Maxwell Bassett: First Gas Model Champion

1ff acwei4k Baett Ritchie 1 First Gas Model Champion Prior early 1930s gasoline-powered models practically un known two young men Philadelphia changed everything Bill Brown designed first practical model airplane engine Max Bassett showed everyone fly kind power rest history THE OPENING YEARS decade mark significant yet almost unnoticed milestone history model aviation Golden Anniversary gas power say no gas models existed before 50 years ago Indeed first gasoline-powered models recordbuilt 16-year-old named Ray Arden much later invented glow plugis said have flown early 1907 However handful other attempts gas power various individuals over next 25 years somehow failed spark imag ination large majority model air plane builders result hobby grew up virtually tied rubber power until early 1930s good things must have beginning though vast amount activity volving todays highly developed won drously powerful model airplane engines can traced back single event would have gas model contest held some 51 years ago May 10 1932 near what now Philadelphia Inter national Airport Four hopeful entrants lined up windy Saturday afternoon contest model planespowered usual twisted rubber bands real internal Twelve-year-old Max Bassett Indoor Rubber models first newspaper photo about 1923probably Philadelphia Bulletin 40 Model Aviation Max Bassett poses newspaper publicity shot first Miss Philadelphia before model shipped Chicago Worlds Fair early 1933 landing gear see intended display spark plug protrudes through cowl top removed additional realism Contestant lineup Philadelphia Model Aeroplane Assns first Gas meet May 10 1932 included L-R Edward Henne Bill Brown Maxwell Bassett Franklin Reed Bassett Brown placed one-two respective ly flights nine eight seconds Henne got 28 sec Reed failed make official flight planes powered 60 cu Brown engines designed developed over fall win ter 1931 Number B-105 Bassetts plane indicates sixth Gas model Bassett numbered Gas jobs starting B-lao Outsized tails Browns models intended correct spiral insta bility Bassett encountered early designs retrospect planes probably overpowered Brown engine combustion engines running mixture gasoline oil started engines released models takeoff snarling miniature Build Midget Gasoline Motor 2 5 p 7 -~ Cl T I2 ~ CR454C42FAO -- v sI JON ~ Lj 9219 A*242C 772 Vt AANKS1A T 4- 7 -----a Bill Brown picured Max Bassetts first gas-powered model B-i 00 powered original 278 cu Midget engine Brown designed built himself high school junior/senior photo drawing right accompanied PMAA Field Director Victor Fritz May 1931 article Philadelphia Bulletin Browns first public notice Bassett appeared local newspaper stories previously connection Rubber model exploits Inset engine pictured similar the drawing has side-discharge exhaust swung 91/2-in prop about 2500 rpm Carburetor completely surrounded underslung gas tank much like Maytag washing machine engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier cast aluminum crankcase shown drawing differs Browns original engine machined steel brazed-on mounting lugs Brown still has engine crankcase drawing appears similar made second improved version engine article said would tested week later Brown says ultimately unsuccessful Bassetts model picture has about 4-if span tail surlaces conventional proportions comparison some later models Four other ships numbered B-101 through B-104 never photographed separated model won PMAAs first Gas contest year later planes rose ground nosed air ashed dust settled everyone picked up pieces winner announced Maxwell B Bassett lanky tousle-headed youth 16 achieved best flight day last ing nine seconds Close behind eight-second flight 20-year-old named William L Brown local newspapers credited having designed remarkable little gas engines humble beginningvirtually unnoticed outside Philadelphiasprang worldwide revolution aircratt modeling little year names Bill Brown especially Max Bassett would become synonymous incredibly popular new phenomenon gas models What follows story two young Philadelphians sparked weeping changes ever model avi ation history emMax Bassettwent become successful modeler timeperhaps time Two boys dream no accident Max Bassett Bill Brown placed onetwo model aviations first true gas power contest considerable amount developmentto say nothing friendshippre ceded efforts day Quite probably neither would have achieved alone what two did together Since grade-school days Bill Brown Buddy Bassett known close friends neighborhood chums Philadelphias Oak Lane section As Bassett recalls earliest encounters volved gasoline engine about 10 II years old Bassett tried build son-of go-kart wagon powered two-cycle gasoline en gine salvaged Maytag washing ma chine connected motor directly September 1983 41 wagons drive wheels V-belt since no proper clutch' quite bit trouble getting cart operate intended Brown enjoyed tinkering chanical things saw problem offered help Together boys devised sprock et drive allowed engine discon nected rear wheels starting stopping right about time Charles Lindbergh made historic transatlantic tlieht Ne York Paris its wake whole country went aviation-crazy Model airplane clubs sprang up cities over country youth America joined droves 1929 group small clubs Philadelphia area con solidated under banner Philadel phia Model Aeroplane Association PMAA PMAA sponsored jointly citx s Playgrounds Association Pennsylvania Aero Club Philadel plihi Bullerio covered news clubs events Saturday editions Both Brown Bassett among Philadelphia youngsters building hying rubber-powered models time two joined PMAA Bassett already displaying flair competition havine recorded number wins city wide meetsboth indoor outdoor Bassett dissatisfied short flights afforded rubber power however first tried remedy building 'piggyback' modela single 'pusher' canard-type model superimposed twinpusher motor frame As long twinpusher motors tightly wound ten sion held whole assembly together twin props unwound rub ber motor tension relaxed lower frame work would drop awax allowing single prop take over extend models tlight Bassett says idea success won several contests until officials altered rules bar anythine dropping off models llieht first time no means last Bassett model would bring about change contest rules inevitable result Bassetts quest longer hlights Browns love chanical experimentation two Oak Lane boys soon began discuss possibilities model plane powered gasoline engine Says Bassett Since no such engine available decided wed have build ourselves' Bill Browns first engine September 1930 began work idea Dividing efforts Brown concentrated pro ducing engine fathers home work shop equipped small lathe few other machine tools Bassett began design build airframe 42 Model Aviation Bassetts seventh Gassie B-106 timed 2426 second PMAA outdoor meet 1932 held June 11 flight exceeded official Junior NAA National Record minute half other rubber power extra-large tail persists design wing originally mounted directly top fuselage rails Bassetts earliest ships now supported low wooden mounts Newspaper accounts flight indicate instability under power still problem model wingspan 4 ft overall length 2 ft 10 powered very early 60 cu engines hand-built Bill Brown Three Bassetts early gas-powered models top left 8-107 eighth Gassie Like earlier stick-fuselage designs has very short fuselage much tail area Tapered wing appears about 51 6 ft span mounted wire parasol cagea little higher wooden supports 8-106 Other photos suggest Bassett may have used wing cabin model some flights Atlantic City Nats top right Fleetwing B-i 08 fore ground new planeB-i 10the first Miss Philadelphia others name follow Bassett Fleetwing field Atlantic Citys Bader Air port during 1932 Nats Next him Philadelphias director public safety Kern Dodge chased model own biplane during unofficial flight 13 minutes 5 seconds Gordon Light first-place finisher Wakefield event win later nullified technicality pic likely taken after 13-mm flight model appears somewhat worse wear Bassett looks hed just told effort nought wing probably his-107 model Cylindrical object lashed landing gear strut ignition coil perhaps battery rudder covered side onlya carryover froin rubber-powered modeling practice day Numerous obstacles stood way achieving engine would simply run let alone light powerful enough fly model Brown made dozen piston cylinder assemblies before coming up would produce decent compression spark plug ignition coil par ticularly difficult problems Recalls Bassett Bills first operable spark plug made out nail nut stack mica washers insulator After few runs would become soaked oil hed have make another boys needed lightweight inductiontype coil cause spark jump across points crude early plugs made 20 coils hand before getting worked coil required thou sands turns fine enameled wire interlayered waxed paper over iron core After months experimentation little engine ready last mounting test-running Bassetts plane 11/16-in bore -in stroke displaced 278 cubic inches weighed hefty 14 ounces complete coil condenser fuel tank batteries 9/-in prop Bassett carved engine balky hard start Though getting such tiny engine run seemed miraculous achievement its performance exactly spectacular flywheel would turn up about 6500 rpm less half possible prop boys interesting method measuring rpm Wed start engine says Bassett take house right living room next piano wed start hitting piano keys till found matched pitch en gine simple calculation convert frequency piano note engine rpm spring 1931 Victor R Fritz industrial arts teacher Olney High School also field director PMAA heard boys experiments asked see model Fritz wrote newspaper articles PMAA activities Memorial Day 1931 article authored appeared Philadelphia Bul letin complete photo Brown Bassetts airplane construction plans Midget engine According Bassett Fritz article perhaps bit premature Indeed stated little engine amazed spec tators its first public demonstration con tains no actual reference models flight Compared way later articles described Browns Bassetts activities its probably fair conclude running demonstration engine newspaper mentioned however Brown would attempt fly improved version engine week later Among read story middle-aged man named Walter Hurleman ran ma chine shop far boys neighbor hood Hurleman always interested small engines As younger man gained some experiences hopping up September 1983 43 photo record Bassetts 10th Gas model Sky Devil B-log wing very high its wire mount ship probably flew no better earlier stick jobs un successfully souaht overcome instability problems overgrown tail short-coupled fuselage Snapshot 1933 Miss Philadelphia shows flying trim though probably wasnt flown much until after being returned Worlds Fair year later Plane weighed 2 lb 15 oz Paint scheme silver orange model Bassett set first record 6072 under NAAs fuel allotment rules 1/4 oz per pound model weight Newark NJ May 19 1934 outdid Joe Kovels KG process record flight used 6-ft wing polyhedral instead original V-dihedral wing shown picture extraordinary snot ot Miss Pfliiadelpflla Ill shows B-113 wing name rudder other details quite clearly shot probably intended publicity use Gulf Oil Corp later published picture Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV its corporate magazine outboard motors racing Curious see tiny engine Browns operation drove out PMAAs flying field next Saturday son Walter Jr According Walter Hurleman Jr demonstration father witnessed consisted handful people stood around Brown Bassett tried start engine As Hurleman remembers engine looked like attempt miniaturize washing machine motor worked quite says never got running long enough fly plane would pop pop Brown engine looks anything like washing machine motor first Midget engine Both Maytag engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier underslung gas tanks carburetor drawing right through tank Brown says other engines also influenced design Midget including outboard father bought summer use Jersey shore type bicycle motor both Bassett used youngsters Brown Junior engine Meanwhile Bill Brown continued work engine idea time Victor Fritz first article ap peared spring 1931 Midget motors reliability improved greatly replaced original mica insulators spark plugs real ceramic insulators ob tained Isolantite company manu facturer full-size spark plug insulators other ceramic products norther New Jer sey motors output wasnt strong enough lift Bassetts first gas model few feet off ground second engine design slightly larger displacement attemptedthis time recent 1978 photo Max Bassett brought Out some relics past examina tion plane original Cardinal engine Brown Jr No A17used Bassett planes help Browns father William L Sr engineer profession accomplished craftsman own right Unfortunately several prototypes resulting father/son collaboration successful late summer 1931 Bill Brown still high school senior roughed-out paper configuration yet third engine new design did away performance-limiting crankcase poppet valve induction original Midget en gine Instead employed lighter simpler efficient 'four-port' system admission fresh gas/air mixture 44 Model Aviation Photo published Philadelphia Bulletin after Bassett swept 1933 Nationals shows him Miss Philadelphia II B1l1which won Mulvihill eventand new cabin job Miss Philadelphia Ill B-il 3which won Moftett Stout Texaco Trophies Inset picture Bill Brown / Bassett may have flown Miss Philadelphia II 1933 Nets wHin polyhedral wing version model suggests possible reason gap B-numbers between original Miss Philadelphia II B-ill Miss Philadelphia Ill B-113 Pic Philadelphia Inquirer June 30 1933 Above Bill Brown standing Max Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV picture taken outside Jack Byrnes hangar Camden Cen tral Airport prior 234-hr record attempt controlled passage piston skirt over intake ports drilled rear cylinder 7/x-in bore I-in stroke displaced 60 cu establishing standard survives day good ignition hookup fresh batteries properly-mixed fuel started ran much greater reliability power original Midget ever displayed turning 14-in prop 4000-5000 rpm gener ating up three pounds thrust Brown laboriously hand-built about eight 10 engines four ap peared first PMAA gas model contest May 10 1932 about time Walter Hurleman con tacted Browns offer Hurleman wanted young Bill Brown grad uated Frankford High School Feb ruary 1932 work machine shop during coming summer Instead pay could ill afford dark De pression days Hurleman offered Brown facilities shop continue developing engine idea Brown must have jumped chance Says Walter Hurleman highlyskilled machinist tool die maker first commercial shop ever worked eager learn anything could old master Hurlemans shop available machines processes far beyond scope fathers home workshop put good use refining design engine putting higher level produc tion Evidently production precisely what Hurleman mind because almost im mediately began develop sophisticated tooling own mass-produce en gine Along way added some re finements basic design Bill Browns hand-built engines employed pistons heavy rings leaked compression some degree exacted friction penalty worked up down cylinder engines also used 1/16-in-dia shear pin secure propeller drive washer crankshaft According Brown Walter Hurle man originated ringless hard steel lapped piston produced superior compression ran much better earlier engines became standard prac tice model engine construction long time afterwards refinement positive propeller hub hex drive incor porated new Brown Junior engines Hurleman shop began turning out early mid-summer 1932 work manship Hurleman-built engines excellent according Brown adds running pleased us very much time rated con servatively 1/5 hpa five-fold increase over Browns original Midget time development Brown Jr engine essentially complete Further changes though over years aimed easing production Continued page 140 balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control SUrfaces hinged HalIco landing gear 5132 nose gear strut Fitted hardware included Fire Fox Ultimate Sport Flying Engine Size 40 Wing Span 52 4 Channels Pre-Built $12495 Pius shipping handling balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control surfaces hinged Has bolt-onwing HalIco landing gear ABS wheel pants mounted axels installed Fitted canopy Instruction booklet hardware included Designers Builders Fine PRE-BUIL T R/C Models Order Todayl Send check MO also accept Master Card VisaModels shipped 350 PSI carten via UPS Shipping handling $850 Fl residents add 5% sales tax AEROTECH RIC 3850 US Hwy 19 No. Palm Harbor FL 33563 938-3266 September 1983 45 WILLIAMS CCESSORIES BROTHERS 4 PILOTS STANDARD TSMAN RACING TARY WHEELS AGE TH CONTOUR BALLOON EN AGE 4 ENGINES PRATT & WHITNEY HT HONE PARTS T1 & WHITNEY HONE WRIGHT E VICKERS DAU BELLUM $1 FOR FULLY ILLUSTRATED CATALOG 4LUAJS ST SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 92069 Magic Dragon Trainer Engine Size 25 Pre-Built Wing Span 55 in$999 3 4 ChannelsPlus shipping Lives Up Toand handling its Name__MAGIC! have SIX other models available Send New free brochure Dealer Inquiries Invited based noise level signal Silver Seven receiver specifically noted Ace RC literature being narrowband als single-conversion