Free Flight Fanatic
John discusses the new and old of free flight model aviation. Includes kit reviews, current projects, how to information and interviews.
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Episode 29 - Laser Cutting
08/15/2022
Episode 29 - Laser Cutting
Bernard and John discuss their ongoing projects, Nats anticipations as well as a detailed look into the science and art of laser cutting parts. New Products: Howard Littman Ukranian Resistance Embryo, $29.95 The Ukrainian Resistance Embryo is inspired by the valiant resistance of Ukraine to Russian invasion. $5 from every kit sold will be donated to Ukrainian relief. This is an Embryo model with all the extra points, 30 degree windscreen, wheel pants and exhaust stacks. This is a complete kit with laser cut sheet parts, strip wood, hardware and rubber. Alignment tools are part of the kit. The propeller included is North Pacific. Includes a tissue sheet with Ukrainian Air Force markings and "Ghost of Kyiv" pilot figure. J&H Aerospace SPIN – BEGINNER’S INDOOR AUTOGYRO, $35 Spin is a simple model legal for the AMA Autogyro competition class. At 12" span, it easily flies in a large living room with flights approaching 3 minutes. Flights in the 4 minute range are possible in a large gymnasium. The rotor design is based on Don Slusarczyk’s record setting Rotare which has won multitudes of national championships since its introduction in the early 1990s. PHANTOM FLASH FULL KIT, $25 The Comet “Phantom Flash” is an enduring 1930’s stick and tissue model designed by the legendary Joe Konefes. Josh Finn almost always recommends this design to those wishing to try their hand at rubber powered free flight. This is a full laser cut kit for an outdoor-capable Phantom Flash, so it doesn’t build to a super light sub-5g airplane, but if you pay close attention to weight and scrape some excess material off the propeller, you can achieve 5-6g airframe weights which provide a 2 minute capable airplane. 36" WS MERCURY, $65 Albert Hatful's beautiful Mercury rubber model was introduced by Worcraft at a time when customers wanted gas models. A few years later, the smaller Senator took the model airplane world by storm, leaving the Mercury lost to the sands of history. Those who have built the Mercury know that it flies every bit as well as the Senator, if not better. 36" flat wingspan, 168 sq in projected wing area, and uses a 11 to 14 inch propeller. With a 14" carver prop, we recommend 16-20 strands of 1/8" rubber, 30" long. The included 11" plastic prop is best on 12 strands of 1/8" rubber, 30" long, which provides a very strong climb. Our full kit for the Mercury includes all of the laser cut balsa parts - ribs, hardpoints, nose block, wingtips, and even the uprights and cross pieces! The kit also includes stripwood, tissue, clear window material, and a full hardware pack including materials for a fuse DT. Paul and Ralph Bradley About 13" WS J4F Plans, Free to Download They've added the J4F sport Free Flight model designed by Hank Sperzelhe. J4F (Just For Fun) is a easy to build sport Free Flight model. While a bit different in configuration from other sport Free Flight models, it delivers good performance for a lot of fun relaxed flying. And you can download both the build plan and an assembly guide for free from their website. Retro R/C 30" WS Fortastrop 30 Kit, $65.98 LASER CUT KIT 1/4A Nostalgia Free Flight, 30"; span, for 020 Replica or electric. Original 36" 1/2A model designed and developed by F.S. Garcer. 1938-1941, to win Class A duration at the 1941 Nationals. More New Old Stock Items for Sale Used kits in excellent condition, plus some new and used engines for sale. Volare Products Peanut Electric Power Packs, $15.00 – $20.00 This is the power pack from “the Rookie” from Wooden Shoe Aviation Toys. I have successfully used this to power a Peanut model. I estimate you could use this for free flight models up to 50 square inches. It appears that you can add a Gizmo Geezer Nose Button for an additional $5. These units are a small motor pre-wired to a circuit board. The circuit board has a charge jack and a 5 Farad capacitor. The capacitor is the energy storage unit – no batteries onboard the model. The weight of the onboard package is just a sliver over 5 grams. They are originally designed for a Pusher configuration. To use these unit in Tractor configuration, you will need to rewire the wires coming from the motor to the circuit board. Then remove the prop from the motor and reverse it and reinstall.
