“It is the weight, not numbers of experiments that is to be regarded.”  Sir Isaac Newton. In order to maintain some sort of partial semi-directed focus with Tail Slide Haven, I had to make an executive decision. This decision was made without extensive deliberation or with the help of a focus group. In fact, the decision was made without wearing tasseled loafers, no power lunches consisting of three gin martinis, consultation with creatives, jello shots, free crappy food with alfalfa sprouts, skateboards, stupid bean bags, annoying foosball tables, slides, boring relaxation rain forest/thunderstorm recordings, or smoothies made with micro greens, nor did I consult with anyone named Muffy. What's the decision? The decision is to start a new feature column called the Classic Corner.  Why call it the Classic Corner? Well, actually, it was the first name that came to my mind for this sort of new feature. All other names I though of just seemed to...well...stink. So here goes... The Classic Corner will discuss the historic aircraft, people, events, equipment, and companies that have made building and flying model aircraft the worthwhile and challenging hobby it is today. Just a modest amount of historical knowledge of our hobby can foster a deeper individual appreciation of R/C advancements made through the decades. Knowledge will undoubtedly prevent one from making similar mistakes from the past and hopefully inspire others to make their own contribution to model aircraft history. Is there a worthwhile enterprise devoid of history, past/present Champions, or experts followers can learn from? Certainly not!  After all, what self-respecting drummer has never heard of Buddy Rich? The bass fisherman and Roland Martin, or a snooker player that doesn't know the name, Hurricane Higgins? The names of Hal ”Pappy” Debolt, Dave Platt, Phil Kraft, and Joe Bridi are all in The Model Aviation Hall of Fame.  But regrettably, their names are typically known only by those with receding hairlines, high cholesterol, and fly large airplanes because they can see them better! In one way or another, no matter what or how you fly, these men (and many others) have greatly influenced numerous facets of the R/C world. In the upcoming months we’ll find out the who, what, where, when, and why. At any rate, upcoming articles will likely concentrate on a single subject or contain multiple subjects in a single article based on a unifying theme. We'll see what happens. I'm looking forward to Classic Corner and I hope you will also. It will be fun and we'll both learn something! For the first installment of The Classic Corner, check out Model Designer—And More. Fly Safe! John W. Blossick johnb@tslidehaven.com October 2018