design would still subject im age considerations used end channels RC 12 7208 RC56 7296 aside double-balanced mixer design clean enough work well days environment nice know SOMETHING ELSE TO THINK ABOUT Transmitter tests have done too very revealing tests using very expensive HP8566A Programmable Spectrum Analy zer digital analog controlled HP9836A Desk-top computer through good offices Dan Kahn Electronic Equipment Systems Applications Specialist local HP office Ive run out space See next month George M Myers 70 Froehlich Farm Rd. Hwkiville NY 11801 BassettlRitchie Continued page 45 increasing power performance De velopment gas-powered model left Maxwell Bassett just beci nnin e Bassetts first gassies Fortunately tory Bassett numbered gas models way aids identification first built Brown 278 cu Midget pictured Victor Fritz May 1931 news paper article number B-100 followed four others numbered B-l0l through B-104 served test beds engine improsements Brown mak ing during summer 1931 No photos hase survived un doubtedly stick design ease repair modificationand wing spans around lour feet What really trying do' ex plains Bassett develop test gas model secret ready could go meets clean up against competition rubber-powered time Once Midget engine running less reliably plane began test-tix craftrieht front Bas setts house very first takeoffs ROGs right off 11th Street' says Bassett 'The plane would keep turning left would end up bushes' After few such tempts mused testing nearby vacant lot Because ol tall weeds' says Bas sett 'I hand-launch models gave us time figure out what going wrong main problem first Ilights always ended up left-hand spiral dive attempt cor rect instability kept enlarging tail surfaces increasing wing dihedral still spiral dive left time Bassett built first contestwinning gas job B-105 tail become truly outsized can seen pictures stability problem persisted Accounts its May 10 1932 flight describe large loop 50 feet air ending crash might have avoided plane gained few feet altitude Undaunted Bassett fielded another modelB-106-in competition month later June II second meet PMAAs 1932 outdoor season ship took off Model Farms clubs South Philadelphia tlying field two mtn utes 42 3/5 seconds gyrated wildly through air towards Philadelphia Navy Yard Its looping swooping tlight first gas model exceed then-current re cord minute half other-thanrubber power set year earlier Louis ville KY boys compressed-air-powered model Bassett retrieved plane nearly half-mile its launch point after wards Bulletin quoted Bill Brown ex claiming Ilight certainly worth two years work put motor rest laurels Bassett immediately set work two mod els Number B-107 another stick job B-108 ninth gas model some thing newa cabin design Bassett gave airplane name well number called Fleetwing Atlantic City 1932 National Contest set Atlantic City NJ Sep tember Doubtless two boys sights major win testing new airplanes Bassett found cabin job powered Hurleman-built engine better tlier stick model Says thought making Fleetwing stable giving low CG Actually learned much later really giving plane side area countered effect what become pretty oversize tail Competition International Wake field Cup highlight lantic City meet Wakefield rules stated models fuselage opposed stick design werent specific type power Bassett entered gas-powered cabin job Wakefield event As turned out competition tougher expected According running accounts two-day meet Gordon Light Lebanon PA put truly phenomenal rubber-powered Ilight 25 minutes 53 seconds first day covering distance eight miles meet site Atlantic Citys Bader Airport must have disallowed some reason however final published results credited him 7 mm. 57 2/5 sec. good enough nonetheless win Wakefield rophyLater win declared invalid because technicality involving fact contest postponed earlier date Bassetts best official tlight lasted 2 mm 55 sec. netting him fourth place H obby H orn Wing Span--789 W ng Area 569 Sq SENSOAR glider HOBBY HORN Esclusive HOBBY HORN Kit SENSOAR Clider kt high quality kit Machine cut sanded parts Select quality balsa spruce Detailed plans written instructions THERMAL SLOPE Ot ELECTRIC POWER VALUE PRICE0a 51600 LD I1$ThR KflO Full asia Partial Kits p & W Semi-Kits Combined sctth full atripsoood plan Nose md Wire Windooc etc Mat Notes may purchased just oem kits wjth plans-write call prices 1938 Bacewneer84-$51 1939 Clipper MIt l-72$39 1937 Dallaire Sptser109561 1941 Ranger-46- $17 1939 Mercary72956 1935 Miss Asnerica-849SH 1941 Playboy Jr54$29 1941 Ptayboy Sr9t$46 1939 Power House94-S43 1940 Saitplane-78- 974 1949 So tong59S29 1939 Trenton Terror-7T-$32 1939 Zipper14949s 1939 Ksrda Ratsefleld-44- $17 MIDWAY MODEL CD Semi-kits Csniblned se/strip 1936 Flying Quaker94$49s 1937 Quaker Flaah-67938 1937 long Cwbin79542 1937 Air Chief81-940 TRUCKU 1940 79 Span 931 Sq . 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Up $890 sdd $150$209 PP/lot Class $801 $2099 add $229A copy will sent $2901 10 $4500 add $390 free-when requested$4591 $7999 sdd $359 order over $7000 add $410 BBY HORN CA Addressees add 6% tow cahobby specialties** Send MO visa/MC#-Exp15173 Maran Street tAt Check allow up 30 3 Boa 2212 dayn check clearanceWestminster Ca 92693 COOEaact Charges 14 993-1311 EldI Cash OnlyIAIl liPS 0 995 t293 140 Model Aviation -COUPON -COUPON competition buzz Brown gas engine understandably created quite stir Charles Hampson Grant editor Universal Model Airplane News magazine especially impressed gave Bas sett gas model exceptional coverage October 1932 Nats write-up Appar ently what impressed Grant much models official time what might have contest lasted few minutes longer Dissatisfied ships performance earlier rounds Bassett decided give last try second day meet Alas just minutes after Wakefield competition officially closed time Fleetwing climbed skyward almost disap pearing view Bassett gave chase rid ing Atlantic City motorcycle police mans sidecar along PMAA adult sponsor Jesse Bieberman held stopwatch After 13 mm 5 sec air model landed marshy meadow some four miles airport Bassett Bieberman werent ones hot pursuit model Kern Dodge Philadelphias director public safety prominent member Penn sylvania Aero Club took off after Fleetwing Challenger biplane Later Dodge personally congratulated Bassett models performance estimating reached altitude nearly 3000 feet after such spectacular flight Bassetts fellow contestants regarded gas model little curiosity Bassett knew better confidently pre dicted gas models would soon eclipse rubber power resulting Nationals publicity brought Bill Brown numerous requests copies engine Hurleman shop producing limited quantity sold about 40 50 Brown Jr engines over next year Meanwhile requests plans Fleetwing came far away Ger Bassetts friend fellow PMAA member Paul Karnow drew up accurate set plans ship pub lished Philadelphia Bulletin April 1933 along construction article authored Bassett himself Miss Philadelphia Worlds Fair Max Bassett early days gas power must have filled almost constant model building stability problems sought correct still wholly solved Fleetwing design Because models relatively small quite fast under power exactly floaters glide Nearly flight ended crack-up preparing Atlantic City Nats Bassett two models some stage completion model B- 109 named Sky Devil photo exists shows same general layout earlier stick models large tail feathers short fuselages Its major difference extra-high parasol wing mountevidently attempt pen dulum stabilizing effect No flight history exists undoubtedly Bassett gained some additional experience ship B-I 10 next model off Bassetts work bench another cabin job Essentially similar successful Fleetwing de sign embodying longer fuselage some what different profile aft wing 6-ft span evenly tapered wing larger of previous planes pronounced dihedral like model B-l07 Bassett gained considerable notoriety Atlantic City flights other news papers picked up Bulletins stories about Philadelphia boy flew gasolinepowered model airplanes Just finishing up latest cabin model received mail totally unanticipated invitation Some officials up coming 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair wanted display remarkable gas models fairs exhibits Since B-I 10 realisticlooking plane yet produced natural such display Bassett took extra care finishing up giving fancy paint job scalelike landing gear usual wooden-strut type better suited actual flying Bassett says publicity-minded Vic tor Fritz suggested naming craft Miss Philadelphia Evidently hoped name would bring attention Continued page 144 September 1983 141 TOWER HOGEB CESSNA 188 AGWAGON RETAILNOOLflflfl MANY MORE NEW ITEMS INSIDE NEVER ORDERED FROM TOWER HOBBIES OUT WHAT YOUVE BEEN MISSING Tower Hobbies best place shop RC modeling needs customers enjoy best TOWER HIlLEl personalized service low discount prices Toll Free ordering fast service 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fol lowing year Miss Philadelphia already set two precendents would come routine Bassett first several models go public dis play also first whole suc cession tremendously successful designs bear hometowns name last stick model Miss Phila delphia temporarily out action Bassett needed another ship try better earlier flight times decided give stickmodel concept another try As turned out number B-I II Miss Philadelphia II named last stick job Generally proportioned about same Miss Philly performed markedly better ear lier stick models now Bassett found secret success gas power building models larger before able slow down add gliding capability also found longer fuselages contributed much flight stabil ity late fall 1932 Bassett estimated made 300 gas-powered flights Most test-flying now con ducted Wings Field airport north achieving flights long 15 minutes Wings under favorable conditions ___________ WHEN 4E SAID HE WANTED 1 MAKE MODEL AlRPLWES THOUxHT HE tAEAWT OUT OF PAPLR Model Aviation city Though best official record 2 mm. 55 sec scored Atlantic City time Max Bassett wasnt gas modeler Philadelphiajust successful closest competitor PMAAs first gas model contest Bill Brown Brown nearing ace 21 after would barred PMAA competition no Open class existed days reason also because entering College En gineering Penn State Brown never again entered gas model contest Says enough work just taking care engines PMAA members Edward Henne Franklin Reed Bassetts other gas power rivals 1932 competition models always managed stay aloft just few seconds longer 500fl dropped out picture Pushing season bit Victor Fritz scheduled first PMAA gas contest 1933 Saturday March II give Bassett other modelers early chance raising 2 mm 426 sec PMAA record set previous June weather turned out sub-freezing blustery Nevertheless Max Bassett father drove out meet site Caster Cottman Avenues Miss Philly II back seat car Other Brown Jr-powered entries meet Frank Reed Walter Hurleman Jr. showed up rather complicated pendulum-controlled model father built After four attempts Bassett managed get ship trimmed sustained flight its fifth launch Miss Philly II sailed away cheers spectators circling estimated altitude 700 feet model blew east about three-quarters mile crossing Roosevelt Boulevard hundred feet over traffic below vantage point atop hill west boulevard Bassett Fritz clocked its new record time 4 mm. 37 3/5 sec landed driveway other side Returning contest model tucked under arm Bassett applauded onlookers including Hurleman Reed neither ob tained successful flights day Total trimuph last During winter Bassett completed yet another new cabin model designated B-i 13 Con tinuing tradition begun Victor Fritz call Miss Philadelphia Ill new plane further evolvement orig inal cabin design resembled Cur tiss Robin having yet longer fuselage double-tapered aft wing fully enclosed engine streamlined hood cowl spark plug pro truded Miss Philly six-foot wing Miss Philly Ill new departure Bassett being first polyhedral double-dihedral Continued page 148 THE RETRIEVER sailplane launch -a-minute tows line shagging crossed lines delays COMPLETE READY-TO GO $25000 plus shipping September 1983 145 COMPLETE THIS FORM AND ArrACH MAILING LABEL FROM RECENT ISSUE LET US KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING move please let us know advancesix weeks required change address Attach current MA mailing label check appropriate box mall Subscrip tion Dept Model AviatIon 1810 Samuel Morse Dr Reston VA 22090 Check appropriate boxenclose payment 0 NEW SUBSCRIPTION 0 CHANGE OF ADDRESS Non-AMA subscription rates $1800 12 months US possessions elsewhere including Canada Mexico $2400 US Schools $900 US Libraries $1350 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE _____________________________________________ MODEL AVIATION 1810 SAMUEL MORSE DR RESTON VA 22090 IhindU FU CORPORATION ONE WOOD LANIMALVERNPA19355 2151 644-0692 Writ call Information Double Valuel Ideal caddy workbench setting checking wing stab incidence 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series little larger lighter slower retains honest flight characteristics its predecessors Especially recommended sportsman advanced pattern also good choice turn around pattern Plans construction hints -$995 Bassett/Ritchie Continued 1mm page 145 called rudder straight leading trailing edges tapering rounded tip Bassett left apparent gap number ing system between Miss Philly II B-I II Miss Philly Ill B-I 13 As flown March II 1933 Miss Philly LI singledihedral tapered wing rather rounded rudder shown pictures Later pictures model show rudder like Miss Philly III some show polyhedral wing well No evi dence exists Bassett ever built separate model bearing number B-I 12 Evidently considered polyhedral version Miss Philly II enough change warrant re serving number other design rate time 1933 Nationals Bassett prepared two well-tested trimmed gas models Like previous years Nats competition two-day affair outdoor events scheduled take place Roosevelt Field Long Island Tuesday June 27 Indoor events follow next day 258th Field Artillery Armory Bronx Fog drizzle greeted bulk 165 registered contestants arrived airport made famous six years fore Charles Lindbergh II oclock sky cleared meet got underway contrast multi-faceted weeklong competitions day 1933 Nats presented contestants three out door events Mulvihill Trophy Hand-Launched Stick models William B Stout Trophy named designer Ford Trimotor transport ROG Cabin fuselage models called addition third trophy being offered br first time honor the Bureau Aeronautics chief Rear Ad miral William Moffett perished crash dirigible Akron months earlier So interfere flurry rubber-powered stick-and-tissue twin push ers light fuselage tractor' models cir cling silently above main competition area Bassett Bill Brown present usual mechanic capacity took gaspowered Miss Phillys some distance down main runway prepare flight Three times afternoon Bassett poured measured once fuel models gas tanks Three times set ignition flipped prop Three times buzzing Miss Phillys took off light southeast breeze climbing steady spirals play hide-and-seek among clouds dis play spellbinding except Bassett immediately began now-familiar race keep craft sight close afternoon two Philadelphia youths knew finally accomplished goal three years fore Miss Philadelphia II won Mul vihill event time 14 mm. 55 sec sister ship Miss Philly Ill took both Stout Moffett Trophies times 22 mm 22/2 sec 28 mm. 18 sec respectivelya clean sweep Mulvihill Moffett flights scored new world records addition Bassett presented new perpetual trophy offered Texaco longest gasolineengine-powered flight National Meet Bassetts models werent gas jobs entered 1933 Nats Only day before contest Brooklyns Joe Kovel putting last touches entry KG-I designed Charlie Grant result inspiration provided Bassetts gaspowered exploits previous years Nats John Romanowsky Jersey City NJ also reported have entered gas model meet Both however failed make official flights aside Bassetts marks rest outdoor times recorded elastically-driven models reporter termed Bassetts remarkable wins brought him considerable fame After meet Miss Philly III put display downtovn Philadelphia store window along Nats trophies Stories modeling achievements appeared Model Airplane News American Boy Youth World magazines well New York Times Philadelphia papers also caused considerable commotion National Aeronautic Association NAAthen sanctioning body model competitions well full-scale events its coverage event NAAs Notional Aeronautic Magaille edi torialized 'Because gasolinepowered Bassetts ship far away ahead its competitors dent results gasoline-engined mod els must placed separate category rubber-powered models latter have fair chance entered against gasoline-powered planes' Shortly after NAA Contest Committee made sure rubber gas power would never again compete same events Philadelphias 18-year-old model airplane champion seemed notice Absorbed exploring limits gas model endurance began construction yet another Miss Philadelphia continued RC Scale/Wischers Continued paqe 47 model goes through attitude changes manner full-size craft need exponential dual-rate transmit ter exception rule minimum travel rudder take possible Simple aerobatic maneuvers such barrel roll require ample amount rudder successful execution Ailerons helful rudder really does job also true wing overs stall turns Large rudder travel also helpful taxiing sensitive rudder seldom detracts real ism flight Paris 1984 An official invitation has 148 Model Aviation Sleeve Puller $795 Beering Puller New See Dealer Order Direct Include 75 Per Item UPS

