Control Line: Scale
IN LAST MONTH'S article we covered some of the reasons why a lot of modelers overlook Scale when getting into modeling. We covered various points, such as the industrious research that is required to build the model. We took a look at some of the necessary equipment and the tools that might be helpful when building. So in this month's article we'll follow up with the personal characteristics and abilities that a good scale builder should cultivate. First, a scale builder should enjoy airplanes and working on them. Don't pick a model that you will tire of easily, because many long hours will be spent working on it. Some models require a building time of several years because of their complexity. And, also, some scale builders take one or two years to build their planes to match their standards.
Control Line: Scale
ARE YOU READY for the flying season? Now that it is almost upon us, it's time to think about getting your flying box and equipment ready to go out and fly that scale model you've been working on this winter. There is more to getting ready than packing up the airplane in the car, tossing in some fuel and speeding down the road on a fine spring day. First there are several important things to check out for your safety and your model's. Start with checking your line length. This is very important on 3-line systems where your third line is not the same length as the two flying lines. You should run out your lines and check the movements and throw of the bellcrank to the throw of your throttle and other mechanical hookups.
Control Line: Scale
OVER THE PAST few weeks I've received some letters asking for a little advice on some problem. I'd like to answer these questions and pass along a few tips. One letter concerned the problem of making decals instead of painting directly on the model. The trouble with painting your lettering or designs directly on the model is that, by the time you are done, you probably will have a king-size headache. In doing this painting you must be careful not to make an error as there isn't much room for correction. Once it's on, it's on. So let's take a look at making your own decals.
Control Line: Scale
I HAVE RECEIVED several comments on the article referring to the enlargement of 3-views that I wrote a few issues back. Mr. Le Roy Weber of Rio Vista, Calif., sent in an idea that should be a big help. Le Roy has had experience in judging world class scale models and has represented the U.S. as a judge in the World Championships. He points out that at the same time you enlarge your 3-views, you make your scale ruler that will be used in judging your models at the contest. The scale ruler on one side is to read the dimensions off the 3-views that will correspond to the model, not the real airplane. In other words, if on the 3-views the wing span measures 15 in. and your model's wing span is 60 in., you should make 60 equal marks on the ruler which will represent inches within the 15 in.
Control Line: Scale
THE ENLARGEMENT of 3-views to build from can provide problems for experienced scale builders as well as beginners. I've tried several different methods with varying success. Of the methods that have proven successful I'll describe the ones I like the best. For any of the methods, you first must find the correct multiplier of the 3-views to come up with the size model you desire. As an example, if the 3-views have a 10-in. wing span and you want a 40-in. wing span on your model, your multiplier would be 4 times all dimensions on the 3-view. I recommend that you use an even multiple from the 3-views, not a number such as "4.379." The simple reason for this is it makes it easier on yourself to enlarge the 3-views. Also, odd multipliers are sometimes annoying to the scale judges who have to work with the figures.
