Classic Model Airplane News

Model Airplane News, Oct 2004 by Boyd, Matt

50 years ago...

* Jo Kotula's rendition of a Douglas A4D Skyhawk on the October 1954 cover marked the successful flight of the first prototype ofthat aircraft that occurred earlier in the year. In the decades since, the A4D has posted the longest tour of duty of any combat aircraft in the U.S. arsenal-one year longer than that of the venerable 6-52! The A4D remained an active combat craft until the mid-'90s, and it still serves as a target tower and adversary craft for combat simulations.

* contributor Les McBrayer showed readers how to build the Scrambler-a sleek little team racer. With a span of just 27 inches and powered by a K&B .29, it promised lots of performance. It was also convenient; its completely modular "take-apart" construction made it easy to experiment with alternate airfoil and tail designs, simple to service and a snap to transport.

* we showed off what might be considered a precursor to the modern microflyer: Bill Dean's Skyray. Powered by a Jetex rocket motor, this tiny profile jet had an asbestos strip that prevented the balsa from being scorched by the solid-fuel motor.

25 years ago...

* the Concept Fleet giant-scale bipe dominated its runway overlooking a beautiful Hawaiian backdrop in what might be our most scenic "Field and Bench" review ever. Al Tuttle powered this big beauty with an E.W.H. Super Hustler, a Homelite-based gas engine that had enough grunt to spin the recommended 20x8 prop at 7,000 rpm.

* Harry Higley showed us the tricks of crafting a competition-worthy smoke system. From running oil and pressure lines and installing crankcase fittings to setting up the valve mechanism, the principles Harry employed in 1979 still work today.

* the Sportster 20 showed that a well-engineered model can fill an amazing variety of roles. The Dick Sarpolus design acted like a trainer when flown gently, but it could produce pattern aerobatic performance when the sticks were worked a little.

10 years ago...

* the cover story of the October 1994 issue declared (in hot pink, even!) exactly what excites so many people about pylon racing: the sheer speed. At that year's Galveston Unlimited Races, the double-century barrier was left behind to flutter in the Gulf Coast breeze as the purpose-built giants powered their way to speed and glory.

* Clark Smiley demonstrated a handy technique for turning WW I wheels on your drill press. The process required very basic materials and surprisingly little build time, and the final results gave an impressive scale look.

* electric flight guru Tom Hunt gave us an inside look at the performance potential of AstroFlight's powerful FAI 25-5T and 40-5T motors. With awesome thrust capability and impressive efficiencies, these were the hot setups for FAI sailplane events. Of course, brushless motors have since made this level of performance more attainable, but at the time, these were two electric powerplants to beat.