1ff acwei4k Baett Ritchie 1 First Gas Model Champion Prior early 1930s gasoline-powered models practically un known two young men Philadelphia changed everything Bill Brown designed first practical model airplane engine Max Bassett showed everyone fly kind power rest history THE OPENING YEARS decade mark significant yet almost unnoticed milestone history model aviation Golden Anniversary gas power say no gas models existed before 50 years ago Indeed first gasoline-powered models recordbuilt 16-year-old named Ray Arden much later invented glow plugis said have flown early 1907 However handful other attempts gas power various individuals over next 25 years somehow failed spark imag ination large majority model air plane builders result hobby grew up virtually tied rubber power until early 1930s good things must have beginning though vast amount activity volving todays highly developed won drously powerful model airplane engines can traced back single event would have gas model contest held some 51 years ago May 10 1932 near what now Philadelphia Inter national Airport Four hopeful entrants lined up windy Saturday afternoon contest model planespowered usual twisted rubber bands real internal Twelve-year-old Max Bassett Indoor Rubber models first newspaper photo about 1923probably Philadelphia Bulletin 40 Model Aviation Max Bassett poses newspaper publicity shot first Miss Philadelphia before model shipped Chicago Worlds Fair early 1933 landing gear see intended display spark plug protrudes through cowl top removed additional realism Contestant lineup Philadelphia Model Aeroplane Assns first Gas meet May 10 1932 included L-R Edward Henne Bill Brown Maxwell Bassett Franklin Reed Bassett Brown placed one-two respective ly flights nine eight seconds Henne got 28 sec Reed failed make official flight planes powered 60 cu Brown engines designed developed over fall win ter 1931 Number B-105 Bassetts plane indicates sixth Gas model Bassett numbered Gas jobs starting B-lao Outsized tails Browns models intended correct spiral insta bility Bassett encountered early designs retrospect planes probably overpowered Brown engine combustion engines running mixture gasoline oil started engines released models takeoff snarling miniature Build Midget Gasoline Motor 2 5 p 7 -~ Cl T I2 ~ CR454C42FAO -- v sI JON ~ Lj 9219 A*242C 772 Vt AANKS1A T 4- 7 -----a Bill Brown picured Max Bassetts first gas-powered model B-i 00 powered original 278 cu Midget engine Brown designed built himself high school junior/senior photo drawing right accompanied PMAA Field Director Victor Fritz May 1931 article Philadelphia Bulletin Browns first public notice Bassett appeared local newspaper stories previously connection Rubber model exploits Inset engine pictured similar the drawing has side-discharge exhaust swung 91/2-in prop about 2500 rpm Carburetor completely surrounded underslung gas tank much like Maytag washing machine engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier cast aluminum crankcase shown drawing differs Browns original engine machined steel brazed-on mounting lugs Brown still has engine crankcase drawing appears similar made second improved version engine article said would tested week later Brown says ultimately unsuccessful Bassetts model picture has about 4-if span tail surlaces conventional proportions comparison some later models Four other ships numbered B-101 through B-104 never photographed separated model won PMAAs first Gas contest year later planes rose ground nosed air ashed dust settled everyone picked up pieces winner announced Maxwell B Bassett lanky tousle-headed youth 16 achieved best flight day last ing nine seconds Close behind eight-second flight 20-year-old named William L Brown local newspapers credited having designed remarkable little gas engines humble beginningvirtually unnoticed outside Philadelphiasprang worldwide revolution aircratt modeling little year names Bill Brown especially Max Bassett would become synonymous incredibly popular new phenomenon gas models What follows story two young Philadelphians sparked weeping changes ever model avi ation history emMax Bassettwent become successful modeler timeperhaps time Two boys dream no accident Max Bassett Bill Brown placed onetwo model aviations first true gas power contest considerable amount developmentto say nothing friendshippre ceded efforts day Quite probably neither would have achieved alone what two did together Since grade-school days Bill Brown Buddy Bassett known close friends neighborhood chums Philadelphias Oak Lane section As Bassett recalls earliest encounters volved gasoline engine about 10 II years old Bassett tried build son-of go-kart wagon powered two-cycle gasoline en gine salvaged Maytag washing ma chine connected motor directly September 1983 41 wagons drive wheels V-belt since no proper clutch' quite bit trouble getting cart operate intended Brown enjoyed tinkering chanical things saw problem offered help Together boys devised sprock et drive allowed engine discon nected rear wheels starting stopping right about time Charles Lindbergh made historic transatlantic tlieht Ne York Paris its wake whole country went aviation-crazy Model airplane clubs sprang up cities over country youth America joined droves 1929 group small clubs Philadelphia area con solidated under banner Philadel phia Model Aeroplane Association PMAA PMAA sponsored jointly citx s Playgrounds Association Pennsylvania Aero Club Philadel plihi Bullerio covered news clubs events Saturday editions Both Brown Bassett among Philadelphia youngsters building hying rubber-powered models time two joined PMAA Bassett already displaying flair competition havine recorded number wins city wide meetsboth indoor outdoor Bassett dissatisfied short flights afforded rubber power however first tried remedy building 'piggyback' modela single 'pusher' canard-type model superimposed twinpusher motor frame As long twinpusher motors tightly wound ten sion held whole assembly together twin props unwound rub ber motor tension relaxed lower frame work would drop awax allowing single prop take over extend models tlight Bassett says idea success won several contests until officials altered rules bar anythine dropping off models llieht first time no means last Bassett model would bring about change contest rules inevitable result Bassetts quest longer hlights Browns love chanical experimentation two Oak Lane boys soon began discuss possibilities model plane powered gasoline engine Says Bassett Since no such engine available decided wed have build ourselves' Bill Browns first engine September 1930 began work idea Dividing efforts Brown concentrated pro ducing engine fathers home work shop equipped small lathe few other machine tools Bassett began design build airframe 42 Model Aviation Bassetts seventh Gassie B-106 timed 2426 second PMAA outdoor meet 1932 held June 11 flight exceeded official Junior NAA National Record minute half other rubber power extra-large tail persists design wing originally mounted directly top fuselage rails Bassetts earliest ships now supported low wooden mounts Newspaper accounts flight indicate instability under power still problem model wingspan 4 ft overall length 2 ft 10 powered very early 60 cu engines hand-built Bill Brown Three Bassetts early gas-powered models top left 8-107 eighth Gassie Like earlier stick-fuselage designs has very short fuselage much tail area Tapered wing appears about 51 6 ft span mounted wire parasol cagea little higher wooden supports 8-106 Other photos suggest Bassett may have used wing cabin model some flights Atlantic City Nats top right Fleetwing B-i 08 fore ground new planeB-i 10the first Miss Philadelphia others name follow Bassett Fleetwing field Atlantic Citys Bader Air port during 1932 Nats Next him Philadelphias director public safety Kern Dodge chased model own biplane during unofficial flight 13 minutes 5 seconds Gordon Light first-place finisher Wakefield event win later nullified technicality pic likely taken after 13-mm flight model appears somewhat worse wear Bassett looks hed just told effort nought wing probably his-107 model Cylindrical object lashed landing gear strut ignition coil perhaps battery rudder covered side onlya carryover froin rubber-powered modeling practice day Numerous obstacles stood way achieving engine would simply run let alone light powerful enough fly model Brown made dozen piston cylinder assemblies before coming up would produce decent compression spark plug ignition coil par ticularly difficult problems Recalls Bassett Bills first operable spark plug made out nail nut stack mica washers insulator After few runs would become soaked oil hed have make another boys needed lightweight inductiontype coil cause spark jump across points crude early plugs made 20 coils hand before getting worked coil required thou sands turns fine enameled wire interlayered waxed paper over iron core After months experimentation little engine ready last mounting test-running Bassetts plane 11/16-in bore -in stroke displaced 278 cubic inches weighed hefty 14 ounces complete coil condenser fuel tank batteries 9/-in prop Bassett carved engine balky hard start Though getting such tiny engine run seemed miraculous achievement its performance exactly spectacular flywheel would turn up about 6500 rpm less half possible prop boys interesting method measuring rpm Wed start engine says Bassett take house right living room next piano wed start hitting piano keys till found matched pitch en gine simple calculation convert frequency piano note engine rpm spring 1931 Victor R Fritz industrial arts teacher Olney High School also field director PMAA heard boys experiments asked see model Fritz wrote newspaper articles PMAA activities Memorial Day 1931 article authored appeared Philadelphia Bul letin complete photo Brown Bassetts airplane construction plans Midget engine According Bassett Fritz article perhaps bit premature Indeed stated little engine amazed spec tators its first public demonstration con tains no actual reference models flight Compared way later articles described Browns Bassetts activities its probably fair conclude running demonstration engine newspaper mentioned however Brown would attempt fly improved version engine week later Among read story middle-aged man named Walter Hurleman ran ma chine shop far boys neighbor hood Hurleman always interested small engines As younger man gained some experiences hopping up September 1983 43 photo record Bassetts 10th Gas model Sky Devil B-log wing very high its wire mount ship probably flew no better earlier stick jobs un successfully souaht overcome instability problems overgrown tail short-coupled fuselage Snapshot 1933 Miss Philadelphia shows flying trim though probably wasnt flown much until after being returned Worlds Fair year later Plane weighed 2 lb 15 oz Paint scheme silver orange model Bassett set first record 6072 under NAAs fuel allotment rules 1/4 oz per pound model weight Newark NJ May 19 1934 outdid Joe Kovels KG process record flight used 6-ft wing polyhedral instead original V-dihedral wing shown picture extraordinary snot ot Miss Pfliiadelpflla Ill shows B-113 wing name rudder other details quite clearly shot probably intended publicity use Gulf Oil Corp later published picture Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV its corporate magazine outboard motors racing Curious see tiny engine Browns operation drove out PMAAs flying field next Saturday son Walter Jr According Walter Hurleman Jr demonstration father witnessed consisted handful people stood around Brown Bassett tried start engine As Hurleman remembers engine looked like attempt miniaturize washing machine motor worked quite says never got running long enough fly plane would pop pop Brown engine looks anything like washing machine motor first Midget engine Both Maytag engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier underslung gas tanks carburetor drawing right through tank Brown says other engines also influenced design Midget including outboard father bought summer use Jersey shore type bicycle motor both Bassett used youngsters Brown Junior engine Meanwhile Bill Brown continued work engine idea time Victor Fritz first article ap peared spring 1931 Midget motors reliability improved greatly replaced original mica insulators spark plugs real ceramic insulators ob tained Isolantite company manu facturer full-size spark plug insulators other ceramic products norther New Jer sey motors output wasnt strong enough lift Bassetts first gas model few feet off ground second engine design slightly larger displacement attemptedthis time recent 1978 photo Max Bassett brought Out some relics past examina tion plane original Cardinal engine Brown Jr No A17used Bassett planes help Browns father William L Sr engineer profession accomplished craftsman own right Unfortunately several prototypes resulting father/son collaboration successful late summer 1931 Bill Brown still high school senior roughed-out paper configuration yet third engine new design did away performance-limiting crankcase poppet valve induction original Midget en gine Instead employed lighter simpler efficient 'four-port' system admission fresh gas/air mixture 44 Model Aviation Photo published Philadelphia Bulletin after Bassett swept 1933 Nationals shows him Miss Philadelphia II B1l1which won Mulvihill eventand new cabin job Miss Philadelphia Ill B-il 3which won Moftett Stout Texaco Trophies Inset picture Bill Brown / Bassett may have flown Miss Philadelphia II 1933 Nets wHin polyhedral wing version model suggests possible reason gap B-numbers between original Miss Philadelphia II B-ill Miss Philadelphia Ill B-113 Pic Philadelphia Inquirer June 30 1933 Above Bill Brown standing Max Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV picture taken outside Jack Byrnes hangar Camden Cen tral Airport prior 234-hr record attempt controlled passage piston skirt over intake ports drilled rear cylinder 7/x-in bore I-in stroke displaced 60 cu establishing standard survives day good ignition hookup fresh batteries properly-mixed fuel started ran much greater reliability power original Midget ever displayed turning 14-in prop 4000-5000 rpm gener ating up three pounds thrust Brown laboriously hand-built about eight 10 engines four ap peared first PMAA gas model contest May 10 1932 about time Walter Hurleman con tacted Browns offer Hurleman wanted young Bill Brown grad uated Frankford High School Feb ruary 1932 work machine shop during coming summer Instead pay could ill afford dark De pression days Hurleman offered Brown facilities shop continue developing engine idea Brown must have jumped chance Says Walter Hurleman highlyskilled machinist tool die maker first commercial shop ever worked eager learn anything could old master Hurlemans shop available machines processes far beyond scope fathers home workshop put good use refining design engine putting higher level produc tion Evidently production precisely what Hurleman mind because almost im mediately began develop sophisticated tooling own mass-produce en gine Along way added some re finements basic design Bill Browns hand-built engines employed pistons heavy rings leaked compression some degree exacted friction penalty worked up down cylinder engines also used 1/16-in-dia shear pin secure propeller drive washer crankshaft According Brown Walter Hurle man originated ringless hard steel lapped piston produced superior compression ran much better earlier engines became standard prac tice model engine construction long time afterwards refinement positive propeller hub hex drive incor porated new Brown Junior engines Hurleman shop began turning out early mid-summer 1932 work manship Hurleman-built engines excellent according Brown adds running pleased us very much time rated con servatively 1/5 hpa five-fold increase over Browns original Midget time development Brown Jr engine essentially complete Further changes though over years aimed easing production Continued page 140 balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control SUrfaces hinged HalIco landing gear 5132 nose gear strut Fitted hardware included Fire Fox Ultimate Sport Flying Engine Size 40 Wing Span 52 4 Channels Pre-Built $12495 Pius shipping handling balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control surfaces hinged Has bolt-onwing HalIco landing gear ABS wheel pants mounted axels installed Fitted canopy Instruction booklet hardware included Designers Builders Fine PRE-BUIL T R/C Models Order Todayl Send check MO also accept Master Card VisaModels shipped 350 PSI carten via UPS Shipping handling $850 Fl residents add 5% sales tax AEROTECH RIC 3850 US Hwy 19 No. Palm Harbor FL 33563 938-3266 September 1983 45 WILLIAMS CCESSORIES BROTHERS 4 PILOTS STANDARD TSMAN RACING TARY WHEELS AGE TH CONTOUR BALLOON EN AGE 4 ENGINES PRATT & WHITNEY HT HONE PARTS T1 & WHITNEY HONE WRIGHT E VICKERS DAU BELLUM $1 FOR FULLY ILLUSTRATED CATALOG 4LUAJS ST SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 92069 Magic Dragon Trainer Engine Size 25 Pre-Built Wing Span 55 in$999 3 4 ChannelsPlus shipping Lives Up Toand handling its