Aero Mail
The New Elexaco
I note in your June MA editorial [“The Inside Loop] your
reference to the New Elexaco event and 3.7 volts. The event
specifies 2 Li-Po cells resulting in 7.4 volts. Wingspan not to
exceed 36 inches and a motor run of 15 seconds for a
competitive total endurance flight time.
Joe Beshar
Oradell, New Jersey
Tales of Shipping Woe
Overall, you wrote a very good article for the June ’09 AMA mag
[“Ship Model Aircraft Successfully” by Fred Randall]. I use a lot of the same techniques
for my shipping requirements.
One big problem: Duct tape. Never, under any circumstances, should duct tape be
used for cardboard shipping containers.
Even the best quality duct tape loses its adhesive properties after a few hours in
contact with the paper covering of the cardboard. It sticks really well at first, then starts to
peal off in a few hours or a day. It gets even worse if the box passes through several
climate changes—E.G.: From a warm dry area to a moist cold area. It seems that the
paper cover on the cardboard sucks up the moisture from the air and then attacks the
adhesive on the tape. And the tape just starts to peal off.
I’ve used filament tape, duct tape and masking tape to try to close cardboard boxes for
shipping—and they all have problems.
What I’ve found, through experience, is that even the cheapest, true, packing tape
works best. I buy the clear, 2-inch-wide, packing tape at Rite Aid or Walgreen’s for about
$4 per roll.
I ship boxes to the Philippines (family stuff) all of the time. The boxes are the double
wall cardboard (for ocean transport) or the single wall (for airlines). If I use duct tape (or
filament tape), the boxes are falling apart by the time I get to the airport or the container
terminal.
If you take a trip to the Philippines, as you are standing in line at the check-in counter,
you see everyone in line has at least 2 boxes per passenger—and everyone that used duct
tape, masking tape or filament tape is having problems. They have added string or rope to
the outside of the boxes to keep from falling open.
With the clear packing tape, you have to use a knife to open the boxes; otherwise, you
will rip up the cardboard as you try to remove the tape from the seams.
Dave Burwell
via e-mail
Interesting article on Shipping Model Airplanes. Years ago I was faced with the
problem of shipping a couple of Gliders out of the country and back as airline luggage
and the following was my solution.
Like you I started out with a cardboard box (but of single wall construction) and lined
it with thin (and lightweight) Lauan Plywood. After gluing the plywood to the cardboard I
glued (with 3M Spray Adhesive) 1-inch-thick polyurethane foam to the plywood. I also
made a “Bridge” out of Lite Ply and White Foam to reinforce the gap where the box was
opened. It supports the opening from spreading apart and also keeps the center of the top
from getting crushed.
The reason for the Plywood on the inside is to fool the baggage handlers into thinking
that it’s just a cardboard box, when it’s really more like a crate. Packing was done with
layers of polyurethane foam in between airplane parts. I used this box three times before I
switched to a Two Rifle Gun Case, which looks like a baggage Gorilla could not hurt it a
bit.
If I had to make another cardboard box I think I would use 1/2-inch insulation foam
and Lite Ply ala sheeted foam wing. With this sort of construction you could make
“Brackets” out of Pink Foam and Lite Ply and attach them using Velcro.
Jim Bonk
via e-mail
Amusing Developments
I began flying R/C in 1979 with a COX Electric Sportavia. This was a KYOSHO
model that COX was importing at the time. I purchased it from Johnny Clemens at his
HOBBY COUNTER hobby shop in Dallas. It was a bit weak on the power side and the
run time was not very long but I was able to teach myself how to fly. I became very
knowledgeable about tip stalls!
August 2009 7
®
June 2009 $4.95
SINCE 1936
Official AeronauticsOfficial Publication of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Plans for two great designs—both Nats legends
MODEL AVIATION JUNE 2009 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 6
Continued on page 138
08sig1.QXD 6/23/09 10:31 AM Page 7
At the beginning of 1980 I went to work
for Johnny at the hobby shop. I was primarily
interested in sailplanes and small 1/2A gas
flown with 2 channel radios as I was a broke
hobby shop employee.
