November 2009 73
Michael Connally’s big autogiro flies overhead. You
should see him perform 3-D maneuvers with this model.
Tom Blakeney holds his Lanxiang SR-71.
This nice foam-based model features
retracts and looks great in the air.
Joe Wagner offers Kevin Wilfong some keen advice before Joe lets him take the handle
of his CL Top Flite Flite Streak.
SINCE MODEL AVIATION began, aeromodelers have had a
fascination with airplanes that fly in small spaces, are little in stature,
and use diminutive power sources. Several years ago, two familiar
names in the aeromodeling community—Randy Randolph and Joe
Wagner (MA’s “The Engine Shop” columnist)—decided that a
gathering needed to be held for people who like that aspect of the
hobby.
The movement became known as the Small Airplane Lovers’
League, or SMALL. Actually, this is not a formal organization. It is the
recognition of a facet of model aviation that many participants enjoy.
The only “rule” is that airplanes need to be powered by engines or
equivalent power sources that do not exceed .26 cu. in. of displacement
for a two-stroke. CL models can have power sources of up to the
equivalent of a .35 engine. Multiple power plants are allowed, so the
aircraft can range in size from the palm of your hand to Giant Scale.
At Randy and Joe’s urging, Steve Staples and Emmett Fry, good
friends and residents of the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, decided to
organize a SMALL fly-in 19 years ago. It blossomed into an annual
Photos by the author except as noted
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:41 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Ernest Butler’s Spacewalker features flaps. When they are
deployed, the model literally hangs in the air. Made entirely from
3mm sheet foam, this model spans 6 feet but weighs only 18
ounces.
Pat Tritle launches his rubber-powered FF Stinson Voyager. Not
too surprisingly, the model flew great.
Shown is some of the crowd and flying action at the indoor
session that was held the evening of Day One at the SMALL fly-in.
You probably won’t see anything resembling the Roy Cloughdesigned
Ringer at an average fly-in. Steve Staples built and flew the
model. Richard Ng photo.
Bob Selman holds one of Plantraco’s several 1/72-scale models
during the indoor session. Joe Malinchak, the author of MA’s
“Micro-Flying” column, developed the airplane.
Launched by Bill Rhodes, this rubber-powered FF Piper Super
Cub on floats is off to an extraordinarily nice flight.
Steve Pierce built this Star Tiger from Aerial-Locomotion.
Power is provided by an O.S. .10 FSR engine. Keith Spriggs
photo.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:43 AM Page 74
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
76 MODEL AVIATION
Paul Willenborg holds his well-done little
scratch-built BD-5. It performed and
looked great in the air.
Marshal Singer had an impressive self-developed virtual pilot station.
Onlookers could see the display as he could in his virtual glasses. Per AMA
guidelines, the model was kept in sight at all times.
The load is away during Keith Sparks’ simulated air-drop mission with his scratch-built
C-130. Spriggs photo.
Above: You rarely see silk-covered models anymore. Phil Semmer’s scratch-built
WACO is an excellent display of the nearly lost art of silk-and-dope covering.
Left: Kevin Wilfong prepares to call for the release of Joe Wagner’s Flite Streak
before 81/2-year-old Nathan Sodt’s training flight.
Don Johnson scratch-built this attractive Bellanca
Aircruiser.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:46 AM Page 76
gathering that has become a cornucopia of
models in an atmosphere of pure fun.
The 2009 edition of this fly-in took place
June 5-7. As with many such events, a large
portion of the out-of-town participants
showed up a day early to maximize their fun.
As it has done for the two previous years,
the Fraternal Association of RC Modelers
(FARM) hosted this year’s SMALL event.
This club primarily enjoys Giant Scale RC,
but its members definitely know how to
organize and run the event for minute models.
Many thanks to its members and Dale
Womack, who served as the CD.
Spring weather around the greater Little
Rock area had people worried about the
scheduled SMALL gathering. Fortunately,
Mother Nature delivered wonderful weather.
When the wind blew, it was modest and short
in duration.
The large FF area was covered by tall, soft
foliage; the grass RC runway worked for most
small wheeled models; and a good grasscovered
CL section served those fliers well.
To make things complete, a nice gym located
roughly one-and-a-half miles from the field
was available for flying the evening of June 5.
A total of 72 participants registered for the
fly-in. Someone attempting to count all of the
models on the field lost count after 400. There
were plenty of spectators, and the deep-blue
sky was full of aircraft for much of each event
day.
The unmistakable noise from smalldisplacement
piston engines mixed with the
sounds of electric-powered models, and that
was punctuated by the sight of a rubberpowered
FF aircraft floating on a thermal in
the background. It does not get much better
than that.
It is hard to know where to begin when
reporting on an event as unique as the
SMALL fly-in. Probably the best place to
start is the incredible variety of models. Not
only that, but some of the registered pilots
brought large numbers of airplanes with them.
The team of Bob Selman and Ken Spenser
had nearly 60 operational aircraft. They had
wingspans of roughly 10 inches apiece, so all
of them could fit in Bob’s van. Another duo
was Tom Blakeney and Richard Ng of the
Fort Worth, Texas, area. They had to drive
their own vehicles to the event so they could
bring all the models they had.
Pat Tritle of Pat’s Custom Models and
Manzano Laser Works’ Charlie Bice had a
trailer full of lovely scale aircraft, as did Keith
Sparks. Numerous other fliers also brought a
large collection of neat models.
The airplanes ran the full spectrum of
measurement and type. Ralph Bradley had
several palm-size aircraft that he flew
outdoors and indoors. Bob Selman had a
collection of 1:72 indoor scale models that he
sells, which Joe Malinchak, MA’s “Micro-
Flying” columnist, developed for Plantraco.
Moving up in size were some terrific Cox
.010-powered models by Troy Black and
Floyd Harp. At the large end of the size scale
were Keith Sparks’ magnificent B-58 and C-
130. Michael Connally and Ernest Butler had
super-light, 6-foot-span aircraft that were
something to watch in flight.
The range of sizes was impressive, and so
was the mix of types and subjects. As you
looked up at any given moment, you might
have seen a pterodactyl flying by: Paul
Shiflet’s Marston Pterodactyl from Marston
PteroWorks.
Michael Connally’s 6-foot, light autogiro
was a treat to watch, and Paul Willenborg’s
Fan Trainer ripped up the sky. Troy Black’s
1/2A Skydrill and .010-powered Li’l Stick
were great fun.
Floyd Harp put on an excellent
demonstration of how well a .010-powered
model can perform, with his reduced-size
Jesse Sheppard-designed Scoots. And
probably the strangest thing in the air was
Steve Staples’ Roy Clough-designed
Ringer.
The several autogiros present this year
made for a lot of fun. They were glow
powered, electric powered, and came in
small, medium, and large sizes. Single- and
double-rotor designs represented, and all put
on quite a show when flown.
Helping to underscore the diverse nature
of the aircraft were three EPP-foam eagles
from FlyParty. Flown by Park Fleming,
Michael Connally, and Ernest Butler, these
models looked convincing; that is, until one
started looping. They had the local bird
population in an uproar when they were
flying.
Michael Connally and Ernest Butler are
masters when it comes to flying things
constructed from foam. They were
responsible for the original flying hydroplanes
that became such a huge hit.
SMALL Fly-In
Recognition
Although the SMALL gathering is not
a competition, awards are given. They are
in the spirit of a slap on the back from one
modeler to another, for such things as the
best crash. These “honors” are in great
fun and help underscore the spirit of this
three-day event.
This year’s prizes were nice laserengraved
mugs and plaques, which
Manzano Laser Works provided. Those
who received awards are as follows.
Most Airplanes: Bob Selman
Best Free Flight: Keith Sparks
Best Crash: Michael Connally
Youngest Participant: Nathan Sodt
Most Unique: Steve Staples
Best Piston Powered Model: John Red
Best Electric Scale Model:
Keith Sparks
Best Piston Powered Scale Model:
Steve Staples
Best Electric Sport Model:
Tom Blakeney
Spirit of SMALL Award: Pat Tritle MA
—Paul Bradley
Almost lost in all the sights, sounds, and
overload of fun was Marshal Singer and his
virtual pilot station. As I was making my
many trips up and down the flightline, I
noticed a guy sitting in a lawn chair, wearing
funny-looking sunglasses. The strange
eyewear was actually virtual-display glasses.
Further examination revealed other
equipment sitting in front of Marshal and a
transmitter in his hand. He was flying a
Multiplex Easy Star high and out and far,
using his virtual-pilot setup. The video camera
onboard the airplane was slaved to Marshal’s
head position. As he turned his head, the
camera moved. He had the same view as if he
were sitting inside the model.
The Easy Star carried a GPS unit that
provided feedback to Marshal’s ground
station. He could see a heads-up display of
altitude and heading. According to Marshal,
the system had a 3-mile range.
