PHOTO: FROM THE ARCHIVE OF PAT TRITLE PHOTO: GEORGE LASKAR
free from stiffness and binding. Make your pushrod path as straight as possible, avoid- ing tight curves whenever possible. When installing hinges be sure that the control surface moves freely requiring the least amount of wasted energy as possible for both deflection and centering.
Finally, make sure that there’s no slop in the control horn to pushrod connections. A small rod in a large hole will insure that your model is always out of trim, so pay close attention and keep the installation nice and snug and you’ll be rewarded with a much nicer flying model.
Modelers, models, and storage Most modelers will accumulate a large number of models over time and storage will inevitably become a challenge. I’ve seen a number of ways to store models and Pat Ryan has come up with a simple no-cost method of storing several small models that also doubles as a carrying fixture. Pat made his from a cardboard box, and it could also be built from foam board or even PVC pipe. Whatever you use, don’t let it get too big or awkward or it will defeat its own purpose. Meanwhile, John Patton has checked in with his C-188 Ag Truck built from the PCM 55-inch Ag Wagon short kit and trimmed us- ing custom vinyl from Callie Graphics (
www.callie-graphics.com). Not one to rush the process, John spent a year of quality
U-Control flying was big in Albuquerque in years past as you can see from this 1954 photo (at left). It’s also apparent in the photo that these guys were some first class modelers and in a day when kits and designs were at best crude, by today’s standards. I just had to share this picture as it brings back some fond memories of my childhood. I never did anything this extravagant (above), but I did fly “round the world” three times in a cardboard box with wings—and never left the back yard.
modeling time on the project and was re- warded with a model that looks spectacular. The model hasn’t been flown yet, but any- thing that looks that good will no doubt fly well too.
Next up we have an old photo of the U-Control crew from here in Albuquerque. The photo was taken in 1954 and, as is ap- parent from the models in the picture, these guys were a group of very accomplished modelers. George Laskar was kind enough to send the photo over and in the lower left hand corner is George’s dad, Bill Laskar. George is one of the best modelers I know and an accomplished flyer as well. It must be true that the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree. I was also privileged to have known Bill and I can tell you without a doubt, he was a certifiable character.
And while we’re digging through the old photographs, I have no idea where this one came from, but that group of young “avia- tors” went to a lot of effort to build the small airplane, complete with operating controls. Makes you wonder how many times these guys flew around the world in that thing— and never left the saw horses. Getting back to things more modern, Jack
Rogers tends to lean toward the unusual and has taken Tom Binkley’s Yardstick to a whole new level. This time Jack figured that if one wing was good, two must be better and came up with a biplane version of the Yard-
stick. The model flies beautifully, that is if slow flight is your thing. The original mono- plane is one of the spunkiest models I’ve ever flown. On the other hand, I expect that the biplane is probably one of the most docile. And when it comes to things unique, the Yardstick Biplane is clear off the scale. And last but certainly not least, Mark Hadfield has checked in with his 55-inch span Comet Gull II, as shown in our lead photograph. Being an enlarged Free Flight design converted to 3-channel RC, the mod- el still possesses many of its characteristics, making for a terrific flyer on cool mornings and calm evenings. As Mark puts it, “Its ROGs are a thing of beauty. On throttle only it climbs well and I then cut the power and glide around. I am very pleased with the plane.”
Well guys, we’re getting low on space once again, so will have to call it a day. There are still a couple of things we weren’t able to get to, but will slip them up to next month, so please stay tuned. Meanwhile, give some thought to the control setup tips. Early on I found it a bit confusing and what’s written might seem backwards until you do think it through. Greg’s advice is sound though, and after a bit it will start to make good sense. So till next month, thanks again for all the terrific stuff, keep those new models flying, and do drop a line and show us your latest efforts.
Jack Rogers built the YardstickBiplane (above left) based on the original Tom Binkley design. Jack built two identical wings, then by lowering the bottom and building the vertical pylon transformed an all-out acrobat to a docile and very
FLYING MODELS
relaxing flyer. Right after the maiden flight Jack (above right) had a tough time getting that big happy grin off his face. Though perhaps a bit odd, the Yardstick Bplanecan only be described as a grand success.
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