14 MODEL AVIATION
If you want
to learn the
basics of RC
but want a
trainer that
doesn’t look
like a trainer,
consider Eflite’s
new T-34 PTS ARF.
PTS stands for Progressive Trainer System, which provides you
with an airplane that will allow you to go from the training stage to
aerobatics without upgrading or purchasing a new model. Even the
equipment included with the T-34 is progressive, allowing you to
advance in the electric-power hobby without buying more supplies.
This T-34 comes ready to fly—no building is required—and
includes everything you’ll need to fly it. Among those items are the
Spektrum DX6i radio system, E-flite Power 25 outrunner motor,
40-amp Pro SB ESC, Li-Poly charger, and Li-Poly battery.
The Mentor is Horizon Hobby’s first RTF electric-powered
airplane to come equipped with Spektrum’s full-range DX6i 2.4
GHz DSM2 six-channel programmable aircraft radio system.
Besides providing freedom from
frequency restrictions and
interference, the DX6i features
10-model memory, a trainer
system, dual rates, and easy
programming with a unique
rolling selector interface for
airplanes and helicopters.
With all those features, the
DX6i system will serve the
student pilot well. It can be
transferred into his or her second
airplane, or even into helicopters.
T-34 Mentor 25 ePTS RTF
specifications: wingspan, 55
inches; length, 44 inches; wing area, 545 square inches; weight
without battery, 4.4-4.5 pounds; weight with battery, 5.0-5.2
pounds; motor, 870 Kv Power 25 Brushless Outrunner (installed);
ESC, 40-amp
Brushless Pro SB
(installed);
transmitter, Spektrum
DX6i (included);
receiver, Spektrum
six-channel AR6200
(installed); battery, 3S
11.1-volt, 3200 mAh
15C Li-Poly
(included); charger,
3S Li-Poly balancing
(included); servos,
four standard (installed); propeller, 12 x 8E (included).
This model retails for $629.99 and has a street price of $449.99.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822;
Tel.: (217) 355-9511; Web site: www.e-fliterc.com
Worth a Closer Look
Do you want a great trainer to use to
learn how to fly RC?
Take a look at the
Magpie. It can be
purchased as a SlowFlyer—
with no ailerons—or as a Sport
model—with ailerons. Either way, this is a
great training airplane.
The Magpie kit contains everything needed to complete the
model except epoxy and packing tape. Construction takes roughly
10 hours, allowing for glue drying time. The 17-page construction
manual is well written and full of helpful photographs.
The two-piece EPS (expanded polystyrene)-foam wing and
fuselage are assembled with epoxy and made rigid with plastic
straps. The fuselage and wing can be painted and covered with
clear strapping tape or left unpainted and covered with colored
tape.
The gray Depron tail pieces are reinforced with 2-inch packing
tape. The ailerons on the Sport model and the elevators and rudder
on both models are hinged with tape.
There are two laser-cut motor mounts: a stick type and an
outrunner type. The stick mount fits perfectly, while the brushless
mount—depending on the motor used—calls for adjustment. Both
mounts slide into a precut slot that sets right thrust and
downthrust.
The landing-gear mount is also laser cut. The landing-gear wire
has to be formed and is attached to its mount with plastic straps.
Epoxy is used to attach the assembly to the fuselage.
Motors from the inexpensive RC Hot Deals types to E-flite’s
400 brushless are perfect for this airplane.
Students who have learned to fly using the Magpie have
reported that it is stable, responds instantly, and is resistant to
damage. It also flies well in a light breeze. Give it a try.
The Magpie SlowFlyer is $45 and the Magpie Sport is $47.
Mountain Models: Box 6815, Colorado Springs 80934; Tel.:
(719) 630-3186; Web site: www.mountainmodels.com
Mountain Models Magpie
T-34 Mentor 25 ePTS RTF
Park Flyer P-40 ARF
Stop! Don’t go away just because you read that this is a “Park
Flyer.”
The Thunder Tiger P-40 Warhawk weighs only 15.5 ounces but
is powered by an included, and powerful, 2928/09 outrunner
motor. The attractive 34-inch-wingspan model can be decorated in
either Flying Tiger or US Army Air Forces colors.
