Letters to the Editor
5151 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302
"Focal Point" Error
The Me 262 Swallow that Bob Strobel (White Lake, MI) built was mistakenly identified as an Me 263 in the March 2000 issue.
We apologize for the mix-up. —Model Aviation staff
VSC Coverage
Congratulations on Mike Keville's fine article and pictures on the Vintage Stunt Championships. I wish I could have been there. But the 1950s-era hardware doesn't seem very old to me, since I started my "gas-powered" modeling with a Baby Cyclone in 1939.
Keep up the articles on the old stuff. I fly RC (Radio Control) today with the new equipment and coverings, but sure wish I could still buy silkspan for 10 cents a sheet.
Royce Childress Kent, Washington
Pylon Safety
Am I missing something?
Having never even seen one, I know nothing about the mechanics of Pylon Racing, other than what I've inferred from reading articles in MA.
I assume that the reason for putting persons on or near the course, where they apparently are at great risk, is to gather visual information. If that's the case, then why mess around with expensive, difficult-to-transport (and marginally effective) fortresses, when there are cheap and reliable video systems that can see—and record—everything the human eye can?
Let's not let tradition get in the way of moving forward, especially when it comes to safety.
Malcolm D. Campbell San Diego, California
Don Lowe, AMA Safety Committee chairman, had this reply: "The AMA Executive Council took action to remove Pylon judges from the race course; a good move.
"We have looked at the expensive electronic systems to control the race track. So far, we haven't found a good, cheap system. Shall we put video cameras on board and have everyone sit in a bunker? Why not this as an alternate solution?
"We need a solution that leaves the fun in and removes the hazard. That's not easy to find. The latest AMA action is a compromise."
Modeling in Korea
Just got done reading the article on Modeling in Korea in the October 2000 Model Aviation.
I was in Korea from the summer of 1959 to the summer of 1960. I was a radio operator in the 27th Ordnance Battalion, located about 30 miles north of Seoul, Korea.
This was peacetime and we had it a little better than Mr. Klingberg. About a mile from our compound there was a special services compound that had a hobby shop. My buddies and I built many Control Line airplanes and flew them there on the ball field.
One time our models got blown around when two choppers landed, dropping off troops during a training mission.
All in all, Korea wasn't that bad of a duty. You made the best of what you had.
William G. Mitch Hebron, Indiana
Control Line Speed Column
I want to let you know that even a hard-core Free-Flighter can enjoy a Control Line column.
With my Free Flight interest being primarily the power events, there is a distinct potential for cross-pollination from the Control Line Speed community.
I enjoyed Scott Newkirk's first "Control Line Speed" column in the September issue of Model Aviation. I hope he continues beyond the three-column trial period.
Ken Phair Denver, Colorado
I was delighted to see the return of the "Control Line Speed" column! The Speed column is a vital source of knowledge to those of us who practice this particular persuasion of modeling. It also provides a window to Speed flying through which the world can see how much fun we're having and possibly consider joining in the fun too.
There is so little coverage of this small but passionate part of our hobby in other magazines that without the Speed column in Model Aviation, most modelers would not even know it exists.
In this era of RC (Radio Control) everything, it's easy to forget that there are other fields of fun in modeling. Not everyone can or wants to fly RC and it would be a shame to allow the lesser-exposed areas to go unrecognized. Displaying all the varieties of modeling is just one of the fine qualities of Model Aviation, and I laud your commitment to give every part of modeling a voice.
Congratulations to you in choosing Scott Newkirk for the job! Scott is certainly one of the most knowledgeable and capable choices you could have made. He will bring a fresh perspective to the column with his many years of experience as a national and international competitor. Scott is highly respected in the United States and internationally. He will bring his many rich sources of information to the column for us all to learn from and enjoy.
So I say, "Bravo!"
Jim Clary Orange, California
(Continued on page 173)
Letters to the Editor
GreenTree Vitamins
I have just read "What's Next?" in "Letters to the Editor"—October 2000. I am in total agreement with Tom Shaw.
You responded to him, "The item was not an ad, but appeared under 'Modeler's Mall.' The proprietor is a modeler."
At this point I have to ask—what was your point? I am also a modeler, so are you saying that because I am also a golfer that you will print product releases or notices for golf clubs, or since I also cook that you will print product announcements of a new type of cooker?
You should just have admitted your mistake and moved on, instead of displaying your denial.
Wolfgang Franke Farmington Hills, Michigan
I wish to thank Tom Shaw of Westwood, NJ for his letter in the October 2000 issue of Model Aviation.
It seems that Mr. Shaw and his fellow AMA members were dismayed that my products—GreenTree Vitamins Fit for Life Health Center—were included in the June 2000 issue under the "Modelers Mall" section.
Considering the widespread positive reaction to my products' usefulness and
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