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Laser Cutting
08/15/2022
Laser Cutting
Bernard and John discuss their ongoing projects, Nats anticipations as well as a detailed look into the science and art of laser cutting parts.
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Episode 28 - The Indoor and Outdoor Nats
05/08/2022
Episode 28 - The Indoor and Outdoor Nats
John and Bernard catch up on their activities, as well as tips and tricks for cutting out print wood parts. Safety first: Save your lungs and your relationship with your cohabitants/family members and build yourself a vacuum sanding table: Plus: How do participants and their models travel to distant free flight competitions? New Products: J&H Aerospace 8" WS Spitfire Half Size Nocal, $18 Full kit for Steven Wrigley’s delightful 8″ span nocal (“no calories”) scale Spitfire. Includes full set of printed tissue using Epson waterproof ink, 4″ plastic propeller, preformed prop shaft, and Liem Kou Phing aluminum F1D bearing. 10" WS Howard DGA Nickel Scale - Full Kit, $22 Rendition of the Comet “Nickel Scale” Howard DGA has been remastered by Steven Wrigley and is intended for the FAC special event and includes all laser cut parts, hardware, and water resistant printed tissue. Peck Polymers 9, 9.5 and 10 inch plastic propellers, $1.99 to $2.49 These new 9, 9.5 and 10 inch props are a bit different from their others, in that the P/D ratio is 1:1.25 and they feature a larger hub which can be used as-is or drilled out for custom clutches or front-ends. These work out-of-the-package with our 3/64" prop shafts and bearings. These are also available in 3-packs. KP Aero Small Winder Counter, $8.49 This clever new counter from KP Aero keeps track of your rubber winds effortlessly! Attaches to any KP Aero small winder and tracks the number of handle turns. Simply multiply the number on the display by your winder ratio (5, 10 or 15) for the number of turns in your rubber. *** This counter is only meant for use with KP Aero Small Winders. *** Easy to attach to any KP Aero small winder, whether it's brand new or the one you bought 15 years ago. Retro RC Scale Rubber Power Kits, $19.95-$39.99 8 kits. Appear to be NOS or from a colloection, and all printwood except SR-7. 3 from GAR and 3 from Comet, othe 2 unknown. P-39 Aircobra, Fokker DVIII, Fokker DVII, P-40, A26, A35, SR-7 Laser Cut) and Aeronka K (unknown) KeilKraft Kits, $54.52-59.18 All six KeilKraft Kits by Ripmax are now in stock and available for immediate shipping. Ripmax Current Offerings: KeilKraft: Caprice, Invader, Ajax, Ace, Gipsy, Senator, 10" prop, 12" prop. APC 5x3 prop. ZT Model Aviator and Beaver float planes. Volare Products Meteoro P-30 SHORT KIT, $22-$35 "A beautiful P-30 designed by Omar Grassetti in Brazil. Geodetic wing and tail and sheeted fuselage. A little heavy at 50+ grams, but designed for windy conditions. With nearly 125 square inches of area, it should have no problem soaring into thermals. SHORT KIT contains his original plan sheet (annotated and translated), a supplementary instruction sheet, and 6 sheets of laser-cut parts. Optional 9.5″ Gizmo Geezer Prop Assembly for +$13, and this comes with laser-cut nose block for Gizmo Geezer." ZT Model
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Episode 27 - The Box
04/23/2022
Episode 27 - The Box
Bernard and John catch up regarding the goings on in March. After a listener writes in about covering tissue over mylar, Bernard explains how he handles this intriguing aspect of our hobby. We wrap up this episode with a conversation with Bernard's F1B teammate, Tony Mathews. New Products: J&H Aerospace TSA (Technology Student Association) and SO 2022 RULES GAGES, $7 each Convenient jigs for displaying all measurements for 2022 TSA MS and HS and SO flight rules. Laser Cut Planes 45cm or 17 3/4" WS Sea Story–Wright Stuff C Div, $21 The “C-Story” is designed for the 2022 Wright Stuff event for C Division (high school students). 45 CM wingspan, 9 CM Chord. Because of the generous weight limit (8 grams), covering with the included tissue is just fine. The kit comes with an Ikara 24 CM prop, 3/32" rubber, laser-cut balsa and plywood parts, and of course, photo-illustrated instructions to make the build successful for new builders. Despite its low-tech construction, the plane is very nice flyer, and congratulations to the young ladies who just won Colorado’s Southern Regionals with a beautiful 2:23 flight with kit #1. Peck Polymers Many of Peck Polymers' kits are now in stock. Volare Products 13" WS Fleetwood Flyer Short Kit, $12 This is a tiny old timer, a 13″ span, with a rolled tube fuselage. You will have fun with this quick-building model. The “Victory” models were war-time models designed to save the builder balsa and rubber. This was published in the August 1943 Air-Age Magazine. This qualifies for the Flying Aces Club events “2-Bit Plus One”, “Old Time Fuselage”, and “Victory Models” (Pinkham Handbook)