About this time ESTES, the model rocket
people, decided to venture into electric power
for aircraft. I experimented with their
equipment making removable power pods for
my sailplanes. The power was marginal and
the batteries still quite heavy.
I became active with the Dallas R/C Club,
a very active club in the area that was a multi
interest power club. I would bring my latest
planes to the field and club meetings. The
members were always amused and would
comment on how electric just was no good
and never would be any good. I would just
smile and keep doing what I was doing.
Several of us formed the Dallas Electric
Aircraft Flyers (DEAF) and it has grown into
a very active group.
In recent years I have enjoyed watching
the growth of electric power and the amount
of advertising and editorial space it is now
taking in the modeling magazines. It makes
me chuckle to think back on all the knowing
naysayers in the past.
Richard McCarroll’s letter and comment
[in the June 2009 “Aero Mail”] on how there
is “Toooooo much electric anymore” gave me
the kick in the pants I needed to finally write
this letter.
It’s all good!
Good Lift and 100 point landings.
Pancho N. Morris
via e-mail
Zomby Memories
[“Blue Foam Super Zomby” in the June
2009 issue] Brings back memories of a long
long time ago, and continued contacts and
friendship.
While in the RCAF in 1943, I had built an
F/F model. (The American Ace, power was a
.29 ignition, and I had trimmed the plane to
the point that on 10 sec engine run I could
predict where it was going to land.)
This fascinated a few of the airforce
personnel, one of which, more than the
others, started to question me, which ended
up in having the local sort of hobbyshop
order a plane and engine.
Leon’s ZOMBY and an O&R .19, the
interested party was an engine mechanic. (I
was an airplane type.) He did a fabulous job
of the building, but he over did the finish with
so many applications of regular aircraft dope
(not thinned down) and it turned out to be too
heavy.
We parted company in late 1944, but keep
in touch, after the war he stayed in the
service, and kept in touch via Xmas cards.
Much later, as my work was Industrial
info, this meant visiting purchasing agents all
over Eastern Canada, and as I was waiting at
the gate of Airforce gate, to get the engineer
to call back and tell the Provost guard that he
was free to see me, at a distance of about 100
ft comes this funny shadow with a funny
walk. I yelled out to him by his name (the
guard stood flabbergasted, that I could tell
who it was). As George came closer I had to
call out to him and then he recognized me.
We still sent Xmas cards until he died a few
yrs ago. He was still building models in
Western Canada.
All during that time I had crossed Leon’s
path at many contests or events, and the last
time was at the TOC in Las Vegas, he was
with his son and grand son and we called
back some of the contests we had met so
many times. I had Leon call back one in
particular, Leon will recall as he reads this.
This is one of the best ways to have good
friends.
Ray Gareau
via e-mail
Please Keep Joe Writing!
First of all a little background. I recently
cleaned up an engine that I last flew in 1957.
I took it outside and test ran it. With the glow
plug that came with the engine when I bought
it, the engine started on the first flip of the
propeller. I fiddled with it a little bit and
finally used my tachometer to check out its
performance. The engine ran as well as it did
back in 1956 … Wish I did!
The next day my copy of Model Aviation
arrived and I read Joe Wagner’s article about
model engines having personality. I couldn’t
agree with him more! Electric motors just
don’t evoke the same reaction as a little blob
of metal, screaming its guts out, and giving me
all it’s got. I realize that other people feel
differently but Joe struck to the very heart of
why I cling to model airplanes.
On a similar vein of thought. With the
economy getting worse by the day, there may
come a time when the more economic forms
of our hobby will become more attractive to
the average modeler. In the future it may be
wise to run a few more articles on engine
maintenance, engine powered free flight,
control liners, simple rubber powered models,
or even hand launched gliders.
