Modeler’s Mall
F4D-1 Skyray Jet ARF — $169.90 + S&H
- From: Hobby Lobby International, 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood, TN 37027
- Tel.: (615) 373-1444
- Web site: www.hobby-lobby.com
The Skyray is constructed with molded EPS foam, prepainted and decorated with waterslide decals. Assembly is quick and consists of gluing the main wing panels and vertical tail to the fuselage, gluing on the nose cone, and installing the landing gear.
In less time than it takes to charge the included 3-cell, 1300 mAh Li-Po battery with the supplied balance charger, the jet can be ready to fly.
Landing gear is removable, allowing smooth ground handling with nose-wheel steering or hand launch for a cleaner look in the air. The 64 mm ducted fan is preinstalled with an outrunner brushless motor and 30-amp electronic speed control, producing smooth power for jetlike performance.
Servos, control horns, and control surface hinges are preassembled. The canopy is held in place by magnets, giving quick access to the battery compartment. With its large wing area and delta configuration, the F4D-1 has great flight manners and slows to a walking pace when the nose is raised.
- Basic specifications:
- Wingspan: 25.5 inches
- Wing area: 309 sq in
- Flying weight: 21 oz
- Recommended radio: 4-channel system with delta mixing; endpoint adjustments and exponential recommended
JR G370 3D Gyro — $159.99 + S&H
- From: Horizon Hobby Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
- Tel.: (800) 338-4639
- Web site: www.jrradios.com
The JR G370 3D gyro is aimed at both newcomers to 3-D flying and seasoned experts. It is one of the most durable gyros in its class, featuring a machined-aluminum frame plus aluminum top and baseplates for crash resistance.
At roughly half the thickness of JR’s G770 3D, the G370 remains equally precise. Its pirouette-rate consistency and resistance to external forces are outstanding. The unit includes heading lock and normal modes and has settings for both electric and glow power systems.
The G370 is backed by JR’s three-year warranty and service record.
- Key features:
- Machined-aluminum frame and plates
- Compact thickness with high precision
- Heading lock and normal modes
- Electric and glow settings
- 3-year warranty
Astro-Hog — $87 + S&H
- From: BMJR Model Products, Box 1210, Sharpes, FL 32959
- Tel.: (321) 537-1159
- Web site: www.bmjrmodels.com
The Astro-Hog, originally by Fred Dunn in the April 1958 issue of Model Airplane News, helped introduce low-wing, aileron-equipped designs to the radio-control community. The original design opened the door to maneuvers such as slow rolls, four-point rolls, and inverted flight.
The BMJR Astro-Hog is a half-size reproduction of the original, with a 36-inch span and brushless electric power. It retains the aerodynamic and structural qualities of the original and is suitable for both nostalgia and new pilots wanting a lively model without much noise.
- Basic specifications:
- Wingspan: 36 inches
- Wing area: 194 sq in
- Flying weight: ~17 oz
- Power: brushless electric
Great Planes Shoestring .46 GP/EP Sport ARF — $199.99 + S&H
- From: Great Planes Hobby Distributors, Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826
- Tel.: (217) 398-3630
- Web site: www.greatplanes.com
The Shoestring .46 GP/EP Sport ARF can be powered by a range of two- or four-stroke glow engines or by brushless electric power. Modeled after the home-built Formula One pylon racer, the Shoestring is highly recognizable and offers a wide sport-flying envelope—from gentle sport flying to racer-fast responsiveness.
Assembly is quick, featuring a two-piece, 54-inch wing for easy transport. Instructions cover gas, glow, and electric installations without modifications. A glow engine mount is included; the electric mount is sold separately.
- Key points:
- Two-piece 54-inch wing
- Wide flight envelope: sport to racer-fast
- Includes glow engine mount; electric mount optional
JetMach Super Sport — $389 + S&H
- From: Laser Design Services LLC, 1823 Emerald Bay Dr., Rockwall, TX 75087
- Tel.: (972) 772-4326
- Web site: www.laser-design-services.com
The JetMach Super Sport is designed as a sport jet with trainerlike flying habits—ideal for pilots seeking turbine-style performance on a budget. It is capable of slow landings and takeoffs within 50 feet and flight speeds from about 15 to over 100 mph, making it a good transition model toward higher-performance turbine aircraft.
The kit includes all balsa with laser-cut, interlocking parts, a reinforced wing tube, heat shield, rolled plans with instructions, and a complete hardware list (suggesting items like Robart 630 retracts).
- Basic specifications:
- Wingspan: 80 inches
- Wing area: 1,300 sq in
- Flying weight: 20 lb
- Recommended power: turbine producing 14–24 lb thrust
Piper L-4 Grasshopper 250 ARF — $99.99 + S&H
The L-4 Grasshopper was the military derivative of Piper’s J-3 Cub, used by the US Army Air Forces for liaison and observation duties during World War II and Korea. The military L-4 features enlarged rear-cabin windows for improved observation.
E-flite’s Piper L-4 Grasshopper 250 is a built-up balsa ARF that combines classic scale appearance with full four-channel control. Its low parts count and time-saving features—such as magnetically secured plug-in wings—make assembly very easy. In flight, it offers docile characteristics and is slow enough to be flown in large indoor venues when parks are unavailable.
- Key points:
- Built-up balsa ARF with scale appearance
- Magnetically secured plug-in wings
- Four-channel control
- Suitable for park flying and large indoor flying
Velox — 68 inches — $399.99 + S&H
- From: 3D Hobby Shop, 603 FM 2093 STE 1601, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Tel.: (830) 990-6978
- Web site: www.3dhobbyshop.com
The 68-inch Velox excels in 3-D aerobatics with no wing rock and no roll coupling. It tracks straight, tumbles and snaps with authority, spins well, and offers confident handling for a wide range of maneuvers. It is a versatile 3-D aerobatic model in a convenient size—outperforming many 50cc aircraft while remaining accessible to park-flyer and electric pilots.
Available in two color schemes, the Velox can be powered by a 1.40–1.80 glow engine, a 30 cc gas engine, or a motor compatible with 5S–8S batteries.
- Basic specifications:
- Wingspan: 68 inches
- Wing area: 900 sq in
- Flying weight: 8–9 lb
- Power options: 1.40–1.80 glow, 30 cc gas, or 5S–8S electric
Futaba 8FG 2.4 GHz FASST Radio — $449.99 + S&H
The Futaba 8FG 2.4 GHz FASST radio is aimed at upper-level sport fliers and competition pilots. The SensorTouch pad lets modelers navigate menus quickly and easily with a light touch, similar to an iPod click wheel.
The 128 x 64 backlit LCD screen has adjustable contrast for clear viewing in various light conditions. The 8FG offers real-time response with 2048 resolution and very low latency. It supports SD memory cards from 32 MB to 2 GB for software updates and expanded model memory.
The unit is housed in a comfortable, lightweight case that is well balanced for neck-strap use.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
