Elexaco
It doesn't get any simpler!
Elexaco is a classification of a segment of radio control (RC) aeromodeling activity that is not only fun in nature, but is also competitive. It may be hard to believe, but this event is even ideal for flight training.
Employing an electric motor, Elexaco is quiet, clean, and highly performance-oriented, and the motor can be used in a countless variety of models.
This new event has already attracted many modelers and is attractive to all ages. Elexaco is also encouraging new entries into the RC aeromodeling community because of its simplicity and low cost.
Elexaco can be flown in small spaces, such as schoolyards, parks, football fields, and parking lots, without disturbance. It's noiseless and smokeless, so it is environmentally acceptable.
Where did Elexaco come from?
I basically developed it by following the guidelines of the ever-popular 1/2A Texaco RC Old-Timer glow fuel-powered event, which has grown to be the most popular class in the Old-Timer movement.
In Texaco competition, the model is launched with the tank full of fuel, it is run out for the engine run, then is allowed to soar radio-controlled for endurance. The model scores one point per second from launch to landing, toward a max of 15 minutes (900 points).
I followed the same scheme for Elexaco and employed a specific power package for the event, but it's electric.
Power
This not-to-be-modified system is the Elexaco Power Pak. It comes completely wired and is supplied by Dymond Modelersports, 663 N. Main St., Oshkosh, WI 54901; Tel.: (920) 303-1100.
The Elexaco Power Pak consists of:
- a 400-size motor with capacitors,
- a highly efficient plastic propeller,
- a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) on-off controller with switch (calibrated for two-minute and 15-second shutoff),
- and a seven-cell Sanyo 270 mAh Ni-Cd battery.
Models
Any model with an aspect ratio of less than eight (wingspan divided by wing chord at center) can be used.
For an Old-Timer activity, the model would be limited to any Old-Timer model scaled down as desired.
In one photo are two examples of models. One is a scaled-down version of Joe's Microbe design. Both fit the spirit of Elexaco and are easy to build. They can double as sport/trainer types.
Event and contacts
At the 2000 SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) Championships, held in Pensacola, Florida, Jack Sugarmeli exhibited a display that outlined the details of Elexaco, showing all the components and describing the event.
Jack reports that the attendees showed such outstanding interest, he decided to inventory the components and has established a supply source; contact Supercraft Models at 176 Main St., Ridgefield Park, NJ 07662; Tel.: (201) 641-0343; Web store: www.supercraftmodels.com to order direct.
Jack is the grandson-in-law of Don Garofalow, who was a model designer and craftsman for the popular Scientific Model Airplane Co. and a SAM Hall-of-Famer.
In the early 1940s, Don was part owner of The Best By Test Model Airplane Co., which manufactured model kits. Jack is operating Supercraft Models from the same location after all these years.
As past president of SAM, I look forward to the present SAM leadership recognizing the benefit of establishing Elexaco as a provisional event.
Doing so will add to its growth among newcomers, since it is competitive, simple, and low in cost.
An open Elexaco event will be held May 12 at the Old Time Eagles Electric Fun Fly, in Hope, New Jersey.
Try Elexaco. You'll like it!
MA
Joe Beshar 198 Merritt Dr.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