To maintain a margin of safety, two
spotters kept track of the model from the
ground. This was an impressive system that
kept a big grin on Marshal’s face while he was
flying.
Words and even photos can’t capture the
experience of the SMALL fly-in. Why not see
it for yourself? Head to Little Rock in 2010 to
help celebrate this special event’s 20th
anniversary. MA
Paul Bradley
[email protected]
Sources:
Pat’s Custom Models
(505) 296-4511
www.patscustom-models.com
Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640
www.manzanolaser.com
Bob Selman Designs
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Marston PteroWorks
www.pteroworks.com
Select Hobbies
www.selecthobbies.com
FlyParty EPP Eagle:
http://stores.ebay.com/EPP-EAGLE
www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/
Dr. Diesel (Eric Clutton)
(931) 455-2256
Lanxiang Products SR-71:
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Nitro Planes
(626) 968-9860
www.nitroplanes.com
BMJR Model Products
(321) 537-1159
www.bmjrmodels.com
Aerial Locomotion
www.aerial-locomotion.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 72,73,74,75,76,77,78
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 72,73,74,75,76,77,78
November 2009 73
Michael Connally’s big autogiro flies overhead. You
should see him perform 3-D maneuvers with this model.
Tom Blakeney holds his Lanxiang SR-71.
This nice foam-based model features
retracts and looks great in the air.
Joe Wagner offers Kevin Wilfong some keen advice before Joe lets him take the handle
of his CL Top Flite Flite Streak.
SINCE MODEL AVIATION began, aeromodelers have had a
fascination with airplanes that fly in small spaces, are little in stature,
and use diminutive power sources. Several years ago, two familiar
names in the aeromodeling community—Randy Randolph and Joe
Wagner (MA’s “The Engine Shop” columnist)—decided that a
gathering needed to be held for people who like that aspect of the
hobby.
The movement became known as the Small Airplane Lovers’
League, or SMALL. Actually, this is not a formal organization. It is the
recognition of a facet of model aviation that many participants enjoy.
The only “rule” is that airplanes need to be powered by engines or
equivalent power sources that do not exceed .26 cu. in. of displacement
for a two-stroke. CL models can have power sources of up to the
equivalent of a .35 engine. Multiple power plants are allowed, so the
aircraft can range in size from the palm of your hand to Giant Scale.
At Randy and Joe’s urging, Steve Staples and Emmett Fry, good
friends and residents of the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, decided to
organize a SMALL fly-in 19 years ago. It blossomed into an annual
Photos by the author except as noted
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:41 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Ernest Butler’s Spacewalker features flaps. When they are
deployed, the model literally hangs in the air. Made entirely from
3mm sheet foam, this model spans 6 feet but weighs only 18
ounces.
Pat Tritle launches his rubber-powered FF Stinson Voyager. Not
too surprisingly, the model flew great.
Shown is some of the crowd and flying action at the indoor
session that was held the evening of Day One at the SMALL fly-in.
You probably won’t see anything resembling the Roy Cloughdesigned
Ringer at an average fly-in. Steve Staples built and flew the
model. Richard Ng photo.
Bob Selman holds one of Plantraco’s several 1/72-scale models
during the indoor session. Joe Malinchak, the author of MA’s
“Micro-Flying” column, developed the airplane.
Launched by Bill Rhodes, this rubber-powered FF Piper Super
Cub on floats is off to an extraordinarily nice flight.
Steve Pierce built this Star Tiger from Aerial-Locomotion.
Power is provided by an O.S. .10 FSR engine. Keith Spriggs
photo.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:43 AM Page 74
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
76 MODEL AVIATION
Paul Willenborg holds his well-done little
scratch-built BD-5. It performed and
looked great in the air.
Marshal Singer had an impressive self-developed virtual pilot station.
Onlookers could see the display as he could in his virtual glasses. Per AMA
guidelines, the model was kept in sight at all times.
The load is away during Keith Sparks’ simulated air-drop mission with his scratch-built
C-130. Spriggs photo.
Above: You rarely see silk-covered models anymore. Phil Semmer’s scratch-built
WACO is an excellent display of the nearly lost art of silk-and-dope covering.
Left: Kevin Wilfong prepares to call for the release of Joe Wagner’s Flite Streak
before 81/2-year-old Nathan Sodt’s training flight.
Don Johnson scratch-built this attractive Bellanca
Aircruiser.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:46 AM Page 76
gathering that has become a cornucopia of
models in an atmosphere of pure fun.
The 2009 edition of this fly-in took place
June 5-7. As with many such events, a large
portion of the out-of-town participants
showed up a day early to maximize their fun.
As it has done for the two previous years,
the Fraternal Association of RC Modelers
(FARM) hosted this year’s SMALL event.
This club primarily enjoys Giant Scale RC,
but its members definitely know how to
organize and run the event for minute models.
Many thanks to its members and Dale
Womack, who served as the CD.
Spring weather around the greater Little
Rock area had people worried about the
scheduled SMALL gathering. Fortunately,
Mother Nature delivered wonderful weather.
When the wind blew, it was modest and short
in duration.
The large FF area was covered by tall, soft
foliage; the grass RC runway worked for most
small wheeled models; and a good grasscovered
CL section served those fliers well.
To make things complete, a nice gym located
roughly one-and-a-half miles from the field
was available for flying the evening of June 5.
A total of 72 participants registered for the
fly-in. Someone attempting to count all of the
models on the field lost count after 400. There
were plenty of spectators, and the deep-blue
sky was full of aircraft for much of each event
day.
The unmistakable noise from smalldisplacement
piston engines mixed with the
sounds of electric-powered models, and that
was punctuated by the sight of a rubberpowered
FF aircraft floating on a thermal in
the background. It does not get much better
than that.
It is hard to know where to begin when
reporting on an event as unique as the
SMALL fly-in. Probably the best place to
start is the incredible variety of models. Not
only that, but some of the registered pilots
brought large numbers of airplanes with them.
The team of Bob Selman and Ken Spenser
had nearly 60 operational aircraft. They had
wingspans of roughly 10 inches apiece, so all
of them could fit in Bob’s van. Another duo
was Tom Blakeney and Richard Ng of the
Fort Worth, Texas, area. They had to drive
their own vehicles to the event so they could
bring all the models they had.
Pat Tritle of Pat’s Custom Models and
Manzano Laser Works’ Charlie Bice had a
trailer full of lovely scale aircraft, as did Keith
Sparks. Numerous other fliers also brought a
large collection of neat models.
The airplanes ran the full spectrum of
measurement and type. Ralph Bradley had
several palm-size aircraft that he flew
outdoors and indoors. Bob Selman had a
collection of 1:72 indoor scale models that he
sells, which Joe Malinchak, MA’s “Micro-
Flying” columnist, developed for Plantraco.
Moving up in size were some terrific Cox
.010-powered models by Troy Black and
Floyd Harp. At the large end of the size scale
were Keith Sparks’ magnificent B-58 and C-
130. Michael Connally and Ernest Butler had
super-light, 6-foot-span aircraft that were
something to watch in flight.
The range of sizes was impressive, and so
was the mix of types and subjects. As you
looked up at any given moment, you might
have seen a pterodactyl flying by: Paul
Shiflet’s Marston Pterodactyl from Marston
PteroWorks.
Michael Connally’s 6-foot, light autogiro
was a treat to watch, and Paul Willenborg’s
Fan Trainer ripped up the sky. Troy Black’s
1/2A Skydrill and .010-powered Li’l Stick
were great fun.
Floyd Harp put on an excellent
demonstration of how well a .010-powered
model can perform, with his reduced-size
Jesse Sheppard-designed Scoots. And
probably the strangest thing in the air was
Steve Staples’ Roy Clough-designed
Ringer.
The several autogiros present this year
made for a lot of fun. They were glow
powered, electric powered, and came in
small, medium, and large sizes. Single- and
double-rotor designs represented, and all put
on quite a show when flown.
Helping to underscore the diverse nature
of the aircraft were three EPP-foam eagles
from FlyParty. Flown by Park Fleming,
Michael Connally, and Ernest Butler, these
models looked convincing; that is, until one
started looping. They had the local bird
population in an uproar when they were
flying.
Michael Connally and Ernest Butler are
masters when it comes to flying things
constructed from foam. They were
responsible for the original flying hydroplanes
that became such a huge hit.
SMALL Fly-In
Recognition
Although the SMALL gathering is not
a competition, awards are given. They are
in the spirit of a slap on the back from one
modeler to another, for such things as the
best crash. These “honors” are in great
fun and help underscore the spirit of this
three-day event.
This year’s prizes were nice laserengraved
mugs and plaques, which
Manzano Laser Works provided. Those
who received awards are as follows.
