OLDTIMERS - 2012/06 | Model Aviation Library

Author: Bob Angel

Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/06
Page Numbers: 93,94,95,96

OLD-TIMERS — 2012/06

There's been interest in electrics and maybe .010- or .020-powered free-flight (FF) and radio-control (RC) aircraft. Practical matters seem to have narrowed it down to electric-powered RC only, but I doubt you'd be thrown out of an outdoor fun-fly event if you showed up with a .010 "nitro"-powered aircraft.

Further information and the few rules are posted on the SmallOldTimers website (listed in "Sources").

I had mentioned these small models in the February 2012 issue of the SAM 26 newsletter, which I edit. Bob Aberle, MA's Technical Editor, saw a copy and sent me a CD with data about the 10 small, electric Old-Timers he'd designed and built for RC Micro World (RCMW) magazine. John Worth started RCMW several years ago, and after he passed away, Roland Friestad revived it into an electronic-only publication.

Bob Aberle is a prolific builder and he didn't stop after designing those 10 small OT models. He produces nearly one a month, although most are not OT designs. He's made a comprehensive, 120-page CD book filled with good technical details about small, electric models. It's $10 postpaid for US delivery.

Here's a quote from Bob in the December 2011 issue of RCMW: "I'm still hoping that the SAM organization will come up with some type of specialty contest using this size Old-Timer aircraft in conjunction with electric power and RC."

Bob's hope has nearly come to fruition, except for one small detail. All the small OT models he's designed—except for his micro Kerswap—are built to 200 square inches. Their wingspans are roughly 50% longer than the 24-inch span limit for Small Old-Timer events.

Bob's available plans could probably be resized to fit the criteria and still be usable. He supplies complete technical data for each design, including exact recommendations for batteries, ESCs, and motors. Those might have to be reduced as well, but fortunately there's enough lightweight electric gear available to allow that.

I recommend Bob's instructional CD book, along with RCMW, if you have an interest in these small electric models. The plans are also available through RCMW. If you have limited space for building or flying, this would be a great way to go.

If you'd like a break from buying ARFs and want to develop some actual model-building skills, this would be an easy way to get in the game. Check the "Sources" listing for Bob Aberle's book and plans.

SAM Champs 2012

SAM Champs 2012 will be held at the AMA National Flying Site in Muncie, Indiana, September 10–14. Jim Coffin will be contest manager, with separate CDs for RC and FF events. By the time you read this, there should be complete information and entry forms posted on the SAM website. See "Sources" for more information.

Crash 'n Bash

SAM Chapter 21 has been scheduling its annual Crash 'n Bash either a week before or after the SAM Champs. This allows a few fliers from overseas to catch two OT RC events while in the US.

It's held at the Schmidt Ranch, a few miles south of Sacramento, California. Check the AMA contest schedule later in the year for details of the September 21–23 event.

US FF Championships

The US FF Championships will be held for the 42nd time, September 21–23 at Lost Hills, California. In addition to modern AMA and FAI events, there will be 16 OT events and 10 Nostalgia/Classic events. Besides a number of perpetual and other trophies, there will be cash awards totaling more than $4,500. See "Sources" for contacts.