This ARF “kit” includes the outrunner motor, a painted pilot,
the motor mount, a spinner, a three-blade flying propeller, and a
choice of wheels or faux retracts. The P-40 can be powered by
either an eight-cell, 9.8-volt, 600 mAh NiMH battery or a threecell,
11.1-volt, 1000 mAh Li-Poly battery.
Flying weight with the Li-Poly battery is 15.5 ounces, while the
NiMH system increases the weight to 17.5 ounces. The Li-Poly
turns the three-blade propeller at more than 6,300 rpm (tested).
That’s a lot of power for an all-foam park flyer that is this light.
But then, this is a fighter airplane. Equipped with ailerons,
this “Park Flyer” is
really a “Park
Fighter”—and an
exciting one at that.
An ESC must be
purchased separately.
MA’s Sport Aviator’s
(www.masportaviator.com) test model used an 18-amp ESC with
BEC, but you can use any ESC/BEC with a 12-amp or more rating.
A radio system with three or more channels is required.
The fully decorated Thunder Tiger P-40 sells for less than $140,
even though it includes so many “bonuses.”
This exciting scale model qualifies for the new AMA Park Pilot
Program (www.parkflyer.org) and is worth a much closer look.
Ace Hobby Distributors: 26021 Commercecenter, Lake Forest
CA 92630; Tel.: (949) 900-3300; Web site: www.acehobby.com
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 2:34 PM Page 14
April 2008 15
Worth a Closer Look
Without a doubt, one of the most recognized aircraft of all
times is the P-51D Mustang. Its graceful lines, powerful engine,
and outstanding flight characteristics made it one of the best
fighters of World War II.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a Mustang of your own,
this ARF version of Hobbico’s popular
Gold Edition P-
51D kit is worth
a closer look.
This new offering
features time-saving
construction,
resulting in a model
that can be flight-ready in
18-25 hours.
This P-51 features interlocking
parts, for strength, and a vacuum-formed canopy. The fiberglass
cowl offers a true-to-scale chin cowl without the extra effort.
Also included are preinstalled mechanical retracts, flaps that are
already built into the ARF’s wings, and an aluminum spinner.
This Mustang comes precovered in flat-finished MonoKote
iron-on film, and it has a matching prepainted fiberglass cowl
and prepainted spinner.
Gold Edition P-51D ARF specifications: stock number,
TOPA0950; wingspan, 64.5 inches; wing area, 721 square
inches; weight, 8.75-10.00 pounds; wing loading, 28-32
ounces/square foot; length, 56 inches; engine, two-stroke .60-.91
cu. in. (10cc-15cc) or four-stroke .91-1.20 cu. in. (15cc-20cc);
radio, six channels with seven standard servos and one retract
servo.
This model retails for $379.99 and has a street price of
$279.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; Web site: www.top-flite.com MA
See page 191 for submission guidelines
Mark Frankel, a noted Scale
designer, builder, flier, and MA
contributor (see his “State of the
Sport: RC Scale” article in the
April 2004 issue), has authored a
book about the Navy’s first
primary jet trainer.
This book is an outgrowth of
Mark’s extensive research for a
detailed 1/4-scale Pinto that will
soon be developed. He acquired
all the aircraft’s original
production drawings and
manuals while interviewing
numerous engineers and naval
aviators who were connected with the aircraft.
The story that unfolds is fascinating. It tracks the Temco
Aircraft Corporation’s evolution and traces the Pinto from
concept, through the Navy’s evaluation, to the final
cancellation of the all-jet training program. Although only 14
Pintos were delivered to the Navy, seven are still flying under
civilian ownership. This book examines all of those in great
detail.
The TT-1 appears to be a nearly perfect subject to model. It
has beautiful proportions, a straight wing, adequate dihedral,
and a wide landing-gear track that virtually assures great
ground handling. Mark’s 1/4-scale rendition might be
highlighted in this column when it is marketed!
