Modeler's Mall
Expert Onboard Charging Receptacle from Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 355-9511; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com.
The Expert Onboard Charge Receptacle is easy to install and doesn't cost a whole lot, but its convenience value is enormous. This handy accessory allows modelers to charge their airplane's receiver packs without having to remove the wing to access the charge cord.
Just mount the Expert Charge Receptacle on the side of the fuselage and plug in your model when it's time to charge. This is especially handy at the flying field with aircraft that have bolt-on wings, which take some time to remove and put back on.
The Expert Charge Receptacle is available in JR and Futaba varieties. EXPAR055J Charge Receptacle: JR, HRC, AIR Z, retail $2.49. EXPAR055F Receptacle: FUT, retail $2.49. Expert is exclusively distributed by Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Defying the Limits with Jason Shulman video @ $19.95 + $4 S&H from Robin's View Productions, Box 68, Stockton, CA 95201; Tel.: (610) 746-0106; E-mail: [email protected].
In this near-hour-long video, three-time Masters Champion and six-time top Tournament of Champions (TOC) competitor Jason Shulman takes you step by step through the latest Radio Control aerobatic 3-D freestyle maneuvers.
You'll learn cutting-edge secrets to award-winning 3-D flying and get all the tips on how to perform maneuvers such as the Elevator, the Harrier, The Wall, the Waterfall, the High-Alpha Knife Edge, and more.
Jason reveals the secrets to setting up your aircraft for optimum 3-D performance by discussing key elements such as weight and balance, control-surface ratios, engine setup, and surface deflections needed to get your airplane ready to start experimenting with high-alpha flight.
Jason discusses and demonstrates tips and tricks for learning to hover—one of the first steps to starting to learn to Torque Roll. Jason explains each maneuver in detail as you watch it being flown correctly.
He then goes through the same maneuver again, showing you the required stick movements on the transmitter. He goes through the maneuver one more time to explain what to do if something starts to go wrong. He tells you how to correct it.
Also included in this video is a run-through of Jason's awesome TOC freestyle routine and a fun segment in which he ties a line and lure to the tail wheel of his airplane and goes Torque-Roll fishing. Yes, he actually catches one!
This video is professionally shot and edited on digital nonlinear equipment for a fluid, entertaining, and extremely informative presentation.
For your convenience, Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and telephone or E-mailed orders are welcomed.
Comet Sparky from Bob Holman Plans, Box 741, San Bernardino CA 92402; Tel.: (909) 885-3959; Fax: (909) 889-9307; E-mail: [email protected].
CAD (computer-aided design)-drawn plans and laser-cut parts are available for this Old-Time Rubber model. The model shown has been built for electric power. Plans have been copied in CAD to make sure everything fits. According to Bob Holman Plans, this is the only way to be sure the parts fit the plan.
The Sparky has a wingspan of 32 inches. The Sparky will be the SAM (Society of Antique Modelers) Champs 2001 special-event Rubber model.
Laser-cut parts include all the parts that you need to cut out. You add the stock sheet, sticks, propeller, etc. Plans are $6, laser-cut parts are $18, and shipping is $4.
Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a list of Rubber and Old-Time Gas plans and parts. The complete kit is $19.95 + $9 S&H.
Building a Pattern Airplane, fourth edition, by Bruce Thompson and Don Atwood from Bruce Thompson, 456 Jackson St., Denver CO 80206; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.patternairplane.com.
This is a detailed instruction book for a novice builder, describing all aspects of aerobatics-model-airplane construction, finishing, and flying.
The instructions and pictures start with raw materials and describe the construction and finishing details to complete the final, flying model.
The book covers fiberglass-fuselage/foam-core-wing kits as well as scratch-built, all-balsa airplanes.
Other topics addressed in detail in the book are the engine, radio system, flying, and trimming model airplanes, and care and maintenance. There are more than 200 pages and 350 photographs and diagrams.
The book is $27.50 (postage paid); orders from outside the United States are $31.50 (postage paid) (US). Check or money order only (no credit cards).
Ultra Battery Service System from Cell-Con Incorporated, 735 Fox Chase #107, Coatesville PA 19320; Tel.: (800) 771-7139, extension 204; Fax: (610) 380-4710; Web site: www.cell-con/ultra.
