Modeling Spoken Here
By Bob Hunt, Aeromodeling Editor
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) membership records indicate that there is a significant turnover in membership each year. I've been told the number is as high as 25%.
There are, of course, many reasons for this; one of them is probably the inability of someone new to our hobby/sport to get relevant information and help when it is critically needed.
Clubs do their part when the newcomer makes the connection with them. Most hobby shops will steer newcomers to clubs, and so does the AMA when asked by a new member for the club nearest to his or her area.
Still, some newcomers slip through the cracks, have poor first-time building or flying experiences—usually because they tried it on their own, with no help—and become disillusioned and quit.
There is a need for more and better ways of getting help to those who need it. I wish I had some concrete answers for you about how we should go about doing this, but I don't. The best I can offer for Model Aviation is to help as much as possible, in any way possible.
One thing we can do is publish more articles and columns that are dedicated to the newcomer, and I'll make a vow now to do that on a more regular basis in MA.
In the past, Model Aviation has featured several "Newcomer" issues. These have been published periodically. You are now reading the Newcomer issue for this year.
Notice I'm not using the term "Beginner" here. Many times, a modeler who is experienced at one form of building or flying might like to try something completely different. They are not beginners, but they are newcomers to a different modeling discipline.
So we are really talking about two types of newcomer.
Whether the modeler in question is a newcomer to the sport in general or simply new to a certain type of model or flying, the result is the same: he/she needs information and help to get going successfully!
Obviously we can't address every type of model building or flying in one newcomer issue. We did let our columnists know that if they have some helpful thoughts for those starting out in their interest area, this issue, in particular, is a good place to present some of that information.
I think you'll find that most of them took that subtle nudge seriously, and have responded with an abundance of useful tips, hints, and suggestions that will help get you on the right path to success.
Feature articles in this issue
As far as the feature articles for this issue, I think we have an interesting, even eclectic, mix. Let's take a look at each one.
Sailplanes have long been favorites of modeling newcomers. The smaller Two-Meter versions are usually easy to build and operate, and they fly slow enough to give you time to think—a real plus when learning.
Early on in my own Radio Control (RC) modeling life, I built and flew Two-Meter sailplanes. I firmly believe that they improved my piloting skills overall, because they taught me how to fly on the "wing"—not just rely on the power to pull me out of trouble.
David Garwood is an expert on most everything that sails or soars on a wing, and we asked him to prepare an article entitled "Introduction to Thermal Soaring."
Dave's piece really covers the spectrum of this activity, with sections devoted to selecting an introductory RC sailplane, basic radio selection, flying the sailplane, launching with a hi-start, and landing the sailplane.
He also includes a comprehensive section on further learning, an insightful sidebar on thermal-finding tips, and an extremely helpful sidebar on resources.
In that last sidebar, Dave lists the E-mail addresses for all of the manufacturers mentioned in the article and the E-mail addresses for virtually all of the sailplane/soaring organizations.
You can go see and buy the latest modeling goodies at conventions where you can gather information of all types about modeling.
AMA Convention and educational focus
AMA Convention 2001 is no exception to this trend; in fact, it's becoming a leader in stressing these informational and educational aspects. For our newcomers, the key word is educational.
I was asked to write about the Convention for a couple of reasons. I'd never been to this particular show—which used to be called the International Modeler Show—or to California, for that matter!
Instead of concentrating on the commercial aspects of the show, I decided to highlight the educational parts—and there were many. I won't use this space to tell you about what I wrote there; I'll just suggest that you take a look at it during the course of reading this magazine.
While I was in California (and, by the way, I loved it!), I was invited by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Keith Trostle, to stay at his home and attend Bob Palmer's 83rd birthday party.
You newcomers may have never heard of Mr. Palmer, but I'll bet most of you long-timers have.
Bob is an icon in the Control Line (CL) stunt event. He designed a number of famous models, including the Smoothie and the Thunderbird. Bob also traveled around the globe as a modeling ambassador in the 1950s, demonstrating and promoting our sport.
A Model Aviation Hall of Fame member, Bob's a true legend and he's still designing and flying outstanding models.
My thanks go out to Keith and the members of the Knights of the Round Table CL club for inviting me to such a special and joyous occasion.
Control Line (CL) introduction
While I'm on the subject of CL, let me tell you a bit about another great "introduction" article in this issue.
Longtime CL guru and Model Aviation Hall of Famer Bill Netzelband—affectionately referred to by us roundy-round guys as "Wild Bill"—takes some time to explain to the newcomer just what CL flying is, how it's done, the best way to learn to fly, and what competition disciplines are available.
If you recall, in last month's issue Bill's wonderful CL trainer, Simple Simone, was featured as a construction article. It would be an ideal second model for someone getting into CL; Bill suggests using whip-powered models for primary training.
If you've never felt the pull of a model in flight through the lines and felt the forces acting on the airframe through the handle, you've missed one of the great joys in modeling.
Why not take some time out from your other modeling activities to give this popular mode of flying a try? You might find a new favorite pastime.
Teaching through simple models
Do you remember the story in the May park flyer/slow flyer theme issue about the modelers who are flying in the Teaneck Armory in New Jersey?
If you do, you might also recall that the Metropolitan Sport Squadron (MSS) has been interfacing with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) chapter that is based there. The MSS has been helping teach the CAP cadets about how airplanes fly using a very simple rubber-powered model that was designed by Don Ross.
Actually, Don made just a few changes to Marty Taft's Canarsie Cutie and rechristened it the Canarsie Canary. (It's a Brooklyn thing...)
Don's little free-flight model has been extremely effective in teaching the basics of how airplanes fly.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
