98 MODEL AVIATION
NOTES: The
Secretary of the L-4
Grasshopper Wing in
Gould, Arizona,
advises that contrary
to the long-standing
legend, no L-4s were
constructed in
Piper’s Ponca City, Oklahoma, plant—only J-3s and PA-12s were
before the facility was closed. A total of 5,673 L-4s were built, and
many of them are still flying. All were built in Lock Haven,
Pennsylvania.
Richard Geide of Wichita recently sent an article from the April
1928 Aviation, illustrating with text, photo, and three-views the
Williams Monoplane: a low-wing, single-place, three-cylinder, 30-
horsepower Anzani-powered prototype. It was produced by the Niles
Aircraft Corporation of Niles, Michigan.
The remarkable thing about this aircraft is its close resemblance to
the Ford Flivver I wrote about in the July issue. Its dimensions,
landing-gear spread and setup, and the covered tail wheel strongly
resemble the Flivver’s. However, the Monoplane’s wing is fully
cantilevered with no exterior bracing.
The copy of a picture I have is inadequate for scanning for this
column. Try the Internet for a photo. Since the Williams was
introduced in 1928 and the Flivvers were started in production in 1926,
one can reasonably presume a strong Flivver influence in the Williams.
I lack enough information to answer questions such as, Did Otto
Koppen, the Flivver designer, have any connection to the Williams?
Were there industrial spies involved? Should any reader have answers
to this matter, I’d be delighted to pass them on.
Most of us are familiar with the plastic models sold by the hundreds of
thousands, primarily to 9- to 14-year-old boys and girls. These are
easy-to-assemble, injection-molded styrene scale models of all sorts of
prototypes, including cars and ships. You essentially snap the parts
together with some glue, and then paint to suit.
These models essentially replaced the wooden “solid” models of
our youth, but they are infinitely easier to develop into an acceptable-
Flying for Fun D.B. Mathews | [email protected]
International Plastic Modeler’s Society introduced and explained
Also included in this column:
• Notes on aircraft featured in
recent columns
Arlo Schroeder and his wife present President George H.W. Bush
with a replica of the Grumman TBF in which he was shot down in
World War II.
The Brewster Buffalo was arguably the worst Navy fighter of World War II. The intricate detail is typical of Arlo’s scratch-built models.
looking model. They do not require carving or sanding.
These plastic model kits have appealed to builders for more than a
half century and have been sold to many generations of kids.
Their simple assembly almost assures at least some degree of
success, which is an immense attraction for youngsters. The
painting and decoration sometimes leave much to be desired, but
11sig4.QXD 9/26/06 8:46 AM Page 98reproduce models that are exact copies of prototypes. Some work in
rather large scales such as 1/16, and others specialize in 1/32 scale. The
common scale for over-the-counter plastic models is 1/72.
IPMS members exchange much correspondence, seeking input
about some minute detail or trying to provide documentation for it.
Although their models are not intended to fly, the detail, including
scale engines, internal details, cockpits, and landing gear, beats that of
most flying Scale models. They are works of art.
These craftsmen deserve as much admiration from us modelers as
we give flying Scale-model builders. We just seldom cross paths in our
hobby activities. If we would, I think we would quickly learn to be
more tolerant and appreciative of plastic models and those who create
them.
Recently a friend called to tell me to get out to Arlo Schroeder’s
house before the Navy came to haul his display models away to the
National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. I
snobbishly presumed they were the usual collection of plastic models
snapped together from kits. As the photos illustrate, I was way off.
Much in the manner of those who spend countless hours
researching as much detail on a subject as possible for their flying
models, Arlo says he spent years getting everything just right for some
of his display models. That obsession with
detail is evident in the photos accompanying
this column.
Arlo’s reference materials range from the
always respected drawings of William
Wylam, Joe Neito, Paul Matt, etc., as
published in the various magazines, to threeviews
found in old Aero Digest magazines.
There are numerous other drawings from
even more obscure sources. I have mentioned
several of these in previous columns.
Strangely, some prototypes are much more
photographed than drawn in three-views.
Arlo prefers to add as much internal detail
to his models as possible using erection and
maintenance reference manuals from various
sources. These are essentially well-illustrated
assembly and repair instructions that field
crews use.
