Focal Point
Model Aviation, 5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302
Extra 300
Myron Jackson of the Calumet (WI) Flyers submitted this photo of John Bittner's (6216 Spencer St., Appleton WI 54915) modified Extra 300.
The 28-pound model is powered by two U.S. .35 engines with smoke and a Perry pump.
"The first flight was a bit shaky until some minor adjustments were made," wrote Myron. "Though a bit heavy, it flew quite well once it was set up properly."
Sopwith Schneider
Larry Klingberg (8111 Dartmoor Dr., Huntington Beach CA 92646) scratch-built this 1/2-scale 1919 race plane over a 1-1/2-year period.
The 54-pound balsa, plywood, and spruce model is covered with Solartex® with Rust-Oleum® spray paint and Sig butyrate dope. Power is a Sachs .5 R and radio is Futaba. Graphics are MonoKote®.
Bob Hirsh's three-views were used to generate the building plans.
Hook, Line, and Sinker
A Midwest CAP 232 was the first kit project for David F. Atkins (103 N. Garth Ave., Columbia MO 65201).
Power is a .41ce U.S. engine. Receiver and servos are FMA Direct.
"Prior to this airplane I had flown three ARFs (Almost Ready to Fly) and I felt it was time to graduate to a kit," David wrote. "The ARFs were necessary for me to get involved in the hobby because of time limitations, but building this kit has gotten me into the hobby hook, line, and sinker."
Modified Kadet Senior
Allan H. Grinnell (8233 Silver Hills Way, Las Vegas NV 89123) built this modified Sig Kadet Senior.
"I added small bottom wings for the Hobbico retracts, and there is one O.S. .48 four-stroke in the nose. On a separate servo there are two Magnum .36 two-strokes," he wrote.
"I had a couple dozen flights to log it, but the last flight I pulled a full-power loop with all three engines wide open. There was too much speed and the wings fell apart."
The photo was taken at the Bill Bennett flying field.
A Different Way to Fly
Hal deBolt (2206 Greenwich Dr., Sun City Center FL 33570) sent this photo of one of his autogiros, with the note that "most giros are ugly in appearance. The enclosed show it does not have to be so."
"Today there is a worldwide fraternity of autogiro enthusiasts, who are finding the giros offer a different way to fly and also prove very interesting in makeup. They perform neat maneuvers that are beyond airplane capabilities, and draw considerable attention."
Rotor span is 60 inches; power is an Enya .40; controls are rudder, elevator, and "infinite rotor."
Skylane
"I am 15 years old and just finished this Cessna 182 Skylane," wrote Jason Craig (8324 NW 82nd St., Oklahoma City OK 73132). "This will be my second kit to build, the first being a Kadet LT-40."
The 81-inch-span model was built from a Top Flite kit and features a custom lighting kit, full cockpit detail, and flaps. Power is a Saito 91 four-stroke and radio is JR.
The Force(s) are With Him
Robert Strickland (9070 Manion Dr., Beaumont TX 77706) built the smaller Force One, a Laddie Mikulasko design, and "it flew so well, I scaled it up and built the larger model, which flies equally well."
"The smaller model is powered by an O.S. .40 two-stroke; the large version has a SuperTiger .90."
Robert mentioned that "on the larger model I added rudders on the fins, but I'm not sure they add much to its handling."
Lotsa Dots
Gene Poremba (Box 364, Pine Forge PA 19545) with his Giant Aeromaster. The 20-pound model has a Futaba radio and a Zenoah G-62 for power, swinging a 22 x 10 prop. The model has 40+ flights on it, and "it flies great," wrote Gene.
"I built this model for Biplanes Over Pennsylvania. I get photographed and interviewed everywhere I take it.
"It took two weeks to build, and a month to cover."
Share Your Work
Proud of your latest building/flying effort? Share it with MA's readers!
- Send us a glossy color print (no digital photos or photocopies, please), with an appropriate description, and we'll run the best submissions as time and space permit.
- Please include your full address (including E-mail, if available) so that interested parties may contact you directly.
Send to: Model Aviation, 5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302; Attn: Focal Point.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
