An Annotated
Bibliography
from
Model Builder Magazine
and other relevant matters.
March '79, Vol. 9, #86, p. 26:
This is the Dave Thornburg article that started it all. His humor riddled erudition is a proposal for "a new type of R/C Sailplane event, designed to separate the real pilots from the "experts" that was to be the impetus to what has followed.
September '79, Vol. 9, #10, p. 28:
Dave Thornburg reports on the "first" RCHLG contest.Larry Jolly is there and Joe Wurts finishes third. Thornburg says, "It was "more successful than anyone had dreamed" and "If I sound like a hand launch fanatic [one already?] its only because I am. In five years this is going to be an official AMA event!" He's not a prophet--it took six--and he also mentions something about notgoing "back to golf." Well, Gil Gauger would take RCHLG to the course for Hand Launch Golf at the '92 LSF Nationals (I was there). Two calls, two misses, but RCHLG was launched. Let him be called The Instigator! [or god Father!]
April '80, Vol. 10, #99:
Dave Thornburg's 54" "Sunbird" (MB Plan #4802) appears as the first RCHLG design. Not just another construction article! This is a full introduction to RCHLG and a most important part to Dave's series of four articles in two yaers that gave RCHLG to the world of R/C soaring. Lots of construction hints for building light and answers to launching and flying. He states his "personal philosophy:" "You learn more about thermals under 200 feet than over."--other places at "ten" and under "50" !!
October '80, Vol. 10, #105, p. 25:
"R/CHLG Update" Dave Thornburg's follow-up article. "If the rather unlikely sport of physically tossing R/C sailplanes into thermals still sounds like a crazy dream, here are a few success stories to allay your doubts. It can be done!" and there is Joe Wurts' with his "Ultra-light 90 inch original handlaunch job" with which he won the 1980 contest--the king claims his skill level came from his RCHLG roots. However, humble pie, MARCS of Madison would inform D.T. that they had held a first Hand Launch Contest in 1978. The man confesses "tossing gliders into thermals is one of my strongest passions.
October '82, Vol. 12, #129, p. 29:
Bill Forrey replaces Dr. Larry Fogel as MB's R/C Soaring columnist. He evidences a balanced interest in R/C soaring but admits from the beginning his interest in hand launch, and his first column evidences that it isn't the last thing on his agenda by far: RCHLG gets good column and picture space. He even has the Thornburg propensity to prophecy: "Glider elbow"!?, the "cancer" of the hobby. Now the hi-start is making significant inroads on the "purists," but a wise industry has long had disclaimers on its kits. "Hand launch gliders are a hazard to your health!" and maybe other things, too?! Bill Forrey credits Dave Thornburg with really getting the "ball rolling" (did he mean getting it off the ground like in launched!) with his RCHLG "Sunbird," mentioning also Bob Owen's "Zephyr," (Model Aviation Plan #332) and Mike Bame's "Meadowlark."
December '83, Vol. 13, #143, p. 27:
Bill introduces his readers to Michael Selig, an aerodynamics student at the University of Illinois.
