U.S. Scale Masters TP3 Testing

As I have spent a good deal of time working on projects for the USSMA, I noticed that we don't really talk about the ONE thing that we I think we are all passionate about....... Building scale model airplanes. I've been flying models since I was 5 y.o. starting with a Guilliows Bird Dog. Over the years I've learned a ton about building and flying models. I've learned the most when I got involved in scale 10 years ago. For me personally, there is a lot of satisfaction in taking a concept in  my mind and through some work and time seeing the finished product. For the scale modeler, I think its about finding an airplane that I think is totally cool, building/creating it and seeing it fly. I don't see any difference between a kit/plan built airplane, of the guys who are willing to designe on from scratch.

The biggest thing I've found while building my Skymaster is that with all of the new techniques I learned NONE of it was that hard!!

My vision for this forum is for the newer competitor to ask questions about building process, then those of us who have been doing this for years share our experiance with them. Part of the USSMA's mission statement is promoting scale modeling. My hopes are we can spark an greater interest in our part of the hobby. We have an obligation to pay it forward to the guys who have questions and need help. At the end of the day its about Keeping the Dream alive.

I need your help!! What kind of questions are out there and who can help out with some answers. This is about learning, sharing, teaching, and most importantly HAVING FUN!!!! BUT I need input from you!

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I will be watching this thread and if I can help with something that I know I will be glad to share. Plus I hope to learn new things that I do not know yet.

Randy

I'll start with a question that I've been asked on many occasions.

How do you descide on what airplane to build?
What makes a good first scale competition airplane?

I know that's two questions. LOL  BUT, BUT the younger scale competitor ASKS those two questions,

Lets hear some thoughts!!!!!

Greetings ALL,

I'll try and give you my two cents worth on the two questions asked.

1) How do you decide on what airplane to build?

To me, it's what era I like. I just so happen to like "Golden Age", "WW 2" type models. I lean more towards WW 2 than any other. I first have to know what my skills and flying abilities are. I then start looking at all different types of aircraft that meet my abilities. I have in my building future to build an 1/5 scale "Curtiss SBC-4 Helldiver" with all the whistles and bells. I just have to clear up a 1/9 scale B-17 that is on my bench first and away I go.


2) What makes a good first scale competition airplane?

This is a hard one to answer. Again I go back to the first question about ones personal skills and flying abilities.
I would also like to add that one should do some time behind the static tables and this will help a lot when doing a model. Then put some serious time out on the flightline as a flight judge. Both of these have helped me out a ton.


Kenny

My 2 cents worth:

#1 Build an airplane that you really like - it will help keep your motivation up during the doldrums of the build.

#2 Kinda ties in with #1.  The P-47 is a good flying airplane - but there is a lot of "stuff" on it that could be daunting, plus the mechanicals of retracts and flaps.  If it is your first scale model that can be quite a bit to handle.  So if you are in it to be competitve (and not building the airplane you love most) pick something simple, fixed gear, slab wing, no wing struts or wires if you can help it and a fairly simple paint scheme.  BE SURE TO GATHER ALL YOUR DOCUMENTATION BEFORE YOU START CONSTRUCTION!!!!!

So if the only thing you want to do is win then it is simple. Pick a easy plane to fly that has the least amount of detail and markings. Now the reality, we all build what we do because we have some passion for the model. We throw out what is best to compete with but what we love. As Jeff said he keeps us motivated to continue. Also as Jeff said once you pick what model you want to compete with your next job is to get the documentation together before anything else. It makes it easier in the long run.

For the newer guys, I agree with all of the above. The worst thing to do when selecting a subject is getting in too far over your head either in the complexity of the building or skills needed to fly the plane. At the end of the day, the project should be something you are passionate about (to keep your intrest building the thing), and you should be able to fly it well. Flying in front of judges will knock the knees of the best of pilots, being intimidated by your airplane doesnt help. At the end of the day this is about having fun!!!!

I will be off line for a while lets keep this thing going. And for the newer guys, jump on in here and post some questions or talk about what you are working on for 2013, or even 2014.

This forum is all about our common passion, scale airplanes and flying them in competition. ALL are welcome to post here, the new guy as well as the veteran. Keep in mind there are multiple ways to accomplish the same result as it pertains to building. We as individuals ultimately have to figure out what works best for ourselves.

All,

Lets first talk about "Proper Rib Stitching Placement" on rag wing/flying surface aircraft.

Second, we can talk about the "Proper Pinking Tape Size" to put on your model and possibly where to purchase/make it.

Third, some different ways to apply the pinking tape so that it looks real at 4 feet....(at the craftsmanship table).

1) Where do you find the information about rib stitching placement?  Any ideas? I do....

Here are just a few questions to get your feet wet and your juices flowing...along with your thinking caps on. This is where it gets good......

Kenny

I have never completed a scale r/c model yet. Started a couple, but lost interest because my lack of "building" / construction skills.
My building skills are primitive. I'm one who bites off more than he can chew.