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Episode 26 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 3 - Materials
03/07/2022
Episode 26 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 3 - Materials
Caution when listening amongst our younger modelers - this episode contains adult language. Please welcome Bernard Guest as my new co-host! We talk about the third and final (sort of) element of "Aeromodeling Survival Needs", new products, the differences between jet catapult and rocket propelled profile jet models. We also attempt to wrap our brains around the horrible news coming out of the Ukraine. This is meant to be a podcast free of politics and world news, and we will try to maintain that degree of separation. That being said, I think all of us in the modeling community (plastic and aeromodeling) feel like we've been hit over the head with a 2x4.
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Episode 25 - Lost Hills Rubber
01/25/2022
Episode 25 - Lost Hills Rubber
Happy New Year! It's been a couple months but getting back into the swing of modelling and podcasting after a busy holiday season. John is joined by Bernard Guest and they talk about the Lost Hills October competition, April 2016 rubber and why the "Eastern Block" countries (especially Ukraine) are so good at designing F1B models. New Products: Rubber Front End, $70 plus $5 shipping CONUS Wayne Smith is now offering a reverse Montreal stop front end, limited production. These units are primarily designed for use in the new Vintage Wakefield event and are a copy of the larger 3/32" shaft size units made by the late John Morrill. To activate, these stops sense the decreasing torque of the unwinding motor rather than the decreasing linear tension of the motor. This makes them a bit easier to keep adjusted when motor lengths change. The bearing housing and stop disk unit must be glued into a snug fitting 1/4" diameter hole in the nose block. These units are easily disassembled to flush out grit or to remove a bent main shaft. Wayne includes a spare shaft just in case it gets bent. To adjust the torque required to activate the stop, a stiffer spring or slightly rounding over the edge of the tube on the right hand blade holder will make the unit activate sooner. Email Wayne at: [email protected]
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Episode 24 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 2 - Tools
11/06/2021
Episode 24 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 2 - Tools
John dives into the subject of "Tools That We Use". Albatross progress report is brief. Also John goes over the following new products: BMJR Models: J&H Aerospace Laser Cut Planes Retro R/C Volare Products
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Episode 23.2 - News and Notes from September
10/23/2021
Episode 23.2 - News and Notes from September
Email me at [email protected] just to say hi, to let me know what projects you are working on, or if you have a free flight modeling question or problem you need help with! Show Notes: Tom Hallman's Favorites: From Episode 23.1, Tom’s favorite aircraft that he has modeled is the Nicholas Beazley NB-3. As far as full scale aircraft, he’s a big fan of the 1926 Winstead Special. Our current giveaway: Listen to the podcast for how to enter your name for a chance to win a Diel’s Engineering TA-152H rubber scale kit New Products: Volare Products: 22" WS Cloud Tramp Short Kit J&H Aerospace: BMK RADIO DETHERMALIZER 29" WS Monster HLG 34.5" WS Poly C TLG 10" WS BAC CANBERRA – JET CATAPULT SCALE Saturno V3.6 P-30 Shortcut 30 P-30 Shortkit Retro R/C and Campbell’s Custom Kits: 2022 WS Minnow 45 (17.7") cm span Starlink-Flitetech Pyxis GPS Retrieval System
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Episode 23.1 - Use the Good Wood; An Interview with Tom Hallman
09/30/2021
Episode 23.1 - Use the Good Wood; An Interview with Tom Hallman
This is Part 1 of the "September Issue". Master builder, flier and photographer Tom Hallman was kind enough to "sit down" with me on a Saturday morning for some hangar talk. For those of you not familiar with his YouTube channel maxfliart, you are in for a real treat. Tom's Hydravion:
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Episode 22 - Market Forces Part II and the Big Four
08/26/2021
Episode 22 - Market Forces Part II and the Big Four
Updates on the status of John's Olhsson .60 as well as the accompanying Albatross. John wraps up the two part discussion on market forces on our hobby.
