April 2005 129
Sal Calvagna, 1335 Broadway Ave., Holbrook NY 11741; E-mail: [email protected]
RADIO CONTROL GIANTS
Balsa USA’s newest addition—the 1⁄4-scale Nieuport Bébé is
powered by an SR Batteries electric power system.
The Nieuport 11 C.1. is built for electric power but can accept a
glow engine or a 20-25cc gas engine.
Each of the three types of hinges has characteristics that make it
desirable for Giant Scale modeling.
The author’s favorite hinges include Robart Super Hinge Points,
Du-Bro Heavy Duty Hinges, and B&B Quick Hinges.
OUR HOBBY/SPORT has seen a marked increase in Giant
Scale ARF models. Aircraft from the dawn of powered flight and
the Golden Age to the ever-popular World War II fighters and
beyond are now available in ARF form. This is wonderful for
those who lack the time, patience, or even skill level to get an RC
Giant into the air. Many other modelers who do like to build have
also added an ARF or two to their stables.
Unfortunately, the effect on kit manufacturers and those in the
industry who manufacture and sell accessories is not so positive. I
surmise that it is a classic case of economics: supply and demand.
It certainly is not a result of fewer Giant Scale modelers.
In the past, if you wanted a Giant Scale model, you had to
build it. Now we all have a choice. ARF dealers and kit
manufacturers need to find a way to coexist. I want to see both
survive and prosper. In the end, all of us will benefit.
This month I’m happy to welcome the newest RC Giant kit to
the Balsa USA fold. It’s a 1⁄4-scale Nieuport 11 C.1. Bébé. I’ll
also describe the common hinge types used in larger models—at
least the ones that I have the most experience using.
Nieuport 11: Gustave Delage designed the Nieuport 11 fighter,
but it owes its origins to a prewar racing monoplane. Nicknamed
the Bébé, it entered service in the summer of 1915. Although it
utilized the outmoded over-wing Lewis gun as armament, in
January 1916 it gave the French a fighter that could best the
Fokker Eindeckers and help put an end to the so-called “Fokker
Scourge.”
The diminutive fighter was neither a monoplane nor a biplane.
It fell into a class of 11⁄2-wing aircraft called sesquiplanes. A
sesquiplane has a lower wing that is less than half the area of the
upper wing. More than 700 Nieuport 11s were built under
contract by Italy and Russia.
Balsa USA, of Marinette, Wisconsin, has added another flying
legend to its stable of World War I fighters with the Nieuport 11
C.1. It has a span of 73 inches, a 61-inch length, 1,450 square inches
of wing area, and weighs 12 to 14 pounds.
The construction is of the typical stick-built method, as are all of
the Balsa USA classics. This time the company designed its newest
model for electric power. The Nieuport prototype is powered by an
SR Batteries power system that includes an AXI 4130/20 externalrotor
brushless motor and 24 2400 Max Series cells powering an 18
x 6 Zinger wood propeller. The model will also accept a .90 twostroke
or 120 four-stroke glow engine or a 20-25cc gas engine.
The Du-Bro Heavy Duty Hinge package
contains two nylon 3⁄4 x 3⁄4-inch hinge
halves and a brass cotter pin.
The elevator half has B&B Quick Hinges inserted but not glued. All you need for
installation is an X-Acto knife and some thin cyanoacrylate glue.
Dave Lewis of Balsa USA reports that
the electric-powered Nieuport prototype
takes off in less than 10 feet and climbs
out with authority. The model cruises
nicely at half throttle and will perform
consecutive loops with only a little throttle
added. The small fighter can turn on a
dime and makes beautiful low approaches
and perfect landings.
For more information about the
Nieuport or any of Balsa USA’s great
offerings, visit the company’s Web site at
www.balsausa.com or call (906) 863-6421.
To order the Nieuport, call (800) 225-7287
or write to Balsa USA at Box 164,
Marinette WI 54143.
Hinging the Giants: In the 20 years or so
that I have been building RC Giants, I
have come to rely on three types of hinges
that have become my favorites. Each of
the three—the Robart Hinge Point, the Du-
Bro Heavy Duty Nylon Hinge, and the
B&B Specialties Quick Hinge—has its
own attributes.
The B&B Specialties Quick Hinge was
designed to give superior strength, be
lightweight, and offer ease of installation.
It is made from high-strength Mylar
bonded between two layers of a fabric
(woven) product. The hinge is
approximately 1-inch wide, 2 inches in
length, and can be cut to any size with
scissors to accommodate custom
installations.
