110 MODEL AVIATION
of cycles began in which the rain would stop for 15-20 minutes,
showers would return for 10-15 minutes, a “dry spell” would return,
etc. That continued until early afternoon, but the faithful were
undaunted and proceeded with a staccato of
frenetic flights, many mass launches, and
some near flyaways.
By roughly 1:30 p.m., a dramatic “Wall
of Wind” disrupted everything as
preparations were being made to begin the
first round of the Golden Age Racers Mass
Launch. Some competitors’ tents were
peeled from their frames. Tables were blown
over, with everything on them tossed to the
ground. Mayhem ensued as everyone
frantically scrambled to avert further
disaster.
THE BARRON FIELD Air Races held in Wawayanda, New York,
celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 24-25, 2009. Models in 20
Flying Aces Club (FAC) events filled the sometimes rainy and windy
sky, but spirits were high as more than 30
contestants competed.
Contest CDs Tom Hallman and John
Houck ran a first-class show. Despite
ominous forecasts of dismal weather, intrepid
FACers came from the eastern US and
Canada to enjoy Wawayanda’s huge,
manicured sod fields.
According to Tom, Saturday the 24th
began with “a light drizzle and near zero
wind.” Shortly thereafter, an undulating series
The Wawayanda contest’s 10th anniversary blast
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• The Red Tails are coming
• Air Ace’s new products for
2010
• E-mail, letters, etc. from the
gang
Barron Field Air Races Co-CD Tom Hallman judges an unusual
Boeing 306B flying wing while discussing its performance with
Andrew Ricci. Dick Gorman photo.
Tom Nallen Sr. found this shot of the trimotored, rubber-powered FF Caproni Ca 5 that I
scratch-built in the mid-1970s. The 1/2-inch-scale model now rests in the AMA museum at
Muncie. Tom Nallen Sr. photo.
Jim De Tar with his Golden Age
Reproductions Fokker D.VII at the Outdoor
Champs. It spans 19 inches, weighs 24
grams, flies on two loops on 1/8-inch rubber,
and is covered with Japanese tissue finished
with Krylon. Wunsche photo.
Jack Tisinai flew his rubber-powered Nieuport 28 in the WW I
Mass Launch at the Outdoor FF Champs in Muncie IN in
September. The 26- inch-span model is airbrushed with
AeroGloss. Fred Wunsche photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 110
All flying stopped by 2:30. Most of the contestants adjourned to
the nearby Colonial Diner, to recover and discuss the day’s events. No
one could remember a more dramatic change in the weather. All
hopes were pinned on having a better Sunday.
Early forecasts for the 25th were good enough that an additional 12
fliers showed up shortly after 8 a.m. Winds were brisk and remained
at 10-15 mph for most of the day, but it was dry and sunny. Since
Saturday’s flying was cut short and there were a dozen more fliers,
Sunday’s pace was brisk.
WW II Mass Launch exploded with 16 fliers. Four were
eliminated in each round until the fourth and final flight. In the third
round, the wind kicked up to carry Luc Martin’s Arsenal VG 33 to the
trees by the river’s edge and Rich Weber’s Dewoitine D.520 another
1/4 mile beyond the river. This eliminated them the competition.
Models flown by Chris Starleaf, Pete Kaiteris, and Dallas
Cornelius also had close encounters with the river’s edge. In the last
flight, Rich Gorman’s Yak-3 topped Chris Starleaf’s P-51 and Paul
Stott’s Fiat G.55 to win the class.
Quite a few models landed in the river, but none matched the great
Dave Stott’s. Fifty percent of his flights ended up “wet” and won him
the notorious Harvey Wallbanger Award.
Another memorable flight was turned in by Mark Fineman. His
handsome yellow-and-silver Vega flew for two minutes, 32 seconds,
thanks to a cozy encounter with a determined thermal.
A total of 12 fliers took home a Kanone, which set a record for the
contest. Rich Weber won an impressive three Kanones. The everformidable
Wally Farrell claimed Grand Champion honors.
By the time the contest officially ended at 5 p.m. Sunday, the wind
had disappeared but the sun still shone. Many lingered after the
awards ceremony to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Weather adventures
aside, FACers who attended were inspired by Wawayanda and vowed
to return this year.
Special thanks to Rich Weber, Tom Hallman, Doug Beardsworth,
the D.C. Maxecuters, and Small Flying Arts; their comments, e-mails,
and photos made this report possible.
Following are the Wawayanda award winners.
FAC Catapult Jet Scale: Vic Nippert, Martin B-57 Canberra
FAC Contra Rotating Prop: Tom Hallman, Koolhoven F.K.5501
FAC Dime Scale: Doug Beardsworth,
Typhoon
FAC Embryo Endurance: Ed Pelatowski,
Cruiser
FAC Fiction Flier Scale: Rich Weber, Booth
Ranger
FAC Goodyear Racers: Chris Starleaf, Pogo
FAC No-Cal: Bruce Foster, WACO
FAC Oldtime Plan/Kit Scale: Dave Mitchell,
Navion
FAC Peanut Scale: Rich Weber, Potez 29
FAC Power Scale: Tom Hallman, Aerobile
FAC Scale: Tom Hallman, Do X
Flying Horde: Wally Farrell, Mr. Smoothie
Golden Age Civil & Military: Vic Nippert,
ME-35B
Golden Age Racers: Wally Farrell, Mr.
Smoothie
Jumbo Scale: Chris Starleaf, SBC-3
Megow S.E.5 Mass Launch: Pete Kaiteris,
S.E.5
Modern Age Civil: Dallas Cornelius, Lacey
Modern Age Military: Wally Farrell, MiG-15
WW I Combat: Rich Weber, Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat: Dick Gorman , Yak- 3
Harvey Wallbanger Award: Dave Stott
2009 Grand Champion: Wally Farrell
Red Tails is a new movie by George Lucas
that is set to be released this summer.
Given his stunning talent with special
effects, the flying scenes should be
magnificent. I hope this film dramatically
March 2010 111
Coverings for Phantom Flash II Chameleon kits. Snoopy’s and The Red Baron’s are two
of six WW I types. A total of 18 choices (spanning three eras) are available. Patrick
Norman photo.
A wall of the legendary Bill Hannan’s hobby room features a colorful,
orderly way to display a modeler’s collection. Bill Hannan photo.
Ted Allebone scratch-built this 21-inch-span Hawker Fury for FF
Power Scale. It uses four 130 mAh NiMH cells to power a surplus
motor with a 4.5:1 reduction gearing. Its flying weight is 98 grams.
Stephen E. Kanyusik photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 111
increases interest in the achievements of
the Tuskegee Airmen and their heroic
service to the US.
