D.B. Mathews
F l y i n g f o r F u n
909 N. Maize Rd., Townhouse 734, Wichita KS 67212
THE JANUARY and February 2005 “Flying for Fun” columns
have been not-so-subtly based on my continuing concern about
the rapid decline in interest in building among contemporary
modelers. Although there is absolutely no financial gain for me
in encouraging modelers to branch out and get creative by
building from plans or kits, I would like to share that joy.
Whatever reward one is seeking from involvement in model
airplanes is obtainable; this is the basic explanation for the
hobby’s growth.
Whether the participant wants to reproduce a Scale model of
a significant full-scale aircraft, fly maneuvers that cannot be
duplicated in full-scale airplanes, fly indoors or in small spaces
outdoors, build and fly delicate stick-and-tissue creations that
are trimmed to fly well with no external control inputs, compete
in closed-course racing, or even fly a model across the north
Atlantic, modeling can make those dreams a reality.
Modeling activities are also great unifiers; they can mold
diverse personalities into groups who speak a common language,
share the same problems and solutions, enjoy helping each other
through sharing acquired knowledge, and find happiness in the
successes of others and sadness in their failures.
Model Airplanes is a classless society. Hardly anyone knows
or cares about another modeler’s occupation, wealth, or
community status. All that seems to count is whether or not
everyone is having fun.
Expanding Horizons: In the eyes of longtime modeling
participants, many modelers are missing out on a rewarding part
of the hobby. I have recently begun “hanging out” in a new
neighborhood hobby shop, partly because I sense that I have
been losing touch with the younger set. This experience has not
only been educational, but it’s been rather alarming.
This hobby shop has the most complete selection of
hardware, engines, radio systems, materials, and ARFs I’ve ever
seen. However, there is not a single kit in stock. The reason is
simple: kits don’t sell!
In the middle of a conversation I had roughly a year ago with
one of the designers for a major US manufacturer, I learned that
the company was going to introduce a larger version of a design
I had reviewed for a magazine. I immediately asked to be
sampled so I could write a kit review of the new model, only to
be advised that there would be no kit—only an ARF.
When I expressed surprise, I was told that the company had
run the numbers and couldn’t amortize the cost of developing a
kit from projected sales.
In this new hobby shop, not only do the customers not buy
kits, but many of them hire one of the
store’s employees to assemble and install
the equipment in their new ARFs. In a
tolerant mood I say that’s fine, but my
heart tells me that those modelers are
missing a facet of the hobby that has been
an immeasurable source of pleasure to
many of us older guys: building.
Neither I nor anyone else is going to
alter this new trend in modeling. At best,
we can only encourage those who feel
shortchanged after a few ARFs and are
challenged to expand their skills and
knowledge by constructing a model from
a box of parts or even drawings.
Many of us wonder deep down if this
art form we have learned to love during a
lifetime of building is going the way of
the whooping crane. We cannot convert
the majority of ARF fliers into builders,
but maybe by example we can interest a
few of them enough that they will try
building.
If they do, then we are obligated by the
memory of those who came before us and
The completed framework of SR Batteries’ 1⁄4-scale Fokker Eindecker. Notice the use of
carbon-fiber tubes for the wing spars and LEs.
Pat Mc Greevy’s first kit-built model—SR Batteries’
Eindecker—is close to exact scale except for the use of
ailerons rather than wing warping.
March 2005 61
taught us to help these neophyte builders
anyway we can.
Most ARF fliers probably consider us
builders an odd lot and remain bewildered
by our interest, but a few (perhaps a
precious few) are going to recognize an
expanded side to modeling and try
building. After all, there are still a few
whooping cranes left. They are
increasingly exposed to the public
consciousness and may not be doomed to
extinction after all.
My neighbor Pat Mc Greevy developed an
interest in RC models roughly a year ago.
Starting with ARF trainers, he quickly
progressed to lovely ARF Scale models as
his flying skills improved. The group he
flies with is almost exclusively fliers—not
builders.
Pat rents a business building in which
he used to restore Cushman motor
scooters. It makes a magnificent modelairplane
workshop and has also evolved
into a gathering place for fellow modelers
who drop in during the day to socialize.
