EXCUSE ME SIR, but I think your nose just
fell off! Never underestimate the importance
of a tight nose block. A loose nose block can
cause trimming problems because the
thrustline will change in flight as the tension
of the rubber motor decreases.
Another problem with a nose block
surfaced at my first Flying Aces Club (FAC)
mass-launch event. My Fiat G.55 was
cruising along at good altitude when the nose
block fell out, bringing the model down
prematurely. Both of those situations can be
prevented with proper design and fit of the
nose block.
The problem can be caused by the nose
block plug being too short, not fitting snugly
into the nose, or both. A typical kit or plans
might show a couple layers of 1⁄16 sheet balsa
laminated to make the plug. That isn’t deep
enough. Even if there is a good preliminary
fit, the first time you add a thrust shim, the
nose block will lose some of its bite.
Make the plug at least 3⁄16-inch deep. I
commonly use a 1⁄4-inch-deep nose plug. It is
also important that the nose opening gives the
nose plug enough bearing surface to “grip.” I
will often increase the thickness of the nose
former to 1⁄8 inch or more to provide
additional grip.
It can be difficult to properly fit a
conventional plug of layered sheet balsa to
the opening in the fuselage because you can’t
see the gaps well when you place the nose
plug near the nose former. For models that
span 18 inches or more, my preferred nose
Gene Smith, 1401 N. Husband St., Stillwater OK 74075; E-mail: [email protected]
FREE FLIGHT SPORT
The experimental World War II-era WACO XPG-2A didn’t work out as a powered glider,
but it makes a great electric-powered Free Flight model for Al Cleave.
This AT-6 was constructed for the Dave Livesay one-design event at the Flying Aces
Club Nationals. The color scheme is from an AT-6 at the Reno Air Races.
plug is typically made from 3⁄32 x 1⁄4-inch
medium balsa sticks. I use 1⁄16 x 3⁄16 inch for
smaller models.
I make the plug before all the fuselage
stringers are placed. This enables me to adjust
the plug from behind the nose former as
needed during assembly.
I start the plug by cutting two verticals,
which fit snug—but not tight—in the nose
opening. Then I cut and fit two horizontals—
again, snug but not too tight. While still in the
nose former, I position the plug so that the
front of it is 1⁄16 inch in front of the nose
former. This allows me to make sure that the
plug parts are properly aligned and gives
clearance for attachment of the nose block.
I tack-glue the four parts of the plug
together with a drop of medium
cyanoacrylate glue at each inside corner. Do
not use thin cyanoacrylate, or you will glue
the nose plug to the front former. Then I glue
the nose block to the front of the nose plug
with medium cyanoacrylate. When the
cyanoacrylate has secured the nose block to
the nose plug, I pull the plug out of the nose
former.
Building the nose plug in this manner
facilitates a perfect fit and creates a box for
ballast. Then I use angled shims to drill the
proper thrust offset in the nose block for the
propeller shaft bearing.
Even a great-fitting nose block can wear
in time and loosen. Through the years I tried
rubber cement, layers of model cement, and
layers of cyanoacrylate to build up a block to
fix a loose fit. None of these methods worked
to my satisfaction.
My solution is to cyanoacrylate-glue a
shim of hard 1⁄32 balsa to the side of the plug
that needs tightening. That will be too thick.
When the cyanoacrylate sets, use a razor
blade to shave the balsa down to roughly 1⁄64
inch, and then sand the shim down as needed
to get the proper fit. It makes the nose block
fit like new.
There are many kits in my closet, but I build
mostly from scratch. Why kits? The answer
October 2004 149
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:31 am Page 149
150 MODEL AVIATION
came in a note I read on the Internet recently.
The author, “Hudsonduster,” wrote, “Kits are
pretty boxes full of potential.” I think that
explains it.
Off to the Races With the AT-6: Another neat
FAC mass-launch event is a one-design for
Dave Livesay’s AT-6 plans. There are myriad
color schemes available for the model, so pick
your favorite.
Richard Zapf is one of the mass-launch
sponsors, and he has plans ($1—cheap) and
rules for the event. He can also supply a
canopy ($5—cheap) so you don’t have to roll
your own. You can also obtain the plans at
Dave Livesay’s Web site: www.geocities.co
m/dmlivesay/.
