct.
Sam Snyder’s Avro Vulcan at Top Gun 2008. The scratch-built,
111-inch-span model is powered by twin JetCat P120 turbines.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:27 AM Page 116
April 2009 117
Scott Christensen built his WACO cabin model with jewel-like
precision. Looks are deceiving; it isn’t much larger than a soda can.
The Hobby Lobby wing strut for the Piper PA-11 can be modified
as shown, to include a joint that attaches to the fuselage. It’s time
to add primer and paint.
are the rib tapes used on almost any fabric-covered aircraft on the
market. Some tapes have “pinked” edges, while others have
straight edges. Through the years, I’ve seen a few that have some
of both types.
I added the rib tapes to the PA-11’s tail surfaces before
hinging the rudder and the elevators. Adding these tapes to the
wing also helps create realism for the model after painting is
complete.
Inspection plates on the underside of the wings and fuselage
are details that add surface texture and give the model more scale
appeal. You can make these placards from plastic, such as from
the bottom of plastic cups or soda bottles.
At this time I fabricated the wing struts and jury struts on the
PA-11. You can use the balsa supplied with the kit and form them
with a sanding block or purchase the preformed struts from
Hobby Lobby. The preformed components look great and are
made from maple. Their shape is already determined; you only
need to cut them to the proper length.
I used an X-Acto hobby knife to carefully split the strut
material at the end to be joined to the fuselage, and then I used a
hobby saw to carefully cut the center of the strut for the strut
mount to be slid into.
There is a variety of ways to secure the strut, including glue,
screws, and I’ve even seen some secured with heat-shrink tubing.
I’ll use a combination of screws and glue, to make the struts
detachable for easy setup. This is not scalelike, but it’s close.
Other neat details are hand grabs and the step on the outside of
the fuselage door on the starboard side of the model. These are
easy to reproduce using clothes-hanger wire, which is soft and
bendable. I can find a multitude of uses for it in the shop—
especially as holders for small parts that need painting.
I selected Nelson Hobby Paint from Nelson Hobby Specialties
for my PA-11. There are several advantages to it; one of the main
ones is that you can use it in your home without a noticeable
smell that fouls the air and brings all kinds of grief from your
housemate.
Another advantage is that this paint cleans up with water, and
you can use water to thin it for your sprayer if you choose to use
one. This paint is user-friendly and environmentally safe, which
are pluses—especially if you have kids around. I’m using Cub
Yellow and Insignia Blue over the model’s white primer base.
In keeping with the theme of this build, I’ve chosen not to use
a sprayer, but to go with hobby sponges that I purchased at the
Hobby Lobby craft store. They are high in quality and should
hold up for at least this project.
After talking with Jerry Nelson of Nelson Hobby Specialties, I
decided to use a white primer on all surfaces, to make the colors
of the finished airplane as true as possible. The paint is fuelproof
and I’ve seen it used for several years.
Scott Christensen: While writing this column, I’ve learned that
Scott Christensen passed away suddenly on December 30, 2008.
He was a part of Sig Manufacturing for years and had been a
supporter of and participant in the Scale National Championships
even before that. He teamed with Claude McCullough as Claude’s
pilot several times and entered his own model. Scott was a prime
mover in the indoor RC Scale-competition movement and
supported the indoor events at every opportunity.
Jim Rediske, the RC Scale event director at the 2008 Nationals,
was with Scott when he was inducted into the AMA Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the NASA (National Association of
Scale Aeromodelers) banquet last summer. Jim said that Scott
enjoyed the Nationals last year.
Scott was a prolific designer, businessman, modeler,
competitor, and all-around great guy. In a previous column, I
treated you to some of his accomplishments. He will be missed
very much by all who knew him. To his family, my sincere
condolences.
Top Gun usually takes place at the end of April, but this year it
will be held May 6-10. If you want to see some of the most
interesting Scale models on the planet, this is the place to be! In
addition, there will be many activities on-site, and the Orlando
area is roughly a 30-minute drive from the venue: the Lakeland
Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida.
