Also included in this column:
• Current newsletter plans
picks
• KAPA needs you!
• Letters and e-mails from
the gang
ONE OF THE HOTTEST categories of Flying Aces Club (FAC)
competition today is Dime Scale (and its cousin, Pseudo-Dime
Scale). It was created as an event that, in the words of Cleveland
Free Flight Society President Rich Weber, “is intended to release
one’s inner 12-year-old.”
Dime Scale seeks to return us to the fun and magic of building
simple Scale models that outfly many of their more sophisticated
FAC hangar mates. To better acquaint you with this event, I will
heavily paraphrase the FAC rules and add some observations.
FAC rules do not permit Dime Scale models to compete in other
FAC events when there is a Dime Scale event scheduled. Models
must be from kits that were typically sold for 10¢ during the 1930s
and 1940s.
Pseudo-Dime Scale models such as those from Dave Stott (Air
Devil), Easy Built Models, Mike Nassise, and others published in
various newsletters (e.g., Cloudbusters, Crosswinds, Flying Aces
Club News, MaxFax, Tailspin, etc.) are eligible as long as their
wingspans are 16 inches or shorter.
Span limitation is one of many restrictions to qualify a model for
Dime Scale competition. December 31, 1941, is the limit for Dime
Scale subjects, and December 7, 1941, is the limit for a Pseudo-
Dime Scale subject.
If a kit subject is chosen, it must be built to original plans size as
long as it does not exceed the span limit. Retractable landing gear
may be represented in the up or down position. Any size or type
propeller may be used.
Dime Scale subjects must be constructed from the wood sizes
specified (or heavier than those shown) on the plans. Wing and tail
outlines must be built per the plans, and laminated outlines are
prohibited unless plans show them. No undercambered airfoils are
permitted unless shown on the original plans.
Flight surfaces are to be covered as shown on the original plans.
Covering material must be standard domestic or Japanese tissue
such as Esaki. No Gampi tissue or condenser paper is permitted, and
no foam, vacuum-formed, or “plunge molded” parts are permitted,
including canopies.
March 2009 121
Scot Dobberfuhl built his WACO C from 1933 Star
Model plans. Dobberfuhl photo.
Rich Weber used his own plans to build this colorful Dime Scale
Boeing monoplane. Weber photo.
Vance Gilbert constructed his civilian S.E.5 from Megow 5¢ plans.
Gilbert photo.
Allowable construction modifications include the use of
stringers, and tissue instead of stiff paper (called for on some
plans) is acceptable where it will help to more accurately shape the
fuselage surface.
The nose area can be modified with an improved thrust bearing
and removable nose block, to improve motor access and clearance,
as long as the original external shape of the nose is true to that
shown on the plans. Rear rubber-motor attachment and location
can be changed. Tail surfaces can be increased, but not to the
extent of damaging the model’s appearance.
Additional allowable construction modifications include
double-covering flight surfaces that are shown single covered on
the original plans. Traditional Dime Scale model butt joints, such
as those typically found on wing and landing-gear struts, can be
reinforced using materials such as wire, sheet balsa, and plywood.
Basswood can be used in lieu of balsa, to provide a more
substantial structure. Wing spars can be moved. Butt-attached
wings can be made in one piece and carried through the fuselage
for added strength.
Minimal details expected are those shown on the plans
(control-surface separation lines, etc.), but items such as
navigation lights, pitot tubes, and steps can be left off. Coloringand-
markings can be those indicated on the plans or can be
changed to more accurately represent a particular aircraft, as long
as the contestant provides documentation to substantiate the
scheme used.
Pseudo-Dime Scale is not a separate FAC event and competes with
Dime Scale types. The models must be of subjects that have not
been modeled as Dime Scale kits.
If an Fw 190 is chosen as a Pseudo-Dimer, it must be of a version
of that aircraft that was flying before December 7, 1941. Hence an
Fw 190D-9 is ineligible.
Both Dime Scale and Pseudo-Dime Scale types are to reflect the
minimal structure and materials of 10¢ kits. Pseudo-Dime Scale
plans are limited to one side of one sheet of 11 x 17-inch paper.
Print-wood patterns for Pseudo-Dimers may be drawn on a separate
sheet for parts layout or can be shown on the plans if room permits.
The drawing format for Pseudo-Dimers must closely follow that
of the 10¢ Comet-series plans and reflect as much detail and
markings as that series. Fuselage design is limited to a box girder
type, with formers added to produce the desired cross-section.
The modern practice of using sliced or cracked ribs is prohibited,
and the design must follow the wide spacing of structural members
that was characteristic of 10¢ models. Dihedral for Pseudo-Dimers is
limited to 10°, and wood size is not to be less than 1/16 inch.
Current FAC rules stipulate that each Dime Scale contestant may
enter two models, but only the highest-scoring of the pair will be
eligible. Standard FAC bonus points will be added to each official
flight. A total of three official hand-launched flights will determine
the winner of a Dime Scale event.
Dime Scale models and their plans must be presented to the CD
at the end of the event for static judging. It follows that a Dime Scale
type that flies away will not be available to present for static-judging
and will presumably be disqualified from receiving an award.
In the event of a tie, a flyoff will be conducted (with bonus points
added) to determine the winner.
Rich Weber’s version of the Beech Model 17 is one of the most
A Dime Scale Tupolev R-3 from plans by Michael Heinrich.
Heinrich photo.
03sig4.QXD 1/26/09 11:18 AM Page 121
widely built Pseudo-Dime Scale designs.
Not only is it well designed, but it is also a
Kanone grabber that lends itself to numerous
colorful schemes.
Rich’s handsome prototype has been
followed by equally striking versions that
Chris Boehm, Scot Dobberfuhl, Wally
Farrel, Clive Gamble, Tom Hallman, and
others have built. Numerous FACers (I am
included) have Rich’s Beech Model 17 on
their short lists for the 2009 flying season.
A copy of the model plans was published
in issue 121 of the Crosswinds newsletter,
which you can obtain by contacting Russ
Brown. See the “Sources” list at the end of
this column for his information.
Mike Nassise is one of the most prolific
Pseudo-Dime Scale model designers. He has
recently had plans published for the French
Caudron C.714 (in Crosswinds number 127)
and the Bulgarian Avia B-135 (in the
January-February 2009 Tailspin).
