134 MODEL AVIATION
THERE WERE 115 contestants at the 2009 FAC (Flying Aces Club)
Non-Nats, held at Geneseo, New York, July 16-18. Among those who
attended were several prominent AMA leaders, including President
Dave Mathewson, Executive Director Jim Cherry, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, and District III Vice President Bob Brown.
Bob competed in the flying and, with a 55-second flight, won the
Rocket/Jet Scale event with his outstanding Blohm und Voss Bv 215,
built from a Shorty’s Basement kit.
This year marked two milestones in aviation history: the 80th
anniversary of the Cleveland National Air Races and the 100th
anniversary of Louis Blériot’s crossing the English Channel. The FAC
celebrated both events.
The Greve and Thompson mass launches were tributes to the
Golden Age of air racing. Each winner of the Thompson received a
special plaque that I
made,
commemorating
Cleveland’s pivotal
role in air-racing
history.
Blériot’s
achievement
inspired the FAC to
create the S.L.O.W.
event, which was
open to models of
pre-1915 aircraft.
Although the models
were built to scale,
humorous and
colorful covering
schemes were
encouraged to offset the “plain-Jane” look of most pioneer types.
The BLUR racecourse became the English Channel. Models
were flown in heats of three. Unlike all other FAC events, the
models that won the S.L.O.W. did so by flying the slowest and
lowest over “the Channel.”
Much laughter and cheering erupted as the S.L.O.W. contest
unfolded. Dainty models drifted, dorked, and crashed, as they
struggled to traverse the course.
Rich Weber’s tiny Latham Monobloc was of particular
interest. Resplendent in crimson and cream, it had a fierce dragon
(from an online tattoo source) on one wing. The other wing
sported Japanese script that translated roughly to “Wing Nut”:
Rich’s FAC nickname. It had the perfect look for the event.
A strange thing about the Monobloc was its attraction to field
judge Vance Gilbert. During the model’s first flight, it went
directly at Vance, who was forced to jump out of the way as it
nearly hit him.
Figuring he was standing in the wrong place, Vance moved
several yards. When the Monobloc flew its second heat, it headed
directly at Vance again. In comic disbelief, he changed his field
position again.
The Monobloc made it to the final heat and, incredibly, locked
in on Vance again, as it won the event. Vance was unscathed, but
he and several others were smitten by the Monobloc. Bets are that
several of the aircraft will appear at next year’s S.L.O.W.
competition.
I had a moving experience in Geneseo, when I met Larry
Sweat of Orange Park, Florida. He served in the US military and
was stationed in England in the mid-1960s.
Larry had built model airplanes for years. But he had become
bored and was about to give up the hobby when he saw my first
published article, in the December 1966 Model Airplane News.
Tales from the FAC Non-Nats
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• Tips for holiday shopping
from a dozen vendors
Dennis Norman (L) greets FAC “Ace of
Aces” Gordon Roberts (534 Kanones) in
front of Air Ace Models’ display during the
Non-Nats. Fred Wunsche photo.
Most of the Staggerwing Salute fliers (standing L-R): Rich Miller, Wally Farrell, Tom
Hallman, Rich Weber, Clive Gambel, Dick Gorman, Andrew Ricci, George White
(kneeling L-R), Mike Isserman, Dave Mitchell. The missing Scot Dobberfuhl is still
searching for his Beech 17. Gorman photo.
Scot Dobberfuhl holds his unique Geary
Circular Triplane, which competed in the
S.L.O.W. event. Scot is among the most
innovative of the creative FAC bunch.
Wunsche photo.
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 134
The piece was about a rubber-powered de
Havilland Mosquito that used a pulley
system to drive both propellers from a
single pulley attached to a rubber motor in
the fuselage.
The model flew, but not well. It
managed to give only a long powered
glide. Sweat said that it inspired him and
rekindled his interest in model aviation: a
hobby that he enjoys to this day.
Following are the 2009 FAC Non-Nats
awards and honors.
Founding Father’s Award (Scale): Jim De
Tar, George Lewis
Cat’s Ass Trophy (Best Scale Crash): John
Hauk, Tom Hallman
Vic Didelot FAC Spirit Award: Pres
Bruning
100 FAC Victories: Dan Kane
Blue Max Awards: Dallas Cornelius, Joe
Finn
And following are the category winners.
Blur Race: Ed Pelatowski/Folkerts SK-2
FAC Dime Scale-Nostalgic: Paul Boyanowski/Spitfire
FAC Dime Scale-Traditional:Jack McGillivray/Boeing Monomail
FAC Embryo Endurance: Dallas Cornelius/Sharky
FAC Fiction Flyer Scale: Tom Hallman/Smilin’ Jack X-13
FAC GHQ Peanut Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Lacey M-10
FAC Jimmie Allen Event: Vic Nippert/Skokie
FAC Jumbo/Giant Scale: Vance Gilbert/Mitsubishi “Betty”
FAC Old Time Gas Replica: Vic Nippert/Aerobo
FAC Old Time Rubber: Vic Nippert/Hi-Climber
FAC Old Time Stick: Dan Driscol/Miss Production
FAC Phantom Flash: George Lewis/Phantom Flash R.O.G
FAC Rubber Scale: Andrew Ricci/Arado Ar.440
FAC WW II Combat: Pat Murray/TBF Avenger
French Design: Frank Rowsome/Caudron Cyclone
December 2009 135
Vance Gilbert with his scratch-built, rubber-powered Mitsubishi “Betty” in a post-WW II
“surrender” scheme. It won Jumbo Scale; its best flight was on rails at 1 minute, 16
seconds. Bob Clemens photo.
Designer Tom Nallen’s and builder Dave Niedzielski’s Shell
Lockheed Orion is a new Easy Built Models kit. Easy Built Models
photo.
Eagle-eyed Bernard Dion, commander of the French Design event,
holds his Aichi D3A1 “Val” Type 99 as he watches the nonstop
FAC aerial show. Maxecuters photo.
FAC Commander in Chief Ross Mayo (R) with AMA executives at
the Non-Nats (L-R): President Dave Mathewson, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, Executive Director Jim Cherry, and District
III Vice President Bob Brown. Steve Compton photo.
Golden Age Biplane: Richard Zapf/WACO SRE
Golden Age Civil Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Interstate Cadet
Golden Age Military Scale: Dallas Cornelius/de Havilland D.H.29
Greve Race: Jack McGillivray/P-W “Mr. Smoothie”
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 135
Modern Age Civil Scale: Scot
Dobberfuhl/Piper Clipper
Modern Age Military Scale: Dallas
Cornelius/Arsenal VB 10
Pioneer Scale: Tom Hallman/Blériot 25
Power Scale Single Engine: Martin
Richey/Bv 208.03
Rapier Jet Scale: Bob Brown/Bv 215
S.L.O.W. Race: Rich Weber/Latham
Monobloc
Thompson Trophy Race: Paul
Boyanowski/Lockheed “Altair”
WW I Combat: Jim De Tar/Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat Inline Qualifier: Wally
Farrell/Bell P-63 Kingcobra
WW II Combat Radial Qualifier: Jim De
Tar/Curtiss SBC Helldiver
It is my custom at this time of year to give
you some tips for your holiday shopping
from the Non-Nats vendors. They’re listed
in alphabetical order in the “Sources” list at
the end of this column, which contains their
contact information.