Combining trips for the family and your hobby can make a
great vacation. It can also make the trip doable where it might not
be otherwise. The different types of entertainment available in this
area could make it a great time.
Another upcoming event is the Mint Julep Scale Contest,
which will take place May 15-17. It is hosted by the Southern
Indiana R/C Modelers club.
The competition features many Scale classes, and there is also
a division in which you can be competitive flying a Piper J-3 Cub.
In some contests, a J-3 will be flying against a P-47 Thunderbolt,
which is at the opposite end of the Scale spectrum.
Bookshelf: American Eagles: American Volunteers in the RAF
1937-1943 (ISBN 1-0903223-16-4) by Tony Holmes was
published by Classic Aviation Publications in 2001. This softcover,
127-page book provides the reader with a good history in
print and with photographs of the efforts of pilots from several
countries—mainly the US, but Canada and Australia as well.
The first American to die in Britain’s defense was Billy Fiske,
flying a Hurricane out of Tangmere. Although he did bring back
his Hawker, he didn’t survive the burns he suffered.
Billy Fiske was honored with a bronze tablet in the crypt of St.
Paul’s Cathedral. Sir Archibald Sinclair unveiled the plaque on
Independence Day in 1941, and it bore the inscription: “An
04sig4.QXD 2/25/09 8:43 AM Page 117
American citizen who died that England
might live.”
One of the telling photos in this book is
the group image taken at Beggin Hill of 133
Squadron on June 10, 1942. Almost all of
the 23 pilots shown were killed by the time
that October arrived.
The American volunteers soldiered on
into 1942, and on September 29 of that year,
all three Eagle Squadrons were handed over
to the 8th Air Force. They became the 334th,
335th, and 356th squadrons.
For modelers, the book shows several
out-of-the-norm paint schemes to select for
Spitfires and Hurricane fighters. There are
more than 30 color side plates and numerous
black-and-white photos.
Around Scale: New Scale classes both in
AMA and FAI competition have been
formalized. Go to the AMA Web site’s
main page and click on “Competition/
Events.” There, you can download the
2009-2010 Competition Regulations
section for RC Scale and check out RC
Open Scale.
This event is open to any modeler who
has built or purchased a built RC Scale
aircraft; there is no “builder of the model”
rule. With notice, the event can be
conducted in different classes based on
skill or age level; e.g., Open Expert, Open
Novice, Open Junior, or Open Senior.
At a meeting in March 2008, the FAI
Scale event for the World Championships
adopted a similar category. These rules
are available from the FAI Web site.
Although Open Scale is not a World
Championships division at this time, I
believe it will be within the next two years.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421
www.balsausa.com
Nelson Hobby Specialties
(817) 431-9898
www.nelsonhobby.com
Hobby Lobby International
(866) 933-5972
www.hobby-lobby.com
Top Gun Invitational:
www.franktiano.com
Information about the Orlando, Florida,
area:
www.orlando.org
Mint Julep Scale Contest:
www.sircm.org
AMA
(800) 435-9262
www.modelaircraft.org
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 116,117,118
116 MODEL AVIATION
AS I WRITE this, Christmas has just passed.
I don’t know about you, but I have yet to
discover the secret to creating enough time to
build models during the holidays. Family and
club dinners and all the busy times between
Thanksgiving and the new year really cut into
modeling time.
More Piper PA-11 Build: Preparing a model for paint can take
longer than painting the model itself—and it should. Much of what
you do below the paint will turn up above the painted surfaces, to
make either a great-looking paint job or a lousy finish.
Be sure to have all of the edges sanded to the correct contour;
don’t leave the TEs shaped like a channel block with two sharp
edges. If there are any bumps or creases where two materials come
together, such as light plywood and balsa, carefully sand them out.
In some cases, this is where you should sparingly use fast-drying
spackle.
After applying Solartex fabric covering, from Balsa USA, and
trimming the excess off of the model, reseal the edges with your
covering iron. Let it cool for a day or so and seal the edges again.