The Red Tail Project, a special tribute
to the Commemorative Air Force, has
restored a P-51C Mustang and returned it
to the skies. It is currently touring air
shows as a tangible reminder of how the
Tuskegee Airmen helped win two wars:
one against Nazi Germany and the other
against segregation at home.
The Red Tail Project is currently raising
funds to build a 53-foot exhibition trailer
that will travel across the US, encouraging
kids to rise above the challenges they face,
as the Tuskegee Airmen did.
Donations to the Red Tail traveling
museum are being sought. See the
“Sources” list at the end of this column for
further information.
Shorty’s Basement has obtained an
excellent supply of high-quality silver
tissue from Esaki Model in Japan. Many
modelers love the P-51. how about making
an all-silver Mustang with a red tail for the
2010 season?
Air Ace Models has a well-designed P-
51C and will be making it available in Red
Tail markings this spring. See the
“Sources” list for contact information for
these two companies.
Air Ace Models is introducing another
new product in 2010. The Phantom Flash II
Chameleon is a new FF sport design that is
based on the venerable Phantom Flash
ROG (rise-off-ground) of the mid-1930s.
In mid-2009, the company debuted a
series of 18 covering kits (spanning three
eras) for the Phantom Flash ROG. The eyecatching
kits are printed in full color, on
white Esaki tissue, using a color copier, as
described in my “Color Copier
Techniques” article published in the June
2002 MA.
Sixty of the covering kits were
presented at the 2009 FAC Non-Nats in
Geneseo, New York. At a cost of only $5
each, they sold out.
The success of the Phantom Flash ROG
covering kits led to the development of the
Phantom Flash PF II. It features a full
fuselage with modest structural
strengthening of the flying surfaces, to
better tolerate the stresses of two-sided
covering for the wings and stabilizer.
As is the Phantom Flash ROG the
Phantom Flash II is presented as a basic
airframe to which a variety of colorful Air
Ace Models markings can be applied.
Because of the nature of the Phantom
Flash II, it has been dubbed “the
Chameleon.” This model will be available
starting at the Toledo Show this year in
April.
Each Phantom Flash ROG covering kit
contains full-size construction plans, a
parts sheet drawing, and instructions
regarding construction and covering. The
kit, as such, is a short kit and does not
include balsa, propeller, wire, and other
materials for completing the airframe.
If you want a kit for the airframe, an
excellent laser-cut version for the Phantom
Flash ROG is marketed by Thomas
Designs under the name “R.O.G. Redux.”
See the “Sources” list for contact
information.
Air Ace Models will initially offer the
Phantom Flash II Chameleon as a short kit.
112 MODEL AVIATION
As is the ROG version, the Flash II kit
will contain full-size plans and a printed
parts sheet.
It will also include a detailed, fourpage
set of construction notes. Because of
its greater surface area, the Chameleon
requires three 81/2 x 11 sheets of printed
tissue with a sheet of special tips for
covering.
In this form, the Phantom Flash II will
be sold for $15 per kit plus postage and
handling. Depending on customer
demand, a full laser-cut kit might be
available late in 2010.
Stephen E. Kanyusik sent me a
charming note asking for help in locating
a P-26A Dwarf kit that Cleveland Model
& Supply Company marketed in the
1930s. The P-26A was one of the
company’s most popular models.
Original kits are usually owned by
collectors, who are generally reluctant to
part with them. Since the kits are
collectors’ items, they command serious
sums.
My advice to Stephen was to contact
John Jaycox, who currently owns
Cleveland Model. The company is now
based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Good-quality prints of the plans and
print wood for the Dwarf (and more than
1,100 Cleveland designs) are available at
reasonable prices. See the source list for
contact information.
Bill and Joan Hannan graciously emailed
to convey that they are enjoying
this column. They also let me know that
they are continuing to downsize their
Hannan’s Runway mail-order business.
The Hannans consider themselves to
be semiretired but are keeping their Web
site active until the remaining stock of
publications and VHS tapes is exhausted.
They have always presented high-quality
items, and I urge you to check out their
remaining merchandise. You might get
some excellent buys “while supplies
last.”
Bill sent me a picture of one of the
walls in his hobby room, showing a neat
way to “hangar” models between trips to
the flying field. See the “Sources” list for
company contact information.
Jay Criswell contacted me while
searching for one of the Douglas
Skyrocket kits that Top Flite Models
marketed approximately 50 years ago.
The airplane spanned 12 inches and was
intended for either catapult or Jetex with
a catapult. Jay’s father gave him a kit,
but he never built it and it disappeared.
Top Flite also manufactured a 13-inchspan
kit of the F-86D Sabre jet. Both kits
featured unique “Superform” balsa fuselage
shells, sheet wings and tail, and molded plastic
parts. Top Flite crowed that they were easy to
build and initially sold them for $1 each.
I told Jay that I remembered the kits well
and that I had built and flown the Skyrocket as
a Catapult Glider years ago. He enjoyed
reminiscing and was delighted when I told
him that I had two Top Flite Skyrocket kits
and one F-86D kit in my collection.
Jay is in touch with English FF Scale Jet
builders and hopes to interest them in
producing a similar kit that is suitable for
either Jetex or Rapier power. After friendly
negotiations, I sold him one of my Skyrocket
kits.
He is proceeding with his English friends.
It will be interesting to see if anything comes
of it. The molded fuselage shell conveys a
smooth look for jet subjects.
I thank the clubs that send me their
newsletters. Many are of high quality and
make a significant contribution to the richness
of today’s FF and FF Scale scene. I also
appreciate hearing from you by telephone,
regular mail, or electronically.
One of the joys of these times is the ability
to communicate with kindred spirits
worldwide. I welcome new ideas, products,
etc. and enjoy your recollections, which enrich
our hobby/sport. Photographs are extremely
important; please keep them coming.
Until next time, take care and “keep ’em
flyin’!” MA
Sources:
Douglas Beardsworth
[email protected]
D.C. Maxecuters
www.dcmaxecuter.org
Rich Weber
[email protected]
Tom Hallman
(610) 395-5656
www.hallmanstudio.com
John Houck
(610) 488-6238
Red Tail Project
(888) 928-0188
www.redtail.org
Air Ace Models (Dennis O. Norman)
(216) 631-7774
www.airacemodels.com
Shorty’s Basement (Dan and Carole Kane)
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Thomas Designs
(952) 435-1086
www.thomasdesigns.net
Cleveland Model & Supply Company
(317) 257-7878
www.clevelandairline.com
Hannan’s Runway
(530) 873-6421
www.hrunway.com
National Free Flight Society
www.freeflight.org
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/03
Page Numbers: 110,111,112,115
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/03
Page Numbers: 110,111,112,115
110 MODEL AVIATION
of cycles began in which the rain would stop for 15-20 minutes,
showers would return for 10-15 minutes, a “dry spell” would return,
etc. That continued until early afternoon, but the faithful were
undaunted and proceeded with a staccato of
frenetic flights, many mass launches, and
some near flyaways.
