AN ITCH TO SCARTCH

摘要

When we draw up a scale model we're stuck with the scale outline, areas and proportions, aren't we? Well, not really. Not for the kind of scale models most of us want to fly. If we were going to design a museum level scale ship for competition then I'd say, "Yes." But, we are not at that level. (If you are, then I need to be reading YOUR column, not you reading MINE!) I'll concede that today's electronic stability systems make it possible to fly models that would be too touchy to stay in the air just a few years ago. But we can design a lot of the stability issues out on the drawing board and not have to depend on an electronic co-pilot. Plus, those stability systems can't make a model easier to build. If you take a careful look at just about every scale kit on the market you'll see changes made to improve construction and 'flyability'. For example, a popular semi-scale Spitfire ARF has landing gear that retracts inwards, instead of outwards. It looks silly, but it greatly improves ground handling. Likewise, many models are boxier than the full-scale types they represent, because that makes them easier to build.