The product is unique in its capability to fast- and smart-charge any Ni-Cd or NiMH three- to 12-cell assembly. In addition, the charging system will condition the batteries and capacity-test them.
This system allows users to be sure that they maximize cycle life, and they can know when the cells are coming to the end of life.
The system operates from Universal AC input as well as automotive DC; the flexibility is retained for use around the world or in a vehicle. It can also provide a power supply of 12 VDC (regulated) and up to one amp for use as needed.
The same central system can be used for many different battery assemblies with use of a factory-programmed plug module for use with different numbers of cells and chemistries.
The Ultra System is a product that finally offers rechargeable-battery users the ability to know when a battery is spent and ready for the recycle bin.
Retention of batteries that are nearly spent can be a thing of the past, along with knowledge that an expensive battery that might still be useful is not being thrown away.
The Ultra Battery Service System is a stock item. Call Cell-Con Inc. for additional information and pricing.
Mini-XL CAVU from A.A. (Al) Lidberg model plan service (AALmps), 1030 E. Baseline Rd. Suite 105-1074; Tempe AZ 85283; Tel.: (480) 839-8154 (6-10 p.m. MST M-F, anytime on weekends); E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.aalmps.com.
The CAVU is a full kit model for Free Flight (FF) or small Radio Control (RC). It's from 1938 and was designed by Ken Willard, who became well-known in the 1960s-'70s for sport and amphibian RC designs.
It looks as though Ken was inspired by the Fairchild 22, but things are simpler without those wing struts!
CAVU was designed as an Elf single (.099 cubic-inch-displacement)-powered, 42-inch-wingspan model for FF. The open cockpit adds a nice old-time quality to the design.
The smaller model can be flown in the FAC (Flying Aces Club) Electric replica FF event; it is drawn up to be just within the maximum size permitted (30-inch wingspan). In this application, the model will work well with a HiLine Mini-6 running on three or four 110 mAh Ni-Cd cells.
Some propeller experimenting may be useful to maximize the climb. The Williams Bros. 5-1/2-inch propeller, the 6-inch Fern Aero propeller, and other 5-6-1/2-inch propellers meant for rubber power will be worthwhile possibilities.
Other electric motors may also be tried, and CO2 motors up to roughly 300 size will work well for sport-flying. Fully illustrated details about installing a methanolizer are included to lessen the chance of losing your FF CAVU.
Specifications: wingspan, 30 inches; FF model weight, 3-3.5 ounces; RC model weight, 6.5 ounces.
The kit includes detailed instructions, a CAD (computer-aided design)-drawn original printed as a crisp black-line plan, Esaki Japanese tissue, wire, sticks, plywood, and balsa printwood including wheels and windshield plastic.
The price is $27.95 + 15% postage in US and Canada; add 30% for Europe and 40% for Pacific-Rim destinations.
Weight Rule @ $38 + $4 S&H from BMJR Model Products, Box 1210, Sharpes FL 32959-1210; Tel.: (321) 537-1159; Web site: www.bmjrmodels.com.
Earl Stahl designed the Weight Rule in 1938 to compete against models built to the then-new NAA (National Aeronautic Association) weight rule of three ounces per 100 square inches of wing area. At 138 square inches, this model would have to weigh 4.14 ounces.
Today the Weight Rule may be flown without a weight restriction in Old-Time Rubber events sanctioned by the Flying Aces Club (FAC) and the Society of Antique Modelers (SAM).
The FAC Old-Time Rubber rules require that the original model's fuselage cross-section be maintained, and the wingspan is limited to 36 inches with an area not to exceed 150 square inches.
The propeller specified on the original plan may be used or plastic propellers are permitted, not to exceed one-third the wingspan. The model must have fixed landing gear for a rise-off-ground (ROG) takeoff. The SAM rules are the same, except that plastic propellers are not allowed and the propeller specified on the original plan must be used.
The BMJR Weight Rule may be built for either competition by using the 12-inch plastic propeller provided in the kit or carving an original 15-inch propeller shown on the plan.
