April 2003 133
I HAD the opportunity to spend some time
with Jerry Caudle of Pro Mark Graphics.
The product line from Pro Mark centers on
graphics for model aircraft, race cars, and
trailers. It includes vinyl letters and
graphics, vinyl paint masks, raised panels,
and dry-transfer letters and graphics. Jerry’s
true love is Scale models, and he is a worldclass,
award-winning Scale competitor.
I was particularly interested in the Pro
Mark dry-transfer graphics. Jerry offers a
wide array of predesigned graphics ranging
from rivets, panel lines, and sponsor sheets
to specialty graphics for standard items such
as scale-propeller-manufacturer nameplates.
Specialty graphics developed for
specific Scale and sport aircraft are also
available. Many have been completely
researched, and the artwork is on the shelf
or in the computer, available for
reproduction. The variety is enormous and
well represented on his Web site at
www.pro-mark.com.
Many existing Scale models are in the
inventory, including his latest masterpiece:
the F-100 graphics. Jerry spent hours with a
full-scale F-100 to get all the United States
Air Force (USAF) maintenance and
marking lettering down on paper, sized
correctly, and positioned to allow you to
reproduce the aircraft accurately. This is a
valuable asset; it takes much time just to
research such information.
Pro Mark also offers artwork specific to
its customers’ needs. The staff will work
with you to develop the special artwork,
lettering, etc. you may need for your next
project. Good photographs and some simple
measurements are required to create the
artwork. Jerry’s son Jeff can do some
amazing work. Having seen some of his
craftsmanship, I can assure you that he is
talented.
Custom art takes additional time, and
Jerry will send you a sample of the artwork
for the decal to assure proper shape and size
before producing your dry transfer. The
process to produce the dry-transfer decals is
quite involved, although it is basically a
screen-art process. If you want to submit
artwork you have created on a computer,
call to make sure it is in a format they can
receive. It will still have to be manipulated
Jim Hiller, 6090 Downs Rd., Champion OH 44481
RADIO CONTROL JETS
Jerry Caudle of Pro Mark Graphics demonstrates making drytransfer
graphics. It is involved, but worth the effort.
Bill Allison, of Novisville KY, with his first turbine model: a BVM
BobCat powered by a RAM 500 turbine.
The new A-10 Warthog kit from Roger Shipley has a 10-foot wingspan and a 9-foot
fuselage. Those turbines look small in this massive Scale aircraft!
04sig5.QXD 1.23.03 3:19 pm Page 133
based on the needs of the screen-art process.
Using CorelDRAW, the first step in the
process is drawing the artwork on the
computer. It is then printed to make the
template for producing the screen. Each
color requires a separate drawing layer,
template, and screen.
This template is set on a specially
prepared screen, then exposed in a light box
to develop the screen. Preparation of the
screen follows, with special attention to
ensure that proper exposure was achieved.
Once dry, the screen is placed on a special
jig box to accurately position the screen on
top of the plastic carrying sheet.
Pro Mark can mix paints to your needs,
and as a Scale modeler, Jerry has the
standard FS numbers covered for the
military Scale buffs. The paint is applied
through the developed screen onto the
plastic sheet. If additional colors are
required, the process is repeated with
screens developed for each color. The jig
box is important to allow accurate
alignment of each layer of paint. Each layer
requires two hours of drying time before the
next color can be applied.
Jerry proudly showed his most
complicated artwork: the international flags
displayed on the Thunderbirds aircraft. It
requires 22 colors to reproduce. That is one
complex transfer!
Jerry keeps many dry transfers in stock,
almost ready to ship. He adds the final
134 MODEL AVIATION
adhesive layer a day before he ships so the
customer is assured of a fresh transfer
decal, ready for application.
Dry-transfer graphics are new for many,
and there are some unusual issues when
applying. From my own experience, use a
burnishing tool. It will last forever, and it
greatly simplifies the application process.
Pro Mark provides a very useful tip
sheet that comes from many years of
model-building experience. Many of these
tips are also available on the company’s
Web site. Check them out if you have an
interest in using dry-transfer graphics on
your model. Some tips include using warm
heat when applying the transfer; avoiding
application on flat finishes; and applying a
flat, clear coat after application of the
transfers.
