Radio Control: Scale
PIANO HINGE: The ubiquitous piano hinge is used on many aircraft for cowl and hatch hinge joints. It is used for good reason, as it affords a very secure hinge arrangement with light weight and adaptability. Its only real drawback is its inability to follow a curved line. If we see a piano hinge, be assured that there are no compound curves in the cowl! Description of a piano hinge: It is the continuation of interleaving hinge points with a long wire passing through all segments. It can be of any length. We have seen models with operational piano hinges, and some of these were quite well-made, considering the fact that the modeler had produced them by handwork. With small models, however, the problem is that Scale appearance is lost due to difficulty in obtaining true dimensions in diameter-and especially in the spacing between hinge segments. Our own best efforts have been in the direction of a reasonable simulation. We are always flattered when someone asks their source on the assumption that they are a commercial item for purchase.
Radio Control: Scale
NEW NATS EVENT: A recent phone call from a Texas Scale modeler asked about a competition event for his monster multiengined airplane which weighed more than the AMA's 40-lb. limit for Giant Scale (Event 514). He had heard about a newly proposed FAI event for large Scale models. We have good news for him. The February 1988 issue of MA presented the official schedule for the Virginia Nats. There is now an added event. FAI Large Scale, and the weight limit is 55 lb. In addition, the engine total displacement top limit is an immense 6.1 cu. in. This could be a pair of Quadra 50s or three 35s. The maximum wing area of 53.8 sq. ft. is larger than that of the twin-engine, man-carrying aerobatic Cri-Cri in France! Imagine a model of 18-ft. span with 3-ft. chord, powered by a pair of Quadra 50s and weighing 55 lb., flying legally in our Nats!
Radio Control: Scale
NEW GLUES: A note from Bud Wolfe (Scottsdale, AZ) informs us that a suitable substitute for Wilhold R/C-56 is Elmer's All-Purpose Tacky Glue, a product of Borden, which is sold in local drugstores (such as Walgreen's) and craft shops. Bud reports that it seems to have the same properties as R/C-56. It dries clear but remains flexible, unlike other ordinary white glues. We have also found several other products with similar properties. Penn International Chemicals, makers of PIC products sold in many hobby shops, advertises PIC Flex White glue, which is intended for adhering canopies and sheet-plastic windshields. It is thick, tacky, will bond porous and nonpourous material, dries clear, and remains flexible.
Radio Control: Scale
SCALELIKE MODELS: Whenever we see top-quality Scale models on display, comments are heard to the effect that such an airplane is meant to be seen and not to be flown. This implies that the time, effort, and money involved is too great to risk flight. The builder is asked repeatedly whether the model is really going to be flown, preferably in the presence of the questioner who is unwilling to believe it is about to happen and that it isn't the first flight. This is a partial explanation of the reason for the scarcity of well-finished and detailed Scale models. Most modelers are satisfied with a scale-like model that has a realistic appearance in the air, even though it fares poorly on close scrutiny. Details and a fine finish don't show up in flight, and there is satisfaction enough in an easy approach to realism.
Radio Control: Scale
COCKPIT INTERIORS: AMA Sport Scale rules specify that judges are to ignore cockpit detail in scoring. This gives the competition modeler an excuse to omit such detail. However, more than 95% of the Scale models constructed never see a contest.
