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We MoDeleRS realize that without a place to fly regularly, it is
difficult to sustain interest. Too many of us have experienced the loss
of a favorite site, and have likened it to the loss of a loved one.
Without the focus of a dedicated site, organized activity and growth
cannot continue. We also see activities expanding and competing for
the same available “space” we are, such as youth soccer.
At the 2000 Nationals, John Brodak, president of Brodak
Manufacturing and Distribution Co., Inc., voiced his opinion on how
we in modeling should change our approach to selling our needs. He
had the following to say:
“There is a misconception that has been perpetuated for years,
that what we do as Control Line, Radio Control, and/or Free Flight
builders and fliers is a hobby.
“We need to clarify and present to all that we are involved in a
sport—a sport that requires hours of dedication to hone talents in not
only flying, but building the machines we take into local, national,
and international competition.
“Throughout Europe, aeromodeling is considered to be a sport. In
fact, there are many countries around the world where talented young
fliers are trained for international competition.
“In the United States, however, it is looked upon as a hobby. There
needs to be a change, and it must be done soon if we are to survive.
“We are losing flying fields in record numbers—fields that are
necessary as practice and competition sites.
“Part of the reason these fields are being taken over by soccer and
other sports teams is that those in the position to determine how the
fields will be used have the belief that flying model planes is a hobby,
and is enjoyed by only a few, with little or no spectator presence.
“We must challenge these views. The sport is growing yearly as more
and more of those who were builders and fliers years ago again join the
ranks—many bringing with them their children and grandchildren.
“And where is it written that a spectator must be charged an
admission fee to enjoy watching a sport? It is hard to determine the
number of people watching a contest when you don’t have a ticket
count, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
“What changed many of the other recreational activities from a
hobby to a sport? In all cases, it was the attitude of the participants and
how they went about notifying the general public of their activities.
“It is time to end the “playing with toy airplanes” mind-set, and
recognize model aviation as a respected sport.
“I urge each and every one of you who have a love for this sport of
aeromodeling to go out and speak to your local recreational boards, media,
interested parent groups, etc., and explain what our sport is all about.
“Explain the pride of a child experiencing his first flight. The flight
of a plane he built of balsa, while learning the basics of woodworking
and the laws of aerodynamics.
“Our sport is in your hands and theirs.”
New Items: Just when you think you’ve got the latest technology,
someone comes up with the next hot item.
The control lines we fly with on are unquestionably very
important. They can contribute to improved performance, and
they can create problems.
Those of us who have been using solids know they must be kept
clean on a flight-to-flight basis, and they are prone to sticking in humid
conditions or in rain. Solids also have a fairly short life span; the
twisting of the lines creates a wear point.
These problems are greatly minimized with cable, but the ultimate
flight performance doesn’t match up with solids. Wouldn’t it be nice if
the ease of using cable and the flying characteristics of using solids
could be combined? It might be possible.
Former World Champion Bob Gieseke and Mike Scott have
been working with a coated steel. The combination of cable and
CONTROL LINE AEROBATICS
Frank McMillan, 12106 Gunter Grv., San Antonio TX 78231
Combat flier Howard Rush’s version of a Paul Walker Impact has
a PA on pipe. Model has many custom-crafted carbon parts.
Creative color scheme and layout by Buddy Marsalis (Shreveport
LA). Kestrel has PA .51 on pipe, is Steve Buso design.
Steve Moon’s Shaman design on PA .61 engine with pipe. Steve
is a good flier, and he is very competitive in Texas.
solids provide a much longer life, and
these cables can be flown in the rain.
Reports from various users are excellent.
I have several sets, and I will report on them
in the next column. Meanwhile, contact
Mike Scott at 4224 Whitworth St., Dallas
TX 75227-3958; Tel.: (214) 388-7025.
I frequently get requests for
information on where to get plans or kits
for Old-Time or Classic designs. Many of
the queries come from older modelers
who are returning to days of their youth.
There is good news! It’s not new
news, because the following sources
have been available for some time, but
it’s worth mentioning again for the sake
of new members.
The most prominent manufacturer
for Control Line (CL) is the Brodak
Company, 100 Park Ave., Carmichaels
PA 15320; Tel.: (724) 966-2726.
In addition to a comprehensive series
of models, John has his own line of
butyrate dope products. This is the finest
butyrate on the market, and new colors
are introduced on a regular basis.
The Brodak catalog has everything you
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can imagine for CL, including control
systems, handles, propellers, engines etc.
John recently announced the release of
five new kits. Two are from a bygone era,
and are Bob Palmer designs: the original
Smoothie and the Thunderbird I.
Two Profile designs by Gordon
Delaney—the 1⁄2A and full-size
Pathfinders—are well-tested, capable
designs for flying competition Stunt.
The fifth kit is a full competition design by
Allen Brickhaus, for piped .40 to .60 engines.
These kits contain the typical quality features
of Brodak kits: accurate plans, with attention to
detail; close tolerance production using highquality
materials; and a full instruction booklet,
with verified step-by-step directions.
You’re in for a treat if you haven’t
checked out RSM Distribution, 1570 E.
Edinger, Unit G, Santa Ana CA 92705-
4909; Tel.: (714) 547-5745. The company
has an extensive line of unusual and
competitive Classic and Old-Time kits.
The latest release is the famous Skylark
by Ed Southwick. This superlative design
builds as a Classic-legal 35-inch-span or 46-
inch-span version from the same kit.
RSM has many other famous designs
available, such as the Nats-winning Tempest,
Electra, Shark 45, and Tucker Special.
old Time/classic Plans: Tom Dixon has one
of the largest collections of old and unusual
plans. If you’re looking for a specific model, try
Tom at Box 671166, Marietta GA 30066. MA