By roughly 1:30 p.m., a dramatic “Wall
of Wind” disrupted everything as
preparations were being made to begin the
first round of the Golden Age Racers Mass
Launch. Some competitors’ tents were
peeled from their frames. Tables were blown
over, with everything on them tossed to the
ground. Mayhem ensued as everyone
frantically scrambled to avert further
disaster.
THE BARRON FIELD Air Races held in Wawayanda, New York,
celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 24-25, 2009. Models in 20
Flying Aces Club (FAC) events filled the sometimes rainy and windy
sky, but spirits were high as more than 30
contestants competed.
Contest CDs Tom Hallman and John
Houck ran a first-class show. Despite
ominous forecasts of dismal weather, intrepid
FACers came from the eastern US and
Canada to enjoy Wawayanda’s huge,
manicured sod fields.
According to Tom, Saturday the 24th
began with “a light drizzle and near zero
wind.” Shortly thereafter, an undulating series
The Wawayanda contest’s 10th anniversary blast
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• The Red Tails are coming
• Air Ace’s new products for
2010
• E-mail, letters, etc. from the
gang
Barron Field Air Races Co-CD Tom Hallman judges an unusual
Boeing 306B flying wing while discussing its performance with
Andrew Ricci. Dick Gorman photo.
Tom Nallen Sr. found this shot of the trimotored, rubber-powered FF Caproni Ca 5 that I
scratch-built in the mid-1970s. The 1/2-inch-scale model now rests in the AMA museum at
Muncie. Tom Nallen Sr. photo.
Jim De Tar with his Golden Age
Reproductions Fokker D.VII at the Outdoor
Champs. It spans 19 inches, weighs 24
grams, flies on two loops on 1/8-inch rubber,
and is covered with Japanese tissue finished
with Krylon. Wunsche photo.
Jack Tisinai flew his rubber-powered Nieuport 28 in the WW I
Mass Launch at the Outdoor FF Champs in Muncie IN in
September. The 26- inch-span model is airbrushed with
AeroGloss. Fred Wunsche photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 110
All flying stopped by 2:30. Most of the contestants adjourned to
the nearby Colonial Diner, to recover and discuss the day’s events. No
one could remember a more dramatic change in the weather. All
hopes were pinned on having a better Sunday.
Early forecasts for the 25th were good enough that an additional 12
fliers showed up shortly after 8 a.m. Winds were brisk and remained
at 10-15 mph for most of the day, but it was dry and sunny. Since
Saturday’s flying was cut short and there were a dozen more fliers,
Sunday’s pace was brisk.
WW II Mass Launch exploded with 16 fliers. Four were
eliminated in each round until the fourth and final flight. In the third
round, the wind kicked up to carry Luc Martin’s Arsenal VG 33 to the
trees by the river’s edge and Rich Weber’s Dewoitine D.520 another
1/4 mile beyond the river. This eliminated them the competition.
Models flown by Chris Starleaf, Pete Kaiteris, and Dallas
Cornelius also had close encounters with the river’s edge. In the last
flight, Rich Gorman’s Yak-3 topped Chris Starleaf’s P-51 and Paul
Stott’s Fiat G.55 to win the class.
Quite a few models landed in the river, but none matched the great
Dave Stott’s. Fifty percent of his flights ended up “wet” and won him
the notorious Harvey Wallbanger Award.
Another memorable flight was turned in by Mark Fineman. His
handsome yellow-and-silver Vega flew for two minutes, 32 seconds,
thanks to a cozy encounter with a determined thermal.
A total of 12 fliers took home a Kanone, which set a record for the
contest. Rich Weber won an impressive three Kanones. The everformidable
Wally Farrell claimed Grand Champion honors.
By the time the contest officially ended at 5 p.m. Sunday, the wind
had disappeared but the sun still shone. Many lingered after the
awards ceremony to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Weather adventures
aside, FACers who attended were inspired by Wawayanda and vowed
to return this year.
Special thanks to Rich Weber, Tom Hallman, Doug Beardsworth,
the D.C. Maxecuters, and Small Flying Arts; their comments, e-mails,
and photos made this report possible.
Following are the Wawayanda award winners.
FAC Catapult Jet Scale: Vic Nippert, Martin B-57 Canberra
FAC Contra Rotating Prop: Tom Hallman, Koolhoven F.K.5501
FAC Dime Scale: Doug Beardsworth,
Typhoon
FAC Embryo Endurance: Ed Pelatowski,
Cruiser
FAC Fiction Flier Scale: Rich Weber, Booth
Ranger
FAC Goodyear Racers: Chris Starleaf, Pogo
FAC No-Cal: Bruce Foster, WACO
FAC Oldtime Plan/Kit Scale: Dave Mitchell,
Navion
FAC Peanut Scale: Rich Weber, Potez 29
FAC Power Scale: Tom Hallman, Aerobile
FAC Scale: Tom Hallman, Do X
Flying Horde: Wally Farrell, Mr. Smoothie
Golden Age Civil & Military: Vic Nippert,
ME-35B
Golden Age Racers: Wally Farrell, Mr.
Smoothie
Jumbo Scale: Chris Starleaf, SBC-3
Megow S.E.5 Mass Launch: Pete Kaiteris,
S.E.5
Modern Age Civil: Dallas Cornelius, Lacey
Modern Age Military: Wally Farrell, MiG-15
WW I Combat: Rich Weber, Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat: Dick Gorman , Yak- 3
Harvey Wallbanger Award: Dave Stott
2009 Grand Champion: Wally Farrell
Red Tails is a new movie by George Lucas
that is set to be released this summer.
Given his stunning talent with special
effects, the flying scenes should be
magnificent. I hope this film dramatically
March 2010 111
Coverings for Phantom Flash II Chameleon kits. Snoopy’s and The Red Baron’s are two
of six WW I types. A total of 18 choices (spanning three eras) are available. Patrick
Norman photo.
A wall of the legendary Bill Hannan’s hobby room features a colorful,
orderly way to display a modeler’s collection. Bill Hannan photo.
Ted Allebone scratch-built this 21-inch-span Hawker Fury for FF
Power Scale. It uses four 130 mAh NiMH cells to power a surplus
motor with a 4.5:1 reduction gearing. Its flying weight is 98 grams.
Stephen E. Kanyusik photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 111
increases interest in the achievements of
the Tuskegee Airmen and their heroic
service to the US.
