October 2007 147
GETTING STARTED IN one of the
branches of Old-Time (OT) modeling is fairly
straightforward and not unlike getting started
in any other specialized activity. Find and join
an active organization, start hanging out with
the members, collect some reading material,
decide where you’d like to begin, and just do
it.
Sure you’ll make a few mistakes, but
they’re all correctable. They can be
minimized by taking advantage of the good
advice that is readily available from those
who have been there and done that.
I’ll start with some insight into
information that is available from the Society
of Antique Modelers (SAM) and include
other major OT organizations with points of
contact. In upcoming columns I’ll spend time
on every organization, with help and input (I
hope) from those who are more active in
each. Mike Keville introduced SAM in the
December column, so I’ll try not to duplicate
too much.
The SAM Web site—www.antique
modeler.org—is loaded with information
The new columnist explains how to get started in vintage modeling
Old-Timers Bob Angel | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• 2.4 GHz radios and spark
ignition
• Electric Old-Time models
• Taft in trouble
• No vintage CL at SAM Champs
about activities, schedules, contest reports,
chapter newsletters, books, magazines, and,
most important, listings with suppliers of
specialized goodies needed for our branch of
the hobby.
From the home page you can access
extensive listings of suppliers offering OT
plans, kits, covering materials, new engines,
old engines, reproductions of old engines,
parts, and ignition systems. You can also
download a membership application.
There are more than 50 SAM chapters in
the US and more than 30 in foreign countries.
Most chapter members are also national SAM
members, although neither group requires
membership in the other.
Many members belong to more than one
chapter, mostly to receive some of the
excellent newsletters. Chapters and their
contacts are listed on the SAM Web site.
SAM membership is $25 yearly for
residents of the US and Canada and $40 for
those in other countries. Those prices include
the house organ, SAM Speaks, which will
keep you up to date on activities within SAM
and a few other OT organizations.
SAM Speaks contains much of the same
information as the SAM Web site. Those who
supply needed specialty items advertise there,
and individuals can run wanted or available
ads for a modest fee. If you don’t have
Internet access, you can get a membership
application from SAM Secretary John Hire at
Box 600206, Saint Paul MN 55106; Tel.:
(651) 776-8458.
The Model Engine Collectors Association
(MECA) is a particularly valuable source for
finding old spark-ignition engines. Prices are
often better than on eBay, and the reliability
of the sellers is excellent. Many have been
members of this same fraternity for years, and
membership includes a pledge to uphold the
Code of Fair Practices and Ethics.
MECA produces a bimonthly
bulletin/swap sheet, which is loaded with
engine history, restoration tips, etc. The
swap-sheet portion has hundreds of engines
of all types and vintages for sale or trade.
Restoration parts and services are available to
complete engines with damaged or missing
parts. For-sale or wanted ads are free to
members.
But MECA is more than a trading spot for
parts and engines; it’s also a repository for
the history of common and rare engines.
Gatherings called “Collectogethers” are held
for members to meet, get acquainted, and
exchange engines, parts, services, and lore.
Many “Collectos,” as members call them,
feature displays of certain types or families of
engines, and trophies are awarded for best
displays.
MECA dues are $35 yearly in the US and
Canada and $50 elsewhere. You can
download application forms and other
information from the Web site—
www.modelengine.org—or contact Treasurer
John Lorenz for an application at 704
Flamingo Cir., Burleson TX 76028; Tel.:
(817) 295-8209; E-mail: mitecars@
gmail.com.
Kits and Plans Antiquitous (KAPA) is
somewhat like MECA but devoted to buying,
selling, trading, history, etc. of—you guessed
At a June OT contest in Baradero, Argentina (L-R): Humberto Rivarola, Manuel Ishkanian, Ruben Rivarola, Alfredo Herbon, Juan
Pezzoni, Carlos Gaozza, Marcelo Grippo, Bocha Schroder. Herbon photo.
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:21 PM Page 147
148 MODEL AVIATION
it—model kits and plans. You can get four
issues of the KAPA newsletter for $12 a
year. E-mail [email protected] or write
Morris E. Leventhal at 1788 Niobe Ave.,
Anaheim CA 92804; Tel.: (714) 535-6570.
The Vintage Radio Control Society
(VR/CS) keeps the history and early days
of RC alive by flying the models of the
early era (1969 and before). Many of the
members built their own radios in those
days and helped pioneer development of
the equipment as we know it today.