Most Airplanes: Bob Selman
Best Free Flight: Keith Sparks
Best Crash: Michael Connally
Youngest Participant: Nathan Sodt
Most Unique: Steve Staples
Best Piston Powered Model: John Red
Best Electric Scale Model:
Keith Sparks
Best Piston Powered Scale Model:
Steve Staples
Best Electric Sport Model:
Tom Blakeney
Spirit of SMALL Award: Pat Tritle MA
—Paul Bradley
Almost lost in all the sights, sounds, and
overload of fun was Marshal Singer and his
virtual pilot station. As I was making my
many trips up and down the flightline, I
noticed a guy sitting in a lawn chair, wearing
funny-looking sunglasses. The strange
eyewear was actually virtual-display glasses.
Further examination revealed other
equipment sitting in front of Marshal and a
transmitter in his hand. He was flying a
Multiplex Easy Star high and out and far,
using his virtual-pilot setup. The video camera
onboard the airplane was slaved to Marshal’s
head position. As he turned his head, the
camera moved. He had the same view as if he
were sitting inside the model.
The Easy Star carried a GPS unit that
provided feedback to Marshal’s ground
station. He could see a heads-up display of
altitude and heading. According to Marshal,
the system had a 3-mile range.
To maintain a margin of safety, two
spotters kept track of the model from the
ground. This was an impressive system that
kept a big grin on Marshal’s face while he was
flying.
Words and even photos can’t capture the
experience of the SMALL fly-in. Why not see
it for yourself? Head to Little Rock in 2010 to
help celebrate this special event’s 20th
anniversary. MA
Paul Bradley
[email protected]
Sources:
Pat’s Custom Models
(505) 296-4511
www.patscustom-models.com
Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640
www.manzanolaser.com
Bob Selman Designs
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Marston PteroWorks
www.pteroworks.com
Select Hobbies
www.selecthobbies.com
FlyParty EPP Eagle:
http://stores.ebay.com/EPP-EAGLE
www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/
Dr. Diesel (Eric Clutton)
(931) 455-2256
Lanxiang Products SR-71:
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Nitro Planes
(626) 968-9860
www.nitroplanes.com
BMJR Model Products
(321) 537-1159
www.bmjrmodels.com
Aerial Locomotion
www.aerial-locomotion.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 72,73,74,75,76,77,78
November 2009 73
Michael Connally’s big autogiro flies overhead. You
should see him perform 3-D maneuvers with this model.
Tom Blakeney holds his Lanxiang SR-71.
This nice foam-based model features
retracts and looks great in the air.
Joe Wagner offers Kevin Wilfong some keen advice before Joe lets him take the handle
of his CL Top Flite Flite Streak.
SINCE MODEL AVIATION began, aeromodelers have had a
fascination with airplanes that fly in small spaces, are little in stature,
and use diminutive power sources. Several years ago, two familiar
names in the aeromodeling community—Randy Randolph and Joe
Wagner (MA’s “The Engine Shop” columnist)—decided that a
gathering needed to be held for people who like that aspect of the
hobby.
The movement became known as the Small Airplane Lovers’
League, or SMALL. Actually, this is not a formal organization. It is the
recognition of a facet of model aviation that many participants enjoy.
The only “rule” is that airplanes need to be powered by engines or
equivalent power sources that do not exceed .26 cu. in. of displacement
for a two-stroke. CL models can have power sources of up to the
equivalent of a .35 engine. Multiple power plants are allowed, so the
aircraft can range in size from the palm of your hand to Giant Scale.
At Randy and Joe’s urging, Steve Staples and Emmett Fry, good
friends and residents of the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, decided to
organize a SMALL fly-in 19 years ago. It blossomed into an annual
Photos by the author except as noted
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:41 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Ernest Butler’s Spacewalker features flaps. When they are
deployed, the model literally hangs in the air. Made entirely from
3mm sheet foam, this model spans 6 feet but weighs only 18
ounces.
Pat Tritle launches his rubber-powered FF Stinson Voyager. Not
too surprisingly, the model flew great.
Shown is some of the crowd and flying action at the indoor
session that was held the evening of Day One at the SMALL fly-in.
You probably won’t see anything resembling the Roy Cloughdesigned
Ringer at an average fly-in. Steve Staples built and flew the
model. Richard Ng photo.
Bob Selman holds one of Plantraco’s several 1/72-scale models
during the indoor session. Joe Malinchak, the author of MA’s
“Micro-Flying” column, developed the airplane.
Launched by Bill Rhodes, this rubber-powered FF Piper Super
Cub on floats is off to an extraordinarily nice flight.
Steve Pierce built this Star Tiger from Aerial-Locomotion.
Power is provided by an O.S. .10 FSR engine. Keith Spriggs
photo.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:43 AM Page 74
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
76 MODEL AVIATION
Paul Willenborg holds his well-done little
scratch-built BD-5. It performed and
looked great in the air.
Marshal Singer had an impressive self-developed virtual pilot station.
Onlookers could see the display as he could in his virtual glasses. Per AMA
guidelines, the model was kept in sight at all times.
The load is away during Keith Sparks’ simulated air-drop mission with his scratch-built
C-130. Spriggs photo.
Above: You rarely see silk-covered models anymore. Phil Semmer’s scratch-built
WACO is an excellent display of the nearly lost art of silk-and-dope covering.
Left: Kevin Wilfong prepares to call for the release of Joe Wagner’s Flite Streak
before 81/2-year-old Nathan Sodt’s training flight.
Don Johnson scratch-built this attractive Bellanca
Aircruiser.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:46 AM Page 76
gathering that has become a cornucopia of
models in an atmosphere of pure fun.
The 2009 edition of this fly-in took place
June 5-7. As with many such events, a large
portion of the out-of-town participants
showed up a day early to maximize their fun.
As it has done for the two previous years,
the Fraternal Association of RC Modelers
(FARM) hosted this year’s SMALL event.
This club primarily enjoys Giant Scale RC,
but its members definitely know how to
organize and run the event for minute models.
Many thanks to its members and Dale
Womack, who served as the CD.
Spring weather around the greater Little
Rock area had people worried about the
scheduled SMALL gathering. Fortunately,
Mother Nature delivered wonderful weather.
When the wind blew, it was modest and short
in duration.
The large FF area was covered by tall, soft
foliage; the grass RC runway worked for most
small wheeled models; and a good grasscovered
CL section served those fliers well.
To make things complete, a nice gym located
roughly one-and-a-half miles from the field
was available for flying the evening of June 5.
A total of 72 participants registered for the
fly-in. Someone attempting to count all of the
models on the field lost count after 400. There
were plenty of spectators, and the deep-blue
sky was full of aircraft for much of each event
day.
The unmistakable noise from smalldisplacement
piston engines mixed with the
sounds of electric-powered models, and that
was punctuated by the sight of a rubberpowered
FF aircraft floating on a thermal in
the background. It does not get much better
than that.
It is hard to know where to begin when
reporting on an event as unique as the
SMALL fly-in. Probably the best place to
start is the incredible variety of models. Not
only that, but some of the registered pilots
brought large numbers of airplanes with them.
The team of Bob Selman and Ken Spenser
had nearly 60 operational aircraft. They had
wingspans of roughly 10 inches apiece, so all
of them could fit in Bob’s van. Another duo
was Tom Blakeney and Richard Ng of the
Fort Worth, Texas, area. They had to drive
their own vehicles to the event so they could
bring all the models they had.
Pat Tritle of Pat’s Custom Models and
Manzano Laser Works’ Charlie Bice had a
trailer full of lovely scale aircraft, as did Keith
Sparks. Numerous other fliers also brought a
large collection of neat models.
The airplanes ran the full spectrum of
measurement and type. Ralph Bradley had
several palm-size aircraft that he flew
outdoors and indoors. Bob Selman had a
collection of 1:72 indoor scale models that he
sells, which Joe Malinchak, MA’s “Micro-
Flying” columnist, developed for Plantraco.
Moving up in size were some terrific Cox
.010-powered models by Troy Black and
Floyd Harp. At the large end of the size scale
were Keith Sparks’ magnificent B-58 and C-
130. Michael Connally and Ernest Butler had
super-light, 6-foot-span aircraft that were
something to watch in flight.
The range of sizes was impressive, and so
was the mix of types and subjects. As you
looked up at any given moment, you might
have seen a pterodactyl flying by: Paul
Shiflet’s Marston Pterodactyl from Marston
PteroWorks.
Michael Connally’s 6-foot, light autogiro
was a treat to watch, and Paul Willenborg’s
Fan Trainer ripped up the sky. Troy Black’s
1/2A Skydrill and .010-powered Li’l Stick
were great fun.
Floyd Harp put on an excellent
demonstration of how well a .010-powered
model can perform, with his reduced-size
Jesse Sheppard-designed Scoots. And
probably the strangest thing in the air was
Steve Staples’ Roy Clough-designed
Ringer.