Using a typical elevator installation as
an example, locate where the hinges are to
be installed. Make slots in these locations
with a simple X-Acto knife using a #11
blade in the stabilizer and elevator. Slide
the hinges into position, making sure that
the elevator can deflect the proper distance
up and down without binding.
Wick in a few drops of thin
cyanoacrylate glue by dabbing a drop at a
time on the exposed section of hinge, and
a few seconds later you have a finished
hinged elevator surface. Make sure that
you wick in the glue on the top and bottom
surfaces.
The B&B Quick Hinge is the easiest
and fastest of the three hinges to install
because all you need is a sharp #11 blade
and some thin cyanoacrylate glue. It is
rated for aircraft in the 20- to 35-pound
range. You can purchase the Quick Hinge
directly from B&B Specialties by calling
(574) 277-0499 or writing to 14234
Cleveland Rd., Granger IN 46530. The
company’s Web site is www.bennett
built.com.
The Du-Bro Heavy Duty Nylon Hinge
is another excellent choice for larger
models. It includes three parts: two nylon
3⁄4 x 3⁄4-inch hinge halves and a brass cotter
pin. Install this in a similar manner as the
B&B Quick Hinge; however, you will
need to use a hinge-slotting tool to enlarge
the slots for this 1mm-thick variety.
Du-Bro has a hinge-slotting tool (part
number 216) or you can use the Great
Planes patented electric-powered Slot
Machine. I like to use two-part epoxy to
secure the hinges. One distinctive feature
is that once you install your control
surface, you can easily remove it for
painting, repairing, etc. by removing the
cotter pins from the hinges.
These hinges may be readily available
in your local hobby store or you can order
directly from Du-Bro at (800) 848-9411 or
write to Box 815, Wauconda IL 60084.
You can visit the Du-Bro Web site at
www.dubro.com.
The third type is the Robart Super
Hinge Point. Instead of a chiseled slot such
as ordinary hinges have, the Robart type is
round with many barbs on the hinge shaft.
These are available in 3⁄32-, 1⁄8-, and 3⁄16-
inch sizes.
To install this type of hinge you drill a
hole, add some glue, and insert the Hinge
Point. To aid in the installation, Robart has
a Hinge Point Drill Jig that will perfectly
align and locate the hinge installation.
Robart recommends white glue or epoxy to
secure the hinge.
The Robart Super Hinge Point is
extremely versatile and can be used in
standard installations or for scale aileron
or external flap hinging. Its design allows
for installation of ailerons on a World War
II model aircraft where the actual rotation
point is behind the LE of the aileron
surface. Using Hinge Points results in a
realistic operation and scale appearance.
To learn more about the Super Hinge
Points, call Robart Mfg. at (630) 584-
7616; visit the Web site at www.ro
bart.com; or write the company at Robart
Mfg., Box 1247, Saint Charles IL 60174.
There you have it. There are certainly
many other types of hinges available for
model aircraft. Some are for specialized
purposes such as hinging scale flaps, gear
and bomb bay doors, etc. The three that I
have described work well.
So ends another RC Giants column. Keep
building ’em straight!
I hope to see many readers at the 2005
Toledo Show. Stop by and say hello! MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 129,130,131
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 129,130,131
April 2005 129
Sal Calvagna, 1335 Broadway Ave., Holbrook NY 11741; E-mail: [email protected]
RADIO CONTROL GIANTS
Balsa USA’s newest addition—the 1⁄4-scale Nieuport Bébé is
powered by an SR Batteries electric power system.
The Nieuport 11 C.1. is built for electric power but can accept a
glow engine or a 20-25cc gas engine.
Each of the three types of hinges has characteristics that make it
desirable for Giant Scale modeling.
The author’s favorite hinges include Robart Super Hinge Points,
Du-Bro Heavy Duty Hinges, and B&B Quick Hinges.
OUR HOBBY/SPORT has seen a marked increase in Giant
Scale ARF models. Aircraft from the dawn of powered flight and
the Golden Age to the ever-popular World War II fighters and
beyond are now available in ARF form. This is wonderful for
those who lack the time, patience, or even skill level to get an RC
Giant into the air. Many other modelers who do like to build have
also added an ARF or two to their stables.
Unfortunately, the effect on kit manufacturers and those in the
industry who manufacture and sell accessories is not so positive. I
surmise that it is a classic case of economics: supply and demand.
It certainly is not a result of fewer Giant Scale modelers.
In the past, if you wanted a Giant Scale model, you had to
build it. Now we all have a choice. ARF dealers and kit
manufacturers need to find a way to coexist. I want to see both
survive and prosper. In the end, all of us will benefit.
