Northwest Dakota
Even if you've only been into modeling for a short time you probably have a soft spot m your heart for that one special model or models. It may have been your first or your fiftieth model but some models just turn out to be special. Maybe it was the way it flew or perhaps it had a classical appearance. Whatever the case may be it lingers in the mind. One such model is the Dakota. A cabin biplane, reminiscent of the old Waco cabins, the Dakota was designed for the Infant engines that emerged in the post World War II years. Construction was all balsa, with the exception of a few plywood parts, making for a rugged and durable model. Designed for sport flying, the little 24-inch span model would put in very acceptable flights on the relatively low powered engines of the day.
Free Flight: Old-Timers
DO IT YOURSELF: We're a nation of "do it yourselfers" and no one group is more adept at the skill than modelers. It's only natural then that some of us are not going to be satisfied with only building the models we fly. Some are bound to build our own engines as well. One such modeler is John Morrill, of 143 Richmond Street, El Segundo, California 90245. John is a motion picture photographer and is used to working with perfection. In the short time of two or three years, John has built several engines from plans appearing in model magazines. His latest effort is the "Simplex 25." In John's words, "The `Simplex 25' by `Strato Streak' designer Louis Garami, appeared in the March and April 1947 issues of MAN. It was the first of four engine construction articles presented by that magazine.
Free Flight: Old-Timers
GOOD MORNING, Mr. Haught, this is Robert Larsh of the C.I.A. Good Lord, I thought, what have I done now? The call came at work so Old Timers were the farthest thing from my mind. It took a few seconds to realize that the C.I.A. stood for "Central Indiana Aeromodelers!" Bob was calling to tell me of the club's plans for their first annual Old Timer Contest. Normally, the announcement of a new meet would only excite a small segment of the readership of Model Aviation, but there are a couple of very interesting aspects to this June 25th event to be held a Wright Patterson Air Force Base.
AG-1 Agrivation
trainers and Cubs adapted in the field for aerial application of insecticides and pesticides-by the engineering and agricultural divisions of Texas A & M University. Only one example was built and was unfortunately destroyed, but its influence is easily seen in the contemporary production agricultural aircraft to include the Cessna Agwagon, the Piper Pawnee and the Snow. All are low-wing monoplanes employing high-lift wings, hoppers in front of the cockpit, turnover structures protecting the pilot, steep sloping noses for better visibility, and powerful engines. These designs can carry heavy loads economically, reducing ferry time, pilot fatigue, and maintenance costs. The back-to-the-basics designs of these specialty aircraft readily lend themselves to modeling.
Free Flight: Old-Timers
NO CONTROVERSIES WANTED: In our December column I mentioned my concern over certain designs dominating the Antique events in Old Timer Competition. I suggested that rule change proposals be sent to Gene Wallock. Although it is not the intent of this column to reproduce letters, Gene asked that I print his thoughts. For those of you who do not know Gene, I would mention that he is a dedicated mainstay in the Old Timer movement. His many contributions to the hobby include the production of a fine line of semi kits, as well as unselfish volunteering of time and resources to further the Society of Antique Modelers and Old Timer events. "Dear Clarence: After reading your column in Model Aviation, I almost cut my hand off trying to cut out parts.
