Control Line: Scale
IT'S BEEN SAID a million times! But one of the things that makes this hobby of model building and flying so enjoyable is the character of the people you meet while involved in it. If you're like me, it was the creating, tinkering, working with your hands, and lore of flight that first attracted you into the hobby. But wasn't it enjoyable the first time you happened across someone at the hobby shop or airport who "talked the same language?" Most of the time, an almost instant rapport is apparent that makes conversation with a previous stranger easy and relaxing. I have become even more aware of that common bond since I started writing this column. There has been a continuous influx of photos and ideas for use in the column from modelers all over this country. The openness of those modelers has been a genuine source of pleasure for me. Here's a good example!
CL Scale
I WENT to the 1980 Nats with great expectations! First, because we were going back to Ohio, the scene of the '76 Nats at Dayton, where we had seen the largest CL Scale entry of the past 10 years. Second, at the Lincoln, NE Nats last year, while most of the other events were down in entries, there had been an encouraging jump in the number of CL Scale contestants. I felt that this was an indication of renewed interest in Scale, and not just a coincidence. Perhaps it would continue this year? To top it off, Scale Category Manager John Preston had arranged for us to have two full days for CL Scale flying. That way, he reasoned, there wouldn't be much chance for a repeat of last year's near-fiasco when over half of the CL Scale contestants were grounded by strong winds. As you might tell by the flight shots printed here, the 1980 Wilmington Nats fulfilled all of my highest expectations.
Control Line: Scale
I WROTE my first column on CL Scale for the January 1978 issue of Model Aviation. That makes this the third anniversary! Granted, it's a personal milestone, but it gives me a welcome occasion to depart slightly from the column's normal format. In other words, we'll be a little short on text this month, but long on pictures. As I pointed out in my special report last month, the CL Scale events at the 1980 Nationals were nothing short of spectacular. On the average, the fidelity to scale and craftsmanship displayed throughout the entire field of entries was the best that I have ever seen-even at two past World Championships. The flying all day Friday, with practically dead calm winds, was an inspiring display of Scale history at its best. Smooth flights and greased-on landings were the norm!
Control Line: Scale
NOW that fall is in sight, our thoughts usually turn to possible building projects for the winter months. In that regard, I'm really pleased with the variety of the models for which we have photos this month. Each aircraft is a genuine classic from a very distinct era in full-scale aviation history. They certainly illustrate the wide variety of aircraft that can make good CL Scale subjects. Sam Abdow lives in Fall River, MA and recently sent word on his two latest projects. Quoting Sam's letter, "A year ago I had a heart attack. At present, I am retired, so I have plenty of time to build. Since the heart attack I have built a G-S (Products) Howard DGA15-P and building. It has helped me pass the time and to relax a little."
1982 AMA Nats: CL Scale
EARLY June: plenty of time, the Nats is still two months away. Take the kids to the circus, get out for a few calm evenings of fun flying, go on a picnic, give a couple of flight demos out of town, sit on the porch and watch neighbors mow their lawns, help coach little league, work the Sig contest over Father's Day, the family reunion. How many weekends are there in June? Pretty soon the wife asks, "Wanna go camping over the 4th?" Sure, let's go! Get back, cool off, take some aspirin for the noise.
