* James Detar <  > responds to Mike Halbrook:

I have that Comet P-40 kit. Was given to me by a friend who was given it by a relative of a modeler who passed away, leaving a stash of older rubber-power kits. The stash also included a Comet 54" Aeronca and some others.

Question: How did you fit the R/C gear in the fuselage, with that cardboard tube down the center of the P-40? James

* Gary Bullock & Mil Nicholson <  > contributed:

After seeing the notes about the SMALL meet, and Pat Tritle's Ercoupe, I was inspired to get his plans, which I scaled down about 2/3, and built a 40 inch WS version. It has been raining so steadily out here [in southern California] that we haven't been flying in several weeks. I haven't had a chance to even get a decent photo of it.

Maybe later, Gary & Mil

* Timothy <  > inquires:

To charge or not to charge? I've just started flying with NiMH batteries. When I get home from flying, is it best to charge the NiMH's before putting them up on the shelf for a few days, then top them off just before going flying? (This is what I prefer, because it lets me go with only a five-minute wait.)

Or...Should I leave the batteries discharged until just before flying again? (This requires that I charge them for 45 minutes before I can fly, so takes more planning.) What is best for the batteries and how bad is the other???

Timothy

* Bob Chiang <  > reports:

You can now contact Daniel Rutherford, the seller, directly at <  >.

I have no connection to the seller, aside from buying one of his motors (though I must admit I haven't run it yet).

Bob Chiang Ithaca, New York USA

* Howell Gwin <  > wrote:

DOUG ZORIE AND OLD MAGAZINES

I have the same problem as Doug Zorie with respect to old model magazines, and have given them to the University Library where I work. I had hoped to get them scanned and accessible by 'net, but it's too costly for the school -- maybe when I retire!! You might check this out.

Howell Gwin, Jr.

* Dereck Woodward <  > returns, with:

Hi Folks, and welcome back to SMALLnet!

After some years tinkering with electrics far bigger than the models I built and flew by oilypower, I think I've got it out of my system! Have just finished a semi-scale HM16 "Pou de Ciel" from Dutch kitter "Rob Bulk Kits", for what has to be electric's version of the .049 -- the Speed 400!

The model is remarkable. One, it is very short-handed on right angles and straight lines, and Two, everything fitted and it went together a treat. The cutting was by computer controlled router, as opposed to the US standard of laser cutting, which didn't matter a hill of beans. Result is a neat, real cute and definitely different little model that's controlled just like a real "Flying Flea", with tilt front wing and rudder.

Just need to get out and test-fly her.

Curt Hulette asked, "I'd appreciate any advice about a nice relaxing flyer for putt-putting around with an OS.26FS."

Back in England, I had an OS26FS, after a couple of the really gutless 20FS. The 20FS's first home was in my "Ford Flivver" - 52" span and published by Radio Control Modeler in the US.

The only tricky bit was the dummy radial engine. This wasn't too arduous as the Anzani used in the Ford was a three-jug and I let the upright OS stand in for one of them. I later flew a 48" aerobatic low-winger I designed for the OS26FS, but the plan only came out as a free pull-out in an English magazine.

It was a conventionally laid out, but lightly-built model and was pretty aerobatic, though nothing that relied on sheer power.

Also flew one of my tailless designs on 26FS - "Bubbles", as published in RCM. Built using the wing of a conventional model that suffered a slight accident in a pylon race (too close to someone who didn't get the concept of straight and level flight).

I salvaged the wing, added a stubby fuselage and elevon control, for what turned out to be a real good fun model. Though it was a lot more fun on an OS25 two banger, it flew pretty well on the 26.

The best one had to be the gentleman from Baltimore who converted my 60" electric Longster Wimpy to OS26 power - there's been plenty of models converted glow to electric, but this is the only one I've seen that went the other way! He was quite happy with his work, but somehow managed to get his glow version to weight over a half- pound more than my electric -- which carried a 16-ounce battery!

The Wimpy really amounted to a scale-up of the outlines of a Walt Mooney Peanut, but as the real aircraft varied a lot, as shown in the few remaining photos -- who cares?

I recall both the 20 and 26 four bangers as pleasant little fellows, the 26 having a lot more power than the first one. If you wanted a high-winger, a taildragger converted Seniorita should do fine.

Doug Zorie wrote about his "...large collection of old magazines that I have to get rid of."

Shame I'm on the other side of the country from Doug -- we could trade! I have a huge pile of the British "Radio Control Model World" magazine from its launch in mid-80's to around three years back. Intend to scan the articles I wrote for that mag -- did a column for them for 13 years -- and then free up the shelfspace in the basement.

Anyone in the DC area who fancies adding an unusual slant to their collection, drop me a line at <  >.

