PLEASE WRITE IN
with your questions; that
is the only way we can
keep this column format
going. When referring to
already published Q-and-
As (for follow-ups),
provide the number as a
reference.
References to
addresses and Web sites
are now placed in a
group, separate from the
text, at the end of the
column under “Sources.”
Q385: “I own several
Enya glow engines and
am now in the need for a
few replacement parts. I
went back to the original
distributor, MRC in
Edison, NJ, and found
that they no longer carry
the Enya line nor do they have any parts
inventory. Can you direct me to someone
who now sells these Enya engine parts?”
A385: I’ve used Enya glow engines almost
exclusively since the early 1970s. I have
several of these fine engines stored
carefully in jars of kerosene.
After reading this e-mail, I went into the
usual Web site search-engine routine. It
took awhile, but I am glad to report that I
received a response from Ken Enya in
Japan. The company (Enya Metal Products
of Saiama) is alive and well, and he is still
making engines and parts.
Ken supplied me with the names and
addresses of six Enya engine/parts
distributors in the US. Space doesn’t permit
me to list them all, but the first two on the
list were BJ’s Model Engine Service in
Falls, Connecticut, and Aero Products in
Dacula, Georgia.
Please drop an e-mail to Ken Enya to get
the names of the remaining four distributors.
His address is in the “Sources” section.
Q386: “I have used a package strapping
tape for years to reinforce certain model
aircraft wing structures. This was
especially helpful with foam wings. The
tape is a Scotch brand product and readily
available. Recently one of my club
members showed me a different kind of
tape, also a Scotch product that might
even do a better reinforcing job. Can you
identify this tape?”
A386: You are referring to Scotch Extreme
Application Packaging Tape, which is
catalog number 8959. It comes in rolls that
Also included in this column:
• Extreme Tape
• Arming switches
• Park flyer landing-gear upgrade
• Scale cockpit data
• Follow-up on Castle Creations’
CC-BEC
A typical Enya four-stroke, glow-fueled engine (1.20 cu. in.
displacement). Bob learned the names of several US
companies that supply new Enyas and spare parts.
Scotch Extreme Application Packaging
Tape is extremely strong and will likely
have many applications in our hobby.
You can compare the time-honored
strapping tape and the Extreme Application
Packaging Tape with “bidirectional
filament.”
are 1.9 inches wide and 21 yards long, and
they sell for roughly $9 apiece. I found this
product at my local Home Depot store on
Long Island, New York.
Strapping tape normally has fibers that
run only in one direction. This Extreme
variety differs in that there are two sets of
fibers running opposite to one another.
Scotch calls this a “bi-directional filament.”
I was introduced to this tape only
recently, while reviewing the new
Multiplex Blizzard high-performance
electric sailplane. Because of the aircraft’s
anticipated speed, additional wing
reinforcement using this new tape was
recommended.
The instructions for installing the tape
specify that it is to be applied at a 45°
angle, not lengthwise, down the span of the
wing. I’m sure there will be variations on
the installation, depending on the model
and application. Although it’s almost 2
inches in width, this tape can easily be cut
into strips to fit any size of aircraft.
Q387: “I know that most modern electric
motor controllers (ESC) have a built-in
protection against accidental motor starts.
You can’t arm a motor unless the RC
transmitter throttle stick is seen by the ESC
software that it’s in the idle position. Years
ago we use to see all kinds of arming
switches that permitted a positive kill
(disconnect) of the electric power system
until we were ready to fly.
“I have some large, high-powered
systems and if nothing else would like a
very positive arming switch to supplement
02sig4.QXD 12/22/08 12:17 PM Page 97
98 MODEL AVIATION
The Code One Magazine Web site features a section showing cockpit details of several
aircraft. This is the PBY Catalina’s cockpit; it’s like sitting in the left seat.
MPi sells these arming switches for electric
power systems. Pull the shorting plug out,
and the power is turned off.
the ESC feature. There must be someone
who makes such a switch.”
A387: Arming switches are thought of less
often now, because of the advent of modern
microprocessor ESCs and their built-in
protection features. But I agree that a
positive arming switch is still a worthwhile
addition. Without a switch, you are probably
drawing power somewhere in your system
the minute the battery is connected.