The Red Tail Project, a special tribute
to the Commemorative Air Force, has
restored a P-51C Mustang and returned it
to the skies. It is currently touring air
shows as a tangible reminder of how the
Tuskegee Airmen helped win two wars:
one against Nazi Germany and the other
against segregation at home.
The Red Tail Project is currently raising
funds to build a 53-foot exhibition trailer
that will travel across the US, encouraging
kids to rise above the challenges they face,
as the Tuskegee Airmen did.
Donations to the Red Tail traveling
museum are being sought. See the
“Sources” list at the end of this column for
further information.
Shorty’s Basement has obtained an
excellent supply of high-quality silver
tissue from Esaki Model in Japan. Many
modelers love the P-51. how about making
an all-silver Mustang with a red tail for the
2010 season?
Air Ace Models has a well-designed P-
51C and will be making it available in Red
Tail markings this spring. See the
“Sources” list for contact information for
these two companies.
Air Ace Models is introducing another
new product in 2010. The Phantom Flash II
Chameleon is a new FF sport design that is
based on the venerable Phantom Flash
ROG (rise-off-ground) of the mid-1930s.
In mid-2009, the company debuted a
series of 18 covering kits (spanning three
eras) for the Phantom Flash ROG. The eyecatching
kits are printed in full color, on
white Esaki tissue, using a color copier, as
described in my “Color Copier
Techniques” article published in the June
2002 MA.
Sixty of the covering kits were
presented at the 2009 FAC Non-Nats in
Geneseo, New York. At a cost of only $5
each, they sold out.
The success of the Phantom Flash ROG
covering kits led to the development of the
Phantom Flash PF II. It features a full
fuselage with modest structural
strengthening of the flying surfaces, to
better tolerate the stresses of two-sided
covering for the wings and stabilizer.
As is the Phantom Flash ROG the
Phantom Flash II is presented as a basic
airframe to which a variety of colorful Air
Ace Models markings can be applied.
Because of the nature of the Phantom
Flash II, it has been dubbed “the
Chameleon.” This model will be available
starting at the Toledo Show this year in
April.
Each Phantom Flash ROG covering kit
contains full-size construction plans, a
parts sheet drawing, and instructions
regarding construction and covering. The
kit, as such, is a short kit and does not
include balsa, propeller, wire, and other
materials for completing the airframe.
If you want a kit for the airframe, an
excellent laser-cut version for the Phantom
Flash ROG is marketed by Thomas
Designs under the name “R.O.G. Redux.”
See the “Sources” list for contact
information.
Air Ace Models will initially offer the
Phantom Flash II Chameleon as a short kit.
112 MODEL AVIATION
As is the ROG version, the Flash II kit
will contain full-size plans and a printed
parts sheet.
It will also include a detailed, fourpage
set of construction notes. Because of
its greater surface area, the Chameleon
requires three 81/2 x 11 sheets of printed
tissue with a sheet of special tips for
covering.
In this form, the Phantom Flash II will
be sold for $15 per kit plus postage and
handling. Depending on customer
demand, a full laser-cut kit might be
available late in 2010.
Stephen E. Kanyusik sent me a
charming note asking for help in locating
a P-26A Dwarf kit that Cleveland Model
& Supply Company marketed in the
1930s. The P-26A was one of the
company’s most popular models.
Original kits are usually owned by
collectors, who are generally reluctant to
part with them. Since the kits are
collectors’ items, they command serious
sums.
My advice to Stephen was to contact
John Jaycox, who currently owns
Cleveland Model. The company is now
based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Good-quality prints of the plans and
print wood for the Dwarf (and more than
1,100 Cleveland designs) are available at
reasonable prices. See the source list for
contact information.
Bill and Joan Hannan graciously emailed
to convey that they are enjoying
this column. They also let me know that
they are continuing to downsize their
Hannan’s Runway mail-order business.
The Hannans consider themselves to
be semiretired but are keeping their Web
site active until the remaining stock of
publications and VHS tapes is exhausted.
They have always presented high-quality
items, and I urge you to check out their
remaining merchandise. You might get
some excellent buys “while supplies
last.”
Bill sent me a picture of one of the
walls in his hobby room, showing a neat
way to “hangar” models between trips to
the flying field. See the “Sources” list for
company contact information.
Jay Criswell contacted me while
searching for one of the Douglas
Skyrocket kits that Top Flite Models
marketed approximately 50 years ago.
The airplane spanned 12 inches and was
intended for either catapult or Jetex with
a catapult. Jay’s father gave him a kit,
but he never built it and it disappeared.
Top Flite also manufactured a 13-inchspan
kit of the F-86D Sabre jet. Both kits
featured unique “Superform” balsa fuselage
shells, sheet wings and tail, and molded plastic
parts. Top Flite crowed that they were easy to
build and initially sold them for $1 each.
I told Jay that I remembered the kits well
and that I had built and flown the Skyrocket as
a Catapult Glider years ago. He enjoyed
reminiscing and was delighted when I told
him that I had two Top Flite Skyrocket kits
and one F-86D kit in my collection.
Jay is in touch with English FF Scale Jet
builders and hopes to interest them in
producing a similar kit that is suitable for
either Jetex or Rapier power. After friendly
negotiations, I sold him one of my Skyrocket
kits.
He is proceeding with his English friends.
It will be interesting to see if anything comes
of it. The molded fuselage shell conveys a
smooth look for jet subjects.
I thank the clubs that send me their
newsletters. Many are of high quality and
make a significant contribution to the richness
of today’s FF and FF Scale scene. I also
appreciate hearing from you by telephone,
regular mail, or electronically.
One of the joys of these times is the ability
to communicate with kindred spirits
worldwide. I welcome new ideas, products,
etc. and enjoy your recollections, which enrich
our hobby/sport. Photographs are extremely
important; please keep them coming.
Until next time, take care and “keep ’em
flyin’!” MA
Sources:
Douglas Beardsworth
[email protected]
D.C. Maxecuters
www.dcmaxecuter.org
Rich Weber
[email protected]
Tom Hallman
(610) 395-5656
www.hallmanstudio.com
John Houck
(610) 488-6238
Red Tail Project
(888) 928-0188
www.redtail.org
Air Ace Models (Dennis O. Norman)
(216) 631-7774
www.airacemodels.com
Shorty’s Basement (Dan and Carole Kane)
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Thomas Designs
(952) 435-1086
www.thomasdesigns.net
Cleveland Model & Supply Company
(317) 257-7878
www.clevelandairline.com
Hannan’s Runway
(530) 873-6421
www.hrunway.com
National Free Flight Society
www.freeflight.org
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/03
Page Numbers: 110,111,112,115
110 MODEL AVIATION
of cycles began in which the rain would stop for 15-20 minutes,
showers would return for 10-15 minutes, a “dry spell” would return,
etc. That continued until early afternoon, but the faithful were
undaunted and proceeded with a staccato of
frenetic flights, many mass launches, and
some near flyaways.