After that, you should have a tight fit, and it will stay as tight as a
drum.
After covering, you might think it’s time to start painting. Uh,
no, not yet. It’s time to add details.
Some of the easiest details to feature on a fabric-covered model
Also included in this column:
• Remembering Scott
Christensen
• Vacation at Top Gun
• American Eagles
• New rules for RC Scale
Add those special touches—and then cover them with paint
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Scale Stan Alexander
The late Scott Christensen (L) and Mike Gretz at the RC Scale indoor event in Muncie IN
in 2006. Scott was a Scale competitor for most of his modeling life.
Dick Tonan’s de Havilland Tiger Moth ARF flies in Fun Scale at the
Mint Julep Scale Contest: a great place for beginners.
John Boyko’s 1/3-scale Pitts S-1A in competition at the Mint Julep
Scale Contest. It took John roughly two years to construct.
Sam Snyder’s Avro Vulcan at Top Gun 2008. The scratch-built,
111-inch-span model is powered by twin JetCat P120 turbines.
04sig4.QXD 2/24/09 10:27 AM Page 116
April 2009 117
Scott Christensen built his WACO cabin model with jewel-like
precision. Looks are deceiving; it isn’t much larger than a soda can.
The Hobby Lobby wing strut for the Piper PA-11 can be modified
as shown, to include a joint that attaches to the fuselage. It’s time
to add primer and paint.
are the rib tapes used on almost any fabric-covered aircraft on the
market. Some tapes have “pinked” edges, while others have
straight edges. Through the years, I’ve seen a few that have some
of both types.
I added the rib tapes to the PA-11’s tail surfaces before
hinging the rudder and the elevators. Adding these tapes to the
wing also helps create realism for the model after painting is
complete.
Inspection plates on the underside of the wings and fuselage
are details that add surface texture and give the model more scale
appeal. You can make these placards from plastic, such as from
the bottom of plastic cups or soda bottles.
At this time I fabricated the wing struts and jury struts on the
PA-11. You can use the balsa supplied with the kit and form them
with a sanding block or purchase the preformed struts from
Hobby Lobby. The preformed components look great and are
made from maple. Their shape is already determined; you only
need to cut them to the proper length.
I used an X-Acto hobby knife to carefully split the strut
material at the end to be joined to the fuselage, and then I used a
hobby saw to carefully cut the center of the strut for the strut
mount to be slid into.
There is a variety of ways to secure the strut, including glue,
screws, and I’ve even seen some secured with heat-shrink tubing.
I’ll use a combination of screws and glue, to make the struts
detachable for easy setup. This is not scalelike, but it’s close.
Other neat details are hand grabs and the step on the outside of
the fuselage door on the starboard side of the model. These are
easy to reproduce using clothes-hanger wire, which is soft and
bendable. I can find a multitude of uses for it in the shop—
especially as holders for small parts that need painting.
I selected Nelson Hobby Paint from Nelson Hobby Specialties
for my PA-11. There are several advantages to it; one of the main
ones is that you can use it in your home without a noticeable
smell that fouls the air and brings all kinds of grief from your
housemate.
Another advantage is that this paint cleans up with water, and
you can use water to thin it for your sprayer if you choose to use
one. This paint is user-friendly and environmentally safe, which
are pluses—especially if you have kids around. I’m using Cub
Yellow and Insignia Blue over the model’s white primer base.
In keeping with the theme of this build, I’ve chosen not to use
a sprayer, but to go with hobby sponges that I purchased at the
Hobby Lobby craft store. They are high in quality and should
hold up for at least this project.
After talking with Jerry Nelson of Nelson Hobby Specialties, I
decided to use a white primer on all surfaces, to make the colors
of the finished airplane as true as possible. The paint is fuelproof
and I’ve seen it used for several years.
Scott Christensen: While writing this column, I’ve learned that
Scott Christensen passed away suddenly on December 30, 2008.
He was a part of Sig Manufacturing for years and had been a
supporter of and participant in the Scale National Championships
even before that. He teamed with Claude McCullough as Claude’s
pilot several times and entered his own model. Scott was a prime
mover in the indoor RC Scale-competition movement and
supported the indoor events at every opportunity.
