Getting The Word Out

Prospective authors Heres advice writing good construction article David G Manley Editor s note Modelers may thinking daydreaming about someday writing construction article publication should reflect opinions expressed thought-provoking article hasten add ideas expressed authors own necessarily policies Model Aviation magazines publication staffbut good advice Prospective authors should contact Publications Manager PM magazine specific requirements considering submitting article publication also good idea some coordination PM before writing submitting article find out magazine has interest buying publication rights first place Ross McMullen Managing Editor o Il TO CREATE model write construction article about need proven design quality plans photography construction notes clear enough make editor pirouette atop leather-bound thesaurus However judging some publications foot stomping spinning tiptoes takes place editorial offices across country designers should treat segments project great equal detail poorly written building instructions seen far too often may account disasters workbenches flying fields Fortunately model-designing entrepreneurs can take several steps short earning English degree ensure clarity publication Most magazines offer guidelines contributors requesting guides always include SASE follow directions receive writing construction notestoo often stepchild projectinstruct rather educate advises Donald M Goldenbaum technical writer educator Continued page 153 Fighting off Killer Bromides generation produces its unfair share hackneyed trite phrases sometimes called bromidesand find way facets life including modeling milieu little editorial kidney stones pass through otherwise lively copy create odious composition that. ... stinks high heaven beat dead horse youre going get story right gotta go whole nine yards handwriting wall what Other classic handwriting editorial wall includes gems 1950s lone bandit hard nails innocent bystander crystal clear fell like bombshell bolt blue some exhausted phrases still used writers others give birth new bromides and. well. milk theyre worth user-friendly interfacing often used verbugh on-line networking won going away last phrase won going away defies definition About explanation seems sensible comes scenario 30 seconds before Dave Manley scheduled climb ring Mike Tyson Dave climbed jet left town sports announcer could say Dave won going away works meto borrow another worthless piece NuSpeak Modeling also offers its absurd bromides Among odoriferous flew right off board Its ball fly Test-fly over tall grass goes together quickly can maneuver book Construction straightforward Try youll like probably ultimate mindless drivel overdone phrases either meaningless untrue unimportant Potential builders dont give stack tinkers tools whether flew right off board dont care well designer builds flies lies Builders want know problems what craft likely will wrong Obviously designer believes its ball fly else submit project best lines Ive ever read came designer instructed builders test-fly model over tall dust Some people prolitic builders probably maximize time assembly fast routine Others however linger months project As far maneuvers books. before writing such phrase maneuver before face good book write good instructions constructing space shuttle straightforward End article simply Write checklist things before first flight conclude thanksgiving helped project creative Try youll like 4April 1993 21 EUI NG THE I/12 K / x\\ 9 7 modeler Joe Wagner appeared February 1993 issues Letters Editor section page 11 Noahs letter reads follows am commencing home-built aircraft project Metal components need priming before riveting performed am aware materials dangerous spray application Careful ventilation control appropriate mask protection required however clear what protections and/or precautions required same substances brushed onto interior surfaces components atomized particulate materials present spray operations would present know volatile solvents evaporate during drying carry same degree hazard issue arises because need priming work progresses over winter months have heated garage paint booth work workshop need mask used have nonetheless put vapors house deleterious myself others Working programs related maintenance government aircraft commonly encounter operations require use paints solvents areas pose exposure problems very similar Mr Rosenbloom describes works home Without going lengthy detail main concerns spray paint applications deal airborne concentrations organic solvents paint pigments other compounds sprayed atmosphere easily inhaled absorbed through respiratory tract quickly body reacts what inhale dependent airborne concentration toxicity material long exposed Concentration dependent amount material placed breathing zone hypothetical square box around ones head high concentration gets determined area during spray operation much spraying would high 20 x 20 bedroom project day spraying both sides 1A-scale Laser fuselage airbrush set wide pattern paint high rate application left windows shut Conversely move same project 30 x 40 garage open window two put fan set high speed exhaust outside voila concentration greatly decreased ask two reasons larger space volume ventilation brought about fan reduced concentration Toxicity shouldnt ignored since doesnt change can control amount hazardous material space Now weve discussed get concentrations lets answer question apply paint brush its true have negligible exposure airborne particulates since dont create measurable amounts however still create problem vaporized concentrations solvent paint pigment other compounds