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Episode 21 - The Impact of Market Forces on Our Hobby, Part 1
07/31/2021
Episode 21 - The Impact of Market Forces on Our Hobby, Part 1
John and Bernard Guest discuss the good and bad of running a model airplane manufacturing company. Part 1 of 2 on the very complex subject of how market forces affect supply and demand. What could possibly cause the demise of the great and beloved scale plastic model airplane company Wingnut Wings of at all times now? Even an "average" manufacturer such as Kitty Hawk can bite the dust during this current hey-day of modeling activity. Can these two companies closing serve as some sort of warning for our own aeromodelling manufacturers?
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Episode 20 - Team Effort; A Conversation with Sandy Miller
06/30/2021
Episode 20 - Team Effort; A Conversation with Sandy Miller
Episode 20 is here! John talks AMA guidance, new products and the The fabulous 1974 Book titled "Flying Scale Models of WWII". John does an out of box review of the modernized and laser cut kit of Hal Cover's Focke-Wulf TA-152, now produced by Dave Diels of Diels' Engineering. We also have a very special interview in this episode, Mrs. Sandy Miller. Who is Sandy Miller? Well you will just have to listen to Episode 20 to find out! New Products: 96" WS Satellite Super D, $209.00 The Satellite Super D is based on the Satellite 1300, originally designed by Bob Hunter in 1959 and upgraded to the series 70 in 1970. The BMJR Super D stabilizer has been reduced from 58% to 35% of the wing area which is intended to improve the power pattern with today's hot 60 size engines. Model may be built in the classic style with vertical and horizontal stab as one unit, or with the vertical stab aft in the fuselage to accommodate auto surfaces. 96" wingspan and 1300 sq. in. area 92" WS STARDUSTER 1300, $189, $227, $294 BMJR Starduster 1300 comes in 3 different kit configurations: B-142A Short kit; plan w/laser cut wing and stab ribs. B-142B short kit + sticks to assemble wing and stab. B-142C wing and stab kit + wood to assemble fuselage. 23-11/16" WS Focke-Wulf TA-152 $41.95 "KIT # 19-LC - WW2 German fighter plane, late long wing development of the FW-190D-9. 1/24 scale, from the Model Builder Book Flying Scale Models of WW2. Plain paper decals. Laser cut conversion and updating of the original design. 11" WS Rookie, $16.99 Simple capacitor powered free flight model airplane aimed at the beginner. The model is powered by an electric motor connected to a capacitor which can be charged in a few seconds. This kit is great for kids and can be built relatively quickly with adult supervision. Capable of long flight and is a great choice as an educational tool for learning about flight or just having some fun. 11.4" WS Speedster, $36.99 This time a balsa wood model airplane kit by WSAT that can be assembled by novice model airplane enthusiasts or kids under close supervision. This one has the classic lines of the golden age of aviation and is a great flyer for the local park. An excellent second project after the rookie has been built and flown. 7.5" WS F104 CARTOON JET "STARFIGHTER", $39.99 This is a more advanced Cartoon jet version of the famous F104 Starfighter jet aircraft of the 1960s. This is an awesome performer that looks fantastic in the air and is capable of long flights. It can be built in an evening by a more experienced builder. It is also a great “advanced” project for your budding aviation enthusiast. 