Free Flight Fanatic

Episode 29 - Laser Cutting

Bernard and John discuss their ongoing projects, Nats anticipations as well as a detailed look into the science and art of laser cutting parts. New Products: Howard Littman Ukranian Resistance Embryo, $29.95 The Ukrainian Resistance Embryo is inspired by the valiant resistance of Ukraine to Russian invasion. $5 from every kit sold will be donated to Ukrainian relief. This is an Embryo model with all the extra points, 30 degree windscreen, wheel pants and exhaust stacks. This is a c...

Laser Cutting

Bernard and John discuss their ongoing projects, Nats anticipations as well as a detailed look into the science and art of laser cutting parts.

Episode 28 - The Indoor and Outdoor Nats

John and Bernard catch up on their activities, as well as tips and tricks for cutting out print wood parts.  Safety first: Save your lungs and your relationship with your cohabitants/family members and build yourself a vacuum sanding table: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_OmRlL60Ys Plus: How do participants and their models travel to distant free flight competitions? New Products: J&H Aerospace 8" WS Spitfire Half Size Nocal, $18 Full kit for Steven Wrigley’s delightful 8″ spa...

Episode 27 - The Box

Bernard and John catch up regarding the goings on in March. After a listener writes in about covering tissue over mylar, Bernard explains how he handles this intriguing aspect of our hobby. We wrap up this episode with a conversation with Bernard's F1B teammate, Tony Mathews. New Products: J&H Aerospace TSA (Technology Student Association) and SO 2022 RULES GAGES, $7 each Convenient jigs for displaying all measurements for 2022 TSA MS and HS and SO flight rules. https://jhaerospa...

Episode 26 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 3 - Materials

Caution when listening amongst our younger modelers - this episode contains adult language. Please welcome Bernard Guest as my new co-host! We talk about the third and final (sort of) element of "Aeromodeling Survival Needs", new products, the differences between jet catapult and rocket propelled profile jet models.  We also attempt to wrap our brains around the horrible news coming out of the Ukraine. This is meant to be a podcast free of politics and world news, and we will try to main...

Lost Hills Rubber

Happy New Year! It's been a couple months but getting back into the swing of modelling and podcasting after a busy holiday season. John is joined by Bernard Guest and they talk about the Lost Hills October competition, April 2016 rubber and why the "Eastern Block" countries (especially Ukraine) are so good at designing F1B models. 

Episode 25 - Lost Hills Rubber

Happy New Year! It's been a couple months but getting back into the swing of modelling and podcasting after a busy holiday season. John is joined by Bernard Guest and they talk about the Lost Hills October competition, April 2016 rubber and why the "Eastern Block" countries (especially Ukraine) are so good at designing F1B models.  New Products: Rubber Front End, $70 plus $5 shipping CONUS Wayne Smith is now offering a reverse Montreal stop front end, limited production. These units ar...

Episode 24 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 2 - Tools

John dives into the subject of "Tools That We Use". Albatross progress report is brief. Also John goes over the following new products:   BMJR Models: https://www.bmjrmodels.com/new-model-kits/brff-free-flight   J&H Aerospace https://jhaerospace.com/product/ez-travel-model-storage-box/ https://jhaerospace.com/product/ez-travel-model-storage-box/   Laser Cut Planes https://lasercutplanes.com/product/stick-figure-p-30/   Retro R/C http://retrorc.us.com/retroemoth-1-2-...

Episode 24 - Tools - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 2 - Tools

John dives into the subject of "Tools That We Use". Albatross progress report is brief. Also John goes over the following new products:   BMJR Models: https://www.bmjrmodels.com/new-model-kits/brff-free-flight   J&H Aerospace https://jhaerospace.com/product/ez-travel-model-storage-box/ https://jhaerospace.com/product/ez-travel-model-storage-box/   Laser Cut Planes https://lasercutplanes.com/product/stick-figure-p-30/   Retro R/C http://retrorc.us.com/retroemoth-1-2-...