Jim Rediske, the RC Scale event director at the 2008 Nationals,
was with Scott when he was inducted into the AMA Model
Aviation Hall of Fame during the NASA (National Association of
Scale Aeromodelers) banquet last summer. Jim said that Scott
enjoyed the Nationals last year.
Scott was a prolific designer, businessman, modeler,
competitor, and all-around great guy. In a previous column, I
treated you to some of his accomplishments. He will be missed
very much by all who knew him. To his family, my sincere
condolences.
Top Gun usually takes place at the end of April, but this year it
will be held May 6-10. If you want to see some of the most
interesting Scale models on the planet, this is the place to be! In
addition, there will be many activities on-site, and the Orlando
area is roughly a 30-minute drive from the venue: the Lakeland
Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida.
Combining trips for the family and your hobby can make a
great vacation. It can also make the trip doable where it might not
be otherwise. The different types of entertainment available in this
area could make it a great time.
Another upcoming event is the Mint Julep Scale Contest,
which will take place May 15-17. It is hosted by the Southern
Indiana R/C Modelers club.
The competition features many Scale classes, and there is also
a division in which you can be competitive flying a Piper J-3 Cub.
In some contests, a J-3 will be flying against a P-47 Thunderbolt,
which is at the opposite end of the Scale spectrum.
Bookshelf: American Eagles: American Volunteers in the RAF
1937-1943 (ISBN 1-0903223-16-4) by Tony Holmes was
published by Classic Aviation Publications in 2001. This softcover,
127-page book provides the reader with a good history in
print and with photographs of the efforts of pilots from several
countries—mainly the US, but Canada and Australia as well.
The first American to die in Britain’s defense was Billy Fiske,
flying a Hurricane out of Tangmere. Although he did bring back
his Hawker, he didn’t survive the burns he suffered.
Billy Fiske was honored with a bronze tablet in the crypt of St.
Paul’s Cathedral. Sir Archibald Sinclair unveiled the plaque on
Independence Day in 1941, and it bore the inscription: “An
04sig4.QXD 2/25/09 8:43 AM Page 117
American citizen who died that England
might live.”
One of the telling photos in this book is
the group image taken at Beggin Hill of 133
Squadron on June 10, 1942. Almost all of
the 23 pilots shown were killed by the time
that October arrived.
The American volunteers soldiered on
into 1942, and on September 29 of that year,
all three Eagle Squadrons were handed over
to the 8th Air Force. They became the 334th,
335th, and 356th squadrons.
For modelers, the book shows several
out-of-the-norm paint schemes to select for
Spitfires and Hurricane fighters. There are
more than 30 color side plates and numerous
black-and-white photos.
Around Scale: New Scale classes both in
AMA and FAI competition have been
formalized. Go to the AMA Web site’s
main page and click on “Competition/
Events.” There, you can download the
2009-2010 Competition Regulations
section for RC Scale and check out RC
Open Scale.
This event is open to any modeler who
has built or purchased a built RC Scale
aircraft; there is no “builder of the model”
rule. With notice, the event can be
conducted in different classes based on
skill or age level; e.g., Open Expert, Open
Novice, Open Junior, or Open Senior.
At a meeting in March 2008, the FAI
Scale event for the World Championships
adopted a similar category. These rules
are available from the FAI Web site.
Although Open Scale is not a World
Championships division at this time, I
believe it will be within the next two years.
Fair skies and tailwinds. MA
Sources:
Balsa USA
(906) 863-6421
www.balsausa.com
Nelson Hobby Specialties
(817) 431-9898
www.nelsonhobby.com
Hobby Lobby International
(866) 933-5972
www.hobby-lobby.com
Top Gun Invitational:
www.franktiano.com
Information about the Orlando, Florida,
area:
www.orlando.org
Mint Julep Scale Contest:
www.sircm.org
AMA
(800) 435-9262
www.modelaircraft.org