I was once privileged enough to spend two
whole days in the research files at the US Air
Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, by sort of
bluffing my way in. To my surprise, I found
far more erection and rigging material than
photos and three-views. I couldn’t see much
use for them at the time, but I was obviously
wrong about their application potential.
A major appeal of developing these
November 2006 99
Under-the-skin detail on a Chance Vought SBU-1. The access
hatch is removed for showing detail.
Arlo Schroeder shows his magnificent Martin PBM plastic display model. It’s not your
ordinary plastic model.
A small part of Arlo’s handiwork. He has constructed magnificent
models and many rare prototypes.
at least these kids have been able to complete a project.
Scale prototypes as kitted in these injection-molded units are the
more ordinary and popular types, limited by recognition and
popularity. Their size is also limited, by the injection-molding process.
Consequently nearly all available kits are relatively small in size.
The preceding comments are not intended in any way to criticize
the commercial plastic models, but to provide an explanation and
justification for the type of models I am featuring this month. What I’m
presenting are not those sorts of models. They’re of another subspecies
entirely: a moderately popular display-model activity.
The International Plastic Modeler’s Society (IPMS) is quite active
and holds a local and a national championship each year. Its vacuumformed
display models appeal to the person who wants to create a
model of an unusual prototype that is unavailable in the injectionmolded
form.
This desire to create the unusual fits in with the theme of several
“Flying for Fun” columns in the last few months. Much like some
modelers whose interest leads them to a seldom-modeled Scale
subject, the IPMS specialists find immense pleasure in researching and
constructing lovely models of rare and/or obscure prototypes.
These craftsmen document their subjects to the maximum degree to
11sig4.QXD 9/26/06 9:01 AM Page 99models from scratch is reproducing prototypes
that are unavailable in kit form. You might
notice in this month’s photos that the major
portion of Arlo’s work is devoted to way-outof-
the-rut aircraft. That attitude ties into what
I have been preaching in this column of late.
These models begin with intricately
assembled interior framework and then are
covered with vacuum-formed exterior shells,
which duplicate the metal and fabric covering.
These shells are vacuum-formed over finely
carved hardwood forms.
The parts are then joined so that the
internal structure ends up being covered with
a thin exterior shell, exactly like full-scale
metal aircraft are built. Imagine what is
underneath the skin of the other models.
Much of Arlo’s models’ internal detail
makes use of plastic structural shapes that are
available in model-railroad shops. He often
turns the necessary wheels from hardwood
using a lathe. The scale motors are partially
vacuum-formed, and then fins and other
details are added from all sorts of strange
sources. The propellers are hogged out of
aluminum by hand using files, etc.
According to Arlo, many correct naval
aircraft colors are available on color charts for
automotive lacquers. He matches the colors
and then either buys stock lacquer or has an
automotive paint dealer custom-mix them. He
applies the paint with a hobby-type airbrush.
As a youngster Arlo built and flew FF and
CL models. He still has a ubiquitous Veco
Dakota in his basement. Arlo went to work for
Boeing here in Wichita in 1951 and was a
flightline mechanic in the experimental and
modification divisions.
He retired in 1985, after 34 years with the
company. Since then he has been busy
creating magnificent static display models of
naval aircraft.
Arlo took a Grumman TBF torpedo
bomber model to an IPMS convention in
Washington DC, where it won its class. Bob
McLeish, who was with the Smithsonian
National Air and Space Museum, saw it and
asked Arlo if he would construct a smaller,
1/32 version in the markings of the TBF in
which George H.W. Bush and his crew were
shot down in the South Pacific during World
War II.
Arlo researched all the markings and
details of that particular TBF and constructed
one of his magnificent display models. He and
his wife were then invited to the White House
in 1990 to present the model to President
Bush, who, judging from the photo, was
delighted with it.
That is a thrill most modelers only dream
of. Many of Arlo’s models are now on display
in Pensacola, having been picked up by two
National Museum of Naval Aviation
representatives. After seeing these wonderful
models, it is no surprise that they are
extremely desirable to the museum and to the
former president.