Included in this group are Mike Tallman
and myself, and both of us truly love to
build and fly.
Apparently some of our lifetime
enthusiasm for the creative side of
modeling led Pat to conclude that there
might be another fascinating side to our
hobby that is worth investigating. He
decided that he wanted to construct an RC
kit.
Pat had sort of built a few stick-andtissue
kits as a kid and had minimal
success, so choosing to build a large scale
kit was indeed a bold move. We
encouraged him to do it and offered to help
him through the tough spots.
He investigated the ads in MA and
checked out manufacturers’ Web sites to
find a kit to suit his need for
straightforward construction and a pleasing
appearance. Through serendipity or dumb
luck—or actually because of the prompt,
courteous manner in which he was treated
online by SR Batteries—Pat settled on a
nearly perfect product for his needs: SR
Batteries’ 1⁄4-scale Eindecker.
I had reviewed SR Batteries’ Cutie, SR
X250, and Bantam kits, and I knew the
quality to be top-notch. Many clever
fixtures were included to assure straight
construction, not to mention the top-rate
engineering and instruction books. I was
pleased to learn that Pat had chosen one of
this company’s products. Once Mike and I
saw the kit, we felt confident that Pat
would be able to construct this model with
minimal problems.
The kit drawings were beautifully
rendered on no less than four 72 x 24-inch
sheets. The instruction manual was
complete to the point of obsession, and a
staffed help line was available via the
Internet or telephone.
The kit wood was carefully selected
laser-cut balsa and light plywood. The LEs
of the fixture-built wing and horizontal
stabilizer were super-strong, 1⁄4-inchdiameter
composite rods.
Included was a huge, spun-aluminum
cowl that was precut for an inverted
Zenoah G-26 engine. A space was
provided for a 20-ounce fuel tank and a
20-ounce smoke tank. Access to these and
other internal components was via a huge 7
x 18-inch removable hatch.
The shock-absorbing, scalelike landing
gear was prebent, and the sections joined
for soldering with minimum adjustment.
The functional flying wires were made
from 80-pound test, black, vinyl-coated
steel wire with color-coordinated clamps.
The kit would be considered complete
by most standards, but there were also
packets available—for an extra charge—
that included Williams Bros. wheels and
machine gun, aluminized tape for the metal
finish on the cowl and fuselage, a superb
die-cut vinyl graphics package, a pilot
figure, hardware for a pull-pull control
system, and 30 (more than enough) feet of
Antique SR-Tex fabric covering material,
which closely resembles Super Coverite.
The “whirled” finish on the cowl and
aluminum tape was accomplished using a
rubber abrasive wheel in a low-speed
electric drill. This worked out far better
than we anticipated. The fabric was
applied with heat over a framework that
The Eindecker’s aluminum cowl and tape feature realistic-looking “hammer marks.”
A partial view of Pat Mc Greevy’s ARF air force. Some were bought assembled.
was precoated with Coverite Balsarite,
followed with five coats of sprayed-on
butyrate clear dope.
Pat’s artistic brother Herb, who also
paints figures for the previously
mentioned hobby shop, custom-painted
the Aces of Iron pilot figure in the
Eindecker. (Why not suggest to your
local hobby-shop owner to find someone
who paints ceramic figures, to make
prepainted pilots available in the store?)
Pat did a masterful job of figuring out
the necessary steps to construct his
model. He took full advantage of the
factory hot line when questions arose,
and he was pleased with the factory
team’s courteous and interested manner.
Mike demonstrated how to install the
hinges, paint the covering, and complete
numerous other details. I demonstrated
how to solder using a torch and how to
apply the covering. We did not complete
these jobs; we just showed Pat how to do
them and supervised a bit.
Pat is proud of his accomplishment
and says that he had no idea how much
fun he was missing out on when buying
ARFs. Additionally, several of Pat’s
nonbuilding buddies have had epiphanies
watching his project grow before their
eyes.
Assembling a kit may look intimidating,
but with a little help from friends, you too
can share in the joy of creating a model
airplane.
