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.
Re-Volt-er
It looks like an Old-Timer, but it isn't. The author took the shapes he liked from several classic airplanes and combined them into this RC gem for two or three channels and a direct-drive 05 electric motor. You hear it everywhere modelers gather - in small groups, at club meetings, and when flying. It's getting harder and harder to find a place to fly. Someone mentions Schoolyard Scale - 1/2A engines in small models that can operate from ball fields and playgrounds. They're good, but even with mufflers installed someone may complain about the noise.
Free Flight: Old-Timer
THE 1983 SAM Champs. Mark your calendar and put in your vacation request! The 1983 Society of Antique Modelers' annual Championships have been set for July 19-21. Yes, that's a Tuesday, a Wednesday and a Thursday, as tradition has the events scheduled to allow travel time with only one week required to attend the festivities. A much-appreciated feature for us working folks. This year's gathering will take place in LaJunta, CO, a WW II B-25 bomber base. Located in the southeastern quadrant of Colorado, it is 150 miles from Denver on U.S. Highway 50. Field elevation is 4,300 ft., and average July temperatures range from 60º at night to 90º during the day. The site is flat with visibility in the 90-mi. range! The sponsoring club will be SAM I of Denver. No further information is available at this time, but Rocky Mountain Vice President Jim Thomas, 1050 Clarkson, Denver, CO 80218 can put you on the mailing list for entry forms and accommodation reservations.
Free Flight: Old-Timer
MANY of us can remember when the mention of "dope" didn't raise any eyebrows. Maybe a held nose by the knowing and unappreciative-but no bad connotations. Today, judging from some of the inquiries I receive, modelers aren't so well-versed on this traditional aircraft finish. In fact, some newcomers to Old-Timer activity have only experienced iron-on plastic coverings! These modern one-application finishes certainly fill a need, but somehow just don't look right on an Old-Timer. Tissue or fabric covering finished with aircraft dope is the "proper" thing.
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.