20" WS Ramrod, $35.00 This 20" span Ramrod by Alexandre Cruz is a great flying replica of Ron St. Jean’s legendary gas model. Mild power setup allows excellent performance with easy 90 second maxes in E20 configuration. 22" (?) WS Cloud Tramp Short Kit, $11-19 A Volare Products laser cut short kit of Charles Hampson Grant’s classic stick model – the Cloud Tramp. This is a BASIC Short Kit of the Cloud Tramp. It comes with laser cut 1/20″ sheet flying surfaces, re-engineered wing saddle and wheels, and plans/instructions. Optional items include: 8″ Chinese Prop (+$1), an 8″ Superior Props Cloud Tramp Prop Blank (+$8). The builder provides: Propeller (possibly from the options), prop shaft and nose bearing, 1/4″ square balsa, 18″ long, wire for landing gear and tail hook, rubber motor. Links to other Sites mentioned in this episode:
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Episode19 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 1 - Plans
06/02/2021
Episode19 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 1 - Plans
Episode 19 delves into the subject of "basic modelers' survival needs", and specifically plans. John also includes a smorgasborg of new products, some letters to American Modeler Magazine from 1959, and an update on the status of the Albatross project. Also, some local hobby shop shout outs! New(er) Products for May 2021 Hummingbird Model Products E-Nostalgia T-Bird 200: Blizzard E36: White Esaki Japanese Tissue, 17.5 x 23.5 inch sheets: Carbon Booms (3 types): Nostalgia Wakefields: John Morrill’s Miss World’s Fair Embryo 1/2 Flying Cloud Wakefield 3 Old Time Rubber Short Kits Peanut Scale Version of the Isermann Mr. Smoothie Free Flight Glider Kits and Parts for: Catapult, Handlaunch and Towline All Sorts of Digital and Paper plans available for purchase (Sport, Old time, WWI and WWII Scale as Well as Peanut Scale) Vintage Model Company Centurion Rubber-Powered Free-Flight Kit Aerowerkes/DPC Models Ozark Model Aviation Grumman Guardian Short Kit Grumman Guardian Prints Volare Products Geo-Embrysol Embryo Laser Cut Short Kit Zephyr Embryo Laser Cut Short Kit HepCat Old Timer Laser Cut Short Kit HepCat 3D Printed Noseblock FREE FLIGHT SUPPLIES – Mike Woodhouse https://www.freeflightsupplies.co.uk Paul and Ralph Bradley's Model Airplane Hangout http://parmodels.com
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Episode 18 - Nostalgia Builds - Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
04/30/2021
Episode 18 - Nostalgia Builds - Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
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Episode 17 - The Search for Esaki
03/26/2021
Episode 17 - The Search for Esaki
New Products! George Reich Albatross progress! Other podcasts with free flight material! Mike Kirda's Esaki tissue endeavor!
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Episode 16 - Interview with Dave Platt
02/28/2021
Episode 16 - Interview with Dave Platt
John discusses new products, the progress on his George Reich Albatross Project, and new ways to bring your old, worn out bottle of CA back to like. We save the best for last though; a wonderful time with Mr. Scale himself, Dave Platt. Dave and John discuss old-school free flight, engines, his how-to video series, and the Battle of Britain.