The best way to employ an arming
feature is to use a shorting plug in one of the
two battery wires. Pulling the plug, which
completes the circuit, instantly disconnects
all power going to your ESC and motor. If
you are using a BEC, it will kill your radio
system as well.
Maxx Products International (MPi)
offers a variety of arming switches. They
sell for approximately $10 and are available
with both Deans Ultra and Anderson
Powerpole/Sermos connectors.
You insert the harness into one of the
two battery wires. A plug is inserted into
this harness, and the circuit is completed;
your motor is armed and ready to go. But
the minute this
plug is pulled,
all power is off
and you have
the peace of mind of knowing that your
motor won’t start accidentally.
MPi has other, related harnesses that
allow you to connect Li-Poly battery packs
in parallel, to increase the battery capacity,
and in series, to increase the battery voltage.
It’s worth it to look at the Web site.
Q388: “I’m flying a GWS Slow Stick and
having trouble with the landing gear wire
always bending on almost any kind of
landing. Is there some kind of alternative
available that offers a little more strength?”
A388: At the NEAT Fair, held in upstate
New York in September, the Millennium
R/C booth had a landing-gear system that
was designed expressly for the company’s
Slow Stick X and the GWS Slow Stick.
Millennium R/C’s Jim Karpy explained that
the new X-Gear is made from carbon fiber
and an ABS/nylon blend.
The gear is available in several different
colors, and the cost is $14.95. It is adaptable
to several other park flyers, such as the Eflite
Mini Edge and Mini Ultra Stick, using a
supplied adjustable mount.
Q389: “I’ve seen a lot of references to
detailed scale information, but was
wondering is there any info regarding the
interior of the aircraft, namely the cockpit?
I’ve noted at scale events that cockpit detail
counts in the scoring. How do I get inside
the aircraft?”
A389: I suspect that there are many sources
for that kind of information. I recently
visited the Code One Magazine Web site,
which is an airpower publication that has a
load of full-scale aircraft data.
As I got deeper into the site, I found one
area called the “Special Cockpit Editor.”
When you open this page, you will see
photos of 32 aircraft. When you click on an
image, a picture will open to show the
cockpit. I clicked on a PBY Catalina flying
boat.
This feature shows few aircraft cockpits,
but the site has so much information; it is
worth the time to dig into it and scroll
around.
Follow-Up to Q371 (in the October 2008
MA): I received a reader’s e-mail indicating
that in the diagram for the Castle Creations
CC BEC, I didn’t mention that the red servo
cable wire going to your RC receiver’s
throttle port is disconnected when using a
brushless motor but must be connected when
using a brushed motor.
I didn’t think the type of motor mattered,
so I contacted Castle Creations. The answer
the company gave me was surprising. The
distinction is with the ESC—not the motor.
If your ESC is of the opto-isolator
variety, it has no BEC. In that case, the red
wire is left connected. For all other
applications, regardless of the type of motor
employed, that red wire must be
disconnected, as I wrote in the column.
All of Castle Creations’ Phoenix HV
ESCs have opto-isolators, so the red wire
must stay connected. If this still isn’t clear
Millennium R/C’s clever X-Gear for
Slow Sticks and similar models.
This landing gear is strong, easy to
install, and available in an
appealing variety of colors.
02sig4.QXD 12/22/08 12:22 PM Page 98
or you continue to have a problem, the Castle
Creations customer-support department is
ready and willing to help. MA
Sources:
Ken Enya
[email protected]
BJ’s Model Engine Service
(203) 888-4819
www.bj-model-engines.com
Aero Products
(678) 407-9376
www.aeroproduct.net
SR Batteries Inc.
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Maxx Products International
(847) 438-2233
www.maxxprod.com
Millennium R/C
(407) 208-9745
www.millenniumrc.com
Code One Magazine’s Special Cockpit
Editor:
www.codeonemagazine.com/test/archives/20
07/articles/jan_07/cockpits/cockpits.html
Castle Creations
(913) 390-6939
www.castlecreations.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/02
Page Numbers: 97,98,100
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/02
Page Numbers: 97,98,100
PLEASE WRITE IN
with your questions; that
is the only way we can
keep this column format
going. When referring to
already published Q-and-
As (for follow-ups),
provide the number as a
reference.
