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A scheme I have considered
for control line models is one of the entries in the "Sketch Book" section of
the February 1949 issue of Air Trails magazine. Mr. Joseph Johnson
shows how he used a moveable rudder on his scale airplane to increase tension on
the control lines when up elevator is commanded. A similar system could be
devised for stunt models which increases right rudder (for CCW circles, left
rudder for CW) as either up or down elevator is fed in. Another option I have
never tried is to have a moveable rudder controlled by a spring connected to a
sliding bellcrank platform that would increase outward rudder when line tension
lessens, and decrease it when the lines get tight. Such a system would be most
useful for compensating for wind gusts that slacken the control lines. Maybe
some day I'll have the time to experiment with that. A handful of other ideas
are included in the feature, including an interesting use of tapered trailing
edge stock for wing spars.
Sketch Book
 Have you developed something new in construction, control, or flying that might
interest other modeler? Send a rough sketch - we'll redraw it and pay $2 for each
one accepted
• Compact functional design is evident in speed model dreamed up by Bill
Shellman and James LaPointe, Detroit, Mich. Body is chiefly a plywood former with
hollowed blocks fore and aft. Incidentally, fellows, don't forget an air outlet!
By the way - Sketchbook is open to an occasional "dream design" that has not been
tried out in actual tests. Sort of Airmen of Vision along model lines.
• Tom Wardlaw, Kansas City, Mo., veteran free-flighter, patches gas model
wings with leading edge sheet covering. Lapping ribs gives flush-fitting patch.
• Microfilm patching material is held by static electricity between newspaper
layers. When needed, cut to size through paper. By Dick Baxter, Detroit, Mich.
• Joseph Johnson, Greenfield, Mass., uses additional pushrod to rudder horn
on flying scale control models to assure an outward pull in climbing maneuvers."
• Wing spars of tapered trailing edge stock suggested by John Maloney, Warren,
O. Points of maximum fiber tension are thus heavier and stronger.
• Lubed rubber strands tied securely by first knotting ends; small rubber
bands secure loop ends for easier handling. From Merwin Bristol, Oak Park, Ill.
• From French Morocco, North Africa, comes idea by Paul Fredericq for rubber-loaded
mechanism to turn the rudder of your towline glider for circling glide.
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