My company, Air Ace Models, sells a
clever line of 18 inexpensive covering kits
for the Phantom Flash R.O.G. Each
contains full-size plans, a parts drawing,
background text, a copy of the FAC
Phantom Flash rules, covering instructions,
and a full-color 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of
oversized coverings printed on Esaki tissue
with a copier (making wet-covering
possible). All of that is $5 plus postage per
kit.
Air Ace Models’ newest release is the
full-fuselage Phantom Flash II, which
includes all of the items listed in the
preceding paragraph and three 8.5 x 11-
inch sheets of full-color Esaki tissue, for
double-covering the reinforced wing and
stabilizer and built-up fuselage.
The Phantom Flash II kit costs $12 plus
postage per kit. Eighteen covering choices
are available for this model too.
Lee Campbell owns Campbell’s Custom
Kits, which sells a large selection of kits
and modeling materials. Most recently, the
company has introduced a full laser-cut
replica kit of the classic Comet Gull, which
sells for $73 plus $8 shipping and handling.
Campbell’s is also a source for the new
FAI rubber, which I will write about later
in this column. It currently sells for $25 per
box plus shipping and handling.
Contra Prop Units has developed a line
of excellent contrarotating propeller (CRP)
units for rubber power. Owner John
Regalbuto has created several impressive
models using his CRP.
His four-motored, rubber-powered
Northrop XB-35 flying wing was the talk
of the 2008 FAC Nats. Each motor
powered one pusher CRP unit.
At this year’s Non-Nats, John wowed
them again with his version of the ill-fated
Hughes XF-11 photo-reconnaissance
aircraft. The giant-scale model is powered
by twin rubber motors, each driving one of
John’s latest CRP units. For more
information about these exciting products,
contact John.
Crosswinds, the quarterly newsletter of
the Cleveland Free Flight Society,
presented the new “CFFS Index” to
Crosswinds and the early CFFS newsletters
covering the period of May 1972 through
mid-2009.
Articles, plans, scale views, and more
are listed in the index, which makes it
possible to order relevant back issues.
Contact Russ Brown for further details.
Documentation Books from Pat Murray
is a large selection of Squadron/Signal
aviation booklets covering issues 1-200.
These are $10-$22 plus shipping and
handling. Contact Murray to obtain an email
listing of the available publications.
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood was
at Geneseo with an excellent selection of
sheet and strip balsa. Especially impressive
was new balsa from Ecuador, which is
light, strong, and straight-grained. In
addition, Don sells numerous other
materials and publications about bass and
balsa woodworking.
Easy Built Models has three new
rubber-powered models: a 24-inch-span
Lockheed Orion, finished in the Shell Oil
Company’s colorful livery, for $39.95 plus
shipping; a 22-inch-span Chambermaid
Racer for $38.95 plus shipping; and a
delightful 16.5-inch-span Blériot XI
(1909), whose price is yet to be announced.
Easy Built Models traces its roots to the
1930s. Under the direction of its current
owner, Dave Niedzielski, the company has
been modernized and is a major contributor
stuff.
John Clapp of FAI Model Supply
caused a sensation in Geneseo with his
latest batches of rubber for motors. The
manufacturer’s change in the formula has
resulted in a homogeneous new rubber,
which has performance that rivals great
types of the past.
The company is selling this selection in
1/16- and 1/8-inch widths, for $25 per 1-
pound box. Larger widths (3/16 inch, 1/4
inch, etc.) might be available in time for
holiday shoppers.
FAI Model Supply has also introduced
two new IKARA indoor kits and has a
large assortment of fine-quality propellers,
accessories, and other products.
Flying Aces Club Merchandise was
introduced in 1978. This year’s official
FAC T-shirt is a handsome and colorful
depiction of Louis Blériot’s historic
crossing of the English Channel in a Blériot
XI.
The talented Pres Bruning did the
impeccable artwork. If you did not get a
shirt at Geneseo, you can order one for
only $10 plus shipping.
FAC calendars for 2010 are available
for $15, and the elegant pin celebrating the
FAC Nats’ 30th anniversary is $8 plus
shipping. In addition to these items, the
club offers books, magazines, plans, kits,
accessories, and much more. Contact FAC
News Editor Juanita Reichel for further
information.
Although he did not officially
participate as a vendor in Geneseo, Klass
Wings’ owner Keith Sterner
enthusiastically told of his progress in
designing and manufacturing CRP units.
His utilize a completely different gearing
mechanism from those by Contra Prop
Units.
Two sizes of CRP are available. The
largest weighs approximately 8 grams and
is good for models with spans as large as
30 inches. The other unit weighs roughly 3
grams and is suited for models ranging
from 20 inches in wingspan to Peanut size.
Klass Wings’ units come with extralong
prop shafts and can be trimmed to fit
your model. The small units currently sell
for $40 and the big units sell for $50, plus
postage.
Keith is also developing a line of lasercut
kits. Contact him for more information.
Alan Cohen of NS Wheels had a
splendid selection of his handmade vintage
wheels in a variety of sizes at the Non-
Nats. At as much as $30 per pair, the price
is reasonable considering the time and
effort involved in making them.
In addition, Alan has found an exotic
source for new balsa of exceptional quality.
He might offer it to modelers in the near
future.
Shorty’s Basement includes the team of
“Dynamic” Dan and Carole Kane, who
continue expanding their impressive line of
products. One of their newest is John Bell’s
book, Flying Scale Model Plans.
It is a tribute to his wife and presents 29
construction plans and 18 scale drawings.
This ring-bound collection is printed on 11
x 17-inch paper and costs $20 plus
shipping. It is a must for plans collectors.
Shorty’s is also presenting a new
Rapier-powered kit of the F-4 Phantom and
a new rubber-powered kit of Old Tiger.
Their prices are yet to be announced. On
top of all that, Shorty’s Basement is
expecting to introduce an excellent line of
ducted-fan units that Steve Bage of
Scotland has designed.
The preceding vendors helped make the
2009 Non-Nats a success, and they can
brighten your holiday season with their
wonderful products. May joy and peace be
with you and all those you love. MA
Sources:
Air Ace Models
(216) 631-7774
[email protected]
Campbell’s Custom Kits
(765) 683-1749
www.campbellscustomkits.com
Contra Prop Units
(978) 352-4534
[email protected]
Russ Brown
(216) 382-4821
Documentation Books
(317) 536-8289
[email protected]
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood
(905) 945-5647
Easy Built Models
(334) 358-5184
www.easybuiltmodels.com
FAI Model Supply
(570) 882-9873
www.faimodelsupply.com
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
(814) 833-0314
Klass Wings, LLC
(610) 438-5759
[email protected]
NS Wheels
(908) 638-3636
www.nswheels.com
Shorty’s Basement
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/12
Page Numbers: 134,135,136,137
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/12
Page Numbers: 134,135,136,137
134 MODEL AVIATION
THERE WERE 115 contestants at the 2009 FAC (Flying Aces Club)
Non-Nats, held at Geneseo, New York, July 16-18. Among those who
attended were several prominent AMA leaders, including President
Dave Mathewson, Executive Director Jim Cherry, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, and District III Vice President Bob Brown.
