The RC Geek Blog

By: Chris Wolfe

RC Heros – Tips from “The Father!”

When it comes to modeling and RC (well, most things quite frankly), my dad is unquestionably my hero.  As some of you know, he is the owner of Jet Hangar Hobbies, Inc.  as well as an Academy of Model Aeronautics Hall of Fame member.  He is the most talented and skilled builder and flyer I’ve ever known.  So, I am excited to be able to feature him in this blog and get contributions from him and my mom (Cyndy).  I’ve started a new category entitled “RC Heros” where I will feature posts from my folks.  So, welcome to the inaugural post for “Tips from The Father,” written by Cyndy Wolfe.

photo 2 After a winter hibernation, Larry Wolfe [my dad!] , also known locally by friends and fellow modelers (tongue in cheek) as “The Father” or “Da Fath”, has been located!  He is engrossed in building a 36″ span Easy Built Models’ Rearwin Speedster rubber band model airplane.

photo 1 Returning to stick and tissues, where he first began building models, is one of Larry’s favorite activities.  Not everything needs to be long-term or a difficult task.  It can be a relaxing effort and as simple as 1, 2, 3!  Prior to foamies, model airplanes required balsa wood and glue.  Putting the sticks together into a something that could and would fly was required.  This is still something that EVERYONE can do with a little patience, an xacto knife, and a bottle of CA glue.  Depending on size and construction materials, models can be powered by rubber bands, glow engines, gas engines, electric motors, or turbines….the sky’s the limit!

photo 4 The Rearwin Speedster is in its second day of construction.  Yesterday Larry built the horizontal stabilizer, dorsal fin, and the fuselage.  The fuse is being covered in yellow tissue using thinned dope.  Only construction of the wing is yet to be accomplished.  Of course, a lifetime of experience makes anything go along more quickly, but it doesn’t take long to develop skills and technique.  Pride in workmanship and ownership are some of the byproducts of building something yourself.  Whatever you haven’t done before is a learning experience so each successive project becomes easier and more well done.

photo 3 If you are interested in challenging yourself, you might want to take a look at a building project–be it rubber band powered or something larger and faster.

In a few days, we’ll post photos of the completed Rearwin Speedster; winter is almost over so it will be time to fly!

The post My RC Hero! appeared first on The RC Geek.

The RC Geek Blog is your place to learn about all aspects of the RC hobby. Learn to build, design, drive or fly that RC project you’ve always wanted to build, but have been intimidated to try. This blog is here to help you on your journey and provide tips and tricks as you go! My hope is to inspire builders both experienced and new! So, welcome, please look around, it’s an exciting beginning!  I’m currently documenting my latest competition scale RC jet build, a Mark Frankel F4D Skyray, along with some other fun tips and videos. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on this front page, click on any of the categories to the right and it will show just posts related to those categories. Please feel free to add comments and/or contact me directly if you have questions, I’m here to help! And don’t forget to check out my YouTube Channel, I post new videos every week!

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