By roughly 1:30 p.m., a dramatic “Wall
of Wind” disrupted everything as
preparations were being made to begin the
first round of the Golden Age Racers Mass
Launch. Some competitors’ tents were
peeled from their frames. Tables were blown
over, with everything on them tossed to the
ground. Mayhem ensued as everyone
frantically scrambled to avert further
disaster.
THE BARRON FIELD Air Races held in Wawayanda, New York,
celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 24-25, 2009. Models in 20
Flying Aces Club (FAC) events filled the sometimes rainy and windy
sky, but spirits were high as more than 30
contestants competed.
Contest CDs Tom Hallman and John
Houck ran a first-class show. Despite
ominous forecasts of dismal weather, intrepid
FACers came from the eastern US and
Canada to enjoy Wawayanda’s huge,
manicured sod fields.
According to Tom, Saturday the 24th
began with “a light drizzle and near zero
wind.” Shortly thereafter, an undulating series
The Wawayanda contest’s 10th anniversary blast
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• The Red Tails are coming
• Air Ace’s new products for
2010
• E-mail, letters, etc. from the
gang
Barron Field Air Races Co-CD Tom Hallman judges an unusual
Boeing 306B flying wing while discussing its performance with
Andrew Ricci. Dick Gorman photo.
Tom Nallen Sr. found this shot of the trimotored, rubber-powered FF Caproni Ca 5 that I
scratch-built in the mid-1970s. The 1/2-inch-scale model now rests in the AMA museum at
Muncie. Tom Nallen Sr. photo.
Jim De Tar with his Golden Age
Reproductions Fokker D.VII at the Outdoor
Champs. It spans 19 inches, weighs 24
grams, flies on two loops on 1/8-inch rubber,
and is covered with Japanese tissue finished
with Krylon. Wunsche photo.
Jack Tisinai flew his rubber-powered Nieuport 28 in the WW I
Mass Launch at the Outdoor FF Champs in Muncie IN in
September. The 26- inch-span model is airbrushed with
AeroGloss. Fred Wunsche photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 110
All flying stopped by 2:30. Most of the contestants adjourned to
the nearby Colonial Diner, to recover and discuss the day’s events. No
one could remember a more dramatic change in the weather. All
hopes were pinned on having a better Sunday.
Early forecasts for the 25th were good enough that an additional 12
fliers showed up shortly after 8 a.m. Winds were brisk and remained
at 10-15 mph for most of the day, but it was dry and sunny. Since
Saturday’s flying was cut short and there were a dozen more fliers,
Sunday’s pace was brisk.
WW II Mass Launch exploded with 16 fliers. Four were
eliminated in each round until the fourth and final flight. In the third
round, the wind kicked up to carry Luc Martin’s Arsenal VG 33 to the
trees by the river’s edge and Rich Weber’s Dewoitine D.520 another
1/4 mile beyond the river. This eliminated them the competition.
Models flown by Chris Starleaf, Pete Kaiteris, and Dallas
Cornelius also had close encounters with the river’s edge. In the last
flight, Rich Gorman’s Yak-3 topped Chris Starleaf’s P-51 and Paul
Stott’s Fiat G.55 to win the class.
Quite a few models landed in the river, but none matched the great
Dave Stott’s. Fifty percent of his flights ended up “wet” and won him
the notorious Harvey Wallbanger Award.
Another memorable flight was turned in by Mark Fineman. His
handsome yellow-and-silver Vega flew for two minutes, 32 seconds,
thanks to a cozy encounter with a determined thermal.
A total of 12 fliers took home a Kanone, which set a record for the
contest. Rich Weber won an impressive three Kanones. The everformidable
Wally Farrell claimed Grand Champion honors.
By the time the contest officially ended at 5 p.m. Sunday, the wind
had disappeared but the sun still shone. Many lingered after the
awards ceremony to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Weather adventures
aside, FACers who attended were inspired by Wawayanda and vowed
to return this year.
Special thanks to Rich Weber, Tom Hallman, Doug Beardsworth,
the D.C. Maxecuters, and Small Flying Arts; their comments, e-mails,
and photos made this report possible.
Following are the Wawayanda award winners.
FAC Catapult Jet Scale: Vic Nippert, Martin B-57 Canberra
FAC Contra Rotating Prop: Tom Hallman, Koolhoven F.K.5501
FAC Dime Scale: Doug Beardsworth,
Typhoon
FAC Embryo Endurance: Ed Pelatowski,
Cruiser
FAC Fiction Flier Scale: Rich Weber, Booth
Ranger
FAC Goodyear Racers: Chris Starleaf, Pogo
FAC No-Cal: Bruce Foster, WACO
FAC Oldtime Plan/Kit Scale: Dave Mitchell,
Navion
FAC Peanut Scale: Rich Weber, Potez 29
FAC Power Scale: Tom Hallman, Aerobile
FAC Scale: Tom Hallman, Do X
Flying Horde: Wally Farrell, Mr. Smoothie
Golden Age Civil & Military: Vic Nippert,
ME-35B
Golden Age Racers: Wally Farrell, Mr.
Smoothie
Jumbo Scale: Chris Starleaf, SBC-3
Megow S.E.5 Mass Launch: Pete Kaiteris,
S.E.5
Modern Age Civil: Dallas Cornelius, Lacey
Modern Age Military: Wally Farrell, MiG-15
WW I Combat: Rich Weber, Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat: Dick Gorman , Yak- 3
Harvey Wallbanger Award: Dave Stott
2009 Grand Champion: Wally Farrell
Red Tails is a new movie by George Lucas
that is set to be released this summer.
Given his stunning talent with special
effects, the flying scenes should be
magnificent. I hope this film dramatically
March 2010 111
Coverings for Phantom Flash II Chameleon kits. Snoopy’s and The Red Baron’s are two
of six WW I types. A total of 18 choices (spanning three eras) are available. Patrick
Norman photo.
A wall of the legendary Bill Hannan’s hobby room features a colorful,
orderly way to display a modeler’s collection. Bill Hannan photo.
Ted Allebone scratch-built this 21-inch-span Hawker Fury for FF
Power Scale. It uses four 130 mAh NiMH cells to power a surplus
motor with a 4.5:1 reduction gearing. Its flying weight is 98 grams.
Stephen E. Kanyusik photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 111
increases interest in the achievements of
the Tuskegee Airmen and their heroic
service to the US.
