Radio Control: Scale
CORRUGATIONS: The Boeing biplanes of the 1928-32 era, along with numerous other aircraft, are attractive model subjects. Many a modeler has rejected these graceful and jaunty aircraft as Scale projects because of their corrugated metal ailerons and tail surfaces. The rounded corrugations, spaced on 2 1/2-in. centers, were too difficult to reproduce in large quantities. Adding to the dilemma, the corrugations began and ended in flat material, not extending to the control surface edges. Omission of the corrugations resulted in a model that had a serious loss of character.
Application of Windshields
APPLYING the windshield and windows can be the factor that most emphasizes craftsmanship in our hobby. No matter how well the plane is finished, the windshield gets more than its share of attention from everyone who sees the model. This is true of all types, sport as well as Scale. Producing the correct shape is only part of the problem. Fastening methods and finishing techniques also need consideration. The windshield that pops off during the first hard landing can be a pain, especially to someone who has driven 10 miles to the flying field. Most kits and plans give the windshield shape pattern as a detail on the drawing. However, the exact shape needed for your particular model may not be precisely what was shown, due to our tendency to be individualistic in building, and so it is best to know a method for determining shape.
Radio Control: Scale
MANEUVERABILITY. We have been asked whether our semi-aerobatic Scale models will do a Lomcevak, and the answer is "No," of course. In order to do these and other violent maneuvers, a model requires an excess amount of control surface travel. There isn't any question that the model's controls could be set up for extreme aerobatics, but this would inevitably result in a super-sensitive airplane in which tiny movements of the transmitter controls would alter the flight path visibly. Scale flight illusion would be destroyed, even under the guidance of an expert pilot.
Radio Control: Scale
SCRATCH-BUILDING. The term, "from scratch," differs in meaning among modelers, depending upon the degree of originality required to complete the project. To some, extensive modification of a kit qualifies as scratch-building. On the other end of the scale, a modeler may go to extremes in originating drawings by measurement from a prototype before designing and building the model. In between the two types of builders are most of us, who build from drawings supplied by plans services and magazines. Kit builders who are ready to venture into scratch-building for the first time need a bit of encouragement. Building from plans can lead to a modeler's desire to develop his own plans, and by this route our hobby acquires new designers.
Radio Control: Scale
TOLEDO, AGAIN. Each year we come to the same conclusion; that the Toledo Sports Center can't hold more people, and yet the Weak Signals Conference and Exposition attracts ever-increasing numbers of visitors. Our recommendation to avoid the pressing crowds is to visit the show after 3:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday-or attend on Sunday. At these times, it is actually possible to get near the vendors' exhibits and speak with representatives. This suggestion isn't without drawbacks. For example, the swap shop is half-empty on Sunday, and many exhibitors' stocks of hand-out literature may be depleted.