Name__MAGIC! have SIX other models available Send New free brochure Dealer Inquiries Invited based noise level signal Silver Seven receiver specifically noted Ace RC literature being narrowband als single-conversion design would still subject im age considerations used end channels RC 12 7208 RC56 7296 aside double-balanced mixer design clean enough work well days environment nice know SOMETHING ELSE TO THINK ABOUT Transmitter tests have done too very revealing tests using very expensive HP8566A Programmable Spectrum Analy zer digital analog controlled HP9836A Desk-top computer through good offices Dan Kahn Electronic Equipment Systems Applications Specialist local HP office Ive run out space See next month George M Myers 70 Froehlich Farm Rd. Hwkiville NY 11801 BassettlRitchie Continued page 45 increasing power performance De velopment gas-powered model left Maxwell Bassett just beci nnin e Bassetts first gassies Fortunately tory Bassett numbered gas models way aids identification first built Brown 278 cu Midget pictured Victor Fritz May 1931 news paper article number B-100 followed four others numbered B-l0l through B-104 served test beds engine improsements Brown mak ing during summer 1931 No photos hase survived un doubtedly stick design ease repair modificationand wing spans around lour feet What really trying do' ex plains Bassett develop test gas model secret ready could go meets clean up against competition rubber-powered time Once Midget engine running less reliably plane began test-tix craftrieht front Bas setts house very first takeoffs ROGs right off 11th Street' says Bassett 'The plane would keep turning left would end up bushes' After few such tempts mused testing nearby vacant lot Because ol tall weeds' says Bas sett 'I hand-launch models gave us time figure out what going wrong main problem first Ilights always ended up left-hand spiral dive attempt cor rect instability kept enlarging tail surfaces increasing wing dihedral still spiral dive left time Bassett built first contestwinning gas job B-105 tail become truly outsized can seen pictures stability problem persisted Accounts its May 10 1932 flight describe large loop 50 feet air ending crash might have avoided plane gained few feet altitude Undaunted Bassett fielded another modelB-106-in competition month later June II second meet PMAAs 1932 outdoor season ship took off Model Farms clubs South Philadelphia tlying field two mtn utes 42 3/5 seconds gyrated wildly through air towards Philadelphia Navy Yard Its looping swooping tlight first gas model exceed then-current re cord minute half other-thanrubber power set year earlier Louis ville KY boys compressed-air-powered model Bassett retrieved plane nearly half-mile its launch point after wards Bulletin quoted Bill Brown ex claiming Ilight certainly worth two years work put motor rest laurels Bassett immediately set work two mod els Number B-107 another stick job B-108 ninth gas model some thing newa cabin design Bassett gave airplane name well number called Fleetwing Atlantic City 1932 National Contest set Atlantic City NJ Sep tember Doubtless two boys sights major win testing new airplanes Bassett found cabin job powered Hurleman-built engine better tlier stick model Says thought making Fleetwing stable giving low CG Actually learned much later really giving plane side area countered effect what become pretty oversize tail Competition International Wake field Cup highlight lantic City meet Wakefield rules stated models fuselage opposed stick design werent specific type power Bassett entered gas-powered cabin job Wakefield event As turned out competition tougher expected According running accounts two-day meet Gordon Light Lebanon PA put truly phenomenal rubber-powered Ilight 25 minutes 53 seconds first day covering distance eight miles meet site Atlantic Citys Bader Airport must have disallowed some reason however final published results credited him 7 mm. 57 2/5 sec. good enough nonetheless win Wakefield rophyLater win declared invalid because technicality involving fact contest postponed earlier date Bassetts best official tlight lasted 2 mm 55 sec. netting him fourth place H obby H orn Wing Span--789 W ng Area 569 Sq SENSOAR glider HOBBY HORN Esclusive HOBBY HORN Kit SENSOAR Clider kt high quality kit Machine cut sanded parts Select quality balsa spruce Detailed plans written instructions THERMAL SLOPE Ot ELECTRIC POWER VALUE PRICE0a 51600 LD I1$ThR KflO Full asia Partial Kits p & W Semi-Kits Combined sctth full atripsoood plan Nose md Wire Windooc etc Mat Notes may purchased just oem kits wjth plans-write call prices 1938 Bacewneer84-$51 1939 Clipper MIt l-72$39 1937 Dallaire Sptser109561 1941 Ranger-46- $17 1939 Mercary72956 1935 Miss Asnerica-849SH 1941 Playboy Jr54$29 1941 Ptayboy Sr9t$46 1939 Power House94-S43 1940 Saitplane-78- 974 1949 So tong59S29 1939 Trenton Terror-7T-$32 1939 Zipper14949s 1939 Ksrda Ratsefleld-44- $17 MIDWAY MODEL CD Semi-kits Csniblned se/strip 1936 Flying Quaker94$49s 1937 Quaker Flaah-67938 1937 long Cwbin79542 1937 Air Chief81-940 TRUCKU 1940 79 Span 931 Sq . 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Up $890 sdd $150$209 PP/lot Class $801 $2099 add $229A copy will sent $2901 10 $4500 add $390 free-when requested$4591 $7999 sdd $359 order over $7000 add $410 BBY HORN CA Addressees add 6% tow cahobby specialties** Send MO visa/MC#-Exp15173 Maran Street tAt Check allow up 30 3 Boa 2212 dayn check clearanceWestminster Ca 92693 COOEaact Charges 14 993-1311 EldI Cash OnlyIAIl liPS 0 995 t293 140 Model Aviation -COUPON -COUPON competition buzz Brown gas engine understandably created quite stir Charles Hampson Grant editor Universal Model Airplane News magazine especially impressed gave Bas sett gas model exceptional coverage October 1932 Nats write-up Appar ently what impressed Grant much models official time what might have contest lasted few minutes longer Dissatisfied ships performance earlier rounds Bassett decided give last try second day meet Alas just minutes after Wakefield competition officially closed time Fleetwing climbed skyward almost disap pearing view Bassett gave chase rid ing Atlantic City motorcycle police mans sidecar along PMAA adult sponsor Jesse Bieberman held stopwatch After 13 mm 5 sec air model landed marshy meadow some four miles airport Bassett Bieberman werent ones hot pursuit model Kern Dodge Philadelphias director public safety prominent member Penn sylvania Aero Club took off after Fleetwing Challenger biplane Later Dodge personally congratulated Bassett models performance estimating reached altitude nearly 3000 feet after such spectacular flight Bassetts fellow contestants regarded gas model little curiosity Bassett knew better confidently pre dicted gas models would soon eclipse rubber power resulting Nationals publicity brought Bill Brown numerous requests copies engine Hurleman shop producing limited quantity sold about 40 50 Brown Jr engines over next year Meanwhile requests plans Fleetwing came far away Ger Bassetts friend fellow PMAA member Paul Karnow drew up accurate set plans ship pub lished Philadelphia Bulletin April 1933 along construction article authored Bassett himself Miss Philadelphia Worlds Fair Max Bassett early days gas power must have filled almost constant model building stability problems sought correct still wholly solved Fleetwing design Because models relatively small quite fast under power exactly floaters glide Nearly flight ended crack-up preparing Atlantic City Nats Bassett two models some stage completion model B- 109 named Sky Devil photo exists shows same general layout earlier stick models large tail feathers short fuselages Its major difference extra-high parasol wing mountevidently attempt pen dulum stabilizing effect No flight history exists undoubtedly Bassett gained some additional experience ship B-I 10 next model off Bassetts work bench another cabin job Essentially similar successful Fleetwing de sign embodying longer fuselage some what different profile aft wing 6-ft span evenly tapered wing larger of previous planes pronounced dihedral like model B-l07 Bassett gained considerable notoriety Atlantic City flights other news papers picked up Bulletins stories about Philadelphia boy flew gasolinepowered model airplanes Just finishing up latest cabin model received mail totally unanticipated invitation Some officials up coming 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair wanted display remarkable gas models fairs exhibits Since B-I 10 realisticlooking plane yet produced natural such display Bassett took extra care finishing up giving fancy paint job scalelike landing gear usual wooden-strut type better suited actual flying Bassett says publicity-minded Vic tor Fritz suggested naming craft Miss Philadelphia Evidently hoped name would bring attention Continued page 144 September 1983 141 TOWER HOGEB CESSNA 188 AGWAGON RETAILNOOLflflfl MANY MORE NEW ITEMS INSIDE NEVER ORDERED FROM TOWER HOBBIES OUT WHAT YOUVE BEEN MISSING Tower Hobbies best place shop RC modeling needs customers enjoy best TOWER HIlLEl personalized service low discount prices Toll Free ordering fast service 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fol lowing year Miss Philadelphia already set two precendents would come routine Bassett first several models go public dis play also first whole suc cession tremendously successful designs bear hometowns name last stick model Miss Phila delphia temporarily out action Bassett needed another ship try better earlier flight times decided give stickmodel concept another try As turned out number B-I II Miss Philadelphia II named last stick job Generally proportioned about same Miss Philly performed markedly better ear lier stick models now Bassett found secret success gas power building models larger before able slow down add gliding capability also found longer fuselages contributed much flight stabil ity late fall 1932 Bassett estimated made 300 gas-powered flights Most test-flying now con ducted Wings Field airport north achieving flights long 15 minutes Wings under favorable conditions ___________ WHEN 4E SAID HE WANTED 1 MAKE MODEL AlRPLWES THOUxHT HE tAEAWT OUT OF PAPLR Model Aviation city Though best official record 2 mm. 55 sec scored Atlantic City time Max Bassett wasnt gas modeler Philadelphiajust successful closest competitor PMAAs first gas model contest Bill Brown Brown nearing ace 21 after would barred PMAA competition no Open class existed days reason also because entering College En gineering Penn State Brown never again entered gas model contest Says enough work just taking care engines PMAA members Edward Henne Franklin Reed Bassetts other gas power rivals 1932 competition models always managed stay aloft just few seconds longer 500fl dropped out picture Pushing season bit Victor Fritz scheduled first PMAA gas contest 1933 Saturday March II give Bassett other modelers early chance raising 2 mm 426 sec PMAA record set previous June weather turned out sub-freezing blustery Nevertheless Max Bassett father drove out meet site Caster Cottman Avenues Miss Philly II back seat car Other Brown Jr-powered entries meet Frank Reed Walter Hurleman Jr. showed up rather complicated pendulum-controlled model father built After four attempts Bassett managed get ship trimmed sustained flight its fifth launch Miss Philly II sailed away cheers spectators circling estimated altitude 700 feet model blew east about three-quarters mile crossing Roosevelt Boulevard hundred feet over traffic below vantage point atop hill west boulevard Bassett Fritz clocked its new record time 4 mm. 37 3/5 sec landed driveway other side Returning contest model tucked under arm Bassett applauded onlookers including Hurleman Reed neither ob tained successful flights day Total trimuph last During winter Bassett completed yet another new cabin model designated B-i 13 Con tinuing tradition begun Victor Fritz call Miss Philadelphia Ill new plane further evolvement orig inal cabin design resembled Cur tiss Robin having yet longer fuselage double-tapered aft wing fully enclosed engine streamlined hood cowl spark plug pro truded Miss Philly six-foot wing Miss Philly Ill new departure Bassett being first polyhedral double-dihedral Continued page 148 THE RETRIEVER sailplane launch -a-minute tows line shagging crossed lines delays COMPLETE READY-TO GO $25000 plus shipping September 1983 145 COMPLETE THIS FORM AND ArrACH MAILING LABEL FROM RECENT ISSUE LET US KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING move please let us know advancesix weeks required change address Attach current MA mailing label check appropriate box mall Subscrip tion Dept Model AviatIon 1810 Samuel Morse Dr Reston VA 22090 Check appropriate boxenclose payment 0 NEW SUBSCRIPTION 0 CHANGE OF ADDRESS Non-AMA subscription rates $1800 12 months US possessions elsewhere including Canada Mexico $2400 US Schools $900 US Libraries $1350 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE _____________________________________________ MODEL AVIATION 1810 SAMUEL MORSE DR RESTON VA 22090 IhindU FU CORPORATION ONE WOOD LANIMALVERNPA19355 2151 644-0692 Writ call Information Double Valuel Ideal caddy workbench setting checking wing stab incidence 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series little larger lighter slower retains honest flight characteristics its predecessors Especially recommended sportsman advanced pattern also good choice turn around pattern Plans construction hints -$995 Bassett/Ritchie Continued 1mm page 145 called rudder straight leading trailing edges tapering rounded tip Bassett left apparent gap number ing system between Miss Philly II B-I II Miss Philly Ill B-I 13 As flown March II 1933 Miss Philly LI singledihedral tapered wing rather rounded rudder shown pictures Later pictures model show rudder like Miss Philly III some show polyhedral wing well No evi dence exists Bassett ever built separate model bearing number B-I 12 Evidently considered polyhedral version Miss Philly II enough change warrant re serving number other design rate time 1933 Nationals Bassett prepared two well-tested trimmed gas models Like previous years Nats competition two-day affair outdoor events scheduled take place Roosevelt Field Long Island Tuesday June 27 Indoor events follow next day 258th Field Artillery Armory Bronx Fog drizzle greeted bulk 165 registered contestants arrived airport made famous six years fore Charles Lindbergh II oclock sky cleared meet got underway contrast multi-faceted weeklong competitions day 1933 Nats presented contestants three out door events Mulvihill Trophy Hand-Launched Stick models William B Stout Trophy named designer Ford Trimotor transport ROG Cabin fuselage models called addition third trophy being offered br first time honor the Bureau Aeronautics chief Rear Ad miral William Moffett perished crash dirigible Akron months earlier So interfere flurry rubber-powered stick-and-tissue twin push ers light fuselage tractor' models cir cling silently above main competition area Bassett Bill Brown present usual mechanic capacity took gaspowered Miss Phillys some distance down main runway prepare flight Three times afternoon Bassett poured measured once fuel models gas tanks Three times set ignition flipped prop Three times buzzing Miss Phillys took off light southeast breeze climbing steady spirals play hide-and-seek among clouds dis play spellbinding except Bassett immediately began now-familiar race keep craft sight close afternoon two Philadelphia youths knew finally accomplished goal three years fore Miss Philadelphia II won Mul vihill event time 14 mm. 55 sec sister ship Miss Philly Ill took both Stout Moffett Trophies times 22 mm 22/2 sec 28 mm. 18 sec respectivelya clean sweep Mulvihill Moffett flights scored new world records addition Bassett presented new perpetual trophy offered Texaco longest gasolineengine-powered flight National Meet Bassetts models werent gas jobs entered 1933 Nats Only day before contest Brooklyns Joe Kovel putting last touches entry KG-I designed Charlie Grant result inspiration provided Bassetts gaspowered exploits previous years Nats John Romanowsky Jersey City NJ also reported have entered gas model meet Both however failed make official flights aside Bassetts marks rest outdoor times recorded elastically-driven models reporter termed Bassetts remarkable wins brought him considerable fame After meet Miss Philly III put display downtovn Philadelphia store window along Nats trophies Stories modeling achievements appeared Model Airplane News American Boy Youth World magazines well New York Times Philadelphia papers also caused considerable commotion National Aeronautic Association NAAthen sanctioning body model competitions well full-scale events its coverage event NAAs Notional Aeronautic Magaille edi torialized 'Because gasolinepowered Bassetts ship far away ahead its competitors dent results gasoline-engined mod els must placed separate category rubber-powered models latter have fair chance entered against gasoline-powered planes' Shortly after NAA Contest Committee made sure rubber gas power would never again compete same events Philadelphias 18-year-old model airplane champion seemed notice Absorbed exploring limits gas model endurance 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1ff acwei4k Baett Ritchie 1 First Gas Model Champion Prior early 1930s gasoline-powered models practically un known