THE ILLUSION...

The world of giant-scale miniatures is an illusion - an attempt to create in miniature a fantasy of flight.

The illusion of modeling stirs the imagination of those who have looked skyward and marveled at the vision of flight. For most, this picture occurred at an early age. Many of us have fond memories of a trip to the airport on a Sunday afternoon. I Personally recall walking to our local airport where I would sit with my back against the hanger and watch the parade of "Champs" that carried pilot "wannabees" aloft.

For others, however, their first look at aircraft occurred as a member of the military. To them, airplanes were war machines. Huge fighting machines whose mission was to destroy the enemy. These men and women knew the awesome potential of the warbird, and seldom thought of airplanes as providers of pleasure.

As we create the illusion of flight, the greatest compliment we can receive is to be told that our latest creation looks "real." We carefully study the shape, color and personalities of the planes we model in hopes of creating the illusion.

For some, the illusion must be "exact." Modelers will seek out a special example and photograph, measure, and memorize every detail in hopes of recreating in miniature every last detail. These scale artists are the kings of our hobby and are the ones we turn to for advice and guidance as we try to create our dream.

Giant scale modelers, and in particular, IMAA have been the moving force in model aviation. We have brought to this art form, the realism of flight...the illusion.

NEW AND NIFTY...

Reid's Quality Model Products - "Cheetah" 42. Dave Reid has been a "quiet giant' in the giant scale movement. Beginning with his early contributions to High Flight to his acquisition of Jim Messer's GS business, Dave can always be counted on to provide us with great giant scale products and services.

Dave's latest offering is the "Cheetah" 42 engine. Now, as most of us know, the 35/42 gas engine is the foundation of all giant scale powerplants. I bought my first Quadra 35 back in 1980 and it has seen faithful duty on many GS projects. The original cost of $98.00 has provided me with many hours of enjoyment. Attached to the right airframe, this size engine provides plenty of bang for the buck.

The "Cheetah" 42 is a giant step away from the old 4-35 and shows just how far engine refinement has come over the last 20 years.

To begin with, the "Cheetah" comes equipped with the proven CH "jump start" ignition. Easier starting with no spring starters to wear out. Additionally, the engine has such niceties as: back plate mount and spacer, throttle linkage, adjustable velocity stack, muffler, drilled prop bolt, and a two year limited warranty.

Cheetah 42, 2.5 Cu. In. $319.00 from Reid's Quality Model Products.

At 2.5 Cu.In., the "Cheetah" puts out 3 HP and weighs 4.5 pounds. Dave also carries a complete line of replacement parts and, offers a repair service - - just in case! Priced at $319.95 plus $6.00 shipping, the "Cheetah" looks like a winner that should provide years of service to the giant scaler. Contact Reid's Quality Model Products, 30 Clifton Street, Phelps, New York 14532, Phone (315) 548-3770, E-Mail is dreid@epix.net.

STICKY STUFF...

"Glue," Adhesive," "Paste," and "CA" are all names familiar to the modeler. I recall such names as Testers and La Pages from my early modeling days. These tubes cost 10 cents and really smelled bad. I don't think we ever intentionally "sniffed" the glue, but I do recall feeling light-headed after a long building session. These kinds of glues are still available and are the subjects of much abuse in today's youth society.

The advent of white and yellow carpenter's glue gave modelers a safer and stronger way to build our creations. The "need for speed" and the space-age has given us the modern stickum known as "CA."

I first saw cyanoacrylate glue when a friend of mine gave me an unmarked bottle of "super glue." When I first attempted to use it, I found it to be a runny substance that I thought would never find acceptance in the modeling world. "Was I ever wrong." CA is now the mainstay adhesive for modelers throughout the world. It's expensive, it's strong, and it can be dangerous.

A recent string of comments on the International Miniature Aerobatic Club's home page revealed a number of individuals who have experienced serious reactions to CA. Most reported a variety of physical symptoms and all seemed to believe that their reactions were cumulative. That is little or no reaction at first, but stronger or more serious reactions over time. Indeed, there is a warning here. Even if you suspect any kind of adverse reaction discontinue use immediately! There have been some reports that "odorless" CA does not cause problems, but many feel that this type still poses some danger.

Faced with the loss of the glue, modelers have been searching for an alternate form of adhesive. One such possibility is Weldbond. This is not a new product, but is one that has proven itself in many facets of the construction industry. Weldbond resembles white glue, but has many advantages over the old favorite. To begin with, it is a catalyzed polyvinyl acetate. It sets quickly and yields a strong bond.

Bob Ousley, 3651 Bateman Road, Alva, Florida 33920, with 107 inch span Extra. Powered by "Ousley direct ported" Tartan twin, 25 pounds.

Weldbond can be used to make wood water resistent and as a base for iron-on coverings. It is also great for applying fiberglass cloth to wing center sections. Additionally, Weldbond can be used as a contact cement by painting a thin coat on each section to be adhered. After setting, paint one part with isopropyl alcohol and press the parts together. It is also excellent for adhering plastic canopies.

Best of all, however, unlike CA or resins, Weldbond has no fumes and is non-allergenic. I had used this glue sometime ago and liked it. I recently "rediscovered" it and can recommend it especially for those who may be experiencing an allergic reaction to CA. Available at most home centers, Weldbond is an inexpensive, safe, adhesive for many modeling applications. Contact Frank T. Ross and Sons, Inc., P.O. Box 128, Spring Grove, Illinois 60081, phone (416) 282-1107.

Grande Giants...

I am currently doing some research for a series on cabin bipes. You know, all those big beautiful bipes that started in the 1930's as Beechcraft and Wacos and still exist today in modern examples such as the Hyperbipe. If you, or anyone you know, has modeled a giant scale version, I would appreciate any details and some photos suitable for publication.

World Aerobatic team member, Diane Hakala with her Staudacher S300D and Harry Taylor's 80 inch Moki 1.8 powered replica.

Well, summer lovers, it is time to head for the flying patch and enjoy the fruits of our building efforts. Fly safely and remember Frankie's Laws. "All the time that one saves when using CA to build giant scale models can be used to unstick fingers and unclog nozzles."