Temco TT-1 Pinto is filled with excellent photos and
illustrations from the technical manuals, as well as
reproductions of factory blueprints. It retails for $17.95 and is
available from most hobby dealers, or you can order it directly
from the publisher.
Ginter Books: 1754 Warfield Cir., Simi Valley CA 93063;
Tel.: (805) 584-9732; Web site: www.ginterbooks.com
TEMCO TT-1 Pinto Book
Top Flite Gold Edition P-51D Mustang ARF
FlyCamOne
Is there an RC pilot who hasn’t wondered what the airborne
view would be from his or her aircraft as it danced among the
clouds? Most of us have thought about taking videos and
photographs from our airplanes, but until now it has been too
expensive of a hassle to translate into reality. FlyCamOne from
Hobby Lobby eliminates excuses.
Retailing for less than $100, this 1.5-ounce video/still camera
fits anywhere (with its 3.15 x 1.57 x 0.55-inch dimensions), has
a pop-up lens to use if needed, and will take as many as 30
minutes of clear video.
FlyCamOne’s 220 mAh
Li-Poly battery charges
from a computer through
the USB cord. The 25 FPS
video resolution is 640 x
480, while still-photo
resolution is 1,280 x 1,024
(1.3 megapixels).
The camera records
audio and is complete with
an enclosed microphone.
You will want to cover it
with tape to reduce audio
levels if you are not flying an
electric-powered airplane.
FlyCamOne includes a
USB cord, cushioned
hook/loop pads, a
separate mounting base
equipped for external
power if desired, and a
small brace securing the
pop-up lens at various
angles. You must
download operating
software for your computer from
a Web site, and the camera uses a 1-2 GB SD card (not
included).
Mount FlyCamOne on a wing, inside the cockpit behind a
clear windscreen, or anywhere else. It is small and light enough
that many park flyers can carry it around their neighborhoods.
Go to MA’s Sport Aviator online magazine for a detailed
review.
Hobby Lobby International: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir.,
Brentwood TN 37027; Tel.: (866) 933-5972; Web site: www.
hobby-lobby.com
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 2:35 PM Page 15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 14,15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/04
Page Numbers: 14,15
14 MODEL AVIATION
If you want
to learn the
basics of RC
but want a
trainer that
doesn’t look
like a trainer,
consider Eflite’s
new T-34 PTS ARF.
PTS stands for Progressive Trainer System, which provides you
with an airplane that will allow you to go from the training stage to
aerobatics without upgrading or purchasing a new model. Even the
equipment included with the T-34 is progressive, allowing you to
advance in the electric-power hobby without buying more supplies.
This T-34 comes ready to fly—no building is required—and
includes everything you’ll need to fly it. Among those items are the
Spektrum DX6i radio system, E-flite Power 25 outrunner motor,
40-amp Pro SB ESC, Li-Poly charger, and Li-Poly battery.
The Mentor is Horizon Hobby’s first RTF electric-powered
airplane to come equipped with Spektrum’s full-range DX6i 2.4
GHz DSM2 six-channel programmable aircraft radio system.
Besides providing freedom from
frequency restrictions and
interference, the DX6i features
10-model memory, a trainer
system, dual rates, and easy
programming with a unique
rolling selector interface for
airplanes and helicopters.
With all those features, the
DX6i system will serve the
student pilot well. It can be
transferred into his or her second
airplane, or even into helicopters.
T-34 Mentor 25 ePTS RTF
specifications: wingspan, 55
inches; length, 44 inches; wing area, 545 square inches; weight
without battery, 4.4-4.5 pounds; weight with battery, 5.0-5.2
pounds; motor, 870 Kv Power 25 Brushless Outrunner (installed);
ESC, 40-amp
Brushless Pro SB
(installed);
transmitter, Spektrum
DX6i (included);
receiver, Spektrum
six-channel AR6200
(installed); battery, 3S
11.1-volt, 3200 mAh
15C Li-Poly
(included); charger,
3S Li-Poly balancing
(included); servos,
four standard (installed); propeller, 12 x 8E (included).
This model retails for $629.99 and has a street price of $449.99.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822;
Tel.: (217) 355-9511; Web site: www.e-fliterc.com
Worth a Closer Look
Do you want a great trainer to use to
learn how to fly RC?
