Free Flight Scale - 2011/03

122 MODEL AVIATION
What’s new?
[[email protected]]
Free Flight Scale Dennis Norman
Also included in this column:
• Dave Stott: the passing of a
legend
• Rebirth of Flying Aces Club
News
• FAC growing pains and
opportunities
• Events for your 2011
calendar
• Richard Crossley’s beautiful
Brewster
Dave Stott launches his rubber-powered
B-25 Mitchell during a 1975 trimming
session at Pinkham Field near Durham CT.
His serious expression temporarily masks
the joy of the moment. Bob Clemens
photo.
General Dave Stott (in white cap and shirt with dark slacks) leads FACers in a 1977 Mass
Launch of WW I Peanut dogfighters. Such moments inspire today’s FAC competitors.
Dave Stott photo.
FAC greats (L-R) Don Srull, Ralph Kuenz, Dave Stott, and Jack Moses enjoy a moment in the
SUNY Geneseo dorms in 1995. All brought much joy to FAC competition. Jack Moses photo.
WHAT’S NEW? What are you currently
building? Those are two of my favorite
inquiries, both of my modeling friends and of
myself.
For the last several months I have been on
hiatus from my beloved pastime. Last year’s
half-built projects sit on my workbench as
unfinished dreams because of the “press of
other matters”; my late father’s house has
taken priority.
Designed and built by him in 1961, the
family home was the central gathering place
of our clan for 50 years. My parents were
industrious and proud. They were not
wealthy, but they knew quality and their
home shows it. Paint, wall coverings, and
furnishings they carefully purchased decades
ago remain in pristine condition and have
turned the old homestead into a classic
memorial of the 1960s.
Since Dad and Mom are now gone, it has
fallen to me, their eldest son, to repair,
modernize, and empty their abode for its
next, as yet unidentified, owners. So far I
have replaced the roof, modernized the
electrical system, had the basement
waterproofed, removed the wall-to-wall
carpeting (showing the original handsome
hardwood floors for the first time in decades),
and repainted much of the interior trim.
Thankfully it is a brick home, and the
bricks still look new. Even so, the windows
and doors had to be freshened. Shutters were
added to give the place a new look. The
landscaping has been updated for the 21st
century. I am still not done, but I have
answered my opening questions in probably
too much detail!
What does all of the preceding have to do
with our precious hobby? It has given me an
opportunity to share one of the most valuable
things about model building as I have known
it; it is a rock in the storms of life.
For well more than 60 years, model
aviation has been my refuge from the
annoying pressures of life’s duties. The
thought of my latest modeling project, even
as it awaits my return, is a beacon that keeps
me sane and at peace as I plow through life’s
“adventures.” I hope it is the same for you.
Dave Stott, legendary co-founder of the
modern Flying Aces Club (FAC), “went
West,” following a brief illness, on October
30, 2010. He has joined the squadron of
FACers whose spirits soar in every thermalfilled
summer sky.
There have been many tributes, but I am
particularly touched by Ralph Kuenz’s words.
He wrote the following, published in the
venerable Cloudbusters newsletter.
“ ... [Dave Stott] for so many wonderful
years brought back to us the joy and freedom
of our youth, took us to magical places in the
clouds, and turned a great bunch of grown-up
kids into an extended family with good reason
to say, ‘We loved you.’
“I guess it really is time to stop saving the
good wood for later. Thank you Dave for
letting us ride along with you. You (were) a
great driver and you took us where the fun
was.”
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 8:10 AM Page 122
March 2011 123
Left: Brilliant computer rendering of an engine that will appear on
the 1-inch-scale, twin-engine Cessna T-50 Bobcat that Thomas
Designs is producing. A kit should be available in the near future.
Greg Thomas photo.
Below: A computerized schematic shows the three-quarter rear
view of the Thomas Designs Cessna T-50 project. Plans will be
magnificently detailed. Thomas photo.
Grandpa proudly crews for 6-year-old Pete Norman, who adds a
few hand winds before launching his “Tiger Bunny.” Pete is
showing an active interest in building and will soon join Grandpa at
his building table. Jones photo.
This stunning Brewster SB2A-4 Buccaneer (which the British call
the “Bermuda”) is Richard Crossley’s new effort. Built for Indoor
competition, it includes crew and gear to satisfy static judges.
Richard Crossley photo.
In a related story, the mailing of the
November/December 2010 Flying Aces Club
News was delayed by Dave Stott’s untimely
passing. Rich Weber, the new editor, had to
modify his first effort to memorialize Dave.
