Free Flight Scale-2007/12

Free Flight Scale — 2007/12

Dennis Norman <[email protected]>

The 2007 FAC Non-Nats was a big success!

The 2007 FAC (Flying Aces Club) Non-Nats saw a gathering of 113 contestants who flew in 36 events (including 11 mass launches) and turned in a total of 605 timed flights with 50 maxes. That's not a bad set of statistics considering that the event began with a day of rain and was followed by a day of wind.

As always, the best part of the contest was the warmth and congeniality of those who gathered. The weather may have been inclement, but those present had the opportunity to hangar-fly, reminisce with old friends, and enjoy the company of first-time event attendees.

Notable attendees

Of particular delight was the Snow Owl contingent from Quebec, Canada. Squadron leader Ronney Goesslin brought his lovely 11-year-old daughter, Molly, as a first-time visitor. She spoke only French but impressed everyone with her enthusiasm and charm.

The Snow Owls sponsored a unique "French Design" event, which drew 10 contestants. Tom Arnold won flying a Republic F-84F in French markings. It seemed odd that an American design won this contest; maybe it should be renamed the "French Markings" event.

Another quirky competition was the FAC Contra-Prop Scale Mass Launch that John Regalbuto sponsored. There were eight entries, and the winner was a Koolhoven flown by the legendary Jack McGillivray. Rich Weber (flying an Arsenal VB 10) and Ronney Goesslin (flying a Republic XP-69) finished second and third respectively.

A fun flyoff was FAC Fiction Flyer Scale, which drew only six entries but saw a photo finish between winner Rich Weber (flying a Booth Ranger) and Dave Niedzielski (flying a Mystery Tailless). Rich had 133 total points and Dave had 132.

Most popular events and awards

The most popular of this year's events were:

• FAC Rubber Scale (78 entries)
• FAC Dime Scale (60 entries)
• FAC Embryo Endurance (47 entries)
• Two Bit Old Time Rubber ROG (38 entries)
• GHQ Peanut (33 entries)

Blue Max Medals (for 16 first-place wins) were awarded to Ralph Hudson, Bob Moulton, Mike Welshans, and Mark Houck. Ed Pelatowski received congratulations for having reached the 100-Kanone milestone. Ralph Kuenz was applauded and received the prestigious Vic Didelot FAC Spirit Award.

Remember that 2008 is an official FAC Nats year. Have fun and keep building!

Correspondence: gearing for rubber-powered models

Joe G. Joseph e-mailed me with questions about a model I mentioned in the June 2007 column. He wrote:

"In the article you mentioned Derrick Knight's ANEC was rubber-powered with a five-inch propeller using a gearbox. I have often pondered the use of such gearing in rubber-powered models. It seems to me that the application is not the same as using a gear system in, for instance, an automobile.

"I assume that Knight is trying to make a prop turn faster because of its smaller size. If a step-up gear system with a 1:5 ratio is put between the prop and rubber motor the prop may turn faster, but the output would stay the same because of prop stall and frictional forces. It has been a long time since I worked problems like this and I have a feeling that I am missing something, which is not unusual for a person at my stage of life.

"I have always had the feeling that the gearing motors to make up for prop size is an exercise in futility and is impractical. The friction loss in the gears adds to the problem."

Thanks for the e-mail, Joe. It raises some interesting questions. I have always been a "direct-drive" person, but it would be interesting to hear from the readers on this point. I am contacting Derrick Knight and Jack McGillivray for their thoughts and will share them when I receive them.

Multi-mass-launch considerations

Returning to the topic of the 2008 FAC Nats, serious consideration is being given to creating a multi-mass-launch event. There has been an enthusiastic growth in multis in the last few years.

The mysteries of asymmetrical thrust, opposite-turning propellers, launching technique, etc., are being explored, and the results are impressive. Chris Starlaeff recently obtained a flight of 69 seconds on a four-engine, rubber-powered B-24J, and numerous others have been reporting maxes flying twin-engine subjects.

All this has led GHQ to give serious thought to the multi-mass-launch event. I hope the thought will become reality in 2008.

Collector feature

Wayne Perry is a collector's collector in Bath, Maine. He has shared more photos of his unique collection with us.

In doing so he claimed that the best part of this hobby, in his view, is having old friends and making new friends with whom to share and be enthusiastic. In his 30 years of collecting model-airplane kits, Wayne has also managed to collect a rich sampling of personal contacts, which are priceless.

Free Flight Scale — Gift and product suggestions

At this time of year it is appropriate to think of making lists for holiday shopping. I offer the following regarding potential Merry Christmas picks.

1. The 2008 FAC calendar

• The popular Flying Aces Calendar series continues. A baker's dozen of beautiful color photos shows some of the finest models built by FAC members today. Send $20 (postpaid) to the FAC.

1. Oh Spree Speculative Monograph 21

• A hilarious spoof of the real Osprey series of booklets about aviation subjects, this tongue-in-cheek effort is devoted to the popular Mystery Tailless offered by Easy Built Models. It treats the subject as though it had been an actual full-scale aircraft.
• This 28-page publication is filled with striking full-color depictions of Mystery Taillesses that were supposedly flown by many nations in the 1930s. It is a complete parody and an outstanding example of FAC fun at its best. The authors are Michael Henrich, Rich Weber, and Clive Gamble (aka Hepple, Whitworth, and Trowshes).
• These booklets were going for $5 at the 2007 FAC Nats; postage is extra if ordering by mail. You can obtain details from Rich Weber.

