MODEL AEROPLANE NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 150, 27 June 1931, Page 3 (Supplement)

MODEL AEROPLANE NOTES.

MOTH MODEL COMPETITION RESULTS.

(By PROPELLER.)

I have no doubt the results of the above competition will be of interest to my readers. First of all, let me tell you what Captain Hewett had to say of them when he had just looked over the models arranged for judging. "Tell the boys that I am surprised and delighted at the workmanship and attention to detail shown. I would never have believed that such fine craftsmanship could be done by other than skilled workmen."

The numerous points of interest would take too long to go into here, but I will mention that some of the models had surprising detail in them. All the ailerons, rudders, elevators were workable. The joy-stick, and all control wires were properly placed. Dummy engines, correctly designed shock-absorbing under-carriages, cor-rectly-made wings which folded back, tiny instrument panels, air-speed indicators and other such minute details, were included. In the workmanship, Squadron Leader Foster was first with a beauti-fully-built 'plane. Pilot-members Nightingale and Turnbull were second and third respectively. As many aero-modellists have found also, these machines Were very difficult to fly, and the winning time was nine seconds. This was attained by Pilotmember Gibson, who also Won the aggregate points and the first prize of a flight over the harbour. After the points for workmanship and flying combined were ad4ed up, the second prize went to Pilotmember Turnbull. The results of this competition show that a scale-model will fly, and it may not be long before the flying qualities are improved greatly. It was very noticeable at the contest that these machines flew very fast, and so the distance covered was surprisingly long when the short times put up are considered.

Most of the material used Avas a combination Which is very hard to beat. Some of the boys used very thin balsa for the turtle-back Or rounded part of the fuselage, Now that a start has been made on scale models. I hope that enthusiasts will continue to build these, as they are very much like the real thing.' Even if ail the abdve details are not put in, I think that a semi-scale model would be interesting and would fly well. Of course, for the duration records there is no doubt that the "Spar-models" will continue to be in the foreground. The various clubs that are springing up throughout the country should, encourage the fuselage type, as it is very interesting, and teaches more about practical aerodynamics than other types. In a letter f rdjn a reader from Thames I am asked to describe a large balsa model, and also to put in plans for a model glider. He says: "Now that several models have been described, how about a few constructional details of a large balsa model? Again* ho gliders have been described; they are simple to make and give wonderful results when adjusted and trimmed. I hav6 a glider at present which, although it is a heavy model (6oz), flies very well and has mild sailplaning properties. My record to date is 40 seconds." He goes on to say that he does not find that a heavy glider is necessarily a poor one, as the heavy machine seems to ride out the breezes better. I quite agree with this, but it must be always understood, that it is Wing loading that counts mostly. lam pleased to get a letter such as this, and as I always try to conform With any wishes expressed, you may expect some plans of a model glider soon. I have promised you the plans of the record holder (indoor) balsa model made by Squadron Leader Pollard. I now have these plans, and will publish them a fortnight hence. Following shortly after that we may have other New Zealand record breakers.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. J.T. (Hukapapa) and E. Hardy (OtahuliU).—The secretary of the N.Z.M.A. and G.C. is Mr. J. C. Harkncss, 17, Grafton Road, Auckland. He will give you the desired information.