If someone tells you his or her neighbor
builds “plastic models,” it would be wise to
ask a few additional questions. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 98,99,100
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 98,99,100
98 MODEL AVIATION
NOTES: The
Secretary of the L-4
Grasshopper Wing in
Gould, Arizona,
advises that contrary
to the long-standing
legend, no L-4s were
constructed in
Piper’s Ponca City, Oklahoma, plant—only J-3s and PA-12s were
before the facility was closed. A total of 5,673 L-4s were built, and
many of them are still flying. All were built in Lock Haven,
Pennsylvania.
Richard Geide of Wichita recently sent an article from the April
1928 Aviation, illustrating with text, photo, and three-views the
Williams Monoplane: a low-wing, single-place, three-cylinder, 30-
horsepower Anzani-powered prototype. It was produced by the Niles
Aircraft Corporation of Niles, Michigan.
The remarkable thing about this aircraft is its close resemblance to
the Ford Flivver I wrote about in the July issue. Its dimensions,
landing-gear spread and setup, and the covered tail wheel strongly
resemble the Flivver’s. However, the Monoplane’s wing is fully
cantilevered with no exterior bracing.
The copy of a picture I have is inadequate for scanning for this
column. Try the Internet for a photo. Since the Williams was
introduced in 1928 and the Flivvers were started in production in 1926,
one can reasonably presume a strong Flivver influence in the Williams.
I lack enough information to answer questions such as, Did Otto
Koppen, the Flivver designer, have any connection to the Williams?
Were there industrial spies involved? Should any reader have answers
to this matter, I’d be delighted to pass them on.
Most of us are familiar with the plastic models sold by the hundreds of
thousands, primarily to 9- to 14-year-old boys and girls. These are
easy-to-assemble, injection-molded styrene scale models of all sorts of
prototypes, including cars and ships. You essentially snap the parts
together with some glue, and then paint to suit.
These models essentially replaced the wooden “solid” models of
our youth, but they are infinitely easier to develop into an acceptable-
Flying for Fun D.B. Mathews | [email protected]
International Plastic Modeler’s Society introduced and explained
Also included in this column:
• Notes on aircraft featured in
recent columns
Arlo Schroeder and his wife present President George H.W. Bush
with a replica of the Grumman TBF in which he was shot down in
World War II.
The Brewster Buffalo was arguably the worst Navy fighter of World War II. The intricate detail is typical of Arlo’s scratch-built models.
looking model. They do not require carving or sanding.
These plastic model kits have appealed to builders for more than a
half century and have been sold to many generations of kids.
Their simple assembly almost assures at least some degree of
success, which is an immense attraction for youngsters. The
painting and decoration sometimes leave much to be desired, but
11sig4.QXD 9/26/06 8:46 AM Page 98reproduce models that are exact copies of prototypes. Some work in
rather large scales such as 1/16, and others specialize in 1/32 scale. The
common scale for over-the-counter plastic models is 1/72.
IPMS members exchange much correspondence, seeking input
about some minute detail or trying to provide documentation for it.
Although their models are not intended to fly, the detail, including
scale engines, internal details, cockpits, and landing gear, beats that of
most flying Scale models. They are works of art.
These craftsmen deserve as much admiration from us modelers as
we give flying Scale-model builders. We just seldom cross paths in our
hobby activities. If we would, I think we would quickly learn to be
more tolerant and appreciative of plastic models and those who create
them.
Recently a friend called to tell me to get out to Arlo Schroeder’s
house before the Navy came to haul his display models away to the
National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. I
snobbishly presumed they were the usual collection of plastic models
snapped together from kits. As the photos illustrate, I was way off.
Much in the manner of those who spend countless hours
researching as much detail on a subject as possible for their flying
models, Arlo says he spent years getting everything just right for some
of his display models. That obsession with
detail is evident in the photos accompanying
this column.
Arlo’s reference materials range from the
always respected drawings of William
Wylam, Joe Neito, Paul Matt, etc., as
published in the various magazines, to threeviews
found in old Aero Digest magazines.
There are numerous other drawings from
even more obscure sources. I have mentioned
several of these in previous columns.
Strangely, some prototypes are much more
photographed than drawn in three-views.
Arlo prefers to add as much internal detail
to his models as possible using erection and
maintenance reference manuals from various
sources. These are essentially well-illustrated
assembly and repair instructions that field
crews use.
