RC Scale
Docu-Search
In a past column, I rattled off a few sentences about the old OK Model Control Line (CL) designs by Mamoru Takamatsu.
Mr. Takamatsu is also responsible for the outstanding line of EZ Radio Control (RC) models that are currently distributed by MRC (Model Rectifier Corporation) in Edison, New Jersey.
Although Mamoru's older designs were intended for CL flight, many were converted to RC and have made excellent rudimentary scale projects.
Jim O’Haver uncovered an early OK Models Beech G17 Staggerwing that he would like to build. The kit carries the Aristo-Craft label and seems to be complete, but the plans are missing.
If anyone has a set of plans for this model or knows where a set is available, please contact Jim at Box 282, Prescott, AZ 86302.
Under normal circumstances, the Douglas Skyraider would not qualify for a Docu-Search; literally tons of documentation is available for this airplane through commercial sources, and several flying examples are scattered throughout the country.
Dale Burbridge would like to build a Skyraider; after you read his story, I think you’ll understand why I allowed this request. He wrote:
“I’m looking for plans and anything else for the A1-E. I would like to get .60 size or larger. This is a very important airplane for me and my brother, and my dad’s best friend.
“My dad passed away from cancer about two years ago, and this airplane is one of many that my dad worked on in Vietnam. My dad’s best friend, Gene Rayman, is Air Force too, and he’s like another dad to me. I’ve known him since second grade.
“I taught myself to fly in a year’s time or so, and I got my dad’s best friend back into RC airplanes. He has built a few airplanes and is working on a .60-size P-47, but we both want to build my dad’s airplane, the A1-E Skyraider.”
If anyone would like to send an extra set of plans or three-views, photos, or any other form of documentation for uncommon subjects that are not available through conventional documentation services or channels, Docu-Search may be your project's salvation.
Send your request to me at the address at the top of the column. I’ll submit it for publication, where more than a hundred thousand modelers will have the opportunity to help you in your quest.
Product News
Scale Stits Covering is one of the finest fabric systems available for model aircraft. Stits covering and finishing supplies are available through Chip Mull at F&M Enterprises, 25252 Auburn Lake Dr., El Toro, CA 92630.
In addition to the familiar F&M product lineup, Chip offers an informative videotape that addresses application and finishing procedures for Scale Stits Covering products. No stone is left unturned; the tape’s presentation is packed with good information, and is worth viewing—at least twice.
The videotape is $19.95 well spent. Drop a check to F&M, add $3 for postage, and sit back and enjoy the show.
Dave Platt will soon offer a new videotape series: Fly, Scale. This will be a five- or six-tape collection that walks viewers through the process of designing and building a wooden scratch-built turbine model, from beginning to end.
The subject model will be Dave’s incomparable Hawker Hunter.
For pricing and release information, write to Dave Platt Models, 1306 Hume NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907.
Bob Banka’s Aircraft Documentation has released its newest catalog. With thousands of subject models to choose from, you’ll find three-view drawings and comprehensive FotoPaks that show all manner of detail.
Carefully shot for the benefit of scale modelers, each of Bob’s unique FotoPaks features crisp photography, sensible viewing angles, and specific details that can help scale modelers attain the utmost from their scale modeling effort.
For current pricing and information about the catalogs or specific subjects, write to Bob Banka’s Aircraft Documentation at 3114 Yukon Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Modelers’ Projects
The F4U Corsair is a longtime favorite of modelers everywhere. While putting a few flights on a friend’s trainer late last summer, I watched Dave West put the Ziroli Corsair through its paces over Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania.
Dave’s model spans 96 inches, and carries a .425 cubic gasoline engine and a Teco muffler. It is 15 years old and weighs 36 pounds.
The F4U features a fiberglass fuselage and built-up flying surfaces. It also carries flaps, bomb drops, and a sliding canopy.
The Corsair’s wings and tail are covered with Super Coverite. Guidance is by Futaba.
Showline
January signaled the start of the hobby industry’s show season. Throughout the year I’ll have reports for you from AMA’s Convention 2001 in Pasadena, California; the WRAAM (Western Radio Aeromodelers) Show in White Plains, New York; the Weak Signals Show in Toledo, Ohio; the East Coast Hobby Show near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and the National Retail Hobby Stores Association (trade only) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Stay with me. Build straight and fly safely. We’ll do this again.
LS
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