Those beautiful jets with the intricate
rivet lines, panels, and stunning graphics
often use Pro Mark’s products. The raised
panels creating the three-dimensional look
add even greater detail. For larger graphics,
the vinyl paint masks provide accurate,
crisp paint lines. A few graphics go a long
way in dressing up that special model.
Last summer Roger Shipley took on a
massive project: an A-10 Warthog. He is
bringing this monster to market as a
complete kit. This aircraft spans 10 feet and
is 9 feet in length. It’s just big enough to
satisfy your Giant Scale aspirations.
Roger brought the project to the Heart of
Ohio Jet Scramble last summer to give us a
taste of things to come. He has since
completed and flown the model.
The A-10 has a fiberglass fuselage and
turbine pods, with presheeted foam wings
and tail. This kit is nearly complete, and
even has the ailerons, flaps, elevators, and
rudders cut out and ready to receive hinges.
The model is designed for two 18- to 31-
pound-thrust turbines. Estimated weight
will push the 55-pound takeoff weight limit,
so be prepared.
Check out the aircraft at Roger’s Web
site, www.jetadic.com, to get the complete
lowdown on this beautiful aircraft. I’m sure
that by the time we come to press we will
see more than just Roger’s airplane ready to
fly.
The A-10 represents the growing interest
in large-scale turbine models, and I suspect
it will again put us in a position to review
the AMA rules as they relate to turbinepowered
models. Currently, the
experimental class for models weighing
more than 55 pounds but less than 100
pounds at takeoff specifically excludes
turbine-powered models.
I am confident that modelers such as
Roger with his A-10 Warthog will show
how far turbine aeromodeling has
progressed, and they will lead the way for
accepting turbines into the experimental
category. AMA has a history of responding
to modelers’ needs as we have shown we
can operate our aircraft safely.
Do you remember the Jet Model Products
04sig5.QXD 1.23.03 3:20 pm Page 134
Cook’s model, I have hardly seen any
others flying. Now that has changed. At
Superman 2002 there were three of these
gorgeous airplanes: Tom’s prototype and
two others. One was by Joe Grice and the
other was by Mike Haddox.
Joe’s models were done with USAF
show-team colors. He added some of his
own touches, including an extension to the
fin and underfuselage fins as seen on many
modern fighters. Steve Pulley did the
honors of flying Joe’s airplane, and he put
on quite a show.
The Firebird differs from most models
because of the extensive application of
technology in the design. An example of
this is the airfoil selection. The easy way to
get good, slow flight characteristics is to
use a fat airfoil with a large radius on the
leading edge. This is not so on the Firebird.
Tom went to the other extreme with a thin,
jet-type airfoil of only 7% thickness. He
uses good wing and flap design to provide
slow flight characteristics. Steve Pulley
demonstrated how well the wing works
with some slow, gentle landings.
The best feature of this model is that
Tom pulls condensation streaks off the
wing when he loads it up doing high-speed
aerobatics. This aircraft really moves, and
that thin wing can turn it well. It looked
particularly good on Tom’s demonstration
flight Saturday. There was a big, blue sky
to show off those streaks of condensation
on the wing. Good show, Tom.
Check this airplane out at
www.jetmodelproducts.com.
The pace of product development
continues at Aviation Microjet Technology
(AMT) USA with many exciting new
releases. The company has a new AT400
turbine, capable of 35 pounds of thrust,
designed to fit into existing airframes
powered with KJ-66 turbines. The diameter
of this new turbine is just 120
millimeters—roughly 43⁄4 inches—with a
weight similar to a KJ-66 turbine. An
electric-start feature is available right from
the introduction.
AMT USA has a variety of turbines
available, ranging from the AT180—an 18-
TOLL FREE PHONE: 800-332-3256 • TOLL FREE FAX: 800-409-9191
1500 S.W. 30th Avenue, Suite 3 • Boynton Beach, Florida 33426, U.S.A.
Phone: 561-998-0004 • Fax: 561-998-0119
Email: [email protected] • Web: http://www.bocabearings.com
CERAMIC BEARINGS.
Now you can call Boca Bearing toll free from anywhere in the U.S. and Canada to order one, two, five,
ten or even a hundred bearings from our inventory of over 2 million bearings.
Free Freight On All Orders Shipped In The U.S. And Canada!
