Tips&Tricks USEFUL HINTS FROM MODELERS | Illustrations by Richard ;ompson
No more damage
When I started flying planes, I was always damaging the wings and fuselage. I
found it extremely helpful to use simple packing tape. Since it is clear in color, the
tape doesn’t show except for when you are up close. Since it sits flush against
the wings and body, it doesn’t a;ect the flying characteristics of the plane. It
works great on foam as long as you don’t plan on taking it o;, otherwise you’ll
need a new coat of paint.
Justin Wol;, El Dorado Hills, CA
Banding together with ponytails
Small rubber bands are a great way to secure props on some
small park flyers and other hobby projects. Next time you’re
in the hair care aisle, look for ponytail “styling bands.” For a
little over $3, I got a pack with 250 bands. I use a couple on
each prop and they work great!
James Arnold, Charleston, SC
Blade holder When building, I like to keep my hobby knife, utility knife, and blades close at hand on the bench. By using this simple fixture, I prevent my knife from rolling o; the bench and onto the floor or my foot. It is simply a 1 /2-inch by 2-inch by 3-inch piece of beadboard foam, or whatever kind of foam you have laying about. For stability, this is glued to a 3/4-inch by 2-inch by 3-inch pine or hardwood block. It is small enough to not hinder building operation while keeping the tools close at hand. Terry Lane, West Newfield, ME
Safety charging Charging LiPo batteries can be unpredictable and if there is a problem, they can easily cause a serious fire. To protect you and your shop, try using a glass cooking pan or a thick metal saucepan (the more expensive ones) to put your batteries
in while charging. ;at way if the unthinkable happens, the
only thing you lose is the battery. ;e overall risk of fire
spreading to other areas is very low.
Justin Wol;, El Dorado Hills, CA
SEND IN YOUR IDEAS! We’ll give away an Alien Aircraft Corp. kit and a Model Airplane News baseball
cap for every idea used in “Tips & Tricks.” Send a rough sketch and a brief description to Model Airplane News,
c/o Air Age Media, 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Be sure that your name and address are clearly
printed on each submission. Due to the number of ideas we receive, we can neither acknowledge each one nor
return unused material.
