Letters to the Editor
5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302
Likes How-Tos
I appreciate the fact that you have included more how-to articles in your last (May) issue of Model Aviation. I myself am new to the hobby and I’ve not yet turned my thoughts to the contest side of things. Not that I don’t understand the want and need of reporting on these events—I do. These events make everyone better and give us all a chance to be better and get better as modelers.
I just took the leap of faith in this hobby in August of 1999, and am currently working on my third kit. I have started on a scratch project, but set it aside for the last kit trying to get more to fly to fit my ability as a pilot; in the case of a trainer I’ll have something to fly. I’m just getting ready to start flying solo. Winter, and of course my work, got in the way of my flying time, so I’m still on a cord, but getting closer every time there is a good day and I’m off. So as usual, my fun this winter has come from building.
The fact is that I work for [major discount retailer] as a sales clerk. I’ve been with them for 13 years now. So being a sales clerk, you can imagine that I don’t make just a whole lot of money. If I can build it the cheaper, the better. Which brings me to the point of my letter. (Sorry it took so long to get there.)
The May issue of Model Aviation had a couple of good articles on building a workbench and how to make a basic cowling. Again, thank you—these are the types of things I really need to get me going on the right track. These are also the things that can make us all better modelers, and just might help me and people like me with limited funds keep in the air. Because if I want it, I am going to have to build it. And articles like these may help make it possible for me to stay in the hobby and stay in the air.
So once again, thank you—really.
Stephen H. Baker Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Wagner Fan
I am not very often moved to comment on published articles, but I have to comment on Joe Wagner’s “The Engine Shop” in the May 2000 issue.
This is the best-written, most comprehensive, and informative article I have had the pleasure to read on model engines. I have been running engines since my Rogers .29 about 1944, and I learned more from Joe’s article than in all those years.
A comment on the Fleetwind .60 and its hard cylinder: it also had a brittle crankshaft. Mine broke just ahead of the crank after less than an hour of running.
Keep those articles coming!
Donald R. Lambeth Stilwell, Kansas
Question
At 55 years young, I am sure the younger model plane enthusiasts would consider me over the hill. But I still enjoy building and flying model planes.
I have a question that I hope will help the younger generation, and perhaps enlighten myself:
Why is it that in the model magazines, including Model Aviation, in the area of advertising planes, there is hardly anything, if ever, mentioned about the instructions that come in the kits?
I know that the models have greatly improved over time. But why are so many kits still very vague today with the instructions? Leaving an impression, “What do they mean by this?” or “What do they mean by that?”
Please do not tell me that I am looking too deep into the instruction statements, when there is no doubt it can be perceived in two different ways. And sometimes completely different than what the plans are showing.
Evidently the designer and the person documenting the instructions are not working together with a clear understanding. If the designer and instruction printer is one and the same person, then the instruction sheet needs to be documented so that all ages intended can comprehend it without different perceptions.
Perhaps this greatly overlooked flaw is the reason instruction sheets are seldom spoken of in model airplane advertising.
I sincerely hope that this letter can be passed down to other magazine editors, and necessary channels, to be of some help, rather than become lip service to deaf ears.
Charles R. Martin Pensacola, Florida
Superb Customer Service
I am writing this letter to compliment a company on its superb customer service.
On Wednesday, April 26 I contacted Funovations, Inc. (providers of US Engines) in reference to a problem I had with my new US 25cc engine.
My engine had a loose muffler. The actual canister had become detached from the header pipe. I had tried to repair it myself twice, but both times were unsuccessful and I was flying around with an open header pipe from my new engine and making a fair amount of noise. The engine performs great on my new Hangar 9 Ultra Stick.
After contacting Funovations I was told that a new muffler would be shipped to me quickly. I even offered to send the defective muffler back for repair, but they requested that I not.
To my surprise, early Friday morning (two days later) UPS delivered the new muffler. I installed it that morning, and shortly after lunch I was flying my airplane just as quietly as the others.
I want to thank them for customer service well above what is expected. With most companies today requiring a service fee, proof of purchase, and additional shipping charges, it is refreshing to find one that still puts customer satisfaction first!
Thanks again for the great service. The US 25 really pulls my Ultra Stick through its paces with ease.
Allen Newland Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
Autogiros
Hal deBolt is one of the legendary figures in the world of model airplanes. During the past 45 years I have flown some of his Control Line and RC designs, and avidly read his articles in the modeling press.
However, I must take exception to his comments in the June 2000 issue of Model Aviation on the lack of interest and technical data on autogiros. The Internet is a marvelous source of hard technical data on autogiros, including power requirements, trimming, and rotor head design. Just look at www.autogyro.com and all of its associated links.
Perhaps Mr. deBolt is unaware of these sites/sources.
Allan V. Shukle Deltona, Florida
Many thanks for the fine presentation you all did of my autogiro story.
It's just great to have one's effort look so well in print; good show!
Was surprised to receive numerous phone calls in the first couple of days. Guys are either looking for info, something "different," or have had 'giro interest.
Hopefully we did some good!
Hal deBolt Sun City Center, Florida
IMAC
During the weekend of 4/15–4/16 I had the pleasure of attending the IMAC Judging and Flying Seminar (Dayton, OH). While I am new to RC, I was impressed with the openness and candor of the instructors and pilots.
To sum up my experience, I can say I have learned three things.
- How bad I truly fly!
- How good the professionals really are!
- What I need to do to bridge the gap between one and two.
The thing that was the weekend and this seminar was all about was being able to accurately judge another individual executing a particular sequence. That will undoubtedly allow you to know what you have to do to become a winner. You still need to have the skill, talent, and luck to do it perfectly, but you are able to know what is expected.
Another unexpected benefit was my wife's comment when she saw Frank Noll Jr. do a torque roll in front of us! She said, and I quote: "You need a bigger plane!"
Don't you just love it? Action does speak louder than words!
Miles Simmons Indianapolis, Indiana
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
