A1H Skyraider
WHEN THE DESIRE for a Sport Scale Control Line model surfaced a few months ago, I decided it would be a nice change of pace from the usual stick-and-tissue Free Flight planes that take up most of my modeling time. This would be a simplified Scale subject and at the same time be designed to do more than just go around the circle. Thoughts about the project began to jell, equipment and materials to accumulate, and a large file of "someday I'm going to do this one, too" Scale three-views and photos
CO2 Messerschmitt Me-163B
ALTHOUGH it was operational for only nine months at the end of World War II, the Messerschmitt Me-163 was clearly on the way to leapfrogging everything the Allied designers had on the drawing board. But the end of the war came, and the Me-163 became another brilliant idea that never reached full development. Nevertheless, it stands as one of the most radical combat aircraft to have seen action in the Second World War.
Hansa Profile
MOST MODELERS have the urge now and then to build something that looks a bit different. My efforts along these lines have been fairly tame, centering around a number of low-wing and biplane Rubber models. When I saw a three-view and picture of the Hansa, though, that changed. Here was an airplane that begged to be modeled. With its swept-forward wing and swept-back tail, the Hansa is definitely unusual. This business jet and light transport plane features quick-change facilities to allow conversion from a cargo layout to one that accommodates up to 12 passengers. Hailing from West Germany, the Hansa had its inaugural flight in 1964. Just 50 of the planes were made, including eight for the West German air force.
Swee' Pea No-Cal Scale
ART CHESTER designed, built, and raced some really outstanding and good looking airplanes in the years just before and after WW II. These included the Jeep and Goon before the war and his planes for the Goodyear event after the war. Our subject was built for the 1947 racing season. In looking for more subjects for the No-Cal event (16-in. span, rubber power, recognizable model), I keep coming back to racing planes. They usually have stubby wings (for lots of area within a limited wingspan) and long bodies (for long motors and long motor runs). My early No-Cal efforts were concentrated on models without wheels (i.e. retracted) in order to minimize weight, but this criteria usually limits what can be built. However, with lightweight balsa wheels, the weight increase is small, and subjects like Swee' Pea become practical. Although not a requirement for the No-Cal event, the Swee' Pea model can be flown ROG (rise-off-ground) as a sport model, so there's a side benefit to having wheels.
CO-2 Replica: deBolt's 1946 Airfoiler
IF YOU'VE been following the CO2 replicas I've done for Model Aviation in the past, then you know we've taken a look at some really interesting models, both from the Old Timer and later Nostalgia periods. My selection this time falls just at the start of the Nostalgia period, as it was originally kitted in 1946. In the back of my mind I remembered the Airfoiler from magazine ads of the mid-1940s, and I was fortunate to locate an original set of plans. With its airfoiled body, high pylon, four fins, and slight dihedral in the stab. the Airfoiler won't get mistaken for any modern model, nor is it likely to be confused with other older models. I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well it can fly as a CO2 replica.
