Classic Model Airplane News

Model Airplane News, Jun 2004 by Boyd, Matt

50 years ago ...

... jets were coming into their own in full-size aviation. The June 1954 cover of Model Airplane News reflected that when it featured the graceful Handley Page Victor, a British jet bomber. The issue continued the jet theme with an in-depth look at Jetex rocket motors-virtually the only motors of that type then available for model aircraft. Peter Chinn explained the details with a style that became familiar to Model Airplane News readers for decades to follow.

... "Radio Control News," the column that was devoted to RC back when Model Airplane News covered everything from control-line to free flight, showed readers the new DMECO servo, a 1.5-ounce unit that produced a whopping 8+ ounces of torque. We noted that DMECO (short for deBolt Model Engineering Co.) was "going hog-wild for RC planes and accessories." As usual, Hal deBolt was ahead of the crowd, blazing a trail that RC'ers have followed for more than 50 years. And he's still at it-thanks, Pappy! ... just as it is today, Air Age was the source of all things model-related. The wealth of information was too large to fit in the magazine even back then, so we supplemented it with "how-to" books such as this one by Model Airplane News alumnus Charles H. Grant. Today, our range of titles is the most extensive in the modeling world; visit RCStore.com, and see for yourself.

25 years ago ...

... we celebrated our golden anniversary with a look back at some models that were already classics then. In a feature titled "Golden Oldies" we took a look at Sal Taibi's 1941 Nationals-winning Pacer. We also scooped the annual WRAM Eastern States Jamboree-a model show that senior tech editor Gerry Yarrish covers in this month's "Thinking Big."

... Hobby Lobby was making it big in RC-not with the excellent electrics that they're known for these days, but with items such as this big Evra 190 gas engine. The 1979 price wasn't big, though: a 1.9ci gasser for less than $100; it's almost enough to forgive platform shoes, bell-bottoms and disco. Almost.

... Dick Sarpolus wrote about three profile-fuselage warbirds for ½ A power that could be built from the same basic plan. In the years since, he has switched over to electric, but he's still doing 3-in-1 construction articles; check out the one in the July issue of our sister publication Backyard Flyer!

10 years ago ...

... Steven Stratt's Dornier Zeppelin D.1 graced the cover of the June 1994 issue. Both because of the unusual subject and the exquisite detail of this competition-level WW I fighter, there was so much to highlight that we had to make it a two-parter!

... in his "RPM Readers' Q&A," Dave Gierke addressed topics such as prop slippage, operating temperatures and the pro's and cons of tuned pipes. Dave still answers readers' questions and offers engine insights several times a year in his "RPM" column. If you have a question about model airplane engines, chances are, Dave has the answer.

... Faye Stilley, master modeler, longtime contributor and author of several books on finishing techniques, gave us a look inside his "aircraft carrier"-the ultimate RC aircraft conveyance. "Modeled" after the classic sedan delivery vehicles of the '50s, Faye's ride started as a Chevy Caprice wagon, but it sports several flying-field features, such as dual-alternator-fed batteries (for charging), a huge cargo area and numerous purpose-designed storage compartments. When you see it, you'll know it's one of a kind-just like Faye!