September '84, Vol. 14, #152, p. 32:
The first ISS RCHLG contest. Regardless of whether the Wright Brothers were actually the "first" to fly or not, Dave Thornburg gave us RCHLG; Bill acknowledges this appropriately. However, undoubtedly Bill Forrey's sustained seven-year full column and photo coverage of the Inland Soaring Societies' annual RCHLG contest would be responsible for igniting sweeping national and world-wide (Japan/PPC makes it international) interest in Thornburg's "passion." This first ISS RCHLG contest report illustrated the possibilities."A picture is worth a thousand words" was never more true: the kind of plane; the kind of place (the kind of people?). Looks rea$onable, looks fun, looks possible!!! Some 30+ contestants, most contestants outstanding with their 60" or so addiction in the after contest photo. The genius behind the ISS RCHLG contest was one John Lupperger, past long time columnist for Model Airplane News. Bill says, "John Lupperger's ambitions and inspired plan was to be the CD of an annual RCHLG contest, and to make that contest a big deal! Lest I make John out an egotistical modeler, let me tell you that he is not! It's just that he got bit real bad by the HLG bug and wanted to share the joy with as many other modelers as possible." Further, John drew up plans for the "Gnome," which would be a perennial participant. Plans were given free to early registrants and he even had it kitted in time for the contest and it's still a good kit. That's not all; pictured is Bob Davis and his 60" scaled down Dave Thornburg "Bird of Time." "CD [John Lupperger] liked the design so much he's going to draw up plans for sale." It will be the "BODST." Ed Depue won with his "Tossette," a plan and kit to come, (Jan. '86 MB Plan #1861). Larry Jolly is also there with his "Flinger." This same issue will feature a construction article for the "Flinger," (MB Plan #9842); it is also advertised in this issue as a kit from LJ Model Products. It has been one of the most important contributing designs. There you have it, all the names and planes that born the game.< Late comers that must be given credit: Leroy Satterlee and his "Chuperosa" (R/C Modeler, Jan. '88, Vol. 25, #1); Brian Agnew and his "Vertigo" (Feb. '91 MB, Bill's column). The rest is history. Dave Thornburg and John Lupperger with Bill Forrey in the middle, have given us a great gift--art!
At this point, Model Builder magazine and Bill Northrop, editor/publisher at the time, personally must be given credit for recognizing RCHLG's potential and supporting its development. Model Builder has always provided the trophies for the ISS meet, and the RC Soaring columnist, Bill Forrey, continues to be an avid supporter.
July '85, Vol. 15, #164, p. 36:
Bill carries an article by M. Selig in his column and suggests, "Hopefully, it will become a mini series of articles."
September '85, Vol. 15, #164, p. 25:
With this report on the 2nd ISS contest, "R/C hand launch gliders are no longer a fad but are here to stay," it is obvious RCHLG is on the way to becoming an established class and the ISS contest will greatly influence the rules that will be developed (and influence contest rules of other classes, too?) "Flinger" and "Gnome" designs were the most numerous. The "BODST," Bird of Daylight Saving Time (one of the real "perks" of this hobby is being able to fly into and after sunset), is present pictured with designer Bob Davis and CD John the "L." J.L./CD flew his to 4th and the possible "soon" availability of the kit is announced. There are good words for the developing "BODST" with a significant design change from an "all flying" stab to a fixed stab moving elevator--better results. (A clue to the "Lil' Bird"owners?)
January '86, Vol. 16, #168, p. 20:
This issue featured the "Tossette," the first ISS contest winner.
September '86, Vol. 16, #176, p. 50:
(My, PPC, first awareness of RCHLG! I happened to pick up several outdated issues of Model Builder on sale. I had been determined to build something I could fly off our river levee and this article became my inspiration.) The 3rd ISS: another excellent full-coverage article. With this issue announcement is made of RCHLG as an official AMA class (1.5M or 59.055 inches or less). Contest: original designs (12), "Flingers" (11), "Gnomes" (9), "BODST" (8), others (4) = 44. "BODST" designer Bob Davis won the raffle "BODST" and John the CD comes in 3rd with his"BODST". Bill says, "The very simplicity of R/CHLG is so appealing." Larry Jolly's "Request" appears, predating the "Vertigo" but the promised kit will not appear until 1994! Any relation to his 1979 "Icarus"?? It must be added that Bill makes first mention of Wil Schueman in this issue.
June '87, Vol. 17, #185, p. 44:
Bill introduces the "Paraphrase," and there are pictures of several RCHL gliders available in kit form on the market.
July '87, Vol. 17, #186, p. 46:
Bill talks about wing planforms, the "optimum wing shape," a preview of things to come in November. Also, Michael Selig, now a doctoral student, "has need of certain instruments," an update.
September '87, Vol. 17, #188. p. 28:
The 4th annual ISS. Color coverage, 46 competitors; trophies once again from Model Builder. "BODST" group photo as most popular kit design and model (10 in picture) at the contest--second most popular kit was "Paraphrase." Second most popular model was the "Flinger". The column ends with an endless praise and/or ode to the "BODST." It is about how John the "L" took Bob Davis' request to make this bird fly right all the way to kit form and predominance.