two young men Philadelphia changed everything Bill Brown designed first practical model airplane engine Max Bassett showed everyone fly kind power rest history THE OPENING YEARS decade mark significant yet almost unnoticed milestone history model aviation Golden Anniversary gas power say no gas models existed before 50 years ago Indeed first gasoline-powered models recordbuilt 16-year-old named Ray Arden much later invented glow plugis said have flown early 1907 However handful other attempts gas power various individuals over next 25 years somehow failed spark imag ination large majority model air plane builders result hobby grew up virtually tied rubber power until early 1930s good things must have beginning though vast amount activity volving todays highly developed won drously powerful model airplane engines can traced back single event would have gas model contest held some 51 years ago May 10 1932 near what now Philadelphia Inter national Airport Four hopeful entrants lined up windy Saturday afternoon contest model planespowered usual twisted rubber bands real internal Twelve-year-old Max Bassett Indoor Rubber models first newspaper photo about 1923probably Philadelphia Bulletin 40 Model Aviation Max Bassett poses newspaper publicity shot first Miss Philadelphia before model shipped Chicago Worlds Fair early 1933 landing gear see intended display spark plug protrudes through cowl top removed additional realism Contestant lineup Philadelphia Model Aeroplane Assns first Gas meet May 10 1932 included L-R Edward Henne Bill Brown Maxwell Bassett Franklin Reed Bassett Brown placed one-two respective ly flights nine eight seconds Henne got 28 sec Reed failed make official flight planes powered 60 cu Brown engines designed developed over fall win ter 1931 Number B-105 Bassetts plane indicates sixth Gas model Bassett numbered Gas jobs starting B-lao Outsized tails Browns models intended correct spiral insta bility Bassett encountered early designs retrospect planes probably overpowered Brown engine combustion engines running mixture gasoline oil started engines released models takeoff snarling miniature Build Midget Gasoline Motor 2 5 p 7 -~ Cl T I2 ~ CR454C42FAO -- v sI JON ~ Lj 9219 A*242C 772 Vt AANKS1A T 4- 7 -----a Bill Brown picured Max Bassetts first gas-powered model B-i 00 powered original 278 cu Midget engine Brown designed built himself high school junior/senior photo drawing right accompanied PMAA Field Director Victor Fritz May 1931 article Philadelphia Bulletin Browns first public notice Bassett appeared local newspaper stories previously connection Rubber model exploits Inset engine pictured similar the drawing has side-discharge exhaust swung 91/2-in prop about 2500 rpm Carburetor completely surrounded underslung gas tank much like Maytag washing machine engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier cast aluminum crankcase shown drawing differs Browns original engine machined steel brazed-on mounting lugs Brown still has engine crankcase drawing appears similar made second improved version engine article said would tested week later Brown says ultimately unsuccessful Bassetts model picture has about 4-if span tail surlaces conventional proportions comparison some later models Four other ships numbered B-101 through B-104 never photographed separated model won PMAAs first Gas contest year later planes rose ground nosed air ashed dust settled everyone picked up pieces winner announced Maxwell B Bassett lanky tousle-headed youth 16 achieved best flight day last ing nine seconds Close behind eight-second flight 20-year-old named William L Brown local newspapers credited having designed remarkable little gas engines humble beginningvirtually unnoticed outside Philadelphiasprang worldwide revolution aircratt modeling little year names Bill Brown especially Max Bassett would become synonymous incredibly popular new phenomenon gas models What follows story two young Philadelphians sparked weeping changes ever model avi ation history emMax Bassettwent become successful modeler timeperhaps time Two boys dream no accident Max Bassett Bill Brown placed onetwo model aviations first true gas power contest considerable amount developmentto say nothing friendshippre ceded efforts day Quite probably neither would have achieved alone what two did together Since grade-school days Bill Brown Buddy Bassett known close friends neighborhood chums Philadelphias Oak Lane section As Bassett recalls earliest encounters volved gasoline engine about 10 II years old Bassett tried build son-of go-kart wagon powered two-cycle gasoline en gine salvaged Maytag washing ma chine connected motor directly September 1983 41 wagons drive wheels V-belt since no proper clutch' quite bit trouble getting cart operate intended Brown enjoyed tinkering chanical things saw problem offered help Together boys devised sprock et drive allowed engine discon nected rear wheels starting stopping right about time Charles Lindbergh made historic transatlantic tlieht Ne York Paris its wake whole country went aviation-crazy Model airplane clubs sprang up cities over country youth America joined droves 1929 group small clubs Philadelphia area con solidated under banner Philadel phia Model Aeroplane Association PMAA PMAA sponsored jointly citx s Playgrounds Association Pennsylvania Aero Club Philadel plihi Bullerio covered news clubs events Saturday editions Both Brown Bassett among Philadelphia youngsters building hying rubber-powered models time two joined PMAA Bassett already displaying flair competition havine recorded number wins city wide meetsboth indoor outdoor Bassett dissatisfied short flights afforded rubber power however first tried remedy building 'piggyback' modela single 'pusher' canard-type model superimposed twinpusher motor frame As long twinpusher motors tightly wound ten sion held whole assembly together twin props unwound rub ber motor tension relaxed lower frame work would drop awax allowing single prop take over extend models tlight Bassett says idea success won several contests until officials altered rules bar anythine dropping off models llieht first time no means last Bassett model would bring about change contest rules inevitable result Bassetts quest longer hlights Browns love chanical experimentation two Oak Lane boys soon began discuss possibilities model plane powered gasoline engine Says Bassett Since no such engine available decided wed have build ourselves' Bill Browns first engine September 1930 began work idea Dividing efforts Brown concentrated pro ducing engine fathers home work shop equipped small lathe few other machine tools Bassett began design build airframe 42 Model Aviation Bassetts seventh Gassie B-106 timed 2426 second PMAA outdoor meet 1932 held June 11 flight exceeded official Junior NAA National Record minute half other rubber power extra-large tail persists design wing originally mounted directly top fuselage rails Bassetts earliest ships now supported low wooden mounts Newspaper accounts flight indicate instability under power still problem model wingspan 4 ft overall length 2 ft 10 powered very early 60 cu engines hand-built Bill Brown Three Bassetts early gas-powered models top left 8-107 eighth Gassie Like earlier stick-fuselage designs has very short fuselage much tail area Tapered wing appears about 51 6 ft span mounted wire parasol cagea little higher wooden supports 8-106 Other photos suggest Bassett may have used wing cabin model some flights Atlantic City Nats top right Fleetwing B-i 08 fore ground new planeB-i 10the first Miss Philadelphia others name follow Bassett Fleetwing field Atlantic Citys Bader Air port during 1932 Nats Next him Philadelphias director public safety Kern Dodge chased model own biplane during unofficial flight 13 minutes 5 seconds Gordon Light first-place finisher Wakefield event win later nullified technicality pic likely taken after 13-mm flight model appears somewhat worse wear Bassett looks hed just told effort nought wing probably his-107 model Cylindrical object lashed landing gear strut ignition coil perhaps battery rudder covered side onlya carryover froin rubber-powered modeling practice day Numerous obstacles stood way achieving engine would simply run let alone light powerful enough fly model Brown made dozen piston cylinder assemblies before coming up would produce decent compression spark plug ignition coil par ticularly difficult problems Recalls Bassett Bills first operable spark plug made out nail nut stack mica washers insulator After few runs would become soaked oil hed have make another boys needed lightweight inductiontype coil cause spark jump across points crude early plugs made 20 coils hand before getting worked coil required thou sands turns fine enameled wire interlayered waxed paper over iron core After months experimentation little engine ready last mounting test-running Bassetts plane 11/16-in bore -in stroke displaced 278 cubic inches weighed hefty 14 ounces complete coil condenser fuel tank batteries 9/-in prop Bassett carved engine balky hard start Though getting such tiny engine run seemed miraculous achievement its performance exactly spectacular flywheel would turn up about 6500 rpm less half possible prop boys interesting method measuring rpm Wed start engine says Bassett take house right living room next piano wed start hitting piano keys till found matched pitch en gine simple calculation convert frequency piano note engine rpm spring 1931 Victor R Fritz industrial arts teacher Olney High School also field director PMAA heard boys experiments asked see model Fritz wrote newspaper articles PMAA activities Memorial Day 1931 article authored appeared Philadelphia Bul letin complete photo Brown Bassetts airplane construction plans Midget engine According Bassett Fritz article perhaps bit premature Indeed stated little engine amazed spec tators its first public demonstration con tains no actual reference models flight Compared way later articles described Browns Bassetts activities its probably fair conclude running demonstration engine newspaper mentioned however Brown would attempt fly improved version engine week later Among read story middle-aged man named Walter Hurleman ran ma chine shop far boys neighbor hood Hurleman always interested small engines As younger man gained some experiences hopping up September 1983 43 photo record Bassetts 10th Gas model Sky Devil B-log wing very high its wire mount ship probably flew no better earlier stick jobs un successfully souaht overcome instability problems overgrown tail short-coupled fuselage Snapshot 1933 Miss Philadelphia shows flying trim though probably wasnt flown much until after being returned Worlds Fair year later Plane weighed 2 lb 15 oz Paint scheme silver orange model Bassett set first record 6072 under NAAs fuel allotment rules 1/4 oz per pound model weight Newark NJ May 19 1934 outdid Joe Kovels KG process record flight used 6-ft wing polyhedral instead original V-dihedral wing shown picture extraordinary snot ot Miss Pfliiadelpflla Ill shows B-113 wing name rudder other details quite clearly shot probably intended publicity use Gulf Oil Corp later published picture Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV its corporate magazine outboard motors racing Curious see tiny engine Browns operation drove out PMAAs flying field next Saturday son Walter Jr According Walter Hurleman Jr demonstration father witnessed consisted handful people stood around Brown Bassett tried start engine As Hurleman remembers engine looked like attempt miniaturize washing machine motor worked quite says never got running long enough fly plane would pop pop Brown engine looks anything like washing machine motor first Midget engine Both Maytag engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier underslung gas tanks carburetor drawing right through tank Brown says other engines also influenced design Midget including outboard father bought summer use Jersey shore type bicycle motor both Bassett used youngsters Brown Junior engine Meanwhile Bill Brown continued work engine idea time Victor Fritz first article ap peared spring 1931 Midget motors reliability improved greatly replaced original mica insulators spark plugs real ceramic insulators ob tained Isolantite company manu facturer full-size spark plug insulators other ceramic products norther New Jer sey motors output wasnt strong enough lift Bassetts first gas model few feet off ground second engine design slightly larger displacement attemptedthis time recent 1978 photo Max Bassett brought Out some relics past examina tion plane original Cardinal engine Brown Jr No A17used Bassett planes help Browns father William L Sr engineer profession accomplished craftsman own right Unfortunately several prototypes resulting father/son collaboration successful late summer 1931 Bill Brown still high school senior roughed-out paper configuration yet third engine new design did away performance-limiting crankcase poppet valve induction original Midget en gine Instead employed lighter simpler efficient 'four-port' system admission fresh gas/air mixture 44 Model Aviation Photo published Philadelphia Bulletin after Bassett swept 1933 Nationals shows him Miss Philadelphia II B1l1which won Mulvihill eventand new cabin job Miss Philadelphia Ill B-il 3which won Moftett Stout Texaco Trophies Inset picture Bill Brown / Bassett may have flown Miss Philadelphia II 1933 Nets wHin polyhedral wing version model suggests possible reason gap B-numbers between original Miss Philadelphia II B-ill Miss Philadelphia Ill B-113 Pic Philadelphia Inquirer June 30 1933 Above Bill Brown standing Max Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV picture taken outside Jack Byrnes hangar Camden Cen tral Airport prior 234-hr record attempt controlled passage piston skirt over intake ports drilled rear cylinder 7/x-in bore I-in stroke displaced 60 cu establishing standard survives day good ignition hookup fresh batteries properly-mixed fuel started ran much greater reliability power original Midget ever displayed turning 14-in prop 4000-5000 rpm gener ating up three pounds thrust Brown laboriously hand-built about eight 10 engines four ap peared first PMAA gas model contest May 10 1932 about time Walter Hurleman con tacted Browns offer Hurleman wanted young Bill Brown grad uated Frankford High School Feb ruary 1932 work machine shop during coming summer Instead pay could ill afford dark De pression days Hurleman offered Brown facilities shop continue developing engine idea Brown must have jumped chance Says Walter Hurleman highlyskilled machinist tool die maker first commercial shop ever worked eager learn anything could old master Hurlemans shop available machines processes far beyond scope fathers home workshop put good use refining design engine putting higher level produc tion Evidently production precisely what Hurleman mind because almost im mediately began develop sophisticated tooling own mass-produce en gine Along way added some re finements basic design Bill Browns hand-built engines employed pistons heavy rings leaked compression some degree exacted friction penalty worked up down cylinder engines also used 1/16-in-dia shear pin secure propeller drive washer crankshaft According Brown Walter Hurle man originated ringless hard steel lapped piston produced superior compression ran much better earlier engines became standard prac tice model engine construction long time afterwards refinement positive propeller hub hex drive incor porated new Brown Junior engines Hurleman shop began turning out early mid-summer 1932 work manship Hurleman-built engines excellent according Brown adds running pleased us very much time rated con servatively 1/5 hpa five-fold increase over Browns original Midget time development Brown Jr engine essentially complete Further changes though over years aimed easing production Continued page 140 balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control SUrfaces hinged HalIco landing gear 5132 nose gear strut Fitted hardware included Fire Fox Ultimate Sport Flying Engine Size 40 Wing Span 52 4 Channels Pre-Built $12495 Pius shipping handling balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control surfaces hinged Has bolt-onwing HalIco landing gear ABS wheel pants mounted axels installed Fitted canopy Instruction booklet hardware included Designers Builders Fine PRE-BUIL T R/C Models Order Todayl Send check MO also accept Master Card VisaModels shipped 350 PSI carten via UPS Shipping handling $850 Fl residents add 5% sales tax AEROTECH RIC 3850 US Hwy 19 No. Palm Harbor FL 33563 938-3266 September 1983 45 WILLIAMS CCESSORIES BROTHERS 4 PILOTS STANDARD TSMAN RACING TARY WHEELS AGE TH CONTOUR BALLOON EN AGE 4 ENGINES PRATT & WHITNEY HT HONE PARTS T1 & WHITNEY HONE WRIGHT E VICKERS DAU BELLUM $1 FOR FULLY ILLUSTRATED CATALOG 4LUAJS ST SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 92069 Magic Dragon Trainer Engine Size 25 Pre-Built Wing Span 55 in$999 3 4 ChannelsPlus shipping Lives Up Toand handling its Name__MAGIC! have SIX other models available Send New free brochure Dealer Inquiries Invited based noise level signal Silver Seven receiver specifically noted Ace RC literature being narrowband als single-conversion design would still subject im age considerations used end channels RC 12 7208 RC56 7296 aside double-balanced mixer design clean enough work well days environment