Mike is the publisher of Tailspin, which
is an excellent bimonthly newsletter that is
also known as the “New England Flying
Aces News” and the “Journal of the Bay
State Squadron’s Pilgrim Flyers.” If you are
not already receiving this fine publication,
subscriptions are available for $12 per year
in the US and $20 per year for foreign
subscribers. See the “Sources” list for
contact information.
A recent search on the Internet turned up
photos of several Dime Scale types other
than the Beech Model 17. John Ernst built
handsome versions of the Martin MO-1, Me
109 Comet, and GH-Q Nightingale from
Nassise plans.
Scot Dobberfuhl constructed a delightful
WACO C from 1933 Star Model plans.
Michael Heinrich produced a formidablelooking
Tupolev R-3. Vance Gilbert built a
handsome S.E.5 in civil markings from
Megow 5¢ plans. I also found Rich Weber’s
colorful Boeing Monomail.
The KAPA Kollector is a high-class
quarterly newsletter that Kits and Plans
Antiquitous (KAPA) has published since
March 1993. Averaging 20 pages per issue,
it often presents scholarly, well-researched
articles that are of interest to FF Scale buffs.
The December 2008 (number 64) KAPA
Kollector had 28 of its 32 pages devoted to
an in-depth presentation of the prolific and
tragically short (only 16 years) career of the
great Paul Del Gatto. Written by his
daughter, Christina, the article includes two
pages of well-written text, a table listing
most of Paul’s published work, and 24
pages of plans, articles, and “data sheets”
that he prepared in the 1950s and 1960s.
Besides the excellent article about Paul
Del Gatto, the newsletter presented
“Kollector Klassifieds,” which is a detailed
listing of kits, magazines, books, and
materials for sale, as well as items that
collectors are seeking.
All issues of the Kollector are still
available. Meticulous newsletter indices are
available to allow you to quickly locate
published articles, plans, etc. KAPA
membership dues are $12 per year in the
US, $18 in Canada, and $24 via airmail in
other countries.
Publishing the KAPA Kollector had been
the responsibility of Morris E. Leventhal,
who did an outstanding job. He succumbed
to cancer on July 29, 2008, and KAPA has
issued an urgent call for someone to take
over the publisher’s position. The
organization has also called for someone to
serve as secretary/treasurer, claiming that
KAPA’s survival depends on these
positions being filled as soon as possible.
To help the modeling community and
KAPA Kollector, please contact KAPA
through Lou Buffardi to learn more about
the secretary/treasurer position. To obtain
information about the position of publisher,
please contact John Pothier.
My thanks to all of you for your e-mail and
letters concerning this column. I value your
opinions and thoughts, and I want to share
some recent comments with everyone.
Joe Eiben e-mailed me to reminisce
about the late Charles Tracy. Joe got to
know Charles in the early 1970s.
Joe had finished his education and had
just started his career, but still found time
for CL flying. He had heard of the
legendary model airplane shows at the
Higbee’s store in Cleveland, Ohio, in the
1950s and had hoped to enter them, only to
learn that they had been discontinued years
before.
Charles had been one of the prime
movers of the Higbee’s shows, and Joe met
with him, hoping to revive them. Charles
had been an aviation columnist since the
1930s and was widely read by both aviation
people and model builders.
Even though the Higbee’s shows were
gone, Joe thoroughly enjoyed Charles’
recollections of them. Joe is happy to see
that FF modeling is still active, and he
congratulated me for doing my part to keep
this wonderful hobby going, just as Charles
Tracy did for so many years.
Multitalented designer and builder Steve
Griebling wrote enthusiastically about my
comments on Clive Gamble’s Camel. Steve
liked the way Clive included several
different but proven ideas into the design.
One thing Steve noted was that I had not
commented on Clive’s use of a braided
motor in his Camel. Steve has made good
use of braiding to increase the length of his
motor runs. His point is well taken and I
thank him for calling it to my attention.
The venerable Dave Stott wrote to gently
tweak me for my enthusiasm about Clive’s
Camel by writing that he simply
incorporated several well-known ideas into
his design. Dave philosophically quoted the
remark of an observer in a similar situation
who said, “a good idea is always a good
idea.”
Dave shared his article, “Banish
Bunching,” which was published in Flying
Aces Club News several years ago. He also
enclosed his article, “Longer Rubber
Motors,” which was published in the
November 2004 Flying Models. He has
always been a great teacher, and all of us
owe him a debt of thanks.
Just before submitting this column to MA,
I learned that Easy Built Models has
released its Dime Scale kit of the PD-08
Fokker D.VII. It is based on a classic Comet
design.
The 16-inch-span airplane features lasercut
balsa parts and strip wood of highquality
stock, laser-cut bond-paper LaserCal
markings, and red Esaki tissue. The kit
includes full-size, rolled, CAD-drawn plans
and building and flying instructions.
Also provided are FAI rubber, a Peck-
Polymers nose bearing, an EB propeller,
wire, and laser-cut balsa wheels. The kit
price is $23.95. For further information,
contact Easy Built Models (which is listed
in the “Sources” section).
Thermals! MA
Sources:
2008 FAC rule book:
Flying Aces Club
FAC-GHQ
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Air Devil Models:
Dave Stott
4304 Madison Ave.
Trumbull CT 06611
Easy Built Models
Box 681744
Prattville AL 36068
www.easybuiltmodels.com
Tailspin:
Mike Nassise
22 Greenfield St.
South Easton MA 02375
Cloudbusters
31634 Curtis Rd.
Livonia MI 48152
http://cloudbustermac.tripod.com
Crosswinds newsletter:
Russ Brown
4909 N. Sedgewick
Lyndhurst OH 44124
Flying Aces Club News:
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Joe Eiben
[email protected]
Steve Griebling
753 Cliffside Dr.
Akron OH 44313
Flying Models
Box 700
Newton NJ 07860
MaxFax:
Stew Meyers
8304 Whitman Dr.
Bethesda MD 20817
KAPA Kollector
698 Tufts Ave. E.
Port Orchard WA 98366
Lou Buffardi
(360) 874-9350
[email protected]
John Pothier
(909) 794-7111
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/03
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,124
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/03
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,124
Also included in this column:
• Current newsletter plans
picks
• KAPA needs you!