November '87, Vol. 17, #190, p. 38:
Bill shares a letter from Wil Schueman about the development of the "optimum low speed planform" with considerable explanation.
September '88, Vol. 18, #200, p. 34:
The 5th ISS and another full coverage article! The "BODST" is in the top four again and Joe Wurts has his first show, first win ISS contest. Over early years a totally RTF RCHLG with radio was raffled off and it is there in picture, a "BODST." "BODST" partial kits now available for $19.95 from J the "L" who flew his "BODST" to 4th again. However, kits will no longer be available after ‘90, and you're on your own until Ray Hayes ‘93 (Sky Bench Aerotech, 58030 Cyrenus Lane, W., Washington, Michigan 48094) comes up with the "Lil' Bird" scaled down from Mark Smith's (Aug. '81 MB #4802) "Mini Bird" version of Thornburg's "Bird of Time."
November '88, Vol. 18, #202, p. 35:
One of the early RCHLG was Dick Vader's popular "Skywalker." Bill gives us a plan and building instructions in his column plus pictures. The kitted "Chuperosa" and Culpepper Models, Inc. are introduced and there is a catch-up on M. Selig.
September '89, Vol. 19, #211, p. 34:
The 6th ISS: another full column coverage article. The predominating design was the "Flinger;" only 2 "BODST"s. ood picture of "BODST": had longest flight of round one. Bill's "incidental" remarks in this article have been some of his most helpful, simple as they were, though not necessarily appreciated by all in the industry. The columnist appears himself with his modified "Flinger." Excellent shots of "How to" by Joe Wurts--the technique is called the "Masochist Arm Throw"--when mastered, guarantees placing (you have to be ambidextrous if you fly USA--in Japan, it is a cinch!). Article talks about "Gentle Ladies" and miniaturized "Sophisticated Ladies," whatever they are!? Bill says they are "cute as buttons."??
December '89, Vol. 19, #214, p. 38:
Much of the column is given to more Schueman information and there is a good report on RCHLG activity around the country, including results from the 3rd Southwest RCHLG contest; and there is an "Ariel." (That's the one I learned on with Bill's "incidental" and dihedral adjustments incorporated on the first rebuild!)
April '90, Vol. 20, #218, p. 36:
More on the Schueman planform. The discussion continues on the "Schueman" wings at length with 3-view of the real "Discus," pic and diagram.
October '90, Vol. 20, #223, p. 26:
The 7th Annual ISS. Joe Wurts flying what he flew and flew and flew until the ISS '94 Dash for Cash--you don't argue with success. Bill talks about the hobby RCHLG. "What is the attraction of RCHLGs?" They "are as big on satisfaction as they are small on size . . . kind of concentrated soaring fun . . . simple, affordable, compact, easy to build, and fun to fly." Larry Jolly's "Request" (Sept. '86) and herein the "Icky" design by Higginbotham along with Joe Wurts' "V" tail tell you the "Vertigo" is going to fly.The "BODST" misses its first ISS but Bill gives it a requiem of a mention!
February '91, Vol. 20, #227, p. 8:
Spice! This is not the next ISS, but the advent of the "Vertigo." Obviously Brian Agnew knew where the mecca for RCHLG was--Model Builder's R.C. column by Bill the Forrey! In "What's new for '91," Bill gives Brian picture, plan and column space to introduce his "Vertigo." (I have what was one of his contest "wings": '90 nationals, but Mark Allen destroyed the rest of it; it does have a body by Agnew--basically a hangar queen now--too precious to slope and a little too heavy for hand launch thermal.)
December '91, Vol. 20, #237, p. 44:
The 8th ISS, but here is where Bill failed us!! The guess is he didn't want to ride a good horse into the ground, but because we ("we" being the cult of RCHLG guiders of the world) complained so hard, he repented and will never do this to us again. Three picture coverage with captions only. How disappointed we were, Bill! No "BODST" evident in the group picture. It was Brian Agnew's first show at the ISS and first win, the "Vertigo," of course! The year Brian took it all.