Bob competed in the flying and, with a 55-second flight, won the
Rocket/Jet Scale event with his outstanding Blohm und Voss Bv 215,
built from a Shorty’s Basement kit.
This year marked two milestones in aviation history: the 80th
anniversary of the Cleveland National Air Races and the 100th
anniversary of Louis Blériot’s crossing the English Channel. The FAC
celebrated both events.
The Greve and Thompson mass launches were tributes to the
Golden Age of air racing. Each winner of the Thompson received a
special plaque that I
made,
commemorating
Cleveland’s pivotal
role in air-racing
history.
Blériot’s
achievement
inspired the FAC to
create the S.L.O.W.
event, which was
open to models of
pre-1915 aircraft.
Although the models
were built to scale,
humorous and
colorful covering
schemes were
encouraged to offset the “plain-Jane” look of most pioneer types.
The BLUR racecourse became the English Channel. Models
were flown in heats of three. Unlike all other FAC events, the
models that won the S.L.O.W. did so by flying the slowest and
lowest over “the Channel.”
Much laughter and cheering erupted as the S.L.O.W. contest
unfolded. Dainty models drifted, dorked, and crashed, as they
struggled to traverse the course.
Rich Weber’s tiny Latham Monobloc was of particular
interest. Resplendent in crimson and cream, it had a fierce dragon
(from an online tattoo source) on one wing. The other wing
sported Japanese script that translated roughly to “Wing Nut”:
Rich’s FAC nickname. It had the perfect look for the event.
A strange thing about the Monobloc was its attraction to field
judge Vance Gilbert. During the model’s first flight, it went
directly at Vance, who was forced to jump out of the way as it
nearly hit him.
Figuring he was standing in the wrong place, Vance moved
several yards. When the Monobloc flew its second heat, it headed
directly at Vance again. In comic disbelief, he changed his field
position again.
The Monobloc made it to the final heat and, incredibly, locked
in on Vance again, as it won the event. Vance was unscathed, but
he and several others were smitten by the Monobloc. Bets are that
several of the aircraft will appear at next year’s S.L.O.W.
competition.
I had a moving experience in Geneseo, when I met Larry
Sweat of Orange Park, Florida. He served in the US military and
was stationed in England in the mid-1960s.
Larry had built model airplanes for years. But he had become
bored and was about to give up the hobby when he saw my first
published article, in the December 1966 Model Airplane News.
Tales from the FAC Non-Nats
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• Tips for holiday shopping
from a dozen vendors
Dennis Norman (L) greets FAC “Ace of
Aces” Gordon Roberts (534 Kanones) in
front of Air Ace Models’ display during the
Non-Nats. Fred Wunsche photo.
Most of the Staggerwing Salute fliers (standing L-R): Rich Miller, Wally Farrell, Tom
Hallman, Rich Weber, Clive Gambel, Dick Gorman, Andrew Ricci, George White
(kneeling L-R), Mike Isserman, Dave Mitchell. The missing Scot Dobberfuhl is still
searching for his Beech 17. Gorman photo.
Scot Dobberfuhl holds his unique Geary
Circular Triplane, which competed in the
S.L.O.W. event. Scot is among the most
innovative of the creative FAC bunch.
Wunsche photo.
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 134
The piece was about a rubber-powered de
Havilland Mosquito that used a pulley
system to drive both propellers from a
single pulley attached to a rubber motor in
the fuselage.
The model flew, but not well. It
managed to give only a long powered
glide. Sweat said that it inspired him and
rekindled his interest in model aviation: a
hobby that he enjoys to this day.
Following are the 2009 FAC Non-Nats
awards and honors.
Founding Father’s Award (Scale): Jim De
Tar, George Lewis
Cat’s Ass Trophy (Best Scale Crash): John
Hauk, Tom Hallman
Vic Didelot FAC Spirit Award: Pres
Bruning
100 FAC Victories: Dan Kane
Blue Max Awards: Dallas Cornelius, Joe
Finn
And following are the category winners.
Blur Race: Ed Pelatowski/Folkerts SK-2
FAC Dime Scale-Nostalgic: Paul Boyanowski/Spitfire
FAC Dime Scale-Traditional:Jack McGillivray/Boeing Monomail
FAC Embryo Endurance: Dallas Cornelius/Sharky
FAC Fiction Flyer Scale: Tom Hallman/Smilin’ Jack X-13
FAC GHQ Peanut Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Lacey M-10
FAC Jimmie Allen Event: Vic Nippert/Skokie
FAC Jumbo/Giant Scale: Vance Gilbert/Mitsubishi “Betty”
FAC Old Time Gas Replica: Vic Nippert/Aerobo
FAC Old Time Rubber: Vic Nippert/Hi-Climber
FAC Old Time Stick: Dan Driscol/Miss Production
FAC Phantom Flash: George Lewis/Phantom Flash R.O.G
FAC Rubber Scale: Andrew Ricci/Arado Ar.440
FAC WW II Combat: Pat Murray/TBF Avenger
French Design: Frank Rowsome/Caudron Cyclone
December 2009 135
Vance Gilbert with his scratch-built, rubber-powered Mitsubishi “Betty” in a post-WW II
“surrender” scheme. It won Jumbo Scale; its best flight was on rails at 1 minute, 16
seconds. Bob Clemens photo.
Designer Tom Nallen’s and builder Dave Niedzielski’s Shell
Lockheed Orion is a new Easy Built Models kit. Easy Built Models
photo.
Eagle-eyed Bernard Dion, commander of the French Design event,
holds his Aichi D3A1 “Val” Type 99 as he watches the nonstop
FAC aerial show. Maxecuters photo.
FAC Commander in Chief Ross Mayo (R) with AMA executives at
the Non-Nats (L-R): President Dave Mathewson, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, Executive Director Jim Cherry, and District
III Vice President Bob Brown. Steve Compton photo.
Golden Age Biplane: Richard Zapf/WACO SRE
Golden Age Civil Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Interstate Cadet
Golden Age Military Scale: Dallas Cornelius/de Havilland D.H.29
Greve Race: Jack McGillivray/P-W “Mr. Smoothie”
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 135
Modern Age Civil Scale: Scot
Dobberfuhl/Piper Clipper
Modern Age Military Scale: Dallas
Cornelius/Arsenal VB 10
Pioneer Scale: Tom Hallman/Blériot 25
Power Scale Single Engine: Martin
Richey/Bv 208.03
Rapier Jet Scale: Bob Brown/Bv 215
S.L.O.W. Race: Rich Weber/Latham
Monobloc
Thompson Trophy Race: Paul
Boyanowski/Lockheed “Altair”
WW I Combat: Jim De Tar/Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat Inline Qualifier: Wally
Farrell/Bell P-63 Kingcobra
WW II Combat Radial Qualifier: Jim De
Tar/Curtiss SBC Helldiver
It is my custom at this time of year to give
you some tips for your holiday shopping
from the Non-Nats vendors. They’re listed
in alphabetical order in the “Sources” list at
the end of this column, which contains their
contact information.