Take a look at the
Magpie. It can be
purchased as a SlowFlyer—
with no ailerons—or as a Sport
model—with ailerons. Either way, this is a
great training airplane.
The Magpie kit contains everything needed to complete the
model except epoxy and packing tape. Construction takes roughly
10 hours, allowing for glue drying time. The 17-page construction
manual is well written and full of helpful photographs.
The two-piece EPS (expanded polystyrene)-foam wing and
fuselage are assembled with epoxy and made rigid with plastic
straps. The fuselage and wing can be painted and covered with
clear strapping tape or left unpainted and covered with colored
tape.
The gray Depron tail pieces are reinforced with 2-inch packing
tape. The ailerons on the Sport model and the elevators and rudder
on both models are hinged with tape.
There are two laser-cut motor mounts: a stick type and an
outrunner type. The stick mount fits perfectly, while the brushless
mount—depending on the motor used—calls for adjustment. Both
mounts slide into a precut slot that sets right thrust and
downthrust.
The landing-gear mount is also laser cut. The landing-gear wire
has to be formed and is attached to its mount with plastic straps.
Epoxy is used to attach the assembly to the fuselage.
Motors from the inexpensive RC Hot Deals types to E-flite’s
400 brushless are perfect for this airplane.
Students who have learned to fly using the Magpie have
reported that it is stable, responds instantly, and is resistant to
damage. It also flies well in a light breeze. Give it a try.
The Magpie SlowFlyer is $45 and the Magpie Sport is $47.
Mountain Models: Box 6815, Colorado Springs 80934; Tel.:
(719) 630-3186; Web site: www.mountainmodels.com
Mountain Models Magpie
T-34 Mentor 25 ePTS RTF
Park Flyer P-40 ARF
Stop! Don’t go away just because you read that this is a “Park
Flyer.”
The Thunder Tiger P-40 Warhawk weighs only 15.5 ounces but
is powered by an included, and powerful, 2928/09 outrunner
motor. The attractive 34-inch-wingspan model can be decorated in
either Flying Tiger or US Army Air Forces colors.
This ARF “kit” includes the outrunner motor, a painted pilot,
the motor mount, a spinner, a three-blade flying propeller, and a
choice of wheels or faux retracts. The P-40 can be powered by
either an eight-cell, 9.8-volt, 600 mAh NiMH battery or a threecell,
11.1-volt, 1000 mAh Li-Poly battery.
Flying weight with the Li-Poly battery is 15.5 ounces, while the
NiMH system increases the weight to 17.5 ounces. The Li-Poly
turns the three-blade propeller at more than 6,300 rpm (tested).
That’s a lot of power for an all-foam park flyer that is this light.
But then, this is a fighter airplane. Equipped with ailerons,
this “Park Flyer” is
really a “Park
Fighter”—and an
exciting one at that.
An ESC must be
purchased separately.
MA’s Sport Aviator’s
(www.masportaviator.com) test model used an 18-amp ESC with
BEC, but you can use any ESC/BEC with a 12-amp or more rating.
A radio system with three or more channels is required.
The fully decorated Thunder Tiger P-40 sells for less than $140,
even though it includes so many “bonuses.”
This exciting scale model qualifies for the new AMA Park Pilot
Program (www.parkflyer.org) and is worth a much closer look.
Ace Hobby Distributors: 26021 Commercecenter, Lake Forest
CA 92630; Tel.: (949) 900-3300; Web site: www.acehobby.com
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 2:34 PM Page 14
April 2008 15
Worth a Closer Look
Without a doubt, one of the most recognized aircraft of all
times is the P-51D Mustang. Its graceful lines, powerful engine,
and outstanding flight characteristics made it one of the best
fighters of World War II.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a Mustang of your own,
this ARF version of Hobbico’s popular
Gold Edition P-
51D kit is worth
a closer look.
This new offering
features time-saving
construction,
resulting in a model
that can be flight-ready in
18-25 hours.
This P-51 features interlocking
parts, for strength, and a vacuum-formed canopy. The fiberglass
cowl offers a true-to-scale chin cowl without the extra effort.