The Red Tail Project, a special tribute
to the Commemorative Air Force, has
restored a P-51C Mustang and returned it
to the skies. It is currently touring air
shows as a tangible reminder of how the
Tuskegee Airmen helped win two wars:
one against Nazi Germany and the other
against segregation at home.
The Red Tail Project is currently raising
funds to build a 53-foot exhibition trailer
that will travel across the US, encouraging
kids to rise above the challenges they face,
as the Tuskegee Airmen did.
Donations to the Red Tail traveling
museum are being sought. See the
“Sources” list at the end of this column for
further information.
Shorty’s Basement has obtained an
excellent supply of high-quality silver
tissue from Esaki Model in Japan. Many
modelers love the P-51. how about making
an all-silver Mustang with a red tail for the
2010 season?
Air Ace Models has a well-designed P-
51C and will be making it available in Red
Tail markings this spring. See the
“Sources” list for contact information for
these two companies.
Air Ace Models is introducing another
new product in 2010. The Phantom Flash II
Chameleon is a new FF sport design that is
based on the venerable Phantom Flash
ROG (rise-off-ground) of the mid-1930s.
In mid-2009, the company debuted a
series of 18 covering kits (spanning three
eras) for the Phantom Flash ROG. The eyecatching
kits are printed in full color, on
white Esaki tissue, using a color copier, as
described in my “Color Copier
Techniques” article published in the June
2002 MA.
Sixty of the covering kits were
presented at the 2009 FAC Non-Nats in
Geneseo, New York. At a cost of only $5
each, they sold out.
The success of the Phantom Flash ROG
covering kits led to the development of the
Phantom Flash PF II. It features a full
fuselage with modest structural
strengthening of the flying surfaces, to
better tolerate the stresses of two-sided
covering for the wings and stabilizer.
As is the Phantom Flash ROG the
Phantom Flash II is presented as a basic
airframe to which a variety of colorful Air
Ace Models markings can be applied.
Because of the nature of the Phantom
Flash II, it has been dubbed “the
Chameleon.” This model will be available
starting at the Toledo Show this year in
April.
Each Phantom Flash ROG covering kit
contains full-size construction plans, a
parts sheet drawing, and instructions
regarding construction and covering. The
kit, as such, is a short kit and does not
include balsa, propeller, wire, and other
materials for completing the airframe.
If you want a kit for the airframe, an
excellent laser-cut version for the Phantom
Flash ROG is marketed by Thomas
Designs under the name “R.O.G. Redux.”
See the “Sources” list for contact
information.
Air Ace Models will initially offer the
Phantom Flash II Chameleon as a short kit.
112 MODEL AVIATION
As is the ROG version, the Flash II kit
will contain full-size plans and a printed
parts sheet.
It will also include a detailed, fourpage
set of construction notes. Because of
its greater surface area, the Chameleon
requires three 81/2 x 11 sheets of printed
tissue with a sheet of special tips for
covering.
In this form, the Phantom Flash II will
be sold for $15 per kit plus postage and
handling. Depending on customer
demand, a full laser-cut kit might be
available late in 2010.
Stephen E. Kanyusik sent me a
charming note asking for help in locating
a P-26A Dwarf kit that Cleveland Model
& Supply Company marketed in the
1930s. The P-26A was one of the
company’s most popular models.
Original kits are usually owned by
collectors, who are generally reluctant to
part with them. Since the kits are
collectors’ items, they command serious
sums.
My advice to Stephen was to contact
John Jaycox, who currently owns
Cleveland Model. The company is now
based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Good-quality prints of the plans and
print wood for the Dwarf (and more than
1,100 Cleveland designs) are available at
reasonable prices. See the source list for
contact information.
Bill and Joan Hannan graciously emailed
to convey that they are enjoying
this column. They also let me know that
they are continuing to downsize their
Hannan’s Runway mail-order business.
The Hannans consider themselves to
be semiretired but are keeping their Web
site active until the remaining stock of
publications and VHS tapes is exhausted.
They have always presented high-quality
items, and I urge you to check out their
remaining merchandise. You might get
some excellent buys “while supplies
last.”
Bill sent me a picture of one of the
walls in his hobby room, showing a neat
way to “hangar” models between trips to
the flying field. See the “Sources” list for
company contact information.
Jay Criswell contacted me while
searching for one of the Douglas
Skyrocket kits that Top Flite Models
marketed approximately 50 years ago.
The airplane spanned 12 inches and was
intended for either catapult or Jetex with
a catapult. Jay’s father gave him a kit,
but he never built it and it disappeared.
Top Flite also manufactured a 13-inchspan
kit of the F-86D Sabre jet. Both kits
featured unique “Superform” balsa fuselage
shells, sheet wings and tail, and molded plastic
parts. Top Flite crowed that they were easy to
build and initially sold them for $1 each.
I told Jay that I remembered the kits well
and that I had built and flown the Skyrocket as
a Catapult Glider years ago. He enjoyed
reminiscing and was delighted when I told
him that I had two Top Flite Skyrocket kits
and one F-86D kit in my collection.
Jay is in touch with English FF Scale Jet
builders and hopes to interest them in
producing a similar kit that is suitable for
either Jetex or Rapier power. After friendly
negotiations, I sold him one of my Skyrocket
kits.
He is proceeding with his English friends.
It will be interesting to see if anything comes
of it. The molded fuselage shell conveys a
smooth look for jet subjects.
I thank the clubs that send me their
newsletters. Many are of high quality and
make a significant contribution to the richness
of today’s FF and FF Scale scene. I also
appreciate hearing from you by telephone,
regular mail, or electronically.
One of the joys of these times is the ability
to communicate with kindred spirits
worldwide. I welcome new ideas, products,
etc. and enjoy your recollections, which enrich
our hobby/sport. Photographs are extremely
important; please keep them coming.
Until next time, take care and “keep ’em
flyin’!” MA
Sources:
Douglas Beardsworth
[email protected]
D.C. Maxecuters
www.dcmaxecuter.org
Rich Weber
[email protected]
Tom Hallman
(610) 395-5656
www.hallmanstudio.com
John Houck
(610) 488-6238
Red Tail Project
(888) 928-0188
www.redtail.org
Air Ace Models (Dennis O. Norman)
(216) 631-7774
www.airacemodels.com
Shorty’s Basement (Dan and Carole Kane)
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Thomas Designs
(952) 435-1086
www.thomasdesigns.net
Cleveland Model & Supply Company
(317) 257-7878
www.clevelandairline.com
Hannan’s Runway
(530) 873-6421
www.hrunway.com
National Free Flight Society
www.freeflight.org
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/03
Page Numbers: 110,111,112,115
110 MODEL AVIATION
of cycles began in which the rain would stop for 15-20 minutes,
showers would return for 10-15 minutes, a “dry spell” would return,
etc. That continued until early afternoon, but the faithful were
undaunted and proceeded with a staccato of
frenetic flights, many mass launches, and
some near flyaways.
