Author: Dave Robelen
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/06
Page Numbers: 82,83
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Micro-Flying - 2003/06

Indoor RC Championships — site change and details

Hello, friends in microland.

The original plan was to hold the indoor Radio Control (RC) championships in the Lakehurst (New Jersey) dirigible hangar. After all plans were made and the sanctions approved, the site was withdrawn citing security reasons.

With the attitude that the show must go on, a search for another suitable site started. With the help of many cooperative people, there is a new, confirmed site: the Oakland Yard Dome in Waterford, Michigan (approximately one hour northwest of Detroit). The new dates are May 31–June 1. All event information still applies as far as the rules, etc.

For more information:

  • National Indoor Remote-controlled Aircraft Council (NIRAC) Web site: www.nirac.org
  • If you do not have Internet access, you can drop me a line (my contact info is at the top of the column).

There will be a banquet Saturday night of the contest, coordinated by John Worth. For more information, contact John:

We would appreciate preregistration to help with frequency assignments and organization. You can find an entry form on the NIRAC Web site or contact me.

Recent projects and contributors

This has been an active period for new projects — thanks to all who shared.

  • Gordon Johnson ([email protected]) has developed a delightful Fokker D.VII micromodel using a technique of laminating ink-jet–colored tissue over 1/32 balsa. He mentioned his color scheme came from the Fiddler's Green Web site (www.fiddlersgreen.net). Photos show Gordon's neat little Fokker.

Fokker D.VII specs:

  • Wingspan: 13.50 inches
  • Wing area: 46 square inches
  • Weight: 22.40 grams
  • Wing loading: 2.42 ounces per square foot
  • Radio: Dynamic Web Enterprises RFFS-100
  • Power: Bit Charger 3.0 motor with Didel 5:1 gears
  • Battery: Kokam 145 mAh Lithium-Polymer
  • Flight duration: 7–10 minutes

Thanks for sharing, Gordon.

  • Steve Leitge ([email protected]) holds the RC Indoor Electric Duration record with a time of 18 minutes, 36 seconds. A photo shows Steve’s wife holding the victorious model. Steve mentioned he used a Maxon motor geared 11:1 driving a modified ARC-1 propeller. With this as a challenge, why don't you read up on AMA event 627 and see if you can push that time up a bit?
  • Fred Ewing (44 Blaine Ave. #A, Hatfield, PA 19440) sent a picture of his Lacey M-10. Specs:
  • Wingspan: 28 inches
  • Area: 208 square inches
  • Power: GWS Indoor Power System A drive with a GWS 9 x 7 propeller
  • Weight: 8.50 ounces with a 150 mAh 8.4-volt battery
  • Covering: CoverLite
  • Flight characteristics: excellent, exceeding expectations

Thanks for sharing, Fred.

  • Hector J. Santemma (3519 Charles Ct., North Bergen, NJ 07047) sent pictures of his scratch-built Yogi flying in the National Building Museum in downtown Washington, D.C. A neat little model of an unusual Old-Timer — the Yogi flew great. These flying sessions are held quarterly and are hosted by the DC Maxecuters club. Tom Schmitt ([email protected]) coordinates the gatherings. The building is a nice site and the people are friendly; drop Tom a line to see how to join a session.

Slow indoor models — the Walker

Many aim to fly very slow models indoors in confined spaces. Some models are true works of art requiring watchmaker-like construction and expensive equipment; others simply fly a bit faster and rely on excellent reflexes. I decided to blend standard Free Flight (FF) indoor structure with readily available RC gear and drive equipment. The result is the Walker.

The Walker cruises at true walking speed (3–4 mph). The minimum flying space required is approximately 12 x 16 feet — some homes have rooms that size. Ideal sites include social halls (I use my church’s hall), where there is ample space to maneuver and even play carrier landings on tables.

Walker specifications:

  • Wingspan: 25.50 inches
  • Length: 26.75 inches
  • Wing area: 357 square inches
  • Weight: 29 grams
  • Wing loading: 0.40 ounce per square foot
  • Controls: Dynamic Web Enterprises RFFS-100
  • Drive: KP-00 motor with 7.5:1 gearing
  • Propeller: 7.0 inch diameter x 1.8 inch pitch
  • Battery: 170 mAh Lithium-Polymer
  • Flight time: roughly 30 minutes of cruising per charge
  • Structure: mostly balsa with some light foam
  • Covering: 2um Mylar from Dave Lewis (www.homefly.com)

Look for a construction article for the Walker at www.rcmicroflight.com.

Publications, catalogs, and vendors

  • Carl Bakay (1621 Lake Salvador Dr., Harvey, LA 70058; [email protected]) sent a package of material. Carl edits the FF publications Indoor News and Views and the South Louisiana Indoor Modeling Journal. He compiled a “Best of S.L.I.M.” — about 1/4-inch thick, full of hints, tips, plans, color pictures, and information about FF and RC indoor models. A must-have for the serious indoor flier. Contact Carl to obtain a copy.
  • Peck-Polymers sent a new catalog — a premier source of small model kits, materials, and parts. To quote Sandy Peck: “We carry the full line of Aero Graphics, West Wings, Lee's Hobbies, and Hannan's books and plans. There are ready-to-fly from Ikara and simple kits from Ackus. The beautiful plans by Ulises Alvarez are now in the catalog. Of course we also have a well-rounded supply of building and specialty items.”

Peck-Polymers contact:

I have dealt with this company for years — they have a great deal of neat stuff. Tell ’em I sent you.

I will see you at the flying site.

MA

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.