• Letters and e-mails from
the gang
ONE OF THE HOTTEST categories of Flying Aces Club (FAC)
competition today is Dime Scale (and its cousin, Pseudo-Dime
Scale). It was created as an event that, in the words of Cleveland
Free Flight Society President Rich Weber, “is intended to release
one’s inner 12-year-old.”
Dime Scale seeks to return us to the fun and magic of building
simple Scale models that outfly many of their more sophisticated
FAC hangar mates. To better acquaint you with this event, I will
heavily paraphrase the FAC rules and add some observations.
FAC rules do not permit Dime Scale models to compete in other
FAC events when there is a Dime Scale event scheduled. Models
must be from kits that were typically sold for 10¢ during the 1930s
and 1940s.
Pseudo-Dime Scale models such as those from Dave Stott (Air
Devil), Easy Built Models, Mike Nassise, and others published in
various newsletters (e.g., Cloudbusters, Crosswinds, Flying Aces
Club News, MaxFax, Tailspin, etc.) are eligible as long as their
wingspans are 16 inches or shorter.
Span limitation is one of many restrictions to qualify a model for
Dime Scale competition. December 31, 1941, is the limit for Dime
Scale subjects, and December 7, 1941, is the limit for a Pseudo-
Dime Scale subject.
If a kit subject is chosen, it must be built to original plans size as
long as it does not exceed the span limit. Retractable landing gear
may be represented in the up or down position. Any size or type
propeller may be used.
Dime Scale subjects must be constructed from the wood sizes
specified (or heavier than those shown) on the plans. Wing and tail
outlines must be built per the plans, and laminated outlines are
prohibited unless plans show them. No undercambered airfoils are
permitted unless shown on the original plans.
Flight surfaces are to be covered as shown on the original plans.
Covering material must be standard domestic or Japanese tissue
such as Esaki. No Gampi tissue or condenser paper is permitted, and
no foam, vacuum-formed, or “plunge molded” parts are permitted,
including canopies.
March 2009 121
Scot Dobberfuhl built his WACO C from 1933 Star
Model plans. Dobberfuhl photo.
Rich Weber used his own plans to build this colorful Dime Scale
Boeing monoplane. Weber photo.
Vance Gilbert constructed his civilian S.E.5 from Megow 5¢ plans.
Gilbert photo.
Allowable construction modifications include the use of
stringers, and tissue instead of stiff paper (called for on some
plans) is acceptable where it will help to more accurately shape the
fuselage surface.
The nose area can be modified with an improved thrust bearing
and removable nose block, to improve motor access and clearance,
as long as the original external shape of the nose is true to that
shown on the plans. Rear rubber-motor attachment and location
can be changed. Tail surfaces can be increased, but not to the
extent of damaging the model’s appearance.
Additional allowable construction modifications include
double-covering flight surfaces that are shown single covered on
the original plans. Traditional Dime Scale model butt joints, such
as those typically found on wing and landing-gear struts, can be
reinforced using materials such as wire, sheet balsa, and plywood.
Basswood can be used in lieu of balsa, to provide a more
substantial structure. Wing spars can be moved. Butt-attached
wings can be made in one piece and carried through the fuselage
for added strength.
Minimal details expected are those shown on the plans
(control-surface separation lines, etc.), but items such as
navigation lights, pitot tubes, and steps can be left off. Coloringand-
markings can be those indicated on the plans or can be
changed to more accurately represent a particular aircraft, as long
as the contestant provides documentation to substantiate the
scheme used.
Pseudo-Dime Scale is not a separate FAC event and competes with
Dime Scale types. The models must be of subjects that have not
been modeled as Dime Scale kits.
If an Fw 190 is chosen as a Pseudo-Dimer, it must be of a version
of that aircraft that was flying before December 7, 1941. Hence an
Fw 190D-9 is ineligible.
Both Dime Scale and Pseudo-Dime Scale types are to reflect the
minimal structure and materials of 10¢ kits. Pseudo-Dime Scale
plans are limited to one side of one sheet of 11 x 17-inch paper.
Print-wood patterns for Pseudo-Dimers may be drawn on a separate
sheet for parts layout or can be shown on the plans if room permits.
The drawing format for Pseudo-Dimers must closely follow that
of the 10¢ Comet-series plans and reflect as much detail and
markings as that series. Fuselage design is limited to a box girder
type, with formers added to produce the desired cross-section.
The modern practice of using sliced or cracked ribs is prohibited,
and the design must follow the wide spacing of structural members
that was characteristic of 10¢ models. Dihedral for Pseudo-Dimers is
limited to 10°, and wood size is not to be less than 1/16 inch.
Current FAC rules stipulate that each Dime Scale contestant may
enter two models, but only the highest-scoring of the pair will be
eligible. Standard FAC bonus points will be added to each official
flight. A total of three official hand-launched flights will determine
the winner of a Dime Scale event.
Dime Scale models and their plans must be presented to the CD
at the end of the event for static judging. It follows that a Dime Scale
type that flies away will not be available to present for static-judging
and will presumably be disqualified from receiving an award.
In the event of a tie, a flyoff will be conducted (with bonus points
added) to determine the winner.
Rich Weber’s version of the Beech Model 17 is one of the most
A Dime Scale Tupolev R-3 from plans by Michael Heinrich.
Heinrich photo.
03sig4.QXD 1/26/09 11:18 AM Page 121
widely built Pseudo-Dime Scale designs.
Not only is it well designed, but it is also a
Kanone grabber that lends itself to numerous
colorful schemes.
Rich’s handsome prototype has been
followed by equally striking versions that
Chris Boehm, Scot Dobberfuhl, Wally
Farrel, Clive Gamble, Tom Hallman, and
others have built. Numerous FACers (I am
included) have Rich’s Beech Model 17 on
their short lists for the 2009 flying season.
A copy of the model plans was published
in issue 121 of the Crosswinds newsletter,
which you can obtain by contacting Russ
Brown. See the “Sources” list at the end of
this column for his information.
Mike Nassise is one of the most prolific
Pseudo-Dime Scale model designers. He has
recently had plans published for the French
Caudron C.714 (in Crosswinds number 127)
and the Bulgarian Avia B-135 (in the
January-February 2009 Tailspin).
