Free Flight Scale

Author: Dennis Norman

Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/06
Page Numbers: 122,123,124

Klemanek's golden oldie

Gene Klemanek, one of Cleveland, Ohio's most outstanding static scale model builders, continues to wow us with his craftsmanship.

Although he doesn't fly, Gene frequently attends Cleveland Free Flight Society meetings and often makes the annual pilgrimage to the Toledo Weak Signals Show. Those of us who are fortunate enough to visit Cleveland's Wings Hobby Shop are continually impressed by the growing collection of Gene's modeling masterpieces on display.

Most recently he completed a magnificent 1930 Laird Solution. Built to 1-1/2-inch scale, the model was based on 3/4-inch-scale plans from Cleveland Model and Supply Company. The plans were enlarged 200% because Gene prefers to build at bigger scales to maximize the detail in his meticulous work.

As do most master modelers, Gene checked details on the plans (which still hold up well nearly 80 years after they were drawn) against several other sources. He found that Cleveland fudged a bit with items such as the number of ribs in the stabilizer—the original plans showed more ribs than later careful draftsmen and photographers indicated. In addition, the size and location of serial numbers on the Cleveland plans do not agree with reputable documentation from other sources. Even so, the company's plans provide an excellent beginning for building a contemporary model of one of the many aircraft in the Cleveland line.

A photo of Gene's Laird shows some of the exquisite detail typical of his work. Copies of this photo were sent to John Jacox, the current owner of Cleveland Model and Supply Company, and he was ecstatic.

Thousands of modelers have collected—and are still collecting—Cleveland kits and plans for their archives. Those of us involved in FF Scale (FFS) still occasionally use Cleveland plans as references for current projects.

Unlike Gene, who is not concerned with the weight of his static scale subjects, most of us who intend to fly a Cleveland-inspired subject find it necessary to eliminate much of the structure shown on the company's plans. Cleveland models were often overbuilt. Devices such as motorsticks were frequently used in an attempt to compensate for the considerable torsional force of a fully wound rubber motor. Contemporary designers have all but eliminated motorsticks because they have found more effective ways to manage torsional forces.

One of the best ways I have found to design an FFS fuselage is to use sheet stock to reinforce the fuselage in the area between the nose and just aft of the wing trailing edge (TE). It is unnecessary to completely sheet this part of the fuselage; a 1/2- to 1-inch-wide sheet from around the wing root forward to the nose is usually sufficient.

Cleveland-designed plans are still available and are well worth purchasing as references for current or future projects. See the "Sources" listing at the end of this column for contact information.

Shorty's Basement — "Born Loser"

Shorty's Basement has produced another Flying Aces Club (FAC) gem called the "Born Loser." Al Backstrom designed the model and had it published in the October 2000 Flying Models magazine.

This jaunty little biplane has a 15-inch wingspan and is a fun flier that meets the FAC Embryo rules. The comprehensive kit contains fine-quality laser-cut balsa parts and includes strip wood, Esaki Japanese tissue, contest rubber, a plastic propeller, wheels, block stock for the nose, and more.

Al's plans are clear, and the kit includes a reproduction of the Flying Models article. The design does not mention a DT, which might, in part, explain its poignant name.

This is a high-quality, relatively quick build. The kit price is $24.95 plus shipping and handling—well worth it. See "Sources" for Shorty's Basement contact information.

CB Model Designs — Curtiss XP-40Q

CB Model Designs is about to release a new rubber-powered scale kit of the Curtiss XP-40Q, the last of the P-40 series. Drawn to 1/4-scale, it has a wingspan of 26 inches and an overall length of nearly 27 inches.

Dihedral appears to be a bit excessive and should be reduced to give the model a more scale appearance. The XP-40Q will be marketed as a short kit for $35, which includes three CAD construction drawings, laser-cut parts, a four-blade propeller, spinner, formed canopy, and construction notes.

Distribution will be either directly from Clint Brooks or through the CB Model Designs website. See "Sources" for contact information.

