MODEL AEROPLANES

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1935, Page 10

MODEL AEROPLANES

TARANAKI CLUB ACTIVITIES. ADVICE TO PLANE BUILDERS. (By “Slipstream.”) In this week’s nctes I am carrying you a step onwards in your model aeroplane building. I hope you are cutting out these columns and keeping them for reference. This week being Guy Fawkes week, it would be appropriate to tell of the rocket plane, but this we cannot, as builders are not advanced enough yet. However, if there are any of the more advanced builders who would like information on this they must write to me. This week I would advise all whose balsa wing spar model is flying and who want to go a step farther to purchase for about 2s to 2s 6d a sheet balsa fuselage model. You will now be in the fuselage section. These are the easiest fuselage types to build and are very strong. Follow the plans and instructions carefully as I advised you in the column a fortnight ago, and you will have a good model. Now I come to the more advanced builder who wants duration. The purpose which governs the design of at least 90 per cent, of the contest model aeroplanes at the present time is duration of flight. In practically evei-y event at all contests model builders compete for honours in this phase of model flying, using every bit of knowledge at their command to induce their ships to leave terra firma and to stay away from it as long as possible. The progress made in this art since the early days when 15 seconds was the world record is almost unbelievable. Now in 1935, when the best of balsa and more knowledge has been gained a rubber-powered fuselage (weight rule) holds an official world’s record of over 41 minutes, whilst there have been many other flights unofficially timed that have exceeded this duration. Much of the skill with such planes has developed through a system of “cut and try” methods—trying first one type and then another. As an example of this condition, consider the phase in a model builder’s life which is dominated by the mistaken idea that gears and multiple motors will increase the flight duration of his “brain child.” Invariably this idea is finally exploded and the disillusioned experimenter comes to realise that duration does not come from complication or multiplication of parts but rather from accurate simplicity, from correct design and good workmanship. To a large extent efficient application of power has mucn to do with flight duration, although other factors enter the problem. This information will be continued next week. PAR AVION—AIR MAIL. / No inquiries yet? Perhaps you are shy, but if there is anything relevant to model airplane building and flying do not be afraid to ask. Club Activities. New Plymouth Model Flying Club: An official flying meeting will be held next Saturday at the racecourse. Last Saturday’s meeting on Marsland Hill was a failure, as planes had not been fully repaired from the previous week’s display at the racecourse. Rahotu Model Flying Club: This is a new club formed with 11 members so far, and “Slipstream” sends his congratulations. The Taranaki Union of Model Flying Clubs reports that the Model Flying Club of Australia’s competitions to have been held last week at the racecourse were postponed on account of most planes being in the repai. shop. The next Model Flying Club meet will be on December 1. The T.U.M.F.C. is also preparing for another big day shortly.