The several autogiros present this year
made for a lot of fun. They were glow
powered, electric powered, and came in
small, medium, and large sizes. Single- and
double-rotor designs represented, and all put
on quite a show when flown.
Helping to underscore the diverse nature
of the aircraft were three EPP-foam eagles
from FlyParty. Flown by Park Fleming,
Michael Connally, and Ernest Butler, these
models looked convincing; that is, until one
started looping. They had the local bird
population in an uproar when they were
flying.
Michael Connally and Ernest Butler are
masters when it comes to flying things
constructed from foam. They were
responsible for the original flying hydroplanes
that became such a huge hit.
SMALL Fly-In
Recognition
Although the SMALL gathering is not
a competition, awards are given. They are
in the spirit of a slap on the back from one
modeler to another, for such things as the
best crash. These “honors” are in great
fun and help underscore the spirit of this
three-day event.
This year’s prizes were nice laserengraved
mugs and plaques, which
Manzano Laser Works provided. Those
who received awards are as follows.
Most Airplanes: Bob Selman
Best Free Flight: Keith Sparks
Best Crash: Michael Connally
Youngest Participant: Nathan Sodt
Most Unique: Steve Staples
Best Piston Powered Model: John Red
Best Electric Scale Model:
Keith Sparks
Best Piston Powered Scale Model:
Steve Staples
Best Electric Sport Model:
Tom Blakeney
Spirit of SMALL Award: Pat Tritle MA
—Paul Bradley
Almost lost in all the sights, sounds, and
overload of fun was Marshal Singer and his
virtual pilot station. As I was making my
many trips up and down the flightline, I
noticed a guy sitting in a lawn chair, wearing
funny-looking sunglasses. The strange
eyewear was actually virtual-display glasses.
Further examination revealed other
equipment sitting in front of Marshal and a
transmitter in his hand. He was flying a
Multiplex Easy Star high and out and far,
using his virtual-pilot setup. The video camera
onboard the airplane was slaved to Marshal’s
head position. As he turned his head, the
camera moved. He had the same view as if he
were sitting inside the model.
The Easy Star carried a GPS unit that
provided feedback to Marshal’s ground
station. He could see a heads-up display of
altitude and heading. According to Marshal,
the system had a 3-mile range.
To maintain a margin of safety, two
spotters kept track of the model from the
ground. This was an impressive system that
kept a big grin on Marshal’s face while he was
flying.
Words and even photos can’t capture the
experience of the SMALL fly-in. Why not see
it for yourself? Head to Little Rock in 2010 to
help celebrate this special event’s 20th
anniversary. MA
Paul Bradley
[email protected]
Sources:
Pat’s Custom Models
(505) 296-4511
www.patscustom-models.com
Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640
www.manzanolaser.com
Bob Selman Designs
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Marston PteroWorks
www.pteroworks.com
Select Hobbies
www.selecthobbies.com
FlyParty EPP Eagle:
http://stores.ebay.com/EPP-EAGLE
www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/
Dr. Diesel (Eric Clutton)
(931) 455-2256
Lanxiang Products SR-71:
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Nitro Planes
(626) 968-9860
www.nitroplanes.com
BMJR Model Products
(321) 537-1159
www.bmjrmodels.com
Aerial Locomotion
www.aerial-locomotion.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 72,73,74,75,76,77,78
November 2009 73
Michael Connally’s big autogiro flies overhead. You
should see him perform 3-D maneuvers with this model.
Tom Blakeney holds his Lanxiang SR-71.
This nice foam-based model features
retracts and looks great in the air.
Joe Wagner offers Kevin Wilfong some keen advice before Joe lets him take the handle
of his CL Top Flite Flite Streak.
SINCE MODEL AVIATION began, aeromodelers have had a
fascination with airplanes that fly in small spaces, are little in stature,
and use diminutive power sources. Several years ago, two familiar
names in the aeromodeling community—Randy Randolph and Joe
Wagner (MA’s “The Engine Shop” columnist)—decided that a
gathering needed to be held for people who like that aspect of the
hobby.
The movement became known as the Small Airplane Lovers’
League, or SMALL. Actually, this is not a formal organization. It is the
recognition of a facet of model aviation that many participants enjoy.
The only “rule” is that airplanes need to be powered by engines or
equivalent power sources that do not exceed .26 cu. in. of displacement
for a two-stroke. CL models can have power sources of up to the
equivalent of a .35 engine. Multiple power plants are allowed, so the
aircraft can range in size from the palm of your hand to Giant Scale.
At Randy and Joe’s urging, Steve Staples and Emmett Fry, good
friends and residents of the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, decided to
organize a SMALL fly-in 19 years ago. It blossomed into an annual
Photos by the author except as noted
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:41 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Ernest Butler’s Spacewalker features flaps. When they are
deployed, the model literally hangs in the air. Made entirely from
3mm sheet foam, this model spans 6 feet but weighs only 18
ounces.
Pat Tritle launches his rubber-powered FF Stinson Voyager. Not
too surprisingly, the model flew great.
Shown is some of the crowd and flying action at the indoor
session that was held the evening of Day One at the SMALL fly-in.
You probably won’t see anything resembling the Roy Cloughdesigned
Ringer at an average fly-in. Steve Staples built and flew the
model. Richard Ng photo.
Bob Selman holds one of Plantraco’s several 1/72-scale models
during the indoor session. Joe Malinchak, the author of MA’s
“Micro-Flying” column, developed the airplane.
Launched by Bill Rhodes, this rubber-powered FF Piper Super
Cub on floats is off to an extraordinarily nice flight.
Steve Pierce built this Star Tiger from Aerial-Locomotion.
Power is provided by an O.S. .10 FSR engine. Keith Spriggs
photo.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:43 AM Page 74
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
76 MODEL AVIATION
Paul Willenborg holds his well-done little
scratch-built BD-5. It performed and
looked great in the air.
Marshal Singer had an impressive self-developed virtual pilot station.
Onlookers could see the display as he could in his virtual glasses. Per AMA
guidelines, the model was kept in sight at all times.
The load is away during Keith Sparks’ simulated air-drop mission with his scratch-built
C-130. Spriggs photo.
Above: You rarely see silk-covered models anymore. Phil Semmer’s scratch-built
WACO is an excellent display of the nearly lost art of silk-and-dope covering.
Left: Kevin Wilfong prepares to call for the release of Joe Wagner’s Flite Streak
before 81/2-year-old Nathan Sodt’s training flight.
Don Johnson scratch-built this attractive Bellanca
Aircruiser.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:46 AM Page 76
gathering that has become a cornucopia of
models in an atmosphere of pure fun.
The 2009 edition of this fly-in took place
June 5-7. As with many such events, a large
portion of the out-of-town participants
showed up a day early to maximize their fun.
As it has done for the two previous years,
the Fraternal Association of RC Modelers
(FARM) hosted this year’s SMALL event.
This club primarily enjoys Giant Scale RC,
but its members definitely know how to
organize and run the event for minute models.
Many thanks to its members and Dale
Womack, who served as the CD.
Spring weather around the greater Little
Rock area had people worried about the
scheduled SMALL gathering. Fortunately,
Mother Nature delivered wonderful weather.
When the wind blew, it was modest and short
in duration.
The large FF area was covered by tall, soft
foliage; the grass RC runway worked for most
small wheeled models; and a good grasscovered
CL section served those fliers well.
To make things complete, a nice gym located
roughly one-and-a-half miles from the field
was available for flying the evening of June 5.
A total of 72 participants registered for the
fly-in. Someone attempting to count all of the
models on the field lost count after 400. There
were plenty of spectators, and the deep-blue
sky was full of aircraft for much of each event
day.
The unmistakable noise from smalldisplacement
piston engines mixed with the
sounds of electric-powered models, and that
was punctuated by the sight of a rubberpowered
FF aircraft floating on a thermal in
the background. It does not get much better
than that.
It is hard to know where to begin when
reporting on an event as unique as the
SMALL fly-in. Probably the best place to
start is the incredible variety of models. Not
only that, but some of the registered pilots
brought large numbers of airplanes with them.
The team of Bob Selman and Ken Spenser
had nearly 60 operational aircraft. They had
wingspans of roughly 10 inches apiece, so all
of them could fit in Bob’s van. Another duo
was Tom Blakeney and Richard Ng of the
Fort Worth, Texas, area. They had to drive
their own vehicles to the event so they could
bring all the models they had.
Pat Tritle of Pat’s Custom Models and
Manzano Laser Works’ Charlie Bice had a
trailer full of lovely scale aircraft, as did Keith
Sparks. Numerous other fliers also brought a
large collection of neat models.