I was once privileged enough to spend two
whole days in the research files at the US Air
Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, by sort of
bluffing my way in. To my surprise, I found
far more erection and rigging material than
photos and three-views. I couldn’t see much
use for them at the time, but I was obviously
wrong about their application potential.
A major appeal of developing these
November 2006 99
Under-the-skin detail on a Chance Vought SBU-1. The access
hatch is removed for showing detail.
Arlo Schroeder shows his magnificent Martin PBM plastic display model. It’s not your
ordinary plastic model.
A small part of Arlo’s handiwork. He has constructed magnificent
models and many rare prototypes.
at least these kids have been able to complete a project.
Scale prototypes as kitted in these injection-molded units are the
more ordinary and popular types, limited by recognition and
popularity. Their size is also limited, by the injection-molding process.
Consequently nearly all available kits are relatively small in size.
The preceding comments are not intended in any way to criticize
the commercial plastic models, but to provide an explanation and
justification for the type of models I am featuring this month. What I’m
presenting are not those sorts of models. They’re of another subspecies
entirely: a moderately popular display-model activity.
The International Plastic Modeler’s Society (IPMS) is quite active
and holds a local and a national championship each year. Its vacuumformed
display models appeal to the person who wants to create a
model of an unusual prototype that is unavailable in the injectionmolded
form.
This desire to create the unusual fits in with the theme of several
“Flying for Fun” columns in the last few months. Much like some
modelers whose interest leads them to a seldom-modeled Scale
subject, the IPMS specialists find immense pleasure in researching and
constructing lovely models of rare and/or obscure prototypes.
These craftsmen document their subjects to the maximum degree to
11sig4.QXD 9/26/06 9:01 AM Page 99models from scratch is reproducing prototypes
that are unavailable in kit form. You might
notice in this month’s photos that the major
portion of Arlo’s work is devoted to way-outof-
the-rut aircraft. That attitude ties into what
I have been preaching in this column of late.
These models begin with intricately
assembled interior framework and then are
covered with vacuum-formed exterior shells,
which duplicate the metal and fabric covering.
These shells are vacuum-formed over finely
carved hardwood forms.
The parts are then joined so that the
internal structure ends up being covered with
a thin exterior shell, exactly like full-scale
metal aircraft are built. Imagine what is
underneath the skin of the other models.
Much of Arlo’s models’ internal detail
makes use of plastic structural shapes that are
available in model-railroad shops. He often
turns the necessary wheels from hardwood
using a lathe. The scale motors are partially
vacuum-formed, and then fins and other
details are added from all sorts of strange
sources. The propellers are hogged out of
aluminum by hand using files, etc.
According to Arlo, many correct naval
aircraft colors are available on color charts for
automotive lacquers. He matches the colors
and then either buys stock lacquer or has an
automotive paint dealer custom-mix them. He
applies the paint with a hobby-type airbrush.
As a youngster Arlo built and flew FF and
CL models. He still has a ubiquitous Veco
Dakota in his basement. Arlo went to work for
Boeing here in Wichita in 1951 and was a
flightline mechanic in the experimental and
modification divisions.
He retired in 1985, after 34 years with the
company. Since then he has been busy
creating magnificent static display models of
naval aircraft.
Arlo took a Grumman TBF torpedo
bomber model to an IPMS convention in
Washington DC, where it won its class. Bob
McLeish, who was with the Smithsonian
National Air and Space Museum, saw it and
asked Arlo if he would construct a smaller,
1/32 version in the markings of the TBF in
which George H.W. Bush and his crew were
shot down in the South Pacific during World
War II.
Arlo researched all the markings and
details of that particular TBF and constructed
one of his magnificent display models. He and
his wife were then invited to the White House
in 1990 to present the model to President
Bush, who, judging from the photo, was
delighted with it.
That is a thrill most modelers only dream
of. Many of Arlo’s models are now on display
in Pensacola, having been picked up by two
National Museum of Naval Aviation
representatives. After seeing these wonderful
models, it is no surprise that they are
extremely desirable to the museum and to the
former president.