Oh well it was just a thought.
Jerry Price
Walsenburg, Colorado
Helicopter Content
I just wanted to take a moment and say
“thank you” [to RC helicopter columnist
Mark Fadely] for your monthly
contribution to the Model Aviation
Magazine. Since you’ve started your
column I now actually look forward to
receiving the magazine and I always open
right up to your section to see what’s going
on in the world of helicopters.
Thanks again and keep up the good
work!
David “Nashville” Wilson
via e-mail
Thanks for the nice note. It’s rewarding
to hear good comments on the heli column.
I try to keep the content varied, current,
and lively. I am glad you appreciate it.
Emails like yours really motivate us to do
an even better job moving forward.
Thanks again, you made my day.
Mark Fadely
Fishers, Indiana
RC Friends Are the Best!
I’m an active member in the Arizona
Model Aviators … 285 members … in
Mesa, Arizona. Many of our members are
“snowbirds” … who winter in this area. We
have a world-class club management/field/
runway. Our club’s R/C activities are often
written up in the model press.
My dearest friend, Dr. Marie “Cissy”
Fuller of Austin, Texas, wanted to host an
80th birthday party for me on Sunday, April
5th, 2009. We realized the logistical
difficulties of having the party at my home
and I mentioned this to the guys at the field.
Two of the club officers said “Why not
have your birthday party here at our field …
we have plenty of shaded picnic tables and
party tablecloths … and plenty of chairs and
parking … and everyone knows where the
field is?” Club president, John Mangino
approved and the party invitations went out
by email to all 285 members.
In order to get an estimate of how many
people would attend at 10:00 am that
Sunday, we asked to receive an email to me
noting intentions to attend for “free cake
and ice cream.” That led us to expect 30-40
attendees. Most of our “snowbird”
members had already gone north.
Both a chocolate and a white sheet cake
were locally ordered with airplanes on the
decorations, party plates and balloons were
added along with plastic utensils and
bottled water … along with 4 half gallons
of vanilla Blue Bell (a Texas company) ice
cream. Cissy even arranged for sweet Carol
Culver of Wilder, Idaho to be ready to
make an emergency run to the grocery
store in case more was needed. Smart, huh?
The photo was taken about 10:45 that
morning: those who attended came even
though it was far too windy to fly R/C that
morning. I’ve received a few so-called
honors through our hobby over many
years … but the best is shown in the
picture … R/C friends are the greatest in
the world! MA
Stu Richmond
Apache Junction, Arizona
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/08
Page Numbers: 7,138,139
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/08
Page Numbers: 7,138,139
Aero Mail
The New Elexaco
I note in your June MA editorial [“The Inside Loop] your
reference to the New Elexaco event and 3.7 volts. The event
specifies 2 Li-Po cells resulting in 7.4 volts. Wingspan not to
exceed 36 inches and a motor run of 15 seconds for a
competitive total endurance flight time.
Joe Beshar
Oradell, New Jersey
Tales of Shipping Woe
Overall, you wrote a very good article for the June ’09 AMA mag
[“Ship Model Aircraft Successfully” by Fred Randall]. I use a lot of the same techniques
for my shipping requirements.
One big problem: Duct tape. Never, under any circumstances, should duct tape be
used for cardboard shipping containers.
Even the best quality duct tape loses its adhesive properties after a few hours in
contact with the paper covering of the cardboard. It sticks really well at first, then starts to
peal off in a few hours or a day. It gets even worse if the box passes through several
climate changes—E.G.: From a warm dry area to a moist cold area. It seems that the
paper cover on the cardboard sucks up the moisture from the air and then attacks the
adhesive on the tape. And the tape just starts to peal off.
I’ve used filament tape, duct tape and masking tape to try to close cardboard boxes for
shipping—and they all have problems.
