Radio Control: Scale
NEW GLUES: A note from Bud Wolfe (Scottsdale, AZ) informs us that a suitable substitute for Wilhold R/C-56 is Elmer's All-Purpose Tacky Glue, a product of Borden, which is sold in local drugstores (such as Walgreen's) and craft shops. Bud reports that it seems to have the same properties as R/C-56. It dries clear but remains flexible, unlike other ordinary white glues. We have also found several other products with similar properties. Penn International Chemicals, makers of PIC products sold in many hobby shops, advertises PIC Flex White glue, which is intended for adhering canopies and sheet-plastic windshields. It is thick, tacky, will bond porous and nonpourous material, dries clear, and remains flexible.
Radio Control: Scale
COCKPIT INTERIORS: AMA Sport Scale rules specify that judges are to ignore cockpit detail in scoring. This gives the competition modeler an excuse to omit such detail. However, more than 95% of the Scale models constructed never see a contest.
Radio Control: Scale
NEW NATS EVENT: A recent phone call from a Texas Scale modeler asked about a competition event for his monster multiengined airplane which weighed more than the AMA's 40-lb. limit for Giant Scale (Event 514). He had heard about a newly proposed FAI event for large Scale models. We have good news for him. The February 1988 issue of MA presented the official schedule for the Virginia Nats. There is now an added event. FAI Large Scale, and the weight limit is 55 lb. In addition, the engine total displacement top limit is an immense 6.1 cu. in. This could be a pair of Quadra 50s or three 35s. The maximum wing area of 53.8 sq. ft. is larger than that of the twin-engine, man-carrying aerobatic Cri-Cri in France! Imagine a model of 18-ft. span with 3-ft. chord, powered by a pair of Quadra 50s and weighing 55 lb., flying legally in our Nats!
Radio Control: Scale
SCALE MATH: Scale modelers who build from kits have some of their questions answered by the designer or manufacturer. The expected weight of the model and the suggested range of engine sizes is given on the drawing or instruction booklet. Scratch-builders ask searching questions on such important matters as a projected estimate of model weight and engine requirements, and the answer really is needed in the early stages of design. Once a model size has been decided upon, wingspan and area are a straightforward function of the scale ratio, that number which represents the difference between full-size aircraft and the model. We simply divide the prototype's span by the scale ratio to determine the model's span.
Radio Control: Scale
SCALELIKE MODELS: Whenever we see top-quality Scale models on display, comments are heard to the effect that such an airplane is meant to be seen and not to be flown. This implies that the time, effort, and money involved is too great to risk flight. The builder is asked repeatedly whether the model is really going to be flown, preferably in the presence of the questioner who is unwilling to believe it is about to happen and that it isn't the first flight. This is a partial explanation of the reason for the scarcity of well-finished and detailed Scale models. Most modelers are satisfied with a scale-like model that has a realistic appearance in the air, even though it fares poorly on close scrutiny. Details and a fine finish don't show up in flight, and there is satisfaction enough in an easy approach to realism.
