Modelers Sketch-book
March 1956 Young Men • Hobbies • Aviation • Careers

March 1956 Young Men • Hobbies • Aviation • Careers Table 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.

Here are another 7 model building tips from readers of the 1950s vintage Young Men magazine. Many of the types of items presented in these Sketchbook pages come prefabricated and at a relatively low price these days. However, there are some thing which if you want, you will need the make them yourself. This particular installment includes a tip for how to hold small parts while painting them, as well as how to make a jig for bending music wire landing gear.

Thanks to Bob Balsie for scanning the pages.

Modelers Sketch-book

Have you developed something new in construction, control, operation or finishing of model craft? Send a rough sketch - we redraw it and pay $10 if accepted. Submit original ideas; no entries can be returned.

Painting small scale plastic model parts is made easier by this tip from Hal Campbell, Olney, Ill. Parts are stuck in modeling clay during painting... when dry, ends are touched up - For spraying color, cover modeling clay with paper shield

Ultra-simple control line handle is quickly adjustable to center-up elevators. Can be used for mid-size models; ideal for A/2 reports Grady Clark, Jr., Menard, Texas

Monty Griffith, Callahan, Calif., claims increased thrust and protection for propeller from use of "thrust sleeve" on model outboard engine. Made of brass sheet, soldered around wooden dowel, sleeve is bolted to flange on engine lower unit. Notches in sleeve for lower fin, etc.

Allan Barrett, Gutenberg, Iowa, has ready source of model windshield material in old photographic negatives, cleared in bath of 3 parts bleach, (Chlorox) and one part water -

Task of bending steel landing gear accurately is simplified in this clever knack by J. G. Knapp, Biloxi, Miss. Heavy nails "A" actually form the angles; other nails, shown, prevent "premature" bend of wire -

Permanently cambered sheet wings can be quickly made by method used by Noble Carlson, Wickliffe, Ohio. Wing halves, bound together in cambered form, are heated over range burner to "set" camber. Halves sanded, joined at center.

When plunger of air timer becomes sluggish - add small amount of talcum powder to release resistance from fuel or oil on piston, cylinder. Idea submitted by Richard Oscar Paul, Brooklyn, N.Y., is adaptable to Elmic, Timit, Austin, and similar types -

Posted June 25, 2016