S.M.A.L.L.--Small Model Aviation Lovers' League: Where less is more

Model Airplane News, Nov 1998 by Marshall, Larry

The Speed 400 phenomenon was in evidence as well. These little birds are popping up everywhere. Ryan Aircraft* Hellcats and Pat's Custom Models* Farmans and Eastbourne Monoplanes put in a lot of flights, and Pat's B-17 was simply awesome. My understanding is that Pat is doing a construction article for Flying Models on this one. Stay tuned for a Pat Tritle construction article in Model Airplane News, too. I can't tell you what it will be, but the plane is as cute as a bug and flies great.

There were larger SMALL electrics as well. Gary Kyle flew a Model Tech* P-51 and a Laird Spitfire, both converted from slope-soaring models. These were impressive as Gary put them through their paces. Don Johnson was flying his Ace* Tiger Kitten on 9 cells, with a geared Astro 05G.

The man himself-Randy Randolphwas there, spreading his Southern-gentleman charm. Randy has been one of my heroes for a long time, and it was pretty special for me to get to fly one of his planes: a Jr. Falcon. Examples of Randy's designs were very much in evidence as people flew BeeTweens, Dimes and others throughout the weekend. One of the most prolific writers/designers of our time, Randy's humility and generosity could serve us all as a model for life. In fact, if you'd like to get a taste of SMALL activities, you might want to head to Dallas for Randy's Small Steps meet, October 10 and 11. Contact Danny Ball at (972) 286-4278.

Oh ... one last competition that existed at SMALL this year: who spent the most time laughing and smiling. I think I was in the running for this one, mostly due to all the help given by the participants of the event. But I have to credit Emmett Fry most of all for my "success" in this event. You see, Emmett creates the most wonderful awards: each consists of a marble base on which is mounted an engraved plate and a tree. In the tree is a small airplane. The SMALL organizers decided to make me a "SMALL STEPPER" and gave me one of these awards. It now rests atop the computer on which I'm writing this article, and it's one of my prize possessions. While SMALL is an international organization, the SMALL event in Little Rock is steeped in Southern hospitality. Put it on your calendar for next year.

*Addresses are listed alphabetically in the Index of Manufacturers on page 126.