The whooping cranes are flapping their
wings! MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/03
Page Numbers: 60,61,63
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/03
Page Numbers: 60,61,63
D.B. Mathews
F l y i n g f o r F u n
909 N. Maize Rd., Townhouse 734, Wichita KS 67212
THE JANUARY and February 2005 “Flying for Fun” columns
have been not-so-subtly based on my continuing concern about
the rapid decline in interest in building among contemporary
modelers. Although there is absolutely no financial gain for me
in encouraging modelers to branch out and get creative by
building from plans or kits, I would like to share that joy.
Whatever reward one is seeking from involvement in model
airplanes is obtainable; this is the basic explanation for the
hobby’s growth.
Whether the participant wants to reproduce a Scale model of
a significant full-scale aircraft, fly maneuvers that cannot be
duplicated in full-scale airplanes, fly indoors or in small spaces
outdoors, build and fly delicate stick-and-tissue creations that
are trimmed to fly well with no external control inputs, compete
in closed-course racing, or even fly a model across the north
Atlantic, modeling can make those dreams a reality.
Modeling activities are also great unifiers; they can mold
diverse personalities into groups who speak a common language,
share the same problems and solutions, enjoy helping each other
through sharing acquired knowledge, and find happiness in the
successes of others and sadness in their failures.
Model Airplanes is a classless society. Hardly anyone knows
or cares about another modeler’s occupation, wealth, or
community status. All that seems to count is whether or not
everyone is having fun.
Expanding Horizons: In the eyes of longtime modeling
participants, many modelers are missing out on a rewarding part
of the hobby. I have recently begun “hanging out” in a new
neighborhood hobby shop, partly because I sense that I have
been losing touch with the younger set. This experience has not
only been educational, but it’s been rather alarming.
This hobby shop has the most complete selection of
hardware, engines, radio systems, materials, and ARFs I’ve ever
seen. However, there is not a single kit in stock. The reason is
simple: kits don’t sell!
In the middle of a conversation I had roughly a year ago with
one of the designers for a major US manufacturer, I learned that
the company was going to introduce a larger version of a design
I had reviewed for a magazine. I immediately asked to be
sampled so I could write a kit review of the new model, only to
be advised that there would be no kit—only an ARF.
When I expressed surprise, I was told that the company had
run the numbers and couldn’t amortize the cost of developing a
kit from projected sales.
In this new hobby shop, not only do the customers not buy
kits, but many of them hire one of the
store’s employees to assemble and install
the equipment in their new ARFs. In a
tolerant mood I say that’s fine, but my
heart tells me that those modelers are
missing a facet of the hobby that has been
an immeasurable source of pleasure to
many of us older guys: building.
Neither I nor anyone else is going to
alter this new trend in modeling. At best,
we can only encourage those who feel
shortchanged after a few ARFs and are
challenged to expand their skills and
knowledge by constructing a model from
a box of parts or even drawings.
Many of us wonder deep down if this
art form we have learned to love during a
lifetime of building is going the way of
the whooping crane. We cannot convert
the majority of ARF fliers into builders,
but maybe by example we can interest a
few of them enough that they will try
building.
If they do, then we are obligated by the
memory of those who came before us and
The completed framework of SR Batteries’ 1⁄4-scale Fokker Eindecker. Notice the use of
carbon-fiber tubes for the wing spars and LEs.
Pat Mc Greevy’s first kit-built model—SR Batteries’
Eindecker—is close to exact scale except for the use of
ailerons rather than wing warping.
March 2005 61
taught us to help these neophyte builders
anyway we can.
Most ARF fliers probably consider us
builders an odd lot and remain bewildered
by our interest, but a few (perhaps a
precious few) are going to recognize an
expanded side to modeling and try
building. After all, there are still a few
whooping cranes left. They are
increasingly exposed to the public
consciousness and may not be doomed to
extinction after all.
My neighbor Pat Mc Greevy developed an
interest in RC models roughly a year ago.
Starting with ARF trainers, he quickly
progressed to lovely ARF Scale models as
his flying skills improved. The group he
flies with is almost exclusively fliers—not
builders.
Pat rents a business building in which
he used to restore Cushman motor
scooters. It makes a magnificent modelairplane
workshop and has also evolved
into a gathering place for fellow modelers
who drop in during the day to socialize.