Econo and High Speed-High Heat Bearings for More Than 750 Engines in Stock.
The Revolutionary Engine Replacement Bearings!
Website Now Available In Spanish... www.bocabearings.com
Nuevo
Sitio en
Español!
pound-thrust turbine—up to the AMAthrust-
limited AT450. AMT continues to
develop these turbines with an electric start
now available on the AT280. Plans include
adding the electric-start option to the
remaining product line as experience is
gained with use on the new AT400 and
existing AT280. Check out the AMT USA
Web site at www.usamt.com for the latest
information and pricing.
Bill Allison of Novisville, Kentucky, is a
new turbine modeler. He is coming into
turbines with the help of two excellent jet
modelers: Jesse Hogan and Lewis Patton.
With mentoring from Jesse, Bill has created
one of the prettiest Bob Violett Models
(BVM) BobCats out there.
Bill has powered the BobCat with a
RAM 500—a nice-sized selection for his
first turbine-powered airplane. This
combination provides plenty of thrust and
speed, but without the weight penalty of the
more powerful turbines.
Bill is fortunate to be able to fly
regularly with an experienced jet modeler
such as Jesse, and it looks like Jesse has a
new flying buddy. This is one of the
greatest ways to step into any new form of
this hobby. Fly with the best, and you will
learn how to be the best. Did I mention that
Bill is 69 years old?
I wish you many flights with your new
jet, Bill. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/04
Page Numbers: 133,134,135
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/04
Page Numbers: 133,134,135
April 2003 133
I HAD the opportunity to spend some time
with Jerry Caudle of Pro Mark Graphics.
The product line from Pro Mark centers on
graphics for model aircraft, race cars, and
trailers. It includes vinyl letters and
graphics, vinyl paint masks, raised panels,
and dry-transfer letters and graphics. Jerry’s
true love is Scale models, and he is a worldclass,
award-winning Scale competitor.
I was particularly interested in the Pro
Mark dry-transfer graphics. Jerry offers a
wide array of predesigned graphics ranging
from rivets, panel lines, and sponsor sheets
to specialty graphics for standard items such
as scale-propeller-manufacturer nameplates.
Specialty graphics developed for
specific Scale and sport aircraft are also
available. Many have been completely
researched, and the artwork is on the shelf
or in the computer, available for
reproduction. The variety is enormous and
well represented on his Web site at
www.pro-mark.com.
Many existing Scale models are in the
inventory, including his latest masterpiece:
the F-100 graphics. Jerry spent hours with a
full-scale F-100 to get all the United States
Air Force (USAF) maintenance and
marking lettering down on paper, sized
correctly, and positioned to allow you to
reproduce the aircraft accurately. This is a
valuable asset; it takes much time just to
research such information.
Pro Mark also offers artwork specific to
its customers’ needs. The staff will work
with you to develop the special artwork,
lettering, etc. you may need for your next
project. Good photographs and some simple
measurements are required to create the
artwork. Jerry’s son Jeff can do some
amazing work. Having seen some of his
craftsmanship, I can assure you that he is
talented.
Custom art takes additional time, and
Jerry will send you a sample of the artwork
for the decal to assure proper shape and size
before producing your dry transfer. The
process to produce the dry-transfer decals is
quite involved, although it is basically a
screen-art process. If you want to submit
artwork you have created on a computer,
call to make sure it is in a format they can
receive. It will still have to be manipulated
Jim Hiller, 6090 Downs Rd., Champion OH 44481
RADIO CONTROL JETS
Jerry Caudle of Pro Mark Graphics demonstrates making drytransfer
graphics. It is involved, but worth the effort.
Bill Allison, of Novisville KY, with his first turbine model: a BVM
BobCat powered by a RAM 500 turbine.
The new A-10 Warthog kit from Roger Shipley has a 10-foot wingspan and a 9-foot
fuselage. Those turbines look small in this massive Scale aircraft!
04sig5.QXD 1.23.03 3:19 pm Page 133
based on the needs of the screen-art process.
Using CorelDRAW, the first step in the
process is drawing the artwork on the
computer. It is then printed to make the
template for producing the screen. Each
color requires a separate drawing layer,
template, and screen.
This template is set on a specially
prepared screen, then exposed in a light box
to develop the screen. Preparation of the
screen follows, with special attention to
ensure that proper exposure was achieved.
