Frequently Asked Questions
Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Wing washout
PLEASE WRITE in with your questions; that is the only way we can keep this column format going. When referring to already published Qs and As (for followups), provide the number as a reference.
References to addresses and Web sites are placed in a group, separate from the text, at the end of this column under "Sources."
Q457: "I keep hearing reference to something called 'wing washout.' Can you tell me what it means and do I need to use it on my model aircraft?"
A457: I've been waiting for this question; now I finally have my chance. I'll tell you what it is and why you would want to use it, but the technical description would take a great deal of magazine space. So at the end of my comments I'll give you a Web site reference that you can use as a starting point.
Wing washout is used to prevent what is called "tip stalling." Many models with wings that taper to smaller chords at the tips tend to drop off or stall when flying speed is reduced. In some cases a stall can occur suddenly, and this is especially true when the aircraft is slowing for a landing.
Having a forward CG position and/or a larger stabilizer area can help prevent tip stalling, but scale-model accuracy often dictates something less than good aerodynamics. In those cases, wing washout can help prevent the stalling problem from becoming a disaster.
Washout results from raising the wingtip a few degrees at the trailing edge. You can build washout into the model structure by simply blocking up and raising the wing trailing edge off of the building board.
When you have a good solid wing structure, building in washout at the start is the best suggestion. But sometimes you can introduce washout to a wing that is completed and already covered.
Merely anchor the center section and then grab the wing at the tip, and then twist it so that the trailing edge is lifted somewhat. While holding that position with one hand, apply heat from a modeler's heat gun and smooth the wrinkles that the twisting motion created. Evenly apply heat to the top and bottom wing surfaces.
Word of caution: try to get the same amount of washout in both wingtips. Failure to do so will result in a rolling effect similar to what you get with an ordinary wing warp. There is no specified amount for washout. You can start with a few degrees, and then make a check flight at a higher altitude to determine the speed and direction at which a stall occurs. If that's not enough, add more washout. The wing that drops first in the stall has the tip that needs more washout. It is an easy process. I've included in the "Sources" a good technical commentary about wing washout; it's posted on the Wikipedia Web site. Quite a few more Web sites are available on which you can learn about this subject. Type "wing washout" into a search engine if you are curious and want more information.
Q458: "I took your suggestion a while back and tried the water transfer decal paper. The decals I made worked well on painted surfaces. But applying these decals to iron-on covered surfaces left something to be desired.
'What I would really like is a decal paper with an adhesive backing. Is there any such thing?'"
A458: Yes. Fred Randall recommended a product to me that will satisfy your needs. It's Crystal Clear Labels for Inkjet Printers, which is sold by Desktop Publishing Supplies.
Although the paper is referred to as "labels," it actually consists of full-size sheets that measure 8 1/4 x 10 3/4 inches. The catalog number is 60000-10; you get 10 of these sheets for $7.95 plus shipping.
I was able to photograph (or scan) an aircraft-company logo, transfer the digital image to a Microsoft Word file, and then print a series of these decals on my Epson ink-jet printer. Once printed, I cut out the decal, peeled off the protective backing, and applied the image.
The last step was to mist on a light coat of Krylon-brand Crystal Clear Acrylic that is available in either a gloss or a matte finish. If you prefer, you can apply the clear spray sealant before transferring the decal to the model.
Q459: "I see lots of new names appearing on the Internet like Facebook and Twitter. Recently another new name caught my attention, 'Podcast.' Can you tell me what this is all about and if there is anything that might pertain to our hobby of model aircraft?"
A459: The term "podcast" is a combination of the words "broadcast" and "iPod." A podcast sends digital media files, that can be either audio or video, via the Internet, where they can be downloaded.
Then you can listen to or see these files on cell phones, personal computers, iPods and MP3 players, etc. A good writeup about podcasts is posted on the Wikipedia Web site; I have included the address in the "Sources" section.
Albert Tejera of TME in Riverview, Florida, offers podcast-type audio programs for the benefit of model aircraft enthusiasts. He has released three shows that you can download (for free) from his Web site. The address is in the "Sources" list.
One of the categories is the "RC Aerobatics Podcast." It features interviews with top competitive RC pilots such as Dave Patrick, Mike McConville, George Hicks, and others. Subjects include 3-D flying, RC aerobatics, and IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club) tips. The programs are presented in an informal style, to make the listener a better pilot.
Another series is "RC Quick Tips," and it covers almost anything involving RC aircraft. Albert created "RC Electronics Tips" to help you obtain the electronics knowledge you need to advance in the hobby. This presentation features a variety of subjects, such as glow starters, servos, ignition systems, power-distribution systems, and electric power.
There are also podcasts that concentrate on other aspects of the hobby, including scale, pattern, and fun-flying types of aircraft. If you are interested in hearing these shows, visit Albert's Web site; the address is included in the "Sources" section. As time goes by, new presentations will be added. You are encouraged to send in your questions and suggestions to help plan the material. Albert Tejera is to be congratulated for providing this excellent training tool.
Something New!
I have come up with a new concept involving this column. I'm getting close to the 500 mark in questions and answers, along with many follow-ups on various subjects of interest. That is a result of approximately six years and roughly 70 monthly columns.
In the course of doing this job, in addition to questions I receive tips and suggestions from modelers. I usually hold those, waiting for a question to arrive that fits the subject. As a result, many good ideas are not helping other aeromodelers.
Starting with this column, I will provide you with advice and suggestions that AMA members/readers have passed on to me. To keep track of them, I will assign numbers in sequence. Instead of "Q460," a tip will be designated "T460."
Supplying this kind of information is similar to the "Aberle Digest Series" I wrote for many years for Bob Hunt and Michael Ramsey at Flying Models magazine. The FAQ format remains unchanged.
I hope my readers will enthusiastically receive the additional tips. On that point, I'd like to hear from you!
T460: My old friend Azarr of E-Cubed RC sent me information about a Web site that belongs to an aeromodeler named Eduardo Affonzo, who lives in France. He has made a hobby of creating paper models, primarily for static display purposes. I hope you will take the time to scroll through his site; it is most impressive.
I have mentioned paper models in several columns, so I was interested in this reference. Azarr went on to tell me about a series of paper replicas of some of the most famous CL models in our hobby throughout the years. As I went through the site, I found a few CL aircraft: the Ringmaster, Miss FAI II, Nobler, Speed King, and Riley Wooten's Voodoo.
For each there is an assembly instruction sheet along with a downloadable paper pattern in full color. You print the pattern on firm paper, cut it out, and then paste it together. The resulting models are small and perfect for display on a desk or shelf.
I've included a photo of Eduardo's daughter, Monique, holding two of the paper Noblers. This should give you an idea of their size.
This is a free service. I think you will enjoy the Web site.
Sources:
- Wing washout:
www.ask.com/wiki/Washout_(aviation)
- Desktop Publishing Supplies
(800) 443-3645 www.desktopsupplies.com
- Podcast definition:
- TME's RCpodcast.com
(206) 666-6652 www.rcpodcast.com
- Paper CL models:
http://digilander.libero.it/ucontrol2000/U-Control-2000/paperindex.htm
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