Included in this group are Mike Tallman
and myself, and both of us truly love to
build and fly.
Apparently some of our lifetime
enthusiasm for the creative side of
modeling led Pat to conclude that there
might be another fascinating side to our
hobby that is worth investigating. He
decided that he wanted to construct an RC
kit.
Pat had sort of built a few stick-andtissue
kits as a kid and had minimal
success, so choosing to build a large scale
kit was indeed a bold move. We
encouraged him to do it and offered to help
him through the tough spots.
He investigated the ads in MA and
checked out manufacturers’ Web sites to
find a kit to suit his need for
straightforward construction and a pleasing
appearance. Through serendipity or dumb
luck—or actually because of the prompt,
courteous manner in which he was treated
online by SR Batteries—Pat settled on a
nearly perfect product for his needs: SR
Batteries’ 1⁄4-scale Eindecker.
I had reviewed SR Batteries’ Cutie, SR
X250, and Bantam kits, and I knew the
quality to be top-notch. Many clever
fixtures were included to assure straight
construction, not to mention the top-rate
engineering and instruction books. I was
pleased to learn that Pat had chosen one of
this company’s products. Once Mike and I
saw the kit, we felt confident that Pat
would be able to construct this model with
minimal problems.
The kit drawings were beautifully
rendered on no less than four 72 x 24-inch
sheets. The instruction manual was
complete to the point of obsession, and a
staffed help line was available via the
Internet or telephone.
The kit wood was carefully selected
laser-cut balsa and light plywood. The LEs
of the fixture-built wing and horizontal
stabilizer were super-strong, 1⁄4-inchdiameter
composite rods.
Included was a huge, spun-aluminum
cowl that was precut for an inverted
Zenoah G-26 engine. A space was
provided for a 20-ounce fuel tank and a
20-ounce smoke tank. Access to these and
other internal components was via a huge 7
x 18-inch removable hatch.
The shock-absorbing, scalelike landing
gear was prebent, and the sections joined
for soldering with minimum adjustment.
The functional flying wires were made
from 80-pound test, black, vinyl-coated
steel wire with color-coordinated clamps.
The kit would be considered complete
by most standards, but there were also
packets available—for an extra charge—
that included Williams Bros. wheels and
machine gun, aluminized tape for the metal
finish on the cowl and fuselage, a superb
die-cut vinyl graphics package, a pilot
figure, hardware for a pull-pull control
system, and 30 (more than enough) feet of
Antique SR-Tex fabric covering material,
which closely resembles Super Coverite.
The “whirled” finish on the cowl and
aluminum tape was accomplished using a
rubber abrasive wheel in a low-speed
electric drill. This worked out far better
than we anticipated. The fabric was
applied with heat over a framework that
The Eindecker’s aluminum cowl and tape feature realistic-looking “hammer marks.”
A partial view of Pat Mc Greevy’s ARF air force. Some were bought assembled.
was precoated with Coverite Balsarite,
followed with five coats of sprayed-on
butyrate clear dope.
Pat’s artistic brother Herb, who also
paints figures for the previously
mentioned hobby shop, custom-painted
the Aces of Iron pilot figure in the
Eindecker. (Why not suggest to your
local hobby-shop owner to find someone
who paints ceramic figures, to make
prepainted pilots available in the store?)
Pat did a masterful job of figuring out
the necessary steps to construct his
model. He took full advantage of the
factory hot line when questions arose,
and he was pleased with the factory
team’s courteous and interested manner.
Mike demonstrated how to install the
hinges, paint the covering, and complete
numerous other details. I demonstrated
how to solder using a torch and how to
apply the covering. We did not complete
these jobs; we just showed Pat how to do
them and supervised a bit.
Pat is proud of his accomplishment
and says that he had no idea how much
fun he was missing out on when buying
ARFs. Additionally, several of Pat’s
nonbuilding buddies have had epiphanies
watching his project grow before their
eyes.
Assembling a kit may look intimidating,
but with a little help from friends, you too
can share in the joy of creating a model
airplane.
