Re: Scale documentation and photo sites

From: Stew Meyers <stew.meyers_at_verizon.net>
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:59:10 -0400

Good advice Josh!
I intend to use it for MaFax and the FAC newsletter.
On 4/22/2015 9:18 AM, joshuawfinn_at_gmail.com [Indoor_Construction] wrote:
>
> Vlad,
>
> If you're planning to fly FAC scale here in the US, I've got a few
> simple thoughts that have been successful in getting me near maximum
> static marks even with less than perfect building skills.
>
> 1. The rulebook says you need a 3-view and photos. Before building any
> scale model, do a google search and find those items. If you can't
> find them, select a different airplane.
>
> 2. Reality is that the 3-view is only there to prove that you didn't
> significantly fudge the shape of the airplane. Make a note in *red* on
> the 3-view page of your documentation packet that says that the 3-view
> is there only for layout reference so as to remind the scale judge how
> FAC judging is supposed to occur (I've had some forget--since I
> started including this note, my scores have gone up).
>
> 3. 100% of your actual scale detailing should come from photos. If you
> have to refer back to a 3-view or engineering drawing for a particular
> detail, include as much proof as possible that it's correct. It should
> be clear enough for a 5 year old to understand it because you're not
> going to be around to answer any questions from the scale judge.
>
> 4. Get the highest resolution photos you can find. Show those photos
> in a color/markings section with any important markings pointed out.
>
> 5. Now take your high resolution photos and arrange them out in a
> "details/workmanship" section. Circle every single detail in a bright
> color with an arrow to a callout saying what that part is. *Every*
> detail should be pointed out. Now, everything that you've pointed out
> should appear on your airplane. That means control horns, steps,
> tie-down loops, gun sights, etc. Rib stitching will get you little to
> nothing; same for scale rib spacing and rivets (notice the "little to
> nothing" bit -- it is possible to get a little for those details in
> some cases because it may improve the mood of the judge, and no I'm
> not kidding). All of these details can be included at minimal weight
> penalty if done right, and they don't even have to be done well.
> Merely having them at all is 90% of your score for the
> "details/workmanship" section. Lastly, even though the rulebook
> specifically says it does not count as part of your score, ALWAYS
> paint your prop in a scale manner and add a scale-looking hub. It's
> not supposed to count, but I can assure you that your score will
> improve if you do this because a scale-looking prop blends in, which a
> non-scale one looks out of place and draws the judge's attention away
> from your carefully detailed airplane. The same goes for noseblocks
> with scads of shims attached to them. Go the extra mile an include an
> adjustable thrust button, or do what I do, which is to shim everything
> the out, and then build up the rest of the nose around those shims
> with soft balsa after the model is trimmed, sand and blend it all in,
> and then re-cover that area with tissue so that it just blends into
> the structure of the aircraft. Looks great and no one will even notice
> your canted nose.
>
> 6. Somewhere in your documentation packet, you need to have a
> breakdown of any bonus points your model receives. Do the math for the
> judge so he doesn't have to. He'll likely thank you for it!
>
> 7. Your documentation packet should have a cover page with the
> aircraft's name, your name, and the class that the model is being
> entered in. If your model is eligible for more than one class, attach
> a sticky note saying what class you're using it in today.
>
> Probably more than anyone ever wanted to know about how to detail a
> scale model...
>
> -Joshua Finn
>
>
Received on Wed Apr 22 2015 - 14:59:14 CEST