Frequently Asked Questions — Bob Aberle | [email protected]
Paul Matt Scale Aircraft Drawings
Please write in with your questions since that is the only way we can keep this column format going. When referring to previously published questions and answers (for follow-ups), always provide the number as a reference.
Also note that references to addresses and websites are placed in a group, separate from the text, at the end of this column under “Sources.”
Another feature, “Tips,” will be provided in addition to frequently asked questions. These tips will be numbered in the same sequence as the questions.
Q524: “Years ago, I bought several books published by Aviation Heritage Books, of Destin, Florida. I’m sure there were at least a dozen of these books covering various full‑size aircraft. I’d like to buy more, but can’t find any reference to the original publishing company. Any ideas?”
A524: In May 2011 I received a surprise email from Alan Abel, the original publisher of the Aviation Heritage series of scale aircraft books. Alan and his mom, Drina Welch Abel, ran this business for many years.
Alan informed me that some of his originally published books have been taken over by Wind Canyon Books of Stockton, California. The Wind Canyon website appears in the “Sources” section at the end of this column.
Alan went on to note that the company has republished the Paul Matt Scale Airplane Drawings books (both Volume 1 and Volume 2). They are available in 8½ x 11 bound copies. These books contain loads of Paul Matt’s famous three‑view scale drawings—enough to keep a modeler busy for a lifetime. Any aircraft drawing can now easily be scaled up to a size of your choice at major print facilities such as Staples and FedEx Kinko’s.
I urge you to go to the referenced website and check out all the available aviation books. There is one in particular I noted titled Aeronca Golden Age. Scale model enthusiasts will love this book. You can purchase the publications as a hard copy or in CD format.
Alan, it was good to hear from you again!
Typical Electric Power System Parameters
- Weight of aircraft and wing loading (oz/sq.ft)
- RC gear used (list Tx, RX and servos)
- Power system (data)
- Prop: GWS 7x3.5
- Motor current: 4.28 amps
- Voltage (under load): 7.13 volts
- Power input: 30 watts
- Battery loading: 5.3C
- Power loading: 68.6 watts/pound
- Flight time: 12 minutes; with some motor throttling this can extend to 15–18 minutes
The author provides this type of electric motor data with his published designs, aircraft product reviews, or even production kits. Keeping a record of this data will prove invaluable when selecting new power systems.
Q525: “Bob, I read your two articles on selecting electric power systems that appear on the AMA website. One of the best sources for electric motor data that you referenced is the Great Electric Motor Test website that was created by Fredrik Wergeland of Stockholm, Sweden. Recently, I attempted to open Fredrik's site and received an 'error message.' Is the site still available?”
A525: I was surprised and concerned by this question and immediately tried opening the website myself. Unfortunately, I received the same error message. It took me some time, but I finally obtained Fredrik's email address and sent him a note asking about his site. I received this sad reply from Fredrik:
"A voice from the past! Hi Bob, nice to hear from you again after so long. Yes, my site is gone. The domain expired and I did not renew it. Life moves and I don't find the time and commitment to keep it running. The Version‑5 of the Great Electric Motor Test that you have is the last version that I uploaded to the site."
There will be no new motor test postings from Fredrik. Fortunately I have a PDF file of the last Edition No. 5. Plans are in the works to post some of this reference material on the AMA website, but until then send me an email requesting the PDF file and I will send it to you as an attachment. It may take some work on my part, but on the other hand it will give me an idea as to the interests of my readers.
While I'm on this subject of electric motor data, most hobby magazines cut corners today and do not post motor parameter data for each published aircraft, whether it is an original design or a kit review.
Using a digital meter, it only takes a few minutes to come up with all the interesting parameters for an aircraft. Every author will tell you the motors used, battery, and propeller type, but when you are rolling your own or even changing power systems, this supporting data is helpful. I've included a sample chart showing the type of data I like to see. You will find this in every article that I publish.
T526: Once again my fellow Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island (SEFLI) club member Casey Brandsema shares a suggestion. This time it involves the safe disposal of such items as knife blades, single‑edge razor blades, or any sharp item found in your shop.
His idea is to use a small plastic container, such as the ones used with cosmetic wipes. There is a small opening on the top. The used blades are inserted in that opening so you will never touch them again. When the box is nearly full, dispose of it and start with a new container. Discarding these blades in your shop wastebasket is asking for an accident to happen.
Thanks again, Casey!
Q527: "I used to read an electric column that appeared in the old RC Modeler magazine authored by Jim Zare. Besides a regular column, Jim was responsible for many small‑size, electric‑powered model designs. Where is Jim today?"
A527: I personally keep in touch with Jim, who still resides in Ohio. I used to meet up with him at the Toledo Show.
After receiving your question, I contacted Jim to see what he is currently doing. I mentioned that I had recently reduced a Junior Falcon down to a mere 100 square inches and 3.8 ounces for the September 2011 RC Micro World.
Jim quickly came back with several photos of his "full‑size" Junior Falcon (roughly 250 square inches) which he had converted to electric power. Jim also told me that he has the low‑wing version of the Falcon, called the Junior Skylark, and a twin‑motor version of the same aircraft.
The best news is that Jim is selling plans for these aircraft and is also making available laser‑cut parts, which saves a lot of work. I've listed Jim Zare's email address in the "Sources" section. Drop him a note!
Q528: "Bob, I've noticed in many of your published micro/indoor designs that you employ the Spektrum AR6110 and AR6110e receivers. Are these still available?"
A528: The popular Spektrum AR6110 micro six‑channel receiver has been replaced by the AR6115. The AR6115 is identical in size and weight (3.5 grams), accepts standard servo plugs, and costs about the same. It is DSMX capable but will operate with DSM2 transmitters as well—so you will not need to convert an older DX7 to DSMX to use it. I checked with Kim Payne, Marketing Publicist at Horizon Hobby, and she confirmed the AR6115 will work with DSM2 and DSMX modes.
If you can’t find the AR6115, check other DSM2/DSMX Spektrum receivers as many have similar backward‑compatibility.
T529: I have had many readers ask where I get those blue‑topped modeling pins that appear in my construction articles. A simple straight pin requires the use of both hands—one to hold the pin and the other for a small hammer to drive it into your building board.
These “blue” pins are standard pins to which molded plastic ends are applied. They allow you to grip the pin with one hand while your other hand holds the wood in position over the plans. Unfortunately, these are no longer available.
Reader Al Lautenberger of Dallas, Texas, found a similar pin sold by Midwest Products. The company calls it the Grip Pin. I’ve included the website in the “Sources” section.
I noted recently that Tower Hobbies/Great Planes sells a little gadget called a Pin Driver that holds a typical T‑pin while you insert it. This might prove an interesting alternative.
Sources
- Wind Canyon Books
(800) 952-7007 www.windcanyonbooks.com
- Alan Abel
- Jim Zare
- Horizon Hobby
(800) 338-4639 www.horizonhobby.com
- Midwest Products
(800) 348-3497 www.midwestproducts.com
- Tower Hobbies
(800) 637-6050 www.towerhobbies.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
