Free Flight: Old-Timer
NFFS Free Flight Hall of Fame: One of the things that sets Free Flight apart from many other special interests is the presence of many of the modeling pioneers. For example, how many Civil War veterans do you know? A little-known fact in many fields requires extensive research. In model aviation, we can still ask someone "who was there." Quite a few of these early birds . . . er, birdmen . . . attend major model meets each year and are always willing to share their experiences with those interested. This model set the pace for a long line of designs featuring single wheels, high-lift airfoils, and elliptical wing planforms. The Skyscraper was also the forerunner of many models designed by fellow Brooklyn Skyscrapers club-members, including the Topper and Rocketeer.
Free Flight: Old-Timer
ON A SCALE of 1 to 10: Everyone loves a Scale model-or so it would seem, judging from the crowd attracted by the assembled entry at a typical model airplane contest. I suppose that if we were to adhere to the letter of the definition, the only model airplanes would be Scale models. All the others would simply be miniature airplanes. Every category or form of aeromodeling includes Scale. Scale modeling spans a broad spectrum ranging from Peanut (13-in. wingspan) to Giant Scale, up to 1/3 actual size, and from vague resemblances to museum quality. Many appear to be magically shrunken actual aircraft.
Free Flight: Old-Timer
AIR PLANES? All the emphasis on "back to basics" we hear about today makes one wonder: Why not compressed-air engines? CO-2 engines have mushroomed in popularity within the past five years. These types of power plants with their low noise, ease of operation, and no messy oil make aeromodeling a gentle sport! Back in the late Twenties, compressed-air motors (engines?) were quite popular, with many articles and plans published giving detailed instructions to enable modelers to produce their own engines at home. Designs varied from single-cylinder oscillating to opposed twins, three, four, five and six-cylinder radials, plus a few rotary types thrown in for variety.
Free Flight: Old-Timer
SPREAD THE WORD. You hear it all the time: "Man, I'd like to have some of them radio-controlled models!" You answer. "Well, I only fly Free Flight." To which they reply "You mean hang gliding? Isn't that kind of dangerous?" The National Free Flight Society believes more kids and younger adults would be interested in Free Flight if they only knew it existed. So NFFS President Tony Italiano has delegated the responsibility of a publicity program to Jack Woodard, 7985 Sunridge Court, Fair Oaks, CA 95628; (916) 961-1829.
Fabricate That: Special Fuel Tank
ALL TOO OFTEN that special model design is shelved for an indefinite time because commercially-available fuel tanks are unsuitable, and the modeler doesn't have confidence in his ability to build his own. Sometimes it is possible to purchase a ready-made fuel tank and modify it to suit one's needs. If a tank is too long, for example, it may be shortened easily by removing one end, trimming it to length, and resoldering the original end in place. Removing the original end can be simplified by setting the tank upright on the element of an electric stove at medium heat until the solder softens.