October '92, Vol. 22, #1, p. 54:
The 9th ISS. Bill back on track--full column coverage. Thank you, Bill! One "BODST" in picture; the "Zephyr" is still flying, too!! It's a great, great sport!!
September/October '93:
Bill did it to us again. No covering of the 10th ISS, but it was a rain-out and Bill couldn't make the rain date. What can you say? Where were the "brethren" to help, Bill?
June '94, Vol. 23, #9, p. 36:
Full color coverage of not the annual ISS RCHLG Contest but the new Annual ISS RCHLG: "Dash for Cash R/C Hand Launch Contest." Well, Bill, we forgive you now! He says, "By far the most numerous kit model flown was the C.R. Aircraft models "Climax." The hi-tech kitting industry has really cut into the number of original designs appearing. "Too bad," says Bill. Amen and amen! but Joe Wurts came to win with his very original miniature F3B "Aftershock"--4 servos and just 11.8 ounces?! What else can you expect from an aeronautical engineer playing around. There were a couple of new birds: Bill has good comments for the "Commoner," but particularly there is Larry Jolly present with his LJMP "Vagabond": from "Icarus" to "Request" to "Vagabond"; and another Jolly pilot, son Emmett, but aren't all RCHLG guiders "jolly" pilots?
July '94, Vol. 23, #10:
Bill gives Michael Selig, now Professor Selig, real credit for his contribution to the hobby and puts out "the call" to get behind Professor Selig's ongoing research program at University of Illinois, but in turn Dr. Selig thanks Bill for "putting my name on the map" and "taking chances on an 'unknown' nearly ten years ago." Turn the pages and you'll discover there is another Forrey, Matt, to take on the new Jolly--what "folly", I mean fun!
Aug '94, Vol. 23, #11: Cover and pp 64-67.
John Luppenger writes up the "Return of a Legend: The Hobie Hawk from Ross Models." "Not only am I a deadhead," John says, "I'm also a Hobie Hawk fanatic." He said; he has five! "Even after 20 years the Hobie Hawk is still in a class by itself." (98" wing)
Oct '94, Vol. 24, #1: pp. 36-39
The 11th Annual ISS RCHLG contest (BUT Bill called it the 10th!!??). Bill says, "Hardly seems possible a decade has gone by since the Inland Soaring Society of Riverside, California, hosted the first of what would become an annual RCHLG contest, but it is true! Over the years the ISS meet has become one of the largest (if not the largest) RCHLG events in the country. It is certainly the longest running and few would argue against it being the most prestigious. Joe blew everybody out with a perfect 4,000 points and a heavy Monarch, 11.7 oz. The C.R. Climax was the most popular kit sailplane, but most consider the Monarch the highest performing HLG on the market. Attendance was down considered the result of the Saturday vs. Sunday venue!? Larry Jolly placed 4th with his Vagabond now sporting a glass fuse, Emmett Jolly flew one, too. Merrill Farmer competed with his new Commonner. Bill, very impressed with Mark Gumprecht's "Zephyr." Gave it a full description, 8.75 oz. Bill comments that it was the best flying conditions in the history of the contest--he should know he has covered them all. Model Builder sponsored the trophies for the contest.
Nov '94, Vol 24, #2:
Bill takes a break from his column to give room for coverage of The World Soaring Jamboree by Gregory Vasgerdshan. Both Drs. Eppler and Selig were special guests. There were 208 entrants for the ten-day event coordinated by Wil Byers and the support of numerous area clubs. The Tri-Cities area of southeastern Washington is a Mecca for soaring enthusiasts, Eagle and Kiona Buttes are but two of their two fabulous slopes. Vasgerdsian fails to mention or picture any of the RCHLG venue but Paul Naton would win it against the likes of Mike Lachowski.
Dec '94, Vol. 24, #3:
Sky Bench Aerotech, Ray Hayes, announcement of his RCHLG Jouster, miniaturized Harley Michaelis unlimited class sailplane following up his scaled down Bird of Time, Lil' Bird. There is also a good shot of perennial ISS RCHLG participant Ian Douglas with a non RCHLG bird.