My company, Air Ace Models, sells a
clever line of 18 inexpensive covering kits
for the Phantom Flash R.O.G. Each
contains full-size plans, a parts drawing,
background text, a copy of the FAC
Phantom Flash rules, covering instructions,
and a full-color 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of
oversized coverings printed on Esaki tissue
with a copier (making wet-covering
possible). All of that is $5 plus postage per
kit.
Air Ace Models’ newest release is the
full-fuselage Phantom Flash II, which
includes all of the items listed in the
preceding paragraph and three 8.5 x 11-
inch sheets of full-color Esaki tissue, for
double-covering the reinforced wing and
stabilizer and built-up fuselage.
The Phantom Flash II kit costs $12 plus
postage per kit. Eighteen covering choices
are available for this model too.
Lee Campbell owns Campbell’s Custom
Kits, which sells a large selection of kits
and modeling materials. Most recently, the
company has introduced a full laser-cut
replica kit of the classic Comet Gull, which
sells for $73 plus $8 shipping and handling.
Campbell’s is also a source for the new
FAI rubber, which I will write about later
in this column. It currently sells for $25 per
box plus shipping and handling.
Contra Prop Units has developed a line
of excellent contrarotating propeller (CRP)
units for rubber power. Owner John
Regalbuto has created several impressive
models using his CRP.
His four-motored, rubber-powered
Northrop XB-35 flying wing was the talk
of the 2008 FAC Nats. Each motor
powered one pusher CRP unit.
At this year’s Non-Nats, John wowed
them again with his version of the ill-fated
Hughes XF-11 photo-reconnaissance
aircraft. The giant-scale model is powered
by twin rubber motors, each driving one of
John’s latest CRP units. For more
information about these exciting products,
contact John.
Crosswinds, the quarterly newsletter of
the Cleveland Free Flight Society,
presented the new “CFFS Index” to
Crosswinds and the early CFFS newsletters
covering the period of May 1972 through
mid-2009.
Articles, plans, scale views, and more
are listed in the index, which makes it
possible to order relevant back issues.
Contact Russ Brown for further details.
Documentation Books from Pat Murray
is a large selection of Squadron/Signal
aviation booklets covering issues 1-200.
These are $10-$22 plus shipping and
handling. Contact Murray to obtain an email
listing of the available publications.
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood was
at Geneseo with an excellent selection of
sheet and strip balsa. Especially impressive
was new balsa from Ecuador, which is
light, strong, and straight-grained. In
addition, Don sells numerous other
materials and publications about bass and
balsa woodworking.
Easy Built Models has three new
rubber-powered models: a 24-inch-span
Lockheed Orion, finished in the Shell Oil
Company’s colorful livery, for $39.95 plus
shipping; a 22-inch-span Chambermaid
Racer for $38.95 plus shipping; and a
delightful 16.5-inch-span Blériot XI
(1909), whose price is yet to be announced.
Easy Built Models traces its roots to the
1930s. Under the direction of its current
owner, Dave Niedzielski, the company has
been modernized and is a major contributor
stuff.
John Clapp of FAI Model Supply
caused a sensation in Geneseo with his
latest batches of rubber for motors. The
manufacturer’s change in the formula has
resulted in a homogeneous new rubber,
which has performance that rivals great
types of the past.
The company is selling this selection in
1/16- and 1/8-inch widths, for $25 per 1-
pound box. Larger widths (3/16 inch, 1/4
inch, etc.) might be available in time for
holiday shoppers.
FAI Model Supply has also introduced
two new IKARA indoor kits and has a
large assortment of fine-quality propellers,
accessories, and other products.
Flying Aces Club Merchandise was
introduced in 1978. This year’s official
FAC T-shirt is a handsome and colorful
depiction of Louis Blériot’s historic
crossing of the English Channel in a Blériot
XI.
The talented Pres Bruning did the
impeccable artwork. If you did not get a
shirt at Geneseo, you can order one for
only $10 plus shipping.
FAC calendars for 2010 are available
for $15, and the elegant pin celebrating the
FAC Nats’ 30th anniversary is $8 plus
shipping. In addition to these items, the
club offers books, magazines, plans, kits,
accessories, and much more. Contact FAC
News Editor Juanita Reichel for further
information.
Although he did not officially
participate as a vendor in Geneseo, Klass
Wings’ owner Keith Sterner
enthusiastically told of his progress in
designing and manufacturing CRP units.
His utilize a completely different gearing
mechanism from those by Contra Prop
Units.
Two sizes of CRP are available. The
largest weighs approximately 8 grams and
is good for models with spans as large as
30 inches. The other unit weighs roughly 3
grams and is suited for models ranging
from 20 inches in wingspan to Peanut size.
Klass Wings’ units come with extralong
prop shafts and can be trimmed to fit
your model. The small units currently sell
for $40 and the big units sell for $50, plus
postage.
Keith is also developing a line of lasercut
kits. Contact him for more information.
Alan Cohen of NS Wheels had a
splendid selection of his handmade vintage
wheels in a variety of sizes at the Non-
Nats. At as much as $30 per pair, the price
is reasonable considering the time and
effort involved in making them.
In addition, Alan has found an exotic
source for new balsa of exceptional quality.
He might offer it to modelers in the near
future.
Shorty’s Basement includes the team of
“Dynamic” Dan and Carole Kane, who
continue expanding their impressive line of
products. One of their newest is John Bell’s
book, Flying Scale Model Plans.
It is a tribute to his wife and presents 29
construction plans and 18 scale drawings.
This ring-bound collection is printed on 11
x 17-inch paper and costs $20 plus
shipping. It is a must for plans collectors.
Shorty’s is also presenting a new
Rapier-powered kit of the F-4 Phantom and
a new rubber-powered kit of Old Tiger.
Their prices are yet to be announced. On
top of all that, Shorty’s Basement is
expecting to introduce an excellent line of
ducted-fan units that Steve Bage of
Scotland has designed.
The preceding vendors helped make the
2009 Non-Nats a success, and they can
brighten your holiday season with their
wonderful products. May joy and peace be
with you and all those you love. MA
Sources:
Air Ace Models
(216) 631-7774
[email protected]
Campbell’s Custom Kits
(765) 683-1749
www.campbellscustomkits.com
Contra Prop Units
(978) 352-4534
[email protected]
Russ Brown
(216) 382-4821
Documentation Books
(317) 536-8289
[email protected]
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood
(905) 945-5647
Easy Built Models
(334) 358-5184
www.easybuiltmodels.com
FAI Model Supply
(570) 882-9873
www.faimodelsupply.com
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
(814) 833-0314
Klass Wings, LLC
(610) 438-5759
[email protected]
NS Wheels
(908) 638-3636
www.nswheels.com
Shorty’s Basement
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/12
Page Numbers: 134,135,136,137
134 MODEL AVIATION
THERE WERE 115 contestants at the 2009 FAC (Flying Aces Club)
Non-Nats, held at Geneseo, New York, July 16-18. Among those who
attended were several prominent AMA leaders, including President
Dave Mathewson, Executive Director Jim Cherry, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, and District III Vice President Bob Brown.