Mike is the publisher of Tailspin, which
is an excellent bimonthly newsletter that is
also known as the “New England Flying
Aces News” and the “Journal of the Bay
State Squadron’s Pilgrim Flyers.” If you are
not already receiving this fine publication,
subscriptions are available for $12 per year
in the US and $20 per year for foreign
subscribers. See the “Sources” list for
contact information.
A recent search on the Internet turned up
photos of several Dime Scale types other
than the Beech Model 17. John Ernst built
handsome versions of the Martin MO-1, Me
109 Comet, and GH-Q Nightingale from
Nassise plans.
Scot Dobberfuhl constructed a delightful
WACO C from 1933 Star Model plans.
Michael Heinrich produced a formidablelooking
Tupolev R-3. Vance Gilbert built a
handsome S.E.5 in civil markings from
Megow 5¢ plans. I also found Rich Weber’s
colorful Boeing Monomail.
The KAPA Kollector is a high-class
quarterly newsletter that Kits and Plans
Antiquitous (KAPA) has published since
March 1993. Averaging 20 pages per issue,
it often presents scholarly, well-researched
articles that are of interest to FF Scale buffs.
The December 2008 (number 64) KAPA
Kollector had 28 of its 32 pages devoted to
an in-depth presentation of the prolific and
tragically short (only 16 years) career of the
great Paul Del Gatto. Written by his
daughter, Christina, the article includes two
pages of well-written text, a table listing
most of Paul’s published work, and 24
pages of plans, articles, and “data sheets”
that he prepared in the 1950s and 1960s.
Besides the excellent article about Paul
Del Gatto, the newsletter presented
“Kollector Klassifieds,” which is a detailed
listing of kits, magazines, books, and
materials for sale, as well as items that
collectors are seeking.
All issues of the Kollector are still
available. Meticulous newsletter indices are
available to allow you to quickly locate
published articles, plans, etc. KAPA
membership dues are $12 per year in the
US, $18 in Canada, and $24 via airmail in
other countries.
Publishing the KAPA Kollector had been
the responsibility of Morris E. Leventhal,
who did an outstanding job. He succumbed
to cancer on July 29, 2008, and KAPA has
issued an urgent call for someone to take
over the publisher’s position. The
organization has also called for someone to
serve as secretary/treasurer, claiming that
KAPA’s survival depends on these
positions being filled as soon as possible.
To help the modeling community and
KAPA Kollector, please contact KAPA
through Lou Buffardi to learn more about
the secretary/treasurer position. To obtain
information about the position of publisher,
please contact John Pothier.
My thanks to all of you for your e-mail and
letters concerning this column. I value your
opinions and thoughts, and I want to share
some recent comments with everyone.
Joe Eiben e-mailed me to reminisce
about the late Charles Tracy. Joe got to
know Charles in the early 1970s.
Joe had finished his education and had
just started his career, but still found time
for CL flying. He had heard of the
legendary model airplane shows at the
Higbee’s store in Cleveland, Ohio, in the
1950s and had hoped to enter them, only to
learn that they had been discontinued years
before.
Charles had been one of the prime
movers of the Higbee’s shows, and Joe met
with him, hoping to revive them. Charles
had been an aviation columnist since the
1930s and was widely read by both aviation
people and model builders.
Even though the Higbee’s shows were
gone, Joe thoroughly enjoyed Charles’
recollections of them. Joe is happy to see
that FF modeling is still active, and he
congratulated me for doing my part to keep
this wonderful hobby going, just as Charles
Tracy did for so many years.
Multitalented designer and builder Steve
Griebling wrote enthusiastically about my
comments on Clive Gamble’s Camel. Steve
liked the way Clive included several
different but proven ideas into the design.
One thing Steve noted was that I had not
commented on Clive’s use of a braided
motor in his Camel. Steve has made good
use of braiding to increase the length of his
motor runs. His point is well taken and I
thank him for calling it to my attention.
The venerable Dave Stott wrote to gently
tweak me for my enthusiasm about Clive’s
Camel by writing that he simply
incorporated several well-known ideas into
his design. Dave philosophically quoted the
remark of an observer in a similar situation
who said, “a good idea is always a good
idea.”
Dave shared his article, “Banish
Bunching,” which was published in Flying
Aces Club News several years ago. He also
enclosed his article, “Longer Rubber
Motors,” which was published in the
November 2004 Flying Models. He has
always been a great teacher, and all of us
owe him a debt of thanks.
Just before submitting this column to MA,
I learned that Easy Built Models has
released its Dime Scale kit of the PD-08
Fokker D.VII. It is based on a classic Comet
design.
The 16-inch-span airplane features lasercut
balsa parts and strip wood of highquality
stock, laser-cut bond-paper LaserCal
markings, and red Esaki tissue. The kit
includes full-size, rolled, CAD-drawn plans
and building and flying instructions.
Also provided are FAI rubber, a Peck-
Polymers nose bearing, an EB propeller,
wire, and laser-cut balsa wheels. The kit
price is $23.95. For further information,
contact Easy Built Models (which is listed
in the “Sources” section).
Thermals! MA
Sources:
2008 FAC rule book:
Flying Aces Club
FAC-GHQ
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Air Devil Models:
Dave Stott
4304 Madison Ave.
Trumbull CT 06611
Easy Built Models
Box 681744
Prattville AL 36068
www.easybuiltmodels.com
Tailspin:
Mike Nassise
22 Greenfield St.
South Easton MA 02375
Cloudbusters
31634 Curtis Rd.
Livonia MI 48152
http://cloudbustermac.tripod.com
Crosswinds newsletter:
Russ Brown
4909 N. Sedgewick
Lyndhurst OH 44124
Flying Aces Club News:
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Joe Eiben
[email protected]
Steve Griebling
753 Cliffside Dr.
Akron OH 44313
Flying Models
Box 700
Newton NJ 07860
MaxFax:
Stew Meyers
8304 Whitman Dr.
Bethesda MD 20817
KAPA Kollector
698 Tufts Ave. E.
Port Orchard WA 98366
Lou Buffardi
(360) 874-9350
[email protected]
John Pothier
(909) 794-7111
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/03
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,124
Also included in this column:
• Current newsletter plans
picks
• KAPA needs you!