Episode 23.2 - News and Notes from September

Email me at [email protected] just to say hi, to let me know what projects you are working on, or if you have a free flight modeling question or problem you need help with! Show Notes:   Tom Hallman's Favorites: From Episode 23.1, Tom’s favorite aircraft that he has modeled is the Nicholas Beazley NB-3. https://youtu.be/j6kC5EauQio As far as full scale aircraft, he’s a big fan of the 1926 Winstead Special. https://airmuseumnetwork.com/air-museum-network-visits-the-golde...

Episode 23.1 - Use the Good Wood; An Interview with Tom Hallman

This is Part 1 of the "September Issue". Master builder, flier and photographer Tom Hallman was kind enough to "sit down" with me on a Saturday morning for some hangar talk. For those of you not familiar with his YouTube channel maxfliart, you are in for a real treat. Tom's Hydravion: http://www.hallmanstudio.com/HydravionMB_scan1.pdf http://www.hallmanstudio.com/Hydravion_letters.pdf http://www.hallmanstudio.com/Hydravion1936_bones1.pdf  

Episode 22 - Market Forces Part II and the Big Four

1. Update of Ohlsson .60 Engine Run 2. New Products 3. New(er) Companies! 4. Albatross progress 5. The 9 market forces and how they affect our hobby 6. The current state of the free flight model kit manufacturing marketplace 7. Model Airplane Kit Giveaway! Links: https://wehavewayspod.com/ep-330-top-war-planes/ Philipp Jonas - Market Forces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OcPbuFhbTI Philipp Jonas - Oligopoly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC-a5OYIwpU Philipp Jonas - ...

Episode 21 - The Impact of Market Forces on Our Hobby, Part 1

John and Bernard Guest discuss the good and bad of running a model airplane manufacturing company.  Part 1 of 2 on the very complex subject of how market forces affect supply and demand. What could possibly cause the demise of the great and beloved scale plastic model airplane company Wingnut Wings of at all times now? Even an "average" manufacturer such as Kitty Hawk can bite the dust during this current hey-day of modeling activity. Can these two companies closing serve as some sort of w...

Episode 20 - Team Effort; A Conversation with Sandy Miller

Episode 20 is here! John talks AMA guidance, new products and the The fabulous 1974 Book titled "Flying Scale Models of WWII". John does an out of box review of the modernized and laser cut kit of Hal Cover's Focke-Wulf TA-152, now produced by Dave Diels of Diels' Engineering. We also have a very special interview in this episode, Mrs. Sandy Miller. Who is Sandy Miller? Well you will just have to listen to Episode 20 to find out!  New Products: 96" WS Satellite Super D, $209.00 The Sat...

Episode19 - Aeromodeling Survival Needs, Part 1 - Plans

Episode 19 delves into the subject of "basic modelers' survival needs", and specifically plans. John also includes a smorgasborg of new products, some letters to American Modeler Magazine from 1959, and an update on the status of the Albatross project. Also, some local hobby shop shout outs! New(er) Products for May 2021   Hummingbird Model Products E-Nostalgia T-Bird 200: https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/e36-electric-ff-power-models/e-nostalgia-t-bird-200-36 Blizzard E36: ...

Episode 18 - Nostalgia Builds - Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Episode 17 - The Search for Esaki

New Products! George Reich Albatross progress! Other podcasts with free flight material! Mike Kirda's Esaki tissue endeavor! 

Episode 16 - Interview with Dave Platt

John discusses new products, the progress on his George Reich Albatross Project, and new ways to bring your old, worn out bottle of CA back to like. We save the best for last though; a wonderful time with Mr. Scale himself, Dave Platt. Dave and John discuss old-school free flight, engines, his how-to video series, and the Battle of Britain. We also discuss his means of being an efficient model builder, i.e. "Good enough for who its for". Dave's bio can be found here, on his website: http...

Episode 15 - Acronyms, Abbreviations and Initialisms

Show Notes: 1. Brian Eggleston is assisting the estate of Sorj Ranta dispose of his extensive collection of engines, building materials, models and aeromodelling magazines. (the wood reportedly is already sold). Sorj competed in the F1B and F1C categories at the World Championships held at Cranfield and Leutkirch in 1955 to 1961. Several of his engines have already sold and have been featured here and other related sites on Facebook. A Google Drive file that gives pictures of some of the...

Episode 14 - Who Was Bill Dean?

