Sketchbook - Model Building Tips
September/October 1963 American Modeler

Sep/Oct 1963 American Modeler
 - Airplanes and RocketsTable of Contents

These pages from vintage modeling magazines like Flying Aces, Air Trails, American Modeler, American Aircraft Modeler, Young Men, Flying Models, Model Airplane News, R/C Modeler, captured the era. All copyrights acknowledged.

This Sketchbook was scanned from the September/October 1963 American Modeler, page 68. 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-built airplane, whether from a kit or from plans.

Sketchbook

By H. A. Thomas

Got a new idea for construction, adjustment, or operation of model planes or R/C? "AM" pays $10 for each "hint & kink" used. Send rough sketch and description to Sketchbook, c/o American Modeler, Potomac Aviation Pub-lications, Inc., 1012 14th St., Washington, D.C. 20005.

Cut to friction fit to secure tank in position - Airplanes and Rockets

Block of flexible urethane foam, cut to friction fit to secure tank in position.

Knot pulled against disc by rubber tension - Airplanes and Rockets

Knot pulled against disc by rubber tension.

Ribs, spars pinned to beaverboard during wing assembly - Airplanes and Rockets

Ribs, spars pinned to beaverboard during wing assembly.

Torque rod from escapement - Airplanes and Rockets

Torque rod from escapement.

Add pressure lead "A" to filler - Airplanes and Rockets

Note: To pressurize regular fuel system, add pressure lead "A" to filler and seal vent tube at "B."

Resin container packed in crushed ice to retard setting - Airplanes and Rockets

Resin container packed in crushed ice to retard setting.

Rubber bands attached to wing dowels - Airplanes and Rockets

Rubber bands attached to wing dowels.

All seams soldered - Airplanes and Rockets

All seams soldered - preferably silver-soldered.

 

 

Sketchbook from September 1962 American Modeler Magazine - Airplanes and Rockets

 

 

This Sketchbook was scanned from the September/October 1963 American Modeler, page 68.

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Back when the Sketchbook, Gadgetry, Powerless Pointers, and Engine Info columns were run, there were very few pre-built models, and there simply was not as much available in the way of hardware and specialized modeling tools. We were still a nation of designers and builders. The workforce was full of people who worked on production lines, built houses and buildings with hand tools, and did not have distractions like Nintendos and X-Boxes. Remember that plastics were not common material until the early 50s and the transistor wasn't invented until late 47. Enjoy the tips. Some of you will no doubt wax nostalgic over the methods, since you can remember the days when you did the exact same thing!

 

 

Posted October 19, 2013