Control Line: Scale
BUILDING LIGHTER Scale Models: As a Scale modeler, have you given much thought to taking the time (or should I say, the challenge) of building a lighter Scale model? Have you taken the time to analyze your project to determine just where and how weight can be saved? The use of electronics now allows us to more easily incorporate operating features, but at a price: the additional weight of servos, batteries, and the operating mechanisms such as retractable landing gear systems. While a couple of ounces here and there doesn't seem like much, the weight can easily add up to a half-pound to a pound of additional weight - or maybe more.
Control Line: Scale
BUILDING LIGHT was the main subject of last month's column, in which John Lickley (Napa CA) explored ways to reduce a Scale model's weight without reducing its overall strength. This month I'll continue with some of John's ideas for finishing that great Scale project. The finishing system that John uses is the "old" dope-and-silkspan method, and as necessary, talc-and-dope filler coat. After the model's construction is completed and it has been planked, the first step is to seal all surfaces with a coat or two of clear dope, and when "thoroughly dry," remove all roughness with a light sanding. Two-hundred grit sandpaper would probably do well at this point.
Control Line: Scale
Contest Activity: The Rocky Mountain Aeromodelers will be holding its 1998 Controline Championships on Saturday and Sunday, September 5-6, 1998 at the Denver Coliseum. The meet will include Racing, Speed, Stunt, Carrier, Balloon Pop, and Scale events. Of major interest to readers of this column is that AMA Precision, Sport, and Profile Scale will be offered. In addition to the AMA Scale events, new events "Demo Scale" and "Builder Scale" will be offered based on rules established by the Rocky Mountain Aeromodelers' newly formed Scale Team consisting of Kirk Kirkham, Lynn Boss, and Jim Brown.
Control Line: Scale
SCALE SCRATCH-BUILDING from paper may seem like a far-out way to construct a Control Line (CL) Scale model for competition, but that is what Ken Long of Whittier, California does. If you have been following this column, you might have seen photos of Ken's "cardboard" Ju 87D Stuka dive-bomber that is built almost entirely of various types of paper. Balsa was used only in places such as the tips of the wing, rudder, or elevators that would have been extremely difficult to shape out of cardboard. Ken's Stuka has served him well; it has been flown more than 50 times, and has been in the winner's circle of local, regional, and national competitions.
Control Line: Scale
BUILDING WITH PAPER: In last month's column I introduced you to Ken Long's approach to scratch-building a Control Line (CL) Scale model using readily available corrugated cardboard and card stock material. This month I will provide you with some ideas on construction. Ken told me that there are two basic types of fuselage construction that work well with paper: "cross frame" and "box frame." For the purposes of this column. I'll assume that you have a full-size set of plans for the airplane to be modeled.