John begins the show with a tribute to Bill Hannan, who passed away on December 14, 2020. ______________________________________________________________ Also, status of his Albatross O/T model project, with details on John's plan for the spar construction. Laser cutting by Jerry Galland:     http://www.cuttinglight.com/contact/ ______________________________________________________________ This month focuses on model airplane designer and author Bill Dean.  Thanks to Roger Simmond...

Episode 13 - The Free Flight FAI Provisional Classes

John and Bernard cover the F1 provisional classes and the F4 (free flight scale) provisional classes. Should the F1S rules be changed to allow auto surfaces? Or should F1S remain locked down? John discusses the progress of his 80" Albatross project. Will ignition engines rule once again?    Coupe d'Hiver:  https://www.hippocketaeronautics.com/ff_ou_cdhiver.htm The FAI F1 Sporting Code: https://www.fai.org/sites/default/files/documents/sc4_vol_f1_freeflight_18.pdf The FAI F4 Sporting...

Episode 12 - The Seven FAI Championship Free Flight Classes

John and Bernard Guest delve into the mysteries of the 7 FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) free flight classes. John watched the documentary FLOAT and provides a review (he liked it!) Easy-Built Models - New Kit Offerings: https://easybuiltmodels.com/ff31.htm#gsc.tab=0 https://easybuiltmodels.com/ff08.htm#gsc.tab=0 https://easybuiltmodels.com/pd13.htm#gsc.tab=0 Easy-Built Models - Japanese Tissue Offerings: https://easybuiltmodels.com/esaki#gsc.tab=0 37" Rubber-Po...

Episode 11 - Cutting out Print Wood Parts and the FAA UAS Symposium

Have a Question or Comment? My email address is [email protected]. Where did September go? John's projects are stacking like cordwood, now the big question is where will he find the space to build an 80 inch wingspan O/T gas model? John "shows" how he uses a Dremel Moto Tool as a spindle sander on print wood parts. We then discuss the August FAA UAS Symposium, and what could be in store for the outdoor free flight hobby. (Something that I forgot to mention, but Bernard addressed ...

Conversation with Bernard Guest of Hummingbird Model Products

John and Bernard discuss the intricacies of FAI F1A, F1B and F1C Free Flight.  Show notes are on their way!   https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196288/macchi-mc200-saetta/

Episode 10 - Conversation with Bernard Guest of Hummingbird Model Products

John and Bernard Guest of Hummingbird Model Products discuss the intricacies of FAI F1A, F1B and F1C Free Flight. Bernard discusses his plans to begin podcasting about free flight as well. We can't wait!  Bernard also provides some insight as to how we can make our contests more exciting to the next generation of model aviators. https://hummingbirdmodelproducts.com/ Winner of the P-47 giveaway was Paul Graf with his correct answer: Jack Benny's alligator was named Jeannette. Can mode...

Episode 9: O.O.S.

John goes to and participates in his first free flight contest. Plus a discussion on the history of models and  manned flight development in the 19th century. Also, a final reminder to enter the contest givaway. Stay tuned for references and websites!

Episode 8 - Conversation with Bill Hannan

John "sits down" with one of the greats; historian, writer, author and model designer Bill Hannan. Where do we begin? You'll just have to listen! We also cover new products, the reopening of the Guillow's Factory, status of John's Sopwith Camel project, and 3 three new kits to go in his stash.  The Diels Engineering P-47 kit contest give away will go through the end of July. Listen to the end of this podcast for hints to the questions. Bill Hannan's autobiography: https://www.modelair...

Episode 7 - Diels Engineering: Scale Rubber Free Flight Kits

Don’t forget to email John your answer to the trivia question! Email is: [email protected]  John sits down with Dave Diels, purveyor of fine scale rubber powered free flight kits. His repertoire of kits includes rarely modeled Japanese subjects. We talk old school modeling, the trials and tribulations of kit manufacturing, CAD, Corsairs and Thunderbolts. Not to mention Jack Benny and alligators. Enjoy! https://www.dielsengineeringinc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thegreatesth...

