Free Flight: Old-Timer
WHY? Some time ago, after a prolonged period of futile engine-cranking, spurred on by an occasional single firing, I sat back on my heels and asked myself: "Why am I doing this? Why Old-Timers? I have a shop full of models of virtually all other categories." I vividly recall my first glow plug: an Arden ordered by mail, along with one pint of strong-smelling glow fuel which necessitated shipment by rail-a process requiring nearly a month. (The nearest hobby shop was 40 miles away, and I was lucky to get there twice a year.) After installing the plug and fueling up, I was nearly afraid to hook up the battery-fearing the engine would burst into life on its own. All that happened was that the fuel tank dissolved!
Free Flight: Old-Timer
BALSA. Time was when I built a new model, I simply went to the hobby shop and filled my shopping list with the needed wood sizes right out of the rack. Of course, balsa was better (lighter) then, as only the better grades were imported. Time went on, and I began to notice louder "clunks" when I put my model on the scales at a contest. They also went up more slowly and came down more quickly than some of my earlier efforts. It began to dawn on me that wood selection was an important part of model building. I guess I should have suspected something when longeron sizes for a Miss America dropped from 3/8-in. sq. to 1/4-in. sq. on later plans to allow for stronger (but heavier) wood.
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-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-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.
