Ken Willard's Book

One just sold on Ebay for $9.77. A little more realistic

I bought my copy about 30 years ago. Every few years when I go through my old magazines, I see it and I read through it and say, "Hmmm... I need to build that."

The Pack Rat Mark

Oldenginerod wrote:One just sold on Ebay for $9.77.  A little more realistic

Much more reasonable,  had I only known about this book 2 weeks ago, and was watching for it!

Mark- that's probably what I'd do to. Off on a tangent from some post on another forum of the Astro Flyer, and my youthful, unknowing attempts to create a " flying frisbee " I didn't think to put wheels on the outer diameter, it did spin quite nicely, but would not get airborn.

Hey! If I don't have any luck at the world library (open book.org).  Could I borrow your copy? I pay postage both ways!

I looked on OTZ and thought they would have a copy but don't https://rclibrary.co.uk/

getback wrote:I looked on OTZ and thought they would have a copy but don't   https://rclibrary.co.uk/  

Thanks Eric! I had checked also. Tried to enter a "wanted" request for this book, need to somehow check then check again that the book is out of print, before entering request, per OZ instructions. I guess I'll have to contact Kalmbach Books in Milwuakee, Wi to verify status of book. Maybe to see if copyright is exists? ....while I got nothin else to do!

Just entered a request for this book thru Local library. She said it takes 3- 6 weeks to Locate and ship a copy. ...I'll wait and see! Copies are shown at 5 locations. One at library of Congress, and one at a Air Force cadet Library....one in Mexico County, Mo. looking at a one:five chance to locate a hard copy

Marleysky wrote:Just entered a request for this book thru Local library. She said it takes 3- 6 weeks to Locate and ship a copy. ...I'll wait and see!   Copies are shown at 5 locations. One at library of Congress, and one at a Air Force cadet Library....one in Mexico County, Mo. looking at a one:five chance to locate a hard copy

Hmmm... I don't think they're gonna loan you the Library of Congress copy.

The Doubting Mark

Hey Rene, although not a Ken Willard design.. check out this hovercraft. I've always been intrigued by them..






CEF member NEW222 ("Chancey") posted this sometime back in early Jan. 2016

Testors had the "Galax IV" which was very cool looking!




Your imagination has no boundaries...

I believe we have a copy...somewhere, and will try to locate it over the coming days.

Roddie- Thanks for the article and plans on Roy Clough Jr's plan. The base does look a lot like WenMac's hovercraft base. I have both the older green Army version that's in need of refurbishing, and a newer Galax IV just like the one you've pictured. I had it out looking at it today, while watching one on eBay go fron $5 to $39. If you look closely you can see someone replaced the Testors 049 with a Black Widow.  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-1978-Testors-Galax-IV-Gas-Engine-Powered-Spacecraft-Hovercraft/292235199734?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
Not a bad deal, considering what a black widow goes for!  

Matt - Thanks for taking the time to look for this old book. If you do find it, PM me with details on whether you want to sell or loan it to me.  Thanks again!

EXModelEngines wrote:I believe we have a copy...somewhere, and will try to locate it over the coming days.

It would be nice to see thie inside of this book. It would also be nice to see this revived into a downloadable book.

Received a message on my phone answering machine from my local library  " the book you requested is in, We're open till 5pm".  WhooWOO! Fired up the Mercury and beat a path to the Library.  Wow, look at our tax dollars at work:

While I was waiting for Congress to find and send the book, I found these over on another RC forum:  for your viewing pleasure


https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=19422187&postcount=6053

I like the "Blue Angels"!!!!!

Great you found a copy of that book!!

I know the Puddle Jumper as a sterling kit. In the kit it has a ABS hull and even wheels. Is Ken's prototype entirely made of wood?

OVERLORD wrote:Great you found a copy of that book!!

I know the Puddle Jumper as a sterling kit. In the kit it has a ABS hull and even wheels. Is Ken's prototype entirely made of wood?

No, it's not made of wood. That's my biggest disappointment with the book so far. I thought he would have plans for a balsa model, but starts right off with telling us it is a Sterling kit, kit B-26, which you can buy from your hobby shop or order by mail, if you tell them you don't have access to a LHS!!  Then goes on to describe how to build the model for free-running or with a tether.

Nice Score!

roddie wrote:I like the "Blue Angels"!!!!!

I viewed the Blue Angels on the RC Groups link you posted.. A "grouping" of four jets flying in formation.. but only "one" actually having an engine. What a concept!!! Build a flat-diamond formation with engine on the "lead-jet".. CF rods connecting the four jets.. with a centralized BC to actuate the elevator on the "trailing-jet".. yes.. I've lost my mind...