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Episode 15 - Acronyms, Abbreviations and Initialisms
01/29/2021
Episode 15 - Acronyms, Abbreviations and Initialisms
Show Notes: 1. Brian Eggleston is assisting the estate of Sorj Ranta dispose of his extensive collection of engines, building materials, models and aeromodelling magazines. (the wood reportedly is already sold). Sorj competed in the F1B and F1C categories at the World Championships held at Cranfield and Leutkirch in 1955 to 1961. Several of his engines have already sold and have been featured here and other related sites on Facebook. A Google Drive file that gives pictures of some of the engines is located here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13q-r1ogZsfuAQXWYHB6FhWX9s3RNv4WX?usp=sharing If you are interested in having the latest engine list and suggested prices, or other items, please send Brian a request by Messenger along with your current email address. Please contact me for Brian’s email, if you do not have access to Messenger. _________________________________________________________________ New Products: BMJR Models: Their website lists the following as new: Buzzard Bombshell, Civy Boy E-36, Hoosier Hot Shot, Texan 484, Perky Jr., Raven 450, Waco CG-4 and Witch Hawk 500 Vintage Model Company: (open each link and sort by "Newest Items" J&H Aerospace: Ken Grub's ECHO P-30 – FULL KIT $55 P1T01 ELASTIC (indoor/outdoor) CATAPULT LAUNCHED GLIDER - 7.9" WS, $6 Mini Cat’s Meow Indoor CLG kit comes with catapult and parts for three gliders. $45 PROTEGE 2021 ELASTIC LAUNCHED GLIDER (XPS styrofoam) (2020-2021 SCIOLY DIVISION B rules) Kit builds 3 gliders for $50 SUPER PROTEGE – LEGAL FOR ELASTIC LAUNCHED GLIDER (2020-2021 DIVISION B rules) Kit includes catapult and parts to build 3 gliders for $75 Retro RC and Campbell's Custom Kits: Comet Sparky 32" kit for $55 Ozark Model Aviation: Douglas A-20 Completely redone blueprints featuring accurate part patterns and simpler/cleaned up structure. 38" wingspan. Twin rubber or electric. New plan rendition. Canopy set available. Canopies: $10 Planset Price: $10.00 Ben Buckle Kits: Hepcat, 48" WS, $90 Diamond Demon, 48" WS, $90 Other Items Sig Manufacturing - Comparison of Bass vs. Spruce:
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Episode 14 - Who Was Bill Dean?
12/27/2020
Episode 14 - Who Was Bill Dean?
John begins the show with a tribute to Bill Hannan, who passed away on December 14, 2020. ______________________________________________________________ Also, status of his Albatross O/T model project, with details on John's plan for the spar construction. Laser cutting by Jerry Galland: ______________________________________________________________ This month focuses on model airplane designer and author Bill Dean. Thanks to Roger Simmonds for allowing me to use the information from his website Jetex.org Bill Dean Biography: New Products: J&H Aerospace: Carl Rambo's Poly B Catapult or HLG - 17" in WS kit is $40. Design features a removable wing (for storage) and a screw type adjustment for wing incidence. Kit includes hand selected contest grade balsa. New short kit of Albert Hatful's (Keil Kraft) 36" WS Mercury rubber model is available for $30; plans are $10 Maxout IX embryo full kit just released Combo short kit for 1/2 size Gollywock and Jabberwock w/plans is $20. Flat WS is 15.75" Twister and Tornado helicopter kits for the Science Olympiad. Kits are $50 with parts for 3 helicopters and $60 with parts for 2 helicopters, respectively. Retro RC and Campbell's Custom Kits: New laser cut kit for the .020 replica of the 1941 Aerbo. Pylon configuration with a diamond cross section fusleage. Complete kit is $63, but both a short kit and the plans are available separately Volare Products: Peanut Scale, laser cut YAK-3 short kit (includes vacuum formed canopy and spinner) for $16. You can also download the printed tissue template from his website, no charge. Diel’s Engineering: Laser Cut version (kit #19-LC) of his 1/24 scale FOCKE-WULF TA-152H is now available. Model has 23-11/16” WS (Hal Cover's 1974 contribution to MB's series Flying Scale Models of WWII) Dumas Products: #339 F4F Wildcat (30″ Wingspan) #341 Fairchild PT-19 (30″ Wingspan) #340 Ryan STA (30″ Wingspan) Stan Buddenbohm: Email: VEE 17 Redux CLG kit $55 each plus $9 shipping. Will combine shipping for up to 3 kits. GTS Free Flight (Sevak Malkhasyan): Email: GTS FreeFlight YouTube Channel: GTS E-20 Kit $85. Features a built-up wing from laser cut balsa and bass ribs and a tapered carbon fiber boom. Ozark Model Aviation: New Website: ______________________________________________________________ Plans of Interest: Bill Dean's Supermarine 508 Bill Hannan's FAI Peanut