Also included are preinstalled mechanical retracts, flaps that are
already built into the ARF’s wings, and an aluminum spinner.
This Mustang comes precovered in flat-finished MonoKote
iron-on film, and it has a matching prepainted fiberglass cowl
and prepainted spinner.
Gold Edition P-51D ARF specifications: stock number,
TOPA0950; wingspan, 64.5 inches; wing area, 721 square
inches; weight, 8.75-10.00 pounds; wing loading, 28-32
ounces/square foot; length, 56 inches; engine, two-stroke .60-.91
cu. in. (10cc-15cc) or four-stroke .91-1.20 cu. in. (15cc-20cc);
radio, six channels with seven standard servos and one retract
servo.
This model retails for $379.99 and has a street price of
$279.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; Web site: www.top-flite.com MA
See page 191 for submission guidelines
Mark Frankel, a noted Scale
designer, builder, flier, and MA
contributor (see his “State of the
Sport: RC Scale” article in the
April 2004 issue), has authored a
book about the Navy’s first
primary jet trainer.
This book is an outgrowth of
Mark’s extensive research for a
detailed 1/4-scale Pinto that will
soon be developed. He acquired
all the aircraft’s original
production drawings and
manuals while interviewing
numerous engineers and naval
aviators who were connected with the aircraft.
The story that unfolds is fascinating. It tracks the Temco
Aircraft Corporation’s evolution and traces the Pinto from
concept, through the Navy’s evaluation, to the final
cancellation of the all-jet training program. Although only 14
Pintos were delivered to the Navy, seven are still flying under
civilian ownership. This book examines all of those in great
detail.
The TT-1 appears to be a nearly perfect subject to model. It
has beautiful proportions, a straight wing, adequate dihedral,
and a wide landing-gear track that virtually assures great
ground handling. Mark’s 1/4-scale rendition might be
highlighted in this column when it is marketed!
Temco TT-1 Pinto is filled with excellent photos and
illustrations from the technical manuals, as well as
reproductions of factory blueprints. It retails for $17.95 and is
available from most hobby dealers, or you can order it directly
from the publisher.
Ginter Books: 1754 Warfield Cir., Simi Valley CA 93063;
Tel.: (805) 584-9732; Web site: www.ginterbooks.com
TEMCO TT-1 Pinto Book
Top Flite Gold Edition P-51D Mustang ARF
FlyCamOne
Is there an RC pilot who hasn’t wondered what the airborne
view would be from his or her aircraft as it danced among the
clouds? Most of us have thought about taking videos and
photographs from our airplanes, but until now it has been too
expensive of a hassle to translate into reality. FlyCamOne from
Hobby Lobby eliminates excuses.
Retailing for less than $100, this 1.5-ounce video/still camera
fits anywhere (with its 3.15 x 1.57 x 0.55-inch dimensions), has
a pop-up lens to use if needed, and will take as many as 30
minutes of clear video.
FlyCamOne’s 220 mAh
Li-Poly battery charges
from a computer through
the USB cord. The 25 FPS
video resolution is 640 x
480, while still-photo
resolution is 1,280 x 1,024
(1.3 megapixels).
The camera records
audio and is complete with
an enclosed microphone.
You will want to cover it
with tape to reduce audio
levels if you are not flying an
electric-powered airplane.
FlyCamOne includes a
USB cord, cushioned
hook/loop pads, a
separate mounting base
equipped for external
power if desired, and a
small brace securing the
pop-up lens at various
angles. You must
download operating
software for your computer from
a Web site, and the camera uses a 1-2 GB SD card (not
included).
Mount FlyCamOne on a wing, inside the cockpit behind a
clear windscreen, or anywhere else. It is small and light enough
that many park flyers can carry it around their neighborhoods.
Go to MA’s Sport Aviator online magazine for a detailed
review.
Hobby Lobby International: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir.,
Brentwood TN 37027; Tel.: (866) 933-5972; Web site: www.
hobby-lobby.com
04sig1.QXD 2/25/08 2:35 PM Page 15