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These tips for building
lighter, more effective model airplanes were submitted by Air Trails
magazine readers in time for the 1960 Annual edition. They are all as valid and
useful today as they were six decades ago. Free flight in all forms - gliders,
rubber power, and gas power - are still very popular, so if you are involved in
the sport, you might pick up a good idea here. Even the suggestion for using a
popsicle stick for a Jetex engine mounting pad might still come in handy since
they can be found on eBay (although with ever-increasing difficulty). Believe it
or not Pliobond is still sold, although by
the Ruscoe Company and not Goodyear. I added a touch of color to the original
B&W make everything a bit more interesting.
Lightness is a Virtue
Jack Brombly, Lancaster, Calif., recommends
use of damp towel and heating pad for straightening warped wings. Important to leave
wing pinned in place for half hour after steaming, says Jack.
 For precise adjustments to tail surfaces
of balsa gliders, Tom Norwich, Sharpes, Fla., cements thin wire pieces cross grain
at trailing edges. When bent, settings are retained.
 The familiar "Popsicle" sticks are handy
for many modeling uses. Wood is light, easily shaped, much tougher than balsa, cheaper
than plywood reports Gustave Nepper, Cincinnati, Ohio.
 Beginner in glider flying will benefit from
use of double hook on towline claims Steve Malovic, Euclid, Ohio. Model tows straighter,
resisting spirals, says Steve.
 "Saran Wrap" transparent material makes
striking covering for light models. Noble Carlson, Willoughby, Ohio, finds Goodyear
"Pliobond" cement best adhesive. Use one coat, apply covering when "Pliobond" becomes
tacky.
Posted January 15, 2021
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