By roughly 1:30 p.m., a dramatic “Wall
of Wind” disrupted everything as
preparations were being made to begin the
first round of the Golden Age Racers Mass
Launch. Some competitors’ tents were
peeled from their frames. Tables were blown
over, with everything on them tossed to the
ground. Mayhem ensued as everyone
frantically scrambled to avert further
disaster.
THE BARRON FIELD Air Races held in Wawayanda, New York,
celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 24-25, 2009. Models in 20
Flying Aces Club (FAC) events filled the sometimes rainy and windy
sky, but spirits were high as more than 30
contestants competed.
Contest CDs Tom Hallman and John
Houck ran a first-class show. Despite
ominous forecasts of dismal weather, intrepid
FACers came from the eastern US and
Canada to enjoy Wawayanda’s huge,
manicured sod fields.
According to Tom, Saturday the 24th
began with “a light drizzle and near zero
wind.” Shortly thereafter, an undulating series
The Wawayanda contest’s 10th anniversary blast
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• The Red Tails are coming
• Air Ace’s new products for
2010
• E-mail, letters, etc. from the
gang
Barron Field Air Races Co-CD Tom Hallman judges an unusual
Boeing 306B flying wing while discussing its performance with
Andrew Ricci. Dick Gorman photo.
Tom Nallen Sr. found this shot of the trimotored, rubber-powered FF Caproni Ca 5 that I
scratch-built in the mid-1970s. The 1/2-inch-scale model now rests in the AMA museum at
Muncie. Tom Nallen Sr. photo.
Jim De Tar with his Golden Age
Reproductions Fokker D.VII at the Outdoor
Champs. It spans 19 inches, weighs 24
grams, flies on two loops on 1/8-inch rubber,
and is covered with Japanese tissue finished
with Krylon. Wunsche photo.
Jack Tisinai flew his rubber-powered Nieuport 28 in the WW I
Mass Launch at the Outdoor FF Champs in Muncie IN in
September. The 26- inch-span model is airbrushed with
AeroGloss. Fred Wunsche photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 110
All flying stopped by 2:30. Most of the contestants adjourned to
the nearby Colonial Diner, to recover and discuss the day’s events. No
one could remember a more dramatic change in the weather. All
hopes were pinned on having a better Sunday.
Early forecasts for the 25th were good enough that an additional 12
fliers showed up shortly after 8 a.m. Winds were brisk and remained
at 10-15 mph for most of the day, but it was dry and sunny. Since
Saturday’s flying was cut short and there were a dozen more fliers,
Sunday’s pace was brisk.
WW II Mass Launch exploded with 16 fliers. Four were
eliminated in each round until the fourth and final flight. In the third
round, the wind kicked up to carry Luc Martin’s Arsenal VG 33 to the
trees by the river’s edge and Rich Weber’s Dewoitine D.520 another
1/4 mile beyond the river. This eliminated them the competition.
Models flown by Chris Starleaf, Pete Kaiteris, and Dallas
Cornelius also had close encounters with the river’s edge. In the last
flight, Rich Gorman’s Yak-3 topped Chris Starleaf’s P-51 and Paul
Stott’s Fiat G.55 to win the class.
Quite a few models landed in the river, but none matched the great
Dave Stott’s. Fifty percent of his flights ended up “wet” and won him
the notorious Harvey Wallbanger Award.
Another memorable flight was turned in by Mark Fineman. His
handsome yellow-and-silver Vega flew for two minutes, 32 seconds,
thanks to a cozy encounter with a determined thermal.
A total of 12 fliers took home a Kanone, which set a record for the
contest. Rich Weber won an impressive three Kanones. The everformidable
Wally Farrell claimed Grand Champion honors.
By the time the contest officially ended at 5 p.m. Sunday, the wind
had disappeared but the sun still shone. Many lingered after the
awards ceremony to enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Weather adventures
aside, FACers who attended were inspired by Wawayanda and vowed
to return this year.
Special thanks to Rich Weber, Tom Hallman, Doug Beardsworth,
the D.C. Maxecuters, and Small Flying Arts; their comments, e-mails,
and photos made this report possible.
Following are the Wawayanda award winners.
FAC Catapult Jet Scale: Vic Nippert, Martin B-57 Canberra
FAC Contra Rotating Prop: Tom Hallman, Koolhoven F.K.5501
FAC Dime Scale: Doug Beardsworth,
Typhoon
FAC Embryo Endurance: Ed Pelatowski,
Cruiser
FAC Fiction Flier Scale: Rich Weber, Booth
Ranger
FAC Goodyear Racers: Chris Starleaf, Pogo
FAC No-Cal: Bruce Foster, WACO
FAC Oldtime Plan/Kit Scale: Dave Mitchell,
Navion
FAC Peanut Scale: Rich Weber, Potez 29
FAC Power Scale: Tom Hallman, Aerobile
FAC Scale: Tom Hallman, Do X
Flying Horde: Wally Farrell, Mr. Smoothie
Golden Age Civil & Military: Vic Nippert,
ME-35B
Golden Age Racers: Wally Farrell, Mr.
Smoothie
Jumbo Scale: Chris Starleaf, SBC-3
Megow S.E.5 Mass Launch: Pete Kaiteris,
S.E.5
Modern Age Civil: Dallas Cornelius, Lacey
Modern Age Military: Wally Farrell, MiG-15
WW I Combat: Rich Weber, Fokker D.VII
WW II Combat: Dick Gorman , Yak- 3
Harvey Wallbanger Award: Dave Stott
2009 Grand Champion: Wally Farrell
Red Tails is a new movie by George Lucas
that is set to be released this summer.
Given his stunning talent with special
effects, the flying scenes should be
magnificent. I hope this film dramatically
March 2010 111
Coverings for Phantom Flash II Chameleon kits. Snoopy’s and The Red Baron’s are two
of six WW I types. A total of 18 choices (spanning three eras) are available. Patrick
Norman photo.
A wall of the legendary Bill Hannan’s hobby room features a colorful,
orderly way to display a modeler’s collection. Bill Hannan photo.
Ted Allebone scratch-built this 21-inch-span Hawker Fury for FF
Power Scale. It uses four 130 mAh NiMH cells to power a surplus
motor with a 4.5:1 reduction gearing. Its flying weight is 98 grams.
Stephen E. Kanyusik photo.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/10 12:32 PM Page 111
increases interest in the achievements of
the Tuskegee Airmen and their heroic
service to the US.