This month I’m happy to welcome the newest RC Giant kit to
the Balsa USA fold. It’s a 1⁄4-scale Nieuport 11 C.1. Bébé. I’ll
also describe the common hinge types used in larger models—at
least the ones that I have the most experience using.
Nieuport 11: Gustave Delage designed the Nieuport 11 fighter,
but it owes its origins to a prewar racing monoplane. Nicknamed
the Bébé, it entered service in the summer of 1915. Although it
utilized the outmoded over-wing Lewis gun as armament, in
January 1916 it gave the French a fighter that could best the
Fokker Eindeckers and help put an end to the so-called “Fokker
Scourge.”
The diminutive fighter was neither a monoplane nor a biplane.
It fell into a class of 11⁄2-wing aircraft called sesquiplanes. A
sesquiplane has a lower wing that is less than half the area of the
upper wing. More than 700 Nieuport 11s were built under
contract by Italy and Russia.
Balsa USA, of Marinette, Wisconsin, has added another flying
legend to its stable of World War I fighters with the Nieuport 11
C.1. It has a span of 73 inches, a 61-inch length, 1,450 square inches
of wing area, and weighs 12 to 14 pounds.
The construction is of the typical stick-built method, as are all of
the Balsa USA classics. This time the company designed its newest
model for electric power. The Nieuport prototype is powered by an
SR Batteries power system that includes an AXI 4130/20 externalrotor
brushless motor and 24 2400 Max Series cells powering an 18
x 6 Zinger wood propeller. The model will also accept a .90 twostroke
or 120 four-stroke glow engine or a 20-25cc gas engine.
The Du-Bro Heavy Duty Hinge package
contains two nylon 3⁄4 x 3⁄4-inch hinge
halves and a brass cotter pin.
The elevator half has B&B Quick Hinges inserted but not glued. All you need for
installation is an X-Acto knife and some thin cyanoacrylate glue.
Dave Lewis of Balsa USA reports that
the electric-powered Nieuport prototype
takes off in less than 10 feet and climbs
out with authority. The model cruises
nicely at half throttle and will perform
consecutive loops with only a little throttle
added. The small fighter can turn on a
dime and makes beautiful low approaches
and perfect landings.
For more information about the
Nieuport or any of Balsa USA’s great
offerings, visit the company’s Web site at
www.balsausa.com or call (906) 863-6421.
To order the Nieuport, call (800) 225-7287
or write to Balsa USA at Box 164,
Marinette WI 54143.
Hinging the Giants: In the 20 years or so
that I have been building RC Giants, I
have come to rely on three types of hinges
that have become my favorites. Each of
the three—the Robart Hinge Point, the Du-
Bro Heavy Duty Nylon Hinge, and the
B&B Specialties Quick Hinge—has its
own attributes.
The B&B Specialties Quick Hinge was
designed to give superior strength, be
lightweight, and offer ease of installation.
It is made from high-strength Mylar
bonded between two layers of a fabric
(woven) product. The hinge is
approximately 1-inch wide, 2 inches in
length, and can be cut to any size with
scissors to accommodate custom
installations.
Using a typical elevator installation as
an example, locate where the hinges are to
be installed. Make slots in these locations
with a simple X-Acto knife using a #11
blade in the stabilizer and elevator. Slide
the hinges into position, making sure that
the elevator can deflect the proper distance
up and down without binding.
Wick in a few drops of thin
cyanoacrylate glue by dabbing a drop at a
time on the exposed section of hinge, and
a few seconds later you have a finished
hinged elevator surface. Make sure that
you wick in the glue on the top and bottom
surfaces.
The B&B Quick Hinge is the easiest
and fastest of the three hinges to install
because all you need is a sharp #11 blade
and some thin cyanoacrylate glue. It is
rated for aircraft in the 20- to 35-pound
range. You can purchase the Quick Hinge
directly from B&B Specialties by calling
(574) 277-0499 or writing to 14234
Cleveland Rd., Granger IN 46530. The
company’s Web site is www.bennett
built.com.
The Du-Bro Heavy Duty Nylon Hinge
is another excellent choice for larger
models. It includes three parts: two nylon
3⁄4 x 3⁄4-inch hinge halves and a brass cotter
pin. Install this in a similar manner as the
B&B Quick Hinge; however, you will
need to use a hinge-slotting tool to enlarge
the slots for this 1mm-thick variety.
Du-Bro has a hinge-slotting tool (part
number 216) or you can use the Great
Planes patented electric-powered Slot
Machine. I like to use two-part epoxy to
secure the hinges. One distinctive feature
is that once you install your control
surface, you can easily remove it for
painting, repairing, etc. by removing the
cotter pins from the hinges.
