Model Aviation Online - Modeling Spoken Here (September 2006)

That's the real modeling power.

If readership feedback and telephone comments received here are any indication, we've got a potential problem brewing in our hobby/sport. It seems that there are now two distinct factions that are, in many ways, at odds with each other.

     I'm referring to those who are flying their models with electric power and those who are using either glow or gas engine power to propel their aircraft. You might think I'm building up to a tongue-in-cheek, humorous piece about the two camps, but I'm not.

Many years ago the only form of model propulsion—other than a good heave—was several strands of rubber twisted tightly and attached to the propeller of a lightly built airplane structure. The rubber "motor" was typically anchored at the rear of the fuselage.

     When the propeller was released it would spin until the twists were depleted, thus providing thrust to fly the model. It was simple and effective, and it was generally accepted without any problem by the tens of thousands of budding modelers worldwide.

     Next came spark-ignition engines, and larger, more detailed models with heavier wing loadings became the vogue thing. When the glow engine arrived, it was generally accepted as being much better than the spark ignition engine; there was not much of a stir because almost everybody made the switch.

     Now we have modern electric power. Notice that I wrote "modern" instead of simply "electric power." Electric-powered model airplanes have been with us for many years. By some accounts models have been flown with one form or another of electric power for more than 60 years.

     What's new is the amazing amount of thrust and duration that is now possible with the newest breed of motors and batteries. Electric has come of age, it's viable, it's clean, it's quiet, it's getting safer, it's getting more affordable, and it's obviously getting more popular.

I've been taken to task by many of our members/readers for the number of electric-related articles that have run in MA in recent months. This is especially true of the construction features that have appeared; many—even most—of them are electric-powered designs.

    Here's the deal: we can only print what we receive, and eight out of 10 (or more) articles for original designs that we receive are for electric-powered models! It seems that the majority of the designers out there have opted for electric power.

     That most of the designers among us have gone electric is not surprising; electric power offers many advantages to them. It is much easier to try unusual designs, especially those with multiple motors. Electric power is a natural for these types of subjects.

     Motors run far more smoothly than even the most well-balanced glow or gas engine; hence the need for heavy bracing or beefing up is eliminated. Because of this the aircraft can be built lighter at a given size. Finishing is also easier because there is no need to fuel-proof the model.

     We here at MA love model aircraft of all types and look forward to the opportunity to publish materials that cover the wide variety of modeling disciplines. But, again, we cannot print that which we do not receive.

     We rely in large part on member submissions of articles for our content. If you want to see more glow- and gas-powered coverage, write something, design something, and submit it, or chide your local modeling guru to submit some of his or her material!

     True, not all articles received for review are published; we have standards that must be met for prose, photo quality, and content quality. If your submission qualifies on these counts and is the type of material we need, your chances are good that it will be published.

     And it is obvious that we are in need of glow- and gas-powered model features. As the Monty Python comedy skit went, "Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink, know what I mean, know what I mean?"

     I predict that electric power will eventually become the dominant choice for model airplanes, but that point is still in the somewhat distant future. Glow- and gas-power fans have nothing to be worried about at this time.

     We, as a group, need to keep our eye on the ball and remember what is important about our sport. And that is that we participate; that we build; that we fly; that we learn more about our machines so that we can fly them better, safer, and longer; and that we enjoy and respect each other no matter what our propulsion preferences. That's the real modeling power.

I can be reached for comment or questions at (610) 614-1747 or via E-mail at robinhunt@rcn.com. My address for article submissions is Box 68, Stockertown PA 18083. MA