nice know SOMETHING ELSE TO THINK ABOUT Transmitter tests have done too very revealing tests using very expensive HP8566A Programmable Spectrum Analy zer digital analog controlled HP9836A Desk-top computer through good offices Dan Kahn Electronic Equipment Systems Applications Specialist local HP office Ive run out space See next month George M Myers 70 Froehlich Farm Rd. Hwkiville NY 11801 BassettlRitchie Continued page 45 increasing power performance De velopment gas-powered model left Maxwell Bassett just beci nnin e Bassetts first gassies Fortunately tory Bassett numbered gas models way aids identification first built Brown 278 cu Midget pictured Victor Fritz May 1931 news paper article number B-100 followed four others numbered B-l0l through B-104 served test beds engine improsements Brown mak ing during summer 1931 No photos hase survived un doubtedly stick design ease repair modificationand wing spans around lour feet What really trying do' ex plains Bassett develop test gas model secret ready could go meets clean up against competition rubber-powered time Once Midget engine running less reliably plane began test-tix craftrieht front Bas setts house very first takeoffs ROGs right off 11th Street' says Bassett 'The plane would keep turning left would end up bushes' After few such tempts mused testing nearby vacant lot Because ol tall weeds' says Bas sett 'I hand-launch models gave us time figure out what going wrong main problem first Ilights always ended up left-hand spiral dive attempt cor rect instability kept enlarging tail surfaces increasing wing dihedral still spiral dive left time Bassett built first contestwinning gas job B-105 tail become truly outsized can seen pictures stability problem persisted Accounts its May 10 1932 flight describe large loop 50 feet air ending crash might have avoided plane gained few feet altitude Undaunted Bassett fielded another modelB-106-in competition month later June II second meet PMAAs 1932 outdoor season ship took off Model Farms clubs South Philadelphia tlying field two mtn utes 42 3/5 seconds gyrated wildly through air towards Philadelphia Navy Yard Its looping swooping tlight first gas model exceed then-current re cord minute half other-thanrubber power set year earlier Louis ville KY boys compressed-air-powered model Bassett retrieved plane nearly half-mile its launch point after wards Bulletin quoted Bill Brown ex claiming Ilight certainly worth two years work put motor rest laurels Bassett immediately set work two mod els Number B-107 another stick job B-108 ninth gas model some thing newa cabin design Bassett gave airplane name well number called Fleetwing Atlantic City 1932 National Contest set Atlantic City NJ Sep tember Doubtless two boys sights major win testing new airplanes Bassett found cabin job powered Hurleman-built engine better tlier stick model Says thought making Fleetwing stable giving low CG Actually learned much later really giving plane side area countered effect what become pretty oversize tail Competition International Wake field Cup highlight lantic City meet Wakefield rules stated models fuselage opposed stick design werent specific type power Bassett entered gas-powered cabin job Wakefield event As turned out competition tougher expected According running accounts two-day meet Gordon Light Lebanon PA put truly phenomenal rubber-powered Ilight 25 minutes 53 seconds first day covering distance eight miles meet site Atlantic Citys Bader Airport must have disallowed some reason however final published results credited him 7 mm. 57 2/5 sec. good enough nonetheless win Wakefield rophyLater win declared invalid because technicality involving fact contest postponed earlier date Bassetts best official tlight lasted 2 mm 55 sec. netting him fourth place H obby H orn Wing Span--789 W ng Area 569 Sq SENSOAR glider HOBBY HORN Esclusive HOBBY HORN Kit SENSOAR Clider kt high quality kit Machine cut sanded parts Select quality balsa spruce Detailed plans written instructions THERMAL SLOPE Ot ELECTRIC POWER VALUE PRICE0a 51600 LD I1$ThR KflO Full asia Partial Kits p & W Semi-Kits Combined sctth full atripsoood plan Nose md Wire Windooc etc Mat Notes may purchased just oem kits wjth plans-write call prices 1938 Bacewneer84-$51 1939 Clipper MIt l-72$39 1937 Dallaire Sptser109561 1941 Ranger-46- $17 1939 Mercary72956 1935 Miss Asnerica-849SH 1941 Playboy Jr54$29 1941 Ptayboy Sr9t$46 1939 Power House94-S43 1940 Saitplane-78- 974 1949 So tong59S29 1939 Trenton Terror-7T-$32 1939 Zipper14949s 1939 Ksrda Ratsefleld-44- $17 MIDWAY MODEL CD Semi-kits Csniblned se/strip 1936 Flying Quaker94$49s 1937 Quaker Flaah-67938 1937 long Cwbin79542 1937 Air Chief81-940 TRUCKU 1940 79 Span 931 Sq . 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Up $890 sdd $150$209 PP/lot Class $801 $2099 add $229A copy will sent $2901 10 $4500 add $390 free-when requested$4591 $7999 sdd $359 order over $7000 add $410 BBY HORN CA Addressees add 6% tow cahobby specialties** Send MO visa/MC#-Exp15173 Maran Street tAt Check allow up 30 3 Boa 2212 dayn check clearanceWestminster Ca 92693 COOEaact Charges 14 993-1311 EldI Cash OnlyIAIl liPS 0 995 t293 140 Model Aviation -COUPON -COUPON competition buzz Brown gas engine understandably created quite stir Charles Hampson Grant editor Universal Model Airplane News magazine especially impressed gave Bas sett gas model exceptional coverage October 1932 Nats write-up Appar ently what impressed Grant much models official time what might have contest lasted few minutes longer Dissatisfied ships performance earlier rounds Bassett decided give last try second day meet Alas just minutes after Wakefield competition officially closed time Fleetwing climbed skyward almost disap pearing view Bassett gave chase rid ing Atlantic City motorcycle police mans sidecar along PMAA adult sponsor Jesse Bieberman held stopwatch After 13 mm 5 sec air model landed marshy meadow some four miles airport Bassett Bieberman werent ones hot pursuit model Kern Dodge Philadelphias director public safety prominent member Penn sylvania Aero Club took off after Fleetwing Challenger biplane Later Dodge personally congratulated Bassett models performance estimating reached altitude nearly 3000 feet after such spectacular flight Bassetts fellow contestants regarded gas model little curiosity Bassett knew better confidently pre dicted gas models would soon eclipse rubber power resulting Nationals publicity brought Bill Brown numerous requests copies engine Hurleman shop producing limited quantity sold about 40 50 Brown Jr engines over next year Meanwhile requests plans Fleetwing came far away Ger Bassetts friend fellow PMAA member Paul Karnow drew up accurate set plans ship pub lished Philadelphia Bulletin April 1933 along construction article authored Bassett himself Miss Philadelphia Worlds Fair Max Bassett early days gas power must have filled almost constant model building stability problems sought correct still wholly solved Fleetwing design Because models relatively small quite fast under power exactly floaters glide Nearly flight ended crack-up preparing Atlantic City Nats Bassett two models some stage completion model B- 109 named Sky Devil photo exists shows same general layout earlier stick models large tail feathers short fuselages Its major difference extra-high parasol wing mountevidently attempt pen dulum stabilizing effect No flight history exists undoubtedly Bassett gained some additional experience ship B-I 10 next model off Bassetts work bench another cabin job Essentially similar successful Fleetwing de sign embodying longer fuselage some what different profile aft wing 6-ft span evenly tapered wing larger of previous planes pronounced dihedral like model B-l07 Bassett gained considerable notoriety Atlantic City flights other news papers picked up Bulletins stories about Philadelphia boy flew gasolinepowered model airplanes Just finishing up latest cabin model received mail totally unanticipated invitation Some officials up coming 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair wanted display remarkable gas models fairs exhibits Since B-I 10 realisticlooking plane yet produced natural such display Bassett took extra care finishing up giving fancy paint job scalelike landing gear usual wooden-strut type better suited actual flying Bassett says publicity-minded Vic tor Fritz suggested naming craft Miss Philadelphia Evidently hoped name would bring attention Continued page 144 September 1983 141 TOWER HOGEB CESSNA 188 AGWAGON RETAILNOOLflflfl MANY MORE NEW ITEMS INSIDE NEVER ORDERED FROM TOWER HOBBIES OUT WHAT YOUVE BEEN MISSING Tower Hobbies best place shop RC modeling needs customers enjoy best TOWER HIlLEl personalized service low discount prices Toll Free ordering fast service 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fol lowing year Miss Philadelphia already set two precendents would come routine Bassett first several models go public dis play also first whole suc cession tremendously successful designs bear hometowns name last stick model Miss Phila delphia temporarily out action Bassett needed another ship try better earlier flight times decided give stickmodel concept another try As turned out number B-I II Miss Philadelphia II named last stick job Generally proportioned about same Miss Philly performed markedly better ear lier stick models now Bassett found secret success gas power building models larger before able slow down add gliding capability also found longer fuselages contributed much flight stabil ity late fall 1932 Bassett estimated made 300 gas-powered flights Most test-flying now con ducted Wings Field airport north achieving flights long 15 minutes Wings under favorable conditions ___________ WHEN 4E SAID HE WANTED 1 MAKE MODEL AlRPLWES THOUxHT HE tAEAWT OUT OF PAPLR Model Aviation city Though best official record 2 mm. 55 sec scored Atlantic City time Max Bassett wasnt gas modeler Philadelphiajust successful closest competitor PMAAs first gas model contest Bill Brown Brown nearing ace 21 after would barred PMAA competition no Open class existed days reason also because entering College En gineering Penn State Brown never again entered gas model contest Says enough work just taking care engines PMAA members Edward Henne Franklin Reed Bassetts other gas power rivals 1932 competition models always managed stay aloft just few seconds longer 500fl dropped out picture Pushing season bit Victor Fritz scheduled first PMAA gas contest 1933 Saturday March II give Bassett other modelers early chance raising 2 mm 426 sec PMAA record set previous June weather turned out sub-freezing blustery Nevertheless Max Bassett father drove out meet site Caster Cottman Avenues Miss Philly II back seat car Other Brown Jr-powered entries meet Frank Reed Walter Hurleman Jr. showed up rather complicated pendulum-controlled model father built After four attempts Bassett managed get ship trimmed sustained flight its fifth launch Miss Philly II sailed away cheers spectators circling estimated altitude 700 feet model blew east about three-quarters mile crossing Roosevelt Boulevard hundred feet over traffic below vantage point atop hill west boulevard Bassett Fritz clocked its new record time 4 mm. 37 3/5 sec landed driveway other side Returning contest model tucked under arm Bassett applauded onlookers including Hurleman Reed neither ob tained successful flights day Total trimuph last During winter Bassett completed yet another new cabin model designated B-i 13 Con tinuing tradition begun Victor Fritz call Miss Philadelphia Ill new plane further evolvement orig inal cabin design resembled Cur tiss Robin having yet longer fuselage double-tapered aft wing fully enclosed engine streamlined hood cowl spark plug pro truded Miss Philly six-foot wing Miss Philly Ill new departure Bassett being first polyhedral double-dihedral Continued page 148 THE RETRIEVER sailplane launch -a-minute tows line shagging crossed lines delays COMPLETE READY-TO GO $25000 plus shipping September 1983 145 COMPLETE THIS FORM AND ArrACH MAILING LABEL FROM RECENT ISSUE LET US KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING move please let us know advancesix weeks required change address Attach current MA mailing label check appropriate box mall Subscrip tion Dept Model AviatIon 1810 Samuel Morse Dr Reston VA 22090 Check appropriate boxenclose payment 0 NEW SUBSCRIPTION 0 CHANGE OF ADDRESS Non-AMA subscription rates $1800 12 months US possessions elsewhere including Canada Mexico $2400 US Schools $900 US Libraries $1350 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE _____________________________________________ MODEL AVIATION 1810 SAMUEL MORSE DR RESTON VA 22090 IhindU FU CORPORATION ONE WOOD LANIMALVERNPA19355 2151 644-0692 Writ call Information Double Valuel Ideal caddy workbench setting checking wing stab incidence 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series little larger lighter slower retains honest flight characteristics its predecessors Especially recommended sportsman advanced pattern also good choice turn around pattern Plans construction hints -$995 Bassett/Ritchie Continued 1mm page 145 called rudder straight leading trailing edges tapering rounded tip Bassett left apparent gap number ing system between Miss Philly II B-I II Miss Philly Ill B-I 13 As flown March II 1933 Miss Philly LI singledihedral tapered wing rather rounded rudder shown pictures Later pictures model show rudder like Miss Philly III some show polyhedral wing well No evi dence exists Bassett ever built separate model bearing number B-I 12 Evidently considered polyhedral version Miss Philly II enough change warrant re serving number other design rate time 1933 Nationals Bassett prepared two well-tested trimmed gas models Like previous years Nats competition two-day affair outdoor events scheduled take place Roosevelt Field Long Island Tuesday June 27 Indoor events follow next day 258th Field Artillery Armory Bronx Fog drizzle greeted bulk 165 registered contestants arrived airport made famous six years fore Charles Lindbergh II oclock sky cleared meet got underway contrast multi-faceted weeklong competitions day 1933 Nats presented contestants three out door events Mulvihill Trophy Hand-Launched Stick models William B Stout Trophy named designer Ford Trimotor transport ROG Cabin fuselage models called addition third trophy being offered br first time honor the Bureau Aeronautics chief Rear Ad miral William Moffett perished crash dirigible Akron months earlier So interfere flurry rubber-powered stick-and-tissue twin push ers light fuselage tractor' models cir cling silently above main competition area Bassett Bill Brown present usual mechanic capacity took gaspowered Miss Phillys some distance down main runway prepare flight Three times afternoon Bassett poured measured once fuel models gas tanks Three times set ignition flipped prop Three times buzzing Miss Phillys took off light southeast breeze climbing steady spirals play hide-and-seek among clouds dis play spellbinding except Bassett immediately began now-familiar race keep craft sight close afternoon two Philadelphia youths knew finally accomplished goal three years fore Miss Philadelphia II won Mul vihill event time 14 mm. 55 sec sister ship Miss Philly Ill took both Stout Moffett Trophies times 22 mm 22/2 sec 28 mm. 18 sec respectivelya clean sweep Mulvihill Moffett flights scored new world records addition Bassett presented new perpetual trophy offered Texaco longest gasolineengine-powered flight National Meet Bassetts models werent gas jobs entered 1933 Nats Only day before contest Brooklyns Joe Kovel putting last touches entry KG-I designed Charlie Grant result inspiration provided Bassetts gaspowered exploits previous years Nats John Romanowsky Jersey City NJ also reported have entered gas model meet Both however failed make official flights aside Bassetts marks rest outdoor times recorded elastically-driven models reporter termed Bassetts remarkable wins brought him considerable fame After meet Miss Philly III put display downtovn Philadelphia store window along Nats trophies Stories modeling achievements appeared Model Airplane News American Boy Youth World magazines well New York Times Philadelphia papers also caused considerable commotion National Aeronautic Association NAAthen sanctioning body model competitions well full-scale events its coverage event NAAs Notional Aeronautic Magaille edi torialized 'Because gasolinepowered Bassetts ship far away ahead its competitors dent results gasoline-engined mod els must placed separate category rubber-powered models latter have fair chance entered against gasoline-powered planes' Shortly after NAA Contest Committee made sure rubber gas power would never again compete same events Philadelphias 18-year-old model airplane champion seemed notice Absorbed exploring limits gas model endurance 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1ff acwei4k Baett Ritchie 1 First Gas Model Champion Prior early 1930s gasoline-powered models practically un known two young men Philadelphia changed everything Bill Brown designed first practical model airplane engine Max Bassett showed everyone fly kind power rest history THE OPENING YEARS decade mark significant yet almost unnoticed milestone history model aviation Golden Anniversary gas power say no gas models existed before 50 years ago Indeed first gasoline-powered models recordbuilt 