The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current, October 16, 1980, Page page 14, Image 14
pag? 14 daily nebraskan thurcday. October 16, 1930 Models buzz life Into mudflats si LAS VEGAS, Ncv. - Once a yeaiwhen the temperature drops to a mere 1 10 de grees at the El Dorado Flats, a few hundred dedicated model airplane enthusiasts get together on the mud-cracked surface of the dried lake to show off their latest creat ions. The event is sponsored by the Radio Control Quarter Scale Association of America and attracts entries from ail over the world, including hobbyists from Aus tralia, France, England and South America. This year's meet, the association's fourth, was highlighted by a four-engine B-17 bomber model entered by a german group. Another attraction was a quarter-scale replica of the late Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose, the largest aircraft ever built. The model has a wingspan of 13 feet snd is complete with a pilot that resembles its designer-pilot Hughes. The aircraft entered at the meet, which attracted about 2,500 spectators, must have a wingspan of at least nine feet and can be constructed of aluminum, nylon or fiberglass. The planes are powered by small chainsaw engines. According to Ed Morgan, founder of the organization, the replicas of commercial, military and pleasure aircraft weigh any where from 13 to 60 pounds and cost from S700 to S3, 000 to build. Morgan said he established the Radio Control Quarter Scale Association because he was disturbed by the competitive nature of local hobbyists. The organization was formed in an effort to see model airplane interest grow, he said. The association has 21 clubs in as many different countries, including seven chap ters in the United States, Morgan said. I, 1 ' JfD 4 - tfr-h ' -v'"...:;'V-'i---." . 0 I J or Hit - v I ' -1 v -J" 1 i " " ' .".Siml "ii jf -"umimnmmm... t1 O i,"j - I ; Story and photographs by Mark Billingsley ft'"