Bob competed in the flying and, with a 55-second flight, won the
Rocket/Jet Scale event with his outstanding Blohm und Voss Bv 215,
built from a Shorty’s Basement kit.
This year marked two milestones in aviation history: the 80th
anniversary of the Cleveland National Air Races and the 100th
anniversary of Louis Blériot’s crossing the English Channel. The FAC
celebrated both events.
The Greve and Thompson mass launches were tributes to the
Golden Age of air racing. Each winner of the Thompson received a
special plaque that I
made,
commemorating
Cleveland’s pivotal
role in air-racing
history.
Blériot’s
achievement
inspired the FAC to
create the S.L.O.W.
event, which was
open to models of
pre-1915 aircraft.
Although the models
were built to scale,
humorous and
colorful covering
schemes were
encouraged to offset the “plain-Jane” look of most pioneer types.
The BLUR racecourse became the English Channel. Models
were flown in heats of three. Unlike all other FAC events, the
models that won the S.L.O.W. did so by flying the slowest and
lowest over “the Channel.”
Much laughter and cheering erupted as the S.L.O.W. contest
unfolded. Dainty models drifted, dorked, and crashed, as they
struggled to traverse the course.
Rich Weber’s tiny Latham Monobloc was of particular
interest. Resplendent in crimson and cream, it had a fierce dragon
(from an online tattoo source) on one wing. The other wing
sported Japanese script that translated roughly to “Wing Nut”:
Rich’s FAC nickname. It had the perfect look for the event.
A strange thing about the Monobloc was its attraction to field
judge Vance Gilbert. During the model’s first flight, it went
directly at Vance, who was forced to jump out of the way as it
nearly hit him.
Figuring he was standing in the wrong place, Vance moved
several yards. When the Monobloc flew its second heat, it headed
directly at Vance again. In comic disbelief, he changed his field
position again.
The Monobloc made it to the final heat and, incredibly, locked
in on Vance again, as it won the event. Vance was unscathed, but
he and several others were smitten by the Monobloc. Bets are that
several of the aircraft will appear at next year’s S.L.O.W.
competition.
I had a moving experience in Geneseo, when I met Larry
Sweat of Orange Park, Florida. He served in the US military and
was stationed in England in the mid-1960s.
Larry had built model airplanes for years. But he had become
bored and was about to give up the hobby when he saw my first
published article, in the December 1966 Model Airplane News.
Tales from the FAC Non-Nats
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• Tips for holiday shopping
from a dozen vendors
Dennis Norman (L) greets FAC “Ace of
Aces” Gordon Roberts (534 Kanones) in
front of Air Ace Models’ display during the
Non-Nats. Fred Wunsche photo.
Most of the Staggerwing Salute fliers (standing L-R): Rich Miller, Wally Farrell, Tom
Hallman, Rich Weber, Clive Gambel, Dick Gorman, Andrew Ricci, George White
(kneeling L-R), Mike Isserman, Dave Mitchell. The missing Scot Dobberfuhl is still
searching for his Beech 17. Gorman photo.
Scot Dobberfuhl holds his unique Geary
Circular Triplane, which competed in the
S.L.O.W. event. Scot is among the most
innovative of the creative FAC bunch.
Wunsche photo.
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 134
The piece was about a rubber-powered de
Havilland Mosquito that used a pulley
system to drive both propellers from a
single pulley attached to a rubber motor in
the fuselage.
The model flew, but not well. It
managed to give only a long powered
glide. Sweat said that it inspired him and
rekindled his interest in model aviation: a
hobby that he enjoys to this day.
Following are the 2009 FAC Non-Nats
awards and honors.
Founding Father’s Award (Scale): Jim De
Tar, George Lewis
Cat’s Ass Trophy (Best Scale Crash): John
Hauk, Tom Hallman
Vic Didelot FAC Spirit Award: Pres
Bruning
100 FAC Victories: Dan Kane
Blue Max Awards: Dallas Cornelius, Joe
Finn
And following are the category winners.
Blur Race: Ed Pelatowski/Folkerts SK-2
FAC Dime Scale-Nostalgic: Paul Boyanowski/Spitfire
FAC Dime Scale-Traditional:Jack McGillivray/Boeing Monomail
FAC Embryo Endurance: Dallas Cornelius/Sharky
FAC Fiction Flyer Scale: Tom Hallman/Smilin’ Jack X-13
FAC GHQ Peanut Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Lacey M-10
FAC Jimmie Allen Event: Vic Nippert/Skokie
FAC Jumbo/Giant Scale: Vance Gilbert/Mitsubishi “Betty”
FAC Old Time Gas Replica: Vic Nippert/Aerobo
FAC Old Time Rubber: Vic Nippert/Hi-Climber
FAC Old Time Stick: Dan Driscol/Miss Production
FAC Phantom Flash: George Lewis/Phantom Flash R.O.G
FAC Rubber Scale: Andrew Ricci/Arado Ar.440
FAC WW II Combat: Pat Murray/TBF Avenger
French Design: Frank Rowsome/Caudron Cyclone
December 2009 135
Vance Gilbert with his scratch-built, rubber-powered Mitsubishi “Betty” in a post-WW II
“surrender” scheme. It won Jumbo Scale; its best flight was on rails at 1 minute, 16
seconds. Bob Clemens photo.
Designer Tom Nallen’s and builder Dave Niedzielski’s Shell
Lockheed Orion is a new Easy Built Models kit. Easy Built Models
photo.
Eagle-eyed Bernard Dion, commander of the French Design event,
holds his Aichi D3A1 “Val” Type 99 as he watches the nonstop
FAC aerial show. Maxecuters photo.
FAC Commander in Chief Ross Mayo (R) with AMA executives at
the Non-Nats (L-R): President Dave Mathewson, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, Executive Director Jim Cherry, and District
III Vice President Bob Brown. Steve Compton photo.
Golden Age Biplane: Richard Zapf/WACO SRE
Golden Age Civil Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Interstate Cadet
Golden Age Military Scale: Dallas Cornelius/de Havilland D.H.29
Greve Race: Jack McGillivray/P-W “Mr. Smoothie”
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 135
Modern Age Civil Scale: Scot
Dobberfuhl/Piper Clipper
Modern Age Military Scale: Dallas
Cornelius/Arsenal VB 10
Pioneer Scale: Tom Hallman/Blériot 25
Power Scale Single Engine: Martin
Richey/Bv 208.03
Rapier Jet Scale: Bob Brown/Bv 215
S.L.O.W. Race: Rich Weber/Latham
Monobloc
Thompson Trophy Race: Paul
Boyanowski/Lockheed “Altair”
WW I Combat: Jim De Tar/Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat Inline Qualifier: Wally
Farrell/Bell P-63 Kingcobra
WW II Combat Radial Qualifier: Jim De
Tar/Curtiss SBC Helldiver
It is my custom at this time of year to give
you some tips for your holiday shopping
from the Non-Nats vendors. They’re listed
in alphabetical order in the “Sources” list at
the end of this column, which contains their
contact information.