• Letters and e-mails from
the gang
ONE OF THE HOTTEST categories of Flying Aces Club (FAC)
competition today is Dime Scale (and its cousin, Pseudo-Dime
Scale). It was created as an event that, in the words of Cleveland
Free Flight Society President Rich Weber, “is intended to release
one’s inner 12-year-old.”
Dime Scale seeks to return us to the fun and magic of building
simple Scale models that outfly many of their more sophisticated
FAC hangar mates. To better acquaint you with this event, I will
heavily paraphrase the FAC rules and add some observations.
FAC rules do not permit Dime Scale models to compete in other
FAC events when there is a Dime Scale event scheduled. Models
must be from kits that were typically sold for 10¢ during the 1930s
and 1940s.
Pseudo-Dime Scale models such as those from Dave Stott (Air
Devil), Easy Built Models, Mike Nassise, and others published in
various newsletters (e.g., Cloudbusters, Crosswinds, Flying Aces
Club News, MaxFax, Tailspin, etc.) are eligible as long as their
wingspans are 16 inches or shorter.
Span limitation is one of many restrictions to qualify a model for
Dime Scale competition. December 31, 1941, is the limit for Dime
Scale subjects, and December 7, 1941, is the limit for a Pseudo-
Dime Scale subject.
If a kit subject is chosen, it must be built to original plans size as
long as it does not exceed the span limit. Retractable landing gear
may be represented in the up or down position. Any size or type
propeller may be used.
Dime Scale subjects must be constructed from the wood sizes
specified (or heavier than those shown) on the plans. Wing and tail
outlines must be built per the plans, and laminated outlines are
prohibited unless plans show them. No undercambered airfoils are
permitted unless shown on the original plans.
Flight surfaces are to be covered as shown on the original plans.
Covering material must be standard domestic or Japanese tissue
such as Esaki. No Gampi tissue or condenser paper is permitted, and
no foam, vacuum-formed, or “plunge molded” parts are permitted,
including canopies.
March 2009 121
Scot Dobberfuhl built his WACO C from 1933 Star
Model plans. Dobberfuhl photo.
Rich Weber used his own plans to build this colorful Dime Scale
Boeing monoplane. Weber photo.
Vance Gilbert constructed his civilian S.E.5 from Megow 5¢ plans.
Gilbert photo.
Allowable construction modifications include the use of
stringers, and tissue instead of stiff paper (called for on some
plans) is acceptable where it will help to more accurately shape the
fuselage surface.
The nose area can be modified with an improved thrust bearing
and removable nose block, to improve motor access and clearance,
as long as the original external shape of the nose is true to that
shown on the plans. Rear rubber-motor attachment and location
can be changed. Tail surfaces can be increased, but not to the
extent of damaging the model’s appearance.
Additional allowable construction modifications include
double-covering flight surfaces that are shown single covered on
the original plans. Traditional Dime Scale model butt joints, such
as those typically found on wing and landing-gear struts, can be
reinforced using materials such as wire, sheet balsa, and plywood.
Basswood can be used in lieu of balsa, to provide a more
substantial structure. Wing spars can be moved. Butt-attached
wings can be made in one piece and carried through the fuselage
for added strength.
Minimal details expected are those shown on the plans
(control-surface separation lines, etc.), but items such as
navigation lights, pitot tubes, and steps can be left off. Coloringand-
markings can be those indicated on the plans or can be
changed to more accurately represent a particular aircraft, as long
as the contestant provides documentation to substantiate the
scheme used.
Pseudo-Dime Scale is not a separate FAC event and competes with
Dime Scale types. The models must be of subjects that have not
been modeled as Dime Scale kits.
If an Fw 190 is chosen as a Pseudo-Dimer, it must be of a version
of that aircraft that was flying before December 7, 1941. Hence an
Fw 190D-9 is ineligible.
Both Dime Scale and Pseudo-Dime Scale types are to reflect the
minimal structure and materials of 10¢ kits. Pseudo-Dime Scale
plans are limited to one side of one sheet of 11 x 17-inch paper.
Print-wood patterns for Pseudo-Dimers may be drawn on a separate
sheet for parts layout or can be shown on the plans if room permits.
The drawing format for Pseudo-Dimers must closely follow that
of the 10¢ Comet-series plans and reflect as much detail and
markings as that series. Fuselage design is limited to a box girder
type, with formers added to produce the desired cross-section.
The modern practice of using sliced or cracked ribs is prohibited,
and the design must follow the wide spacing of structural members
that was characteristic of 10¢ models. Dihedral for Pseudo-Dimers is
limited to 10°, and wood size is not to be less than 1/16 inch.
Current FAC rules stipulate that each Dime Scale contestant may
enter two models, but only the highest-scoring of the pair will be
eligible. Standard FAC bonus points will be added to each official
flight. A total of three official hand-launched flights will determine
the winner of a Dime Scale event.
Dime Scale models and their plans must be presented to the CD
at the end of the event for static judging. It follows that a Dime Scale
type that flies away will not be available to present for static-judging
and will presumably be disqualified from receiving an award.
In the event of a tie, a flyoff will be conducted (with bonus points
added) to determine the winner.
Rich Weber’s version of the Beech Model 17 is one of the most
A Dime Scale Tupolev R-3 from plans by Michael Heinrich.
Heinrich photo.
03sig4.QXD 1/26/09 11:18 AM Page 121
widely built Pseudo-Dime Scale designs.
Not only is it well designed, but it is also a
Kanone grabber that lends itself to numerous
colorful schemes.
Rich’s handsome prototype has been
followed by equally striking versions that
Chris Boehm, Scot Dobberfuhl, Wally
Farrel, Clive Gamble, Tom Hallman, and
others have built. Numerous FACers (I am
included) have Rich’s Beech Model 17 on
their short lists for the 2009 flying season.
A copy of the model plans was published
in issue 121 of the Crosswinds newsletter,
which you can obtain by contacting Russ
Brown. See the “Sources” list at the end of
this column for his information.
Mike Nassise is one of the most prolific
Pseudo-Dime Scale model designers. He has
recently had plans published for the French
Caudron C.714 (in Crosswinds number 127)
and the Bulgarian Avia B-135 (in the
January-February 2009 Tailspin).