What I’ve found, through experience, is that even the cheapest, true, packing tape
works best. I buy the clear, 2-inch-wide, packing tape at Rite Aid or Walgreen’s for about
$4 per roll.
I ship boxes to the Philippines (family stuff) all of the time. The boxes are the double
wall cardboard (for ocean transport) or the single wall (for airlines). If I use duct tape (or
filament tape), the boxes are falling apart by the time I get to the airport or the container
terminal.
If you take a trip to the Philippines, as you are standing in line at the check-in counter,
you see everyone in line has at least 2 boxes per passenger—and everyone that used duct
tape, masking tape or filament tape is having problems. They have added string or rope to
the outside of the boxes to keep from falling open.
With the clear packing tape, you have to use a knife to open the boxes; otherwise, you
will rip up the cardboard as you try to remove the tape from the seams.
Dave Burwell
via e-mail
Interesting article on Shipping Model Airplanes. Years ago I was faced with the
problem of shipping a couple of Gliders out of the country and back as airline luggage
and the following was my solution.
Like you I started out with a cardboard box (but of single wall construction) and lined
it with thin (and lightweight) Lauan Plywood. After gluing the plywood to the cardboard I
glued (with 3M Spray Adhesive) 1-inch-thick polyurethane foam to the plywood. I also
made a “Bridge” out of Lite Ply and White Foam to reinforce the gap where the box was
opened. It supports the opening from spreading apart and also keeps the center of the top
from getting crushed.
The reason for the Plywood on the inside is to fool the baggage handlers into thinking
that it’s just a cardboard box, when it’s really more like a crate. Packing was done with
layers of polyurethane foam in between airplane parts. I used this box three times before I
switched to a Two Rifle Gun Case, which looks like a baggage Gorilla could not hurt it a
bit.
If I had to make another cardboard box I think I would use 1/2-inch insulation foam
and Lite Ply ala sheeted foam wing. With this sort of construction you could make
“Brackets” out of Pink Foam and Lite Ply and attach them using Velcro.
Jim Bonk
via e-mail
Amusing Developments
I began flying R/C in 1979 with a COX Electric Sportavia. This was a KYOSHO
model that COX was importing at the time. I purchased it from Johnny Clemens at his
HOBBY COUNTER hobby shop in Dallas. It was a bit weak on the power side and the
run time was not very long but I was able to teach myself how to fly. I became very
knowledgeable about tip stalls!
August 2009 7
®
June 2009 $4.95
SINCE 1936
Official AeronauticsOfficial Publication of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Plans for two great designs—both Nats legends
MODEL AVIATION JUNE 2009 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 6
Continued on page 138
08sig1.QXD 6/23/09 10:31 AM Page 7
At the beginning of 1980 I went to work
for Johnny at the hobby shop. I was primarily
interested in sailplanes and small 1/2A gas
flown with 2 channel radios as I was a broke
hobby shop employee.
About this time ESTES, the model rocket
people, decided to venture into electric power
for aircraft. I experimented with their
equipment making removable power pods for
my sailplanes. The power was marginal and
the batteries still quite heavy.
I became active with the Dallas R/C Club,
a very active club in the area that was a multi
interest power club. I would bring my latest
planes to the field and club meetings. The
members were always amused and would
comment on how electric just was no good
and never would be any good. I would just
smile and keep doing what I was doing.
Several of us formed the Dallas Electric
Aircraft Flyers (DEAF) and it has grown into
a very active group.
In recent years I have enjoyed watching
the growth of electric power and the amount
of advertising and editorial space it is now
taking in the modeling magazines. It makes
me chuckle to think back on all the knowing
naysayers in the past.
Richard McCarroll’s letter and comment
[in the June 2009 “Aero Mail”] on how there
is “Toooooo much electric anymore” gave me
the kick in the pants I needed to finally write
this letter.
It’s all good!
Good Lift and 100 point landings.