The revised issue was still in the mail
when this column went to press, but Rich
graciously e-mailed me a copy and I was
delighted with it. Everything has been
improved. There is a full-color cover and an
impressive mix of black-and-white and color
photos in the 20 pages.
The format has been modernized and set in
a contemporary typeface. The issue begins
with “News on the Wing” by FAC
Commander in Chief Ross P. Mayo. A table
of contents might be added to future editions,
but the initial reworked publication flows well.
The 2011 FAC flying events are
announced, and scores from the 2010 FAC
events, particularly the Outdoor Champs,
are meticulously listed and illustrated with
color photos.
Advertising is tastefully done, and a new
column titled “FAC Profiles” (which
fittingly begins with a profile of Rich
Weber) is a welcome addition. There is a
listing of “Wants and Disposals,” and “Gone
West” gives a short tribute to Dave Stott and
promises more about him in the January/
February 2011 issue.
Kudos to Rich and the FAC leadership
for this fine effort. It speaks well of the
health and prospects of the still-growing
FAC movement, which is in a transition
period.
The FAC faces some “growing pains.” It
has long relied on volunteers to administer
its activities. A tiny, but devoted, group has
coped with such chores as static-judging
models, organizing events, and carrying out
the prodigious logistical planning needed to
assure the success of FAC events.
03sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 1/25/11 8:11 AM Page 123
124 MODEL AVIATION
Many of those faithful souls, such as
Dave Stott, have left us. Others are feeling
the burdens of time, illness, and
impairment, which have have crippled their
ability to continue their valuable, and often
thankless, services and even participate in
FAC events.
Some say that it is time to downsize
gatherings such as the FAC Nats at
Geneseo, New York, or to pass the burdens
on to other FAC affiliates; I disagree. It
might harm the future of the organization to
retreat during a time of growth.
Thanks to the generosity of its
benefactors, such as the late Jack
McGillivray and others, the FAC has the
means to modernize and strengthen not only
its newsletter, but also the conduct of its
business, to actively help its membership.
Thought should be given to eliminating or
reducing the cost of annual dues for
members who are older than 70.
Also, field assistance should be provided
to senior members. High school or college
students could be hired at a nominal cost to
assist older fliers and the FAC with much of
the “grunt work” that volunteers currently
handle.
A corps of young nonmodelers could
efficiently retrieve long-flying aircraft. That
would not only help impaired FAC
members, but it might also inspire new
members from the ranks of youthful
helpers.
FACers are kind and helpful people who
often retrieve other fliers’ models, even
during timed events. Would it not be better
to let them concentrate on their own
participation by providing assistance for
those who are struggling to remain in the
“fun”?
Another challenge facing the FAC is the
ever-increasing complexity of its rules. For
an organization that rose out of the desire to
return to the joy and simplicity of FF
modeling, the FAC has hobbled itself with a
growing list of guidelines and restrictions
worthy of the most legalistic minds. As a
practitioner of law for more than 40 years I
can relate to such detailed madness, but I
question its wisdom or relevance for the
FAC.
Similar problems with AMA rules
decades ago nearly killed FF Scale
competition. That was one of the motivating
forces to establish the modern FAC. Its
current trend poses a threat to its health,
growth, and even survival.
Several events scheduled for this year
might be of interest to FF Scale modelers;
following is a listing. Contact information is
under “Sources” at the end of this column.
• April 1-3: The 57th annual Toledo R/C
Expo. Rightfully billed as the largest model
aircraft trade show in the world, it draws
exhibitors and visitors from all over the
planet to Northern Ohio.
The huge Swap Shop includes such
notable FF vendors as Air Ace Models,
Diels Engineering, and Shorty’s Basement.
Numerous other private vendors offer
vintage magazines, kits, balsa, and more
items of interest to FF Scale modelers.
• April 17: Cleveland Free Flight Society
Annual Indoor Contest & Record Trials.
Held at the huge Kent State University Field
House in Kent, Ohio, flying begins at 8:30
a.m. and continues until 6 p.m.
This gem of a gathering is always well
attended and draws modelers from the
eastern US, Canada, and England. It
features a blend of AMA and FAC Indoor
events. Contact CD Michael Zand for more
information.
• June 23-26: WESTFAC III. FACer Phil
Thomas vigorously promoted this event,
which is hosted by the Western Region
Flying Aces Club, at last year’s FAC Nats.
It marks the most welcome resurgence of
FAC activity west of the Mississippi River
and promises to set attendance records.