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Episode 13 - The Free Flight FAI Provisional Classes
11/24/2020
Episode 13 - The Free Flight FAI Provisional Classes
John and Bernard cover the F1 provisional classes and the F4 (free flight scale) provisional classes. Should the F1S rules be changed to allow auto surfaces? Or should F1S remain locked down? John discusses the progress of his 80" Albatross project. Will ignition engines rule once again? Coupe d'Hiver: The FAI F1 Sporting Code: The FAI F4 Sporting Code: FAI competition results: Tonda Alfery's Tigercat: Bob Holman Plans: (The George Reich Albatross is at the bottom of this page) Jim O'Reilly Model Plans: (He did the CAD re-engineered plans for the Albatross)
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Episode 12 - The Seven FAI Championship Free Flight Classes
10/25/2020
Episode 12 - The Seven FAI Championship Free Flight Classes
John and Bernard Guest delve into the mysteries of the 7 FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) free flight classes. John watched the documentary FLOAT and provides a review (he liked it!) Easy-Built Models - New Kit Offerings: Easy-Built Models - Japanese Tissue Offerings: 37" Rubber-Powered Model Airplane - 1931 Babcock - Anatomy of a Trim Session https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjuiXaBQK00&list=UU5lXh5HZ62N8s7urLVoOVxg&index=25&t=122s
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Episode 11 - Cutting out Print Wood Parts and the FAA UAS Symposium
09/30/2020
Episode 11 - Cutting out Print Wood Parts and the FAA UAS Symposium
Have a Question or Comment? My email address is . Where did September go? John's projects are stacking like cordwood, now the big question is where will he find the space to build an 80 inch wingspan O/T gas model? John "shows" how he uses a Dremel Moto Tool as a spindle sander on print wood parts. We then discuss the August FAA UAS Symposium, and what could be in store for the outdoor free flight hobby. (Something that I forgot to mention, but Bernard addressed in the last episode is that the we essentially know that all models under 250 grams (.55 pounds) will be exempt. And of course indoor models are also exempt.) Errata: 1) It was not the RC Roundtable podcast that referenced the Bugatti 100P racing plane; it was the On the Bench podcast episode 93, at the 39:19 mark when Ian discusses the 100P kit he built. (another plastic modeling podcast!) 2) The George Reich Albatross is not planked; I confused it with Henry Struck's 1940 KGS pylon job. 3) I mentioned my Instagram Page but failed to provide my username: FREEFLIGHTFANATIC. 4) The EEA open letter was not addressed to the FAA; it was addressed to Chairman Shuster and Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Products: Guillow's Arrow: Hummingbird Model Kits Piaggio PC 7: Jim O'Reilly Plans: Cutting Balsa Parts: Merkur Blades: Tweezerman Blades: Marcel Lavoie's A Faster Method For Stick Fuselages: FAA Remote ID Regulations: FAA/AUVSI Symposium: Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Remote ID comments page: EAA Open Letter: AMA/EAA/AOPA/Wing letter to the FAA: Plastic Model Mojo, Episode 20: AMA Podcast, Episodes 52 and 53:
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Episode 10 - Conversation with Bernard Guest of Hummingbird Model Products
08/31/2020
Episode 10 - Conversation with Bernard Guest of Hummingbird Model Products
John and Bernard Guest of Hummingbird Model Products discuss the intricacies of FAI F1A, F1B and F1C Free Flight. Bernard discusses his plans to begin podcasting about free flight as well. We can't wait! Bernard also provides some insight as to how we can make our contests more exciting to the next generation of model aviators. Winner of the P-47 giveaway was Paul Graf with his correct answer: Jack Benny's alligator was named Jeannette. Can model aviation bring people together? Here are some links to events, airplanes and people and businesses discussed during this podcast PNW FF Championships: Fab February Lost Hills: Babenko F1C Models - No Website? Piaggio P.c.7.: Paul K. Guillow's Arrow: South Africa's Jix Hobbies: Calgary, Alberta's Model Land Hobby Shop: Ross Jahnke's E-20 Salt Peanuts: Italian Aircraft are Beautiful:
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Episode 9: O.O.S.
