Control Line: Scale
THIS MONTH'S ARTICLE is kind of a combination of ideas and information. I've had these things on my list of "writeables" for quite some time now, but always seemed to run out of space before I reached them. So read through them and see if there is anything that could pertain to your model. I've really surprised a few guys when I've suggested they try using a RC scale kit for their next CL scale project. When choosing a scale kit, do not rule out models that are thought to be designed strictly for RC. Several kits that were designed for RC have performed extremely well in CL. My opinion is that a scale model is a scale model, not CL or RC. So this should open up a wider selection of kits to choose from. Basically, the things you would have to convert or add would be: bellcrank location, provision for leadouts, and position the center of gravity farther forward.
Control Line: Scale
WHO WOULD THINK a scale modeler would have any problems or worries after he has completed his beautiful scale plane. Well, one of the biggest worries is transporting that model along with assorted flight gear, luggage, kids and wife to the site of the contest. If you are fortunate enough to own a van, or better yet a motor home, the problem is somewhat less complex. But the majority of us, along with myself, have to contend with getting everything we need in an average sized car. Sometimes it is just impossible to fit your scale model in its entirety into even a regular sized car. The most logical solution is to find a way to remove the wings. I'm offering some suggestions on the matter, since I run into this problem quite often, and I hope they can help you out.
Control Line: Scale
BY NOW THE 1975 Nats is a pleasant memory for most of us. We are now able to sit back and analyze what we did wrong or what we did just right to gain us that precious trophy. It is also a good time to plan ahead for the future. For the three of us, Mike Gretz, Ralph Burnstein and myself, it will especially be a time of looking ahead, as we qualified at this year's Nats for the 1976 U.S. CL Scale Team. There were only five contestants competing for the U.S. Scale Team this year. But that didn't make the going any easier. Besides the three mentioned above, Bill Harney and Ernie Violett were also looking for a spot on the team. The flying started around 1:00 on a beautiful day with Mike Gretz and his Zlin. He had a very smooth take-off and an almost flawless flight. Everything seemed to be working very well for him. With this flight Mike got the highest flying points of the day. After that things started to go down hill for the other Open contestants.
Control Line: Scale
Last month I mentioned that we would talk more about metal-covered models. Well, I got in touch with Bill Harney of Lexington, Mass., who I consider to be the most qualified on this subject, and had him take time out from building to give us some tips on metal covering. I had to do some fast talking to get him to stop working on his model since he has been putting in 40 to 60 hours a week on it in order to have it finished to perfection in time for the Nats. Bill obtained most of his aluminum used in the covering process from offset photo printing shops. The etchings are only on one side of the plate so that side is used as the cement side on the model. It is .005 thick, fairly hard and yet supple enough to be bent and punched. Another source of aluminum is sold in art supply stores and is also .005 thick. This metal is very soft and excellent for compound curves, deep etching and small fairings. As it is formed it work hardens. These two metals will give you a good combination to choose from in covering the various parts of your model.
Control Line: Scale
Last month we discussed what to look for in choosing a good scale model. This month let's talk about what can be done with detailing. Metal-covered aircraft are always impressive; it gives you realistic looking over-lap joints as well as butt joints. There are several different methods of covering with metal, but the one that Bill Harney uses requires thin metal printing plates cut to the scale panel shapes of your model. Then they are formed to your fuselage or wing and glued in place with a good contact cement. In a future article we'll have more on how to use metal covering on your scale model. To simulate panel markings on a standard balsa wood construction, first mark out the panel markings in their scale location to assure proper placement of the panel lines. Then apply masking tape (two layers thick) on the side of the marked line that the other panel overlaps. Next, mix a formula of Sigment, clear dope and talcum powder to a putty-like consistency. Layer the putty on the panel area that is to be raised up, feathering it back about an inch from the masking tape. Wait till the putty mixture has dried and sand it down to the level of the masking tape. Be sure to sand completely down to the masking tape; if you don't, later, when you remove the tape, it may break out a piece of the panel line or leave a rough unfinished edge.