The first AT-6 plans published in FAC
news featured a small stabilizer. Later plans
have been updated with a larger stabilizer,
which has made the model much easier to
adjust for flight. At the FAC Nats event, the
motor weight is limited to 15% of the AT-6’s
empty weight. The plans call for 1.375 inches
of dihedral in each tip, but 1.500-1.750 inches
will improve the model’s stability. Check with
Richard at 126 Elm St., Georgetown MA
01833.
A Blast From the Past: Canadian modeler
Kenny Horne has a fascinating Web site
which features covers and contents of model
magazines of the 1930s. With such exciting
stories related to airplanes and pilots, it is no
wonder that thousands of young people were
attracted to model building during that decade.
Check out the site at www.ualberta.ca/~k
horne/.
Free Flight Cookup Goes Russian: The Free
Flight Cookup’s 15th project will be the
Polikarpov I-16, built to the plans in the May
2004 Flying Models magazine. You still have
time to pick up plans and join the build. Find
the group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
ffcookup/.
Build a Powered Glider: Al Cleave, who has
been building, designing, and flying Scale and
endurance models since the 1940s, sent a
There are several postal competitions for the Cloud Tramp,
which is a relatively simple sheet-balsa/stick model.
Nose plug was made inside nose former, then nose block was
glued to nose plug. Note plug’s two vertical, two horizontal parts.
With angled shims, thrust offset can be drilled into nose block on drill press.
Back Porch Pusher builders hold their models. Shown (left to right) are Don Brown,
Dave Linstrum, and Dean McGinnes, who won the mass launch.
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:32 am Page 150
October 2004 151
picture of his interesting twin electricpowered
Scale model.
In World War II, gliders were used to
transport troops and equipment into enemy
territory. Several experiments were
conducted, adding engines to the gliders so
they could be flown out of the landing ground
after discharging their cargo. One of these
experimental aircraft was the WACO XPG-
2A. It used two 200-horsepower Ranger
engines.
Al’s model spans 48 inches and uses two
counter-rotating HiLine Mini-6 motors and a
270 mAh battery pack. He sells the plans
with documentation for $6 from 330 Wood
Rd., New Braunfels TX 78130.
Thirteenth Worldwide Postal: Jim Moseley
originated this postal contest to provide
modelers who are perhaps isolated an
opportunity to fly their airplanes with and
against those of others in similar
circumstances. The idea was to provide a
small incentive for these modelers when they
flew on their local fields or sites and to
perhaps supply a sense of involvement and
participation while having fun. Of course,
that is the basic reason we all fly model
airplanes.
Few FF fliers are competition-minded in
terms of AMA, the National Free Flight
Society, and the Society of Antique Modelers
events. However, the opportunity for some to
fly in a number of low-key classes for
smaller, lower-performance designs such as
sport, Scale, Embryo, etc. has proven to be
quite popular.
There are a number of events—20-inch,
25-inch, Cloud Tramp, Baxter, Embryo, and
others—with simple rules. The window of
time is lengthy so that people in the Southern
Hemisphere have a chance for better flying
weather.
The postal concludes with a full score
sheet and report to each participant. The
common observation is that those who have
participated have had fun. That’s all Jim
wants to hear; it makes the whole thing
worthwhile. There is no Builder-of-the-
Model Rule in the Cloud Tramp Postal. You
can build one for your grandkids and have
them post times to submit.
Jim also runs short-term postals each year
for Cloud Tramps, Embryos, etc., which
benefit from a tighter time frame. The Cloud
Tramp Postal ends September 30, so if you
get with it, you can still enter this year.
The Internet home for the postal is
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/freeflightpostals/.
However, you can participate in the event if
you do not have a computer. Contact Jim
Moseley for the details at 19 Banner Cres.,
Ajax, Ontario L1S 3S8, Canada; Tel.: (905)
683-3014; E-mail: [email protected].
Cloud Tramp Freebie: If you are not
already familiar with the Cloud Tramp, it is a
relatively simple stick model with sheet-balsa
flying surfaces. You can download a set of
plans from the official Cloud Tramp Web
site—http://website.lineone.net/~mike.den
ise.parker/—which also has some clearly
illustrated building tips, including a simple
dethermalizer how-to.
