Author: Stan Alexander
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/06
Page Numbers: 106,107,108
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Radio Control Scale

Stan Alexander <[email protected]>

Applying marking using a stencil

The correct placement and types of markings on a scale model can make or break the presentation of a full-scale airplane in miniature. The markings for the Piper PA-11 I am working on are simple: the N-number on the upper and lower wing, and the N-number and manufacturer logos on the vertical stabilizer. But how does a modeler get the markings placed correctly and use the proper font size?

I originally thought I could make the factory logos by hand, but it proved to be more of a challenge than I wanted to tackle. Rub-on transfers work well for smaller applications, and several companies can provide them.

I decided to try GetStencils.com. I e-mailed the company and an employee named Vickie replied that the staff could get me what I wanted. We corresponded regarding price, colors, size, font, and other details.

To place my order I had to measure a wing half and count the ribs to determine that the PA-11’s markings would start at the second wing rib from the outer edge of the fuselage and end on the outer part of the wing at the rib before the aileron. Within that area I measured and then counted the number of letters and numbers on the markings. After gathering all of that information, what mattered most was that it would “look right.”

If you have seven letters and numbers, take into account the space between characters and what size letters you need to make them look the same as on the full-scale aircraft. On my PA-11, the letters on the wing came out to 5 inches in height. The “NC 78759” needed to be 23 inches long, with a 3/8-inch space between each letter and a margin of 2 3/4 inches between the “NC” and the first numeral. Each number and letter is 2 inches wide.

When you order markings, send the company samples of the covering you will use so it can make the graphics the correct shade. Keep in mind that all yellows are not created equal. Lockhaven Yellow is an orange-yellow. Another shade is Cub Yellow, which is also available in MonoKote and UltraCote. Avoid Bright Yellow; it is more of a lemon hue and won’t look right. I also needed a white base for the yellow markings that were to go on dark surfaces, because the underlying color will change the appearance of light colors.

On a clean, dust-free surface, I carefully laid the mask from GetStencils.com for the NC numbers on one wing panel. When I established the final placement, I burnished the mask onto the surface so there would be no bleed between the marking and the covering. I applied several light coats of paint rather than a single heavy coat, and I made sure to let it dry. I used Nelson paint, which dries quickly. Within an hour of its application it was time to carefully pull up the stencil mask.

Make sure to slowly pull the mask back from the freshly painted surface and pay attention to the corners; they can lift. Follow all directions that come with your model’s markings.

My factory logo came as a rub-on transfer. When applying one of those, trim the image from its carrier sheet but don’t remove all of the surrounding area. Use clear tape or masking tape to position the marking on the surface. When you are satisfied with the position, add a piece of tape to the other side or end of the marking so it can’t move while you rub it down onto the surface.

Burnish the marking with an object that has a dull edge, such as a quarter or a credit card, to carefully secure it on the surface. You do not want any part of the image to move while you apply it; if it does, it might tear and you’ll have to start over. You can see the transfer change shade as it is applied. When you’ve rubbed the entire marking down, gently pull up the transfer sheet. This process is simple; it took me longer to explain it than to complete it.

Scale Competition

If you are interested in getting into scale competition, you can learn the rules for Sport Scale firsthand by attending regional contests held across the U.S. Visit AMA’s "Contest Calendar" and look for a competition in your area or as far as you’re willing to travel.

If you’ve been to the AMA Nationals or Scale Masters events and have done reasonably well, consider entering international competition. If you think the models we typically see are outstanding, you should see those entered in a World Championships. This year’s World Championships are being held in Poland, and the 2012 edition will probably take place in Spain. Travel is almost guaranteed if you’re a member of Team USA for FAI Scale. For more information, check out the National Association of Scale Aeromodelers’ website.

Around Scale

Our AMA Scale National Championships will be held the second weekend of July—the 9th–11th this year. It’s earlier in the season than usual; this change might allow some contestants to bring their kids.

This is one modeling competition in which there is something for everyone, ranging from the novice apprentice to the seasoned expert builder and pilot. Scale enthusiasts from across the country fly everything from Fun Scale (in which you can fly an ARF or almost any other type of scale model) to the FAI class, where pilots can practice for upcoming World Championships.

Don’t be intimidated if you lack knowledge about scale competition. There will be someone at the Nationals to help you. Most scale modelers are glad to help someone who is new, as long as they aren’t in the midst of repairing or servicing their own models.

While you’re at the Nationals, ask an event official if you can go to the flightline and listen to what Expert competitors tell the judges before they fly. Pilots are allowed to brief the judges on the scale abilities their aircraft will demonstrate. This introduction to those who score the performances is key.

Some pilots even recite a brief history of their models during a flight. They might make it sound like they are on a combat mission, dropping bombs, etc. Others will present the flight as an instructor and student doing a test hop, during which the rookie is expected to perform certain maneuvers. If the modeler goofs up, I guess it’s the student’s fault. I wonder if I can work that into a flight routine...

In Team Scale competition, both the builder and pilot show their respective talents to the judges, the national audience of fellow modelers, and interested companies. The builder in most teams calls for the pilot while he or she flies the finished model. If you have built a model and are rusty on the sticks, Team Scale might be for you. It also allows those who have sight or physical limitations to participate in a contest.

The rules for Team Scale are the same as for AMA Sport Scale, except that the pilot and builder compete together. Other classes—where jets, warbirds, and civilian types mix it up—include Sportsman, for the builder who hasn’t often competed in scale, up to Expert, in which past Nationals, Top Gun, and Scale Masters winners compete.

To enter Designer Scale, you must draw your airplane’s plans from scale drawings, cut the wood, or make the fiberglass molds, etc., and finish it. And then you have to fly it.

Saturday night at the Scale Nats there is an all-you-can-eat picnic, additional flying that evening, and entertainment. It’s a great time—join us!

On the Internet

Regardless of what type of event interests you, read about it in NatsNews. That’s the daily newsletter about the Nationals that the AMA publishes on-site at its Muncie, Indiana, headquarters. NatsNews is available at the contest venue or on the AMA’s website. If you subscribe to the mailing list, you will receive daily notifications of updated issues via e-mail.

This publication improves every year. It has taken on more of a prestigious “magazine” feel, and the quality of reporting and photography has been stepped up—so much that the AMA Publications Department staff is considering bringing more Nats coverage to Model Aviation (MA), the Academy's premier magazine.

Bookshelf

Finding books about Golden Age civilian aircraft can be difficult. Finding photos of these airplanes is easier but can also take considerable time, unless you are lucky on the Internet.

Wind Canyon Books sells several volumes about the Golden Age of Aviation, including titles covering Fairchild, Howard, Luscombe, Cessna, Aeronca, and the Travel Air Mystery Ship. The company also sells Paul Matt’s scale drawings. These books contain black-and-white photos, historical text, and scale drawings of the subjects—well worth checking out.

Upcoming Events

The U.S. Scale Masters Championships will be held September 15–19 at the Ohio River View RC Flyers’ field in Rosewood, Indiana. Dale Arvin is the contest director.

Fair skies and tailwinds! MA

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.