Mike is the publisher of Tailspin, which
is an excellent bimonthly newsletter that is
also known as the “New England Flying
Aces News” and the “Journal of the Bay
State Squadron’s Pilgrim Flyers.” If you are
not already receiving this fine publication,
subscriptions are available for $12 per year
in the US and $20 per year for foreign
subscribers. See the “Sources” list for
contact information.
A recent search on the Internet turned up
photos of several Dime Scale types other
than the Beech Model 17. John Ernst built
handsome versions of the Martin MO-1, Me
109 Comet, and GH-Q Nightingale from
Nassise plans.
Scot Dobberfuhl constructed a delightful
WACO C from 1933 Star Model plans.
Michael Heinrich produced a formidablelooking
Tupolev R-3. Vance Gilbert built a
handsome S.E.5 in civil markings from
Megow 5¢ plans. I also found Rich Weber’s
colorful Boeing Monomail.
The KAPA Kollector is a high-class
quarterly newsletter that Kits and Plans
Antiquitous (KAPA) has published since
March 1993. Averaging 20 pages per issue,
it often presents scholarly, well-researched
articles that are of interest to FF Scale buffs.
The December 2008 (number 64) KAPA
Kollector had 28 of its 32 pages devoted to
an in-depth presentation of the prolific and
tragically short (only 16 years) career of the
great Paul Del Gatto. Written by his
daughter, Christina, the article includes two
pages of well-written text, a table listing
most of Paul’s published work, and 24
pages of plans, articles, and “data sheets”
that he prepared in the 1950s and 1960s.
Besides the excellent article about Paul
Del Gatto, the newsletter presented
“Kollector Klassifieds,” which is a detailed
listing of kits, magazines, books, and
materials for sale, as well as items that
collectors are seeking.
All issues of the Kollector are still
available. Meticulous newsletter indices are
available to allow you to quickly locate
published articles, plans, etc. KAPA
membership dues are $12 per year in the
US, $18 in Canada, and $24 via airmail in
other countries.
Publishing the KAPA Kollector had been
the responsibility of Morris E. Leventhal,
who did an outstanding job. He succumbed
to cancer on July 29, 2008, and KAPA has
issued an urgent call for someone to take
over the publisher’s position. The
organization has also called for someone to
serve as secretary/treasurer, claiming that
KAPA’s survival depends on these
positions being filled as soon as possible.
To help the modeling community and
KAPA Kollector, please contact KAPA
through Lou Buffardi to learn more about
the secretary/treasurer position. To obtain
information about the position of publisher,
please contact John Pothier.
My thanks to all of you for your e-mail and
letters concerning this column. I value your
opinions and thoughts, and I want to share
some recent comments with everyone.
Joe Eiben e-mailed me to reminisce
about the late Charles Tracy. Joe got to
know Charles in the early 1970s.
Joe had finished his education and had
just started his career, but still found time
for CL flying. He had heard of the
legendary model airplane shows at the
Higbee’s store in Cleveland, Ohio, in the
1950s and had hoped to enter them, only to
learn that they had been discontinued years
before.
Charles had been one of the prime
movers of the Higbee’s shows, and Joe met
with him, hoping to revive them. Charles
had been an aviation columnist since the
1930s and was widely read by both aviation
people and model builders.
Even though the Higbee’s shows were
gone, Joe thoroughly enjoyed Charles’
recollections of them. Joe is happy to see
that FF modeling is still active, and he
congratulated me for doing my part to keep
this wonderful hobby going, just as Charles
Tracy did for so many years.
Multitalented designer and builder Steve
Griebling wrote enthusiastically about my
comments on Clive Gamble’s Camel. Steve
liked the way Clive included several
different but proven ideas into the design.
One thing Steve noted was that I had not
commented on Clive’s use of a braided
motor in his Camel. Steve has made good
use of braiding to increase the length of his
motor runs. His point is well taken and I
thank him for calling it to my attention.
The venerable Dave Stott wrote to gently
tweak me for my enthusiasm about Clive’s
Camel by writing that he simply
incorporated several well-known ideas into
his design. Dave philosophically quoted the
remark of an observer in a similar situation
who said, “a good idea is always a good
idea.”
Dave shared his article, “Banish
Bunching,” which was published in Flying
Aces Club News several years ago. He also
enclosed his article, “Longer Rubber
Motors,” which was published in the
November 2004 Flying Models. He has
always been a great teacher, and all of us
owe him a debt of thanks.
Just before submitting this column to MA,
I learned that Easy Built Models has
released its Dime Scale kit of the PD-08
Fokker D.VII. It is based on a classic Comet
design.
The 16-inch-span airplane features lasercut
balsa parts and strip wood of highquality
stock, laser-cut bond-paper LaserCal
markings, and red Esaki tissue. The kit
includes full-size, rolled, CAD-drawn plans
and building and flying instructions.
Also provided are FAI rubber, a Peck-
Polymers nose bearing, an EB propeller,
wire, and laser-cut balsa wheels. The kit
price is $23.95. For further information,
contact Easy Built Models (which is listed
in the “Sources” section).
Thermals! MA
Sources:
2008 FAC rule book:
Flying Aces Club
FAC-GHQ
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Air Devil Models:
Dave Stott
4304 Madison Ave.
Trumbull CT 06611
Easy Built Models
Box 681744
Prattville AL 36068
www.easybuiltmodels.com
Tailspin:
Mike Nassise
22 Greenfield St.
South Easton MA 02375
Cloudbusters
31634 Curtis Rd.
Livonia MI 48152
http://cloudbustermac.tripod.com
Crosswinds newsletter:
Russ Brown
4909 N. Sedgewick
Lyndhurst OH 44124
Flying Aces Club News:
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Joe Eiben
[email protected]
Steve Griebling
753 Cliffside Dr.
Akron OH 44313
Flying Models
Box 700
Newton NJ 07860
MaxFax:
Stew Meyers
8304 Whitman Dr.
Bethesda MD 20817
KAPA Kollector
698 Tufts Ave. E.
Port Orchard WA 98366
Lou Buffardi
(360) 874-9350
[email protected]
John Pothier
(909) 794-7111
[email protected]
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/03
Page Numbers: 120,121,122,124
Also included in this column:
• Current newsletter plans
picks
• KAPA needs you!