References to
addresses and Web sites
are now placed in a
group, separate from the
text, at the end of the
column under “Sources.”
Q385: “I own several
Enya glow engines and
am now in the need for a
few replacement parts. I
went back to the original
distributor, MRC in
Edison, NJ, and found
that they no longer carry
the Enya line nor do they have any parts
inventory. Can you direct me to someone
who now sells these Enya engine parts?”
A385: I’ve used Enya glow engines almost
exclusively since the early 1970s. I have
several of these fine engines stored
carefully in jars of kerosene.
After reading this e-mail, I went into the
usual Web site search-engine routine. It
took awhile, but I am glad to report that I
received a response from Ken Enya in
Japan. The company (Enya Metal Products
of Saiama) is alive and well, and he is still
making engines and parts.
Ken supplied me with the names and
addresses of six Enya engine/parts
distributors in the US. Space doesn’t permit
me to list them all, but the first two on the
list were BJ’s Model Engine Service in
Falls, Connecticut, and Aero Products in
Dacula, Georgia.
Please drop an e-mail to Ken Enya to get
the names of the remaining four distributors.
His address is in the “Sources” section.
Q386: “I have used a package strapping
tape for years to reinforce certain model
aircraft wing structures. This was
especially helpful with foam wings. The
tape is a Scotch brand product and readily
available. Recently one of my club
members showed me a different kind of
tape, also a Scotch product that might
even do a better reinforcing job. Can you
identify this tape?”
A386: You are referring to Scotch Extreme
Application Packaging Tape, which is
catalog number 8959. It comes in rolls that
Also included in this column:
• Extreme Tape
• Arming switches
• Park flyer landing-gear upgrade
• Scale cockpit data
• Follow-up on Castle Creations’
CC-BEC
A typical Enya four-stroke, glow-fueled engine (1.20 cu. in.
displacement). Bob learned the names of several US
companies that supply new Enyas and spare parts.
Scotch Extreme Application Packaging
Tape is extremely strong and will likely
have many applications in our hobby.
You can compare the time-honored
strapping tape and the Extreme Application
Packaging Tape with “bidirectional
filament.”
are 1.9 inches wide and 21 yards long, and
they sell for roughly $9 apiece. I found this
product at my local Home Depot store on
Long Island, New York.
Strapping tape normally has fibers that
run only in one direction. This Extreme
variety differs in that there are two sets of
fibers running opposite to one another.
Scotch calls this a “bi-directional filament.”
I was introduced to this tape only
recently, while reviewing the new
Multiplex Blizzard high-performance
electric sailplane. Because of the aircraft’s
anticipated speed, additional wing
reinforcement using this new tape was
recommended.
The instructions for installing the tape
specify that it is to be applied at a 45°
angle, not lengthwise, down the span of the
wing. I’m sure there will be variations on
the installation, depending on the model
and application. Although it’s almost 2
inches in width, this tape can easily be cut
into strips to fit any size of aircraft.
Q387: “I know that most modern electric
motor controllers (ESC) have a built-in
protection against accidental motor starts.
You can’t arm a motor unless the RC
transmitter throttle stick is seen by the ESC
software that it’s in the idle position. Years
ago we use to see all kinds of arming
switches that permitted a positive kill
(disconnect) of the electric power system
until we were ready to fly.
“I have some large, high-powered
systems and if nothing else would like a
very positive arming switch to supplement
02sig4.QXD 12/22/08 12:17 PM Page 97
98 MODEL AVIATION
The Code One Magazine Web site features a section showing cockpit details of several
aircraft. This is the PBY Catalina’s cockpit; it’s like sitting in the left seat.
MPi sells these arming switches for electric
power systems. Pull the shorting plug out,
and the power is turned off.
the ESC feature. There must be someone
who makes such a switch.”
A387: Arming switches are thought of less
often now, because of the advent of modern
microprocessor ESCs and their built-in
protection features. But I agree that a
positive arming switch is still a worthwhile
addition. Without a switch, you are probably
drawing power somewhere in your system
the minute the battery is connected.