Pancho N. Morris
via e-mail
Zomby Memories
[“Blue Foam Super Zomby” in the June
2009 issue] Brings back memories of a long
long time ago, and continued contacts and
friendship.
While in the RCAF in 1943, I had built an
F/F model. (The American Ace, power was a
.29 ignition, and I had trimmed the plane to
the point that on 10 sec engine run I could
predict where it was going to land.)
This fascinated a few of the airforce
personnel, one of which, more than the
others, started to question me, which ended
up in having the local sort of hobbyshop
order a plane and engine.
Leon’s ZOMBY and an O&R .19, the
interested party was an engine mechanic. (I
was an airplane type.) He did a fabulous job
of the building, but he over did the finish with
so many applications of regular aircraft dope
(not thinned down) and it turned out to be too
heavy.
We parted company in late 1944, but keep
in touch, after the war he stayed in the
service, and kept in touch via Xmas cards.
Much later, as my work was Industrial
info, this meant visiting purchasing agents all
over Eastern Canada, and as I was waiting at
the gate of Airforce gate, to get the engineer
to call back and tell the Provost guard that he
was free to see me, at a distance of about 100
ft comes this funny shadow with a funny
walk. I yelled out to him by his name (the
guard stood flabbergasted, that I could tell
who it was). As George came closer I had to
call out to him and then he recognized me.
We still sent Xmas cards until he died a few
yrs ago. He was still building models in
Western Canada.
All during that time I had crossed Leon’s
path at many contests or events, and the last
time was at the TOC in Las Vegas, he was
with his son and grand son and we called
back some of the contests we had met so
many times. I had Leon call back one in
particular, Leon will recall as he reads this.
This is one of the best ways to have good
friends.
Ray Gareau
via e-mail
Please Keep Joe Writing!
First of all a little background. I recently
cleaned up an engine that I last flew in 1957.
I took it outside and test ran it. With the glow
plug that came with the engine when I bought
it, the engine started on the first flip of the
propeller. I fiddled with it a little bit and
finally used my tachometer to check out its
performance. The engine ran as well as it did
back in 1956 … Wish I did!
The next day my copy of Model Aviation
arrived and I read Joe Wagner’s article about
model engines having personality. I couldn’t
agree with him more! Electric motors just
don’t evoke the same reaction as a little blob
of metal, screaming its guts out, and giving me
all it’s got. I realize that other people feel
differently but Joe struck to the very heart of
why I cling to model airplanes.
On a similar vein of thought. With the
economy getting worse by the day, there may
come a time when the more economic forms
of our hobby will become more attractive to
the average modeler. In the future it may be
wise to run a few more articles on engine
maintenance, engine powered free flight,
control liners, simple rubber powered models,
or even hand launched gliders.
Oh well it was just a thought.
Jerry Price
Walsenburg, Colorado
Helicopter Content
I just wanted to take a moment and say
“thank you” [to RC helicopter columnist
Mark Fadely] for your monthly
contribution to the Model Aviation
Magazine. Since you’ve started your
column I now actually look forward to
receiving the magazine and I always open
right up to your section to see what’s going
on in the world of helicopters.
Thanks again and keep up the good
work!
David “Nashville” Wilson
via e-mail
Thanks for the nice note. It’s rewarding
to hear good comments on the heli column.
I try to keep the content varied, current,
and lively. I am glad you appreciate it.
Emails like yours really motivate us to do
an even better job moving forward.
Thanks again, you made my day.
Mark Fadely
Fishers, Indiana
RC Friends Are the Best!
I’m an active member in the Arizona
Model Aviators … 285 members … in
Mesa, Arizona. Many of our members are
“snowbirds” … who winter in this area. We
have a world-class club management/field/
runway. Our club’s R/C activities are often
written up in the model press.
My dearest friend, Dr. Marie “Cissy”
Fuller of Austin, Texas, wanted to host an
80th birthday party for me on Sunday, April
5th, 2009. We realized the logistical
difficulties of having the party at my home
and I mentioned this to the guys at the field.