16-year-old named Ray Arden much later invented glow plugis said have flown early 1907 However handful other attempts gas power various individuals over next 25 years somehow failed spark imag ination large majority model air plane builders result hobby grew up virtually tied rubber power until early 1930s good things must have beginning though vast amount activity volving todays highly developed won drously powerful model airplane engines can traced back single event would have gas model contest held some 51 years ago May 10 1932 near what now Philadelphia Inter national Airport Four hopeful entrants lined up windy Saturday afternoon contest model planespowered usual twisted rubber bands real internal Twelve-year-old Max Bassett Indoor Rubber models first newspaper photo about 1923probably Philadelphia Bulletin 40 Model Aviation Max Bassett poses newspaper publicity shot first Miss Philadelphia before model shipped Chicago Worlds Fair early 1933 landing gear see intended display spark plug protrudes through cowl top removed additional realism Contestant lineup Philadelphia Model Aeroplane Assns first Gas meet May 10 1932 included L-R Edward Henne Bill Brown Maxwell Bassett Franklin Reed Bassett Brown placed one-two respective ly flights nine eight seconds Henne got 28 sec Reed failed make official flight planes powered 60 cu Brown engines designed developed over fall win ter 1931 Number B-105 Bassetts plane indicates sixth Gas model Bassett numbered Gas jobs starting B-lao Outsized tails Browns models intended correct spiral insta bility Bassett encountered early designs retrospect planes probably overpowered Brown engine combustion engines running mixture gasoline oil started engines released models takeoff snarling miniature Build Midget Gasoline Motor 2 5 p 7 -~ Cl T I2 ~ CR454C42FAO -- v sI JON ~ Lj 9219 A*242C 772 Vt AANKS1A T 4- 7 -----a Bill Brown picured Max Bassetts first gas-powered model B-i 00 powered original 278 cu Midget engine Brown designed built himself high school junior/senior photo drawing right accompanied PMAA Field Director Victor Fritz May 1931 article Philadelphia Bulletin Browns first public notice Bassett appeared local newspaper stories previously connection Rubber model exploits Inset engine pictured similar the drawing has side-discharge exhaust swung 91/2-in prop about 2500 rpm Carburetor completely surrounded underslung gas tank much like Maytag washing machine engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier cast aluminum crankcase shown drawing differs Browns original engine machined steel brazed-on mounting lugs Brown still has engine crankcase drawing appears similar made second improved version engine article said would tested week later Brown says ultimately unsuccessful Bassetts model picture has about 4-if span tail surlaces conventional proportions comparison some later models Four other ships numbered B-101 through B-104 never photographed separated model won PMAAs first Gas contest year later planes rose ground nosed air ashed dust settled everyone picked up pieces winner announced Maxwell B Bassett lanky tousle-headed youth 16 achieved best flight day last ing nine seconds Close behind eight-second flight 20-year-old named William L Brown local newspapers credited having designed remarkable little gas engines humble beginningvirtually unnoticed outside Philadelphiasprang worldwide revolution aircratt modeling little year names Bill Brown especially Max Bassett would become synonymous incredibly popular new phenomenon gas models What follows story two young Philadelphians sparked weeping changes ever model avi ation history emMax Bassettwent become successful modeler timeperhaps time Two boys dream no accident Max Bassett Bill Brown placed onetwo model aviations first true gas power contest considerable amount developmentto say nothing friendshippre ceded efforts day Quite probably neither would have achieved alone what two did together Since grade-school days Bill Brown Buddy Bassett known close friends neighborhood chums Philadelphias Oak Lane section As Bassett recalls earliest encounters volved gasoline engine about 10 II years old Bassett tried build son-of go-kart wagon powered two-cycle gasoline en gine salvaged Maytag washing ma chine connected motor directly September 1983 41 wagons drive wheels V-belt since no proper clutch' quite bit trouble getting cart operate intended Brown enjoyed tinkering chanical things saw problem offered help Together boys devised sprock et drive allowed engine discon nected rear wheels starting stopping right about time Charles Lindbergh made historic transatlantic tlieht Ne York Paris its wake whole country went aviation-crazy Model airplane clubs sprang up cities over country youth America joined droves 1929 group small clubs Philadelphia area con solidated under banner Philadel phia Model Aeroplane Association PMAA PMAA sponsored jointly citx s Playgrounds Association Pennsylvania Aero Club Philadel plihi Bullerio covered news clubs events Saturday editions Both Brown Bassett among Philadelphia youngsters building hying rubber-powered models time two joined PMAA Bassett already displaying flair competition havine recorded number wins city wide meetsboth indoor outdoor Bassett dissatisfied short flights afforded rubber power however first tried remedy building 'piggyback' modela single 'pusher' canard-type model superimposed twinpusher motor frame As long twinpusher motors tightly wound ten sion held whole assembly together twin props unwound rub ber motor tension relaxed lower frame work would drop awax allowing single prop take over extend models tlight Bassett says idea success won several contests until officials altered rules bar anythine dropping off models llieht first time no means last Bassett model would bring about change contest rules inevitable result Bassetts quest longer hlights Browns love chanical experimentation two Oak Lane boys soon began discuss possibilities model plane powered gasoline engine Says Bassett Since no such engine available decided wed have build ourselves' Bill Browns first engine September 1930 began work idea Dividing efforts Brown concentrated pro ducing engine fathers home work shop equipped small lathe few other machine tools Bassett began design build airframe 42 Model Aviation Bassetts seventh Gassie B-106 timed 2426 second PMAA outdoor meet 1932 held June 11 flight exceeded official Junior NAA National Record minute half other rubber power extra-large tail persists design wing originally mounted directly top fuselage rails Bassetts earliest ships now supported low wooden mounts Newspaper accounts flight indicate instability under power still problem model wingspan 4 ft overall length 2 ft 10 powered very early 60 cu engines hand-built Bill Brown Three Bassetts early gas-powered models top left 8-107 eighth Gassie Like earlier stick-fuselage designs has very short fuselage much tail area Tapered wing appears about 51 6 ft span mounted wire parasol cagea little higher wooden supports 8-106 Other photos suggest Bassett may have used wing cabin model some flights Atlantic City Nats top right Fleetwing B-i 08 fore ground new planeB-i 10the first Miss Philadelphia others name follow Bassett Fleetwing field Atlantic Citys Bader Air port during 1932 Nats Next him Philadelphias director public safety Kern Dodge chased model own biplane during unofficial flight 13 minutes 5 seconds Gordon Light first-place finisher Wakefield event win later nullified technicality pic likely taken after 13-mm flight model appears somewhat worse wear Bassett looks hed just told effort nought wing probably his-107 model Cylindrical object lashed landing gear strut ignition coil perhaps battery rudder covered side onlya carryover froin rubber-powered modeling practice day Numerous obstacles stood way achieving engine would simply run let alone light powerful enough fly model Brown made dozen piston cylinder assemblies before coming up would produce decent compression spark plug ignition coil par ticularly difficult problems Recalls Bassett Bills first operable spark plug made out nail nut stack mica washers insulator After few runs would become soaked oil hed have make another boys needed lightweight inductiontype coil cause spark jump across points crude early plugs made 20 coils hand before getting worked coil required thou sands turns fine enameled wire interlayered waxed paper over iron core After months experimentation little engine ready last mounting test-running Bassetts plane 11/16-in bore -in stroke displaced 278 cubic inches weighed hefty 14 ounces complete coil condenser fuel tank batteries 9/-in prop Bassett carved engine balky hard start Though getting such tiny engine run seemed miraculous achievement its performance exactly spectacular flywheel would turn up about 6500 rpm less half possible prop boys interesting method measuring rpm Wed start engine says Bassett take house right living room next piano wed start hitting piano keys till found matched pitch en gine simple calculation convert frequency piano note engine rpm spring 1931 Victor R Fritz industrial arts teacher Olney High School also field director PMAA heard boys experiments asked see model Fritz wrote newspaper articles PMAA activities Memorial Day 1931 article authored appeared Philadelphia Bul letin complete photo Brown Bassetts airplane construction plans Midget engine According Bassett Fritz article perhaps bit premature Indeed stated little engine amazed spec tators its first public demonstration con tains no actual reference models flight Compared way later articles described Browns Bassetts activities its probably fair conclude running demonstration engine newspaper mentioned however Brown would attempt fly improved version engine week later Among read story middle-aged man named Walter Hurleman ran ma chine shop far boys neighbor hood Hurleman always interested small engines As younger man gained some experiences hopping up September 1983 43 photo record Bassetts 10th Gas model Sky Devil B-log wing very high its wire mount ship probably flew no better earlier stick jobs un successfully souaht overcome instability problems overgrown tail short-coupled fuselage Snapshot 1933 Miss Philadelphia shows flying trim though probably wasnt flown much until after being returned Worlds Fair year later Plane weighed 2 lb 15 oz Paint scheme silver orange model Bassett set first record 6072 under NAAs fuel allotment rules 1/4 oz per pound model weight Newark NJ May 19 1934 outdid Joe Kovels KG process record flight used 6-ft wing polyhedral instead original V-dihedral wing shown picture extraordinary snot ot Miss Pfliiadelpflla Ill shows B-113 wing name rudder other details quite clearly shot probably intended publicity use Gulf Oil Corp later published picture Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV its corporate magazine outboard motors racing Curious see tiny engine Browns operation drove out PMAAs flying field next Saturday son Walter Jr According Walter Hurleman Jr demonstration father witnessed consisted handful people stood around Brown Bassett tried start engine As Hurleman remembers engine looked like attempt miniaturize washing machine motor worked quite says never got running long enough fly plane would pop pop Brown engine looks anything like washing machine motor first Midget engine Both Maytag engine Brown Bassett tinkered several years earlier underslung gas tanks carburetor drawing right through tank Brown says other engines also influenced design Midget including outboard father bought summer use Jersey shore type bicycle motor both Bassett used youngsters Brown Junior engine Meanwhile Bill Brown continued work engine idea time Victor Fritz first article ap peared spring 1931 Midget motors reliability improved greatly replaced original mica insulators spark plugs real ceramic insulators ob tained Isolantite company manu facturer full-size spark plug insulators other ceramic products norther New Jer sey motors output wasnt strong enough lift Bassetts first gas model few feet off ground second engine design slightly larger displacement attemptedthis time recent 1978 photo Max Bassett brought Out some relics past examina tion plane original Cardinal engine Brown Jr No A17used Bassett planes help Browns father William L Sr engineer profession accomplished craftsman own right Unfortunately several prototypes resulting father/son collaboration successful late summer 1931 Bill Brown still high school senior roughed-out paper configuration yet third engine new design did away performance-limiting crankcase poppet valve induction original Midget en gine Instead employed lighter simpler efficient 'four-port' system admission fresh gas/air mixture 44 Model Aviation Photo published Philadelphia Bulletin after Bassett swept 1933 Nationals shows him Miss Philadelphia II B1l1which won Mulvihill eventand new cabin job Miss Philadelphia Ill B-il 3which won Moftett Stout Texaco Trophies Inset picture Bill Brown / Bassett may have flown Miss Philadelphia II 1933 Nets wHin polyhedral wing version model suggests possible reason gap B-numbers between original Miss Philadelphia II B-ill Miss Philadelphia Ill B-113 Pic Philadelphia Inquirer June 30 1933 Above Bill Brown standing Max Bassett Miss Philadelphia IV picture taken outside Jack Byrnes hangar Camden Cen tral Airport prior 234-hr record attempt controlled passage piston skirt over intake ports drilled rear cylinder 7/x-in bore I-in stroke displaced 60 cu establishing standard survives day good ignition hookup fresh batteries properly-mixed fuel started ran much greater reliability power original Midget ever displayed turning 14-in prop 4000-5000 rpm gener ating up three pounds thrust Brown laboriously hand-built about eight 10 engines four ap peared first PMAA gas model contest May 10 1932 about time Walter Hurleman con tacted Browns offer Hurleman wanted young Bill Brown grad uated Frankford High School Feb ruary 1932 work machine shop during coming summer Instead pay could ill afford dark De pression days Hurleman offered Brown facilities shop continue developing engine idea Brown must have jumped chance Says Walter Hurleman highlyskilled machinist tool die maker first commercial shop ever worked eager learn anything could old master Hurlemans shop available machines processes far beyond scope fathers home workshop put good use refining design engine putting higher level produc tion Evidently production precisely what Hurleman mind because almost im mediately began develop sophisticated tooling own mass-produce en gine Along way added some re finements basic design Bill Browns hand-built engines employed pistons heavy rings leaked compression some degree exacted friction penalty worked up down cylinder engines also used 1/16-in-dia shear pin secure propeller drive washer crankshaft According Brown Walter Hurle man originated ringless hard steel lapped piston produced superior compression ran much better earlier engines became standard prac tice model engine construction long time afterwards refinement positive propeller hub hex drive incor porated new Brown Junior engines Hurleman shop began turning out early mid-summer 1932 work manship Hurleman-built engines excellent according Brown adds running pleased us very much time rated con servatively 1/5 hpa five-fold increase over Browns original Midget time development Brown Jr engine essentially complete Further changes though over years aimed easing production Continued page 140 balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control SUrfaces hinged HalIco landing gear 5132 nose gear strut Fitted hardware included Fire Fox Ultimate Sport Flying Engine Size 40 Wing Span 52 4 Channels Pre-Built $12495 Pius shipping handling balsa construction Ready fine sand cover Control surfaces hinged Has bolt-onwing HalIco landing gear ABS wheel pants mounted axels installed Fitted canopy Instruction booklet hardware included Designers Builders Fine PRE-BUIL T R/C Models Order Todayl Send check MO also accept Master Card VisaModels shipped 350 PSI carten via UPS Shipping handling $850 Fl residents add 5% sales tax AEROTECH RIC 3850 US Hwy 19 No. Palm Harbor FL 33563 938-3266 September 1983 45 WILLIAMS CCESSORIES BROTHERS 4 PILOTS STANDARD TSMAN RACING TARY WHEELS AGE TH CONTOUR BALLOON EN AGE 4 ENGINES PRATT & WHITNEY HT HONE PARTS T1 & WHITNEY HONE WRIGHT E VICKERS DAU BELLUM $1 FOR FULLY ILLUSTRATED CATALOG 4LUAJS ST SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA 92069 Magic Dragon Trainer Engine Size 25 Pre-Built Wing Span 55 in$999 3 4 ChannelsPlus shipping Lives Up Toand handling its Name__MAGIC! have SIX other models available Send New free brochure Dealer Inquiries Invited based noise level signal Silver Seven receiver specifically noted Ace RC literature being narrowband als single-conversion design would still subject im age considerations used end channels RC 12 7208 RC56 7296 aside double-balanced mixer design clean enough work well days environment nice know SOMETHING ELSE TO THINK ABOUT Transmitter tests have done too very revealing tests using very expensive HP8566A Programmable Spectrum Analy zer digital analog controlled HP9836A Desk-top computer through good offices Dan Kahn Electronic Equipment Systems Applications Specialist local HP office Ive run out space See next month George M Myers 70 Froehlich Farm Rd. Hwkiville NY 11801 BassettlRitchie Continued