My company, Air Ace Models, sells a
clever line of 18 inexpensive covering kits
for the Phantom Flash R.O.G. Each
contains full-size plans, a parts drawing,
background text, a copy of the FAC
Phantom Flash rules, covering instructions,
and a full-color 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of
oversized coverings printed on Esaki tissue
with a copier (making wet-covering
possible). All of that is $5 plus postage per
kit.
Air Ace Models’ newest release is the
full-fuselage Phantom Flash II, which
includes all of the items listed in the
preceding paragraph and three 8.5 x 11-
inch sheets of full-color Esaki tissue, for
double-covering the reinforced wing and
stabilizer and built-up fuselage.
The Phantom Flash II kit costs $12 plus
postage per kit. Eighteen covering choices
are available for this model too.
Lee Campbell owns Campbell’s Custom
Kits, which sells a large selection of kits
and modeling materials. Most recently, the
company has introduced a full laser-cut
replica kit of the classic Comet Gull, which
sells for $73 plus $8 shipping and handling.
Campbell’s is also a source for the new
FAI rubber, which I will write about later
in this column. It currently sells for $25 per
box plus shipping and handling.
Contra Prop Units has developed a line
of excellent contrarotating propeller (CRP)
units for rubber power. Owner John
Regalbuto has created several impressive
models using his CRP.
His four-motored, rubber-powered
Northrop XB-35 flying wing was the talk
of the 2008 FAC Nats. Each motor
powered one pusher CRP unit.
At this year’s Non-Nats, John wowed
them again with his version of the ill-fated
Hughes XF-11 photo-reconnaissance
aircraft. The giant-scale model is powered
by twin rubber motors, each driving one of
John’s latest CRP units. For more
information about these exciting products,
contact John.
Crosswinds, the quarterly newsletter of
the Cleveland Free Flight Society,
presented the new “CFFS Index” to
Crosswinds and the early CFFS newsletters
covering the period of May 1972 through
mid-2009.
Articles, plans, scale views, and more
are listed in the index, which makes it
possible to order relevant back issues.
Contact Russ Brown for further details.
Documentation Books from Pat Murray
is a large selection of Squadron/Signal
aviation booklets covering issues 1-200.
These are $10-$22 plus shipping and
handling. Contact Murray to obtain an email
listing of the available publications.
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood was
at Geneseo with an excellent selection of
sheet and strip balsa. Especially impressive
was new balsa from Ecuador, which is
light, strong, and straight-grained. In
addition, Don sells numerous other
materials and publications about bass and
balsa woodworking.
Easy Built Models has three new
rubber-powered models: a 24-inch-span
Lockheed Orion, finished in the Shell Oil
Company’s colorful livery, for $39.95 plus
shipping; a 22-inch-span Chambermaid
Racer for $38.95 plus shipping; and a
delightful 16.5-inch-span Blériot XI
(1909), whose price is yet to be announced.
Easy Built Models traces its roots to the
1930s. Under the direction of its current
owner, Dave Niedzielski, the company has
been modernized and is a major contributor
stuff.
John Clapp of FAI Model Supply
caused a sensation in Geneseo with his
latest batches of rubber for motors. The
manufacturer’s change in the formula has
resulted in a homogeneous new rubber,
which has performance that rivals great
types of the past.
The company is selling this selection in
1/16- and 1/8-inch widths, for $25 per 1-
pound box. Larger widths (3/16 inch, 1/4
inch, etc.) might be available in time for
holiday shoppers.
FAI Model Supply has also introduced
two new IKARA indoor kits and has a
large assortment of fine-quality propellers,
accessories, and other products.
Flying Aces Club Merchandise was
introduced in 1978. This year’s official
FAC T-shirt is a handsome and colorful
depiction of Louis Blériot’s historic
crossing of the English Channel in a Blériot
XI.
The talented Pres Bruning did the
impeccable artwork. If you did not get a
shirt at Geneseo, you can order one for
only $10 plus shipping.
FAC calendars for 2010 are available
for $15, and the elegant pin celebrating the
FAC Nats’ 30th anniversary is $8 plus
shipping. In addition to these items, the
club offers books, magazines, plans, kits,
accessories, and much more. Contact FAC
News Editor Juanita Reichel for further
information.
Although he did not officially
participate as a vendor in Geneseo, Klass
Wings’ owner Keith Sterner
enthusiastically told of his progress in
designing and manufacturing CRP units.
His utilize a completely different gearing
mechanism from those by Contra Prop
Units.
Two sizes of CRP are available. The
largest weighs approximately 8 grams and
is good for models with spans as large as
30 inches. The other unit weighs roughly 3
grams and is suited for models ranging
from 20 inches in wingspan to Peanut size.
Klass Wings’ units come with extralong
prop shafts and can be trimmed to fit
your model. The small units currently sell
for $40 and the big units sell for $50, plus
postage.
Keith is also developing a line of lasercut
kits. Contact him for more information.
Alan Cohen of NS Wheels had a
splendid selection of his handmade vintage
wheels in a variety of sizes at the Non-
Nats. At as much as $30 per pair, the price
is reasonable considering the time and
effort involved in making them.
In addition, Alan has found an exotic
source for new balsa of exceptional quality.
He might offer it to modelers in the near
future.
Shorty’s Basement includes the team of
“Dynamic” Dan and Carole Kane, who
continue expanding their impressive line of
products. One of their newest is John Bell’s
book, Flying Scale Model Plans.
It is a tribute to his wife and presents 29
construction plans and 18 scale drawings.
This ring-bound collection is printed on 11
x 17-inch paper and costs $20 plus
shipping. It is a must for plans collectors.
Shorty’s is also presenting a new
Rapier-powered kit of the F-4 Phantom and
a new rubber-powered kit of Old Tiger.
Their prices are yet to be announced. On
top of all that, Shorty’s Basement is
expecting to introduce an excellent line of
ducted-fan units that Steve Bage of
Scotland has designed.
The preceding vendors helped make the
2009 Non-Nats a success, and they can
brighten your holiday season with their
wonderful products. May joy and peace be
with you and all those you love. MA
Sources:
Air Ace Models
(216) 631-7774
[email protected]
Campbell’s Custom Kits
(765) 683-1749
www.campbellscustomkits.com
Contra Prop Units
(978) 352-4534
[email protected]
Russ Brown
(216) 382-4821
Documentation Books
(317) 536-8289
[email protected]
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood
(905) 945-5647
Easy Built Models
(334) 358-5184
www.easybuiltmodels.com
FAI Model Supply
(570) 882-9873
www.faimodelsupply.com
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
(814) 833-0314
Klass Wings, LLC
(610) 438-5759
[email protected]
NS Wheels
(908) 638-3636
www.nswheels.com
Shorty’s Basement
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/12
Page Numbers: 134,135,136,137
134 MODEL AVIATION
THERE WERE 115 contestants at the 2009 FAC (Flying Aces Club)
Non-Nats, held at Geneseo, New York, July 16-18. Among those who
attended were several prominent AMA leaders, including President
Dave Mathewson, Executive Director Jim Cherry, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, and District III Vice President Bob Brown.
