Consider joining aeromodeling SIGs
Bob Angel
Mention building a model airplane and many think of assembling plastic parts out of a box, while following an illustrated instruction booklet. But most Old-Timer (OT) fliers consider nothing less than the cutting and gluing together of balsawood sticks over full-size plans to be constructing a model.
There's probably no better place for a new builder to start than with an OT model. As with many crafts, you can master the basics quickly, yet years later most of us are still perfecting personal techniques while continuing to learn from each other.
This issue of MA should have some comprehensive construction articles, so I won't try to duplicate that. But as fewer people actually build models, the sources of plans, supplies, and information become harder to find. I think the best use of this column is to describe as many sources as possible while hoping to minimize duplication from other articles.
A good place to start the learning process is by seeking out and joining SIGs. Most have their own informative newsletters and journals. See the "Sources" section at the end of this column for contact information.
Society of Antique Modelers
First on the list is my favorite, the Society of Antique Modelers (SAM). This organization has a large and informative website, a bimonthly newsletter (SAM Speaks), and a forum. The forum address is listed in "Sources." It's a sort of cracker-barrel chat room, but if you post a specific modeling question, you'll receive excellent answers backed by years of experience.
SAM models are all hand built, mostly from kits, but some are from plans. The website's vendor list shows at least 10 plans sources, and more than a dozen kit sources.
Most OT kits sold today are partial or short kits. They are either laser or machine cut, and contain only the shaped balsa parts such as wing ribs, wing and empennage tip parts, firewalls, etc. Prebent landing gear is sometimes included. You supply the strip and sheet wood, along with the typical covering materials, accessories, etc. This reduces kit packaging size and shipping costs.
National Free Flight Society
The National Free Flight Society (NFFS) also has a nice website. Unlike SAM, its interests include modern competition models as well as several categories of OT models. Most FF fliers still construct their own aircraft, so the organization has more than 800 plans for sale at reasonable prices.
Finding Antique Engines
The Model Engine Collectors Association (MECA) is a primary source for buying and selling modern and antique engines, plus parts and accessories—all in new or used condition. The organization also publishes a bimonthly bulletin/swap sheet with plenty of free ads for members.
Many engines are available through eBay, but prices are usually higher, and there isn't always the return guarantee that you get from MECA members.
Old-Timers
Bob Angel
Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association
The Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association (PAMPA) is the organization for CL Precision flying, known as Stunt in the old days. Most CL fliers still build their own models, so you can expect to see some useful material in the bimonthly Stunt News publication. And new members can come up to speed by perusing back issues online.
RC Micro World
This monthly publication is only available online. It's an extension of the publication started by the late John Worth and is now edited by Roland Friestad. It features a variety of small models for FF, CL, and RC, powered by engines or electric- or rubber-powered motors. Many are scaled-down versions of older models, but some are originals. Subscriptions start at $24 a year for 12 issues.
Among the July 2013 offerings are the FF Ramrod 250, CL Zilch X-Pendible, and Phil Kraft's RC Gimlet. You'll see plenty of interesting photos, copies of original construction articles, supply sources, and more. Full-size plans are also available as downloads or mailed hard copies.
DVDs displaying some complete issues are also available, and more are being scanned.
A2Z Corp
The A2Z Corp is a supplier specializing in rubber-powered kits and accessories. The company's website lists its products as well as many from other related manufacturers.
An Online Construction Tutorial
Tandy Walker has set up his own website showing step-by-step methods he used for building several OT models. His aircraft are of museum quality, but do fly.
So far he has reports on 15 models. Within each report there's a series of 50 to 100 numbered progress reports.
Old-Timers
Bob Angel
Additional Motors for OT Electrics
Jay Burkart, SAM Electric Rules Committee chairman, has announced eligibility of additional motors for OT Electric competition. Because of shrinking supplies of Graupner motors, the committee has tested and approved alternates of similar performance and mechanical compatibility. The new motors may be used immediately, including at the upcoming SAM Championships, held October 6-11, 2013, in Boulder City, Nevada.
For the Speed 400 event, the Maxx Products Promax Speed 400 6.0-volt (part number ACC341) may now be used as well as the original Graupner motor. For Electric Wakefield, Maxx Products Promax Speed 300, 370 Ferrite motor (part number ACC337) may be used along with the Graupner. Other rules for the events are unchanged.
2013 Euro Champs
US SAM President Ed Hamler was the overall champion at the 2013 Euro Championships for the second year in a row. This year, 113 competitors from 10 countries attended. The event was held in Hungary. It moves to Italy in 2014, then to the Czech Republic in 2015.
This European version of our SAM Championships is limited to OT RC because of space restrictions.
SOURCES: SAM www.antiquemodeler.org
SAM Forum www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMTalk_Forum/?tab=rs
NFFS www.freeflight.org
MECA www.modelenginecollectors.org
PAMPA www.control-line.org
RC Micro World www.rcmicroplanes.com
A2Z Corp (720) 833-9300 www.a2zcorp.us/store
Tandy's Model Aircraft www.tandysmodelplanes.com
Maxx Products International (847) 438-2233 www.maxxprod.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
