Burnished Metal
BURNISHED METAL parts provide scale detail necessary to the accurate representation of some model aircraft. In full-scale aircraft, cowlings have been the most common parts to be finished using this method, but burnished metal decoration has also been found on engine compartment panels and forward fuselage sections. Burnishing probably originated to fill the need for an attractive unpainted metal finish. Holding the weight of an aircraft down to a minimum may have been one of the reasons for its wide use; another may have been that it is difficult to make paint adhere to a metal surface-especially if the power plant being used has been lubricated with castor oil. Quite possibly full-scale manufacturers had the same problem with decoration that we modelers have-trying to keep things fuelproofed and stuck onto the airplane.
Martin-China Clip
IF SOME AIRCRAFT can affectionately be called romantic, the China Clipper would be one of those with the best qualifications to receive this honor. Designed and built only seven years after the epic flight of Charles A. Lindbergh, its advanced technology, capabilities, and beauty were astonishing. The airplane was large-130-ft. wingspan-and it possessed true symmetry and aesthetic grace. It had a special appeal, seeming to evoke admiration from all kinds of people. During its career, which spanned a decade of service the China Clipper and its sister ships, the Hawaiian Clipper and the Philippine Clipper, probably became the most famous aviation names in the world.
Lightweight Radial Simulation
We wouldn't be modelers in the true sense if we weren't always thinking of better, easier ways to do things. Our author turned his attention to the simulated radial engine and came up with an easy way that looks good - and doesn't weigh very much. One of the most difficult tasks in modeling is to build a miniature radial engine. Many planes require them, and to duplicate the appearance of a realistic round' engine is often too hard for many hobbyists. Plastic parts such as cylinders, crankcases, and complete engine kits are available, but they are not always the proper scale to fit the model at hand. My experiences have led me in the direction of trying to find an easier method that would produce good results within a short period of time. Lately, my activities have centered around development of Electric models, especially Scale types, which fall into the Golden Age category. These planes used the radial engine for power, thus the need for a better way to make the dummy engines surfaced again.