Bob competed in the flying and, with a 55-second flight, won the
Rocket/Jet Scale event with his outstanding Blohm und Voss Bv 215,
built from a Shorty’s Basement kit.
This year marked two milestones in aviation history: the 80th
anniversary of the Cleveland National Air Races and the 100th
anniversary of Louis Blériot’s crossing the English Channel. The FAC
celebrated both events.
The Greve and Thompson mass launches were tributes to the
Golden Age of air racing. Each winner of the Thompson received a
special plaque that I
made,
commemorating
Cleveland’s pivotal
role in air-racing
history.
Blériot’s
achievement
inspired the FAC to
create the S.L.O.W.
event, which was
open to models of
pre-1915 aircraft.
Although the models
were built to scale,
humorous and
colorful covering
schemes were
encouraged to offset the “plain-Jane” look of most pioneer types.
The BLUR racecourse became the English Channel. Models
were flown in heats of three. Unlike all other FAC events, the
models that won the S.L.O.W. did so by flying the slowest and
lowest over “the Channel.”
Much laughter and cheering erupted as the S.L.O.W. contest
unfolded. Dainty models drifted, dorked, and crashed, as they
struggled to traverse the course.
Rich Weber’s tiny Latham Monobloc was of particular
interest. Resplendent in crimson and cream, it had a fierce dragon
(from an online tattoo source) on one wing. The other wing
sported Japanese script that translated roughly to “Wing Nut”:
Rich’s FAC nickname. It had the perfect look for the event.
A strange thing about the Monobloc was its attraction to field
judge Vance Gilbert. During the model’s first flight, it went
directly at Vance, who was forced to jump out of the way as it
nearly hit him.
Figuring he was standing in the wrong place, Vance moved
several yards. When the Monobloc flew its second heat, it headed
directly at Vance again. In comic disbelief, he changed his field
position again.
The Monobloc made it to the final heat and, incredibly, locked
in on Vance again, as it won the event. Vance was unscathed, but
he and several others were smitten by the Monobloc. Bets are that
several of the aircraft will appear at next year’s S.L.O.W.
competition.
I had a moving experience in Geneseo, when I met Larry
Sweat of Orange Park, Florida. He served in the US military and
was stationed in England in the mid-1960s.
Larry had built model airplanes for years. But he had become
bored and was about to give up the hobby when he saw my first
published article, in the December 1966 Model Airplane News.
Tales from the FAC Non-Nats
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• Tips for holiday shopping
from a dozen vendors
Dennis Norman (L) greets FAC “Ace of
Aces” Gordon Roberts (534 Kanones) in
front of Air Ace Models’ display during the
Non-Nats. Fred Wunsche photo.
Most of the Staggerwing Salute fliers (standing L-R): Rich Miller, Wally Farrell, Tom
Hallman, Rich Weber, Clive Gambel, Dick Gorman, Andrew Ricci, George White
(kneeling L-R), Mike Isserman, Dave Mitchell. The missing Scot Dobberfuhl is still
searching for his Beech 17. Gorman photo.
Scot Dobberfuhl holds his unique Geary
Circular Triplane, which competed in the
S.L.O.W. event. Scot is among the most
innovative of the creative FAC bunch.
Wunsche photo.
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 134
The piece was about a rubber-powered de
Havilland Mosquito that used a pulley
system to drive both propellers from a
single pulley attached to a rubber motor in
the fuselage.
The model flew, but not well. It
managed to give only a long powered
glide. Sweat said that it inspired him and
rekindled his interest in model aviation: a
hobby that he enjoys to this day.
Following are the 2009 FAC Non-Nats
awards and honors.
Founding Father’s Award (Scale): Jim De
Tar, George Lewis
Cat’s Ass Trophy (Best Scale Crash): John
Hauk, Tom Hallman
Vic Didelot FAC Spirit Award: Pres
Bruning
100 FAC Victories: Dan Kane
Blue Max Awards: Dallas Cornelius, Joe
Finn
And following are the category winners.
Blur Race: Ed Pelatowski/Folkerts SK-2
FAC Dime Scale-Nostalgic: Paul Boyanowski/Spitfire
FAC Dime Scale-Traditional:Jack McGillivray/Boeing Monomail
FAC Embryo Endurance: Dallas Cornelius/Sharky
FAC Fiction Flyer Scale: Tom Hallman/Smilin’ Jack X-13
FAC GHQ Peanut Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Lacey M-10
FAC Jimmie Allen Event: Vic Nippert/Skokie
FAC Jumbo/Giant Scale: Vance Gilbert/Mitsubishi “Betty”
FAC Old Time Gas Replica: Vic Nippert/Aerobo
FAC Old Time Rubber: Vic Nippert/Hi-Climber
FAC Old Time Stick: Dan Driscol/Miss Production
FAC Phantom Flash: George Lewis/Phantom Flash R.O.G
FAC Rubber Scale: Andrew Ricci/Arado Ar.440
FAC WW II Combat: Pat Murray/TBF Avenger
French Design: Frank Rowsome/Caudron Cyclone
December 2009 135
Vance Gilbert with his scratch-built, rubber-powered Mitsubishi “Betty” in a post-WW II
“surrender” scheme. It won Jumbo Scale; its best flight was on rails at 1 minute, 16
seconds. Bob Clemens photo.
Designer Tom Nallen’s and builder Dave Niedzielski’s Shell
Lockheed Orion is a new Easy Built Models kit. Easy Built Models
photo.
Eagle-eyed Bernard Dion, commander of the French Design event,
holds his Aichi D3A1 “Val” Type 99 as he watches the nonstop
FAC aerial show. Maxecuters photo.
FAC Commander in Chief Ross Mayo (R) with AMA executives at
the Non-Nats (L-R): President Dave Mathewson, District II Vice
President Gary Fitch, Executive Director Jim Cherry, and District
III Vice President Bob Brown. Steve Compton photo.
Golden Age Biplane: Richard Zapf/WACO SRE
Golden Age Civil Scale: Dallas Cornelius/Interstate Cadet
Golden Age Military Scale: Dallas Cornelius/de Havilland D.H.29
Greve Race: Jack McGillivray/P-W “Mr. Smoothie”
12sig5.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 10:27 AM Page 135
Modern Age Civil Scale: Scot
Dobberfuhl/Piper Clipper
Modern Age Military Scale: Dallas
Cornelius/Arsenal VB 10
Pioneer Scale: Tom Hallman/Blériot 25
Power Scale Single Engine: Martin
Richey/Bv 208.03
Rapier Jet Scale: Bob Brown/Bv 215
S.L.O.W. Race: Rich Weber/Latham
Monobloc
Thompson Trophy Race: Paul
Boyanowski/Lockheed “Altair”
WW I Combat: Jim De Tar/Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat Inline Qualifier: Wally
Farrell/Bell P-63 Kingcobra
WW II Combat Radial Qualifier: Jim De
Tar/Curtiss SBC Helldiver
It is my custom at this time of year to give
you some tips for your holiday shopping
from the Non-Nats vendors. They’re listed
in alphabetical order in the “Sources” list at
the end of this column, which contains their
contact information.