The best way to employ an arming
feature is to use a shorting plug in one of the
two battery wires. Pulling the plug, which
completes the circuit, instantly disconnects
all power going to your ESC and motor. If
you are using a BEC, it will kill your radio
system as well.
Maxx Products International (MPi)
offers a variety of arming switches. They
sell for approximately $10 and are available
with both Deans Ultra and Anderson
Powerpole/Sermos connectors.
You insert the harness into one of the
two battery wires. A plug is inserted into
this harness, and the circuit is completed;
your motor is armed and ready to go. But
the minute this
plug is pulled,
all power is off
and you have
the peace of mind of knowing that your
motor won’t start accidentally.
MPi has other, related harnesses that
allow you to connect Li-Poly battery packs
in parallel, to increase the battery capacity,
and in series, to increase the battery voltage.
It’s worth it to look at the Web site.
Q388: “I’m flying a GWS Slow Stick and
having trouble with the landing gear wire
always bending on almost any kind of
landing. Is there some kind of alternative
available that offers a little more strength?”
A388: At the NEAT Fair, held in upstate
New York in September, the Millennium
R/C booth had a landing-gear system that
was designed expressly for the company’s
Slow Stick X and the GWS Slow Stick.
Millennium R/C’s Jim Karpy explained that
the new X-Gear is made from carbon fiber
and an ABS/nylon blend.
The gear is available in several different
colors, and the cost is $14.95. It is adaptable
to several other park flyers, such as the Eflite
Mini Edge and Mini Ultra Stick, using a
supplied adjustable mount.
Q389: “I’ve seen a lot of references to
detailed scale information, but was
wondering is there any info regarding the
interior of the aircraft, namely the cockpit?
I’ve noted at scale events that cockpit detail
counts in the scoring. How do I get inside
the aircraft?”
A389: I suspect that there are many sources
for that kind of information. I recently
visited the Code One Magazine Web site,
which is an airpower publication that has a
load of full-scale aircraft data.
As I got deeper into the site, I found one
area called the “Special Cockpit Editor.”
When you open this page, you will see
photos of 32 aircraft. When you click on an
image, a picture will open to show the
cockpit. I clicked on a PBY Catalina flying
boat.
This feature shows few aircraft cockpits,
but the site has so much information; it is
worth the time to dig into it and scroll
around.
Follow-Up to Q371 (in the October 2008
MA): I received a reader’s e-mail indicating
that in the diagram for the Castle Creations
CC BEC, I didn’t mention that the red servo
cable wire going to your RC receiver’s
throttle port is disconnected when using a
brushless motor but must be connected when
using a brushed motor.
I didn’t think the type of motor mattered,
so I contacted Castle Creations. The answer
the company gave me was surprising. The
distinction is with the ESC—not the motor.
If your ESC is of the opto-isolator
variety, it has no BEC. In that case, the red
wire is left connected. For all other
applications, regardless of the type of motor
employed, that red wire must be
disconnected, as I wrote in the column.
All of Castle Creations’ Phoenix HV
ESCs have opto-isolators, so the red wire
must stay connected. If this still isn’t clear
Millennium R/C’s clever X-Gear for
Slow Sticks and similar models.
This landing gear is strong, easy to
install, and available in an
appealing variety of colors.
02sig4.QXD 12/22/08 12:22 PM Page 98
or you continue to have a problem, the Castle
Creations customer-support department is
ready and willing to help. MA
Sources:
Ken Enya
[email protected]
BJ’s Model Engine Service
(203) 888-4819
www.bj-model-engines.com
Aero Products
(678) 407-9376
www.aeroproduct.net
SR Batteries Inc.
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Maxx Products International
(847) 438-2233
www.maxxprod.com
Millennium R/C
(407) 208-9745
www.millenniumrc.com
Code One Magazine’s Special Cockpit
Editor:
www.codeonemagazine.com/test/archives/20
07/articles/jan_07/cockpits/cockpits.html
Castle Creations
(913) 390-6939
www.castlecreations.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/02
Page Numbers: 97,98,100
PLEASE WRITE IN
with your questions; that
is the only way we can
keep this column format
going. When referring to
already published Q-and-
As (for follow-ups),
provide the number as a
reference.