The airplanes ran the full spectrum of
measurement and type. Ralph Bradley had
several palm-size aircraft that he flew
outdoors and indoors. Bob Selman had a
collection of 1:72 indoor scale models that he
sells, which Joe Malinchak, MA’s “Micro-
Flying” columnist, developed for Plantraco.
Moving up in size were some terrific Cox
.010-powered models by Troy Black and
Floyd Harp. At the large end of the size scale
were Keith Sparks’ magnificent B-58 and C-
130. Michael Connally and Ernest Butler had
super-light, 6-foot-span aircraft that were
something to watch in flight.
The range of sizes was impressive, and so
was the mix of types and subjects. As you
looked up at any given moment, you might
have seen a pterodactyl flying by: Paul
Shiflet’s Marston Pterodactyl from Marston
PteroWorks.
Michael Connally’s 6-foot, light autogiro
was a treat to watch, and Paul Willenborg’s
Fan Trainer ripped up the sky. Troy Black’s
1/2A Skydrill and .010-powered Li’l Stick
were great fun.
Floyd Harp put on an excellent
demonstration of how well a .010-powered
model can perform, with his reduced-size
Jesse Sheppard-designed Scoots. And
probably the strangest thing in the air was
Steve Staples’ Roy Clough-designed
Ringer.
The several autogiros present this year
made for a lot of fun. They were glow
powered, electric powered, and came in
small, medium, and large sizes. Single- and
double-rotor designs represented, and all put
on quite a show when flown.
Helping to underscore the diverse nature
of the aircraft were three EPP-foam eagles
from FlyParty. Flown by Park Fleming,
Michael Connally, and Ernest Butler, these
models looked convincing; that is, until one
started looping. They had the local bird
population in an uproar when they were
flying.
Michael Connally and Ernest Butler are
masters when it comes to flying things
constructed from foam. They were
responsible for the original flying hydroplanes
that became such a huge hit.
SMALL Fly-In
Recognition
Although the SMALL gathering is not
a competition, awards are given. They are
in the spirit of a slap on the back from one
modeler to another, for such things as the
best crash. These “honors” are in great
fun and help underscore the spirit of this
three-day event.
This year’s prizes were nice laserengraved
mugs and plaques, which
Manzano Laser Works provided. Those
who received awards are as follows.
Most Airplanes: Bob Selman
Best Free Flight: Keith Sparks
Best Crash: Michael Connally
Youngest Participant: Nathan Sodt
Most Unique: Steve Staples
Best Piston Powered Model: John Red
Best Electric Scale Model:
Keith Sparks
Best Piston Powered Scale Model:
Steve Staples
Best Electric Sport Model:
Tom Blakeney
Spirit of SMALL Award: Pat Tritle MA
—Paul Bradley
Almost lost in all the sights, sounds, and
overload of fun was Marshal Singer and his
virtual pilot station. As I was making my
many trips up and down the flightline, I
noticed a guy sitting in a lawn chair, wearing
funny-looking sunglasses. The strange
eyewear was actually virtual-display glasses.
Further examination revealed other
equipment sitting in front of Marshal and a
transmitter in his hand. He was flying a
Multiplex Easy Star high and out and far,
using his virtual-pilot setup. The video camera
onboard the airplane was slaved to Marshal’s
head position. As he turned his head, the
camera moved. He had the same view as if he
were sitting inside the model.
The Easy Star carried a GPS unit that
provided feedback to Marshal’s ground
station. He could see a heads-up display of
altitude and heading. According to Marshal,
the system had a 3-mile range.
To maintain a margin of safety, two
spotters kept track of the model from the
ground. This was an impressive system that
kept a big grin on Marshal’s face while he was
flying.
Words and even photos can’t capture the
experience of the SMALL fly-in. Why not see
it for yourself? Head to Little Rock in 2010 to
help celebrate this special event’s 20th
anniversary. MA
Paul Bradley
[email protected]
Sources:
Pat’s Custom Models
(505) 296-4511
www.patscustom-models.com
Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640
www.manzanolaser.com
Bob Selman Designs
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Marston PteroWorks
www.pteroworks.com
Select Hobbies
www.selecthobbies.com
FlyParty EPP Eagle:
http://stores.ebay.com/EPP-EAGLE
www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/
Dr. Diesel (Eric Clutton)
(931) 455-2256
Lanxiang Products SR-71:
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Nitro Planes
(626) 968-9860
www.nitroplanes.com
BMJR Model Products
(321) 537-1159
www.bmjrmodels.com
Aerial Locomotion
www.aerial-locomotion.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 72,73,74,75,76,77,78
November 2009 73
Michael Connally’s big autogiro flies overhead. You
should see him perform 3-D maneuvers with this model.
Tom Blakeney holds his Lanxiang SR-71.
This nice foam-based model features
retracts and looks great in the air.
Joe Wagner offers Kevin Wilfong some keen advice before Joe lets him take the handle
of his CL Top Flite Flite Streak.
SINCE MODEL AVIATION began, aeromodelers have had a
fascination with airplanes that fly in small spaces, are little in stature,
and use diminutive power sources. Several years ago, two familiar
names in the aeromodeling community—Randy Randolph and Joe
Wagner (MA’s “The Engine Shop” columnist)—decided that a
gathering needed to be held for people who like that aspect of the
hobby.
The movement became known as the Small Airplane Lovers’
League, or SMALL. Actually, this is not a formal organization. It is the
recognition of a facet of model aviation that many participants enjoy.
The only “rule” is that airplanes need to be powered by engines or
equivalent power sources that do not exceed .26 cu. in. of displacement
for a two-stroke. CL models can have power sources of up to the
equivalent of a .35 engine. Multiple power plants are allowed, so the
aircraft can range in size from the palm of your hand to Giant Scale.
At Randy and Joe’s urging, Steve Staples and Emmett Fry, good
friends and residents of the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, decided to
organize a SMALL fly-in 19 years ago. It blossomed into an annual
Photos by the author except as noted
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:41 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Ernest Butler’s Spacewalker features flaps. When they are
deployed, the model literally hangs in the air. Made entirely from
3mm sheet foam, this model spans 6 feet but weighs only 18
ounces.
Pat Tritle launches his rubber-powered FF Stinson Voyager. Not
too surprisingly, the model flew great.
Shown is some of the crowd and flying action at the indoor
session that was held the evening of Day One at the SMALL fly-in.
You probably won’t see anything resembling the Roy Cloughdesigned
Ringer at an average fly-in. Steve Staples built and flew the
model. Richard Ng photo.
Bob Selman holds one of Plantraco’s several 1/72-scale models
during the indoor session. Joe Malinchak, the author of MA’s
“Micro-Flying” column, developed the airplane.
Launched by Bill Rhodes, this rubber-powered FF Piper Super
Cub on floats is off to an extraordinarily nice flight.
Steve Pierce built this Star Tiger from Aerial-Locomotion.
Power is provided by an O.S. .10 FSR engine. Keith Spriggs
photo.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:43 AM Page 74
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
76 MODEL AVIATION
Paul Willenborg holds his well-done little
scratch-built BD-5. It performed and
looked great in the air.
Marshal Singer had an impressive self-developed virtual pilot station.
Onlookers could see the display as he could in his virtual glasses. Per AMA
guidelines, the model was kept in sight at all times.
The load is away during Keith Sparks’ simulated air-drop mission with his scratch-built
C-130. Spriggs photo.
Above: You rarely see silk-covered models anymore. Phil Semmer’s scratch-built
WACO is an excellent display of the nearly lost art of silk-and-dope covering.
Left: Kevin Wilfong prepares to call for the release of Joe Wagner’s Flite Streak
before 81/2-year-old Nathan Sodt’s training flight.
Don Johnson scratch-built this attractive Bellanca
Aircruiser.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:46 AM Page 76
gathering that has become a cornucopia of
models in an atmosphere of pure fun.
The 2009 edition of this fly-in took place
June 5-7. As with many such events, a large
portion of the out-of-town participants
showed up a day early to maximize their fun.
As it has done for the two previous years,
the Fraternal Association of RC Modelers
(FARM) hosted this year’s SMALL event.
This club primarily enjoys Giant Scale RC,
but its members definitely know how to
organize and run the event for minute models.
Many thanks to its members and Dale
Womack, who served as the CD.
Spring weather around the greater Little
Rock area had people worried about the
scheduled SMALL gathering. Fortunately,
Mother Nature delivered wonderful weather.
When the wind blew, it was modest and short
in duration.
The large FF area was covered by tall, soft
foliage; the grass RC runway worked for most
small wheeled models; and a good grasscovered
CL section served those fliers well.
To make things complete, a nice gym located
roughly one-and-a-half miles from the field
was available for flying the evening of June 5.
A total of 72 participants registered for the
fly-in. Someone attempting to count all of the
models on the field lost count after 400. There
were plenty of spectators, and the deep-blue
sky was full of aircraft for much of each event
day.