The site administrators organize a yearly
worldwide Cloud Tramp Mass Launch. The
2004 event will be history by the time you
read this, but that gives you 11 months to get
ready for next year’s event.
If you do not have access to a computer,
send me an SASE and I will provide you with
plans. They are half size but include enough
full-size parts and measurements that you can
easily build from them.
This is Your Lucky Day: It’s another
freebie! Dave Linstrum was kind enough to
send me plans for the Back Porch Pusher,
which is a simple stick-and-tissue canard that
dates back to the May 1948 Air Trails
magazine.
Dave sponsored a George Perryman
memorial mass launch for these little
airplanes at the King Orange meet in Florida
last year. The winning flight exceeded two
minutes, so these models can fly.
The Back Porch Pusher’s configuration
was decades ahead of its time—not much
different from the delta-wing canard fighters
of the late 1960s. The late George Perryman
loved this design. He even placed in the
Mulvihill event at the Nats with it! You must
send an SASE with your plans request and
specify which set(s) you want. MA
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
WALSTON RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS
725 Cooper Lake Rd., S.E., Smyrna, GA 30082
770-434-4905 800-657-4672 Fax 770-431-0119
Visa • MC • AmEx • Disc
e-mail [email protected]
Call Now.
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:32 am Page 151
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 149,150,151
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 149,150,151
EXCUSE ME SIR, but I think your nose just
fell off! Never underestimate the importance
of a tight nose block. A loose nose block can
cause trimming problems because the
thrustline will change in flight as the tension
of the rubber motor decreases.
Another problem with a nose block
surfaced at my first Flying Aces Club (FAC)
mass-launch event. My Fiat G.55 was
cruising along at good altitude when the nose
block fell out, bringing the model down
prematurely. Both of those situations can be
prevented with proper design and fit of the
nose block.
The problem can be caused by the nose
block plug being too short, not fitting snugly
into the nose, or both. A typical kit or plans
might show a couple layers of 1⁄16 sheet balsa
laminated to make the plug. That isn’t deep
enough. Even if there is a good preliminary
fit, the first time you add a thrust shim, the
nose block will lose some of its bite.
Make the plug at least 3⁄16-inch deep. I
commonly use a 1⁄4-inch-deep nose plug. It is
also important that the nose opening gives the
nose plug enough bearing surface to “grip.” I
will often increase the thickness of the nose
former to 1⁄8 inch or more to provide
additional grip.
It can be difficult to properly fit a
conventional plug of layered sheet balsa to
the opening in the fuselage because you can’t
see the gaps well when you place the nose
plug near the nose former. For models that
span 18 inches or more, my preferred nose
Gene Smith, 1401 N. Husband St., Stillwater OK 74075; E-mail: [email protected]
FREE FLIGHT SPORT
The experimental World War II-era WACO XPG-2A didn’t work out as a powered glider,
but it makes a great electric-powered Free Flight model for Al Cleave.
This AT-6 was constructed for the Dave Livesay one-design event at the Flying Aces
Club Nationals. The color scheme is from an AT-6 at the Reno Air Races.
plug is typically made from 3⁄32 x 1⁄4-inch
medium balsa sticks. I use 1⁄16 x 3⁄16 inch for
smaller models.
I make the plug before all the fuselage
stringers are placed. This enables me to adjust
the plug from behind the nose former as
needed during assembly.
I start the plug by cutting two verticals,
which fit snug—but not tight—in the nose
opening. Then I cut and fit two horizontals—
again, snug but not too tight. While still in the
nose former, I position the plug so that the
front of it is 1⁄16 inch in front of the nose
former. This allows me to make sure that the
plug parts are properly aligned and gives
clearance for attachment of the nose block.
I tack-glue the four parts of the plug
together with a drop of medium
cyanoacrylate glue at each inside corner. Do
not use thin cyanoacrylate, or you will glue
the nose plug to the front former. Then I glue
the nose block to the front of the nose plug
with medium cyanoacrylate. When the
cyanoacrylate has secured the nose block to
the nose plug, I pull the plug out of the nose
former.
