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The October 1950 Air
Trails magazine showcases modelers' innovations, including H.G. Oliver's
Plexiglas skids for speed models and Don Nelson's booster battery setup. Ray Biernacki suggests keeping brushes soft with thinner fumes, while Richard Larson
offers a footswitch for bench testing. Ted Jones improves dethermalizer safety,
and Charles Francis simplifies its design. Willard Hafler's flying wing excels
in speed and sport flying, and Leon Shulman repurposes a crankcase recess as a
fuel tank. The magazine encourages readers to submit their own ideas, paying $2
per accepted sketch. These practical, cost-saving solutions highlight the
creativity of mid-century model aviation enthusiasts, blending engineering
ingenuity with accessible materials - a snapshot of hobbyist innovation in
postwar America.
Sketchbook
 Have you developed something new in construction, control, or flying that might
interest other modelers? Send a rough sketch - we'll redraw it and pay $2 for each
one accepted
Plexiglas is best skid material for speed jobs claims H. G Oliver, Corpus Christi,
Texas
Don Nelson, Portland, Ore.
Booster battery cells wired from tool kit with receptacle and appliance cord &
plug.
Fumes from thinner in tall bottle keeps brush soft & ready for use ... Idea
of Ray Biernacki, Webster, Mass.
Booster footswitch for bench runs - Richard Larson, Little Falls, Minn.
Safety precaution for fuse-type dethermalizers by Ted Jones, Oxford, Pa.
Simplified dethermalizer by Charles Francis, Hamburg, N.Y.
Nifty flying wing design for speed & sport ... Willard Hafler, Coopersburg,
Pa.
Recessed back of crankcase serves as tank for 10-20 sec. runs ... Submitted by
Leon Shulman, Newark, N.J.
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