Online photos can provide inspiration
by Stan Alexander [email protected]
Part of the fun of scale modeling is finding sources for the parts, bits, and pieces we need to finish and detail our aircraft. Another aspect is checking out what other modelers are building, flying, and competing with. These sources can stir your creative juices and encourage you to start or finish what you’ve been working on.
There are many websites for scale modelers. One of my favorites is the Flickr site for the National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA) that is maintained by Mark Lanterman. The site has many photos of models in flight. Included is a photo set of Bob Patton’s progress on his huge Cessna with a 173‑inch wingspan. As Bob’s wife, Tina, said, “Bob doesn’t build anything small.” From the photos, you can see what she means.
The NASA Flickr photo site has thousands of photos to view. This can stir your creativity and encourage you to return to your shop.
Several sets of building photos are included, as well as pictures from:
- World championships
- The AMA Scale Nats
- The NASA Scale Classic
- Top Gun
- Various fly‑ins
- Scale Masters
- RC, control line, and free flight scale events
There is something for everyone. You never know — you might find yourself or your work there!
To access the NASA Flickr site:
- Go to the NASA website’s main page and click on “NASA Photostream on Flickr” in the middle of the page on the right side.
- On the next page, click on the “NASA Flickr Sets” link.
- From there you can select the photo set that you would like to view. Scroll down the page and check out all of the photo sets.
Sit back and have fun. You never know whom you might see.
Cessna C-165 Airmaster Build
I have begun building my Cessna C‑165 Airmaster and I’m pleased with the plans, as well as the short kit I purchased from Bob Holman Plans. The numbered parts are easy to punch out. This is a time‑saver for experienced builders and a godsend to beginners who are building their first plan‑built model. With plan‑built models, you have the plans but have to either purchase a kit (all of the wood) or a short kit.
A short kit usually provides all of the shaped or formed parts, including the wing ribs, fuselage formers, firewall parts, and sometimes even landing gear parts. Having all of the parts labeled is a great help for a first‑time plans builder. You won’t have an instruction booklet to work with, but there are links at www.rcscalebuilder.com to forums about many designs.
The Cessna has three flap types: mid‑wing, trailing edge (TE), and the fuselage‑center‑section large flap located under the cabin. All of the flap types are depicted on the plans, along with all parts such as hinges, flap material, servos used, etc., to help the builder. A placement tab located at the wing ribs’ trailing edge keeps the wing straight without warping. After adding the spars and leading edge (LE), the tabs can be cut off and the lower trailing edge can be installed. I’m adding retractable landing lights in each panel on my Cessna, as well as navigation lights. The landing lights are located under the wing, while the navigation lights will be on the leading edge of both panels.
I made a list of parts I need for the airframe:
- Balsa and plywood sheets and sticks
- Radio gear
- Engine
- Cowl
- Tires
- Landing gear
Because mine is a C‑165, it has mid‑wing flaps. I told Bob Holman about the flaps before I purchased the short kit from him and he fed the information into the computer. The correct wing ribs arrived at my door. Bob offers special flap types needed for specific airframes.
When you purchase the balsa and plywood for your project, buy some extra pieces — as sure as the sun comes up tomorrow, you’ll need them. At least that seems to be what I’ve found in the past.
Another great source for beginners building from plans is Bob Bishop’s website. Bob and Jerry Bates have collaborated on several projects. Check out what is available in Jerry’s catalog, which has included aircraft such as the Ce... [text truncated]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