These hinges may be readily available
in your local hobby store or you can order
directly from Du-Bro at (800) 848-9411 or
write to Box 815, Wauconda IL 60084.
You can visit the Du-Bro Web site at
www.dubro.com.
The third type is the Robart Super
Hinge Point. Instead of a chiseled slot such
as ordinary hinges have, the Robart type is
round with many barbs on the hinge shaft.
These are available in 3⁄32-, 1⁄8-, and 3⁄16-
inch sizes.
To install this type of hinge you drill a
hole, add some glue, and insert the Hinge
Point. To aid in the installation, Robart has
a Hinge Point Drill Jig that will perfectly
align and locate the hinge installation.
Robart recommends white glue or epoxy to
secure the hinge.
The Robart Super Hinge Point is
extremely versatile and can be used in
standard installations or for scale aileron
or external flap hinging. Its design allows
for installation of ailerons on a World War
II model aircraft where the actual rotation
point is behind the LE of the aileron
surface. Using Hinge Points results in a
realistic operation and scale appearance.
To learn more about the Super Hinge
Points, call Robart Mfg. at (630) 584-
7616; visit the Web site at www.ro
bart.com; or write the company at Robart
Mfg., Box 1247, Saint Charles IL 60174.
There you have it. There are certainly
many other types of hinges available for
model aircraft. Some are for specialized
purposes such as hinging scale flaps, gear
and bomb bay doors, etc. The three that I
have described work well.
So ends another RC Giants column. Keep
building ’em straight!
I hope to see many readers at the 2005
Toledo Show. Stop by and say hello! MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2005/04
Page Numbers: 129,130,131
April 2005 129
Sal Calvagna, 1335 Broadway Ave., Holbrook NY 11741; E-mail: [email protected]
RADIO CONTROL GIANTS
Balsa USA’s newest addition—the 1⁄4-scale Nieuport Bébé is
powered by an SR Batteries electric power system.
The Nieuport 11 C.1. is built for electric power but can accept a
glow engine or a 20-25cc gas engine.
Each of the three types of hinges has characteristics that make it
desirable for Giant Scale modeling.
The author’s favorite hinges include Robart Super Hinge Points,
Du-Bro Heavy Duty Hinges, and B&B Quick Hinges.
OUR HOBBY/SPORT has seen a marked increase in Giant
Scale ARF models. Aircraft from the dawn of powered flight and
the Golden Age to the ever-popular World War II fighters and
beyond are now available in ARF form. This is wonderful for
those who lack the time, patience, or even skill level to get an RC
Giant into the air. Many other modelers who do like to build have
also added an ARF or two to their stables.
Unfortunately, the effect on kit manufacturers and those in the
industry who manufacture and sell accessories is not so positive. I
surmise that it is a classic case of economics: supply and demand.
It certainly is not a result of fewer Giant Scale modelers.
In the past, if you wanted a Giant Scale model, you had to
build it. Now we all have a choice. ARF dealers and kit
manufacturers need to find a way to coexist. I want to see both
survive and prosper. In the end, all of us will benefit.
This month I’m happy to welcome the newest RC Giant kit to
the Balsa USA fold. It’s a 1⁄4-scale Nieuport 11 C.1. Bébé. I’ll
also describe the common hinge types used in larger models—at
least the ones that I have the most experience using.
Nieuport 11: Gustave Delage designed the Nieuport 11 fighter,
but it owes its origins to a prewar racing monoplane. Nicknamed
the Bébé, it entered service in the summer of 1915. Although it
utilized the outmoded over-wing Lewis gun as armament, in
January 1916 it gave the French a fighter that could best the
Fokker Eindeckers and help put an end to the so-called “Fokker
Scourge.”
The diminutive fighter was neither a monoplane nor a biplane.
It fell into a class of 11⁄2-wing aircraft called sesquiplanes. A
sesquiplane has a lower wing that is less than half the area of the
upper wing. More than 700 Nieuport 11s were built under
contract by Italy and Russia.
Balsa USA, of Marinette, Wisconsin, has added another flying
legend to its stable of World War I fighters with the Nieuport 11
C.1. It has a span of 73 inches, a 61-inch length, 1,450 square inches
of wing area, and weighs 12 to 14 pounds.
The construction is of the typical stick-built method, as are all of
the Balsa USA classics. This time the company designed its newest
model for electric power. The Nieuport prototype is powered by an
SR Batteries power system that includes an AXI 4130/20 externalrotor
brushless motor and 24 2400 Max Series cells powering an 18
x 6 Zinger wood propeller. The model will also accept a .90 twostroke
or 120 four-stroke glow engine or a 20-25cc gas engine.