Any advice for a somewhat easy kit to build ( scale or sport ) that will have me learning the skills necessary to complete a competition model one day?
I imagine I'll need to learn how to work with fiberglass, simulated fabric ( STITS or Coverite or Solartex or Coverall ) painting skills and finishing detail skills eventually....but for now my goal is to compete in the "Open" class with a model that I built. I just need to get my feet wet ....building something that would use transferable skills as opposed to simply assembling an ARF. I'm not interested in "bashing" an ARF either.
I've been flying power & slope since 1977 and started building a 29% Pitts S2A in 1988 and got frustraited only to leave it for another day. I also started building a Great Planes .40 size P-51 in 1995....but quit because I did not want to use Monokote and I didn't have painting skills.
What would you suggest for a first competition model? ...I like all types of planes. My favorite is the Golden Age ....but I just need to start somewhere.
Thanks,
Ken.

any of the top flight gold edition kits should be good, but just because of the complexity of the wing and retracts I would stay away from the Corsair.  These are .60-sized kits and should not set you back a large chunk of income, but you can add a fair amount of detail.

If you can still find any the Goldberg kits are good too.  Sig had some very nice kits but may be more than you want to deal with.

Robart makes retracts for all the TF kits, and Super Tiger 90's are a good fit.

Ken,

Here is what I would like to recommend for your situation at hand,

Build an "Ugly Stick" type model and use it as a test bed for any or all finishing details that you might want to use on your future projects. You might have to build one or two more models to get the results you want.

Practice doing all your sanding, finishing, priming, riveting, fiberglassing etc. on this type of model. If you "Oops" it in a few areas.....no big deal...it's a test bed model....Right? You can also doe some show and tell at the flying field. You'll probably get a few other ideas from other scale modelers on how to accomplish what you are looking to do. Always keep an open mind and don't be afraid to ask question...there is usually an answer.

I've encouraged a lot of modelers to do this at our flying field. Work with small areas like your ailerons or elevator or maybe even you cowl. With your cowl you can practice on your panel lines and rivets or if you work on open surfaces with fabric like Koverall (which I highly recommend) you can practice doing rib stitching and pinking etc.

Always have fun inventing and thinking of what you need to do to get the results you are looking for. I have a blast going to the "Girly Stores" like Joann's fabric and walking around and just looking at all the goodies they have and see if anything catches my eye. I can give you an experience I had a few years ago that I share with everybody as an example.

I was looking for something that I could make polished "Capt. Bars" for a pilot. I was looking around and found some baby-doll hair barrettes that were very small in size. As I looked at them I noticed that if I made a cut here and there with my Dremel cutting tool I could get a Capt. Bar out of it. Well it worked...and the best part of this situation was the barrettes were 50 each for .99 cents. I could make a lot of mistakes for under a buck to get what I wanted.

Always remember "Patience" when you are modeling. It's supposed to be fun and rewarding...not a job.

Your rewards will amaze you.

I hope this helps.

Kenny

Well its almost Christmas. Here in Ohio the weather is rainy and not too nice to be out flying. Many of us have retreated into the basement like bears hibernating for the winter.........
In my shop the maintence for on the Skymaster is well under way. Last season I had major issues with the control valve for the retracts, resulting in belly landings and knocking off the gear doors. There was also cooling issues with the front motor that needed addressed. I know sounds crazy that the rear engine actually runs within the temp ranges. I've gotten the doors fixed, and this week I hope to finish the baffeling on the front engine. Its kinda crazy that as big as the 337 is, there is very little room for more stuff. I'm also working on interior upgrades. Hopefully this winter most of the bugs will be worked out of both the airplane and my head.

I know I'm not the only one working on stuff in the shop. Come on in and let us know what your working on!!


John

Hey John for me I am finishing up a Ziroli T6. Panel lines were shot last weekend now on to rivots and the rest of the detail. Hope to have it finished by Feb. In my other shop I am working hard on a scratch built F4U-1A Corsair. This is from blown up Royal plans. They have been blown up to 82" exactly 1/6th scale and am planning on competing with it for 2013. Now I just hope that it flies good. The weather in California gets in the way to but more for building. Hard to stay in the shop when the sun is out and your dying to fly.....

Hey John, first of all thanks for stirring the pot on these forums! As for Evan and me, we're finishing his Skyfarer. Adding the details and finishing the paint job that we ran out of time for this past Spring. I am refinishing my L-19. Same story there, we just couldn't get them finished in time for the Nats. That's why they looked half finished, they were half finished! But we went, we flew, and had a ball!!!! We're also building a Cub for Evan to get some taildragger time on in the  Spring. The J-3 is nearly complete so I have to decide between the Top Flite Stinson or the Balsa USA Nieuport for our next project. After today here at work I'm off until January 2nd so I plan on getting in the workshop early and staying there late over the Holidays.Oh yeah!!!

Randy, I'm not sure how you guys get anything built out there where you don't really have a "building" season. If you get a chance, post a picture or two!

Dan, It's so awesome seeing Evan and you getting involved!! I love the fact you guys realized the planes were not finished, but cane out anyway to the NATS and pn articipated. We need more dad's with that attitude. I like the whole Cub thing. I know Mike Barbee LOVES flying his. I have a Pilot Decathalon in the box. I think thats gonna be my Cub without being a Cub.

I know there are folks out there building, just check out a warbird meet or dawn patrol weekend. You see a bunch of well done airplanes! My hope is by us writing about our projects, we can get others excited about our sport.