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"Wild Bill" Netzeband taught
me a new word in his July 1916 "Control Line Capers" column in American Modeler
magazine - taciturn.
It means temperamentally disinclined to talk according to Merriam-Webster. Not stopping
there, he uses the word "loquacious," meaning
full of excessive talk. Not normally given to the use of such highbrow language
- at least in his columns - methinks perhaps Wild Bill referenced a copy of
Roget's Thesaurus
for this month's piece. His writing style is both
elucidative
and jocose (two
can play this game). The AYSC held at Willow Grove NAS, is mentioned; it stands
for Air
Youth State Competition. The monoline versus dual line debate in control line
speed was a fairly new issue in 1961, and it is still "up in the air" so to speak
today. Preferences dictate in the end.
Control Line Capers:
Jul 61 |
Jan 62 |
Feb 62 |
Oct 62 |
Feb 63 |
Aug 63 |
Oct 63
| Dec 63
Control Line Capers
Half "A" Speed control line model airplane plans, by B.C. Harris,
winner of 1960 Nationals, 94.3 mph.
"Fired Art" Jet Speed model airplane plans, by Harry E. Latshaw,
AMA Open Jet Speed record of 165.43 mph.
By William (Wild Bill) Netzeband
Modelers are a prolific group of anecdotists. However taciturn they may be among
everyday acquaintances, when rubbed together they strike great fires of conversation
about models and things to do with models. Most loquacious of us are those who can
draw from experiences back when engines were all steam (old timers). I can't go
back that far, but can remember the early 30's (1930's that is). So this collection
of vital information will be coming regularly from now on. The assignment is a sweeping
one, so expect anything (your doings, perhaps) to be covered or uncovered. We have
a new broom all sharpened up.
For instance, do you still use waxed paper to protect plans from "glue"? Don't.
It's really very simple. The solvents used in model cement are in the universal
solvent category and as such are used to dissolve waxes and oils. Not only this,
but they absorb the wax and draw it into the joint. This degrades the whole business.
Ever noticed that upon pulling the frame, that the part next to the wax paper wasn't
dry? It never really hardens! As a substitute try Silkspan or white jap tissue.
They'll peel readily and actually reinforce the joint. We have tested this procedure
and it works well.
Or set up your building board vertically. The glue drips parallel to the plans
and doesn't mess up the works. It is easier to see your work also. (Ed's note -
he must be joking!)
You AYSC competitors have been hearing that the 15-diesel is king of the event
since the 10 points per minute on endurance pile up faster than the 2.5 points per
MPH in speed. This is true, but you may surprise yourself if you plug the intake
of your Combat Special. Leave a 1/8 inch diameter hole through the plug and put
in mild fuel like Fox Superfuel or Supersonic 100. It goes on and on. A 1/4 inch
diameter hole makes pretty good stunt runs. Further economy is available with 3
parts methanol to 1 part AA degummed castor oil and a hot plug (see Sept. 1960 AM).
If this is against the rules, forget where you heard it.
The trend toward smaller ships and engines in control-line seems to be gaining
impetus. Duke Fox's new .07 powerplant is a cutie and a brute for hauling loads.
K&B's .06 is a nice little engine too. Both of these engines were used originally
in plastic "readibuilts," but are now on the market. Fox has a new trainer for .07's,
die Skyhook. When we get a kit to look over, we'll report on it. Things are stirring
in this direction. Small ship development for C/L work was held back some by a lack
of American engines, other than 1/2A,and by plain old lack of interest. Maybe the
compact cars have something to do with it. Imagine a Nobler in an MG! (I'll get
6 letters from people who have.) Stunt men are starting down toward small ships
after getting about as big as would fit in a normal automobile. Bob Gialdinni (Olympic)
has a neat one, and several have already been published. They have a lot of potential.
Look for more small ones, in Stunt, Trainer and Sport.
Also FAI Team Racing.
We have our work cut out for us in this one. Our teams need lots of experience
to shape up for 1962 World Competition. The Europeans are several years, several
minutes and several diesels ahead of us, According to Ralph Biddle, our never-tiring
FAI T/R committee chairman, plans are moving ahead to hold FAI Team Race Meets separately
and at AMA sanctioned meets. There will be an additional fee collected from each
pilot and from each mechanic (models are not taxed), which will go into the T/R
Team fund. This fund will be used to transport, feed and house the teams while on
the Continent. This is a necessary and certainly worthy use for some money. We did
well in the other categories last time, and with properly experienced team racers,
we can clean up like a custodian in '62. Start your ship now and get busy. Time
to beat is 4:27 for the 100 laps.
One or Two Lines?
A few hours after the Easter Bunny blew out of town, our phone rang. I was immediately
accused of falsification in stating that Monoline had speed all to itself (I said
90%). Dick Elliot tells me that there is still a hard core of two-line artists operating
and doing quite well, thank you. We'll dig into this and check back. Dick is helping
Douglas Aircraft here in Indian Territory. Soon as I cabbage on to some of his speed
secrets, will pass them on. "Zoom" fuel seems to help.
In the new products line, have just checked the new line of tanks from Technical
Model Products Co. Their pressure tank is a jewel. It includes a pressure dome,
which serves as a damper chamber and eliminates any fuel feedback thru the pressure
line. It is well put together and will be sold in various capacities. They have
a line of wedge tanks with vents long enough to extend thru a profile fuselage and
still bend forward for ram air pressurizing. The tubing is annealed (soft) brass
and can be bent easily to desired shapes. Was fascinated by their stunt tank. The
vents are each long (2 3/4") and the box must be a dilly. Tank is 1 3/4 wide and
is the only one on the market, to our knowledge, which will fit a Nobler without
gouging the fuselage. Holds about 4 oz. of fuel, which is more than adequate for
a slow pattern. The quality is high with good material and firm solder joints. Someone
has certainly been thinking about the modeler and his needs.
There are rules proposals before the contest board that will affect your models
and flying. Check "Model Aviation" for the active proposals and then let your contest
board member know what you think about them. You have no individual vote on rules.
Only CB members vote on rules. He is supposed to represent you, but he cannot reflect
your opinions unless he knows what they are. These guys are well qualified, but
they are not clairvoyant. So get out your pen, pencil, quill or sharp stick and
write letters! It is your business.ยท
Ah, Sweet Mystery.
Life continues on its natural course ... in spite of hobbies. Ray and Virginia
Randall (Open Carrier winners in '59 AND '60 Nats) announce the engagement of their
Daughter, Gayle, to Bill Curry. The whole crew has wins in C/L events, and the flower
girl, Betty Sue Randall, is breaking in a Firebrat. Wonder what kind of ring they
will use? Congratulations, Gayle.
Send comments .concerning column items and special control line news to Wild
Bill, c/o American Modeler, 575 Madison Avenue, New York 22, N. Y.
Posted April 25, 2020
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