Jan '95, Vol. 24, #4:
Jonathan Clark made the RCSD cover and pages of Model Builder this same month--standing right next to the Old Buzzard and godfather of RCHLG himself, Dave Thornburg. Bill's column this issue is dedicated to "Class A" ideas: he says, "No matter what you call 'em ... 1.5 meter, Class A, or just plain RCHLGs are really beginning to take off, and not just in the U.S. either." Ray Hayes poses with a Romeo, Michigan RCHLG contingency and Bill shares the details of Ray's six level achievement program for 1.5 sailplanes, WINGS. George Van Gelderns "carry-on" RCHLG is shown and described, a cutie. Sky Pilot's wind and slope version Weasels are shown (would result in sales for Mark Hambilton's DCU in Japan) and mention is made of Dr. Clark's report on RCHLG in Japan.
May '95, Vol. 24, #8, pp. 64-67:
Stan Sadorf takes up the cover launching his Monarch '94 and inside he gives a full report on DJ Aerotech's winning butterfly. "A-state-of-the-art design that is cleaning up at contests throughout the country." Sadorf says the Monarch gives "incredible performance!" P60 "Wild" Bill Forrey goes to the trade show; no less than 3 new RCHLG announced.
July '95, Vol. 24, #10, p. 36:
Our roving columnist reports on his travels to Central America as a member of the U.S. Contingent to the International Mayan Soaring Match, ". . . participating in this most enjoyable modeling get-together," and there is Bill flying his Ed Depue RCHLG Tossette amidst the Mayan ruins of Tikal--the Germans knew they were Americans, they had brought their toys.
Aug '95, Vol 24, #11, p. 36:
Bill raves Old Buzzard Thornburg's video, "Old Buzzard Goes Flying" based on Old Buzzard's Soaring Book--Bill watched it three times in two months and some parts more, and he's still picking up pieces--of information; still learning. Also an update on the availabilty of the Monarch--pre-sheeted wings now available (being the result of Buzz Tokunaga, Japan, lobbying for same!)
Sept '95, Vol. 24, #12:
Managing Editor, Phil Bernhardt, is an RCHLG fanatic, too. In this issue he gives an excellent review article of the Global, Hobby Shack "Whipit." Not ". . .an all-out dedicated contest sailplane." Yours truly at Bill's insistance bought one for kit bashing into an aileron light sloper--someday!?
Oct '95, Vol. 25, #1:
The 12th ISS. (Things go worse here on the series order; here we play games with history by jumping from the 10th ISS to the 14th ISS RCHLG contest--it was actualy the 12th; Bill missed the 10th calling the 11th the 10th. Then both he and the club went memory short.!? From this time the discrepancy continues without any explanation, but the record is clear from Bill's reporting that the first annual was 1984; any other accounting is making up history!? The ISS Dash for Cash cannot be considered a part of the series.) Another day of outstanding weather for RCHLG flying. Bill's excellent reporting gives a first timer to RCHLG all he needs to know to run his own contest!? "Although 10-minute ‘time slot' is and always has been a part of ISS HLG competition, the tasks have become increasingly more difficult. Gone are the days of " longest flight wins" rounds or "5-minute man" flights. Strategy has become the fifth element of winning ahead of a competitive plane, good flying skill, a good throwing arm, and the ability to "smell out" lift." Arthur Markiewicz is the winner; Joe was there. Mark Gumprecht's non-zephyr Zephyr was back but finished up with his alternate bird after a mid-air--Bill says he flew IT better anyway. "The contest attracted 27 entrants, and eight of the top ten were flying new-generation aileron ships." DCU Vipers with V-tails are announced. MM Glider Tech Merrill is now Brady (aka Farmer)
Nov '95, Vol. 25, #2, p. 20:
Bill and Larry Enger wring out MM Glider Tech's Illusion and Commoner--"...what we consider a welcome return to all-balsa, "build it yourself," RC competition hand launch gliders." "The Commoner and Illusion both handle beautifully. Stability is there in spades ..." A sidelight of help Bill and Larry each flew both birds combined and averaged their results. For the Illusion it was 35.7 and the Commoner 25.5--giving newcomers a realiable time to compare with Joe claiming 1.10 on his Monarch.