Modeling and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

John sits down for a conversation with Dr. Chris Gilbert to answer  questions on mental health and staying safe while maintaining hobby activities during the mandatory stay at home restrictions. When is it okay to order supplies (guitar strings, glue, perhaps a new model kit)? Generally, is maintaining a healthy state of mental health through continued hobby activities essential, and when is the ordering and delivery of provisions ethical? Are we helping or hurting the US Postal Service? D...

Episode 6 - Modeling and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

John sits down for a conversation with Dr. Chris Gilbert to answer  questions on mental health and staying safe while maintaining hobby activities during the mandatory stay at home restrictions. When is it okay to order supplies (guitar strings, glue, perhaps a new model kit)? Generally, is maintaining a healthy state of mental health through continued hobby activities essential, and when is the ordering and delivery of provisions ethical? Are we helping or hurting the US Postal Service? D...

Episode 5 - Carving Your Own Propeller

John discusses new products as well as the modeling career of Bill Warner, who passed away in March, 2020. The September 1969 Model Airplane News is this episode's Vintage Magazine Spotlight. John talks about the Dave Platt and Chuck Gill method of carving wood propellers. Bill Warner Biography: https://www.modelaircraft.org/sites/default/files/files/WarnerBill.pdf   National Free Flight Society (NFFS)   https://freeflight.org/ ____________________________________________________...

Bill's Favorites and John's Sopwith

Episode 4 - Bill's Favorites and John's Sopwith

Episode 3 - Conversation with "Lifer" Bill Darkow

John sits down and talks old-school modeling with control line and free flight modeler Bill Darkow and his son. Bill designed and published three control line profile scale models; The Texas Wildcat, Curtiss Seahawk and Kayaba. The Kayaba was a WWII carrier based autogyro!     This podcast explores the history and current states of free flight modeling. If you are a model builder and flyer who has a love for balsa wood, silk, Japanese tissue, rubber, glow and ignition engines, this pod...

Conversation with "Lifer" Bill Darkow

John sits down and talks old-school modeling with control line and free flight modeler Bill Darkow and his son. Bill designed and published three control line profile scale models; The Texas Wildcat, Curtiss Seahawk and Kayaba. The Kayaba was a WWII carrier based autogyro!     This podcast explores the history and current states of free flight modeling. If you are a model builder and flyer who has a love for balsa wood, silk, Japanese tissue, rubber, glow and ignition engines, this pod...

A Tale of Two Kits, Episode 2

In this episode, John delves into the details of and differences between two kits. The first is Sal Taibi's 1941 Brooklyn Dodger, the second being Guillow's 1966 P-40 Warhawk. The Brooklyn Dodger was kitted by H & F Model Airplane Co., Brooklyn, N.Y. Guillow's still produces their P-40, kit 405 LC: https://www.guillow.com/p-40warhawk-2.aspx Also, do balsa trees have bark and limbs? Interesting question...    This podcast explores the history and current states of free flight mode...

Episode 2 - A Tale of Two Kits

In this episode, John delves into the details of and differences between two kits. The first is Sal Taibi's 1941 Brooklyn Dodger, the second being Guillow's 1966 P-40 Warhawk. The Brooklyn Dodger was kitted by H & F Model Airplane Co., Brooklyn, N.Y. Guillow's still produces their P-40, kit 405 LC: https://www.guillow.com/p-40warhawk-2.aspx Also, do balsa trees have bark and limbs? Interesting question...    This podcast explores the history and current states of free flight mode...

Diving Into The Fire, Episode 001

I'm calling this first episode "Diving Into the Fire" but it could be called Frankenstein or "Podcast by Next Year". I have put a few different and older recordings together. In this podcast I discuss fate and history of my local hobby shops, basic modelling needs and how the means and methods of acquiring kits, plans and materials has changed over the years. References: Plans Sources: https://www.airagestore.com/planes/plans.html https://www.modelaircraft.org/ama-plan-service ht...

Episode 1 - Diving Into The Fire

I'm calling this first episode "Diving Into the Fire" but it could be called Frankenstein or "Podcast by Next Year". I have put a few different and older recordings together. In this podcast I discuss fate and history of my local hobby shops, basic modelling needs and how the means and methods of acquiring kits, plans and materials has changed over the years. References: Plans Sources: https://www.airagestore.com/planes/plans.html https://www.modelaircraft.org/ama-plan-service ht...