If someone tells you his or her neighbor
builds “plastic models,” it would be wise to
ask a few additional questions. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2006/11
Page Numbers: 98,99,100
98 MODEL AVIATION
NOTES: The
Secretary of the L-4
Grasshopper Wing in
Gould, Arizona,
advises that contrary
to the long-standing
legend, no L-4s were
constructed in
Piper’s Ponca City, Oklahoma, plant—only J-3s and PA-12s were
before the facility was closed. A total of 5,673 L-4s were built, and
many of them are still flying. All were built in Lock Haven,
Pennsylvania.
Richard Geide of Wichita recently sent an article from the April
1928 Aviation, illustrating with text, photo, and three-views the
Williams Monoplane: a low-wing, single-place, three-cylinder, 30-
horsepower Anzani-powered prototype. It was produced by the Niles
Aircraft Corporation of Niles, Michigan.
The remarkable thing about this aircraft is its close resemblance to
the Ford Flivver I wrote about in the July issue. Its dimensions,
landing-gear spread and setup, and the covered tail wheel strongly
resemble the Flivver’s. However, the Monoplane’s wing is fully
cantilevered with no exterior bracing.
The copy of a picture I have is inadequate for scanning for this
column. Try the Internet for a photo. Since the Williams was
introduced in 1928 and the Flivvers were started in production in 1926,
one can reasonably presume a strong Flivver influence in the Williams.
I lack enough information to answer questions such as, Did Otto
Koppen, the Flivver designer, have any connection to the Williams?
Were there industrial spies involved? Should any reader have answers
to this matter, I’d be delighted to pass them on.
Most of us are familiar with the plastic models sold by the hundreds of
thousands, primarily to 9- to 14-year-old boys and girls. These are
easy-to-assemble, injection-molded styrene scale models of all sorts of
prototypes, including cars and ships. You essentially snap the parts
together with some glue, and then paint to suit.
These models essentially replaced the wooden “solid” models of
our youth, but they are infinitely easier to develop into an acceptable-
Flying for Fun D.B. Mathews | [email protected]
International Plastic Modeler’s Society introduced and explained
Also included in this column:
• Notes on aircraft featured in
recent columns
Arlo Schroeder and his wife present President George H.W. Bush
with a replica of the Grumman TBF in which he was shot down in
World War II.
The Brewster Buffalo was arguably the worst Navy fighter of World War II. The intricate detail is typical of Arlo’s scratch-built models.
looking model. They do not require carving or sanding.
These plastic model kits have appealed to builders for more than a
half century and have been sold to many generations of kids.
Their simple assembly almost assures at least some degree of
success, which is an immense attraction for youngsters. The
painting and decoration sometimes leave much to be desired, but
11sig4.QXD 9/26/06 8:46 AM Page 98reproduce models that are exact copies of prototypes. Some work in
rather large scales such as 1/16, and others specialize in 1/32 scale. The
common scale for over-the-counter plastic models is 1/72.
IPMS members exchange much correspondence, seeking input
about some minute detail or trying to provide documentation for it.
Although their models are not intended to fly, the detail, including
scale engines, internal details, cockpits, and landing gear, beats that of
most flying Scale models. They are works of art.
These craftsmen deserve as much admiration from us modelers as
we give flying Scale-model builders. We just seldom cross paths in our
hobby activities. If we would, I think we would quickly learn to be
more tolerant and appreciative of plastic models and those who create
them.
Recently a friend called to tell me to get out to Arlo Schroeder’s
house before the Navy came to haul his display models away to the
National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. I
snobbishly presumed they were the usual collection of plastic models
snapped together from kits. As the photos illustrate, I was way off.
Much in the manner of those who spend countless hours
researching as much detail on a subject as possible for their flying
models, Arlo says he spent years getting everything just right for some
of his display models. That obsession with
detail is evident in the photos accompanying
this column.
Arlo’s reference materials range from the
always respected drawings of William
Wylam, Joe Neito, Paul Matt, etc., as
published in the various magazines, to threeviews
found in old Aero Digest magazines.
There are numerous other drawings from
even more obscure sources. I have mentioned
several of these in previous columns.
Strangely, some prototypes are much more
photographed than drawn in three-views.
Arlo prefers to add as much internal detail
to his models as possible using erection and
maintenance reference manuals from various
sources. These are essentially well-illustrated
assembly and repair instructions that field
crews use.
