Author: Stan Alexander
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/02
Page Numbers: 111,112,113
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New modelers at the Scale Nats

by Stan Alexander [email protected]

Some of the best times I’ve had at the Nats, as well as other contests, have been watching teams of modelers work together. Often I see good friends competing against each other and helping each other out. Sometimes it is a husband-and-wife team.

One of the special bonds you might witness is a father and son working together on their models and enjoying being there with each other.

At the 2012 Nats, I had the opportunity to watch a new competitor, Evan Gaston, with his father, Dan Gaston. Both competed in Fun Scale—Evan in Novice and his dad in Open Fun Scale. Evan’s General Aircraft Skyfarer made all four flights during the competition. He performed all of the maneuvers with the light civil aircraft and always landed on the runway.

Evan and Dan drove from Norwalk, Ohio. Evan’s mother couldn’t attend this year, but I’m sure she’ll be there to cheer them on at next year’s Nats.

Evan is 9 years old and told his father after the last flight, “Dad, I can’t feel my feet. I feel like I’m floating.” At the awards ceremony, the flight judges presented Evan with a National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA) Flight Achievement Award for the 2012 Nats. Evan and his dad went home with a Hangar 9 1/4-scale de Havilland Tiger Moth. Way to go! I hope to see you both for many years.

Warbirds Over the Rockies

It’s a new year, and some new ideas (as well as some old ones) make sense when it comes to scale modeling. We now have so many choices!

Last fall, I went to an event that has been held for approximately eight years: Warbirds Over the Rockies. It’s a show/fly-in for warbirds and modelers, held annually between Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado.

For the first time I saw more P-47 Thunderbolts than P-51 Mustangs—everything from foamies to a 1/3-scale with a 140-inch wingspan and a 420cc engine. It looked great and flew much like the full-scale aircraft.

If you’ve never been to a warbird fly-in, you should attend one.

Pietenpol Air Camper

During fuselage construction I added a few braces to the 1/4-inch sticks along the stringers from the back (main) cockpit toward the model’s tail. These strengthen the fuselage without adding much weight.

Even if you have an ARF, finding ways to strengthen the model without adding weight is a plus—especially on the inside of canopies, which may be flimsy or brittle. Adding a few triangular pieces to joints can make an airplane more durable.

The Robart J-3 Cub gear works great for this 1/4-scale model, but changing the wheels/tires to sizes other than those the gear was designed for can require modifications. The provided axles were too short to handle the 1/4-scale Old-Timer tires and wheels, so I found a couple of 3/16-inch socket-head bolts in my shop to substitute for the axles. They didn’t fit the wheels and their threads could damage the wheel center, so I purchased a 9/32-inch, 1-foot-long brass tube to go over the axle and inside the wheel. This allows the wheel to roll without damaging the hub. I also ground the bolt threads off so they would fit inside the Robart sleeve on the gear. Next, the gear will be disassembled and painted black; it has already been primed. I’m excited about the model because I’m close to adding the fun details.

Upcoming Events

  • The One Eighth Air Force Spring Scale Fly-In is scheduled for March 23–24 near Mesa, Arizona. This gathering of scale modelers in the Southwest is a great time to fly scale models and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals. There's no pressure—attendees typically have a great time. Check the One Eighth Air Force website for any date changes.
  • The Weak Signals R/C Expo Show will be held in Toledo, Ohio, April 5–7. It’s always a fun event with some great deals on items modelers like. If you haven't been, you should go. Friday is usually the busiest day and has some of the best deals.
  • The 24th Top Gun Invitational will be held May 1–5 in Lakeland, Florida, at Paradise Field. Frank Tiano has some special events planned for this year's contest and show.
  • The Scale Nats will be in Muncie, Indiana, July 12–14. The 2012 Nats was great, with prizes awarded in every class. Turnout was good and it appeared the sport attracted some new modelers. I hope to see you all this year.

Competition, good food, fellowship, scale models, and a great flying site—come join the fun!

SOURCES

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