FREE FLIGHT DURATION
Louis Joyner, 4221 Old Leeds Rd., Birmingham AL 35213
Ever show up at a contest only to find that you left all of your stabs back in the shop? Do you poke more holes in the tissue getting the model to and from the field than you do flying? Is your workshop cluttered with model parts collecting dust? Do you limit your contest flying to events within driving distance?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you need a model box.
A model box protects fragile parts from damage, at home and on the road. It keeps dust and dirt out of timers and other delicate mechanisms. It organizes your models, so parts don't get left behind. And most importantly, it allows you to expand your modeling horizons to almost any spot on the globe.
But selecting a model box isn't easy. It needs to be big enough to hold the models, but not too awkward to carry. It must be sturdy enough to protect its contents, yet light enough to tote across the field or down a long airport concourse.
My own first model box, built some quarter-century ago, measured 48 inches long and approximately 8 x 18 inches in cross-section. My next box was shorter (down to 36 inches), but was still ample in girth. The third box was 10 x 10 x 36 inches and holds five Wakefield models.
My latest box, purchased this year, is only seven inches square and 36 inches long. Part of the difference in size is because of a somewhat reduced capacity—from seven models down to four. The later models are also more compact, with two-piece wings and two-piece fuselages.
But the biggest difference is in more-compact packing. Air takes up space. Fitting all the various components together more efficiently allows a smaller box.
Perhaps that's the best way to begin your search for the perfect box: figuring out what goes in it.
How many models?
If you fly only one event, that's easy; just decide how many models you want to carry and find a box to fit.
If you fly several events, the problem is a bit harder. You could make a box big enough to hold, say, a couple of P-30s, a Moffett, a Mulvihill, and a pair of Coupes. It would be a big box—heavy and cumbersome.
A better approach might be to break the models down into smaller groups, perhaps by size, and fit them into several boxes rather than one large box. Another consideration is weight—you don't want to carry more than you can handle.
Commercial and ready-made options
There are many commercial stores that deal in professional equipment. Cases for photographic lights are available in a variety of sizes. If the dealer doesn't have what you want in stock, often he or she can order the size you need.
For ready-made boxes intended only for storage or car transport, check out under-bed storage boxes, available at department or discount stores. These are available in cardboard or translucent plastic. These boxes are also great for all sorts of workshop storage.
There are also several sources for purpose-made model boxes.
Purpose-made model boxes
George Batiuk has been making aluminum model boxes for at least 20 years. He currently sells three sizes:
- Small box (designed for F1B Wakefield models): 7 x 7 inches with a 5-2 split; available in 36-inch or 40-inch length. Price: $125.
- F1A Nordic box: 10 x 10 inches with a 6-4 split; 52 inches in length. Price: $175.
- F1C Power box: 7 inches wide and 12.5 inches tall, with a 7.25-2.5 split. Price: $250.
Each box will accommodate as many as four models. Construction is aluminum with a full-length piano hinge, two keyed locks, recessed leather handle, foam-board lining, and white powder-coat finish. George cautions that these are not off-the-shelf items, so delivery can be slow. For more information, contact George Batiuk, 1759 Southwood Dr., San Luis Obispo CA 93401; e-mail: [email protected].
Al Brush stocks several model boxes made in Russia. These are molded fiberglass with integral handles, turn latches, and built-in dividers. Two sizes are available:
- F1G model case: $110.
- Larger F1B case: $163.
A third case, made of molded carbon and fiberglass, can accommodate as many as six models; price: $170.
For more information, contact Allen Brush, Winstar, 25500 Aquila Ct., Sun City CA 92586; Tel./Fax: (909) 301-9975; E-mail: [email protected].
Note that the two smaller cases from Winstar, as well as the Batiuk F1B case, are designed to fit in the overhead storage area of most airliners. But that doesn't always mean that the airline will allow you to carry on the box.
Next month, we'll look at ways to make your own box, as well as methods of padding, and protecting the contents and the box itself. MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