thought concern atomized air during spray operations No matter method application choose should always limit exposure anything comes process doing following 1 selecting material use ask retailer users copy Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS product youre going use sheet describes detail toxic substance what controls should place prior its use retailer doesnt have request obtain prior purchaseor call manufacturer prior using product 2 Always provide good ventilation anytime use volatile substances home may overcome quickly concentrations vapor larger space betterand ventilate 3 Wear respirator protect yourself respiratory hazards may present whether spraying brushing paint recommend use respirator has prefilter airborne particulates charcoal layer absorb organic vapors meets hobby needs very nicely small operations home 3M #8709 Paint Spray Respirator respirator same size dust mask inexpensive provides protection against airborne solvent vapors paint particles enamels lacquers epoxies acrylic enamels polyurethanes should able purchase just about store carries 3M respirator products call toll free 800 243-4630 within Minnesota call collect 612 733-6234 assistance selecting right respirator obtain Thats month Thanks mail have safe OutlManley Continued page 21 former model builder reader needs know attach balsa part part B wood grown reaches supplier information goes elsewhere storyif needs included Also assume minimal background knowledge understanding part reader said Goldenbaum founder president Applied Communications Group Overland Park Kansas Good instructions written way thats logical user Before beginning step-by-step process tell builder what tools WALNUT CA 91789 714 5941349 594-1471 CALL OR WRITE FOR FREE BROCHURE & MODEL BUILDING 7SERVICE PAVO CONTROL PRODUCTS We carry full line Byron Originals Bob Parkerson Tom Cook Bob Violet products COD Orders Accepted 7 18 983-9735 128 WATCHOGUE ROAD *- SIATEN hLAJ 0314 April 1993 153 4000 different22000 3-view drawings color FOTOPAAKS including KOKU-FAN Antiques Military Civilian Helicopters Sailpianes Catalog/Guide $500Overseas $1000 uevn moaeis available weigh both gins & oze High accuracy guaranteed tare have strain gage transducers Whether build indoor models big birds between have scale Send #10 SASE brochure Discount prices $9900 up $24750 Includes AC adaptor UPS end 1 yr warrantee Champion Model Products 880 Carmen Court La Verne CA 91750 909 599-3348 PRODUCTS ron mc nCfCCuMP inAflflcI cm Complete Line Exhaust Systems Tuned Pipes Muffled Tuned Pipes Headers uri Mufflers Expansion Mufflers copter Ball Mufflers ialized Exhaust Systems Unsupasai Wna*.hh Prfomance materials will needed Give reader necessary information uniqueand unconventionalaspect Goldenbaum s advice write construction notes first Design instructions first model second said Good instructions under best circumstances written before device designed built way device case model conforms instructions rather other way around Another rule go specific general what to use works example 3A6 x 5/8-in hard balsa stick serves backbone vertical stab built-up rudder will covered attached post Easiest Hinges supplied course rudder always will turn model two seconds too late catch nearest thermal Some other instructional specifics Focus things difficult complete steps builders likely have trouble figuring outseemingly invisible obvious Tell what Focus behavior glue part part B say Assemble parts B Create short definite completable steps Explain steps builder will know properly completed Write instructions selfcontained force builder refer other sources complete tasknever include instruction like See article hinging December issue Rich Modeler Catalog Present single linear building sequence Dont send builder loops branches force backtracking Give tips avoiding problems given situation give tips before reader needs Tell what something goes awry doesnt work attempted builder Introduce no surprises Good instructions force builder read ahead Use action verbs use active voice Instead less magnificent takeoff write plane lumbered struggled air Instead going incorporate flaps made design too complicated try Flaps complicate design whatever Remember instructions should task- user-oriented purpose help builder finish project Use common sense dictionary Beg borrow buy copy Elements Style William Strunk Jr EB White can spare numerous language blunders smallish though excellent tome Use photographs highlight difficult steps complicated assemblies Absolutely positively write impress reader editor brilliance designer First nobody gives rats rear region about brilliance situation Second brilliant designers dont need write Brilliant writers cant design Enthusiastsbrilliant otherwisejust want finish blasted project Test construction notes before sending final version give notes museum-quality builderfind blithering boob least give project novice project can completed major problems make corrections necessary notes proved workable Sending untested notes designs publication unkind best despicably unethical possibly illegal worst Fraudulent projects create furrowed brows publishing circles Begin body article good strong lead paragraph Instead writing Skyfire designed Skyfire ignites air torches highest clouds yet construction simple cost wont burn wallet Thats bit strong serves message Use active voice Also tells potential builders what craft can hands good pilot strong words lead ignites torches burn create images send active messages weaker designed flat lifeless certain article justifies lead Skyfire lead wont work plane question hand-launched glider Select appropriate name model Sky Anchor probably wont sell sailplane