Author: Bob Aberle
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/09
Page Numbers: 78,79,81
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Frequently Asked Questions - 2009/09

Bob Aberle | [email protected]

Nonflying solid scale models

Also included in this column:

  • Japanese Industrial Standard screwdrivers
  • Winged Shadow Systems' new How High SP
  • Building boards and supports
  • Single Li-Poly cell charger

PLEASE WRITE IN with your questions, since that is the only way we can keep this column format going. When referring to published Qs and As (for follow-ups), always provide the number as a reference. References to addresses and Web sites are now placed in a group, separate from the text, at the end of this column under "Sources."

Q412

"As a very young modeler I built solid scale models for the fun of it. True they didn't fly, but I was happy to have them on display in my room and to show them to my friends. I couldn't afford engines in those days, nor was I near any flying field. But static scale display models maintained my interest in model aircraft for a long time.

"I'd like to revisit some of those old models. Are there any special interest groups today that I might contact to see what other modelers might be doing in this same area?"

A412: In Don Ross's "Cross Files" column that was published in the April 2009 Flying Models magazine (page 48), I was led to a Web site called the Solid Shop. It references a new link to those who are interested in building solid models, called the Solid Model Memories discussion group. That same link can also get you to the Solid Model Memories photo gallery. That should be a good start. Trying the various Internet search engines will get you even more information. I found a manual dated 1942 titled Scale Model Aircraft Construction Procedure. It contains 13 pages of illustrations showing techniques for building solid scale models.

This was published during WWII, when solid models were used to train observers in the recognition of aircraft. It was similar to a civil-defense function. The manual makes for excellent reading. See the Sources list for the Web site. There is probably much more information available if you have the patience to search for it.

Q413

"Like so many modelers I have a large variety of small-size Phillips head screwdrivers for which I find many applications. I've noted problems when assembling ARF models manufactured in the Far East where my screwdrivers don't seem to fit properly.

"I assumed this was just poor quality. But recently I heard that the real problem is that there is a different size standard for these Phillips-head type screwdrivers. What's the story?"

A413: A reader, Jim Kitchen, brought up the answer to this recently, and with that lead, MA Editor Michael Ramsey filled me in on the details. RJR Cool Tools Inc. carries the Moody tool line. I learned that there is a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) screw that looks similar to a Phillips head but is slightly different. The fact that our Phillips-head screwdrivers don't fit these imported screws is not a matter of quality — it's that the screws are built to a different size standard. The RJR Web site will give you information about this product and some interesting related items that might interest many modelers.

Q414

"I know you have already reported on the 'How High' altimeter/recording device. What I was wondering, can they make a portable unit that would enable me to transfer the altimeter from aircraft to aircraft?

"The thought came to my mind because I'm able to transfer my GPS system from car to car. Having one altimeter would save me a lot of money and the need for dedicated aircraft installations."

A414: Dave West of Winged Shadow Systems sent me a brochure about his new How High SP. The "SP" stands for "Self-Powered." This altimeter works identically to the original, but with this version everything — including the switch and the battery power — is self-contained. So it is strictly a matter of placing the SP inside a fuselage and letting it go along for a ride. No permanent installation is necessary. You could also consider this device for use with FF models and nonpowered aircraft, such as sailplanes and even hand-launched gliders. In a pinch, you can slip the SP under the rubber bands holding the wing down. It might add a bit of drag, but you might not want to record the altitude on every flight.

The How High SP sells for $44.90.

Q415

"I'm interested in simple supports that can help line up my parts when they are pinned to a building board. Come to think of it, what do you recommend for a building board?"

A415: To answer the first part of your question, many items and gadgets are available to aid in the building process. My friends at Aero Craft Ltd. recently introduced a new line of support triangles that help align parts so that they are at right angles to the building board.

Those supports are made from laser-cut plywood, and they come in several sizes. Included are beams or rails that allow the triangles to stand up with no other support. You could even add a few drilled holes and then use T-pins to anchor the triangles in place.

Aero Craft also sells laser-cut parts supports; these are slots cut into plywood. An accompanying photo shows a wing rib being supported.

Aero Craft will sell these supports direct. The same building supports will also be available from Hobby Lobby International.

The building board question is easy. I use one that is made from scrap pieces of balsa. A good source for these is Tower Hobbies; it sells three sizes, all of which are 3/4 inch thick. The sizes are 12 x 24, 16 x 36, and 16 x 48 inches — the one I use. The largest size is currently selling for $30.

Use one side of each board for as long as you can, then flip it over and get twice the service life out of the piece.

Q416

"I have a rather inexpensive charger that came with an RTF model that uses just LEDs to let you know when charging is in progress and when it is complete. I would really like to find an add-on meter that could supply me with charge-current information and the like. How about it?"

A416: I recently learned that George Joy of Peak Electronics has introduced a small LCD readout meter that he calls the Sirius Charge "FlowMeter." When inserted between a battery and charger, the device will indicate the charge current, the mAh going into the battery, and the voltage while under charge.

George thinks of this as an electrical "fuel gauge." It can be used in conjunction with wall-wart transformer/chargers or any charger that doesn't have its own internal meter.

Because of the FlowMeter's small size and light weight, you could even place it in your model and let it record how many mAh (capacity) was used during a flight. A Version-1 can handle up to 2 amps of current, and Version-2, which will be released in the near future, will go up to 4.5 amps.

Q417

"I noted recently in your column several references to charging micro-size Li-Poly single-cell batteries. My problem has been finding AC power for a charger at many of the indoor flying facilities that I visit.

"I need a charger that is self-powered to provide me more flexibility. Is anything available like this?"

A417: Progress in micro/indoor flying seems to be happening at a monthly pace. I've mentioned the FMA Direct CellPro M4 charger and adapter, as well as one that Bob Selman Designs offers. One of these chargers will probably provide the portability for which you are looking.

However, a new charger was brought to my attention, and I think it might prove to be exactly what you want. EF Technologies has developed the Four Play Pro, which can charge up to four separate single Li-Poly battery cells at selectable currents ranging from 20 to 400 mA.

Each of the four outputs can be set to a different current, so a variety of cells can be charged at the same time. The best part is that this charger's input power is supplied by only a three-cell Li-Poly battery pack. You would probably want a pack rated at close to 2000 mAh in capacity.

Charging some of these cells at 70, 110, 200 mA, etc., means that you can get quite a few charges from that three-cell power source. If you need more charging capability, take two fully charged three-cell packs to your indoor flying site.

My reader friend is correct; many of these indoor facilities have no AC power outlets. It can be time-consuming if you must return to your car to recharge batteries after every flight.

The Four Play Pro sells for $69.95. EF Technologies also sells a 115 VAC to 12-volt DC power supply to power the charger, say, when you are in your shop.

On the company's Web site, I also found a digital FF timer called the "Smoothie." I think many will find this product interesting.

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.