Air Ace Models — new 16-inch scale line

Air Ace Models is introducing a new line of 16-inch-span scale models inspired by the popularity of the movement Mike Nassise started. Mike is editor of the Tailspin newsletter of FAC Squadron 24, and Air Ace Models supports his efforts to return to the joy of simplified FFS.

The company’s first 16-inch-span effort is the popular Grumman F6F Hellcat. Based on plans Air Ace Models published 20 years ago, construction is similar to the old Comet models and features traditional former/longeron/stringer fuselage design and a minimalist wing and tail structure.

The prototype F6F is finished in colorful Royal Navy markings used in mid-1944. Each semi-kit includes well-drawn plans with a parts sheet, building and covering instructions, colorful Esaki tissue covering, and a vacuum-formed canopy.

The price of the semi-kit will be in the $15 to $20 range. Similar efforts are planned and will include subjects such as the P-47 Thunderbolt and Fw 190. See "Sources" for Air Ace Models contact information.

Wakefields and "Super Embryos"

Wakefields are not scale models; they are high-performance endurance types that usually weigh about 4 ounces and often have wingspans approaching 4 feet. Their resurgence has taken the form of 1/2-scale designs.

These aircraft have long been enjoyed abroad, but thanks to efforts by England-born Gordon Roberts (the FAC "Ace of Aces") and Cleveland free flighter Dave Plishnery, they are bursting onto the U.S. free-flight scene. "Half-scale versions of Wakefield types are technically scale models!" Gordon quipped.

With names such as "North Star," "Oh So Long," "Jaguar," "Ellila," "Red Swan," and "Yankee Four," the list of models is impressive. FAC News Editor Rich Weber jokingly says there are "thousands" of Wakefield subjects to be found.

I have suggested that 1/2-scale Wakefield types be called "Super Embryos" in modern FAC speak. The best news is that the FAC has decided to let 1/2-scale Embryos fly in an unofficial event at the FAC Non-Nats in Geneseo, New York, this year. (Can Kanones be far away?)

Scale Staffel and WESTFAC

The Scale Staffel Free Flight Model Airplane Club of San Diego, California, has gone online with the latest version of its outstanding newsletter. The club's website is colorful, well presented, and free.

Earlier hard-copy versions of the Scale Staffel Newsletter are among the prized items in my modeling library. The most recent effort promises to elevate the group even further.

Legends such as Walt Mooney, Clarence Mather, Bob Peck, and John Hutchison founded the original Scale Staffel (FAC Squadron 41) in the 1970s. Several members have traveled to the FAC Nats in Geneseo, New York, over the years and have placed highly in competition.

Most recently the club sponsored WESTFAC I (California) and WESTFAC II (Texas). WESTFAC III will be held this year in Denver, Colorado, from June 23 to 25, and it promises to be the best-attended edition to date. For further details, contact Scale Staffel Newsletter Editor George Mansfield (see "Sources").

Museums and events

Aviation museums are important to the preservation of full-scale aircraft and the parts they have played in history. As in previous years, the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, will host the impressive WW I Dawn Patrol Rendezvous September 23–25.

This stellar event features full-scale replicas of WW I types, radio-controlled models, re-enactors, a vintage auto show, and dozens of vendors selling collectibles. Admission is free. The gathering is held adjacent to the museum, which is also free and offers many attractions. There is also the opportunity to attend a buffet at the museum on the evening of September 24; tickets should be purchased in advance. Past buffets have included entertainment by the United States Air Force Band. This is a perfect event for FF Scale enthusiasts.

If you travel to England, be sure to visit the American Air Museum at Duxford. Founded in 1998 as a tribute to the efforts of the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII, the museum honors those efforts to defeat tyranny and preserve freedom. Museum funding has been affected by recent international financial difficulties, but the facility remains highly successful and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. American help is still needed to continue the museum's mission; all contributions will be sincerely appreciated. See "Sources" for contact information.

Keep 'em flying! DN