Once dry, the screen is placed on a special
jig box to accurately position the screen on
top of the plastic carrying sheet.
Pro Mark can mix paints to your needs,
and as a Scale modeler, Jerry has the
standard FS numbers covered for the
military Scale buffs. The paint is applied
through the developed screen onto the
plastic sheet. If additional colors are
required, the process is repeated with
screens developed for each color. The jig
box is important to allow accurate
alignment of each layer of paint. Each layer
requires two hours of drying time before the
next color can be applied.
Jerry proudly showed his most
complicated artwork: the international flags
displayed on the Thunderbirds aircraft. It
requires 22 colors to reproduce. That is one
complex transfer!
Jerry keeps many dry transfers in stock,
almost ready to ship. He adds the final
134 MODEL AVIATION
adhesive layer a day before he ships so the
customer is assured of a fresh transfer
decal, ready for application.
Dry-transfer graphics are new for many,
and there are some unusual issues when
applying. From my own experience, use a
burnishing tool. It will last forever, and it
greatly simplifies the application process.
Pro Mark provides a very useful tip
sheet that comes from many years of
model-building experience. Many of these
tips are also available on the company’s
Web site. Check them out if you have an
interest in using dry-transfer graphics on
your model. Some tips include using warm
heat when applying the transfer; avoiding
application on flat finishes; and applying a
flat, clear coat after application of the
transfers.
Those beautiful jets with the intricate
rivet lines, panels, and stunning graphics
often use Pro Mark’s products. The raised
panels creating the three-dimensional look
add even greater detail. For larger graphics,
the vinyl paint masks provide accurate,
crisp paint lines. A few graphics go a long
way in dressing up that special model.
Last summer Roger Shipley took on a
massive project: an A-10 Warthog. He is
bringing this monster to market as a
complete kit. This aircraft spans 10 feet and
is 9 feet in length. It’s just big enough to
satisfy your Giant Scale aspirations.
Roger brought the project to the Heart of
Ohio Jet Scramble last summer to give us a
taste of things to come. He has since
completed and flown the model.
The A-10 has a fiberglass fuselage and
turbine pods, with presheeted foam wings
and tail. This kit is nearly complete, and
even has the ailerons, flaps, elevators, and
rudders cut out and ready to receive hinges.
The model is designed for two 18- to 31-
pound-thrust turbines. Estimated weight
will push the 55-pound takeoff weight limit,
so be prepared.
Check out the aircraft at Roger’s Web
site, www.jetadic.com, to get the complete
lowdown on this beautiful aircraft. I’m sure
that by the time we come to press we will
see more than just Roger’s airplane ready to
fly.
The A-10 represents the growing interest
in large-scale turbine models, and I suspect
it will again put us in a position to review
the AMA rules as they relate to turbinepowered
models. Currently, the
experimental class for models weighing
more than 55 pounds but less than 100
pounds at takeoff specifically excludes
turbine-powered models.
I am confident that modelers such as
Roger with his A-10 Warthog will show
how far turbine aeromodeling has
progressed, and they will lead the way for
accepting turbines into the experimental
category. AMA has a history of responding
to modelers’ needs as we have shown we
can operate our aircraft safely.
Do you remember the Jet Model Products
04sig5.QXD 1.23.03 3:20 pm Page 134
Cook’s model, I have hardly seen any
others flying. Now that has changed. At
Superman 2002 there were three of these
gorgeous airplanes: Tom’s prototype and
two others. One was by Joe Grice and the
other was by Mike Haddox.
Joe’s models were done with USAF
show-team colors. He added some of his
own touches, including an extension to the
fin and underfuselage fins as seen on many
modern fighters. Steve Pulley did the
honors of flying Joe’s airplane, and he put
on quite a show.
The Firebird differs from most models
because of the extensive application of
technology in the design. An example of
this is the airfoil selection. The easy way to
get good, slow flight characteristics is to
use a fat airfoil with a large radius on the
leading edge. This is not so on the Firebird.
Tom went to the other extreme with a thin,
jet-type airfoil of only 7% thickness. He
uses good wing and flap design to provide
slow flight characteristics. Steve Pulley
demonstrated how well the wing works
with some slow, gentle landings.