The unmistakable noise from smalldisplacement
piston engines mixed with the
sounds of electric-powered models, and that
was punctuated by the sight of a rubberpowered
FF aircraft floating on a thermal in
the background. It does not get much better
than that.
It is hard to know where to begin when
reporting on an event as unique as the
SMALL fly-in. Probably the best place to
start is the incredible variety of models. Not
only that, but some of the registered pilots
brought large numbers of airplanes with them.
The team of Bob Selman and Ken Spenser
had nearly 60 operational aircraft. They had
wingspans of roughly 10 inches apiece, so all
of them could fit in Bob’s van. Another duo
was Tom Blakeney and Richard Ng of the
Fort Worth, Texas, area. They had to drive
their own vehicles to the event so they could
bring all the models they had.
Pat Tritle of Pat’s Custom Models and
Manzano Laser Works’ Charlie Bice had a
trailer full of lovely scale aircraft, as did Keith
Sparks. Numerous other fliers also brought a
large collection of neat models.
The airplanes ran the full spectrum of
measurement and type. Ralph Bradley had
several palm-size aircraft that he flew
outdoors and indoors. Bob Selman had a
collection of 1:72 indoor scale models that he
sells, which Joe Malinchak, MA’s “Micro-
Flying” columnist, developed for Plantraco.
Moving up in size were some terrific Cox
.010-powered models by Troy Black and
Floyd Harp. At the large end of the size scale
were Keith Sparks’ magnificent B-58 and C-
130. Michael Connally and Ernest Butler had
super-light, 6-foot-span aircraft that were
something to watch in flight.
The range of sizes was impressive, and so
was the mix of types and subjects. As you
looked up at any given moment, you might
have seen a pterodactyl flying by: Paul
Shiflet’s Marston Pterodactyl from Marston
PteroWorks.
Michael Connally’s 6-foot, light autogiro
was a treat to watch, and Paul Willenborg’s
Fan Trainer ripped up the sky. Troy Black’s
1/2A Skydrill and .010-powered Li’l Stick
were great fun.
Floyd Harp put on an excellent
demonstration of how well a .010-powered
model can perform, with his reduced-size
Jesse Sheppard-designed Scoots. And
probably the strangest thing in the air was
Steve Staples’ Roy Clough-designed
Ringer.
The several autogiros present this year
made for a lot of fun. They were glow
powered, electric powered, and came in
small, medium, and large sizes. Single- and
double-rotor designs represented, and all put
on quite a show when flown.
Helping to underscore the diverse nature
of the aircraft were three EPP-foam eagles
from FlyParty. Flown by Park Fleming,
Michael Connally, and Ernest Butler, these
models looked convincing; that is, until one
started looping. They had the local bird
population in an uproar when they were
flying.
Michael Connally and Ernest Butler are
masters when it comes to flying things
constructed from foam. They were
responsible for the original flying hydroplanes
that became such a huge hit.
SMALL Fly-In
Recognition
Although the SMALL gathering is not
a competition, awards are given. They are
in the spirit of a slap on the back from one
modeler to another, for such things as the
best crash. These “honors” are in great
fun and help underscore the spirit of this
three-day event.
This year’s prizes were nice laserengraved
mugs and plaques, which
Manzano Laser Works provided. Those
who received awards are as follows.
Most Airplanes: Bob Selman
Best Free Flight: Keith Sparks
Best Crash: Michael Connally
Youngest Participant: Nathan Sodt
Most Unique: Steve Staples
Best Piston Powered Model: John Red
Best Electric Scale Model:
Keith Sparks
Best Piston Powered Scale Model:
Steve Staples
Best Electric Sport Model:
Tom Blakeney
Spirit of SMALL Award: Pat Tritle MA
—Paul Bradley
Almost lost in all the sights, sounds, and
overload of fun was Marshal Singer and his
virtual pilot station. As I was making my
many trips up and down the flightline, I
noticed a guy sitting in a lawn chair, wearing
funny-looking sunglasses. The strange
eyewear was actually virtual-display glasses.
Further examination revealed other
equipment sitting in front of Marshal and a
transmitter in his hand. He was flying a
Multiplex Easy Star high and out and far,
using his virtual-pilot setup. The video camera
onboard the airplane was slaved to Marshal’s
head position. As he turned his head, the
camera moved. He had the same view as if he
were sitting inside the model.
The Easy Star carried a GPS unit that
provided feedback to Marshal’s ground
station. He could see a heads-up display of
altitude and heading. According to Marshal,
the system had a 3-mile range.
To maintain a margin of safety, two
spotters kept track of the model from the
ground. This was an impressive system that
kept a big grin on Marshal’s face while he was
flying.
Words and even photos can’t capture the
experience of the SMALL fly-in. Why not see
it for yourself? Head to Little Rock in 2010 to
help celebrate this special event’s 20th
anniversary. MA
Paul Bradley
[email protected]
Sources:
Pat’s Custom Models
(505) 296-4511
www.patscustom-models.com
Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640
www.manzanolaser.com
Bob Selman Designs
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Marston PteroWorks
www.pteroworks.com
Select Hobbies
www.selecthobbies.com
FlyParty EPP Eagle:
http://stores.ebay.com/EPP-EAGLE
www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/
Dr. Diesel (Eric Clutton)
(931) 455-2256
Lanxiang Products SR-71:
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Nitro Planes
(626) 968-9860
www.nitroplanes.com
BMJR Model Products
(321) 537-1159
www.bmjrmodels.com
Aerial Locomotion
www.aerial-locomotion.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 72,73,74,75,76,77,78
November 2009 73
Michael Connally’s big autogiro flies overhead. You
should see him perform 3-D maneuvers with this model.
Tom Blakeney holds his Lanxiang SR-71.
This nice foam-based model features
retracts and looks great in the air.
Joe Wagner offers Kevin Wilfong some keen advice before Joe lets him take the handle
of his CL Top Flite Flite Streak.
SINCE MODEL AVIATION began, aeromodelers have had a
fascination with airplanes that fly in small spaces, are little in stature,
and use diminutive power sources. Several years ago, two familiar
names in the aeromodeling community—Randy Randolph and Joe
Wagner (MA’s “The Engine Shop” columnist)—decided that a
gathering needed to be held for people who like that aspect of the
hobby.
The movement became known as the Small Airplane Lovers’
League, or SMALL. Actually, this is not a formal organization. It is the
recognition of a facet of model aviation that many participants enjoy.
The only “rule” is that airplanes need to be powered by engines or
equivalent power sources that do not exceed .26 cu. in. of displacement
for a two-stroke. CL models can have power sources of up to the
equivalent of a .35 engine. Multiple power plants are allowed, so the
aircraft can range in size from the palm of your hand to Giant Scale.
At Randy and Joe’s urging, Steve Staples and Emmett Fry, good
friends and residents of the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, decided to
organize a SMALL fly-in 19 years ago. It blossomed into an annual
Photos by the author except as noted
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:41 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Ernest Butler’s Spacewalker features flaps. When they are
deployed, the model literally hangs in the air. Made entirely from
3mm sheet foam, this model spans 6 feet but weighs only 18
ounces.
Pat Tritle launches his rubber-powered FF Stinson Voyager. Not
too surprisingly, the model flew great.
Shown is some of the crowd and flying action at the indoor
session that was held the evening of Day One at the SMALL fly-in.
You probably won’t see anything resembling the Roy Cloughdesigned
Ringer at an average fly-in. Steve Staples built and flew the
model. Richard Ng photo.
Bob Selman holds one of Plantraco’s several 1/72-scale models
during the indoor session. Joe Malinchak, the author of MA’s
“Micro-Flying” column, developed the airplane.
Launched by Bill Rhodes, this rubber-powered FF Piper Super
Cub on floats is off to an extraordinarily nice flight.
Steve Pierce built this Star Tiger from Aerial-Locomotion.
Power is provided by an O.S. .10 FSR engine. Keith Spriggs
photo.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:43 AM Page 74
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
76 MODEL AVIATION
Paul Willenborg holds his well-done little
scratch-built BD-5. It performed and
looked great in the air.
Marshal Singer had an impressive self-developed virtual pilot station.
Onlookers could see the display as he could in his virtual glasses. Per AMA
guidelines, the model was kept in sight at all times.
The load is away during Keith Sparks’ simulated air-drop mission with his scratch-built
C-130. Spriggs photo.
Above: You rarely see silk-covered models anymore. Phil Semmer’s scratch-built
WACO is an excellent display of the nearly lost art of silk-and-dope covering.
Left: Kevin Wilfong prepares to call for the release of Joe Wagner’s Flite Streak
before 81/2-year-old Nathan Sodt’s training flight.
Don Johnson scratch-built this attractive Bellanca
Aircruiser.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:46 AM Page 76
gathering that has become a cornucopia of
models in an atmosphere of pure fun.
