RADIO CONTROL JETS
Jim Hiller, 6090 Downs Rd., Champion OH 44481
I had the opportunity to spend some time with Jerry Caudle of Pro Mark Graphics. The Pro Mark product line 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 world-class, award-winning scale competitor.
Pro Mark dry-transfer graphics
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 website 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 USAF maintenance and marking lettering down on paper, sized correctly, and positioned so you can 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, or graphics 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 amazing work; having seen some of his craftsmanship, I can assure you he is talented.
How Pro Mark produces dry-transfer decals
Custom art takes additional time, and Jerry will send you a sample of the artwork for the decal to ensure 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:
- Draw the artwork on the computer (CorelDRAW is commonly used).
- Print the drawing to make the template for producing the screen. Each color requires a separate drawing layer, template, and screen.
- Set the template on a specially prepared screen, then expose it in a light box to develop the screen.
- Prepare the screen, with special attention to proper exposure.
- Place the screen on a special jig box to accurately position it on top of the plastic carrying sheet.
- Mix paints to match customer requirements (Jerry covers standard FS numbers for military scale models).
- Apply the paint through the developed screen onto the plastic sheet. Repeat for each additional color using properly aligned screens.
- Allow each layer to dry (about two hours) before applying the next color.
- Add the final adhesive layer a day before shipping so the customer receives a fresh transfer decal, ready for application.
Jerry proudly showed his most complicated artwork: the international flags displayed on the Thunderbirds aircraft. It requires 22 colors to reproduce — one very complex transfer! Jerry keeps many dry transfers in stock, almost ready to ship.
Tips for applying dry-transfer graphics
Dry-transfer graphics are new for many modelers, and there are some unusual issues when applying them. Pro Mark provides a useful tip sheet that comes from many years of model-building experience — many of these tips are also available on the company's website. Key tips include:
- Use a burnishing tool — it will last forever and greatly simplifies the application process.
- Use warm heat when applying the transfer.
- Avoid applying transfers on flat finishes.
- Apply a flat clear coat after application of the transfers.
Those beautiful jets with intricate rivet lines, panels, and stunning graphics often use Pro Mark products. The raised panels create a three-dimensional look and 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 a special model.
A-10 Warthog kit — Roger Shipley
Last summer Roger Shipley took on a massive project: an A-10 Warthog. He is bringing this monster to market as a complete kit. The aircraft has a 10-foot wingspan and is 9 feet long — 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 preshaped 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 website, 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 turbine-powered 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 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.
Jet Model Products Firebird
Do you remember the Jet Model Products Firebird? With the exception of Tom Cook's model, I had hardly seen any others flying — until Superman 2002, where there were three of these gorgeous airplanes: Tom's prototype and two others, one by Joe Grice and the other by Mike Haddox.
Joe's model was done in USAF show-team colors. He added some of his own touches, including an extended fin and underfuselage fins as seen on many modern fighters. Steve Pulley flew Joe's airplane and put on quite a show.
The Firebird differs from most models because of the extensive application of technology in the design. An example 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. Tom went 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 on Saturday: a big blue sky to show off those streaks of condensation. Good show, Tom.
Check this airplane out at www.jetmodelproducts.com.
Aviation Microjet Technology (AMT) USA
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 4 3/4 inches — with a weight similar to a KJ-66 turbine. An electric-start feature is available from introduction.
AMT USA has a variety of turbines available, ranging from the AT180 — an 18-pound-thrust turbine — up to the AMA-thrust-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 the existing AT280. Check out the AMT USA website at www.usamt.com for the latest information and pricing.
New turbine modeler: Bill Allison
Bill Allison of Novisville, Kentucky, is a new turbine modeler. He is coming into the turbine world with the help of two excellent jet modelers: Jesse Hogan and Lewis Patton. With mentoring from Jesse, Bill has created one of the prettiest BVM BobCats out there.
Bill has powered the BobCat with a RAM 500 — a nice choice for his first turbine-powered airplane. This combination provides plenty of thrust and speed without the weight penalty of more powerful turbines.
Bill is fortunate to fly regularly with an experienced jet modeler such as Jesse; it looks like Jesse has a new flying buddy. Flying with experienced modelers is one of the best ways to step into any new form of the 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
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
