Model Aeroplane Notes

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 170, 20 July 1935, Page 3 (Supplement)

Model Aeroplane Notes

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MODEL AEROPLANE EXHIBITS.

INCREASINGLY POPULAR WITH THE PUBLIC. I have been able to see quite a few model aeroplane exhibits lately round the country, and have been very impressed with the amount of painstaking care that is evident in many of the models. I was not able to see the New Plymouth boys' work first hand, but have had descriptions and photographs along. There is more and more demand for accurate plans of full-sized aeroplanes, so tliat the builders can scale them down to suit themselves. The scale looked on with favour by the New Zealand Model Aeroplane Association for ordinary exhibits is £in to Ift. Ihio allows a reasonably large-sized model, so that a fair amouut of detail can be included, and it has the effect of keeping machines in relative sizes. For instance, it does look odd to see a model of a large flying-boat nestling under the wing of what should be a tiny Comper Swift. If we can persuade all model builders to get to work and produce their models to this size, I consider that better exhibits will be

made. Down at Hamilton there was a really fine showing of models, contestants sending in their entries from as far sontli as Wellington. I think, however, that the local club could have taken more tare with their setting, for no matter how fine the models are, they look very poor if not properly set lip. At the Auckland Winter Exhibition the model aeroplane stall was a real work of art. The whole exhibit was 30ft Ion.!?, and the front was huilt to represent the front of a hangar. A painted scene inside covered the roof back and floor and was made to represent the Auckland aerodrome at Mangere. Shaded lighting gave a particularly fine effect, and the models looked absolutely at their best. To round off the effects there were a number of small metal motor cars, petrol wagon, ambulance and sundry mechanics and onlookers, all to scale. There were even some sheep being driven off by a very diminutive shepherd. The work was of a high standard, the actual winners being given below. There was one 'plane, a model Lockheed Vega, which was really outstanding. but through not complying with entry rules, could not be given the marks it deserved. This is a pity, and you model builders want to watch that you carry out in full the requirements of any show you are entering your models in. It's a jolly shame not to get the reward due to you through a technicality. I think that the show this year was easily the best that the local clubs have put on. That's not quite fair, for there were eome very line entries from Thames and Hamilton, but the local clubs, under the New Zealand Model Aeroplane Association, had the work to do.

r lhe winners in the various events were:—

WORKMANSHIP SECTION. Junior Division, under IS years of age. Scale model monoplane: E. Erikson, 1. Scale model biplane: A. H. Reynolds, 1; J. M. Poynton, 2; J. Mayhead, 3. Best pair of solid scale models: J. Sparks, 1 • G. 51. Perkins, 2; J. E. Marshall, 3. Open Division, any age.—Scale model monoplane: W. B. Mackley, 1; W. G. Alexander, 2: D. Aitken. 3. Scale model biplane: H, J. Clark, 1. Model aeroplane, any type: H. Gunn, 1 ; W. G. Alexander, 2; H. J. Clark, 3. Best pair solid scale models: H. Gunn, 1; J. Sparks, 2 and 3. FLYING COMPETITION. Spar model, hand launched.—R. E. Alleii, lm 40s, 1: J. R. Lawry, lm 335, 2; R. H. Watson, lm 235, 3.

I liave been inunclatcd •with letters about the petrol engine I described recently, and I hope readers who have written about this will be satisfied when I say that I am getting some correct sized plans made and will have them published hero in working form. This model engine develops 1-5 horse power and will fly a model from Oft to 10ft wing span. It weighs 21oz approximately, with all gear, tanks, propellers, coil and condenser. I can see that the older boys, you know, up to about 50 or 00 years of age, arc becoming interested and we will be forming a Very Senior Section soon.

H.R.W., of Hokitika, would like a penfrieiui about 13. D.V.F.S., of Wanganui, sends up a good ■tip l'or making largo wheels Tor petrolengined machines. lln takes two tennis balls, pierces them with a red-hot wire, places a disc each .side, and screws the lot up tight witli a threaded piece of tubing. Result, two perfectly good pneumatic doughnut air wheels. J.R., of Waihi—Yes, I received your letter all right, but there was no name on it. Well, I have it nowj and- will answer your queries by mail. V.8., of Nelson—l have sent down the plans or the Swii't. This is a weight-rule fuselage monoplane, capable of steady oneminute nights in almost any weather. .Naturally it doesn't like gales, but then no model does. M.L., of Remuera, writes in for the first time and says lie "is a constant reader. He sends an S.O.S. l'or Albatross plans; wants 1 to join the league, and was thrilled with the description of the petrol motor. G.G.0., of Riccarton, is very interested in petrol motors, and wants to know how to make the model described in these columns. That's rather a tall order, isn't It? I have referred to this matter, however, in my article above. A.J.W., of Hastings, is a keen model builder. His brother, who is also kCen, is a Morse code expert, and is interested in the league. Well, the Morse code .Is a jolly good thing to learn, and is part or regular aviators' training.