The best feature of this model is that
Tom pulls condensation streaks off the
wing when he loads it up doing high-speed
aerobatics. This aircraft really moves, and
that thin wing can turn it well. It looked
particularly good on Tom’s demonstration
flight Saturday. There was a big, blue sky
to show off those streaks of condensation
on the wing. Good show, Tom.
Check this airplane out at
www.jetmodelproducts.com.
The pace of product development
continues at Aviation Microjet Technology
(AMT) USA with many exciting new
releases. The company has a new AT400
turbine, capable of 35 pounds of thrust,
designed to fit into existing airframes
powered with KJ-66 turbines. The diameter
of this new turbine is just 120
millimeters—roughly 43⁄4 inches—with a
weight similar to a KJ-66 turbine. An
electric-start feature is available right from
the introduction.
AMT USA has a variety of turbines
available, ranging from the AT180—an 18-
TOLL FREE PHONE: 800-332-3256 • TOLL FREE FAX: 800-409-9191
1500 S.W. 30th Avenue, Suite 3 • Boynton Beach, Florida 33426, U.S.A.
Phone: 561-998-0004 • Fax: 561-998-0119
Email: [email protected] • Web: http://www.bocabearings.com
CERAMIC BEARINGS.
Now you can call Boca Bearing toll free from anywhere in the U.S. and Canada to order one, two, five,
ten or even a hundred bearings from our inventory of over 2 million bearings.
Free Freight On All Orders Shipped In The U.S. And Canada!
Econo and High Speed-High Heat Bearings for More Than 750 Engines in Stock.
The Revolutionary Engine Replacement Bearings!
Website Now Available In Spanish... www.bocabearings.com
Nuevo
Sitio en
Español!
pound-thrust turbine—up to the AMAthrust-
limited AT450. AMT continues to
develop these turbines with an electric start
now available on the AT280. Plans include
adding the electric-start option to the
remaining product line as experience is
gained with use on the new AT400 and
existing AT280. Check out the AMT USA
Web site at www.usamt.com for the latest
information and pricing.
Bill Allison of Novisville, Kentucky, is a
new turbine modeler. He is coming into
turbines with the help of two excellent jet
modelers: Jesse Hogan and Lewis Patton.
With mentoring from Jesse, Bill has created
one of the prettiest Bob Violett Models
(BVM) BobCats out there.
Bill has powered the BobCat with a
RAM 500—a nice-sized selection for his
first turbine-powered airplane. This
combination provides plenty of thrust and
speed, but without the weight penalty of the
more powerful turbines.
Bill is fortunate to be able to fly
regularly with an experienced jet modeler
such as Jesse, and it looks like Jesse has a
new flying buddy. This is one of the
greatest ways to step into any new form of
this hobby. Fly with the best, and you will
learn how to be the best. Did I mention that
Bill is 69 years old?
I wish you many flights with your new
jet, Bill. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/04
Page Numbers: 133,134,135
April 2003 133
I HAD the opportunity to spend some time
with Jerry Caudle of Pro Mark Graphics.
The product line from Pro Mark centers on
graphics for model aircraft, race cars, and
trailers. It includes vinyl letters and
graphics, vinyl paint masks, raised panels,
and dry-transfer letters and graphics. Jerry’s
true love is Scale models, and he is a worldclass,
award-winning Scale competitor.
I was particularly interested in the Pro
Mark dry-transfer graphics. Jerry offers a
wide array of predesigned graphics ranging
from rivets, panel lines, and sponsor sheets
to specialty graphics for standard items such
as scale-propeller-manufacturer nameplates.
Specialty graphics developed for
specific Scale and sport aircraft are also
available. Many have been completely
researched, and the artwork is on the shelf
or in the computer, available for
reproduction. The variety is enormous and
well represented on his Web site at
www.pro-mark.com.
Many existing Scale models are in the
inventory, including his latest masterpiece:
the F-100 graphics. Jerry spent hours with a
full-scale F-100 to get all the United States
Air Force (USAF) maintenance and
marking lettering down on paper, sized
correctly, and positioned to allow you to
reproduce the aircraft accurately. This is a
valuable asset; it takes much time just to
research such information.
