Author Bill Boss’ long run - 2012/08

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 fi ngers 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 fi nal stages of
completion.
Painting has yet to be done. Frank debated over whether to select the classic
original/restored confi guration 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 fl ier 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 1CC Multi-Engine
Profi le 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 offi cial fl ights will start at
9 a.m. on Sunday.
There will be two class categories:
Limited and Unlimited. The Limited
category is for models having pitch
control only. No throttles or other
functions controlled by timers, electronics,
or other means will be allowed. Unlimited
is for models equipped with throttle
control, and any number of functional
ground or fl ight features.
Four attempts will be allowed for two
offi cial fl ights. A fl ight becomes offi cial
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 looseleaf
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 designengineering
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 twoline
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 excellentflying
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.