• Letters and e-mails from
the gang
ONE OF THE HOTTEST categories of Flying Aces Club (FAC)
competition today is Dime Scale (and its cousin, Pseudo-Dime
Scale). It was created as an event that, in the words of Cleveland
Free Flight Society President Rich Weber, “is intended to release
one’s inner 12-year-old.”
Dime Scale seeks to return us to the fun and magic of building
simple Scale models that outfly many of their more sophisticated
FAC hangar mates. To better acquaint you with this event, I will
heavily paraphrase the FAC rules and add some observations.
FAC rules do not permit Dime Scale models to compete in other
FAC events when there is a Dime Scale event scheduled. Models
must be from kits that were typically sold for 10¢ during the 1930s
and 1940s.
Pseudo-Dime Scale models such as those from Dave Stott (Air
Devil), Easy Built Models, Mike Nassise, and others published in
various newsletters (e.g., Cloudbusters, Crosswinds, Flying Aces
Club News, MaxFax, Tailspin, etc.) are eligible as long as their
wingspans are 16 inches or shorter.
Span limitation is one of many restrictions to qualify a model for
Dime Scale competition. December 31, 1941, is the limit for Dime
Scale subjects, and December 7, 1941, is the limit for a Pseudo-
Dime Scale subject.
If a kit subject is chosen, it must be built to original plans size as
long as it does not exceed the span limit. Retractable landing gear
may be represented in the up or down position. Any size or type
propeller may be used.
Dime Scale subjects must be constructed from the wood sizes
specified (or heavier than those shown) on the plans. Wing and tail
outlines must be built per the plans, and laminated outlines are
prohibited unless plans show them. No undercambered airfoils are
permitted unless shown on the original plans.
Flight surfaces are to be covered as shown on the original plans.
Covering material must be standard domestic or Japanese tissue
such as Esaki. No Gampi tissue or condenser paper is permitted, and
no foam, vacuum-formed, or “plunge molded” parts are permitted,
including canopies.
March 2009 121
Scot Dobberfuhl built his WACO C from 1933 Star
Model plans. Dobberfuhl photo.
Rich Weber used his own plans to build this colorful Dime Scale
Boeing monoplane. Weber photo.
Vance Gilbert constructed his civilian S.E.5 from Megow 5¢ plans.
Gilbert photo.
Allowable construction modifications include the use of
stringers, and tissue instead of stiff paper (called for on some
plans) is acceptable where it will help to more accurately shape the
fuselage surface.
The nose area can be modified with an improved thrust bearing
and removable nose block, to improve motor access and clearance,
as long as the original external shape of the nose is true to that
shown on the plans. Rear rubber-motor attachment and location
can be changed. Tail surfaces can be increased, but not to the
extent of damaging the model’s appearance.
Additional allowable construction modifications include
double-covering flight surfaces that are shown single covered on
the original plans. Traditional Dime Scale model butt joints, such
as those typically found on wing and landing-gear struts, can be
reinforced using materials such as wire, sheet balsa, and plywood.
Basswood can be used in lieu of balsa, to provide a more
substantial structure. Wing spars can be moved. Butt-attached
wings can be made in one piece and carried through the fuselage
for added strength.
Minimal details expected are those shown on the plans
(control-surface separation lines, etc.), but items such as
navigation lights, pitot tubes, and steps can be left off. Coloringand-
markings can be those indicated on the plans or can be
changed to more accurately represent a particular aircraft, as long
as the contestant provides documentation to substantiate the
scheme used.
Pseudo-Dime Scale is not a separate FAC event and competes with
Dime Scale types. The models must be of subjects that have not
been modeled as Dime Scale kits.
If an Fw 190 is chosen as a Pseudo-Dimer, it must be of a version
of that aircraft that was flying before December 7, 1941. Hence an
Fw 190D-9 is ineligible.
Both Dime Scale and Pseudo-Dime Scale types are to reflect the
minimal structure and materials of 10¢ kits. Pseudo-Dime Scale
plans are limited to one side of one sheet of 11 x 17-inch paper.
Print-wood patterns for Pseudo-Dimers may be drawn on a separate
sheet for parts layout or can be shown on the plans if room permits.
The drawing format for Pseudo-Dimers must closely follow that
of the 10¢ Comet-series plans and reflect as much detail and
markings as that series. Fuselage design is limited to a box girder
type, with formers added to produce the desired cross-section.
The modern practice of using sliced or cracked ribs is prohibited,
and the design must follow the wide spacing of structural members
that was characteristic of 10¢ models. Dihedral for Pseudo-Dimers is
limited to 10°, and wood size is not to be less than 1/16 inch.
Current FAC rules stipulate that each Dime Scale contestant may
enter two models, but only the highest-scoring of the pair will be
eligible. Standard FAC bonus points will be added to each official
flight. A total of three official hand-launched flights will determine
the winner of a Dime Scale event.
Dime Scale models and their plans must be presented to the CD
at the end of the event for static judging. It follows that a Dime Scale
type that flies away will not be available to present for static-judging
and will presumably be disqualified from receiving an award.
In the event of a tie, a flyoff will be conducted (with bonus points
added) to determine the winner.
Rich Weber’s version of the Beech Model 17 is one of the most
A Dime Scale Tupolev R-3 from plans by Michael Heinrich.
Heinrich photo.
03sig4.QXD 1/26/09 11:18 AM Page 121
widely built Pseudo-Dime Scale designs.
Not only is it well designed, but it is also a
Kanone grabber that lends itself to numerous
colorful schemes.
Rich’s handsome prototype has been
followed by equally striking versions that
Chris Boehm, Scot Dobberfuhl, Wally
Farrel, Clive Gamble, Tom Hallman, and
others have built. Numerous FACers (I am
included) have Rich’s Beech Model 17 on
their short lists for the 2009 flying season.
A copy of the model plans was published
in issue 121 of the Crosswinds newsletter,
which you can obtain by contacting Russ
Brown. See the “Sources” list at the end of
this column for his information.
Mike Nassise is one of the most prolific
Pseudo-Dime Scale model designers. He has
recently had plans published for the French
Caudron C.714 (in Crosswinds number 127)
and the Bulgarian Avia B-135 (in the
January-February 2009 Tailspin).
