Radio Control: Scale
BRACE WIRES: Authentically-shaped, streamlined brace wires for Scale models can contribute a considerable amount to realism. It is to the modeler's advantage to know the exact shape that is being duplicated, and a trip to the local airport can be a revelation. Streamlined wires aren't flat, nor do they have a teardrop-shaped cross section like steel struts. They are made from round stainless steel wire that has been rolled to a symmetrical convex curved shape that is quite sharp on both leading and trailing edges. The curved airfoil is essentially a true radius.
Radio Control: Scale
AERONCA K lives again! Forty-three years ago, we were young newlyweds in search of adventure, and the lure of flight became irresistible when a four-year-old Aeronca K was offered for sale at the low price of $650. With a couple of Scale-modeling friends, the K was acquired and flight training began, each of us investing the tremendous sum of $217. After 50 hours of training, the Department of Commerce flight inspector punctured our dream bubble with his ultimatum that we get a better airplane for our flight tests. His reasons: the Aeronca's two-cylinder engine, single ignition, and the absence of wheel brakes.
Scale World Championships
HISTORIC LeBOURGET Airport and the Paris Musee de L'Air was the scene of the Eighth Scale World Championships for Radio Control and Control Line airplanes. Models were displayed inside the old terminal building, of the late 1930 era, that had seen no airline activity since all traffic was diverted to Charles De Gaulle and Orly Airports. The building is presently being renovated to receive aircraft of the museum that will be transferred from Chalais-Meudon within the next year. Concrete dust, stirred by thousands of visitors' feet, coated models constantly during the week of our stay.
Radio Control: Scale
FRANCE AND ENGLAND. Our trip to the Paris Scale World Championships included many experiences. Scale models seen, and modelers met. Our report of the meet couldn't possibly have touched on all of these events and airplanes, particularly the follow-up, which included crossing the Channel for a visit to a Scale contest at Abingdon, England. At the LeBourget World Meet, Peter McDermott's Sopwith Snipe had the second highest static score, and for good reason. A two-year project, the 7F.1 Snipe is an exquisitely detailed, 1/5-scale reproduction of the WW I figther in the Canadian National Aeronautical Collection at Ottawa. The model's 1 1/2-lb., dummy Bentley rotary engine is mounted on a large ball bearing race, with cylinders turned from aluminum. It is actually rotated by the exhaust stream from the Magnum .91 four-stroke engine that it hides from view!
Radio Control: Scale
FOUR-STROKE ENGINES: While visiting England last summer, we were introduced to new (to us) Laser four-stroke engines. Two engines were single-cylinder, valve-in-head types of .61 and .75 cu. in. displacement. Most interesting from the Scale modeler's viewpoint was the Laser 1.20 twin, a V-type with two carburetors. These are all bar-stock engines with no castings. The twin has an extremely low idle speed and showed no hesitation on acceleration. Fuel is 20% castor oil, and no nitro is needed. Special glow plugs aren't required. British modelers are understandably enthused about their new four-stroke engines.