1. New Pitcairn Fleetwing from Classic Aircraft Model Company (CAMCO)

• This 16-inch-span biplane designed by Dave Stott qualifies for FAC Dime Scale, FAC Scale, and Golden Age events.
• The kit includes full-size rolled plans, building and flying instructions, printed balsa, hand-picked balsa strip wood, clear plastic for the windshield, rubber motor, propeller, wheels, and Easy Built Lite tissue in black and yellow. Send $22.25 ($15 for the kit and the rest for postage) to CAMCO.

1. Universal Fuselage Building Fixture by RockyTop Models

• Designed by Buzz Trabbic, this unique fixture enables you to build straight medium-size (up to 24 inches long) "half-shell" fuselages. Cut 1/4" plywood pieces assemble into a sturdy fixture that will serve you for years.
• Go to the RockyTop Models web site for a detailed and well-illustrated set of assembly instructions. This is a hot item and is well worth the $28.90 price (postage included).

1. NS Wheels

• For those who build from published plans or from scratch, obtaining nice wheels such as spoked wheels can be a challenge. There are articles about how to make spoked wheels, but if you do not have the time or tools, NS Wheels can help.
• This new manufacturer sells 16 sizes of spoked wheels that range in diameter from 1/2 inch to 1-1/2 inches. A choice of wheel thickness should enable you to get a lovely pair of spoked wheels for your next antique masterpiece. A pair of wheels costs $3.50 plus postage.

1. The Comet Model News

• Whether you are simply nostalgic or a student of model-airplane history, the 15-minute DVD documentary by Nancy Kapitanoff is a delightful must for your library.
• I took a copy to the 2007 FAC Non-Nats and played it repeatedly for several hours. Numerous modelers commented on the professional production quality of the film and most were impressed. The DVD comes with a replica of a 1942 cardboard lighter Comet produced. Send $20 (postpaid) to Comet Model News.

1. Products from A2Z Corporation (Tim Goldstein)

• A2Z Corporation purchased Peck-Polymers in December and moved it to Colorado in early January. The company is now converting the Peck kits to laser-cut. The Peck line is being restocked and expanded.
• If you are looking for the new laser-cut Peck-Polymers kits, Japanese yellow checkered tissue, a small needle cap to use when applying cyanoacrylate kicker, exquisite quality indoor balsa, and many more high-quality items, contact Tim Goldstein.

1. A subscription to an outstanding club newsletter

• The FAC is blessed with several excellent newsletters that add much to the enjoyment of our hobby. If you do not already subscribe, the following publications will enrich your 2008.

• Crosswinds: The Cleveland Free Flight Society’s quarterly publication routinely sets forth new plans and documentation, gives club news, etc. Subscriptions are $16 per year (US) and $18 per year (foreign). Contact Russ Brown.

• MaxFax: The D.C. Maxecuters’ bimonthly journal is filled with excellent articles, historic advertisements, plans, and photos. Subscriptions are $20 per year (US, Canada, and Mexico) and $25 per year (all other countries). Write to Stew Meyers.

• Tailspin: This bimonthly pamphlet from New England contains good plans and intelligent discussions about FF Scale topics. It is $10 per year (US) or $20 per year (foreign). Write to Mike Nassise.

• Thermailier: The Pensacola Free Flight Team’s bimonthly newsletter contains numerous how-to articles and scholarly coverage of FF Scale subjects. The cost is $10 per year (US). Write to George White.

• The Windy Sock: This monthly publication is available (except in December) for $1.50 per issue ($1.75 foreign) or $12 per year (US), $15 per year (Canada and Mexico), or $20 per year (other countries). Write to Joe G. Joseph.

Season's blessings to all of you and a happy 2008!

Sources

• A2Z Corporation / Tim Goldstein

(720) 830-9300 www.peck-polymers.com

• CAMCO

3301 Cindy Ln. Erie PA 16506 (814) 833-0314

• Flying Aces Club

3301 Cindy Ln. Erie PA 16506

• George White

5928 Hermitage Dr. Pensacola FL 32504

• Hannan’s Runway

(530) 873-6421 www.hrunway.com

• Joe G. Joseph

8311 Babe Ruth St. San Antonio TX 78240

• Mike Nassise

22 Greenfield St. South Easton MA 02375

• Nancy Kapitanoff

125 S. Croft Ave., Apt. 2 Los Angeles CA 90048 www.cometmodelnews.com

• NS Wheels

(906) 638-3636 www.nswheels.com

• Rich Weber

(440) 884-2987

• RockyTop Models / Buzz Trabbic

(615) 452-4127 www.rockytopmodels.com

• Russ Brown

4909 N. Sedgewick Lyndhurst OH 44124

• Shorty’s Basement

1036 Bexley Ave. Marion OH 43302 [email protected]

• Stew Meyers

8304 Whitman Dr. Bethesda MD 20012

• Wayne Perry

44 Middle St. Bath ME 04530

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.