FAC fliers from everywhere are
cordially invited to be a part of this
gathering and enjoy Denver, Colorado’s
famous hospitality.
• June 27-August 11: AMA Nats. This
massive event in Muncie, Indiana,
welcomes all branches of model aviation.
The flying facilities are vast and superb.
The National Model Aviation Museum
and Lee Renaud Memorial Library offer
glimpses into our nostalgic past and our
exciting future. The library and research
facility are first class, and the city of
Muncie, Indiana, provides a warm welcome
to the entire modeling community.
• July 13-15: FAC Non-Nats. This
“unofficial” FAC classic will consist of 34
events in Geneseo, hosted by the DC
Maxecuters. Volunteers are needed.
Flying awards will be presented on the
field at the close of the event. There will not
be a banquet at this year’s slimmed-down
gathering. But as usual, there will be the
opportunity to see hundreds of gorgeous
FAC Scale models on display and in
dynamic flight.
• July 25-31: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The
mecca for home-builders, held in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, welcomes aviation buffs of all
stripes. The EAA cares deeply about youth
(they are aviation’s future) and works
closely with the AMA to provide engaging
programs for fledgling model builders and
their families.
• September 8-9: FAC Outdoor Champs.
Another strong and growing FAC event,
this is an annual Midwest celebration of all
things FAC. AMA Headquarters hospitality
and facilities make this a memorable affair
at which to celebrate early fall.
• October 22-23: 12th annual Barron Field
Air Races. Despite its quirky, manicured
flying site, complete with drainage ditches,
Wawayanda, New York, is becoming
increasingly popular as the site of one of the
last events of the FAC outdoor season.
You can expect to see numerous
competitors of note on the field and at the
nearby Colonial Diner, where contestants
and others meet to discuss the day’s
events.
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The preceding is a partial listing. You
can find numerous other FAC and FF events
in the “Contest Calendar” section of each
issue of MA.
One of the constant delights in our hobby is
the magnificent flow of new models coming
from the talented hands of our tribe. One of
the gifted Richard Crossley’s latest
masterpieces is his 1/24-scale Brewster
SB2A-4 Buccaneer (“Bermuda” to the
British).
This excellent effort is based on his
British Indoor Nats-winning model. It sports
a lot of detail and gear to satisfy the static
judges, and it flies excellently.
The Buccaneer’s long nose and tail
moments plus great wing and stabilizer areas
make it a natural. Flying without extended
landing gear makes it even more competitive
for Outdoor Scale.
For 10 pounds through the Atomic
Workshop, Richard is offering a
comprehensive plans package for the design
that includes three large sheets, numerous
hints and tips, construction photos, and an
additional six sheets of comprehensive
building instructions, which are
accompanied by printwood templates that
are neatly laid out on 3-inch-wide panels.
You can obtain further information on
eBay under “Brewster Flying Scale.”
YouTube has a video of Richard’s model
making its winning flight; search for
“Brewster Bermuda.” The eBay listing
contains a link to that video.
The Brewster is a great FF subject that
should bring you many hours of great
building and flying fun—and perhaps even a
Kanone or two.
Keep ’em flying ! MA
Sources:
Cloudbusters newsletter:
Ralph Kuenz
1106 Loeser Ave.
Jackson MI 49203
[email protected]
Flying Aces Club News:
Rich Weber, editor/treasurer
9154 Eldorado Tr.
Strongsville OH 44136
[email protected]
Flying Aces Club:
Ross P. Mayo, Commander in Chief
4207 Crosswinds Dr.
Erie PA 16506
[email protected]
Weak Signals R/C Expo
www.toledoshow.com
Air Ace Models
(216) 631-7774
www.airacemodels.com
Diels Engineering
Box 263
Amherst OH 44001
www.dielsengineeringinc.com
Shorty’s Basement
(740) 225-8671
www.shortysbasement.com
Michael C. Zand
(216) 524-3480
[email protected]
WESTFAC III:
Chuck Etherington, CD
[email protected]
www.westernfac.com
AMA Nats
(800) 435-9262, extension 224, 252, or 293
www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats.aspx
DC Maxecuters
www.dcmaxecuter.org
Barron Field Air Races
Tom Hallman, CD
(610) 395-5656
John Houck, CD
(610) 488-6235
Atomic Workshop
+44(0)1493 369317
www.atomicworkshop.co.uk
Thomas Designs
(952) 435-1086
www.thomasdesigns.net
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