Two of the club officers said “Why not
have your birthday party here at our field …
we have plenty of shaded picnic tables and
party tablecloths … and plenty of chairs and
parking … and everyone knows where the
field is?” Club president, John Mangino
approved and the party invitations went out
by email to all 285 members.
In order to get an estimate of how many
people would attend at 10:00 am that
Sunday, we asked to receive an email to me
noting intentions to attend for “free cake
and ice cream.” That led us to expect 30-40
attendees. Most of our “snowbird”
members had already gone north.
Both a chocolate and a white sheet cake
were locally ordered with airplanes on the
decorations, party plates and balloons were
added along with plastic utensils and
bottled water … along with 4 half gallons
of vanilla Blue Bell (a Texas company) ice
cream. Cissy even arranged for sweet Carol
Culver of Wilder, Idaho to be ready to
make an emergency run to the grocery
store in case more was needed. Smart, huh?
The photo was taken about 10:45 that
morning: those who attended came even
though it was far too windy to fly R/C that
morning. I’ve received a few so-called
honors through our hobby over many
years … but the best is shown in the
picture … R/C friends are the greatest in
the world! MA
Stu Richmond
Apache Junction, Arizona
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/08
Page Numbers: 7,138,139
Aero Mail
The New Elexaco
I note in your June MA editorial [“The Inside Loop] your
reference to the New Elexaco event and 3.7 volts. The event
specifies 2 Li-Po cells resulting in 7.4 volts. Wingspan not to
exceed 36 inches and a motor run of 15 seconds for a
competitive total endurance flight time.
Joe Beshar
Oradell, New Jersey
Tales of Shipping Woe
Overall, you wrote a very good article for the June ’09 AMA mag
[“Ship Model Aircraft Successfully” by Fred Randall]. I use a lot of the same techniques
for my shipping requirements.
One big problem: Duct tape. Never, under any circumstances, should duct tape be
used for cardboard shipping containers.
Even the best quality duct tape loses its adhesive properties after a few hours in
contact with the paper covering of the cardboard. It sticks really well at first, then starts to
peal off in a few hours or a day. It gets even worse if the box passes through several
climate changes—E.G.: From a warm dry area to a moist cold area. It seems that the
paper cover on the cardboard sucks up the moisture from the air and then attacks the
adhesive on the tape. And the tape just starts to peal off.
I’ve used filament tape, duct tape and masking tape to try to close cardboard boxes for
shipping—and they all have problems.
What I’ve found, through experience, is that even the cheapest, true, packing tape
works best. I buy the clear, 2-inch-wide, packing tape at Rite Aid or Walgreen’s for about
$4 per roll.
I ship boxes to the Philippines (family stuff) all of the time. The boxes are the double
wall cardboard (for ocean transport) or the single wall (for airlines). If I use duct tape (or
filament tape), the boxes are falling apart by the time I get to the airport or the container
terminal.
If you take a trip to the Philippines, as you are standing in line at the check-in counter,
you see everyone in line has at least 2 boxes per passenger—and everyone that used duct
tape, masking tape or filament tape is having problems. They have added string or rope to
the outside of the boxes to keep from falling open.
With the clear packing tape, you have to use a knife to open the boxes; otherwise, you
will rip up the cardboard as you try to remove the tape from the seams.
Dave Burwell
via e-mail
Interesting article on Shipping Model Airplanes. Years ago I was faced with the
problem of shipping a couple of Gliders out of the country and back as airline luggage
and the following was my solution.
Like you I started out with a cardboard box (but of single wall construction) and lined
it with thin (and lightweight) Lauan Plywood. After gluing the plywood to the cardboard I
glued (with 3M Spray Adhesive) 1-inch-thick polyurethane foam to the plywood. I also
made a “Bridge” out of Lite Ply and White Foam to reinforce the gap where the box was
opened. It supports the opening from spreading apart and also keeps the center of the top
from getting crushed.