A happy new year to all SMALLsters! Dereck Woodward

* Peter Havriluk <  > asked:

Does anyone know whether Dick Gleason's archives have been saved, and might get into the possession of someone who could revive his plans and research service? Last I heard, his estate's beneficiaries weren't interested. Peter

* Chuck Kriete <  > remarks:

Re George Hostler's comments on the Live Wire Kitten. I have built four from John Pond's plans. I fly them with a GWS S-1 motor and a 6/3 prop, and they are great trainers. I learned to fly R/C with these planes: rudder-only using a Hitec Feather receiver and a 3-channel transmitter. Can't be beat.

Chuck Kriete

* Bill Hintz <  > adds:

George Hostler discussed his recently-obtained deBolt Kitten kit and suggests it would be a great choice for electric power. Yes indeed. Bob Aberle did just that back in 1996 and his construction article appeared in the June 1996 issue of Flying Models magazine. He powered his with a geared Speed 400.

Regards, Bill Hintz Morro Bay, California

* Paul Bradley <  > amplifies:

I appreciate George Hostler mentioning my web site < http://www.parmodels.com > -- where drawing packages for a large number of the old Top Flite Jigtime rubber powered Free Flight kits can be downloaded.

Just to clarify George's comments a bit, the drawings available for download are not scans of the kit parts. They are vector-based drawings made by tracing scans of the old kit parts. As a result, the parts when printed directly on balsa sheets with an inkjet printer are much sharper in definition, and solid-color areas are more uniform than would be possible with a scanned image.

The parts are faithful reproductions, but yield better results when printed. George also noted that when scaled up, these models make great R/C small field flyers. He is quite correct about that, but they also make great small field flyers when converted at their original size. The current crop of micro R/C gear makes it possible to be totally faithful to the original designs.

I have a Jigtime Rascal 18 (18" span) that flies very nicely as an electric powered R/C model.

Paul Bradley

* George Hostler <  > adds:

I previously mentioned < http://www.parmodels.com/ > as Paul and Ralph Bradley's Model Airplane site with Top Flite and Carl Goldberg Jig-Time all-balsa rubber jobs, which IMHO would make good small R/C flyers if scaled up (the Rascal 18" is already one well known).

I particularly like the way Carl Goldberg, who originated the JigTime line, approximated the curvatures of the fuselages. Carl always went a little further to make things a little more realistic (like rounding the corners of the front top fuselage on the Falcon Jr., and fuselage edges of the 1/2A Skylane).

Another interesting possibility is the Frog line of models from UK at: < http://www.thestuarts.eclipse.co.uk/index.htm >.

A number of these can be downloaded. The Junior series is JigTime style except the fuselage has lightening holes and is tissue-covered. They show pictures of the Minnow kit. Some of the others have built-up stick-and-tissue wings.

Some of these are downright "cute", like the Senior Series twin-rudder shoulder-wing Linnet, and Vulcan-Bomber-styled Delta 16.

Sincerely, George Hostler, Clovis, New Mexico, USA

* Don Garry <  > sent:

I want to ask about the Sterling Series 'K' model kits. These were approximately 21 inch wingspan, except for the one somewhat larger K-7 "Piper Vagabond" kit at 33-inch span. All of these 'K' series kits are of "all-sheet-balsa construction" very similar to the old Comet "Struct-O-Speed" kits of yesteryear.

My question is this: Have any of you SMALLnet enthusiasts ever built and/or flown any of these Sterling 'K' series kits?

These kits were primarily designed for rubber power, but I reckon they would make a neat 1/2A or 1/4A C-L type model also, or possibly even a small glow-powered FF or micro-radio controlled model. I would be happy to receive any feedback on 'K' series Sterling Models. BTW, the 'K' series was produced by Sterling Models very near the end of their long kit-making journey, just prior to the Estes buy-out.

Also, I would like to do a possible trade with someone who might have the K-4 "Cessna 170" or the K-1 "Aeronca Champion" kit. I have two of the K-6 "Real Sporty" kits NIB, which leaves me one to trade.

Anyone interested in a trade or photos of the "Real Sporty" (scale Pylon Racer type kit) please contact me.

When I was about 7 or 8 years old my Dad took me to a Hobby Shop somewhere in old downtown Orlando, Florida. Upon entering the Hobby Shop the very first item I immediately spotted atop the counter was a small (BIG to me then!) all-balsa model with a real "gas powered engine" sitting in the nose of it.

I was immediately in love with something I knew was far beyond my means to ever own, but DREAM I did! Looking back now, I believe the model was probably one of the larger Comet Struct-O-Speed models with a K&B "Infant .020" or maybe a "Baby Spitfire .045" installed. Now some 50 odd years later I finally have the opportunity to OWN that model .... if only I knew exactly WHAT model it was !

