C/LStunt J
im Lee is always finding something different to bring to the VSC. This time he replicated a 1946 DMECO F4F Wildcat. The model has a 32-
inch wingspan and about 200 square inches of area with a final weight of 24 ounces. Jim powered the Wildcat with a Fox .29 twin stack. A Rev-Up 10–6 prop has been cut to 9½ inches and shaved to a 5½ pitch. His choice of fuel is Sig’s 10% nitro with 25% castor for oil. The wing is thin and easily stalls in cor-
ners. One must be gentle with this bird. The wing has some dihedral and flies best at a 4.0 to 4.5 second lap time. Jim claims that it is a “hoot to fly” and “cute as a bug” in the air. I see the potential for many Spirit of ’52 awards and Most Unusual awards in Jim’s future with this Wildcat. For more informa- tion on the model, call Jim at 1-785-266- 7714 or email at
jlee9@cox.net.
Jim Rhoades’ Apteryx If this model by Jim Rhoades seems vaguely familiar, you might see the like- ness of Bill Werwage’s USA-1 in the shapes of Jim’s very sharp, blue/silver Apteryx seen at the 2012 VSC. The model that Jim is emulating is Jerry Worth’s Apteryx which preceded Bill’s USA-1. Both the Apteryx and the USA-1 are Classic le- gal, and Jim made the decision to bring Jerry’s design to Tucson this year. Jim mentioned to me that he was going to paint it silver, but then thought to add some blue to the mix. He liked that, but then added more blue to finalize the color now seen on his model. The Apteryx is powered by a Randy Smith PA .61 and at- tached muffler. This combination works well also for my Olympus and Gordon De- laney’s USA-1.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLEN BRICKHAUS
Charlie Reeves and Jim Lee kibitz about Jim’s rendition of the 1946 DMECO F4F Wildcatwhich Jim brought to the VSC in Tucson in March this year.
Joe Dill’s Crusader I met Joe Dill at the 2011 edition of the
VSC, and we discussed his model of the Chipmunk full-scaled trainer which is now a kit by Eric Rule of RSM. Joe and I are also talking about publishing his Ranger, which is a Classic legal model of the Shark 45 size. This year Joe brought with him a Harold Price Crusader with retracts installed. Joe’s finish is impeccable and duplicates Harold’s model as printed in the January/February 1964 issue of American Modeler. Check out the article as begun on page 36 of that edi- tion. Wish I had the copy in front of me as I
should have duplicated the stance shown by Harold holding his Crusader for the opening page of the AM magazine. Harold’s Crusad- er was based upon his Valkyrie series of Stunter models but with a military look. Joe was having retract-gear problems and wanted the help of several VSC participants to resolve the issues. He replied to some of my questions on Joe’s Crusader, and he mentioned his version weighed in at about 55.5 ounces with a 55-inch wing span and around 600 square inches of wing and flap area. Joe’s paint is all certified dope from base coat to clear coat. He copied Harold’s
by allen brickhaus You can reach Allen Brickhausat PO Box 206, Golconda, Illinois 62938, or via e-mail at
abkb801@shawneelink.net
Bob McDonald queries Jim Rhoades (at left) about his Jerry Worth Apteryx,which was a predecessor to Bill Werwage’s USA-1which Bob flies very well at the VSC and Nats Classic events. Joe Dill (above) did not get Harold Price’s Crusader flying as he had retract-gear problems with the model. He was hoping to get assistance at the end of the VSC from the skilled pilots at the event.
56 JULY 2012
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