Comet Jr. Clipper + 35%
THE PROTOTYPE MODEL was a Comet Models' kit called the Jr. Clipper. It had a 36-in. wingspan and was for rubber power. The model presented here is enlarged 35% over the original, and the structures have been redesigned for use with 1/2A engines. It is a great fun flier. Although it is the size of a 1/2A Texaco model, it is not eligible for Society of Antique Modelers (SAM) competitions due to its rubber-power origins. The original kit was introduced in 1938 as one of a series directed to those who lacked funds to buy engines but who were attracted to the larger gas-type models. They all featured some sort of device to produce a hum as the rubber motor unwound. Usually a ratchet was attached to the propeller which then vibrated a strip of metal. The resulting sound was much like that which today's kids produce by sticking playing cards into the spokes of a bicycle.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
ZAIC EXPERIMENTAL NO. 2. I'm sure that anyone having an ongoing interest in Old-Timers has accumulated a set of Frank Zaic's Yearbooks and his other publications. Like me, most have leafed through them repeatedly with much enjoyment and considerable curiosity over some of the more unusual designs, wondering just exactly what some of them might look like in the "silk" and how well they might fly. Last time around, I used Krupp's Bowden Winner as an Old-Timer of the Month and as an example of the rare designs in the Yearbooks. I received many favorable reactions from several sources, including Frank Zaic, himself. Seemingly, there is some force at work, since no sooner did I submit that material than I received photos of two other rare birds from Zaic's Yearbooks. This month's Old-Timer is one of them.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
CHLOE? There are several Old-Timer designs advertised Back Then for which drawings seem no longer to exist. I wonder if, somewhere, someone might have one of those old kits gathering dust-or at least know someone who does. Wouldn't it be great if someone reading this column were to have such a treasure and be willing to share it with the general Old-Timer movement? Two of the more interesting designs for which no drawings seem to exist are the Dictator, by Triangle Models, and the Cloud Drifter, by Modern Aircraft Supply. Both are poorly illustrated in the old magazine ads but appear to be cleanly-designed and certainly worthy of resurrection.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
HOLLINGER'S NOMAD. This month's subject must rank as one of the most unusual, structurally complex, and outstandingly beautiful Old-Timers. It also exhibits superlative aerodynamics and may well be a real "sleeper." Take a good look at the three-view and the photos of this wondrous machine. See the excellent moments, generous stab area, and force arrangements. This is a most unusual setup with the thrust line, wing, and stab all on the same line. A relatively thick stab section, a really thick smmetrically-sectioned rudder, and generous poly-dihedral should produce a model with an exhilarating climb and good floating glide. The original drawings show an O&R .60 engine, 31/2-in. M&M airwheels, and a handcarved spinner. Although the plans call out a wing area of 61/2 sq. ft., my ruler doesn't agree. While the 78-in. span and 12-in. chord would multiply out to 936 sq. in. (61/2 sq. ft.), all of the curves and cutouts reduce that figure to more like 850 sq. in. (5.9 sq. ft.) or so.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
COOVERTS Berryloid Winner. This pretty Old-Timer was published in the November 1938 issue of Air Trails. The Berryloid Trophy was presented to the Gas model with the best finish at the prewar Nats by the Berryloid company of Detroit, MI which was a pioneer manufacturer of finishes and adhesives. In the postwar period this type of award was made by the Testors company. The Berryloid-winning model had to fly in order to be eligible for the award, but the primary idea was to recognize finish and workmanship. Harold Coovert was known primarily for incredibly beautiful Rubber Scale designs, and that background certainly shows in this Brown-powered Free Flight design. This writer has seen two examples of this design fly, and they exhibit marvelous eye-appeal-but not much in the way of thermaling ability. Frankly, the design is a bit shy of wing.