Pro Mark also offers artwork specific to
its customers’ needs. The staff will work
with you to develop the special artwork,
lettering, etc. you may need for your next
project. Good photographs and some simple
measurements are required to create the
artwork. Jerry’s son Jeff can do some
amazing work. Having seen some of his
craftsmanship, I can assure you that he is
talented.
Custom art takes additional time, and
Jerry will send you a sample of the artwork
for the decal to assure proper shape and size
before producing your dry transfer. The
process to produce the dry-transfer decals is
quite involved, although it is basically a
screen-art process. If you want to submit
artwork you have created on a computer,
call to make sure it is in a format they can
receive. It will still have to be manipulated
Jim Hiller, 6090 Downs Rd., Champion OH 44481
RADIO CONTROL JETS
Jerry Caudle of Pro Mark Graphics demonstrates making drytransfer
graphics. It is involved, but worth the effort.
Bill Allison, of Novisville KY, with his first turbine model: a BVM
BobCat powered by a RAM 500 turbine.
The new A-10 Warthog kit from Roger Shipley has a 10-foot wingspan and a 9-foot
fuselage. Those turbines look small in this massive Scale aircraft!
04sig5.QXD 1.23.03 3:19 pm Page 133
based on the needs of the screen-art process.
Using CorelDRAW, the first step in the
process is drawing the artwork on the
computer. It is then printed to make the
template for producing the screen. Each
color requires a separate drawing layer,
template, and screen.
This template is set on a specially
prepared screen, then exposed in a light box
to develop the screen. Preparation of the
screen follows, with special attention to
ensure that proper exposure was achieved.
Once dry, the screen is placed on a special
jig box to accurately position the screen on
top of the plastic carrying sheet.
Pro Mark can mix paints to your needs,
and as a Scale modeler, Jerry has the
standard FS numbers covered for the
military Scale buffs. The paint is applied
through the developed screen onto the
plastic sheet. If additional colors are
required, the process is repeated with
screens developed for each color. The jig
box is important to allow accurate
alignment of each layer of paint. Each layer
requires two hours of drying time before the
next color can be applied.
Jerry proudly showed his most
complicated artwork: the international flags
displayed on the Thunderbirds aircraft. It
requires 22 colors to reproduce. That is one
complex transfer!
Jerry keeps many dry transfers in stock,
almost ready to ship. He adds the final
134 MODEL AVIATION
adhesive layer a day before he ships so the
customer is assured of a fresh transfer
decal, ready for application.
Dry-transfer graphics are new for many,
and there are some unusual issues when
applying. From my own experience, use a
burnishing tool. It will last forever, and it
greatly simplifies the application process.
Pro Mark provides a very useful tip
sheet that comes from many years of
model-building experience. Many of these
tips are also available on the company’s
Web site. Check them out if you have an
interest in using dry-transfer graphics on
your model. Some tips include using warm
heat when applying the transfer; avoiding
application on flat finishes; and applying a
flat, clear coat after application of the
transfers.
Those beautiful jets with the intricate
rivet lines, panels, and stunning graphics
often use Pro Mark’s products. The raised
panels creating the three-dimensional look
add even greater detail. For larger graphics,
the vinyl paint masks provide accurate,
crisp paint lines. A few graphics go a long
way in dressing up that special model.
Last summer Roger Shipley took on a
massive project: an A-10 Warthog. He is
bringing this monster to market as a
complete kit. This aircraft spans 10 feet and
is 9 feet in length. It’s just big enough to
satisfy your Giant Scale aspirations.
Roger brought the project to the Heart of
Ohio Jet Scramble last summer to give us a
taste of things to come. He has since
completed and flown the model.
The A-10 has a fiberglass fuselage and
turbine pods, with presheeted foam wings
and tail. This kit is nearly complete, and
even has the ailerons, flaps, elevators, and
rudders cut out and ready to receive hinges.
The model is designed for two 18- to 31-
pound-thrust turbines. Estimated weight
will push the 55-pound takeoff weight limit,
so be prepared.
Check out the aircraft at Roger’s Web
site, www.jetadic.com, to get the complete
lowdown on this beautiful aircraft. I’m sure
that by the time we come to press we will
see more than just Roger’s airplane ready to
fly.
The A-10 represents the growing interest
in large-scale turbine models, and I suspect
it will again put us in a position to review
the AMA rules as they relate to turbinepowered
models. Currently, the
experimental class for models weighing
more than 55 pounds but less than 100
pounds at takeoff specifically excludes
turbine-powered models.
