Free Flight: Old-Timer
NEW OLD-TIMERS: By name and definition, Old-Timer enthusiasts are not concerned with advancing the state of the art but rather are content in savoring the flavor of Free Flight as it started. This observation is further supported by the lack of popularity of the SAM special event entitled Old Ruler, which permits the builder to design a new model under the 1941 rules to be flown, in this special event, in the spirit of Old-Timer Free Flight. Today, we all tend to think in terms of established lists of familiar designs which have diminished down to a relatively few good-performing models. We tend to forget that, just as today in modern Free Flight, there are those curious modelers that rarely build from published plans or kits who must design their own. For that matter, where did all those well-established models come from? Obviously, they were the emerging victors of the contest circuit or the result of a fortunate encounter with a strong thermal. For all the surviving designs, there had to be a multitude of designs-good, bad or indifferent-that were never noticed by the right people.
Covering with Silk
Silk is the original high-strength covering material, and it is still cherished by modelers who have learned the few simple techniques for producing the desired results. Following the author's tips will almost guarantee success on your first try.
Free Flight: Old-Timers
SAM '84: I have received some additional information regarding the 1984 Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) Champs to be held at Bong, WI during the last week of June. There have always been various special events and awards at the annual gathering of the faithful, and this year some new exciting events have been added: Two classes of Nostalgia plus Commercial Rubber. Many of you may be familiar with Nostalgia, but a brief review of its purpose and rules may be helpful. Nostalgia includes those models kitted or published from 1943 to 1956-sort of between Old-Timer and the Stardusters.
Free Flight: Old-Timer
WAKEFIELD 1931-1936-"The Light Years." Most of us have said that one of the main pleasures of Old-Timer activities is the low-pressure emphasis on fun. Yet, when we select a new model we invariably pick one of the more frequently listed designs on the contest-result bulletins. We tend to select in Rubber Power, for example, a model with a rugged fuselage capable of handling the stress of a large motor and utilizing a folding prop for better glide (i.e. Lanzo, Korda, Lamb, etc., designs). Honestly, fellows, there are other capable and interesting designs.
Free Flight: Old-Timer
GRAVITY. As a general rule, center of gravity (CG) locations are omitted from most Old-Timer plans. Many modern day Free Flighters trying their hand at OT are confused by this. Establishing CG locations similar to today's AMA gas ships is disastrous! A general rule is to balance cabin models at 1/3 wing chord, aft of leading edge, and pylon models at 1/2 chord, as a good starting point. The basic difference between types is due to the difference in stabilizer airfoils. Most cabin ships employ streamline- or symmetrical-type stab airfoils, while pylon ships tend to use flat-bottom lifting airfoils. The more lift generated by the stab, the further aft the CG can be placed.