Mike is the publisher of Tailspin, which
is an excellent bimonthly newsletter that is
also known as the “New England Flying
Aces News” and the “Journal of the Bay
State Squadron’s Pilgrim Flyers.” If you are
not already receiving this fine publication,
subscriptions are available for $12 per year
in the US and $20 per year for foreign
subscribers. See the “Sources” list for
contact information.
A recent search on the Internet turned up
photos of several Dime Scale types other
than the Beech Model 17. John Ernst built
handsome versions of the Martin MO-1, Me
109 Comet, and GH-Q Nightingale from
Nassise plans.
Scot Dobberfuhl constructed a delightful
WACO C from 1933 Star Model plans.
Michael Heinrich produced a formidablelooking
Tupolev R-3. Vance Gilbert built a
handsome S.E.5 in civil markings from
Megow 5¢ plans. I also found Rich Weber’s
colorful Boeing Monomail.
The KAPA Kollector is a high-class
quarterly newsletter that Kits and Plans
Antiquitous (KAPA) has published since
March 1993. Averaging 20 pages per issue,
it often presents scholarly, well-researched
articles that are of interest to FF Scale buffs.
The December 2008 (number 64) KAPA
Kollector had 28 of its 32 pages devoted to
an in-depth presentation of the prolific and
tragically short (only 16 years) career of the
great Paul Del Gatto. Written by his
daughter, Christina, the article includes two
pages of well-written text, a table listing
most of Paul’s published work, and 24
pages of plans, articles, and “data sheets”
that he prepared in the 1950s and 1960s.
Besides the excellent article about Paul
Del Gatto, the newsletter presented
“Kollector Klassifieds,” which is a detailed
listing of kits, magazines, books, and
materials for sale, as well as items that
collectors are seeking.
All issues of the Kollector are still
available. Meticulous newsletter indices are
available to allow you to quickly locate
published articles, plans, etc. KAPA
membership dues are $12 per year in the
US, $18 in Canada, and $24 via airmail in
other countries.
Publishing the KAPA Kollector had been
the responsibility of Morris E. Leventhal,
who did an outstanding job. He succumbed
to cancer on July 29, 2008, and KAPA has
issued an urgent call for someone to take
over the publisher’s position. The
organization has also called for someone to
serve as secretary/treasurer, claiming that
KAPA’s survival depends on these
positions being filled as soon as possible.
To help the modeling community and
KAPA Kollector, please contact KAPA
through Lou Buffardi to learn more about
the secretary/treasurer position. To obtain
information about the position of publisher,
please contact John Pothier.
My thanks to all of you for your e-mail and
letters concerning this column. I value your
opinions and thoughts, and I want to share
some recent comments with everyone.
Joe Eiben e-mailed me to reminisce
about the late Charles Tracy. Joe got to
know Charles in the early 1970s.
Joe had finished his education and had
just started his career, but still found time
for CL flying. He had heard of the
legendary model airplane shows at the
Higbee’s store in Cleveland, Ohio, in the
1950s and had hoped to enter them, only to
learn that they had been discontinued years
before.
Charles had been one of the prime
movers of the Higbee’s shows, and Joe met
with him, hoping to revive them. Charles
had been an aviation columnist since the
1930s and was widely read by both aviation
people and model builders.
Even though the Higbee’s shows were
gone, Joe thoroughly enjoyed Charles’
recollections of them. Joe is happy to see
that FF modeling is still active, and he
congratulated me for doing my part to keep
this wonderful hobby going, just as Charles
Tracy did for so many years.
Multitalented designer and builder Steve
Griebling wrote enthusiastically about my
comments on Clive Gamble’s Camel. Steve
liked the way Clive included several
different but proven ideas into the design.
One thing Steve noted was that I had not
commented on Clive’s use of a braided
motor in his Camel. Steve has made good
use of braiding to increase the length of his
motor runs. His point is well taken and I
thank him for calling it to my attention.
The venerable Dave Stott wrote to gently
tweak me for my enthusiasm about Clive’s
Camel by writing that he simply
incorporated several well-known ideas into
his design. Dave philosophically quoted the
remark of an observer in a similar situation
who said, “a good idea is always a good
idea.”
Dave shared his article, “Banish
Bunching,” which was published in Flying
Aces Club News several years ago. He also
enclosed his article, “Longer Rubber
Motors,” which was published in the
November 2004 Flying Models. He has
always been a great teacher, and all of us
owe him a debt of thanks.
Just before submitting this column to MA,
I learned that Easy Built Models has
released its Dime Scale kit of the PD-08
Fokker D.VII. It is based on a classic Comet
design.
The 16-inch-span airplane features lasercut
balsa parts and strip wood of highquality
stock, laser-cut bond-paper LaserCal
markings, and red Esaki tissue. The kit
includes full-size, rolled, CAD-drawn plans
and building and flying instructions.
Also provided are FAI rubber, a Peck-
Polymers nose bearing, an EB propeller,
wire, and laser-cut balsa wheels. The kit
price is $23.95. For further information,
contact Easy Built Models (which is listed
in the “Sources” section).
Thermals! MA
Sources:
2008 FAC rule book:
Flying Aces Club
FAC-GHQ
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Air Devil Models:
Dave Stott
4304 Madison Ave.
Trumbull CT 06611
Easy Built Models
Box 681744
Prattville AL 36068
www.easybuiltmodels.com
Tailspin:
Mike Nassise
22 Greenfield St.
South Easton MA 02375
Cloudbusters
31634 Curtis Rd.
Livonia MI 48152
http://cloudbustermac.tripod.com
Crosswinds newsletter:
Russ Brown
4909 N. Sedgewick
Lyndhurst OH 44124
Flying Aces Club News:
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
Joe Eiben
[email protected]
Steve Griebling
753 Cliffside Dr.
Akron OH 44313
Flying Models
Box 700
Newton NJ 07860
MaxFax:
Stew Meyers
8304 Whitman Dr.
Bethesda MD 20817
KAPA Kollector
698 Tufts Ave. E.
Port Orchard WA 98366
Lou Buffardi
(360) 874-9350
[email protected]
John Pothier
(909) 794-7111
[email protected]