I am confident that modelers such as
Roger with his A-10 Warthog will show
how far turbine aeromodeling has
progressed, and they will lead the way for
accepting turbines into the experimental
category. AMA has a history of responding
to modelers’ needs as we have shown we
can operate our aircraft safely.
Do you remember the Jet Model Products
04sig5.QXD 1.23.03 3:20 pm Page 134
Cook’s model, I have hardly seen any
others flying. Now that has changed. At
Superman 2002 there were three of these
gorgeous airplanes: Tom’s prototype and
two others. One was by Joe Grice and the
other was by Mike Haddox.
Joe’s models were done with USAF
show-team colors. He added some of his
own touches, including an extension to the
fin and underfuselage fins as seen on many
modern fighters. Steve Pulley did the
honors of flying Joe’s airplane, and he put
on quite a show.
The Firebird differs from most models
because of the extensive application of
technology in the design. An example of
this is the airfoil selection. The easy way to
get good, slow flight characteristics is to
use a fat airfoil with a large radius on the
leading edge. This is not so on the Firebird.
Tom went to the other extreme with a thin,
jet-type airfoil of only 7% thickness. He
uses good wing and flap design to provide
slow flight characteristics. Steve Pulley
demonstrated how well the wing works
with some slow, gentle landings.
The best feature of this model is that
Tom pulls condensation streaks off the
wing when he loads it up doing high-speed
aerobatics. This aircraft really moves, and
that thin wing can turn it well. It looked
particularly good on Tom’s demonstration
flight Saturday. There was a big, blue sky
to show off those streaks of condensation
on the wing. Good show, Tom.
Check this airplane out at
www.jetmodelproducts.com.
The pace of product development
continues at Aviation Microjet Technology
(AMT) USA with many exciting new
releases. The company has a new AT400
turbine, capable of 35 pounds of thrust,
designed to fit into existing airframes
powered with KJ-66 turbines. The diameter
of this new turbine is just 120
millimeters—roughly 43⁄4 inches—with a
weight similar to a KJ-66 turbine. An
electric-start feature is available right from
the introduction.
AMT USA has a variety of turbines
available, ranging from the AT180—an 18-
TOLL FREE PHONE: 800-332-3256 • TOLL FREE FAX: 800-409-9191
1500 S.W. 30th Avenue, Suite 3 • Boynton Beach, Florida 33426, U.S.A.
Phone: 561-998-0004 • Fax: 561-998-0119
Email: [email protected] • Web: http://www.bocabearings.com
CERAMIC BEARINGS.
Now you can call Boca Bearing toll free from anywhere in the U.S. and Canada to order one, two, five,
ten or even a hundred bearings from our inventory of over 2 million bearings.
Free Freight On All Orders Shipped In The U.S. And Canada!
Econo and High Speed-High Heat Bearings for More Than 750 Engines in Stock.
The Revolutionary Engine Replacement Bearings!
Website Now Available In Spanish... www.bocabearings.com
Nuevo
Sitio en
Español!
pound-thrust turbine—up to the AMAthrust-
limited AT450. AMT continues to
develop these turbines with an electric start
now available on the AT280. Plans include
adding the electric-start option to the
remaining product line as experience is
gained with use on the new AT400 and
existing AT280. Check out the AMT USA
Web site at www.usamt.com for the latest
information and pricing.
Bill Allison of Novisville, Kentucky, is a
new turbine modeler. He is coming into
turbines with the help of two excellent jet
modelers: Jesse Hogan and Lewis Patton.
With mentoring from Jesse, Bill has created
one of the prettiest Bob Violett Models
(BVM) BobCats out there.
Bill has powered the BobCat with a
RAM 500—a nice-sized selection for his
first turbine-powered airplane. This
combination provides plenty of thrust and
speed, but without the weight penalty of the
more powerful turbines.
Bill is fortunate to be able to fly
regularly with an experienced jet modeler
such as Jesse, and it looks like Jesse has a
new flying buddy. This is one of the
greatest ways to step into any new form of
this hobby. Fly with the best, and you will
learn how to be the best. Did I mention that
Bill is 69 years old?
I wish you many flights with your new
jet, Bill. MA