The whooping cranes are flapping their
wings! MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/03
Page Numbers: 60,61,63
D.B. Mathews
F l y i n g f o r F u n
909 N. Maize Rd., Townhouse 734, Wichita KS 67212
THE JANUARY and February 2005 “Flying for Fun” columns
have been not-so-subtly based on my continuing concern about
the rapid decline in interest in building among contemporary
modelers. Although there is absolutely no financial gain for me
in encouraging modelers to branch out and get creative by
building from plans or kits, I would like to share that joy.
Whatever reward one is seeking from involvement in model
airplanes is obtainable; this is the basic explanation for the
hobby’s growth.
Whether the participant wants to reproduce a Scale model of
a significant full-scale aircraft, fly maneuvers that cannot be
duplicated in full-scale airplanes, fly indoors or in small spaces
outdoors, build and fly delicate stick-and-tissue creations that
are trimmed to fly well with no external control inputs, compete
in closed-course racing, or even fly a model across the north
Atlantic, modeling can make those dreams a reality.
Modeling activities are also great unifiers; they can mold
diverse personalities into groups who speak a common language,
share the same problems and solutions, enjoy helping each other
through sharing acquired knowledge, and find happiness in the
successes of others and sadness in their failures.
Model Airplanes is a classless society. Hardly anyone knows
or cares about another modeler’s occupation, wealth, or
community status. All that seems to count is whether or not
everyone is having fun.
Expanding Horizons: In the eyes of longtime modeling
participants, many modelers are missing out on a rewarding part
of the hobby. I have recently begun “hanging out” in a new
neighborhood hobby shop, partly because I sense that I have
been losing touch with the younger set. This experience has not
only been educational, but it’s been rather alarming.
This hobby shop has the most complete selection of
hardware, engines, radio systems, materials, and ARFs I’ve ever
seen. However, there is not a single kit in stock. The reason is
simple: kits don’t sell!
In the middle of a conversation I had roughly a year ago with
one of the designers for a major US manufacturer, I learned that
the company was going to introduce a larger version of a design
I had reviewed for a magazine. I immediately asked to be
sampled so I could write a kit review of the new model, only to
be advised that there would be no kit—only an ARF.
When I expressed surprise, I was told that the company had
run the numbers and couldn’t amortize the cost of developing a
kit from projected sales.
In this new hobby shop, not only do the customers not buy
kits, but many of them hire one of the
store’s employees to assemble and install
the equipment in their new ARFs. In a
tolerant mood I say that’s fine, but my
heart tells me that those modelers are
missing a facet of the hobby that has been
an immeasurable source of pleasure to
many of us older guys: building.
Neither I nor anyone else is going to
alter this new trend in modeling. At best,
we can only encourage those who feel
shortchanged after a few ARFs and are
challenged to expand their skills and
knowledge by constructing a model from
a box of parts or even drawings.
Many of us wonder deep down if this
art form we have learned to love during a
lifetime of building is going the way of
the whooping crane. We cannot convert
the majority of ARF fliers into builders,
but maybe by example we can interest a
few of them enough that they will try
building.
If they do, then we are obligated by the
memory of those who came before us and
The completed framework of SR Batteries’ 1⁄4-scale Fokker Eindecker. Notice the use of
carbon-fiber tubes for the wing spars and LEs.
Pat Mc Greevy’s first kit-built model—SR Batteries’
Eindecker—is close to exact scale except for the use of
ailerons rather than wing warping.
March 2005 61
taught us to help these neophyte builders
anyway we can.
Most ARF fliers probably consider us
builders an odd lot and remain bewildered
by our interest, but a few (perhaps a
precious few) are going to recognize an
expanded side to modeling and try
building. After all, there are still a few
whooping cranes left. They are
increasingly exposed to the public
consciousness and may not be doomed to
extinction after all.
My neighbor Pat Mc Greevy developed an
interest in RC models roughly a year ago.
Starting with ARF trainers, he quickly
progressed to lovely ARF Scale models as
his flying skills improved. The group he
flies with is almost exclusively fliers—not
builders.
Pat rents a business building in which
he used to restore Cushman motor
scooters. It makes a magnificent modelairplane
workshop and has also evolved
into a gathering place for fellow modelers
who drop in during the day to socialize.
