Modeling Spoken Here
Bob Hunt Aeromodeling Editor
I find it interesting that most modelers (myself included) put simulated canopies and other scale-like details on even non-scale models. Why do we do that? Could it be that we see our models as designs that could have been, or might someday be, full-scale airplanes?
There is no way around the fact that most model-airplane builders and fliers have an infatuation with full-scale airplanes. All of the data and demographics available to us strongly indicate that scale subjects are favorites across the board among model-airplane enthusiasts.
This is true even of those who don't build or fly competition scale models, or even sport-scale models. It is true for radio control (RC) enthusiasts as well as for control line and free flight modelers. Everyone seems to like models that look like, or at least have some design elements of, full-scale airplanes.
Special theme issue: Scale construction and coverage
We try as often as possible to present scale construction features, reviews of scale model kits and almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) models, and even occasional how-to articles about scale detailing or methods of flying in a more scale-like manner. It seemed natural to put a number of these articles together in one special theme issue, and that's what we've done this month.
We needed a "State of the Sport" article to tie all of this together—something about where scale modeling began, where it is now, and where it appears to be heading. To write a piece of such scope required that we find an author with roots in the past, an understanding of the present, and a vision for scale modeling's future. Mark Frankel instantly came to mind.
Mark's reverence for, and involvement in, the RC scale event is well known, and his scale designs have been successful and popular. He is a student of the event, but he is also a fan of those who brought it to the prominence it enjoys today. Although many have contributed to the progress of the RC scale event, Mark identifies three individuals whom he believes have made the most significant contributions at key points in time to bring the RC scale event to its current level of technical achievement.
By reading this "State of the Sport in Radio Control Scale" piece, you will get a feeling for the problems that the pioneers in this event faced and solved. You will also gain an understanding of what is required for you to begin flying RC scale models for fun or competition.
Construction: Jim Ryan's F4F Wildcat
No scale theme issue would be complete without a construction article for a scale RC model. We decided to present one of Jim Ryan's very popular World War II electric scale subjects. This time it's his F4F Wildcat. Although it's really a sport-scale model, Jim's little aircraft looks authentic in the air and offers some interesting construction techniques that can easily be adapted to larger scale subjects. I must admit that the fact my father worked as an engineer on the Eastern Aircraft license-built FM-2 version of this airplane did influence this choice!
I've had the pleasure of watching many of Jim's electric scale designs fly at the annual NEAT (Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology) Fair, and I can only say that they appear to be stable, fast, and aerobatic models. I've wanted to build one of Jim's little jewels, and now I have the perfect excuse. Of course mine will be painted up as an FM-2!
Flying with realism
One of the most often overlooked aspects of RC scale modeling is the actual flight profile of a given model. Flying in a prototypical manner is not as easy as it may seem, but there are some rules that you can follow that will enhance the scale effect. Ralph Grose gives us some rules and techniques for doing this in his article "Flying With Realism." This is good reading for all RC pilots, no matter what type of model they are flying.
US Scale Masters and contest coverage
The annual US Scale Masters competition gives those who attend a chance to see the best RC scale models in action. At this meet there is always a wide variety of types of scale models. Faithful miniature replicas of World War I biplanes to detailed model renditions of the latest military jets, and everything in between can be seen. At a contest of this magnitude you can really get a feel for the effort and dedication that is required to be successful in competition with a scale model.
Our own Mark Lantmann attended last year's US Scale Masters event and came away with some interesting impressions. We've included his coverage of this prestigious meet in this issue as well.
If you have an interest in RC scale modeling and want to really see what is required to begin competing in this popular event, make plans to attend one of the large scale contests and see for yourself why this type of modeling has continued to grow in popularity and where you can best begin to participate.
AMA museum: "Spinning Tops to Whirling Props"
We are rounding out this special issue with a report on the AMA museum's new Wright brothers exhibit "Spinning Tops to Whirling Props." AMA Publications Department staffers Liz Helms and Sarah Greiner prepared a report on the efforts of Education Coordinator Jack Frost and Museum Curator Michael Smith, who have been feverishly working on this interactive exhibit for the past few months.
The fruit of Jack and Michael's labor is an extremely professional and profoundly interesting and informative presentation that allows museum visitors to get a better idea of how the first flight was achieved from the pilot's perspective. The exhibit will be on display for the next two years, so please try to visit the AMA museum and enjoy it. And don't forget to thank Michael and Jack for putting it together!
Final thoughts
We hope you enjoy this special scale theme issue and that you will gain a deeper appreciation for the skills and dedication required to produce a successful miniature, flying replica of a full-scale craft. We also hope that we have answered some of your questions about how to get involved in this fascinating aspect of our hobby/sport.
There is more, I think, than just a bit of Walter Mitty in our makeup as modelers. I think most of us at some point envision ourselves looking out over the hood of our model creations with one hand on the control stick, one on the throttle, and our feet on the rudder pedals. And there is little or no restriction to the type of scale model airplane you can build with which to take this virtual mental journey.
Contact
- Phone: (610) 614-1747
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Mail: Box 68, Stockertown PA 18083
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
