Radio Control: Scale
KITCHENER-WATERLOO AGAIN: The annual Flying Dutchmen Club Scale Rally at Kitchener-Waterloo in eastern Ontario always attracts a multitude of Scale aircraft, a total of 162 at 1986's meet in early September. It is scheduled for the first weekend after Labor Day. We don't expect to see many WW I airplanes at this meet as the date conflicts with the WW I contest at Rhinebeck in New York, an unfortunate circumstance. The Canadian twin-cities of Kitchener-Waterloo are one corner of the prosperous triangle which also includes Cambridge to the south and Guelph at the eastern edge. In this area and the
Radio Control: Scale
FINISHING TECHNIQUE: In past columns and construction articles we have discussed our favorite methods of finishing a Scale model, as used on models of antiques, classics, or home-built aircraft types. Most of our models fit into these categories. Probably the most common aircraft type being modeled is more modern, of military origin, and metal-covered on all surfaces. There is a reasonably simple finishing sequence, other than plastic iron-on covering, and using easily-obtained materials, that will give the appearance of a metal airplane. Most important, the surface must be durable so as to resist dents and punctures from everyday handling and flying. When we gather data about Scale models in competitions and static displays, it seems that the most commonly-used combination consists of Super Coverite and K&B epoxy.
Radio Control: Scale
THE SCRATCH-BUILDERS: Definitions of what is meant by the term "the true scratch-builder" have considerable variation. Most commonly, they build from published drawings made by another person who is the designer. A small group prefers to build their own designs to satisfy creative urge or in the quest for a truly different airplane model. An even smaller number design and build the ultimate examples of Scale model airplanes that are near perfection and achieve national acclaim. Only a small portion of the world's airplanes have been modeled, and some of the obscure types are among the most attractive. Lack of information, three-views, photos and general documentation can quickly sidetrack the modeler's desire to construct one of the lesser-known aircraft. Desire is the key element here. The modeler who really wants something entirely different will always find a way to pursue research of his selected prototype. There are those who would rather dig out buried information than build models (which tells us that a joint effort between researcher and builder may be worthwhile).
Radio Control: Scale
CABLE SYSTEMS: The use of cables to operate elevators and rudder is now rather common. The only real trick in assembling such a system is the matter of Scale realism. The visible, external portions of cables should enter through the fuselage side in proper locations, and when elevator cables cross (not unusual), the crossover point should be in the right spot relative to cable length and other external features. This requires a bit of planning. If at all possible, it is helpful to have some idea of the cable layout and routing in the prototype aircraft. Lacking this vital information, project the line of each cable on a photo, or on the three-view drawing, to help determine the location of the internal bellcrank where the forward ends of cables are connected. It is then a relatively simple matter to install the model's bellcrank assembly in the proper location.
Radio Control: Scale
BALSA DOWELS: On our many trips to Paris for FAI meetings, there have been opportunities to visit the hobby shops, and most of these are very similar to those in the U.S. On one of these visits I searched for a pair of the French-made, inflatable air-wheels because of their reputation for lightness. Their weight is less than half of our equivalents. The search eventually led to an obscure shop on the Rue Trousseau in central Paris, a narrow street only two blocks long, lined with ancient buildings and a school that closely bordered the equally narrow sidewalks. After walking the full length of the street, in the semi-darkness of late afternoon, no hobby shop could be found.