References to
addresses and Web sites
are now placed in a
group, separate from the
text, at the end of the
column under “Sources.”
Q385: “I own several
Enya glow engines and
am now in the need for a
few replacement parts. I
went back to the original
distributor, MRC in
Edison, NJ, and found
that they no longer carry
the Enya line nor do they have any parts
inventory. Can you direct me to someone
who now sells these Enya engine parts?”
A385: I’ve used Enya glow engines almost
exclusively since the early 1970s. I have
several of these fine engines stored
carefully in jars of kerosene.
After reading this e-mail, I went into the
usual Web site search-engine routine. It
took awhile, but I am glad to report that I
received a response from Ken Enya in
Japan. The company (Enya Metal Products
of Saiama) is alive and well, and he is still
making engines and parts.
Ken supplied me with the names and
addresses of six Enya engine/parts
distributors in the US. Space doesn’t permit
me to list them all, but the first two on the
list were BJ’s Model Engine Service in
Falls, Connecticut, and Aero Products in
Dacula, Georgia.
Please drop an e-mail to Ken Enya to get
the names of the remaining four distributors.
His address is in the “Sources” section.
Q386: “I have used a package strapping
tape for years to reinforce certain model
aircraft wing structures. This was
especially helpful with foam wings. The
tape is a Scotch brand product and readily
available. Recently one of my club
members showed me a different kind of
tape, also a Scotch product that might
even do a better reinforcing job. Can you
identify this tape?”
A386: You are referring to Scotch Extreme
Application Packaging Tape, which is
catalog number 8959. It comes in rolls that
Also included in this column:
• Extreme Tape
• Arming switches
• Park flyer landing-gear upgrade
• Scale cockpit data
• Follow-up on Castle Creations’
CC-BEC
A typical Enya four-stroke, glow-fueled engine (1.20 cu. in.
displacement). Bob learned the names of several US
companies that supply new Enyas and spare parts.
Scotch Extreme Application Packaging
Tape is extremely strong and will likely
have many applications in our hobby.
You can compare the time-honored
strapping tape and the Extreme Application
Packaging Tape with “bidirectional
filament.”
are 1.9 inches wide and 21 yards long, and
they sell for roughly $9 apiece. I found this
product at my local Home Depot store on
Long Island, New York.
Strapping tape normally has fibers that
run only in one direction. This Extreme
variety differs in that there are two sets of
fibers running opposite to one another.
Scotch calls this a “bi-directional filament.”
I was introduced to this tape only
recently, while reviewing the new
Multiplex Blizzard high-performance
electric sailplane. Because of the aircraft’s
anticipated speed, additional wing
reinforcement using this new tape was
recommended.
The instructions for installing the tape
specify that it is to be applied at a 45°
angle, not lengthwise, down the span of the
wing. I’m sure there will be variations on
the installation, depending on the model
and application. Although it’s almost 2
inches in width, this tape can easily be cut
into strips to fit any size of aircraft.
Q387: “I know that most modern electric
motor controllers (ESC) have a built-in
protection against accidental motor starts.
You can’t arm a motor unless the RC
transmitter throttle stick is seen by the ESC
software that it’s in the idle position. Years
ago we use to see all kinds of arming
switches that permitted a positive kill
(disconnect) of the electric power system
until we were ready to fly.
“I have some large, high-powered
systems and if nothing else would like a
very positive arming switch to supplement
02sig4.QXD 12/22/08 12:17 PM Page 97
98 MODEL AVIATION
The Code One Magazine Web site features a section showing cockpit details of several
aircraft. This is the PBY Catalina’s cockpit; it’s like sitting in the left seat.
MPi sells these arming switches for electric
power systems. Pull the shorting plug out,
and the power is turned off.
the ESC feature. There must be someone
who makes such a switch.”
A387: Arming switches are thought of less
often now, because of the advent of modern
microprocessor ESCs and their built-in
protection features. But I agree that a
positive arming switch is still a worthwhile
addition. Without a switch, you are probably
drawing power somewhere in your system
the minute the battery is connected.