Both power configurations provide a super-performing Old-Time Rubber model. The kit includes full-size, rolled plans, laser-cut parts, complete hardware pack, ply-spar for the fuselage, and Japanese tissue for flight surfaces, propeller, and rubber motor.
Modeler's Mall
Tommy Boy ½A Sport model from FunAero R/C, 4385 Relbande Rd., Dalzell SC 29072; Tel.: (803) 499-5487; Web site: www.funaero.com.
This 30-inch-span, laser-cut kit is geared toward the Norvel .061 engine. Full-house four-channel with full-length ailerons make this a nimble performer.
CAD (computer-aided design)-produced, easy-to-follow plans and a detailed construction manual round out the kit.
Gizmo from D&L Designs, 1145 E. Kleindale Rd., Tucson AZ 85719; Tel.: (520) 887-0771; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.dlldesigns.net/.
This new sport fun-fly model can be used as a trainer, a fun-fly everyday model, or a 3-D acrobatic model. It is fully aerobatic with a symmetrical airfoil that has a very wide speed envelope; the wing will not stall.
The design utilizes a plug-on wing system with an aluminum tube spar through a phenolic and rear alignment pin. All main parts for the model are laser-cut from balsa and plywood.
Tail feathers and ailerons are built from 1/4-square balsa, 1/4 x 1/2 balsa, and laser-cut parts. The wing ribs have building tabs on them for ease of assembly with a leading edge on each tab for trailing-edge stock jigging.
Most set-up hardware comes with the model—wing tube system, pushrods, threaded rods and links, main landing gear, tail-wheel bracket, hinges, control horns, and screws.
Plans come as two sheets with a construction manual and 46 black-and-white construction photos.
The Gizmo has a 52½-inch wingspan with a 645 square-inch wing area. The model's length is 46½ inches, and it comes in at a weight of 4½ to 5 pounds.
A .32-.46 engine can be used with the model, depending on the intended use. The model requires a four-channel radio driving five servos.
The rolled plans are $25 + $4.50 S&H. The complete kit is $99.95 + $9 S&H.
Rascal Forty ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) @ $309.99 (MSRP) from Sig Manufacturing Company, Inc., 401-7 S. Front St., Montezuma IA 50171; Tel.: (641) 623-5154; Orders: (800) 247-5008; Modeler's Hotline: (641) 623-0215; Fax: (641) 623-3922; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.sigmfg.com.
This is easily one of the most recognized designs at the field. It has classic looks with that distinctive elliptical wing and tail group. Now that design is all grown up.
In response to customer requests, Sig takes great pleasure in introducing the Rascal Forty ARF: the same great design of the Rascal R/C and Rascal ARF but designed for popular .40-size engines.
In making this transition, the Rascal Forty ARF has features not found on the smaller airplanes, such as matching painted fiberglass wheel pants and full-span ailerons for outstanding aerobatics.
The large, two-piece, 72-inch wing makes transport to the field a breeze. The Rascal Forty ARF features a complete hardware package with fuel tank, wheels, Sig APC-compatible spinner, hardened-aluminum landing gear, and a complete illustrated instruction manual.
All major components are covered with premium polyester covering film in your choice of two eye-catching color schemes: white with transparent blue (kit SIGRC38ARFB) or white with transparent red (kit SIGRC38ARFR).
This model is 90% prebuilt, so assembly time can be as little as four to five hours. The Rascal Forty ARF is scheduled for delivery in November 2001. See your local hobby dealer.
Specifications: wingspan, 72.5 inches; wing area, 728 square inches; fuselage length, 51.75 inches; weight, 5-5.5 pounds; engine recommended, .40-.46 two-stroke or .40-.53 four-stroke; radio required, four-channel and five servos.
Vector 40 (kit CLB-48) @ $109.99 from Brodak Manufacturing and Distributing Company, Inc., 100 Park Ave., Carmichaels PA 15320; Tel.: (724) 966-2726.
The Vector 40 is another in the series of competition Stunt models. It was designed by Randy Smith and it is a multi-time winner at the United States Nationals. Randy's design combines sleek styling with durable construction in a kit that is easy to build and exciting to fly.
The Vector 40 features a wingspan of 50½ inches, a wing area of 536 square inches, and an overall length of 42¼ inches. The airplane can be flown with a .32 to .40 engine, depending on your personal preference.