page 45 increasing power performance De velopment gas-powered model left Maxwell Bassett just beci nnin e Bassetts first gassies Fortunately tory Bassett numbered gas models way aids identification first built Brown 278 cu Midget pictured Victor Fritz May 1931 news paper article number B-100 followed four others numbered B-l0l through B-104 served test beds engine improsements Brown mak ing during summer 1931 No photos hase survived un doubtedly stick design ease repair modificationand wing spans around lour feet What really trying do' ex plains Bassett develop test gas model secret ready could go meets clean up against competition rubber-powered time Once Midget engine running less reliably plane began test-tix craftrieht front Bas setts house very first takeoffs ROGs right off 11th Street' says Bassett 'The plane would keep turning left would end up bushes' After few such tempts mused testing nearby vacant lot Because ol tall weeds' says Bas sett 'I hand-launch models gave us time figure out what going wrong main problem first Ilights always ended up left-hand spiral dive attempt cor rect instability kept enlarging tail surfaces increasing wing dihedral still spiral dive left time Bassett built first contestwinning gas job B-105 tail become truly outsized can seen pictures stability problem persisted Accounts its May 10 1932 flight describe large loop 50 feet air ending crash might have avoided plane gained few feet altitude Undaunted Bassett fielded another modelB-106-in competition month later June II second meet PMAAs 1932 outdoor season ship took off Model Farms clubs South Philadelphia tlying field two mtn utes 42 3/5 seconds gyrated wildly through air towards Philadelphia Navy Yard Its looping swooping tlight first gas model exceed then-current re cord minute half other-thanrubber power set year earlier Louis ville KY boys compressed-air-powered model Bassett retrieved plane nearly half-mile its launch point after wards Bulletin quoted Bill Brown ex claiming Ilight certainly worth two years work put motor rest laurels Bassett immediately set work two mod els Number B-107 another stick job B-108 ninth gas model some thing newa cabin design Bassett gave airplane name well number called Fleetwing Atlantic City 1932 National Contest set Atlantic City NJ Sep tember Doubtless two boys sights major win testing new airplanes Bassett found cabin job powered Hurleman-built engine better tlier stick model Says thought making Fleetwing stable giving low CG Actually learned much later really giving plane side area countered effect what become pretty oversize tail Competition International Wake field Cup highlight lantic City meet Wakefield rules stated models fuselage opposed stick design werent specific type power Bassett entered gas-powered cabin job Wakefield event As turned out competition tougher expected According running accounts two-day meet Gordon Light Lebanon PA put truly phenomenal rubber-powered Ilight 25 minutes 53 seconds first day covering distance eight miles meet site Atlantic Citys Bader Airport must have disallowed some reason however final published results credited him 7 mm. 57 2/5 sec. good enough nonetheless win Wakefield rophyLater win declared invalid because technicality involving fact contest postponed earlier date Bassetts best official tlight lasted 2 mm 55 sec. netting him fourth place H obby H orn Wing Span--789 W ng Area 569 Sq SENSOAR glider HOBBY HORN Esclusive HOBBY HORN Kit SENSOAR Clider kt high quality kit Machine cut sanded parts Select quality balsa spruce Detailed plans written instructions THERMAL SLOPE Ot ELECTRIC POWER VALUE PRICE0a 51600 LD I1$ThR KflO Full asia Partial Kits p & W Semi-Kits Combined sctth full atripsoood plan Nose md Wire Windooc etc Mat Notes may purchased just oem kits wjth plans-write call prices 1938 Bacewneer84-$51 1939 Clipper MIt l-72$39 1937 Dallaire Sptser109561 1941 Ranger-46- $17 1939 Mercary72956 1935 Miss Asnerica-849SH 1941 Playboy Jr54$29 1941 Ptayboy Sr9t$46 1939 Power House94-S43 1940 Saitplane-78- 974 1949 So tong59S29 1939 Trenton Terror-7T-$32 1939 Zipper14949s 1939 Ksrda Ratsefleld-44- $17 MIDWAY MODEL CD Semi-kits Csniblned se/strip 1936 Flying Quaker94$49s 1937 Quaker Flaah-67938 1937 long Cwbin79542 1937 Air Chief81-940 TRUCKU 1940 79 Span 931 Sq . 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Up $890 sdd $150$209 PP/lot Class $801 $2099 add $229A copy will sent $2901 10 $4500 add $390 free-when requested$4591 $7999 sdd $359 order over $7000 add $410 BBY HORN CA Addressees add 6% tow cahobby specialties** Send MO visa/MC#-Exp15173 Maran Street tAt Check allow up 30 3 Boa 2212 dayn check clearanceWestminster Ca 92693 COOEaact Charges 14 993-1311 EldI Cash OnlyIAIl liPS 0 995 t293 140 Model Aviation -COUPON -COUPON competition buzz Brown gas engine understandably created quite stir Charles Hampson Grant editor Universal Model Airplane News magazine especially impressed gave Bas sett gas model exceptional coverage October 1932 Nats write-up Appar ently what impressed Grant much models official time what might have contest lasted few minutes longer Dissatisfied ships performance earlier rounds Bassett decided give last try second day meet Alas just minutes after Wakefield competition officially closed time Fleetwing climbed skyward almost disap pearing view Bassett gave chase rid ing Atlantic City motorcycle police mans sidecar along PMAA adult sponsor Jesse Bieberman held stopwatch After 13 mm 5 sec air model landed marshy meadow some four miles airport Bassett Bieberman werent ones hot pursuit model Kern Dodge Philadelphias director public safety prominent member Penn sylvania Aero Club took off after Fleetwing Challenger biplane Later Dodge personally congratulated Bassett models performance estimating reached altitude nearly 3000 feet after such spectacular flight Bassetts fellow contestants regarded gas model little curiosity Bassett knew better confidently pre dicted gas models would soon eclipse rubber power resulting Nationals publicity brought Bill Brown numerous requests copies engine Hurleman shop producing limited quantity sold about 40 50 Brown Jr engines over next year Meanwhile requests plans Fleetwing came far away Ger Bassetts friend fellow PMAA member Paul Karnow drew up accurate set plans ship pub lished Philadelphia Bulletin April 1933 along construction article authored Bassett himself Miss Philadelphia Worlds Fair Max Bassett early days gas power must have filled almost constant model building stability problems sought correct still wholly solved Fleetwing design Because models relatively small quite fast under power exactly floaters glide Nearly flight ended crack-up preparing Atlantic City Nats Bassett two models some stage completion model B- 109 named Sky Devil photo exists shows same general layout earlier stick models large tail feathers short fuselages Its major difference extra-high parasol wing mountevidently attempt pen dulum stabilizing effect No flight history exists undoubtedly Bassett gained some additional experience ship B-I 10 next model off Bassetts work bench another cabin job Essentially similar successful Fleetwing de sign embodying longer fuselage some what different profile aft wing 6-ft span evenly tapered wing larger of previous planes pronounced dihedral like model B-l07 Bassett gained considerable notoriety Atlantic City flights other news papers picked up Bulletins stories about Philadelphia boy flew gasolinepowered model airplanes Just finishing up latest cabin model received mail totally unanticipated invitation Some officials up coming 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair wanted display remarkable gas models fairs exhibits Since B-I 10 realisticlooking plane yet produced natural such display Bassett took extra care finishing up giving fancy paint job scalelike landing gear usual wooden-strut type better suited actual flying Bassett says publicity-minded Vic tor Fritz suggested naming craft Miss Philadelphia Evidently hoped name would bring attention Continued page 144 September 1983 141 TOWER HOGEB CESSNA 188 AGWAGON RETAILNOOLflflfl MANY MORE NEW ITEMS INSIDE NEVER ORDERED FROM TOWER HOBBIES OUT WHAT YOUVE BEEN MISSING Tower Hobbies best place shop RC modeling needs customers enjoy best TOWER HIlLEl personalized service low discount prices Toll Free ordering fast service giant product selection inventory back up regular free issues Tower Talk value-packed private label products available Tower plus much much Give us try today find out what youve missing receive sample what youve missing CALL TOWER HOBBIES TOLL FREE OR MAIL coupon today FREE copy Tower Talk 32 40 page publication gives up-to-date information new products well hundreds low low priced products shown ads really want save money cant afford Tower Talk Please note reg ular Tower customers already receive Tower Talks automatically Mail to Tower Hobbies Dept AMA PO Box 778 Champaign IL 61820 Name________________________________________________________[v33][b21581411153412130]] TOWER HOBBIES P0 82 728 Ch,pg Itbn682O2398366 TOLL FREE CO,M,UIUSAV,guII,d& PgtRt 600632-6050 800-6378200II, 000-252-1213CityStateZip city AMA founder I-lW John Al den would later call worlds ac tive model airplane matters PMAA well Bassett flew new model time two before shipping off Chicago would fly competition until fol lowing year Miss Philadelphia already set two precendents would come routine Bassett first several models go public dis play also first whole suc cession tremendously successful designs bear hometowns name last stick model Miss Phila delphia temporarily out action Bassett needed another ship try better earlier flight times decided give stickmodel concept another try As turned out number B-I II Miss Philadelphia II named last stick job Generally proportioned about same Miss Philly performed markedly better ear lier stick models now Bassett found secret success gas power building models larger before able slow down add gliding capability also found longer fuselages contributed much flight stabil ity late fall 1932 Bassett estimated made 300 gas-powered flights Most test-flying now con ducted Wings Field airport north achieving flights long 15 minutes Wings under favorable conditions ___________ WHEN 4E SAID HE WANTED 1 MAKE MODEL AlRPLWES THOUxHT HE tAEAWT OUT OF PAPLR Model Aviation city Though best official record 2 mm. 55 sec scored Atlantic City time Max Bassett wasnt gas modeler Philadelphiajust successful closest competitor PMAAs first gas model contest Bill Brown Brown nearing ace 21 after would barred PMAA competition no Open class existed days reason also because entering College En gineering Penn State Brown never again entered gas model contest Says enough work just taking care engines PMAA members Edward Henne Franklin Reed Bassetts other gas power rivals 1932 competition models always managed stay aloft just few seconds longer 500fl dropped out picture Pushing season bit Victor Fritz scheduled first PMAA gas contest 1933 Saturday March II give Bassett other modelers early chance raising 2 mm 426 sec PMAA record set previous June weather turned out sub-freezing blustery Nevertheless Max Bassett father drove out meet site Caster Cottman Avenues Miss Philly II back seat car Other Brown Jr-powered entries meet Frank Reed Walter Hurleman Jr. showed up rather complicated pendulum-controlled model father built After four attempts Bassett managed get ship trimmed sustained flight its fifth launch Miss Philly II sailed away cheers spectators circling estimated altitude 700 feet model blew east about three-quarters mile crossing Roosevelt Boulevard hundred feet over traffic below vantage point atop hill west boulevard Bassett Fritz clocked its new record time 4 mm. 37 3/5 sec landed driveway other side Returning contest model tucked under arm Bassett applauded onlookers including Hurleman Reed neither ob tained successful flights day Total trimuph last During winter Bassett completed yet another new cabin model designated B-i 13 Con tinuing tradition begun Victor Fritz call Miss Philadelphia Ill new plane further evolvement orig inal cabin design resembled Cur tiss Robin having yet longer fuselage double-tapered aft wing fully enclosed engine streamlined hood cowl spark plug pro truded Miss Philly six-foot wing Miss Philly Ill new departure Bassett being first polyhedral double-dihedral Continued page 148 THE RETRIEVER sailplane launch -a-minute tows line shagging crossed lines delays COMPLETE READY-TO GO $25000 plus shipping September 1983 145 COMPLETE THIS FORM AND ArrACH MAILING LABEL FROM RECENT ISSUE LET US KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING move please let us know advancesix weeks required change address Attach current MA mailing label check appropriate box mall Subscrip tion Dept Model AviatIon 1810 Samuel Morse Dr Reston VA 22090 Check appropriate boxenclose payment 0 NEW SUBSCRIPTION 0 CHANGE OF ADDRESS Non-AMA subscription rates $1800 12 months US possessions elsewhere including Canada Mexico $2400 US Schools $900 US Libraries $1350 NAME ADDRESS CITY/STATE _____________________________________________ MODEL AVIATION 1810 SAMUEL MORSE DR RESTON VA 22090 IhindU FU CORPORATION ONE WOOD LANIMALVERNPA19355 2151 644-0692 Writ call Information Double Valuel Ideal caddy workbench setting checking wing stab incidence 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series little larger lighter slower retains honest flight characteristics its predecessors Especially recommended sportsman advanced pattern also good choice turn around pattern Plans construction hints -$995 Bassett/Ritchie Continued 1mm page 145 called rudder straight leading trailing edges tapering rounded tip Bassett left apparent gap number ing system between Miss Philly II B-I II Miss Philly Ill B-I 13 As flown March II 1933 Miss Philly LI singledihedral tapered wing rather rounded rudder shown pictures Later pictures model show rudder like Miss Philly III some show polyhedral wing well No evi dence exists Bassett ever built separate model bearing number B-I 12 Evidently considered polyhedral version Miss Philly II enough change warrant re serving number other design rate time 1933 Nationals Bassett prepared two well-tested trimmed gas models Like previous years Nats competition two-day affair outdoor events scheduled take place Roosevelt Field Long Island Tuesday June 27 Indoor events follow next day 258th Field Artillery Armory Bronx Fog drizzle greeted bulk 165 registered contestants arrived airport made famous six years fore Charles Lindbergh II oclock sky cleared meet got underway contrast multi-faceted weeklong competitions day 1933 Nats presented contestants three out door events Mulvihill Trophy Hand-Launched Stick models William B Stout Trophy named designer Ford Trimotor transport ROG Cabin fuselage models called addition third trophy being offered br first time honor the Bureau Aeronautics chief Rear Ad miral William Moffett perished crash dirigible Akron months earlier So interfere flurry rubber-powered stick-and-tissue twin push ers light fuselage tractor' models cir cling silently above main competition area Bassett Bill Brown present usual mechanic capacity took gaspowered Miss Phillys some distance down main runway prepare flight Three times afternoon Bassett poured measured once fuel models gas tanks Three times set ignition flipped prop Three times buzzing Miss Phillys took off light southeast breeze climbing steady spirals play hide-and-seek among clouds dis play spellbinding except Bassett immediately began now-familiar race keep craft sight close afternoon two Philadelphia youths knew finally accomplished goal three years fore Miss Philadelphia II won Mul vihill event time 14 mm. 55 sec sister ship Miss Philly Ill took both Stout Moffett Trophies times 22 mm 22/2 sec 28 mm. 18 sec respectivelya clean sweep Mulvihill Moffett flights scored new world records addition Bassett presented new perpetual trophy offered Texaco longest gasolineengine-powered flight National Meet Bassetts models werent gas jobs entered 1933 Nats Only day before contest Brooklyns Joe Kovel putting last touches entry KG-I designed Charlie Grant result inspiration provided Bassetts gaspowered exploits previous years Nats John Romanowsky Jersey City NJ also reported have entered gas model meet Both however failed make official flights aside Bassetts marks rest outdoor times recorded elastically-driven models reporter termed Bassetts remarkable wins brought him considerable fame After meet Miss Philly III put display downtovn Philadelphia store window along Nats trophies Stories modeling achievements appeared Model Airplane News American Boy Youth World magazines well New York Times Philadelphia papers also caused considerable commotion National Aeronautic Association NAAthen sanctioning body model competitions well full-scale events its coverage event NAAs Notional Aeronautic Magaille edi torialized 'Because gasolinepowered Bassetts ship far away ahead its competitors dent results gasoline-engined mod els must placed separate category rubber-powered models latter have fair chance entered against gasoline-powered planes' Shortly after NAA Contest Committee made sure rubber gas power would never again compete same events Philadelphias 18-year-old model airplane champion seemed notice Absorbed exploring limits gas model endurance 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