Radio Control: Old-Timers
ONE HAS to be very careful when answering the telephone. As an example, several weeks ago I was lounging around enjoying my weekend when that direct line to everywhere rang and put an end to such pursuits. Across the miles from D.C. to Pensacola floated the voice of Carl Wheeley asking if I would be interested in providing a column for Model Aviation pertaining to radio-assist old-timer free flight. Being a strong supporter of SAM (Society of Antique Modelers), also a lover of the old flying machines, and specifically a proponent of RC Assist, I had no choice but to reply in the affirmative; particularly since I also believe that one must always be ready to jump in and be part of the solution rather than being part of the problem. It's easy to criticize and complain but not so easy to be constructive or deal with complainers. However, the buck has to stop somewhere.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
HAPPINESS IS a warm spring day, a gentle breeze, blue sky dotted with the beginnings of puffy Cu's, a rolling green field, and a modeler with his machine. Now this machine may be rubber powered, line towed, muscle launched, or mechanical thrusted. The thing they all have in common is the element of the glide and the hopeful search for the elusive thermal. The higher the initial push against gravity, the better the odds for contact with the rising air. Then happens the wonder of observing the machine in its element; drifting, graceful and silent; anxious for the telltale bobble of the wing that gives evidence of the turbulent lifting air. This is Free Flight!
Radio Control: Old-Timers
The vast majority of the Old-Timers and Antiques employ the tried and true-build two identical sides and tie them together with cross members. Little may be said about this except to: 1) Be sure to make square cuts and use a small mitre box (X-acto has a serviceable one) on sticks over 1/8th square; 2) Be sure your longeron splices are cut on a diagonal and are located under an upright member's gluing area; 3) On radio models, fill with balsa sheet-from the aft wing hold-down dowel forward-the areas between the fuselage uprights. (Don't over do it-3/32 sheet is fine for the largest models, and remember this is a possible competition machine so keep it light. It is easier to add than remove weight.); 4) Use firm balsa for your main fuselage longerons because they take most of the abuse and also will be prone to pull in under the stress of an ever-tightening doped covering.
S.A.M. Old-Timer Nats
JUST WHAT is there about a Nationals or a SAM Champs? Is it a feeling of nervous anticipation? Apprehension? Excitement? Or perhaps some other hard-to-put-your-finger-on-emotional feeling or attitude? It's really hard to say, but sunny anticipation appears to be the front runner, at least for this writer. This is the anticipated happiness of seeing old friends, examining the models, the checking out of new trends or refinements, and the impending competition. Whatever, these are good honest feelings and you can bet they will be satisfied and, perhaps, satiated during the course of the meet.
Radio Control: Old-Timers
IT'S ALWAYS anti-climactic to try to resume normal modeling after attending such a superlative happening as the SAM Champs. But things do ultimately sort themselves out and gradually settle into their normal order (utter chaos-kits and pieces strewn about the typical modeler's work area). So we will try to continue on with our bi-monthly effort of convincing non-believers of the beauty and joy of Old-Timer modeling. Hopefully we do this without appearing to be preaching to the choir. Tis' written "the joys of modeling are great and double are the joys of those who wallow in the pleasures of Old-Timers." Now all you choir members nod and murmur, Yea!