Included in this group are Mike Tallman
and myself, and both of us truly love to
build and fly.
Apparently some of our lifetime
enthusiasm for the creative side of
modeling led Pat to conclude that there
might be another fascinating side to our
hobby that is worth investigating. He
decided that he wanted to construct an RC
kit.
Pat had sort of built a few stick-andtissue
kits as a kid and had minimal
success, so choosing to build a large scale
kit was indeed a bold move. We
encouraged him to do it and offered to help
him through the tough spots.
He investigated the ads in MA and
checked out manufacturers’ Web sites to
find a kit to suit his need for
straightforward construction and a pleasing
appearance. Through serendipity or dumb
luck—or actually because of the prompt,
courteous manner in which he was treated
online by SR Batteries—Pat settled on a
nearly perfect product for his needs: SR
Batteries’ 1⁄4-scale Eindecker.
I had reviewed SR Batteries’ Cutie, SR
X250, and Bantam kits, and I knew the
quality to be top-notch. Many clever
fixtures were included to assure straight
construction, not to mention the top-rate
engineering and instruction books. I was
pleased to learn that Pat had chosen one of
this company’s products. Once Mike and I
saw the kit, we felt confident that Pat
would be able to construct this model with
minimal problems.
The kit drawings were beautifully
rendered on no less than four 72 x 24-inch
sheets. The instruction manual was
complete to the point of obsession, and a
staffed help line was available via the
Internet or telephone.
The kit wood was carefully selected
laser-cut balsa and light plywood. The LEs
of the fixture-built wing and horizontal
stabilizer were super-strong, 1⁄4-inchdiameter
composite rods.
Included was a huge, spun-aluminum
cowl that was precut for an inverted
Zenoah G-26 engine. A space was
provided for a 20-ounce fuel tank and a
20-ounce smoke tank. Access to these and
other internal components was via a huge 7
x 18-inch removable hatch.
The shock-absorbing, scalelike landing
gear was prebent, and the sections joined
for soldering with minimum adjustment.
The functional flying wires were made
from 80-pound test, black, vinyl-coated
steel wire with color-coordinated clamps.
The kit would be considered complete
by most standards, but there were also
packets available—for an extra charge—
that included Williams Bros. wheels and
machine gun, aluminized tape for the metal
finish on the cowl and fuselage, a superb
die-cut vinyl graphics package, a pilot
figure, hardware for a pull-pull control
system, and 30 (more than enough) feet of
Antique SR-Tex fabric covering material,
which closely resembles Super Coverite.
The “whirled” finish on the cowl and
aluminum tape was accomplished using a
rubber abrasive wheel in a low-speed
electric drill. This worked out far better
than we anticipated. The fabric was
applied with heat over a framework that
The Eindecker’s aluminum cowl and tape feature realistic-looking “hammer marks.”
A partial view of Pat Mc Greevy’s ARF air force. Some were bought assembled.
was precoated with Coverite Balsarite,
followed with five coats of sprayed-on
butyrate clear dope.
Pat’s artistic brother Herb, who also
paints figures for the previously
mentioned hobby shop, custom-painted
the Aces of Iron pilot figure in the
Eindecker. (Why not suggest to your
local hobby-shop owner to find someone
who paints ceramic figures, to make
prepainted pilots available in the store?)
Pat did a masterful job of figuring out
the necessary steps to construct his
model. He took full advantage of the
factory hot line when questions arose,
and he was pleased with the factory
team’s courteous and interested manner.
Mike demonstrated how to install the
hinges, paint the covering, and complete
numerous other details. I demonstrated
how to solder using a torch and how to
apply the covering. We did not complete
these jobs; we just showed Pat how to do
them and supervised a bit.
Pat is proud of his accomplishment
and says that he had no idea how much
fun he was missing out on when buying
ARFs. Additionally, several of Pat’s
nonbuilding buddies have had epiphanies
watching his project grow before their
eyes.
Assembling a kit may look intimidating,
but with a little help from friends, you too
can share in the joy of creating a model
airplane.
The whooping cranes are flapping their
wings! MA