Control Line: Scale
I HAVE a friend, James Lee, who lives in Topeka, K.S. While visiting with Jim a few years ago, I discovered a very large and complex model in his basement. Built of metal, it was very heavy and very detailed. When I began writing this column, I immediately thought of this model that Jim had in his basement-and I contacted him for information and pictures, because it is a very interesting and unique aircraft. He sent me some pictures, in which you will notice the very complex framework and intricate wire bracing and detailing. Although the aircraft is now in considerable disrepair, the uniqueness to me was overwhelming. The wing span is 88-in. On the right wing is a decal that says, "The Penn State College Extension Service Civilian Pilot Training." On the left wing, a decal indicates, "Built by War Model Production Product Pennsylvania WPA Piper YO-59." The decals are actually more like paper than the decals we know of today.
Control Line: Scale
LAST month's column gave information from Richard H. Burkett of Manassas Park, VA, pertaining to Scale information available from the Cartographic Division of the National Archives. The complete address is: National Archives, Cartographic Division, Pennsylvania Avenue & 8th Street N.W., Washington, DC 20408, telephone (202) 523-3062. This should end any confusion on where to get this data. Control mechanism. If you will remember, last month we discussed the control handle mechanism I used with the A6M5C Zero to actuate the flaps. This month we are going to discuss the airplane's internal mechanism, which is the heart of the system. The pictures show views from the right and the left side of the mechanism as it is installed in the wing of the aircraft.
Control Line: Scale
SCALE REFERENCES: A bit of information has come to my attention from Richard H. Burkett of Manassas Park, Va. In his letter, he states that the Cartographic Division of the National Archives has, on microfilm, complete construction blueprints of every aircraft the United States Government has ever owned. Although many drawings are still classified, much information is still available. For instance, on the PBY Catalina, they have approximately 20 films with over 100 frames on each film available. The cost for photocopies is 10¢ per copy for small prints (17-in. × 11-in.) and 25¢ per copy for large prints (24-in. × 18-in.). Quite obviously, this should be an extremely valuable source of blueprint documentation for any serious Scale builder.