The 2009 edition of this fly-in took place
June 5-7. As with many such events, a large
portion of the out-of-town participants
showed up a day early to maximize their fun.
As it has done for the two previous years,
the Fraternal Association of RC Modelers
(FARM) hosted this year’s SMALL event.
This club primarily enjoys Giant Scale RC,
but its members definitely know how to
organize and run the event for minute models.
Many thanks to its members and Dale
Womack, who served as the CD.
Spring weather around the greater Little
Rock area had people worried about the
scheduled SMALL gathering. Fortunately,
Mother Nature delivered wonderful weather.
When the wind blew, it was modest and short
in duration.
The large FF area was covered by tall, soft
foliage; the grass RC runway worked for most
small wheeled models; and a good grasscovered
CL section served those fliers well.
To make things complete, a nice gym located
roughly one-and-a-half miles from the field
was available for flying the evening of June 5.
A total of 72 participants registered for the
fly-in. Someone attempting to count all of the
models on the field lost count after 400. There
were plenty of spectators, and the deep-blue
sky was full of aircraft for much of each event
day.
The unmistakable noise from smalldisplacement
piston engines mixed with the
sounds of electric-powered models, and that
was punctuated by the sight of a rubberpowered
FF aircraft floating on a thermal in
the background. It does not get much better
than that.
It is hard to know where to begin when
reporting on an event as unique as the
SMALL fly-in. Probably the best place to
start is the incredible variety of models. Not
only that, but some of the registered pilots
brought large numbers of airplanes with them.
The team of Bob Selman and Ken Spenser
had nearly 60 operational aircraft. They had
wingspans of roughly 10 inches apiece, so all
of them could fit in Bob’s van. Another duo
was Tom Blakeney and Richard Ng of the
Fort Worth, Texas, area. They had to drive
their own vehicles to the event so they could
bring all the models they had.
Pat Tritle of Pat’s Custom Models and
Manzano Laser Works’ Charlie Bice had a
trailer full of lovely scale aircraft, as did Keith
Sparks. Numerous other fliers also brought a
large collection of neat models.
The airplanes ran the full spectrum of
measurement and type. Ralph Bradley had
several palm-size aircraft that he flew
outdoors and indoors. Bob Selman had a
collection of 1:72 indoor scale models that he
sells, which Joe Malinchak, MA’s “Micro-
Flying” columnist, developed for Plantraco.
Moving up in size were some terrific Cox
.010-powered models by Troy Black and
Floyd Harp. At the large end of the size scale
were Keith Sparks’ magnificent B-58 and C-
130. Michael Connally and Ernest Butler had
super-light, 6-foot-span aircraft that were
something to watch in flight.
The range of sizes was impressive, and so
was the mix of types and subjects. As you
looked up at any given moment, you might
have seen a pterodactyl flying by: Paul
Shiflet’s Marston Pterodactyl from Marston
PteroWorks.
Michael Connally’s 6-foot, light autogiro
was a treat to watch, and Paul Willenborg’s
Fan Trainer ripped up the sky. Troy Black’s
1/2A Skydrill and .010-powered Li’l Stick
were great fun.
Floyd Harp put on an excellent
demonstration of how well a .010-powered
model can perform, with his reduced-size
Jesse Sheppard-designed Scoots. And
probably the strangest thing in the air was
Steve Staples’ Roy Clough-designed
Ringer.
The several autogiros present this year
made for a lot of fun. They were glow
powered, electric powered, and came in
small, medium, and large sizes. Single- and
double-rotor designs represented, and all put
on quite a show when flown.
Helping to underscore the diverse nature
of the aircraft were three EPP-foam eagles
from FlyParty. Flown by Park Fleming,
Michael Connally, and Ernest Butler, these
models looked convincing; that is, until one
started looping. They had the local bird
population in an uproar when they were
flying.
Michael Connally and Ernest Butler are
masters when it comes to flying things
constructed from foam. They were
responsible for the original flying hydroplanes
that became such a huge hit.
SMALL Fly-In
Recognition
Although the SMALL gathering is not
a competition, awards are given. They are
in the spirit of a slap on the back from one
modeler to another, for such things as the
best crash. These “honors” are in great
fun and help underscore the spirit of this
three-day event.
This year’s prizes were nice laserengraved
mugs and plaques, which
Manzano Laser Works provided. Those
who received awards are as follows.
Most Airplanes: Bob Selman
Best Free Flight: Keith Sparks
Best Crash: Michael Connally
Youngest Participant: Nathan Sodt
Most Unique: Steve Staples
Best Piston Powered Model: John Red
Best Electric Scale Model:
Keith Sparks
Best Piston Powered Scale Model:
Steve Staples
Best Electric Sport Model:
Tom Blakeney
Spirit of SMALL Award: Pat Tritle MA
—Paul Bradley
Almost lost in all the sights, sounds, and
overload of fun was Marshal Singer and his
virtual pilot station. As I was making my
many trips up and down the flightline, I
noticed a guy sitting in a lawn chair, wearing
funny-looking sunglasses. The strange
eyewear was actually virtual-display glasses.
Further examination revealed other
equipment sitting in front of Marshal and a
transmitter in his hand. He was flying a
Multiplex Easy Star high and out and far,
using his virtual-pilot setup. The video camera
onboard the airplane was slaved to Marshal’s
head position. As he turned his head, the
camera moved. He had the same view as if he
were sitting inside the model.
The Easy Star carried a GPS unit that
provided feedback to Marshal’s ground
station. He could see a heads-up display of
altitude and heading. According to Marshal,
the system had a 3-mile range.
To maintain a margin of safety, two
spotters kept track of the model from the
ground. This was an impressive system that
kept a big grin on Marshal’s face while he was
flying.
Words and even photos can’t capture the
experience of the SMALL fly-in. Why not see
it for yourself? Head to Little Rock in 2010 to
help celebrate this special event’s 20th
anniversary. MA
Paul Bradley
[email protected]
Sources:
Pat’s Custom Models
(505) 296-4511
www.patscustom-models.com
Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640
www.manzanolaser.com
Bob Selman Designs
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Marston PteroWorks
www.pteroworks.com
Select Hobbies
www.selecthobbies.com
FlyParty EPP Eagle:
http://stores.ebay.com/EPP-EAGLE
www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/
Dr. Diesel (Eric Clutton)
(931) 455-2256
Lanxiang Products SR-71:
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Nitro Planes
(626) 968-9860
www.nitroplanes.com
BMJR Model Products
(321) 537-1159
www.bmjrmodels.com
Aerial Locomotion
www.aerial-locomotion.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/11
Page Numbers: 72,73,74,75,76,77,78
November 2009 73
Michael Connally’s big autogiro flies overhead. You
should see him perform 3-D maneuvers with this model.
Tom Blakeney holds his Lanxiang SR-71.
This nice foam-based model features
retracts and looks great in the air.
Joe Wagner offers Kevin Wilfong some keen advice before Joe lets him take the handle
of his CL Top Flite Flite Streak.
SINCE MODEL AVIATION began, aeromodelers have had a
fascination with airplanes that fly in small spaces, are little in stature,
and use diminutive power sources. Several years ago, two familiar
names in the aeromodeling community—Randy Randolph and Joe
Wagner (MA’s “The Engine Shop” columnist)—decided that a
gathering needed to be held for people who like that aspect of the
hobby.
The movement became known as the Small Airplane Lovers’
League, or SMALL. Actually, this is not a formal organization. It is the
recognition of a facet of model aviation that many participants enjoy.
The only “rule” is that airplanes need to be powered by engines or
equivalent power sources that do not exceed .26 cu. in. of displacement
for a two-stroke. CL models can have power sources of up to the
equivalent of a .35 engine. Multiple power plants are allowed, so the
aircraft can range in size from the palm of your hand to Giant Scale.
At Randy and Joe’s urging, Steve Staples and Emmett Fry, good
friends and residents of the Little Rock, Arkansas, area, decided to
organize a SMALL fly-in 19 years ago. It blossomed into an annual
Photos by the author except as noted
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:41 AM Page 73
74 MODEL AVIATION
Ernest Butler’s Spacewalker features flaps. When they are
deployed, the model literally hangs in the air. Made entirely from
3mm sheet foam, this model spans 6 feet but weighs only 18
ounces.
Pat Tritle launches his rubber-powered FF Stinson Voyager. Not
too surprisingly, the model flew great.
Shown is some of the crowd and flying action at the indoor
session that was held the evening of Day One at the SMALL fly-in.
You probably won’t see anything resembling the Roy Cloughdesigned
Ringer at an average fly-in. Steve Staples built and flew the
model. Richard Ng photo.
Bob Selman holds one of Plantraco’s several 1/72-scale models
during the indoor session. Joe Malinchak, the author of MA’s
“Micro-Flying” column, developed the airplane.
