Thor (oz13015)

About this Plan

Thor. Control line stunt model, for Fox 35 power.

Quote: "Thor, by Moses Quintana. Most of the recognized experts in the Stunt event are known for the plane they have developed, built, and tailored to their flying reflexes. Moses's Thor is designed for his fast reflexes and is highly maneuverable.

Editor's Note: As the reader will quickly perceive, this is an unusual article—one that requires explanation. Although it is by-lined by the designer - who should be credited for his design - the copy was done by Harold Price, one of the nation's top stunt men. It is about Moses, as much as it is about the airplane. When any young man so impresses his fellow flyers, that they are moved as a group to reward him, and to prepare this further reward for publication, it is only fitting that the standard treatment for a construction project, be 'bent' in keeping with the spirit of the occasion. The plans speak for themselves - and there are the usual helpful notes on building.

It is always a pleasure to introduce a modeler whom fellow flyers consider a true sportsman. The key to any sport is a comprehensive set of rules, and the mark of a true sportsman is how adaptable he is to the rules; that's my opinion and I'm stuck with it.

Moses began his modeling hobby at the age of 15 in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and entered the world of business in the upholstery trade as an apprentice. As a boy he was an avid builder, having two or three scale jobs on the fire at one time. On weekends he would show up regularly at the local AMA contests as an observer, often asking questions about our models and learning details from as many viewpoints as possible. These visits were of great help to Moe; it's difficult to get the tricks of any trade without some sort of apprenticeship.

Concurrent with his modeling activity, Moses would work out everyday after hours in a local gym. He trained regularly and in 1958 entered the 147-lb Golden Gloves sub-novice competition. A bloody nose in the quarter-finals cost him any chance at the title that year, but in 1959 as an open competitor in the Golden Gloves, Moses won the 147-lb championship - a modelling first surely!

It is worth noting that for the past few years the attrition rate of young flyers in Open has been fantastic. This can be frustrating and aggravating for a young man. It was during this trying period we first met Moses Quintana. Even then we felt he was potentially a top competitor. He would show up early and practice harder than any other three flyers. This effort would give him a trip to the winners circle, but for a new man in Open it is always just a little harder. About a year of this is a lot to take. But Moe was always there.

His attitude was incredible. He would ask me to criticize his pattern in order to pinpoint a problem. By 1963 he was able to impress everyone with his ability - except the judges! In other events he was winning consistently. That year the Garden State Circle burners had a stunt invitational meet, and we made our own small tribute to Moe's ability and persistence. He was presented with a sportsmanship trophy as big as a first-place trophy. Was he surprised!

The biggest problem Moe had was getting that first steady-flying original. In Open it's not impossible for a kit job to pick up a place here and there but it's not an everyday occurrence. That old mental edge you have with an original often makes the difference. Thor is not Moe's first original, but it has proven his most consistent. It easily holds its own in Open competition. The jet-like layout also is right on the beam... "

Thor, American Modeler, May 1967.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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