Dec '95, Vol. 25, #3, p. 68
It's all about (almost) RCHLG. Bill gives us the new dedicated RCHLG, Selig 4083, Airfoil and a suggested wing, with a page of full size rib patterns!! Ray Hayes' new Osprey is pictured and coverage of his promotion effort shared.
Jan '96, Vol 25, #4:
(SIDENOTE: A most important column by Bill for RCHLG as it would be his only coverage of TPGs' RCHLG activity: Bill would make the 1996 IHLGF and his material would be submitted for publication but would die in the hands of the unknown with the demise of MB. Therefore it is significant that at least Bill accomplished this coverage before MB's demise.) TPGs' IHLGF has become the premier RCHLG event taking up the baton passed on or unpassed by the ISS--12 of 19 contestants at the 1997 ISS RCHLG contest were TPGs' pilots; herein each round's tasks are described; Bill calls the task schedule "a bit complicated." Excellent shot of Mike Ziaskas' back side. Bill says "HLG flying is the most challenging form of thermal duration, and the most rewarding." C.R. Aircraft Model's Climax is a TPG's favorite--one Monarch at the contest! Art Marklewics is establishing himself as a regular winner, but Geoge Joy took the contest. Bill notes the marked increase in aileron ships.
Feb '96, Vol 25, #5:
This issue is full of it!? Sky Pilot and the Mark Hambleton DCU Viper from his Never Ending Soaring Summer appear on the contents page AND in Bill's column coverage of the Visalia Fall Festival . . . "which has signatures of all the big international name hand-launch glider guiders. . ."including". . . the one who started it all, Dave Thornburg." "A prime promoter of RC hand-launch gliders, Dr. Paul Clark of Osaka, Japan, is seen here with his DCU Viper, one of the current hot tickets in RCHLG. . . Dr. Clark is one of the hobby's biggest HLG promoters." Mention is made of the short notice HLG meet at the close of Saturday's flying. Quite a privilege to appear with this coverage!!
Mar '96, Vol. 25, #6:
Bill announces the MB HLG design content based on his Triple-Taper S4083 (Dec '95 column) wing. He gives tips on building the wing a triple taper planform S4083. (The demise of MB would preclude determining a winner--very disappointing!! Sky Pilot's Forrey-Banger--Forrey wing and Boomerang fuse--was a winner!)
Aug '96, Vol. 25, #11:
Case again for the splendid coverage Bill has given us over the years, in spite of his work and effort to be a good family man, he got out there and covered RC slope combat like a prophet--he is there when the fuse on this new fad to future has burned to its exploding end. His coverage has always been fresh and prophetic.
Sept '96, Vol. 25, #12:
Bill gives us pics of one of the MB Bill Forrey RCHLG design contest entries.
Oct '96, Vol. 26, #1:
THE END. Ironically this last issue would celebrate Model Builder's 25th Anniversary, the upcoming demise of the magazine yet a dark secret even to staff! RCHLG mentions in Bill's column: Dodgson's Orbiter, Larry Jolly's Flinger, Bob Martin's Talon. No coverage of the 13th ISS. Of particular note: an issue from every year is shown with cover and synopsis of content in a two page celebration of Model Builder's 25 years--March 1979, "Thornburg proposes RC hand launch glider event"; October 1982, "Forrey's first RC Soaring column"; September 1984, "Coverage of 1st ISS RCHLG meet; building Jolly's Flinger RCHLG"
Dr. Paul
P. Clark: Tel (#'s from outside Japan):
Home: 011-81-720-41-2934;
Fax 011-81-6-954-4144.
2-35 Suikoen Cho, Hirakata Shi, Osaka 573-0095, Japan.
Model Builder
Gallant Models, Inc.
P.O. Box 669
Capistrano Beach, CA 92629 USA
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Updated 02/26/00
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