plans Depth Charge pattern plane conjures ground-breaking images Few points awarded Figure 9s Because modelers read flight report first consider including flight characteristics early article Make writing process manageable create simple outline lead paragraph Remember use active voice Read lots lead graphs other modeling articles Avoid leads ask questions want sailplane great glide ratio model can take advantage lightest lift perform aerobatics will dazzle flying companions No want stubby-winged anchor chicken-fat Popsicle lunch January vacation Minsk nudist colony Dont ask obvious article body Use introduce detail craft its qualities such flying building ease other important interesting information Construction notes Read notes written other builders Read nonmodeling instructionsa tricycle assembly manual example Conclusion Perhaps summary points critical construction 154 Model Aviation FAI TAN RUBBER 114 3/16 1/8 thick 1 lb box *1475 lincludas 4 oz Slick Lube *1375 no lube k Costa $175 10 lb box $11000 iups Delivaredl Postpaid us via UPS Cal rae add 6% eales tax Made USA Slow cure coraistant quality Ask FAI-TAN 89/SO catalog lIsts 100FF kital CROCKET HOOKS NOW MADE BYFAI SEND$150 FAIModel Supply FOR708003957344 C 3 C RSON CATALOGron8uNcE CA 90530CARSOn CA 3074$ TEL 233 8300933 16 MaIn St Phelps NY 14532 315-548-3779 flight regimes can introduced good anecdote out question Finally proofread everything Because eye sees what brain wants see have someone else read well Make project simple editor possible Send complete package article plans photographs establish credibility dont promise something editor cant deliver project starts crumble write include SASE suggestions possible last resort cant write meaningful insult freshly painted rest room wallseek collaborator Norman Mailer comes mind tends dangle modifiers mentationlSears Continued page 30 builder model required RC Fun Scale sign sheet bottom Now grab dividers Label tab first Description put beautiful notebook admiring just minute ago Insert first page pages documentation right behind precision scale FM make separate index tab labeled Declaration insert behind page containing declaration parts did make statement builder model next index tab labeled Three-view Its convenient have separate three-view judge suggest including three sets five FAI Photographs should come next Youre way ahead selective choice photos Dont use show detail found model Sport Scale documentation youre limited about four pages photos pick out overall views stay away detail shots unless course need show something up close have negatives can have enlargements made few larger photos very helpful Mount photos inside plastic sheet protectors use small piece double-coated tape secure photo black sheet under plastic nothing slips out gets lost Label last index tab Color youve able take color photo model prototype use Other wise use color chips both photo color chips available use Try avoid using color photos prototype alone proof color because hues will vary photo photo its absolutely necessary choose single photo label Color Only Precision Scale FAI should label tabs arrange order given various judging categories shown page 119 AMA rule book 1992-1993 page 103 FAI Sporting Code Include enough photos within tabbed subjects allow judges properly score category Okay scale modelers Youve gathered documentation Youve learned what scale documentation explained above Youve put together professional-looking presentation will impress judges make work whole lot easier short youve done everything possible give yourself edge whatever scale event youve chosen enter iantsldeVries Continued page 85 Talk about versatilityNick Ziroli s designs have found great favor among Giant scale fraternity build well fly better Now Chuck Gill Aeroplane Works 2134 Gilbride Road Martinsville NJ 08836 kitting Nicks designs variety forms Chuck features full kits wing empennage kits use fiberglass warbird fuselages advises plans canopies cowls can obtained directly Nick 29 Edgar Drive Smithtown NY 11787 Scratch-building suddenly has become lot easier Chuck also kits Rich Uravitchs WW giants Rich provides drawings plastic detail parts 15 Newcomb Trail Ridge NY 11961 Doug Dahlke posed interesting dilemma suggested should celebrating 60th anniversary Giant scale backed up suggestion Xerox copy GHQ Model Airplane Company ad March 1935 issue Air Trails ad featured five-foot flying scale models dollar Yours truly built GHQs big Monocoupe back rubber powered flew tolerably well GHQ stretched truth touted models being One-third Size Real Planes though 15-foot-span real Monocoupe would kind small reply Doug intimated RC Giant scale lot younger 60 consider began availability Quadra other gas-burning big engines looking 1976 Thatll make 30th anniversaryin 1996 What YOU think Ive just finished reading fascinating book Dave Thornburg Its titled Speak Model Airplane history model aviation Exhaustive research subject sticks out over book Daves facile writing style makes book Continued page 157 Rgt 30 Ana S 61 VDQ Ectrhi ReImU 250 Mbrimtl C Cg-anltrguI Hal & aadt tnsat Hmalq Recogniced CertifiedA Aedeesee File NoFile NoPower E26226 LR2S1 64 feC Only certified checks o money odes accepted Minimom ode $1400 three packages old Powerpoles $400 per package $200 shippieg handling CT residents add sales tao Prices sohiect change snithoot notice DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED torther information dealer p ceo send SASE Business Card SERMOS R/C SNAP CONNECTORS Inc Cedar Corners Station Box 16787 Stgmford CT 06905 203 322-6294 April 1993 155 plot airfoils dot matrix pesoter FOILED_AGAIN! 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