Dues are $20 in the US or $25 in foreign
countries. You can find more information
and an application form at www.vintagerc
society.org or contact Secretary Terry
Terrenoire at 101 Smithfield Dr., Endicott
NY 13760; Tel.: (607) 748-8146.
The Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association (PAMPA) and National Free
Flight Society (NFFS) promote vintage
flying along with their modern CL and FF
activities respectively. PAMPA provides
rules for Classic Stunt (pre 1970) models
and Old Time Stunt (pre 1953).
PAMPA dues start at $35. The group’s
informative Web site is www.controlline.
org or you can write to PAMPA at
158 Flying Cloud Isle, Foster City CA
94404.
The NFFS often runs nostalgia events
as part of its contests. Dues are $10, $25,
and $29 for Juniors, US residents, and
foreign residents. Contact the organization
at 22 Pine St., Homosassa FL 34446 or Email
[email protected].
If any group feels left out, let me know
and you’ll receive mention somewhere,
sometime. Thanks.
Those new 2.4 GHz radios may have a
couple advantages that have not been
mentioned in their ads. OT spark-ignition
engines usually use a 10,000-ohm resistor in
the spark-plug wire to prevent or reduce radio
interference. Since the spread spectrum radios
claim immunity from such problems, we
may be able to reduce the resistance value
or even eliminate that resistor. Time and
experiments will tell.
Wiring failures at those resistor solder
joints or failure of the resistors themselves
have been the most frequent causes of
ignition-system troubles.
Another problem the spread spectrum
radios might solve is the varying
frequency requirements between countries.
Fliers who visit the US and other countries
often have to beg, borrow, or buy new
radios on completely different frequency
bands. I assume that spread spectrum will
be legal in most or all countries and solve
this pesky problem.
Electric-powered models in the OT
movement? Some cry sacrilege, but it’s
unavoidable. Most RC newcomers and a
few FF newbies are starting with
inexpensive ARF electrics. Although few
will probably graduate to “real” models
(our terms), we can certainly use them.
A few electrics were flown before
World War II, and they have been entered
in special SAM events for several years.
Now I hear that Cox is going to make a
small RC electric Playboy ARF, and I’ve
already heard rumblings of plans to make
a special OT event for it. The idea is to
attract a few newcomers with a low-key,
entry-level special event and possibly have
fun while doing so.
Along those lines, Ed Hamler brought
back an idea from a trip to Europe and
formed it into an entry-type electric event
called “Speed 400.” It uses fairly small
and inexpensive hardware, including an
“old-fashioned” Graupner Speed 440
brushed motor. For a set of rules contact
Ed at 3379 Crystal Ct., Napa CA 94558;
E-mail: [email protected].
Taft in Trouble: The spacious flying site at
Taft, California, has seen many
championship competitions through the years
and has often been called the world’s best FF
site. Many OT RC meets have taken place
there and still do, along with modern,
Nostalgia, and OT FF.
The major oil-company owner sold a
huge amount of the acreage to a local
investment group, which plans to turn a profit
somehow. The price per acre is exceedingly
low because of the limited immediate
possibilities for the desert land.
A few years ago a good samaritan
purchased a similar large property to the
north called Lost Hills, and it was turned
over to a governing FF group for present and
future use. Wouldn’t it be great if something
like that could save the flying site at Taft?
While we’re rescuing things, here’s a heads
up about bringing OT CL Stunt back to the
2008 SAM Championships. This year’s event
at Las Vegas, Nevada, will be missing it.
Planning for the annual SAM Champs
begins early in the year, and no one
volunteered to be CD of the event early
enough to make it happen. One or more
offers came in, but it was too late to get it off
the ground.
Next year the Champs will probably be
held again at the AMA site in Muncie,
Indiana, in the fall. I’m sure there are people
who would volunteer to be CD or assist as
long as the word gets to them, so here’s the
word.
Let any of the SAM directors know this
year if you would like to work as or with a
CD for OT CL Stunt in 2008. A good contact
for this is right at the top: SAM President
Mike Myers, 911 Kilmary Ln., Glendale CA
91207; E-mail: [email protected].
The 2007 SAM Champs will be October
7-12. I plan to be there as CD for the RC end
of the field. MA
Key Crawford releases Gerald Martin’s Ohlsson .60-powered
Alpha Corsair at a SAM Chapter 93 contest in Oklahoma in
June. Sandra Martin photo.
Charlie Bruce (Kerrville TX) launches his Hayseed FF at the
2006 SAM Champs at AMA’s flying site. A chase bike sits ready.
Steve Roselle photo.
