Kenny's Old Time Model Airplane Magazine:
March-April 2003
Editorial
Hey Gang, great to be back together for another issue. I am a firm believer in doing stuff. Any stuff... The project itself isn't always that critical; the act of doing is that which is important. Now don't let my exuberance cloud your opinion of me. I sacrifice too much time in front of the TV shrine we all worship, but boy do I get a good feeling when I'm building. Completing the project is the act of conquering all of the little problems that pester us, from learning how to jig up a bi-plane to adding a couple of new finishing techniques to your bag of tricks.
Lately I have set aside my first love, stick-and-tissue, and have enjoyed building some Solid models, a few Card models, and a small fleet of toy boats for my baby boy. Time has not allowed me to work on more demanding projects, but you know, I'm having just as much fun, perhaps even more. If you are enjoying looking at all the great plans available on the net, but haven't been able to round up the space, time, or money required, may I suggest that you seek out something simple? There are plenty to choose from. Surf my Archives for a few; my Links pages can hook you up with others. Your success will be measured in the immediate enjoyment your efforts will bring.
This month's selection is a real odds-'n'-sods special. Some projects are rather simple, some rather not. All I hope will be at least interesting. Have fun, and enjoy Volume 4, Number 3 of Kenny's Old Time Model Airplane Magazine!
The Story
We return this month to our English friend, Captain Bigglesworth, the creation of Capt. W.E. Johns. Biggles, as he was universally known, was about as different from Phineas Pinkham as one could get. As I write this intro, on the evening of 18 March, the war in Iraq is starting up again. It seems only fitting that the story should reflect the somber and serious mood that seems to be repeated generation after generation. So I invite you to check out
The Bottle Party
The Rubber Powered Model Airplane Plans
Our Scale model this month is Henry Struck's second Trail Blazers of the Air, the Bleroit Channel Conquerer! Not exactly a simple model, it is a rather simple scale model. Last issue Hank challenged you to build a model that could out duration the original. This month could we see a rubber powered model cross the English Channel?
From the pages of the May 1937 issue of Flying Aces, enjoy
Henry Struck's Bleroit Channel Conquerer
Our Sport model is again from our ol' buddy Loius Garami. A simple model for certain, you can have a fun little model to toss around the park in the matter of a couple hours and some scrap balsa. Go ahead, try one of these wooden wonders.
Also from the pages of the May 1937 issue of Flying Aces, enjoy
Garami's Gull Wing
Thermals.
The Solid Model Airplane Plan
This month there are a couple of Solid models to play around with. Both are both slightly odd, though at the same time often modeled aircraft. Both are from the same guy, and heck, both are simply nice drawings.
From the drafting table of Martin E. Dickinson of Seattle and the pages of Air Trails magazine, enjoy
Belanca Scout XSE-2
Seversky P-35
The Gas Model Airplane Plan
As a kid in the 70's I saw a reprint Air Trails article for a beautiful gull winged bird called the Mystery Man. 25 years later, I am still struck by the beauty of the model. This model had it all. Clean lines, championship heritage, and what's this!? A controversy!
A two parter (concluding next issue), this is definitely not a simple model, but oh... it's a beaut! From the pages of the June 1939 issue of Air Trails, enjoy
Elbert Weathers' Mystery Man part 1
The Advertisement
The Scientific Model Airplane Company was one of the biggies of the era. Perhaps not as famous today as Comet or Cleveland, the Scientific plans were all drawn so beautifully and presented strong, light models that were a hit with so many. Here is a quick overview of the 1940 line from the back cover of Flying Aces.
1940 Scientific Model Airplane Company
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