My company, Air Ace Models, sells a
clever line of 18 inexpensive covering kits
for the Phantom Flash R.O.G. Each
contains full-size plans, a parts drawing,
background text, a copy of the FAC
Phantom Flash rules, covering instructions,
and a full-color 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of
oversized coverings printed on Esaki tissue
with a copier (making wet-covering
possible). All of that is $5 plus postage per
kit.
Air Ace Models’ newest release is the
full-fuselage Phantom Flash II, which
includes all of the items listed in the
preceding paragraph and three 8.5 x 11-
inch sheets of full-color Esaki tissue, for
double-covering the reinforced wing and
stabilizer and built-up fuselage.
The Phantom Flash II kit costs $12 plus
postage per kit. Eighteen covering choices
are available for this model too.
Lee Campbell owns Campbell’s Custom
Kits, which sells a large selection of kits
and modeling materials. Most recently, the
company has introduced a full laser-cut
replica kit of the classic Comet Gull, which
sells for $73 plus $8 shipping and handling.
Campbell’s is also a source for the new
FAI rubber, which I will write about later
in this column. It currently sells for $25 per
box plus shipping and handling.
Contra Prop Units has developed a line
of excellent contrarotating propeller (CRP)
units for rubber power. Owner John
Regalbuto has created several impressive
models using his CRP.
His four-motored, rubber-powered
Northrop XB-35 flying wing was the talk
of the 2008 FAC Nats. Each motor
powered one pusher CRP unit.
At this year’s Non-Nats, John wowed
them again with his version of the ill-fated
Hughes XF-11 photo-reconnaissance
aircraft. The giant-scale model is powered
by twin rubber motors, each driving one of
John’s latest CRP units. For more
information about these exciting products,
contact John.
Crosswinds, the quarterly newsletter of
the Cleveland Free Flight Society,
presented the new “CFFS Index” to
Crosswinds and the early CFFS newsletters
covering the period of May 1972 through
mid-2009.
Articles, plans, scale views, and more
are listed in the index, which makes it
possible to order relevant back issues.
Contact Russ Brown for further details.
Documentation Books from Pat Murray
is a large selection of Squadron/Signal
aviation booklets covering issues 1-200.
These are $10-$22 plus shipping and
handling. Contact Murray to obtain an email
listing of the available publications.
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood was
at Geneseo with an excellent selection of
sheet and strip balsa. Especially impressive
was new balsa from Ecuador, which is
light, strong, and straight-grained. In
addition, Don sells numerous other
materials and publications about bass and
balsa woodworking.
Easy Built Models has three new
rubber-powered models: a 24-inch-span
Lockheed Orion, finished in the Shell Oil
Company’s colorful livery, for $39.95 plus
shipping; a 22-inch-span Chambermaid
Racer for $38.95 plus shipping; and a
delightful 16.5-inch-span Blériot XI
(1909), whose price is yet to be announced.
Easy Built Models traces its roots to the
1930s. Under the direction of its current
owner, Dave Niedzielski, the company has
been modernized and is a major contributor
stuff.
John Clapp of FAI Model Supply
caused a sensation in Geneseo with his
latest batches of rubber for motors. The
manufacturer’s change in the formula has
resulted in a homogeneous new rubber,
which has performance that rivals great
types of the past.
The company is selling this selection in
1/16- and 1/8-inch widths, for $25 per 1-
pound box. Larger widths (3/16 inch, 1/4
inch, etc.) might be available in time for
holiday shoppers.
FAI Model Supply has also introduced
two new IKARA indoor kits and has a
large assortment of fine-quality propellers,
accessories, and other products.
Flying Aces Club Merchandise was
introduced in 1978. This year’s official
FAC T-shirt is a handsome and colorful
depiction of Louis Blériot’s historic
crossing of the English Channel in a Blériot
XI.
The talented Pres Bruning did the
impeccable artwork. If you did not get a
shirt at Geneseo, you can order one for
only $10 plus shipping.
FAC calendars for 2010 are available
for $15, and the elegant pin celebrating the
FAC Nats’ 30th anniversary is $8 plus
shipping. In addition to these items, the
club offers books, magazines, plans, kits,
accessories, and much more. Contact FAC
News Editor Juanita Reichel for further
information.
Although he did not officially
participate as a vendor in Geneseo, Klass
Wings’ owner Keith Sterner
enthusiastically told of his progress in
designing and manufacturing CRP units.
His utilize a completely different gearing
mechanism from those by Contra Prop
Units.
Two sizes of CRP are available. The
largest weighs approximately 8 grams and
is good for models with spans as large as
30 inches. The other unit weighs roughly 3
grams and is suited for models ranging
from 20 inches in wingspan to Peanut size.
Klass Wings’ units come with extralong
prop shafts and can be trimmed to fit
your model. The small units currently sell
for $40 and the big units sell for $50, plus
postage.
Keith is also developing a line of lasercut
kits. Contact him for more information.
Alan Cohen of NS Wheels had a
splendid selection of his handmade vintage
wheels in a variety of sizes at the Non-
Nats. At as much as $30 per pair, the price
is reasonable considering the time and
effort involved in making them.
In addition, Alan has found an exotic
source for new balsa of exceptional quality.
He might offer it to modelers in the near
future.
Shorty’s Basement includes the team of
“Dynamic” Dan and Carole Kane, who
continue expanding their impressive line of
products. One of their newest is John Bell’s
book, Flying Scale Model Plans.
It is a tribute to his wife and presents 29
construction plans and 18 scale drawings.
This ring-bound collection is printed on 11
x 17-inch paper and costs $20 plus
shipping. It is a must for plans collectors.
Shorty’s is also presenting a new
Rapier-powered kit of the F-4 Phantom and
a new rubber-powered kit of Old Tiger.
Their prices are yet to be announced. On
top of all that, Shorty’s Basement is
expecting to introduce an excellent line of
ducted-fan units that Steve Bage of
Scotland has designed.
The preceding vendors helped make the
2009 Non-Nats a success, and they can
brighten your holiday season with their
wonderful products. May joy and peace be
with you and all those you love. MA
Sources:
Air Ace Models
(216) 631-7774
[email protected]
Campbell’s Custom Kits
(765) 683-1749
www.campbellscustomkits.com
Contra Prop Units
(978) 352-4534
[email protected]
Russ Brown
(216) 382-4821
Documentation Books
(317) 536-8289
[email protected]
Don Wilson Bass and Balsa Wood
(905) 945-5647
Easy Built Models
(334) 358-5184
www.easybuiltmodels.com
FAI Model Supply
(570) 882-9873
www.faimodelsupply.com
Juanita Reichel
3301 Cindy Ln.
Erie PA 16506
(814) 833-0314
Klass Wings, LLC
(610) 438-5759
[email protected]
NS Wheels
(908) 638-3636
www.nswheels.com
Shorty’s Basement
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