But, I reckon I can guess close enough and also I do now possess a few of the amazing little K&B "Infants" and "Baby Spitfires" in order to power such a model. Also I have heard (or read) somewhere, that there was indeed an all balsa built-up RTF model back then that was powered by the Infant engine.

Does anyone know of it? Anyone have any neat stories to share about the first small glow engines of yesteryear such as the K&B Infant? I would love to hear them. THANKS, Fellow SMALLsters!

Donald Garry 535 Clearview Drive Cocoa, Florida 32927 Phone (321)632-9115

* Steve Staples <  > contributed:

Glad to see SMALLnet up and running again. Since you last saw me with my T-craft at the Little Rock annual SMALL meet, I have built a Super Sniffer with a DC Merlin and 2-channel radio. First flight was 35 minutes. Covered it with the plastic film used by florists. Attached that with a mixture of MEK and contact cement and ironed it on. The film has excellent shrinking qualities.

In the works now is a 42" span Curtiss Wright Pusher with a PAW .031. I'm about 2/3 finished. After that comes a Keith Laumer Zoomerang I have enlarged to 44". I will use a Webra .10 on this one. Wait, there's more !!

I will be building a Dakota with a Cub .049 to fly at the NATS. In between these I have been building several basic FF planes such as Roy Clough's Hoopskirt.

I recently finished a boat model I started about 6 years ago. It is a White Heat V using an original O & R Compact III that has the Octura water cooled conversion. I built it close to the original that was in Popular Mechanics. I have several other boats and many more planes to build. I will do my best !!

Steve

* Trevor Carey <  > sent:

Here is a message I got from David Owen re the GB diesels and his involvement in their manufacture. As I have said, those of you who didn't get one missed out on a really good engine, and some of us were lucky enough to get two.

To me diesels are good fun and more than just an easy engine to use these days, especially now there are all sizes of electric starters to get them motivated. We are in the process of reviving a number of Amco 3.5's that had broken crankshafts (These were replica ones) having now found a very handy producer of model jet engines who will machine the necessary bits out of better material.

One of our number is experimenting with more modern (and SAFE) chemicals to replace the old cancer producing ones so hopefully we will be able to get these engines to produce the power etc that we remember that they were capable of in the old days.

Trevor C.

* Now on to David Owen <  >, whose message to Trevor follows:

Gordon stayed over Christmas and is with me right now. Your posting on SMALLnet does not reflect the real story of the GB 5cc Diesel, which is as follows:

Following the return of GB1 from the US, Gordon and I decided to make a small run of replicas.

The GB1 as originally designed had a few features which would have made it less than satisfactory as a user engine. In the main the shortcomings were related to balance and cooling.

At Gordon's suggestion, I did the production design for the replica, all changes of which he approved.

I machined the gravity die with Gordon advising and cast the cases here in Wollongong. This type of die was a new experience for me and I could not have done it without his help.

I made all the jigs and fixtures and machined and ground all the parts in my workshop, with the exception of the needle valve assemblies. These Gordon made in Queensland.

There were two batches of engines made, totalling around 160. Gordon and I fitted the piston/cylinders together, devising some new techniques as we progressed. All those piston/cyl assemblies turned out superbly, in my opinion.

I think it would be fair to say that my role in the manufacture of the GB 5cc Diesel replica was a major one and that Gordon's role was more along the lines of a consultant. That is as he wanted it to be.

We are both very proud of the engine itself and appreciate your kind comments. No more 5cc engines will be made.

I have recently designed and built prototypes of two new 2.5cc diesels. These engines have passed Gordon's critical eye and he has made very constructive and helpful comments.

At least one of these designs is likely to be produced by me in the foreseeable future and I would welcome whatever further assistance and encouragement Gordon is happy to give.

Perhaps you wouldn't mind copying this e-mail on SMALLnet, so that the record with regard to the GB 5cc Diesel is set straight.

With very best regards, David Owen, Wollongong NSW, Australia

* Peter Burford <  > added:

Trevor Carey wrote "hopefully Gordon will do some 2.5cc versions". Trevor, maybe we should take it easy on Dad! At 85, he has just returned from visiting David Owen, and is helping me with a project to subsidize the further development of my 0.33 (0.020) diesel, along with building in preparation for the Nats. Not enough time of day for all this and fishing too!

Peter Burford

* Rich Border <  > submitted:

The Champion model kits that Johnny Snead asked about were made by Bob Peru, who now owns Balsa Products. Johnny might try him directly; he might even have a kit or two left. Web site: < http://www.balsapr.com/ >.

Rich Border