This Sketchbook was scanned from the December 1962 American Modeler. 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. One hint is to use milk rather than water for spraying onto tissue paper. Thomas Hill
claims dope will not penetrate the milk solids after it dries, which keeps weight down since the dope cannot saturate
the tissue paper. 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-build airplane, whether from a kit or from plans.
This page has links to every edition of Sketchbook that I have so far.
Sketchbook
Got a new idea for construction, adjustment, or operation of model planes, boats or R/C? "AM" pays $10 for each
"hint & kink" used. Send rough sketch and description to Sketchbook, c/o American Modeler, The Conde Nast Publications
Inc., 420 Lexington Ave., New York 17, N. Y.

Thomas Hill, Phoenix, Arizona, makes revolutionary discovery in use of milk instead of usual water spray
for tissue covering. Dope does not penetrate milk, claims Thomas; neater covering results.

Convenience of perfect "pin board" for easier model building was found by Ward Randall, Orlando, Florida. Plywood,
corrugated cardboard, newspapers, glued up with wax paper cover proved ideal.

Time-saving template for rib cutting assures uniformity. Guide can be made of balsa, plywood, even cardboard,
reports Ron Wittman, San Angelo, Texas. Use for indoor or outdoor construction.
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Unique R/C "Shear Gear" is suggestion of R. W. Kingman, Manhattan, Kansas. Fuselage bottom heavily planked.
Tricycle gear held securely with rubber strands which release in rough landing.

Variation on "adjustable duration" tank by Marvin Lew, Seattle, Washington, employs visible fuselage and
marker on fuel tube to accurately pre-set gadget to desired engine run.

Thisis the original Sketchbook page
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Posted August 10, 2013
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