Launched by Bill Rhodes, this rubber-powered FF Piper Super
Cub on floats is off to an extraordinarily nice flight.
Steve Pierce built this Star Tiger from Aerial-Locomotion.
Power is provided by an O.S. .10 FSR engine. Keith Spriggs
photo.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:43 AM Page 74
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
November 2009 75
Michael Connally’s Telefoam is a light version of Hobby Lobby’s
Telemaster. It is built from sheet foam, features full-span flaperons, and
impresses when flown.
Ernest Butler with his hydroplane. He and Michael Connally are the
original developers of the flying model.
This four-cylinder Cox engine is the work of Ralph Barnette.
He also had a five-cylinder version at the event. They have
an interesting sound when running.
Park Fleming, Earnest Butler, and Michael Connally fly
FlyParty RC Eagles. These “birds” looked realistic, except
when they did loops.
Left: A few of the nice scale models that Pat Tritle, Charlie Bice, and
Keith Sparks had at the SMALL fly-in.
Above: The author’s fleet of half-size vintage Pattern models (available
from BMJR): the Fred Dunn Astro-Hog, Ed Kasmirski Orion, Ed
Kasmirski Taurus, and Tom Brett Perigee.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:44 AM Page 75
76 MODEL AVIATION
Paul Willenborg holds his well-done little
scratch-built BD-5. It performed and
looked great in the air.
Marshal Singer had an impressive self-developed virtual pilot station.
Onlookers could see the display as he could in his virtual glasses. Per AMA
guidelines, the model was kept in sight at all times.
The load is away during Keith Sparks’ simulated air-drop mission with his scratch-built
C-130. Spriggs photo.
Above: You rarely see silk-covered models anymore. Phil Semmer’s scratch-built
WACO is an excellent display of the nearly lost art of silk-and-dope covering.
Left: Kevin Wilfong prepares to call for the release of Joe Wagner’s Flite Streak
before 81/2-year-old Nathan Sodt’s training flight.
Don Johnson scratch-built this attractive Bellanca
Aircruiser.
11sig3.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 9/25/09 9:46 AM Page 76
gathering that has become a cornucopia of
models in an atmosphere of pure fun.
The 2009 edition of this fly-in took place
June 5-7. As with many such events, a large
portion of the out-of-town participants
showed up a day early to maximize their fun.
As it has done for the two previous years,
the Fraternal Association of RC Modelers
(FARM) hosted this year’s SMALL event.
This club primarily enjoys Giant Scale RC,
but its members definitely know how to
organize and run the event for minute models.
Many thanks to its members and Dale
Womack, who served as the CD.
Spring weather around the greater Little
Rock area had people worried about the
scheduled SMALL gathering. Fortunately,
Mother Nature delivered wonderful weather.
When the wind blew, it was modest and short
in duration.
The large FF area was covered by tall, soft
foliage; the grass RC runway worked for most
small wheeled models; and a good grasscovered
CL section served those fliers well.
To make things complete, a nice gym located
roughly one-and-a-half miles from the field
was available for flying the evening of June 5.
A total of 72 participants registered for the
fly-in. Someone attempting to count all of the
models on the field lost count after 400. There
were plenty of spectators, and the deep-blue
sky was full of aircraft for much of each event
day.
The unmistakable noise from smalldisplacement
piston engines mixed with the
sounds of electric-powered models, and that
was punctuated by the sight of a rubberpowered
FF aircraft floating on a thermal in
the background. It does not get much better
than that.
It is hard to know where to begin when
reporting on an event as unique as the
SMALL fly-in. Probably the best place to
start is the incredible variety of models. Not
only that, but some of the registered pilots
brought large numbers of airplanes with them.
The team of Bob Selman and Ken Spenser
had nearly 60 operational aircraft. They had
wingspans of roughly 10 inches apiece, so all
of them could fit in Bob’s van. Another duo
was Tom Blakeney and Richard Ng of the
Fort Worth, Texas, area. They had to drive
their own vehicles to the event so they could
bring all the models they had.
Pat Tritle of Pat’s Custom Models and
Manzano Laser Works’ Charlie Bice had a
trailer full of lovely scale aircraft, as did Keith
Sparks. Numerous other fliers also brought a
large collection of neat models.
The airplanes ran the full spectrum of
measurement and type. Ralph Bradley had
several palm-size aircraft that he flew
outdoors and indoors. Bob Selman had a
collection of 1:72 indoor scale models that he
sells, which Joe Malinchak, MA’s “Micro-
Flying” columnist, developed for Plantraco.
Moving up in size were some terrific Cox
.010-powered models by Troy Black and
Floyd Harp. At the large end of the size scale
were Keith Sparks’ magnificent B-58 and C-
130. Michael Connally and Ernest Butler had
super-light, 6-foot-span aircraft that were
something to watch in flight.
The range of sizes was impressive, and so
was the mix of types and subjects. As you
looked up at any given moment, you might
have seen a pterodactyl flying by: Paul
Shiflet’s Marston Pterodactyl from Marston
PteroWorks.
Michael Connally’s 6-foot, light autogiro
was a treat to watch, and Paul Willenborg’s
Fan Trainer ripped up the sky. Troy Black’s
1/2A Skydrill and .010-powered Li’l Stick
were great fun.
Floyd Harp put on an excellent
demonstration of how well a .010-powered
model can perform, with his reduced-size
Jesse Sheppard-designed Scoots. And
probably the strangest thing in the air was
Steve Staples’ Roy Clough-designed
Ringer.
The several autogiros present this year
made for a lot of fun. They were glow
powered, electric powered, and came in
small, medium, and large sizes. Single- and
double-rotor designs represented, and all put
on quite a show when flown.
Helping to underscore the diverse nature
of the aircraft were three EPP-foam eagles
from FlyParty. Flown by Park Fleming,
Michael Connally, and Ernest Butler, these
models looked convincing; that is, until one
started looping. They had the local bird
population in an uproar when they were
flying.
Michael Connally and Ernest Butler are
masters when it comes to flying things
constructed from foam. They were
responsible for the original flying hydroplanes
that became such a huge hit.
SMALL Fly-In
Recognition
Although the SMALL gathering is not
a competition, awards are given. They are
in the spirit of a slap on the back from one
modeler to another, for such things as the
best crash. These “honors” are in great
fun and help underscore the spirit of this
three-day event.
This year’s prizes were nice laserengraved
mugs and plaques, which
Manzano Laser Works provided. Those
who received awards are as follows.
Most Airplanes: Bob Selman
Best Free Flight: Keith Sparks
Best Crash: Michael Connally
Youngest Participant: Nathan Sodt
Most Unique: Steve Staples
Best Piston Powered Model: John Red
Best Electric Scale Model:
Keith Sparks
Best Piston Powered Scale Model:
Steve Staples
Best Electric Sport Model:
Tom Blakeney
Spirit of SMALL Award: Pat Tritle MA
—Paul Bradley
Almost lost in all the sights, sounds, and
overload of fun was Marshal Singer and his
virtual pilot station. As I was making my
many trips up and down the flightline, I
noticed a guy sitting in a lawn chair, wearing
funny-looking sunglasses. The strange
eyewear was actually virtual-display glasses.
Further examination revealed other
equipment sitting in front of Marshal and a
transmitter in his hand. He was flying a
Multiplex Easy Star high and out and far,
using his virtual-pilot setup. The video camera
onboard the airplane was slaved to Marshal’s
head position. As he turned his head, the
camera moved. He had the same view as if he
were sitting inside the model.
The Easy Star carried a GPS unit that
provided feedback to Marshal’s ground
station. He could see a heads-up display of
altitude and heading. According to Marshal,
the system had a 3-mile range.
To maintain a margin of safety, two
spotters kept track of the model from the
ground. This was an impressive system that
kept a big grin on Marshal’s face while he was
flying.
Words and even photos can’t capture the
experience of the SMALL fly-in. Why not see
it for yourself? Head to Little Rock in 2010 to
help celebrate this special event’s 20th
anniversary. MA
Paul Bradley
[email protected]
Sources:
Pat’s Custom Models
(505) 296-4511
www.patscustom-models.com
Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640
www.manzanolaser.com
Bob Selman Designs
(417) 358-9521
www.bsdmicrorc.com
Marston PteroWorks
www.pteroworks.com
Select Hobbies
www.selecthobbies.com
FlyParty EPP Eagle:
http://stores.ebay.com/EPP-EAGLE
www.freewebs.com/eppeagle/
Dr. Diesel (Eric Clutton)
(931) 455-2256
Lanxiang Products SR-71:
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Nitro Planes
(626) 968-9860
www.nitroplanes.com
BMJR Model Products
(321) 537-1159
www.bmjrmodels.com
Aerial Locomotion
www.aerial-locomotion.com