I was once privileged enough to spend two
whole days in the research files at the US Air
Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, by sort of
bluffing my way in. To my surprise, I found
far more erection and rigging material than
photos and three-views. I couldn’t see much
use for them at the time, but I was obviously
wrong about their application potential.
A major appeal of developing these
November 2006 99
Under-the-skin detail on a Chance Vought SBU-1. The access
hatch is removed for showing detail.
Arlo Schroeder shows his magnificent Martin PBM plastic display model. It’s not your
ordinary plastic model.
A small part of Arlo’s handiwork. He has constructed magnificent
models and many rare prototypes.
at least these kids have been able to complete a project.
Scale prototypes as kitted in these injection-molded units are the
more ordinary and popular types, limited by recognition and
popularity. Their size is also limited, by the injection-molding process.
Consequently nearly all available kits are relatively small in size.
The preceding comments are not intended in any way to criticize
the commercial plastic models, but to provide an explanation and
justification for the type of models I am featuring this month. What I’m
presenting are not those sorts of models. They’re of another subspecies
entirely: a moderately popular display-model activity.
The International Plastic Modeler’s Society (IPMS) is quite active
and holds a local and a national championship each year. Its vacuumformed
display models appeal to the person who wants to create a
model of an unusual prototype that is unavailable in the injectionmolded
form.
This desire to create the unusual fits in with the theme of several
“Flying for Fun” columns in the last few months. Much like some
modelers whose interest leads them to a seldom-modeled Scale
subject, the IPMS specialists find immense pleasure in researching and
constructing lovely models of rare and/or obscure prototypes.
These craftsmen document their subjects to the maximum degree to
11sig4.QXD 9/26/06 9:01 AM Page 99models from scratch is reproducing prototypes
that are unavailable in kit form. You might
notice in this month’s photos that the major
portion of Arlo’s work is devoted to way-outof-
the-rut aircraft. That attitude ties into what
I have been preaching in this column of late.
These models begin with intricately
assembled interior framework and then are
covered with vacuum-formed exterior shells,
which duplicate the metal and fabric covering.
These shells are vacuum-formed over finely
carved hardwood forms.
The parts are then joined so that the
internal structure ends up being covered with
a thin exterior shell, exactly like full-scale
metal aircraft are built. Imagine what is
underneath the skin of the other models.
Much of Arlo’s models’ internal detail
makes use of plastic structural shapes that are
available in model-railroad shops. He often
turns the necessary wheels from hardwood
using a lathe. The scale motors are partially
vacuum-formed, and then fins and other
details are added from all sorts of strange
sources. The propellers are hogged out of
aluminum by hand using files, etc.
According to Arlo, many correct naval
aircraft colors are available on color charts for
automotive lacquers. He matches the colors
and then either buys stock lacquer or has an
automotive paint dealer custom-mix them. He
applies the paint with a hobby-type airbrush.
As a youngster Arlo built and flew FF and
CL models. He still has a ubiquitous Veco
Dakota in his basement. Arlo went to work for
Boeing here in Wichita in 1951 and was a
flightline mechanic in the experimental and
modification divisions.
He retired in 1985, after 34 years with the
company. Since then he has been busy
creating magnificent static display models of
naval aircraft.
Arlo took a Grumman TBF torpedo
bomber model to an IPMS convention in
Washington DC, where it won its class. Bob
McLeish, who was with the Smithsonian
National Air and Space Museum, saw it and
asked Arlo if he would construct a smaller,
1/32 version in the markings of the TBF in
which George H.W. Bush and his crew were
shot down in the South Pacific during World
War II.
Arlo researched all the markings and
details of that particular TBF and constructed
one of his magnificent display models. He and
his wife were then invited to the White House
in 1990 to present the model to President
Bush, who, judging from the photo, was
delighted with it.
That is a thrill most modelers only dream
of. Many of Arlo’s models are now on display
in Pensacola, having been picked up by two
National Museum of Naval Aviation
representatives. After seeing these wonderful
models, it is no surprise that they are
extremely desirable to the museum and to the
former president.
If someone tells you his or her neighbor
builds “plastic models,” it would be wise to
ask a few additional questions. MA