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This "Sketchbook" was scanned from the July
1968 American Aircraft Modeler magazine. Most building tips are timeless.
Even in this era of ready-to-fly (RTF), almost-ready-to-fly (ARF), bind-and-fly
(BAF), etc., there are still many modelers who build their own aircraft. Nearly
all top tier competition fliers build their own models, as do aficionados of vintage
(aka old-timer) models. Some guys just would rather build than buy a pre-build airplane,
whether from a kit or from plans. This month's building tips include a method
for making scale WWI machine guns, fabricating scale flat-head rivets and
screws, properly balancing an airplane, and a holding jig for use when
soldering.
Sketchbook
Have a new idea for construction, adjustment or operation of model aircraft or
RC? AM pays $10 for each 'hint & kink' used. Send rough sketch and description
to Sketchbook, c/o American Aircraft Modeler, Potomac Aviation Publications, Inc.,
1012 14th St., NW, Washington, D. C. 20005.
 Series of alligator clips soldered to individual
copper wires and held in bench vise serves as versatile holding device for soldering
or cementing multiple part units. Submitted by Jack E. Jowett, Fairview Park, Ohio.
 Bob Meuser, Oakland, Calif., builds realistic
WW I machine gun barrels of balsa. Air vents along barrels are burned into balsa
cylinders with heated screwdriver tip using wood block as spacing guide.
 Proper CG location is important for safe
test flight says Clyde E. Lower, Gainesville, Fla. Piano wire is passed through
fuselage at desired CG location; model suspended by string from wire, parts installed
to balance as needed.
 Accurate tool for incising realistic, miniature
flush screw heads or simulated rivets in aluminum sheet is idea of J. Warren Kohler
Sr. Glen Head, N. Y. Parts machined from drill rod and hardened. Even rows in panels
quickly made.
Posted August 21, 2021
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