The Du-Bro Heavy Duty Hinge package
contains two nylon 3⁄4 x 3⁄4-inch hinge
halves and a brass cotter pin.
The elevator half has B&B Quick Hinges inserted but not glued. All you need for
installation is an X-Acto knife and some thin cyanoacrylate glue.
Dave Lewis of Balsa USA reports that
the electric-powered Nieuport prototype
takes off in less than 10 feet and climbs
out with authority. The model cruises
nicely at half throttle and will perform
consecutive loops with only a little throttle
added. The small fighter can turn on a
dime and makes beautiful low approaches
and perfect landings.
For more information about the
Nieuport or any of Balsa USA’s great
offerings, visit the company’s Web site at
www.balsausa.com or call (906) 863-6421.
To order the Nieuport, call (800) 225-7287
or write to Balsa USA at Box 164,
Marinette WI 54143.
Hinging the Giants: In the 20 years or so
that I have been building RC Giants, I
have come to rely on three types of hinges
that have become my favorites. Each of
the three—the Robart Hinge Point, the Du-
Bro Heavy Duty Nylon Hinge, and the
B&B Specialties Quick Hinge—has its
own attributes.
The B&B Specialties Quick Hinge was
designed to give superior strength, be
lightweight, and offer ease of installation.
It is made from high-strength Mylar
bonded between two layers of a fabric
(woven) product. The hinge is
approximately 1-inch wide, 2 inches in
length, and can be cut to any size with
scissors to accommodate custom
installations.
Using a typical elevator installation as
an example, locate where the hinges are to
be installed. Make slots in these locations
with a simple X-Acto knife using a #11
blade in the stabilizer and elevator. Slide
the hinges into position, making sure that
the elevator can deflect the proper distance
up and down without binding.
Wick in a few drops of thin
cyanoacrylate glue by dabbing a drop at a
time on the exposed section of hinge, and
a few seconds later you have a finished
hinged elevator surface. Make sure that
you wick in the glue on the top and bottom
surfaces.
The B&B Quick Hinge is the easiest
and fastest of the three hinges to install
because all you need is a sharp #11 blade
and some thin cyanoacrylate glue. It is
rated for aircraft in the 20- to 35-pound
range. You can purchase the Quick Hinge
directly from B&B Specialties by calling
(574) 277-0499 or writing to 14234
Cleveland Rd., Granger IN 46530. The
company’s Web site is www.bennett
built.com.
The Du-Bro Heavy Duty Nylon Hinge
is another excellent choice for larger
models. It includes three parts: two nylon
3⁄4 x 3⁄4-inch hinge halves and a brass cotter
pin. Install this in a similar manner as the
B&B Quick Hinge; however, you will
need to use a hinge-slotting tool to enlarge
the slots for this 1mm-thick variety.
Du-Bro has a hinge-slotting tool (part
number 216) or you can use the Great
Planes patented electric-powered Slot
Machine. I like to use two-part epoxy to
secure the hinges. One distinctive feature
is that once you install your control
surface, you can easily remove it for
painting, repairing, etc. by removing the
cotter pins from the hinges.
These hinges may be readily available
in your local hobby store or you can order
directly from Du-Bro at (800) 848-9411 or
write to Box 815, Wauconda IL 60084.
You can visit the Du-Bro Web site at
www.dubro.com.
The third type is the Robart Super
Hinge Point. Instead of a chiseled slot such
as ordinary hinges have, the Robart type is
round with many barbs on the hinge shaft.
These are available in 3⁄32-, 1⁄8-, and 3⁄16-
inch sizes.
To install this type of hinge you drill a
hole, add some glue, and insert the Hinge
Point. To aid in the installation, Robart has
a Hinge Point Drill Jig that will perfectly
align and locate the hinge installation.
Robart recommends white glue or epoxy to
secure the hinge.
The Robart Super Hinge Point is
extremely versatile and can be used in
standard installations or for scale aileron
or external flap hinging. Its design allows
for installation of ailerons on a World War
II model aircraft where the actual rotation
point is behind the LE of the aileron
surface. Using Hinge Points results in a
realistic operation and scale appearance.
To learn more about the Super Hinge
Points, call Robart Mfg. at (630) 584-
7616; visit the Web site at www.ro
bart.com; or write the company at Robart
Mfg., Box 1247, Saint Charles IL 60174.
There you have it. There are certainly
many other types of hinges available for
model aircraft. Some are for specialized
purposes such as hinging scale flaps, gear
and bomb bay doors, etc. The three that I
have described work well.
So ends another RC Giants column. Keep
building ’em straight!
I hope to see many readers at the 2005
Toledo Show. Stop by and say hello! MA