When I viewed this video, I remembered working with Tom Brett years ago here in Detroit while we were working in engineering at General Motors. Tom was a model airplane designer at that time and had construction articles in various model airplane magazines including RC Modeler. At that time, I was flying rudder only models and Tom was way ahead of me at the hobby at that time. At this same time, another fella that I was working with in our office, said that his daughter was going to be on the cover of a model airplane magazine and that magazine was RC Modeler! I have that magazine here somewhere and she even autographed it for me! What a small world! I have had several of my model steam engine designs published in "The Home Shop Machinist" magazines and I am familiar with what it is being an author. Regards, Karl
This was an enjoyable discussion on the history and process of designing and building from plans! Like you, I watched the industry change as you described. Some of the changes were disappointing (decline of the model magazines). However, the advancement of technology was a great benefit of modern RC. I built from wood kits in the early eighties and in recent years, built only from plans. The ultimate was designing my own kit ( 1/6 semi scale Cessna 172 B). It was great fun and satisfying to see it fly! The design was hand drawn on paper I had available. It seems though that the younger generation of modelers are discovering model building. It's encouraging to see on social media how these young builders are turning out some creative work!
I got out of the hobby around 2000 and dumped all my RCM magazines. 😢 What a dumb mistake looking back. Well I'm back in and enjoy building very much. Lost art nowadays. That's great that you published some plans. I will check those out.
I would describe RCM as more of a catalog with some articles than a magazine. 🇺🇸 Model Builder was great. Their plans are with the AMA now. 🇦🇺 Airborn was another great magazine. Again, its plans are with the AMA 🇬🇧 Aviation ModelLer Int’l had some great stuff too. I hope their plans have been preserved. The OS FS.26 was preceded by their.20. There was also the HP-VT.21 from Austria. 🇦🇹
Every issue of RCM&E (Radio Control Model and Electronics) includes a full size pull-out plan. There is no need to send away for the plan. The most recent issue includes a plan for a 3.35 meter Foka 4 scale sailplane. Model Airplane News and Model Aviation are the only U.S. model aircraft magazines left, that I'm aware of, and are mainly product review magazines. Construction articles, that allow you to order a plan, are rare in both. I very rarely purchase an issue of Model Airplane News, anymore, and I wouldn't bother with Model Aviation if it didn't come with my AMA membership.
Tim, Thanks for taking the time to make and post your videos. I've become a regular watcher since retirement. Avid reader of these magazines x 40 years. Favorite from USA was RCM. Favorite overall was one from the UK, can't remember the name, but those fellows have quite the sense of humor. During this discussion of publishing plans, what is the name of the red and white model on the bench behind you? Anyone know? Thank you
Sorry, I know the model now! From www.Flitetest.com, mini Tutor if I recall. One of their newer offerings, have not flown yet due to my travel schedule. Tim
Interesting video Tim, thanks for sharing, cheers
Thanks for checking in! Tim
When I viewed this video, I remembered working with Tom Brett years ago here in Detroit while we were working in engineering at General Motors. Tom was a model airplane designer at that time and had construction articles in various model airplane magazines including RC Modeler. At that time, I was flying rudder only models and Tom was way ahead of me at the hobby at that time. At this same time, another fella that I was working with in our office, said that his daughter was going to be on the cover of a model airplane magazine and that magazine was RC Modeler! I have that magazine here somewhere and she even autographed it for me! What a small world! I have had several of my model steam engine designs published in "The Home Shop Machinist" magazines and I am familiar with what it is being an author. Regards, Karl
Karl: Great stories and thanks for sharing! Tim
This was an enjoyable discussion on the history and process of designing and building from plans! Like you, I watched the industry change as you described. Some of the changes were disappointing (decline of the model magazines). However, the advancement of technology was a great benefit of modern RC.
I built from wood kits in the early eighties and in recent years, built only from plans. The ultimate was designing my own kit ( 1/6 semi scale Cessna 172 B). It was great fun and satisfying to see it fly! The design was hand drawn on paper I had available.
It seems though that the younger generation of modelers are discovering model building. It's encouraging to see on social media how these young builders are turning out some creative work!
Wonderful points, thanks for sharing! Tim
I got out of the hobby around 2000 and dumped all my RCM magazines. 😢 What a dumb mistake looking back. Well I'm back in and enjoy building very much. Lost art nowadays. That's great that you published some plans. I will check those out.
It’s a great time to be in the hobby, so many options.
I would describe RCM as more of a catalog with some articles than a magazine.
🇺🇸 Model Builder was great. Their plans are with the AMA now.
🇦🇺 Airborn was another great magazine. Again, its plans are with the AMA
🇬🇧 Aviation ModelLer Int’l had some great stuff too. I hope their plans have been preserved.
The OS FS.26 was preceded by their.20. There was also the HP-VT.21 from Austria. 🇦🇹
Remember all! Tim
Every issue of RCM&E (Radio Control Model and Electronics) includes a full size pull-out plan. There is no need to send away for the plan. The most recent issue includes a plan for a 3.35 meter Foka 4 scale sailplane. Model Airplane News and Model Aviation are the only U.S. model aircraft magazines left, that I'm aware of, and are mainly product review magazines. Construction articles, that allow you to order a plan, are rare in both. I very rarely purchase an issue of Model Airplane News, anymore, and I wouldn't bother with Model Aviation if it didn't come with my AMA membership.
Yes, with the advent of easy enlargement technology, the entire business of a full size plans library vanished. Tim
Tim, Thanks for taking the time to make and post your videos. I've become a regular watcher since retirement.
Avid reader of these magazines x 40 years. Favorite from USA was RCM. Favorite overall was one from the UK, can't
remember the name, but those fellows have quite the sense of humor. During this discussion of publishing plans, what is the
name of the red and white model on the bench behind you? Anyone know? Thank you
Thanks for checking in! I think the model is an E-flite UMX Pitts. Tim
Sorry, I know the model now! From www.Flitetest.com, mini Tutor if I recall. One of their newer offerings, have not flown yet due to my travel schedule. Tim
👍
👍🏻 Tim