Building the nose plug in this manner
facilitates a perfect fit and creates a box for
ballast. Then I use angled shims to drill the
proper thrust offset in the nose block for the
propeller shaft bearing.
Even a great-fitting nose block can wear
in time and loosen. Through the years I tried
rubber cement, layers of model cement, and
layers of cyanoacrylate to build up a block to
fix a loose fit. None of these methods worked
to my satisfaction.
My solution is to cyanoacrylate-glue a
shim of hard 1⁄32 balsa to the side of the plug
that needs tightening. That will be too thick.
When the cyanoacrylate sets, use a razor
blade to shave the balsa down to roughly 1⁄64
inch, and then sand the shim down as needed
to get the proper fit. It makes the nose block
fit like new.
There are many kits in my closet, but I build
mostly from scratch. Why kits? The answer
October 2004 149
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:31 am Page 149
150 MODEL AVIATION
came in a note I read on the Internet recently.
The author, “Hudsonduster,” wrote, “Kits are
pretty boxes full of potential.” I think that
explains it.
Off to the Races With the AT-6: Another neat
FAC mass-launch event is a one-design for
Dave Livesay’s AT-6 plans. There are myriad
color schemes available for the model, so pick
your favorite.
Richard Zapf is one of the mass-launch
sponsors, and he has plans ($1—cheap) and
rules for the event. He can also supply a
canopy ($5—cheap) so you don’t have to roll
your own. You can also obtain the plans at
Dave Livesay’s Web site: www.geocities.co
m/dmlivesay/.
The first AT-6 plans published in FAC
news featured a small stabilizer. Later plans
have been updated with a larger stabilizer,
which has made the model much easier to
adjust for flight. At the FAC Nats event, the
motor weight is limited to 15% of the AT-6’s
empty weight. The plans call for 1.375 inches
of dihedral in each tip, but 1.500-1.750 inches
will improve the model’s stability. Check with
Richard at 126 Elm St., Georgetown MA
01833.
A Blast From the Past: Canadian modeler
Kenny Horne has a fascinating Web site
which features covers and contents of model
magazines of the 1930s. With such exciting
stories related to airplanes and pilots, it is no
wonder that thousands of young people were
attracted to model building during that decade.
Check out the site at www.ualberta.ca/~k
horne/.
Free Flight Cookup Goes Russian: The Free
Flight Cookup’s 15th project will be the
Polikarpov I-16, built to the plans in the May
2004 Flying Models magazine. You still have
time to pick up plans and join the build. Find
the group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
ffcookup/.
Build a Powered Glider: Al Cleave, who has
been building, designing, and flying Scale and
endurance models since the 1940s, sent a
There are several postal competitions for the Cloud Tramp,
which is a relatively simple sheet-balsa/stick model.
Nose plug was made inside nose former, then nose block was
glued to nose plug. Note plug’s two vertical, two horizontal parts.
With angled shims, thrust offset can be drilled into nose block on drill press.
Back Porch Pusher builders hold their models. Shown (left to right) are Don Brown,
Dave Linstrum, and Dean McGinnes, who won the mass launch.
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:32 am Page 150
October 2004 151
picture of his interesting twin electricpowered
Scale model.
In World War II, gliders were used to
transport troops and equipment into enemy
territory. Several experiments were
conducted, adding engines to the gliders so
they could be flown out of the landing ground
after discharging their cargo. One of these
experimental aircraft was the WACO XPG-
2A. It used two 200-horsepower Ranger
engines.
Al’s model spans 48 inches and uses two
counter-rotating HiLine Mini-6 motors and a
270 mAh battery pack. He sells the plans
with documentation for $6 from 330 Wood
Rd., New Braunfels TX 78130.
Thirteenth Worldwide Postal: Jim Moseley
originated this postal contest to provide
modelers who are perhaps isolated an
opportunity to fly their airplanes with and
against those of others in similar
circumstances. The idea was to provide a
small incentive for these modelers when they
flew on their local fields or sites and to
perhaps supply a sense of involvement and
participation while having fun. Of course,
that is the basic reason we all fly model
airplanes.