The reason for the Plywood on the inside is to fool the baggage handlers into thinking
that it’s just a cardboard box, when it’s really more like a crate. Packing was done with
layers of polyurethane foam in between airplane parts. I used this box three times before I
switched to a Two Rifle Gun Case, which looks like a baggage Gorilla could not hurt it a
bit.
If I had to make another cardboard box I think I would use 1/2-inch insulation foam
and Lite Ply ala sheeted foam wing. With this sort of construction you could make
“Brackets” out of Pink Foam and Lite Ply and attach them using Velcro.
Jim Bonk
via e-mail
Amusing Developments
I began flying R/C in 1979 with a COX Electric Sportavia. This was a KYOSHO
model that COX was importing at the time. I purchased it from Johnny Clemens at his
HOBBY COUNTER hobby shop in Dallas. It was a bit weak on the power side and the
run time was not very long but I was able to teach myself how to fly. I became very
knowledgeable about tip stalls!
August 2009 7
®
June 2009 $4.95
SINCE 1936
Official AeronauticsOfficial Publication of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Plans for two great designs—both Nats legends
MODEL AVIATION JUNE 2009 • VOLUME 35, NUMBER 6
Continued on page 138
08sig1.QXD 6/23/09 10:31 AM Page 7
At the beginning of 1980 I went to work
for Johnny at the hobby shop. I was primarily
interested in sailplanes and small 1/2A gas
flown with 2 channel radios as I was a broke
hobby shop employee.
About this time ESTES, the model rocket
people, decided to venture into electric power
for aircraft. I experimented with their
equipment making removable power pods for
my sailplanes. The power was marginal and
the batteries still quite heavy.
I became active with the Dallas R/C Club,
a very active club in the area that was a multi
interest power club. I would bring my latest
planes to the field and club meetings. The
members were always amused and would
comment on how electric just was no good
and never would be any good. I would just
smile and keep doing what I was doing.
Several of us formed the Dallas Electric
Aircraft Flyers (DEAF) and it has grown into
a very active group.
In recent years I have enjoyed watching
the growth of electric power and the amount
of advertising and editorial space it is now
taking in the modeling magazines. It makes
me chuckle to think back on all the knowing
naysayers in the past.
Richard McCarroll’s letter and comment
[in the June 2009 “Aero Mail”] on how there
is “Toooooo much electric anymore” gave me
the kick in the pants I needed to finally write
this letter.
It’s all good!
Good Lift and 100 point landings.
Pancho N. Morris
via e-mail
Zomby Memories
[“Blue Foam Super Zomby” in the June
2009 issue] Brings back memories of a long
long time ago, and continued contacts and
friendship.
While in the RCAF in 1943, I had built an
F/F model. (The American Ace, power was a
.29 ignition, and I had trimmed the plane to
the point that on 10 sec engine run I could
predict where it was going to land.)
This fascinated a few of the airforce
personnel, one of which, more than the
others, started to question me, which ended
up in having the local sort of hobbyshop
order a plane and engine.
Leon’s ZOMBY and an O&R .19, the
interested party was an engine mechanic. (I
was an airplane type.) He did a fabulous job
of the building, but he over did the finish with
so many applications of regular aircraft dope
(not thinned down) and it turned out to be too
heavy.
We parted company in late 1944, but keep
in touch, after the war he stayed in the
service, and kept in touch via Xmas cards.
Much later, as my work was Industrial
info, this meant visiting purchasing agents all
over Eastern Canada, and as I was waiting at
the gate of Airforce gate, to get the engineer
to call back and tell the Provost guard that he
was free to see me, at a distance of about 100
ft comes this funny shadow with a funny
walk. I yelled out to him by his name (the
guard stood flabbergasted, that I could tell
who it was). As George came closer I had to
call out to him and then he recognized me.
