Author Bill Boss’ long run
by Bill Boss
As I said in a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Jay Smith, this will be my last column for Model Aviation, and I would like to use it as an opportunity to say thanks to a number of the modelers who have helped me bring the column to CL Scale modelers.
In 1982, Carl Wheeley, then editor of MA, asked me if I would be interested in writing about CL Scale. I am proud to say that I have enjoyed doing the column for the past 30 years, and my records tell me that this is my 289th column. It is also coincidental that August 2012 is the month in which I reach my 86th birthday. After this long run at writing, I thought it time to give my fingers a rest from the keyboard, and spend some time away from the computer.
There are several modelers who were consistent contributors. Mike Welshans was a great help in the early days of the column, and Douglas Dahlke always had something to report about the EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture which, while odd at times, was always interesting.
Mike Keville and Robin Sizemore were great at promoting the annual 1/2A multiengine contests in Arizona. Gerald Boyd of Canada submitted many of his designs, and kept us aware of contest activities in Canada.
I asked Ted Kraver, “What camera do you use to get such great pictures?” His response led me to the world of digital photography. There are many, many more who contributed to the column and my heartfelt thanks to all for your efforts.
Frank Beatty’s Arrow Active Mk. II
Frank Beatty of Granite City, Illinois, has to be at the top of the list of those who have provided column information about his modeling skills and his many scratch-built biplane models. This month we are treated to a preview of Frank’s latest creation, the Arrow Active Mk. II, which is in the final stages of completion.
Painting has yet to be done. Frank debated over whether to select the classic original/restored configuration color scheme or that of the English Tiger Club version, which might be called garish. Garish it will be.
The Arrow Active was built in 1932 and was an active flier until 1935 when it was placed in storage. In 1957 it was restored for Norman Jones and the Tiger Flying Club, and was decorated with red-and-white checkerboards on the wings, fuselage, and tail. The model is built at a scale of 2 inches to 1 foot, providing a 48-inch wingspan and a 38-inch length. It is powered by a four-stroke Magnum XL 52.
Although Frank had a great deal of documentation for his project, there wasn’t a good three-view available. As he has done in the past, he drew a three-view and submitted it to the proper people at AMA Headquarters for approval and acceptance so that the three-view could be used when the model was entered in competition.
This month’s photos show the model ready to be painted, and the color scheme that will be applied. Frank noted that entry in the 2012 Nationals is his goal.
Upcoming Contest
The sixth annual 1/2C Multi-Engine Profile Scale meet will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 13–14, 2012, at Christopher Columbus Park in Tucson, Arizona. Scale judging and practice will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and official flights will start at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
There will be two class categories: Limited and Unlimited.
- Limited: for models having pitch control only. No throttles or other functions controlled by timers, electronics, or other means will be allowed.
- Unlimited: for models equipped with throttle control, and any number of functional ground or flight features.
Four attempts will be allowed for two official flights. A flight becomes official when the model completes one lap with all engines running, and one point is scored for each lap completed with all engines running.
Accurate three-views from a reliable source are required for scale documentation. No more than eight pages are required, preferably in a loose-leaf book. Judging will be "close up and personal."
AMA safety rules will be observed, and safety thongs are required. For complete details and requirements, or questions about the meet, please contact Mike Keville. Robin Sizemore will be the CD. Contact information for both can be found in the "Sources" listing.
The 2.4 GHz System
The 2.4 GHz system is being considered by the various CL boards during the current rules-change cycle. If you haven't yet contacted the board that relates to your CL discipline, I urge you to let it know your position on the rules change.
As I have previously written, using 2.4 GHz power will provide another system available to Scale modelers for controlling many functions. It will also allow the return of two-line controls. Please provide your opinion on the subject to your individual district board members.
The Jensen Father-and-Son Team
James (Jim) Jensen from Norwood Park, Illinois, sent in some notes and photos of recent and past activities with his son, Jeff. Jim notes that Jeff has been flying models since he was roughly eight years old.
Jeff is now considerably older, makes great models, and is a design engineer for the Caterpillar company. Jeff’s design-engineering background is put to good use during his model building.
As for modeling, the Jensen Flying Team has been quite active in competition. Jim noted that they have been to the Nats the past five years, and in 2008 Jeff placed third in the Profile Scale event with his T-28. George Brodak placed first and Charlie Bauer placed second.
Jim noted that the team builds approximately two models a year, and a recent project was with an E-flite P-51 ARF which Jim converted to CL and glow power.
From Jim’s notes, there seems to have been some talk between Jim and E-flite engineers who said it couldn’t be done. Jim’s response was, “If I could take a Corvette engine and put it into a Triumph TR6 sports car, I believe I can do the model conversion,” and so it was done.
Jim modified the E-flite P-51 by making a new firewall assembly, installing an O.S. .40 engine, a two-line bellcrank, and a Clancy Arnold electronic system for throttle and other functions.
What Jeff did with the ARF is something all CL modelers should look into. Many RC models in the ARF class are candidates for the addition of a bellcrank and conversion to CL. I know from personal experience that the Top Flite military model kits make excellent-flying CL models. The models are well suited for the Sport Scale CL event.
Correction
In my June 2012 column, I misidentified one of the electronic systems providers listed in “Sources.” The correct name is Clancy Arnold, 7174 Eagle Cove South Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46254. I also identified Bill Young from Flagstaff, Arizona, as another electronic systems supplier. Bill has passed away.
In Closing
This is my last “CL Scale” column. I understand Jay Smith will announce my replacement in his editorial. I want to wish him the best, and hope that all CL Scale modelers will continue to provide timely input for the continuation of the “CL Scale” column.
SOURCES:
- Bill Boss
77-06 269th St. New Hyde Park, NY 11040
- Mike Keville
(520) 307-1523 [email protected]
- Robin Sizemore
(520) 749-4434 [email protected]
- James Jensen
5442 N. Washington St. Norwood Park, IL 60656
- Top Flite
(800) 637-7660 www.top-flite.com
- Frank Beatty
2608 Pontoon Rd. Granite City, IL 62040
- National Association of Scale Aeromodelers
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
