Rotary Engine Cooling Fins for World War I Paper Model Aircraft - Part I

[Leif Ohlsson]

Leif did me a great favor in that he pointed out that to be pertinent the technique has to be used by a majority of modelers.

Gil,

There are few things I regret more than writing the quick lines that made you feel like that. All I ever wanted to say at the time was that I sensed you were in need of, and deserved, more qualified feedback than you seemed to get at that particular point, and that I sympathized with how I thought you must be feeling.

All that I, for one, seemed to be able to contribute was to say how impressed I was. And you surely deserved better than that.

After those lines we haven't been communicating, and I miss that sorely. I can't begin to reiterate the number of things I have learned by following your work, sharing problems, and discussing.

I have tried to reciprocate by teaching others some of what you've taught me, in various threads and forums. Whenever I remember I mention the original source. But the fact of the matter is that your teachings have become so integrated with what I know and practise that I must have forgotten to do so on many occassions.

For that I apologize. I think it is a practice we all should strive to uphold.

So, Gil - it is as simple as this: I miss you. I miss your comments. I miss your projects, and I miss commenting on them. I miss the bits and pieces of projects over the years where we came to be involved together for a stretch. I wish some of those could be picked up again, in one form or another.

If nothing else, please don't cut others off from the flow of experience that I, for one, have benefitted so much from over the years, on account of a less than well considered response from me on a single occassion.

If there is anything else that I should clear up, in public or private, please let me know one way or the other.

I simply miss you.

Leif

[Ron0909]

Gil,
I can only partially echo what Leif has said. Please continue as you always have.
This site would not be what it is without your outstanding contributions. I remember back in the old days....anyways, no site would be complete without your genius.


Your old friend Ron

[Gil]

Hi Leif,

The old saying "don't shoot the messenger" applies here. You awoke me to the reality that a very small coterie of modelers had any real gain from the work. I am just rethinking priorities. . . ,

Best regards, +Gil

[EricGoedkoop]

What an odd episode.



Gil - define "real gain." What's the goal? If your intention is to develop and introduce techniques that you want to see adopted by other modelers, then I'd agree you're going to see a very low return on your investment - especially in those areas where you're employing materials and procedures well outside the realm of "mainstream" card modeling. If, on the other hand, you just enjoy working out these methods for the sake of doing it, are proud (and justifiably so) of your accomplishments and like to share what you've done with an appreciative audience, what's the problem?

"This is what I did and how I did it. Thought you might like to see."

I understand that you put a tremendous amount of effort into these things. Is that effort only worthwhile if you see others incorporate what you've done into their own modeling? Only you can answer that - I'm not suggesting that it is or it isn't. It's a matter of what makes you feel like the time was well spent.

I've followed just about everything you've done. I can say confidently that I'll probably never do anything the way you do. I appreciate the results and your successes encourage me to try new ways of doing things, think creatively, and not settle when I feel what I've done could be done better. That makes it worthwhile for me to read your posts, even though there are no direct applications.

Then again, I can't recall seeing any finished models from you - and that'd well worth seeing too.

[John Bowden]

Ditto from me!

Gil.........

Like Ron, I too have eagerly followed your modeling explorations for some time now.

I have watched your mastery each time you have put forth all the effort to show us. Your ingenuity in exploring and developing new techniques is very much appreciated by me. (and many others, as evident by the total views your threads generate)

At this time my model building has been put on hold until this current imminent domain issue I have been involved with, is completed.

But rest assured that when I have been re-settled and have the time and space to attempted your techniques, I WILL!

Please continue to "boldly go, where no paper modeler has gone before" and post your techniques here.

john

[Maltedfalcon]

Originally Posted by Gil

I've been thinking early motorcycle engines through the golden age. I've been looking around for drawings for some time with little real luck. All the items for a realistic looking Indian in 1:8 scale are now in place. Just need good accurate drawings (and lots of pictures of course)...,

+Gil

My brother has several Indians and lots of documentation
are you thinking Indian vtwin or Indian 4

Can you tell me more about the mixture you use to form the fin shapes. is it possible to cast it? Have you tried? is it moldable. The mixture for the fins looks pretty wet, how long does it take to gel? Do you notice any shrikage?
I would like to use this method for nose caps of some models I am making
the Folded Petal look just doesnt cut it...
Matt SParks

[dansls1]

I think the fact that I took the 45 minutes or so to convert to our article format speaks for my opinion on Gil's techniques.

[whulsey]

So when does work start on the Indian mc? To see the development work on creating the cylinders, wire wheel techniques and etc. all put together in one project would be fascinating to watch.

[57townsman]

Gil,

Your tutorials are always inspiring. Please don't stop publishing them!
You certainly shouldn't feel discouraged if your techniques aren't "mainstream", we need people like you to push the boundaries of what's possible. You are a pioneer in the truest sense.

I remember your spoke wheel tutorial from the Z forum. I hope you will re-publish it here. I am also interested in your technique for the treaded tire, I hope you will let that secret out of the bag too.

SteveK

[Zathros]

What a great tutorial! It is well laid out and really , now that you showed how, doesn't seem that difficult ( I have a lathe ). Knowledge passed on is always appreciated, especially these kinds that throw models from nice to incredible.