We still sent Xmas cards until he died a few
yrs ago. He was still building models in
Western Canada.
All during that time I had crossed Leon’s
path at many contests or events, and the last
time was at the TOC in Las Vegas, he was
with his son and grand son and we called
back some of the contests we had met so
many times. I had Leon call back one in
particular, Leon will recall as he reads this.
This is one of the best ways to have good
friends.
Ray Gareau
via e-mail
Please Keep Joe Writing!
First of all a little background. I recently
cleaned up an engine that I last flew in 1957.
I took it outside and test ran it. With the glow
plug that came with the engine when I bought
it, the engine started on the first flip of the
propeller. I fiddled with it a little bit and
finally used my tachometer to check out its
performance. The engine ran as well as it did
back in 1956 … Wish I did!
The next day my copy of Model Aviation
arrived and I read Joe Wagner’s article about
model engines having personality. I couldn’t
agree with him more! Electric motors just
don’t evoke the same reaction as a little blob
of metal, screaming its guts out, and giving me
all it’s got. I realize that other people feel
differently but Joe struck to the very heart of
why I cling to model airplanes.
On a similar vein of thought. With the
economy getting worse by the day, there may
come a time when the more economic forms
of our hobby will become more attractive to
the average modeler. In the future it may be
wise to run a few more articles on engine
maintenance, engine powered free flight,
control liners, simple rubber powered models,
or even hand launched gliders.
Oh well it was just a thought.
Jerry Price
Walsenburg, Colorado
Helicopter Content
I just wanted to take a moment and say
“thank you” [to RC helicopter columnist
Mark Fadely] for your monthly
contribution to the Model Aviation
Magazine. Since you’ve started your
column I now actually look forward to
receiving the magazine and I always open
right up to your section to see what’s going
on in the world of helicopters.
Thanks again and keep up the good
work!
David “Nashville” Wilson
via e-mail
Thanks for the nice note. It’s rewarding
to hear good comments on the heli column.
I try to keep the content varied, current,
and lively. I am glad you appreciate it.
Emails like yours really motivate us to do
an even better job moving forward.
Thanks again, you made my day.
Mark Fadely
Fishers, Indiana
RC Friends Are the Best!
I’m an active member in the Arizona
Model Aviators … 285 members … in
Mesa, Arizona. Many of our members are
“snowbirds” … who winter in this area. We
have a world-class club management/field/
runway. Our club’s R/C activities are often
written up in the model press.
My dearest friend, Dr. Marie “Cissy”
Fuller of Austin, Texas, wanted to host an
80th birthday party for me on Sunday, April
5th, 2009. We realized the logistical
difficulties of having the party at my home
and I mentioned this to the guys at the field.
Two of the club officers said “Why not
have your birthday party here at our field …
we have plenty of shaded picnic tables and
party tablecloths … and plenty of chairs and
parking … and everyone knows where the
field is?” Club president, John Mangino
approved and the party invitations went out
by email to all 285 members.
In order to get an estimate of how many
people would attend at 10:00 am that
Sunday, we asked to receive an email to me
noting intentions to attend for “free cake
and ice cream.” That led us to expect 30-40
attendees. Most of our “snowbird”
members had already gone north.
Both a chocolate and a white sheet cake
were locally ordered with airplanes on the
decorations, party plates and balloons were
added along with plastic utensils and
bottled water … along with 4 half gallons
of vanilla Blue Bell (a Texas company) ice
cream. Cissy even arranged for sweet Carol
Culver of Wilder, Idaho to be ready to
make an emergency run to the grocery
store in case more was needed. Smart, huh?
The photo was taken about 10:45 that
morning: those who attended came even
though it was far too windy to fly R/C that
morning. I’ve received a few so-called
honors through our hobby over many
years … but the best is shown in the
picture … R/C friends are the greatest in
the world! MA
Stu Richmond
Apache Junction, Arizona
