Free Flight Scale - 2011/03 | Model Aviation Library

Author: Dennis Norman

Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/03
Page Numbers: 122,123,124,125

Free Flight Scale - 2011/03

Dennis Norman [[email protected]]

What's new?

WHAT'S NEW? What are you currently building? Those are two of my favorite inquiries, of both my modeling friends and 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 thermal-filled summer sky.

There have been many tributes, but I am particularly touched by Ralph Kuenz's words, 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."

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.

Many of those faithful souls, such as Dave Stott, have left us. Others are feeling the burdens of time, illness, and impairment, which 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 free flight 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 free-flight 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.

Events of interest

The following events scheduled for this year might be of interest to FF Scale modelers. 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 U.S., 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 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.

The preceding is a partial listing. You can find numerous other FAC and FF events in the "Contest Calendar" section of each issue of Model Aviation.

Model spotlight

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