The Red Tail Project, a special tribute
to the Commemorative Air Force, has
restored a P-51C Mustang and returned it
to the skies. It is currently touring air
shows as a tangible reminder of how the
Tuskegee Airmen helped win two wars:
one against Nazi Germany and the other
against segregation at home.
The Red Tail Project is currently raising
funds to build a 53-foot exhibition trailer
that will travel across the US, encouraging
kids to rise above the challenges they face,
as the Tuskegee Airmen did.
Donations to the Red Tail traveling
museum are being sought. See the
“Sources” list at the end of this column for
further information.
Shorty’s Basement has obtained an
excellent supply of high-quality silver
tissue from Esaki Model in Japan. Many
modelers love the P-51. how about making
an all-silver Mustang with a red tail for the
2010 season?
Air Ace Models has a well-designed P-
51C and will be making it available in Red
Tail markings this spring. See the
“Sources” list for contact information for
these two companies.
Air Ace Models is introducing another
new product in 2010. The Phantom Flash II
Chameleon is a new FF sport design that is
based on the venerable Phantom Flash
ROG (rise-off-ground) of the mid-1930s.
In mid-2009, the company debuted a
series of 18 covering kits (spanning three
eras) for the Phantom Flash ROG. The eyecatching
kits are printed in full color, on
white Esaki tissue, using a color copier, as
described in my “Color Copier
Techniques” article published in the June
2002 MA.
Sixty of the covering kits were
presented at the 2009 FAC Non-Nats in
Geneseo, New York. At a cost of only $5
each, they sold out.
The success of the Phantom Flash ROG
covering kits led to the development of the
Phantom Flash PF II. It features a full
fuselage with modest structural
strengthening of the flying surfaces, to
better tolerate the stresses of two-sided
covering for the wings and stabilizer.
As is the Phantom Flash ROG the
Phantom Flash II is presented as a basic
airframe to which a variety of colorful Air
Ace Models markings can be applied.
Because of the nature of the Phantom
Flash II, it has been dubbed “the
Chameleon.” This model will be available
starting at the Toledo Show this year in
April.
Each Phantom Flash ROG covering kit
contains full-size construction plans, a
parts sheet drawing, and instructions
regarding construction and covering. The
kit, as such, is a short kit and does not
include balsa, propeller, wire, and other
materials for completing the airframe.
If you want a kit for the airframe, an
excellent laser-cut version for the Phantom
Flash ROG is marketed by Thomas
Designs under the name “R.O.G. Redux.”
See the “Sources” list for contact
information.
Air Ace Models will initially offer the
Phantom Flash II Chameleon as a short kit.
112 MODEL AVIATION
As is the ROG version, the Flash II kit
will contain full-size plans and a printed
parts sheet.
It will also include a detailed, fourpage
set of construction notes. Because of
its greater surface area, the Chameleon
requires three 81/2 x 11 sheets of printed
tissue with a sheet of special tips for
covering.
In this form, the Phantom Flash II will
be sold for $15 per kit plus postage and
handling. Depending on customer
demand, a full laser-cut kit might be
available late in 2010.
Stephen E. Kanyusik sent me a
charming note asking for help in locating
a P-26A Dwarf kit that Cleveland Model
& Supply Company marketed in the
1930s. The P-26A was one of the
company’s most popular models.
Original kits are usually owned by
collectors, who are generally reluctant to
part with them. Since the kits are
collectors’ items, they command serious
sums.
My advice to Stephen was to contact
John Jaycox, who currently owns
Cleveland Model. The company is now
based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Good-quality prints of the plans and
print wood for the Dwarf (and more than
1,100 Cleveland designs) are available at
reasonable prices. See the source list for
contact information.
Bill and Joan Hannan graciously emailed
to convey that they are enjoying
this column. They also let me know that
they are continuing to downsize their
Hannan’s Runway mail-order business.
The Hannans consider themselves to
be semiretired but are keeping their Web
site active until the remaining stock of
publications and VHS tapes is exhausted.
They have always presented high-quality
items, and I urge you to check out their
remaining merchandise. You might get
some excellent buys “while supplies
last.”
Bill sent me a picture of one of the
walls in his hobby room, showing a neat
way to “hangar” models between trips to
the flying field. See the “Sources” list for
company contact information.
Jay Criswell contacted me while
searching for one of the Douglas
Skyrocket kits that Top Flite Models
marketed approximately 50 years ago.
The airplane spanned 12 inches and was
intended for either catapult or Jetex with
a catapult. Jay’s father gave him a kit,
but he never built it and it disappeared.
Top Flite also manufactured a 13-inchspan
kit of the F-86D Sabre jet. Both kits
featured unique “Superform” balsa fuselage
shells, sheet wings and tail, and molded plastic
parts. Top Flite crowed that they were easy to
build and initially sold them for $1 each.
I told Jay that I remembered the kits well
and that I had built and flown the Skyrocket as
a Catapult Glider years ago. He enjoyed
reminiscing and was delighted when I told
him that I had two Top Flite Skyrocket kits
and one F-86D kit in my collection.
Jay is in touch with English FF Scale Jet
builders and hopes to interest them in
producing a similar kit that is suitable for
either Jetex or Rapier power. After friendly
negotiations, I sold him one of my Skyrocket
kits.
He is proceeding with his English friends.
It will be interesting to see if anything comes
of it. The molded fuselage shell conveys a
smooth look for jet subjects.
I thank the clubs that send me their
newsletters. Many are of high quality and
make a significant contribution to the richness
of today’s FF and FF Scale scene. I also
appreciate hearing from you by telephone,
regular mail, or electronically.
One of the joys of these times is the ability
to communicate with kindred spirits
worldwide. I welcome new ideas, products,
etc. and enjoy your recollections, which enrich
our hobby/sport. Photographs are extremely
important; please keep them coming.
Until next time, take care and “keep ’em
flyin’!” MA
Sources:
Douglas Beardsworth
[email protected]
D.C. Maxecuters
www.dcmaxecuter.org
Rich Weber
[email protected]
Tom Hallman
(610) 395-5656
www.hallmanstudio.com
John Houck
(610) 488-6238
Red Tail Project
(888) 928-0188
www.redtail.org
Air Ace Models (Dennis O. Norman)
(216) 631-7774
www.airacemodels.com
Shorty’s Basement (Dan and Carole Kane)
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Thomas Designs
(952) 435-1086
www.thomasdesigns.net
Cleveland Model & Supply Company
(317) 257-7878
www.clevelandairline.com
Hannan’s Runway
(530) 873-6421
www.hrunway.com
National Free Flight Society
www.freeflight.org
