Old-Timers
Mike Keville, 6218 E. Evergreen St., Mesa, AZ 85205; E-mail: [email protected]
WE OLD-TIMER modelers are often asked why we prefer "obsolete" technology.
That is, with the availability of modern materials such as foam, fiberglass, and instant adhesives, why would we want to continue cutting out small pieces of balsa, joining them with model cement, and covering the frame with tissue or silk?
It is a time-consuming process, but it is greatly enjoyed by those who appreciate such things. We're similar to those who delight in restoring old cars or furniture; there's just something that attracts us to products of a bygone era.
Occasionally we'll hear some remark about Old-Timer modelers being a group of old guys mired in the past. Try telling that to modelers such as Sal Taibi the next time he posts a string of maxes.
Sal's contest record speaks for itself. I visited his workshop several years ago and saw nothing more than a stack of balsa, several knives, sanding blocks, a large can of model cement, and a glue stick.
That could have changed by now, although it's doubtful. When I last saw Sal, his construction methods and materials hadn't changed one bit from his teenage years in Brooklyn (nor had his ability to whip up on the rest of us at the flying field).
Another thing about Old-Timer modelers is that we never fail to welcome newcomers, offering help and advice wherever needed. That is part of the attraction to this phase of the hobby.
Despite being sanctioned contests, major gatherings such as the Society of Antique Modelers' SAM Champs, the Hal deBolt commemorative RC (Radio Control) meet, and the Control Line Vintage Stunt Championships are more like family reunions.
Old-Timer modeling is just plain fun.
And They Taste Good Too
England's Peter Michel tells of an amusing incident at Middle Wallop while retrieving his 1950 Simon Wakefield. (Their cutoff date is 1/1/51.)
Because of 20 mph winds, the model came down off the field, but was located with a radio-buoy system.
The model landed in a field of cows, all of which made off at Peter's approach. He found no sign of the port (plug-in) wing and only a chewed, mangled tip of the starboard wing; apparently they'd been eaten by the herd, although the remainder of the model was untouched.
For the record, it was a winning flight at 4:08—and a new set of wings has since been built.
Early RC
How many recall the late Fran McElwee's Mac's Robot? I recently received an old Hobby Helpers plan catalog, thanks to Frank Paskovich, Weikelert PA. Hobby Helpers was the plans service for Model Aviation predecessors American Modeler and Air Trails. That service is long gone, but a look through this old illustrated catalog brought back many memories.
The high-wing, trike-geared Mac's Robot is in there, along with plans for building a 27.555 mc transmitter designed by Dr. Walt Good; Chuck Hollinger's original Piper J-3 (kitted by Berkeley, Fox, and now Sig) and PT-19; Cal Smith's Aeronca Champion; and many other designs by pioneering RC fliers such as Aubrey Kochman, Claude McCullough, and Ken Willard.
These and other pioneering RC plans are available from John Pond, Dick Gleason, Tom Dixon, and others.
I saw my first RC flight circa 1953–54. Someone at the local Control Line site cranked up a Cub .09 in a DeBolt Live Wire Trainer, gave it a healthy shove, and watched it climb straight ahead and disappear from sight.
As it turned out, the little 48-inch-span aircraft was a remarkably stable Free Flight model, although that wasn't the intent.
All the while, the hapless modeler frantically flipped switches and pushed buttons, while muttering words not appropriate for this publication.
Looking at ads for today's RC equipment, it's evident that "You've come a long way, baby."
Rustler 500
From the UK comes word of a replica of the 1950 Frog 500 spark-ignition engine custom-produced by SAM 35's Ian Russell.
A glow version has been available for some time, but Ian felt that collectors and/or those who want to fly ignition events without risking rare, valuable original engines might be attracted to the spark-ignition version.
The original Frog 500 was quite popular in Britain, because it was relatively powerful and economical to operate. In Ian's words, it was "a rip-off of the K&B Torpedo .29 to such an extent that in the 1960s I owned one fitted with a K&B shaft."
