Free Flight Scale
Dennis Norman [[email protected]]
Thoughts about multiengine FF Scale subjects
Also included in this column:
- Model photos by Bob Schlosberg
- The sport welcomes Scott Allyn
- Ace—the musical!
"BUILD WELL, build often, fly much" is a statement about FF Scale modeling that is worth remembering. I have even placed these words on my workshop wall.
Chris Starleaf made a more expansive statement at the conclusion of his construction article for the Fairey Barracuda, published in the July 2006 Flying Models magazine. If you have not read Chris's article, I urge you to do so. The comments are under the subtitle "Mass launch competition" beginning on page 64. These are words of wisdom from an acknowledged master, and we are all enriched by them.
Since this column is written three months before its publication, I cannot tell you with certainty how Chris's 64-inch-span B-24J Liberator fared at this year's Flying Aces Club (FAC) Nats. I speculate that it probably performed magnificently. The construction photo of Chris's B-24 on page 145 of the June 2006 column inspired me to commence design work and construction on a 1:24 (1/2-inch scale) model of the Lockheed L-749 Constellation.
The complexity of a large multiengine Scale model usually means months of research, design, and construction before flight testing. I started work on the Constellation in March of this year, and by June I had still not completed the basic airframe. However, I have photographed the construction. I have included a black-and-white picture of the model in this column. Even though the model was incomplete, I decided to take the unfinished airframe to the FAC Nats. I knew it would not be complete and would probably be a couple months away from its first test flights, but I felt that it would be enthusiastically received. The sight of a partially completed airframe is often fascinating to modelers.
My plan was to continue construction and to perhaps have the Constellation ready for flight by the time of the FAC Outdoor Champs contest, to be held at the AMA Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana, September 16–17, 2006. After the FAC event in Geneseo, New York, the Muncie event has become the second most significant gathering of FAC competitors in the U.S.
As you receive this issue of MA, the contest is fast approaching. If you have not already decided to go, I strongly urge you to contact Ralph Kuenz at 2798 Bluebird Ln., Columbus, MI 48063, or (586) 727-3373 for reservations. It will cost you $25 to enter the event, but you will receive a free T-shirt and beautiful plans of the Cleveland-designed Beechcraft Bonanza. You will also be treated to some of the most memorable FF Scale models you will ever see. I know I mentioned this to you in the June 2006 column, but good things are worth repeating. Hope to see you there.
One of the acknowledged masters in FF Scale is Bob Schlosberg of Cactus Squadron No. 7 in Scottsdale, Arizona. He read my appeal for photos of models to share with you and responded by sending me a handsome assortment of pictures of aircraft from his collection. Bob also sent me photos of models built by the late Dick Howard. Dick was Bob’s mentor and one of the most prolific builders of multiengine FF Scale models. I plan to share these wonderful pictures with you in this column. I urge you to send me color photographs of your models so readers can enjoy them.
It is important that we continue to warmly welcome new members to our ranks. Earlier this year I received a telephone call from 49-year-old Scott Allyn of nearby Lorain, Ohio. He is a reporter for the Lorain Morning Journal and had developed a curiosity about rubber-powered flying models.
Scott had purchased the Arrow—a nonscale kit by Guillow’s—and had been working on it, but he called me with questions about it. It was his first effort. As do many Guillow’s kits, the Arrow comes with good-quality instructions and diagrams, but sometimes it helps to chat with an experienced modeler as construction progresses. I had several pleasant telephone conversations with Scott as he completed his model.
Saturday, April 29, 2006, I met with him at Lorain Community College (home field of the Cleveland Free Flight Society [CFFS]) to begin test-flying. Scott had done an outstanding job with the Arrow. Its red-and-white tissue covering was neatly applied, and its flying surfaces were properly aligned.
Even though Scott had followed the plans carefully, he had not realized the importance of access to the rubber motor. As shown on the plans, the Arrow provides only a roughly 1/4-inch-diameter hole to get to the propeller and rubber motor. Revising the nose-block opening was the first modification noted for future sessions.
In the next couple hours we progressed from balancing to gliding to low-powered flights which showed that the Arrow was stable and capable of prolonged flight. As our session concluded, the Arrow made flights that were well more than 100 yards long. Clearly the airplane had potential.
One of the first things Scott did as the model began flying greater distances was to start running after it. I loved his enthusiasm, but I told him to pace himself or he would quickly become exhausted.
By the first CFFS contest on May 28, Scott returned with his model and a photographer from the Morning Journal. The photographer was enthused by what he saw. Best of all, we made new friends for CFFS and, in doing so, were fortunate to receive news coverage of our activities for the surrounding community.
In addition to Scott’s participation, I also had the pleasure of having my 5-year-old grandson Finn and his 2-1/2-year-old sister May as guests at the contest. Both enjoyed flying gliders and stick models, which performed beautifully. They tired after an hour or so, but I gave them a model to take home. I am looking forward to flying with them again soon.
Before closing the hangar doors I want to tell you about a unique musical play called Ace. With music by Richard Oberacker and lyrics by Robert Taylor, Ace will be playing at the Cincinnati Playhouse from October 17 to November 17, 2006.
What makes it so intriguing is that it is billed as a "heart-warming coming-of-age story of a 1950s boy searching for a sense of family and identity in the unlikeliest of places." When the boy is "given a model airplane, it unlocks the door to a fantastic new world, with the mysterious fighter pilot, Ace, as his guide."
Ace takes the boy "on a series of heroic and haunting World War I and II adventures," causing him to discover "not only the secrets of his past, but also the key to his future."
I live in Cleveland, Ohio, and Cincinnati is approximately five hours away, but many of us live within a radius of five hours or less from Cincinnati. I am looking forward to making the journey to see this new musical, which deals with a passion all of us share. If possible, make plans to see this yourself.
For further information, contact the Cincinnati Playhouse at www.cincyplay.com or by calling (513) 421-3888. The Playhouse is located at 962 Mount Evans Dr. I hope to see you there! MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