Included in the Vector 40 kit are full-size, detailed plans and complete, step-by-step, fully illustrated instructions that include building tips.
Featured in the kit are die-cut ribs and parts, machined fuselages, an arrowshaft pushrod, a four-inch heavy-duty nylon bellcrank, an adjustable leadout guide, weight box, carbon mat, and flap and elevator horns.
The kit also includes nylon hinges, a landing gear, canopy, leadout wires, and a complete hardware kit, as well as a complete set of fuelproof decals. As do all Brodak kits, the Vector 40 features Select AAA balsa.
The Vector 40 is available through hobby shops or you can buy direct from Brodak Manufacturing.
Modeler's Mall
Olympic Mk VI (kit CLB-54) @ $99.99 from Brodak Manufacturing and Distributing Company, Inc., 100 Park Ave., Carmichaels PA 15320; Tel.: (724) 966-2726.
Hall of Fame member Bob Gialdini's Olympic Mk VI is another in the series of competition Stunt models.
The Olympic Mk VI features sleek styling in a kit that is easy to build and exciting to fly. The model features durable construction, detailed engineering, and top-quality materials.
It features a wingspan of 52 inches, a wing area of 560 square inches, and an overall length of 41 inches. The airplane can be flown with engine sizes .35 to .46, depending on your personal flying preference.
The Olympic Mk VI includes full-size, detailed plans and complete, step-by-step, fully illustrated instructions that include building tips.
Featured in the kit are die-cut ribs and parts, a machined fuselage, a three-inch heavy-duty nylon bellcrank, an adjustable leadout guide, weight box, and flap and elevator horns.
The kit includes nylon hinges, a landing gear, canopy, leadout wires, and a complete hardware kit. It also includes a complete set of fuelproof decals and features select AAA balsa.
Bob Gialdini's Olympic Mk VI is available through hobby shops.
Oakwood GA 30566; Tel.: (770) 532-6401; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.lanierrc.com.
The Sukhoi Su-31 has amassed a brilliant record of Aerobatics championships. The Giant-Scale LanierRC version faithfully replicates the performance and flight characteristics of the full-scale Sukhoi Su-31.
This aircraft is IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club)- and IMAA (International Miniature Aircraft Association)-legal with potential to win Scale Aerobatics competitions. This is the largest Scale Sukhoi model made.
The Sukhoi Su-31 is a wood kit of parts made with precision tools, such as computer-driven lasers and a CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) router. The fully symmetrical airfoils are foam-core strengthened with spruce spars and foam sheeting.
The wings and horizontal stabilizer are removable for transport. Outstanding fiberglass cowling and a vacuum-formed, clear canopy add to the master craftsmanship of the finished airplane.
Specifications: wingspan, 120 inches; wing area, 2,487 square inches; power, 120-150cc engine; fuselage length, 105 inches; flying weight, 38-40 pounds; channels required, four; MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price), $1,499; street price, $799.
Control Line Scale Modeling
Fred Cronenwett has released a comprehensive new book for Control Line (CL) Scale pilots and CL modelers who are interested in electronic controls. The book is broken into three major sections: electronic controls, how to set up a CL Scale model, and CL Scale competition.
This book walks the new or experienced modeler through picking a CL Scale subject, getting documentation, converting Radio Control kits to CL Scale, setting up the model airplane, test-flying, electronic controls, and CL Scale competition itself.
Grant Hiestand wrote a chapter on how to set and fly with electric power with throttle control.
Fred Cronenwett has 12 years of experience with CL Scale competition and electronic controls.
This softbound book has 133 pages, 96 black-and-white photos, and 16 illustrations, and it includes a 15-page photo gallery that shows many examples of CL Scale models.
You can order the book by sending a check or money order for $24.95 plus shipping and handling. California residents add 8% sales tax (2% sales tax per book). Shipping for the US, including Hawaii and Alaska, is $4. Shipping for Canada and Mexico is $8, and all other international orders require $10.
Control Line Scale Modeling from Fred Cronenwett, 18375 Ventura Blvd. #173, Tarzana CA 91356.