Few FF fliers are competition-minded in
terms of AMA, the National Free Flight
Society, and the Society of Antique Modelers
events. However, the opportunity for some to
fly in a number of low-key classes for
smaller, lower-performance designs such as
sport, Scale, Embryo, etc. has proven to be
quite popular.
There are a number of events—20-inch,
25-inch, Cloud Tramp, Baxter, Embryo, and
others—with simple rules. The window of
time is lengthy so that people in the Southern
Hemisphere have a chance for better flying
weather.
The postal concludes with a full score
sheet and report to each participant. The
common observation is that those who have
participated have had fun. That’s all Jim
wants to hear; it makes the whole thing
worthwhile. There is no Builder-of-the-
Model Rule in the Cloud Tramp Postal. You
can build one for your grandkids and have
them post times to submit.
Jim also runs short-term postals each year
for Cloud Tramps, Embryos, etc., which
benefit from a tighter time frame. The Cloud
Tramp Postal ends September 30, so if you
get with it, you can still enter this year.
The Internet home for the postal is
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/freeflightpostals/.
However, you can participate in the event if
you do not have a computer. Contact Jim
Moseley for the details at 19 Banner Cres.,
Ajax, Ontario L1S 3S8, Canada; Tel.: (905)
683-3014; E-mail: [email protected].
Cloud Tramp Freebie: If you are not
already familiar with the Cloud Tramp, it is a
relatively simple stick model with sheet-balsa
flying surfaces. You can download a set of
plans from the official Cloud Tramp Web
site—http://website.lineone.net/~mike.den
ise.parker/—which also has some clearly
illustrated building tips, including a simple
dethermalizer how-to.
The site administrators organize a yearly
worldwide Cloud Tramp Mass Launch. The
2004 event will be history by the time you
read this, but that gives you 11 months to get
ready for next year’s event.
If you do not have access to a computer,
send me an SASE and I will provide you with
plans. They are half size but include enough
full-size parts and measurements that you can
easily build from them.
This is Your Lucky Day: It’s another
freebie! Dave Linstrum was kind enough to
send me plans for the Back Porch Pusher,
which is a simple stick-and-tissue canard that
dates back to the May 1948 Air Trails
magazine.
Dave sponsored a George Perryman
memorial mass launch for these little
airplanes at the King Orange meet in Florida
last year. The winning flight exceeded two
minutes, so these models can fly.
The Back Porch Pusher’s configuration
was decades ahead of its time—not much
different from the delta-wing canard fighters
of the late 1960s. The late George Perryman
loved this design. He even placed in the
Mulvihill event at the Nats with it! You must
send an SASE with your plans request and
specify which set(s) you want. MA
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
WALSTON RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS
725 Cooper Lake Rd., S.E., Smyrna, GA 30082
770-434-4905 800-657-4672 Fax 770-431-0119
Visa • MC • AmEx • Disc
e-mail [email protected]
Call Now.
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:32 am Page 151
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/10
Page Numbers: 149,150,151
EXCUSE ME SIR, but I think your nose just
fell off! Never underestimate the importance
of a tight nose block. A loose nose block can
cause trimming problems because the
thrustline will change in flight as the tension
of the rubber motor decreases.
Another problem with a nose block
surfaced at my first Flying Aces Club (FAC)
mass-launch event. My Fiat G.55 was
cruising along at good altitude when the nose
block fell out, bringing the model down
prematurely. Both of those situations can be
prevented with proper design and fit of the
nose block.
The problem can be caused by the nose
block plug being too short, not fitting snugly
into the nose, or both. A typical kit or plans
might show a couple layers of 1⁄16 sheet balsa
laminated to make the plug. That isn’t deep
enough. Even if there is a good preliminary
fit, the first time you add a thrust shim, the
nose block will lose some of its bite.
Make the plug at least 3⁄16-inch deep. I
commonly use a 1⁄4-inch-deep nose plug. It is
also important that the nose opening gives the
nose plug enough bearing surface to “grip.” I
will often increase the thickness of the nose
former to 1⁄8 inch or more to provide
additional grip.