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:26 PM Page 148
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 147,148
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 147,148
October 2007 147
GETTING STARTED IN one of the
branches of Old-Time (OT) modeling is fairly
straightforward and not unlike getting started
in any other specialized activity. Find and join
an active organization, start hanging out with
the members, collect some reading material,
decide where you’d like to begin, and just do
it.
Sure you’ll make a few mistakes, but
they’re all correctable. They can be
minimized by taking advantage of the good
advice that is readily available from those
who have been there and done that.
I’ll start with some insight into
information that is available from the Society
of Antique Modelers (SAM) and include
other major OT organizations with points of
contact. In upcoming columns I’ll spend time
on every organization, with help and input (I
hope) from those who are more active in
each. Mike Keville introduced SAM in the
December column, so I’ll try not to duplicate
too much.
The SAM Web site—www.antique
modeler.org—is loaded with information
The new columnist explains how to get started in vintage modeling
Old-Timers Bob Angel | [email protected]
Also included in this column:
• 2.4 GHz radios and spark
ignition
• Electric Old-Time models
• Taft in trouble
• No vintage CL at SAM Champs
about activities, schedules, contest reports,
chapter newsletters, books, magazines, and,
most important, listings with suppliers of
specialized goodies needed for our branch of
the hobby.
From the home page you can access
extensive listings of suppliers offering OT
plans, kits, covering materials, new engines,
old engines, reproductions of old engines,
parts, and ignition systems. You can also
download a membership application.
There are more than 50 SAM chapters in
the US and more than 30 in foreign countries.
Most chapter members are also national SAM
members, although neither group requires
membership in the other.
Many members belong to more than one
chapter, mostly to receive some of the
excellent newsletters. Chapters and their
contacts are listed on the SAM Web site.
SAM membership is $25 yearly for
residents of the US and Canada and $40 for
those in other countries. Those prices include
the house organ, SAM Speaks, which will
keep you up to date on activities within SAM
and a few other OT organizations.
SAM Speaks contains much of the same
information as the SAM Web site. Those who
supply needed specialty items advertise there,
and individuals can run wanted or available
ads for a modest fee. If you don’t have
Internet access, you can get a membership
application from SAM Secretary John Hire at
Box 600206, Saint Paul MN 55106; Tel.:
(651) 776-8458.
The Model Engine Collectors Association
(MECA) is a particularly valuable source for
finding old spark-ignition engines. Prices are
often better than on eBay, and the reliability
of the sellers is excellent. Many have been
members of this same fraternity for years, and
membership includes a pledge to uphold the
Code of Fair Practices and Ethics.
MECA produces a bimonthly
bulletin/swap sheet, which is loaded with
engine history, restoration tips, etc. The
swap-sheet portion has hundreds of engines
of all types and vintages for sale or trade.
Restoration parts and services are available to
complete engines with damaged or missing
parts. For-sale or wanted ads are free to
members.
But MECA is more than a trading spot for
parts and engines; it’s also a repository for
the history of common and rare engines.
Gatherings called “Collectogethers” are held
for members to meet, get acquainted, and
exchange engines, parts, services, and lore.
Many “Collectos,” as members call them,
feature displays of certain types or families of
engines, and trophies are awarded for best
displays.
MECA dues are $35 yearly in the US and
Canada and $50 elsewhere. You can
download application forms and other
information from the Web site—
www.modelengine.org—or contact Treasurer
John Lorenz for an application at 704
Flamingo Cir., Burleson TX 76028; Tel.:
(817) 295-8209; E-mail: mitecars@
gmail.com.
Kits and Plans Antiquitous (KAPA) is
somewhat like MECA but devoted to buying,
selling, trading, history, etc. of—you guessed
At a June OT contest in Baradero, Argentina (L-R): Humberto Rivarola, Manuel Ishkanian, Ruben Rivarola, Alfredo Herbon, Juan
Pezzoni, Carlos Gaozza, Marcelo Grippo, Bocha Schroder. Herbon photo.
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:21 PM Page 147
148 MODEL AVIATION
it—model kits and plans. You can get four
issues of the KAPA newsletter for $12 a
year. E-mail [email protected] or write
Morris E. Leventhal at 1788 Niobe Ave.,
Anaheim CA 92804; Tel.: (714) 535-6570.
The Vintage Radio Control Society
(VR/CS) keeps the history and early days
of RC alive by flying the models of the
early era (1969 and before). Many of the
members built their own radios in those
days and helped pioneer development of
the equipment as we know it today.