The best way to employ an arming
feature is to use a shorting plug in one of the
two battery wires. Pulling the plug, which
completes the circuit, instantly disconnects
all power going to your ESC and motor. If
you are using a BEC, it will kill your radio
system as well.
Maxx Products International (MPi)
offers a variety of arming switches. They
sell for approximately $10 and are available
with both Deans Ultra and Anderson
Powerpole/Sermos connectors.
You insert the harness into one of the
two battery wires. A plug is inserted into
this harness, and the circuit is completed;
your motor is armed and ready to go. But
the minute this
plug is pulled,
all power is off
and you have
the peace of mind of knowing that your
motor won’t start accidentally.
MPi has other, related harnesses that
allow you to connect Li-Poly battery packs
in parallel, to increase the battery capacity,
and in series, to increase the battery voltage.
It’s worth it to look at the Web site.
Q388: “I’m flying a GWS Slow Stick and
having trouble with the landing gear wire
always bending on almost any kind of
landing. Is there some kind of alternative
available that offers a little more strength?”
A388: At the NEAT Fair, held in upstate
New York in September, the Millennium
R/C booth had a landing-gear system that
was designed expressly for the company’s
Slow Stick X and the GWS Slow Stick.
Millennium R/C’s Jim Karpy explained that
the new X-Gear is made from carbon fiber
and an ABS/nylon blend.
The gear is available in several different
colors, and the cost is $14.95. It is adaptable
to several other park flyers, such as the Eflite
Mini Edge and Mini Ultra Stick, using a
supplied adjustable mount.
Q389: “I’ve seen a lot of references to
detailed scale information, but was
wondering is there any info regarding the
interior of the aircraft, namely the cockpit?
I’ve noted at scale events that cockpit detail
counts in the scoring. How do I get inside
the aircraft?”
A389: I suspect that there are many sources
for that kind of information. I recently
visited the Code One Magazine Web site,
which is an airpower publication that has a
load of full-scale aircraft data.
As I got deeper into the site, I found one
area called the “Special Cockpit Editor.”
When you open this page, you will see
photos of 32 aircraft. When you click on an
image, a picture will open to show the
cockpit. I clicked on a PBY Catalina flying
boat.
This feature shows few aircraft cockpits,
but the site has so much information; it is
worth the time to dig into it and scroll
around.
Follow-Up to Q371 (in the October 2008
MA): I received a reader’s e-mail indicating
that in the diagram for the Castle Creations
CC BEC, I didn’t mention that the red servo
cable wire going to your RC receiver’s
throttle port is disconnected when using a
brushless motor but must be connected when
using a brushed motor.
I didn’t think the type of motor mattered,
so I contacted Castle Creations. The answer
the company gave me was surprising. The
distinction is with the ESC—not the motor.
If your ESC is of the opto-isolator
variety, it has no BEC. In that case, the red
wire is left connected. For all other
applications, regardless of the type of motor
employed, that red wire must be
disconnected, as I wrote in the column.
All of Castle Creations’ Phoenix HV
ESCs have opto-isolators, so the red wire
must stay connected. If this still isn’t clear
Millennium R/C’s clever X-Gear for
Slow Sticks and similar models.
This landing gear is strong, easy to
install, and available in an
appealing variety of colors.
02sig4.QXD 12/22/08 12:22 PM Page 98
or you continue to have a problem, the Castle
Creations customer-support department is
ready and willing to help. MA
Sources:
Ken Enya
[email protected]
BJ’s Model Engine Service
(203) 888-4819
www.bj-model-engines.com
Aero Products
(678) 407-9376
www.aeroproduct.net
SR Batteries Inc.
(631) 286-0079
www.srbatteries.com
Maxx Products International
(847) 438-2233
www.maxxprod.com
Millennium R/C
(407) 208-9745
www.millenniumrc.com
Code One Magazine’s Special Cockpit
Editor:
www.codeonemagazine.com/test/archives/20
07/articles/jan_07/cockpits/cockpits.html
Castle Creations
(913) 390-6939
www.castlecreations.com