It can be difficult to properly fit a
conventional plug of layered sheet balsa to
the opening in the fuselage because you can’t
see the gaps well when you place the nose
plug near the nose former. For models that
span 18 inches or more, my preferred nose
Gene Smith, 1401 N. Husband St., Stillwater OK 74075; E-mail: [email protected]
FREE FLIGHT SPORT
The experimental World War II-era WACO XPG-2A didn’t work out as a powered glider,
but it makes a great electric-powered Free Flight model for Al Cleave.
This AT-6 was constructed for the Dave Livesay one-design event at the Flying Aces
Club Nationals. The color scheme is from an AT-6 at the Reno Air Races.
plug is typically made from 3⁄32 x 1⁄4-inch
medium balsa sticks. I use 1⁄16 x 3⁄16 inch for
smaller models.
I make the plug before all the fuselage
stringers are placed. This enables me to adjust
the plug from behind the nose former as
needed during assembly.
I start the plug by cutting two verticals,
which fit snug—but not tight—in the nose
opening. Then I cut and fit two horizontals—
again, snug but not too tight. While still in the
nose former, I position the plug so that the
front of it is 1⁄16 inch in front of the nose
former. This allows me to make sure that the
plug parts are properly aligned and gives
clearance for attachment of the nose block.
I tack-glue the four parts of the plug
together with a drop of medium
cyanoacrylate glue at each inside corner. Do
not use thin cyanoacrylate, or you will glue
the nose plug to the front former. Then I glue
the nose block to the front of the nose plug
with medium cyanoacrylate. When the
cyanoacrylate has secured the nose block to
the nose plug, I pull the plug out of the nose
former.
Building the nose plug in this manner
facilitates a perfect fit and creates a box for
ballast. Then I use angled shims to drill the
proper thrust offset in the nose block for the
propeller shaft bearing.
Even a great-fitting nose block can wear
in time and loosen. Through the years I tried
rubber cement, layers of model cement, and
layers of cyanoacrylate to build up a block to
fix a loose fit. None of these methods worked
to my satisfaction.
My solution is to cyanoacrylate-glue a
shim of hard 1⁄32 balsa to the side of the plug
that needs tightening. That will be too thick.
When the cyanoacrylate sets, use a razor
blade to shave the balsa down to roughly 1⁄64
inch, and then sand the shim down as needed
to get the proper fit. It makes the nose block
fit like new.
There are many kits in my closet, but I build
mostly from scratch. Why kits? The answer
October 2004 149
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:31 am Page 149
150 MODEL AVIATION
came in a note I read on the Internet recently.
The author, “Hudsonduster,” wrote, “Kits are
pretty boxes full of potential.” I think that
explains it.
Off to the Races With the AT-6: Another neat
FAC mass-launch event is a one-design for
Dave Livesay’s AT-6 plans. There are myriad
color schemes available for the model, so pick
your favorite.
Richard Zapf is one of the mass-launch
sponsors, and he has plans ($1—cheap) and
rules for the event. He can also supply a
canopy ($5—cheap) so you don’t have to roll
your own. You can also obtain the plans at
Dave Livesay’s Web site: www.geocities.co
m/dmlivesay/.
The first AT-6 plans published in FAC
news featured a small stabilizer. Later plans
have been updated with a larger stabilizer,
which has made the model much easier to
adjust for flight. At the FAC Nats event, the
motor weight is limited to 15% of the AT-6’s
empty weight. The plans call for 1.375 inches
of dihedral in each tip, but 1.500-1.750 inches
will improve the model’s stability. Check with
Richard at 126 Elm St., Georgetown MA
01833.
A Blast From the Past: Canadian modeler
Kenny Horne has a fascinating Web site
which features covers and contents of model
magazines of the 1930s. With such exciting
stories related to airplanes and pilots, it is no
wonder that thousands of young people were
attracted to model building during that decade.
Check out the site at www.ualberta.ca/~k
horne/.
Free Flight Cookup Goes Russian: The Free
Flight Cookup’s 15th project will be the
Polikarpov I-16, built to the plans in the May
2004 Flying Models magazine. You still have
time to pick up plans and join the build. Find
the group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
ffcookup/.
