Radio Control: Scale
OPERATIONAL details: All Scale modelers who aspire to produce a Scale masterpiece with completely cowled engine have a common problem. It becomes a challenge to hide the necessary glow plug connector and needle valve adjustment to preserve the smooth external surface of the cowl. Some of us look for the easy way out and only make an effort to minimize the conspicuous appearance of the eyesores. We come to the conclusion that a large hole in the cowl for insertion of the glow plug connector doesn't really look too bad, after all; or, we decide to use the smallest external connector and hope it will escape notice. Our own Scale aircraft, numbering about 20, all use the same glow plug connector, an open-frame, two-conductor, subminiature phone jack.
Radio Control: Scale
BALSA DOWELS: On our many trips to Paris for FAI meetings, there have been opportunities to visit the hobby shops, and most of these are very similar to those in the U.S. On one of these visits I searched for a pair of the French-made, inflatable air-wheels because of their reputation for lightness. Their weight is less than half of our equivalents. The search eventually led to an obscure shop on the Rue Trousseau in central Paris, a narrow street only two blocks long, lined with ancient buildings and a school that closely bordered the equally narrow sidewalks. After walking the full length of the street, in the semi-darkness of late afternoon, no hobby shop could be found.
Radio Control: Scale
CABLE SYSTEMS: The use of cables to operate elevators and rudder is now rather common. The only real trick in assembling such a system is the matter of Scale realism. The visible, external portions of cables should enter through the fuselage side in proper locations, and when elevator cables cross (not unusual), the crossover point should be in the right spot relative to cable length and other external features. This requires a bit of planning. If at all possible, it is helpful to have some idea of the cable layout and routing in the prototype aircraft. Lacking this vital information, project the line of each cable on a photo, or on the three-view drawing, to help determine the location of the internal bellcrank where the forward ends of cables are connected. It is then a relatively simple matter to install the model's bellcrank assembly in the proper location.
Radio Control: Scale
THE SCRATCH-BUILDERS: Definitions of what is meant by the term "the true scratch-builder" have considerable variation. Most commonly, they build from published drawings made by another person who is the designer. A small group prefers to build their own designs to satisfy creative urge or in the quest for a truly different airplane model. An even smaller number design and build the ultimate examples of Scale model airplanes that are near perfection and achieve national acclaim. Only a small portion of the world's airplanes have been modeled, and some of the obscure types are among the most attractive. Lack of information, three-views, photos and general documentation can quickly sidetrack the modeler's desire to construct one of the lesser-known aircraft. Desire is the key element here. The modeler who really wants something entirely different will always find a way to pursue research of his selected prototype. There are those who would rather dig out buried information than build models (which tells us that a joint effort between researcher and builder may be worthwhile).
Radio Control: Scale
DESIGN YOUR OWN. Building Scale models from kits or plans can be very satisfying, but there are modelers who prefer something more rewarding: an airplane that hasn't been done in quantity or in the size desired. These persons follow another path to satisfaction in designing, building, and learning to fly an outstanding aircraft that attracts attention. Original-design models also have better-than-average contest-winning potential. For example, more than half of the top-placing Nats RC Scale entries were originals. Any number of Scale enthusiasts have thought seriously about building a rare bird but aren't quite certain of methods and procedures. The project is forever postponed for lack of information, and incentive is lacking because there are an overwhelming number of kits and plans waiting to be built. Some of us have gathered photos, books, magazines and three-view drawings for most of our lives. There will probably never be enough time to build models from all of these sources.
