CL Aerobatics
THIS IS the second year that the Dallas Model Airplane Club hosted a February Stunt forum. Tom Niebuhr organized the event, as he has for many years with the famous Garden State Circle Burners.
The forum covered a wide variety of topics. After Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association (PAMPA) reps Don Hutchinson and I gave a quick rundown of the local and national Stunt scenes, Nationals/Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) head judge Gary McClellan gave an excellent presentation on FAI rules and judging.
Then it was on to the more technical presentations.
Epoxy/Carbon-Fiber Propellers — Bill Lee
Perhaps the most technical and practical demonstration was by Bill Lee. He has been making epoxy/carbon-fiber propellers for Racing and Stunt for many years, so he has a wealth of background with materials and execution. Bill discussed mold-making techniques and showed how he develops individual examples.
The really interesting part of the presentation was when Bill showed his techniques for cutting the carbon tow to proper lengths, so that once he mixes the epoxy (carefully, by weight) the layup process goes quickly. Bill discussed the layering process and how he tapered the length of the tow.
After watching the process, it is easy to understand why the props are so stiff and light. One point Bill stressed was the desired epoxy-to-fiber ratio of 1-to-1.
Bill has a new extended three-blade prop for the marvelous PA .65. All the propellers are homemade and are done one at a time.
Kit Development — Doug and Steve Moon
There were several interesting discussions about kit development by the Moon brothers—Doug and Steve. They have been producing a kit of the Bob Gieseke Bear for roughly a year. This kit features laser-cut ribs and major parts.
Doug and Steve have taken over production of the popular Buccaneer series designed by Allen Brickhaus. The kits should be more popular with the laser-cut parts.
Contact Doug at 111-7 Staffordshire, Dallas TX 75238; Tel.: (214) 340-3838.
Decal-Making and Computer Graphics — Mike Scott
If you’ve been watching the modeling press for new items, you might have noticed the decal-making kits. They employ a personal computer and use basically whatever design can be input into the computer. The kit includes instructions and the paper.
Mike Scott showed his latest Bear, which has many computer-generated graphics that include a neat bear head. The capability offers unique possibilities. However, as with any new technology, you must be careful with certain aspects. For example, to overcoat with clear of any material, you have to slowly build up coats, with dry coats at the beginning.
Painting Stencils and Laser Cutting — Kyle Tankersley
Another capability was presented by Kyle Tankersley with painting stencils. He had a stencil sheet of a flexible plastic made for the P-51. When I saw what he already had in the sheet, I could see much potential.
For scale applications, you really need to use a stencil and spray paint. There were several features I liked on many military airplanes. There are areas that have large blocks of lettering, which are physically small in scale—say, 1/2-inch high with 30 or 40 words. Really the only way to do that is with a computer-controlled laser. Kyle had already done it; there was gashank lettering arranged in a circle, as was appropriate.
There was also a four-step setup for the propeller logo.
Kyle has the capability to do laser-cut parts and kitting.
Dee Rice and Bud Tanny
Dee Rice, of Oriental fame, brought his latest Ugly Stik derivative set up to test four-stroke engines. He has only a few flights with the OS .70 Surpass, but he sees a great deal of promise—as does the brown contingent.
Dee's big contribution was to bring his friend Bud Tanny, whom Dee admits helped get his modeling career on solid footing. Bud is a modeling legend, and it was nice to see him. He was hoping to make it to the Vintage Stunt Championships at Tucson, AZ in March.
Web Items — Tom Morris and Tom's Building Service
For many years, Tom Morris has provided the Stunt community with great service by publishing news/ads in the magazine of PAMPA (contact Sharron Hanchett, 158 Flying Cloud Isle, Foster City CA 94404).
Tom has slowly been building a product line to keep him occupied in his retirement years (and to justify the timeshort workshop).
The foundation of the line started with Tom's Lincoln Log wing—a method of fixture-building a straight wing—which developed into the Millennium wing—a further refinement that many fliers have taken to, including Al Rabe with his Millennium Mustang.
Tom has all the fittings necessary to develop the fixture. Parallel to that development, he was offering his Sure Grip handle.
Based on his experience with the preceding products, Tom has upped the quality and pushed Tom's Building Service. The company's avowed purpose is "helping you get your plane in the air more quickly."
In addition to the core items mentioned, Tom has greatly expanded his products to include, as he puts it, "everything you need from the handle to the tail wheel."
To detail your latest model, following is what you would need (examples of available items):
- Phenolic bellcranks
- Serrated/brazed horns
- Jamless pushrods
- Control lines (bulk or wrapped)
- Horn clips
- Ribs, wing ribs
- Shear-plate hardware
- Tip weight boxes
- Leadout sliders
- Etc.
One service Tom provides is production of models of airplanes to any degree of construction. For several years, the basis of the service has been the proven Cavalier design. Using the New Millennium wing construction and the Ladder Crutch molded-skin fuselage techniques, he will produce designs to order through to ready-to-fly.
Contact Tom at Tom's Building Service, 327 Pueblo Pass, Anniston AL 36206; Fax: (256) 820-6977; E-mail: [email protected]
Tip of the Month
Have you noticed that your Stunter flies differently when you travel to a distant contest?
It's a bit much to expect the trim to be exactly the same—especially if you have to travel a long distance. Let's focus on the tip weight: the National site at Muncie, IN typically requires added tip weight.
How does insufficient tip weight manifest itself?
- On takeoff, the model is not locked in and comes off the ground prematurely.
- The wing is not level, with the outboard slightly high, outside and inside.
- This makes each entry to maneuvers lighter and causes transition problems.
The solution is to add weight—usually a small amount, say 1/2 ounce, will be sufficient. The problem will reverse as you return to your home field.
I have a suggestion for analyzing your model's trim. Look at the wingtip for wear marks. If you see that the leadouts are rubbing, consider relieving that area.
I had one airplane where it seemed that the lines were always sticking on. That's possible in the summer in Houston; in this case, it was the headwinds at the wrong time. It pays to check everything!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