The Rustler 500 specifications:
- Bore: .750 in
- Stroke: .860 in
- Displacement: .30 cu. in. (4.92 cc)
- Compression ratio: 8:1
- Weight: 7.5 ounces
Last March, the British magazine Model Flyer featured an illustrated review of the spark-ignition version, citing the following performance figures (using a 5:1 gas-oil mix): 9,200 rpm with a 10 x 4 APC; 7,800 rpm on an 11 x 6 APC. Other sizes and revolutions were also noted.
Ian test-runs his engines using an NGK 1/4-32 long-reach plug, although the magazine did not indicate which plug it used.
Ian had sold roughly 20 units as of mid-March, despite the fact that his address and telephone number were omitted from the article.
Although I haven't seen a Rustler 500 in person, the article and accompanying photos indicate that it is a quality product.
You'd have to check the current exchange rate, but Ian indicated that the ignition version is 97 pounds sterling, and the glow version sells for 72 pounds. Shipping, insurance, and so on is extra.
For more information, contact:
- Ian Russell
- 98 Elers Rd., Ealing, London W13 9QE, England
- Tel.: 011 +44 (0)20 8932 6783
Museum Piece
Noted CL pioneer Charles Mackey wrote the following:
"Enclosed please find the last photographs taken of J.C. Yates' Madman prior to its shipment to the AMA (National Model Aviation) Museum. J.C. built the airplane in the late '50s from one of his own kits. (Author's note: The Old-Time cutoff date in CL Stunt is 12/31/52.) As you know he also produced the Orwick engines and Y&O props. J.C. Yates became my main inspiration when I saw him fly at the 1947 Nationals. I tried for years to track him down but all roads led to failure until I met Bob Whitely.
"Bob taught J.C. to fly RC and he went on to become very proficient at it. In fact, he became known as a master builder of RC models in the Hemet CA area. Bob tried to get J.C. to take his last remaining Madman to the 1977 Nationals in Riverside CA. Jay declined, but did ask Bob to take the model, and fly it, which he did, although unsuccessfully due to engine failure. Bart Klapinski also flew the Madman that day, winning first place in the Old-Time Ignition Stunt event. This was also the day that I first met J.C.
"In 1981 when I began work on the Pioneers of Control Line Flying book, I found him again. At that time the Madman was hanging on his workshop wall among about twenty RC models. While interviewing Jay I suggested that he donate the airplane to the AMA Museum. His reply was a very firm 'No' leaving no doubt that further discussion would be pointless. After the book was published and he held a dinner banquet in his honor, his position seemed to soften a bit. I approached the subject again and he said he'd get the model back from Whitely, give it to me, and I could do what I wished. Bob delivered it and I made arrangements with Michael Smith at the Museum. This historic model is now where it belongs."
Ultraviolet Danger
It's no secret that the majority of Old-Time modelers are, well, old timers. Some have been hacking balsa since the 1930s and '40s—a few even longer.
Many former die-hard Free Flighters, now unable or unwilling to chase, have opted for RC guidance. Others, myself included, have returned to Control Line.
Decent health is a prerequisite for enjoying the hobby, although it's often felt that the hobby itself helps keep us feeling young and fit.
Except for those who fly Indoor events exclusively, a lifetime of modeling involves repeated exposure to the sun's rays.
You've probably heard the warnings about skin cancer; they aren't jokes. I've become personally acquainted with it during the past three years, and it isn't fun. However, the experiences were minor compared with those of several friends and contemporaries.
Since I'm not a physician (although several readers are), I won't attempt to write about cause-and-effect here, but I will say that long sleeves, large hats, and frequent applications of sunscreen are a very smart idea.
The Wrap-up
Several readers have expressed thanks that the "Old-Timers" column has returned.
I'm still short on RC material, but I did receive a very nice packet of Free Flight info and photos from former "Old-Timers" columnist Bill Baker, a couple of which are here. I also have a rather sizable collection of CL material for future columns.
Don't forget to read D.B. Mathews' "Flying For Fun" and Joe Wagner's "The Engine Shop" columns too; they're often chock-full of items of interest to our phase of the hobby.
MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