07/27/2020
Episode 9: O.O.S.
John goes to and participates in his first free flight contest. Plus a discussion on the history of models and manned flight development in the 19th century. Also, a final reminder to enter the contest givaway. Stay tuned for references and websites!
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Episode 8 - Conversation with Bill Hannan
06/26/2020
Episode 8 - Conversation with Bill Hannan
John "sits down" with one of the greats; historian, writer, author and model designer Bill Hannan. Where do we begin? You'll just have to listen! We also cover new products, the reopening of the Guillow's Factory, status of John's Sopwith Camel project, and 3 three new kits to go in his stash. The Diels Engineering P-47 kit contest give away will go through the end of July. Listen to the end of this podcast for hints to the questions. Bill Hannan's autobiography: Penaud Alphonse biography, written by Bill Hannan: https://www.mo New Products:
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Episode 7 - Diels Engineering: Scale Rubber Free Flight Kits
05/31/2020
Episode 7 - Diels Engineering: Scale Rubber Free Flight Kits
John sits down with Dave Diels, purveyor of fine scale rubber powered free flight kits. We talk old school modeling, the trials and tribulations kit manufacturing, CAD, Corsairs and Thunderbolts. Not to mention Jack Benny and alligators
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Episode 6 - Modeling and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
05/09/2020
Episode 6 - Modeling and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
John sits down for a conversation with Dr. Chris Gilbert to answer questions on mental health and staying safe while maintaining hobby activities during the mandatory stay at home restrictions. When is it okay to order supplies (guitar strings, glue, perhaps a new model kit)? Generally, is maintaining a healthy state of mental health through continued hobby activities essential, and when is the ordering and delivery of provisions ethical? Are we helping or hurting the US Postal Service? Dr. Chris’ Psychology Today article is titled "7 Ways to Emerge from COVID-19 Stronger and Happier".
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Episode 5 - Carving Your Own Propeller
04/25/2020
Episode 5 - Carving Your Own Propeller
John discusses new products as well as the modeling career of Bill Warner, who passed away in March, 2020. The September 1969 Model Airplane News is this episode's Vintage Magazine Spotlight. John talks about the Dave Platt and Chuck Gill method of carving wood propellers. Bill Warner Biography: National Free Flight Society (NFFS) ___________________________________________________________________ New (?) Products Peck-Polymers Skiptown Cadet Peck-Polymers Sky Bunny Vintage Model Co. (Sheffield, England!) ___________________________________________________________________ Magazine Issue of Curiosity (Vintage Magazine Spotlight): September 1969 Model Airplane News Plagiarist Construction Article ___________________________________________________________________ Episode 5 Plan of Interest (Bill Warner DH 85 Leopard Moth – Rubber Power FF) Carving Propellers Scale Modeling’s Black Art Series – Double Trouble Vol. 3 John’s Favorite Full Scale Plane: Boeing F4B-4 John’s Favorite Model: Bill Noonan Kawanishi K-8b
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Episode 4 - Bill's Favorites and John's Sopwith
12/01/2019
Episode 4 - Bill's Favorites and John's Sopwith
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Episode 3 - Conversation with "Lifer" Bill Darkow
10/27/2019
Episode 3 - Conversation with "Lifer" Bill Darkow
Free Flight Fanatic explores the history and current state of free flight modeling. If you are a model builder and flyer who has a love for balsa wood, silk, Japanese tissue, rubber, glow and ignition engines, this podcast is for you!
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Episode 2 - A Tale of Two Kits
10/14/2019
Episode 2 - A Tale of Two Kits
This podcast explores the history and current states of free flight modeling. If you are a model builder and flyer who has a love for balsa wood, silk, Japanese tissue, rubber, glow and ignition engines, this podcast may be for you.
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