Aero Mail
If you have a letter to the editor, please submit it to MA Editor-in-Chief Jay Smith at 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302, or email him at [email protected] or at www.ModelAviation.com/editor.
Building-Themed Issue
I was dismayed with the last issue of Model Aviation [September 2013] since it appeared that model plans had been dropped from the magazine.
Then I received the October 2013 issue and—wow! What a great issue for the 39.4% of us who love building even though there are or may be an ARF or two in our hangars. Thank you so much for dedicating most of the issue to building. It's a great part of the heritage of our hobby and I hope you continue to offer free plans as well as emphasize the AMA Plans Service.
—Dave Hmiel
Hats off to you and the editorial staff for putting together a very special issue. I had thought building was a thing of the past until I read this issue. I am from the Ambroid age, and built Jr. Noblers and Jumping Beans in my dormitory room. Class of '70. I have unused plans from Ziroli, Balsa USA, and Hostetler, but I have been encouraged by the articles on building. The lists of plans sources and laser-cut kit sources were very helpful.
I hope I am not the only builder who has been initially intimidated by a new set of plans. Even though I am a practicing structural engineer, I only design the buildings. Somebody else puts them together, and I assume the workmen know how to do that. They don't design; I don't build.
For an airplane built from plans, I will have to become the workman. I have to comfort myself with the fact the worst that can happen is that I ruin the National Balsa kit completely. But, I had $370 worth of fun, and it kept me out of mother's hair. Model airplane builders are more to be pitied than censured. Good luck, and good building.
—Charles F. Scribner, P.D., P.E. Civil/Structural Engineer, State of Vermont
I just gotta say the October issue of Model Aviation is the best I have seen in all my years in the hobby. I am now 72 years old and have been designing and building models since I was 10 years old.
Congratulations to you and your staff for an excellent job.
—Gary Meyers
As a longtime builder/flier, I want to congratulate you and all the authors who contributed to the October 2013 Model Aviation! The construction articles with the B-25 and Piper Pacer are truly unique and beyond first class! The free plans are an awesome touch as well!
Thanks very much to all!
—Jeff McCammant Story City, Iowa
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