Build a Powered Glider: Al Cleave, who has
been building, designing, and flying Scale and
endurance models since the 1940s, sent a
There are several postal competitions for the Cloud Tramp,
which is a relatively simple sheet-balsa/stick model.
Nose plug was made inside nose former, then nose block was
glued to nose plug. Note plug’s two vertical, two horizontal parts.
With angled shims, thrust offset can be drilled into nose block on drill press.
Back Porch Pusher builders hold their models. Shown (left to right) are Don Brown,
Dave Linstrum, and Dean McGinnes, who won the mass launch.
10sig5.QXD 7/23/04 9:32 am Page 150
October 2004 151
picture of his interesting twin electricpowered
Scale model.
In World War II, gliders were used to
transport troops and equipment into enemy
territory. Several experiments were
conducted, adding engines to the gliders so
they could be flown out of the landing ground
after discharging their cargo. One of these
experimental aircraft was the WACO XPG-
2A. It used two 200-horsepower Ranger
engines.
Al’s model spans 48 inches and uses two
counter-rotating HiLine Mini-6 motors and a
270 mAh battery pack. He sells the plans
with documentation for $6 from 330 Wood
Rd., New Braunfels TX 78130.
Thirteenth Worldwide Postal: Jim Moseley
originated this postal contest to provide
modelers who are perhaps isolated an
opportunity to fly their airplanes with and
against those of others in similar
circumstances. The idea was to provide a
small incentive for these modelers when they
flew on their local fields or sites and to
perhaps supply a sense of involvement and
participation while having fun. Of course,
that is the basic reason we all fly model
airplanes.
Few FF fliers are competition-minded in
terms of AMA, the National Free Flight
Society, and the Society of Antique Modelers
events. However, the opportunity for some to
fly in a number of low-key classes for
smaller, lower-performance designs such as
sport, Scale, Embryo, etc. has proven to be
quite popular.
There are a number of events—20-inch,
25-inch, Cloud Tramp, Baxter, Embryo, and
others—with simple rules. The window of
time is lengthy so that people in the Southern
Hemisphere have a chance for better flying
weather.
The postal concludes with a full score
sheet and report to each participant. The
common observation is that those who have
participated have had fun. That’s all Jim
wants to hear; it makes the whole thing
worthwhile. There is no Builder-of-the-
Model Rule in the Cloud Tramp Postal. You
can build one for your grandkids and have
them post times to submit.
Jim also runs short-term postals each year
for Cloud Tramps, Embryos, etc., which
benefit from a tighter time frame. The Cloud
Tramp Postal ends September 30, so if you
get with it, you can still enter this year.
The Internet home for the postal is
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/freeflightpostals/.
However, you can participate in the event if
you do not have a computer. Contact Jim
Moseley for the details at 19 Banner Cres.,
Ajax, Ontario L1S 3S8, Canada; Tel.: (905)
683-3014; E-mail: [email protected].
Cloud Tramp Freebie: If you are not
already familiar with the Cloud Tramp, it is a
relatively simple stick model with sheet-balsa
flying surfaces. You can download a set of
plans from the official Cloud Tramp Web
site—http://website.lineone.net/~mike.den
ise.parker/—which also has some clearly
illustrated building tips, including a simple
dethermalizer how-to.
The site administrators organize a yearly
worldwide Cloud Tramp Mass Launch. The
2004 event will be history by the time you
read this, but that gives you 11 months to get
ready for next year’s event.
If you do not have access to a computer,
send me an SASE and I will provide you with
plans. They are half size but include enough
full-size parts and measurements that you can
easily build from them.
This is Your Lucky Day: It’s another
freebie! Dave Linstrum was kind enough to
send me plans for the Back Porch Pusher,
which is a simple stick-and-tissue canard that
dates back to the May 1948 Air Trails
magazine.
Dave sponsored a George Perryman
memorial mass launch for these little
airplanes at the King Orange meet in Florida
last year. The winning flight exceeded two
minutes, so these models can fly.
The Back Porch Pusher’s configuration
was decades ahead of its time—not much
different from the delta-wing canard fighters
of the late 1960s. The late George Perryman
loved this design. He even placed in the
Mulvihill event at the Nats with it! You must
send an SASE with your plans request and
specify which set(s) you want. MA
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