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.
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-Timers
FAI OLD-TIMER: One of the great things about Free Flight is the broad spectrum of events existing within the sport. From the quiet whisper of an Indoor Easy B Rubber model to the deafending roar and spectacular climb of a D Gas model, everyone can find just the right niche for his/her personal satisfaction. Some of us opt for Old-Timer; a grelaxing, fun-filled event, a paragon of good camaraderie and sportsmanship. (Well, almost.)
SE-5
THERE IS SOMETHING about the airplanes of World War I that keeps them alive. Aerodromes around the world sport a few of the vintage types that still impress the crowds. There is a distinct charm associated with the hum of the flying wires and the uncertain pulse of an old engine. The mention of World War I airplanes beings up images of Spads, Fokkers, Nieuports, and of course, the Sopwith Campel.
