Radio Control: Scale
Spitfire Build-Along: The 81-inch Dynaflite Spitfire is progressing very nicely. The better part of the fuselage is constructed, the engine and mount are installed, and the turtledeck and forward sheets are in place. Here's what has happened since my Nationals report: Constructing the two fuselage sides is as simple as it gets. Lay waxed paper on top of the plan to protect it from adhesives, then trial-fit the fore and aft halves using a long straightedge to ensure an even top line. When the parts align, glue each forward half to its rearward mate with medium gap-filling CyA (cyanoacrylate) glue, then block-sand both sides smooth with #100 Ruff-Stuff paper on the ADC Tee-Bar. When doing this kind of sanding work, hold the bar at a 45° angle to the surface being sanded and always be certain that there are no wood chunks, epoxy, or CyA lumps lodged in the paper to gouge your model's surface. Never let the end of the bar go or return over an open bay in the surface; doing so can cause chipping and splintering of the bay edge.
Radio Control: Scale
Spitfire Build-Along: Bringing you up to date, my new Enya R155-4C is the same physical size as and shares mounting lug dimensions with the R120-4C. I mounted the R155-4C on a CB/Tatone mount made for the R120-4C and bolted the mount to the Spitfire's laminated Lite Ply firewall. The Enya four-stroke caused the firewall to be located slightly to the rear of its intended position, which meant that a bit of scrap balsa block was needed to fill the gap between the front of the upper cowl blocks and the spinner ring. That's where last month's work stopped. The next step is to sheet the turtledeck and forward fuselage deck with balsa. Start with the forward deck by fitting the edge of one balsa sheet against the balsa nose blocks and marking the sheet where it contacts the rear cockpit bulkhead. Trim the sheet at the mark so that the forward sheet and turtledeck sheet rest against the side of the rear cockpit bulkhead.
Radio Control: Scale
RC Scale Modeling at the IMS: Bill and Anita Northrop's International Modelers Show (IMS) has the distinction of being the industry's first show of the year; this one was held January 9-11. The weather helped encourage exhibitors and buyers to make the trip - to the Pasadena Center in sunny Pasadena, California. In previous years, a scheduling conflict between the IMS and the Endless Horizons Show in Long Beach caused both events to generate less-than-outstanding total attendance figures. Manufacturers, distributors, and modelers were forced to choose where to exhibit and where to attend.
Radio Control: Scale
Manufacturers' News: ISC International and Indy R/C, the US importers and primary retailers of Zenoah engines, have been acquired by Horizon Hobby Distributors in Champaign, Illinois. Horizon will move the operation to Champaign, where ISC's friendly Jimmy Goad will continue to work with the company. In addition to Zenoah and the other lines available through ISC, Horizon has secured the US distribution rights to the MDS engine line. These Russian-made two-strokes offer an outstanding combination of performance, reliability, and a three-year warranty at very fair prices. Formerly available through Estes Industries, the MDS line should be a winner for Horizon.
Radio Control: Scale
It was everything you'd expect - and more. The Weak Signals' 44th annual R/C Expo - commonly referred to by modelers as "the Toledo show" -took place April 2-5 at the SeaGate Center in downtown Toledo, Ohio. It's the Radio Control (RC) airplane person's mecca, where modelers from around the world flock each year. Attendees renew acquaintances and see the latest products and innovations that the hobby has to offer. They can get great deals in the swap shop, at the Saturday auction, or from the hundreds of incredible manufacturer exhibits on the show floor.