Bosch Spark Plug Cover from Miniature Aircraft USA, 3743 Silver Star Rd., Orlando FL 32808; Tel.: (407) 292-4267; Fax: (407) 292-4296; Web site: www.x-cellrcHelicopters.com.
Miniature Aircraft USA has heard of some cases where the old Bosch Spark Plug Cover has fallen off or worked loose in the inverted position or on soft mounts. The extra shaking of the engine may cause the plug to come off.
The new Bosch cap comes with a small spring clamp around the base of the cover, just above the snap ring.
To install on a magneto-equipped engine, remove the rubber plug cap and its clip, apply a little silicone (RTV [room-temperature vulcanizing]) in the high-tension lead, and screw on the Bosch cap. (Order Miniature Aircraft part number 105-106.)
The new Bosch Spark Plug Cover will not work on the taller Champion RCJ8 or the RDJ6 or 7 spark plugs. It must be used on the short, 3/4-inch hex spark plugs.
Miniature Aircraft uses the NGK BPMR6A, the Bosch R10, or the Champion RCJ7Y.
Dalotel DM-165 Viking ARC and ARF kits from D&L Designs, 1145 E. Kleindale Rd., Tucson AZ 58719; Tel.: (520) 887-0771; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.dldesigns.net.
D&L Designs is offering Almost Ready-to-Cover (ARC) and Almost Ready-to-Fly (ARF) versions of the DM-165 at 18% scale that is manufactured in China from the D&L plans.
The model has a very wide speed envelope, is easy to handle, and performs precision aerobatics. The aircraft is suitable for sport-flying, Sport Scale, IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club) Scale Aerobatics, or Pattern competition.
The model spans 59.5 inches and has 625 square inches of wing area. Engine-size ranges are .45-.50-.61 two-strokes and .53-.70 four-strokes.
The design utilizes a midship fuel-tank location, pull-pull cable rudder, and spanwise variable airfoil design for excellent low-speed handling characteristics. Construction is balsa, plywood, and spruce, with MonoKote® covering. Weight is 6¼-6½ pounds ready-to-fly.
The DM-165 features a fiberglass cowl, molded canopy, landing gear, wheels, and hardware. The ARF model features all hardware, and the ARC model features some hardware: pushrods, threaded rods and links, main landing gear, tail-wheel bracket, hinges, rudder cable, control horn and bellcrank, and screws.
Two color schemes are featured on the ARF models. Kits come with a construction manual and 24 black-and-white construction photos. The model requires a four-channel radio driving four servos.
The ARC kit costs $219.95, and the ARF is $269.95 plus postage to your zone.
T-38 Chrome Afterburner Cans @$150 from Bob Fiorenze, 401 Westchester Dr., Altamonte Springs FL 32701; Tel.: (407) 673-9080; Web site: www.rcaviation.com/fiorenze.
The T-38 Chrome Afterburner Cans feature lightweight and highly polished aluminum construction. They are preassembled and ready to install.
Just put the afterburner cans in position and glue the preinstalled hardwood mounting blocks to fuselage.
The cans are removable for fuselage access. They come complete with corrugated aluminum cooling rings (preinstalled).
These cans are made to add that finishing touch to the Stainless/Aluminum T-38 Exhaust System. They are available at local hobby shops or order direct.
Send $3 for an illustrated catalog.
Buccaneer 36 from Bob Holman Plans, Box 741, San Bernardino CA 92402; Tel.: (909) 885-3959; Fax: (909) 889-9307; E-mail: [email protected].
CAD (computer-aided design)-drawn plans and laser-cut parts are available for this old-time model from the 1940s. The Buccaneer 36 is a 36-inch span Free Flight Power model.
Original plans show an Atom and a Madewell for power. Both are small ignition motors from the 1940s. The Buccaneer can be powered with a number of modern small glow engines or electric power.
The wing area is 180 square inches. Laser-cut parts include all the pieces you need to cut out. You add the stock sheet, sticks, propeller, etc. The lengthening holes in the wing ribs are laser-cut for you; where there is a center spar, the laser has no trouble cutting these.
The model shown was framed up in one day.
Plans are $8, laser-cut parts are $15, and postage is $4. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a list of old-time plans and laser-cut parts. Plans are available for Rubber and Power.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