Dues are $20 in the US or $25 in foreign
countries. You can find more information
and an application form at www.vintagerc
society.org or contact Secretary Terry
Terrenoire at 101 Smithfield Dr., Endicott
NY 13760; Tel.: (607) 748-8146.
The Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots
Association (PAMPA) and National Free
Flight Society (NFFS) promote vintage
flying along with their modern CL and FF
activities respectively. PAMPA provides
rules for Classic Stunt (pre 1970) models
and Old Time Stunt (pre 1953).
PAMPA dues start at $35. The group’s
informative Web site is www.controlline.
org or you can write to PAMPA at
158 Flying Cloud Isle, Foster City CA
94404.
The NFFS often runs nostalgia events
as part of its contests. Dues are $10, $25,
and $29 for Juniors, US residents, and
foreign residents. Contact the organization
at 22 Pine St., Homosassa FL 34446 or Email
[email protected].
If any group feels left out, let me know
and you’ll receive mention somewhere,
sometime. Thanks.
Those new 2.4 GHz radios may have a
couple advantages that have not been
mentioned in their ads. OT spark-ignition
engines usually use a 10,000-ohm resistor in
the spark-plug wire to prevent or reduce radio
interference. Since the spread spectrum radios
claim immunity from such problems, we
may be able to reduce the resistance value
or even eliminate that resistor. Time and
experiments will tell.
Wiring failures at those resistor solder
joints or failure of the resistors themselves
have been the most frequent causes of
ignition-system troubles.
Another problem the spread spectrum
radios might solve is the varying
frequency requirements between countries.
Fliers who visit the US and other countries
often have to beg, borrow, or buy new
radios on completely different frequency
bands. I assume that spread spectrum will
be legal in most or all countries and solve
this pesky problem.
Electric-powered models in the OT
movement? Some cry sacrilege, but it’s
unavoidable. Most RC newcomers and a
few FF newbies are starting with
inexpensive ARF electrics. Although few
will probably graduate to “real” models
(our terms), we can certainly use them.
A few electrics were flown before
World War II, and they have been entered
in special SAM events for several years.
Now I hear that Cox is going to make a
small RC electric Playboy ARF, and I’ve
already heard rumblings of plans to make
a special OT event for it. The idea is to
attract a few newcomers with a low-key,
entry-level special event and possibly have
fun while doing so.
Along those lines, Ed Hamler brought
back an idea from a trip to Europe and
formed it into an entry-type electric event
called “Speed 400.” It uses fairly small
and inexpensive hardware, including an
“old-fashioned” Graupner Speed 440
brushed motor. For a set of rules contact
Ed at 3379 Crystal Ct., Napa CA 94558;
E-mail: [email protected].
Taft in Trouble: The spacious flying site at
Taft, California, has seen many
championship competitions through the years
and has often been called the world’s best FF
site. Many OT RC meets have taken place
there and still do, along with modern,
Nostalgia, and OT FF.
The major oil-company owner sold a
huge amount of the acreage to a local
investment group, which plans to turn a profit
somehow. The price per acre is exceedingly
low because of the limited immediate
possibilities for the desert land.
A few years ago a good samaritan
purchased a similar large property to the
north called Lost Hills, and it was turned
over to a governing FF group for present and
future use. Wouldn’t it be great if something
like that could save the flying site at Taft?
While we’re rescuing things, here’s a heads
up about bringing OT CL Stunt back to the
2008 SAM Championships. This year’s event
at Las Vegas, Nevada, will be missing it.
Planning for the annual SAM Champs
begins early in the year, and no one
volunteered to be CD of the event early
enough to make it happen. One or more
offers came in, but it was too late to get it off
the ground.
Next year the Champs will probably be
held again at the AMA site in Muncie,
Indiana, in the fall. I’m sure there are people
who would volunteer to be CD or assist as
long as the word gets to them, so here’s the
word.
Let any of the SAM directors know this
year if you would like to work as or with a
CD for OT CL Stunt in 2008. A good contact
for this is right at the top: SAM President
Mike Myers, 911 Kilmary Ln., Glendale CA
91207; E-mail: [email protected].
The 2007 SAM Champs will be October
7-12. I plan to be there as CD for the RC end
of the field. MA
Key Crawford releases Gerald Martin’s Ohlsson .60-powered
Alpha Corsair at a SAM Chapter 93 contest in Oklahoma in
June. Sandra Martin photo.
Charlie Bruce (Kerrville TX) launches his Hayseed FF at the
2006 SAM Champs at AMA’s flying site. A chase bike sits ready.
Steve Roselle photo.
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:26 PM Page 148