Airwaves

Nice article in the September 2001 issue about the ARF warbirds. Any idea, though, how durable those planes are? How long do they hold up under normal wear and tear? Do they benefit from parts' reinforcement, or is that just added weight?

[email]

TODD ROBINSON

Great question, Todd, and the answer is that some of our reviewers are still flying the warbird ARFs they built a few years ago! The high-quality construction of today's ARFs ensures that they'll last as long as any kit-- built airplane. As for adding reinforcements, I just don't think it's necessary. Remember, these models are designed to fly well, and any additional reinforcement will only add weight and affect their flight performance. Anyway, no amount of reinforcing will make a model "crash-proof"; as long as it's flown properly, your model should withstand years of normal field duty.

FLIES LIKE A CHAMP

I recently built and flew the Aeronca Champ designed by Nick Ziroli Sr. that was featured in the November 2000 issue of Model Airplane News. It flew great, except for the wing; I thought I could save a few grams by omitting the wing struts, but I didn't realize that this would cause the wing center section to break! After I had rebuilt the front end and the wing, the new wing braces worked great. Thanks to Nick for giving us such a great airplane.

[email]

DANNY KWONG

LOOKING FOR ERIKA

I am looking for the pilot busts you referred to and used in your review of the Hangar 9 PT-19 a while back. The only thing I can find is "Bridgette" (the blonde) through Hobby Lobby, but I cannot locate "Erika" (the redhead) anywhere! I am building a Dynaflite PT-19 kit with the same engine as you used in your Hangar 9-the Saito 1.50-and thought it would be a great idea to use the same pilot figures.

Please help. I am not too adept at computer searches, and all my efforts at the local hobby shops have been futile.

[email]

JEFF KEEFER

The answer is ... they're the same pilot figure (two Bridgettes!). One of them "became" Erika when I painted her hair red. Get two blondes and some red paint, and you're there, Jeff? Have fun.

STRONGER MOLDED PARTS

I just read Dan Santich's article in the September 2001 issue on making your own fiberglass parts. Admittedly, I am a rookie at this; I have tried it before with dreadful results. I made the Styrofoam plug as suggested in the article (the part being made was the ring for a dummy radial engine), but adding multiple coats of resin gave less than satisfactory results. When I removed the part from the plug, I found that it was very pliable and quite flimsy. I used an epoxy resin with heavy fiberglass cloth. If you have any suggestions about how to produce a more rigid result, similar to the molded pieces you see in kits, I would be very grateful. You have an outstanding magazine; the tips are very useful. Keep up the good work.

[email]

MARK SCOTT

Mark, multiple coats of resin alone add only weight, not strength. A structure's strength comes from several layers of fiberglass cloth laminated with just enough resin to saturate them. Furthermore, not all fiberglass cloth is created equal. For expert advice on which fiberglass cloth to use for your application, give our friends at Aerospace Composite Products a call at (510) 352-2022, or check out www.acpsales.com. Good luck with your next project.

TOP GUN CHOPPERS

I really enjoyed seeing the scale helicopters in your "Top Gun" coverage, and I noticed that you featured one in the "Reader's Gallery" last month. That Dauphin is an incredible example of scale craftsmanship. I'd really like to see these competition hells; have you heard where and when Top Gun 2002 will take place?

[email]

MIKE HAYES

Mike, we also think that adding helicopters to Top Gun was a great idea of promoter Frank Tiano's. We recently heard that Top Gun 2002 will take place at Lakeland Linder Airport in Lakeland, FL, April 23 to 28, and helicopter flight judging will be included. This new location is less than an hour's drive from Walt Disney World in Orlando and Busch Gardens in Tampa, so there are plenty of hotels and activities for the whole family. For more information, check out www.fanktiano.com or call (561) 795-6600. Hope to see you there!