Tuesday, April 26.1960 University Daily Kansan
Page 9
Dizzy' Stunt Fliers Invade KU Athletic Field
Students who hear a noise similar to that of an angry bee coming from the direction of the intramural fields near Allen Field House can relax—the "bee" ain't free.
If they take the time to investigate the noise, they will probably find David Brummett. Lawrence senior, making like a merry-go-round. Brummett isn't "sick." in the true sense of the word—he is just a model airplane enthusiast.
Mrs. Brummett, however, is liable to debate this point with you.
BRUMMETT AND others of his ilk, can usually be found flying their ships on most any warm day, or cold one for that matter. Standing in the middle of a field, Brummett trods a stationary circle as he expertly guides 60 to 100 hours of delicate craftmanship screaming around a 60 to 70 foot radius circle at 70 miles per hour.
With a slight motion of his wrist his plane, at the end of two wires, will perform inside loops, outside loops, inverted flight, figure eights and hour glasses, to name a few maneuvers.
While it looks easy, it takes split second timing and a keen sense of judgment to execute the full "stunt" pattern.
When the castor oil-methane fuel mixture runs out, the screaming engine dies and the plane is brought skillfully to earth to land on its miniature landing gear. Close examination of the plane reveals a hollow wing structure supported by miniature "ribs" of balsa wood.
"It TAKES the average person a year to three years to learn how to do these stunt patterns with skill," Brummett says. He has been flying and building models for 13 years.
BRUMMETT explained that control line planes can only be guided in two directions, up and down. This is done by the elevators in the tail. When the flier tilts his control handle up, the top wire is tightened, pulling the elevator up. The process is reversed to make the plane dive. A sustained up or down movement will make the plane do an inside or outside loop.
The tail assembly sports an offset rudder to throw the ship towards the outside of the circle. This and an off-set motor make the plane fly "out," keeping the control wires tight.
Brummett, a member of Baker Trials, a model airplane club in Concordia, said that model enthusiasts also build and fly gliders, free flight and radio control planes.
Brummett specializes in the with- control-line type of plane. He said that speed, stunt and scale planes make up this division.
Brummett has flown his models in state and local meets where the planes and fliers are judged.
TO JUDGE a stunt plane the judges consider how well it executes various stunt patterns. A plane has to be built and designed especially for this and is judged on appearance, originality and finish, as well as its performance," he said.
Brummett described the structure of the planes:
"The wings of most model planes are made of balsa wood and are covered with silk span, a paper lined with silk strands. The heavier
Margaret to Spend $173,600 on Wedding
LONDON —(UPI)— Left wing of the Labor Party hopes to get on record in Parliament today the fact that Princess Margaret's wedding and honeymoon will cost 12 times the amount spent on the nuptials of Princess Elizabeth, even though she was then heiress to the throne.
Princess Margaret's marriage to Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey May 6 and their honeymoon are estimated to cost $173,-600. Queen Elizabeth spent $14,000.
Gangland Open to Public
Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you're made of—Anonymous
APALACHIN, N. Y. —(UPI)—The new owners of the late Joseph Barbara Sr. estate, scene of the notorious gangland convention of November, 1957, yesterday opened the grounds to tourists.
planes such as the stunt and scale model planes are covered with pure silk to give them more strength."
Balsa wood and plywood are the two most common woods used in their construction.
"THE PARTS that take the most stress — landing gear and motor mounts — are made from plywood, oak or walnut." Brummett said.
Brummett, who designs his own ships, said that there are several other University men who "fly."
One of the newer "pilots" is Raymond H. Miller, Lawrence university.
"Dave got me started in the sport, and I don't mind telling you it can be a heart-breaker." Miller said.
Miller said that he built a "Ringmaster" plane with a 36-inch wingspan this winter. It was powered by a Fox '35' engine which moved the ship from 60 to 70 mph.
"I JUST ABOUT froze to death all winter learning how to fly it, but other than a minor crack-up or two. I didn't have a bit of trouble." "I was just getting to be able to do a respectable loop, warm weather arrived, and I was really looking forward to some fun. Then it happened."
DAVID BRUMMETT
Miller woefully explained how heook his plane to the top of thecircle to execute a loop when a controlline broke.
"Full power, right into the ground. It was spectacular," he said.
Miller is currently in the process of rebuilding his plane.
"A good stunt ship takes about 60 to 100 hours to build..."
Turn About Fair Play?
NEW YORK — (UPI) — Police admitted they had to rescue two patrolmen who were beaten up during the weekend by a 21-year-old girl whom they were trying to arrest for arguing loudly at night.
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