Modeler's Mall
Manufacturers who wish to have their products considered for inclusion in this department should send information and a photo, if possible, to the editorial office of Model Aviation. These reviews are composed from such information, and do not imply an endorsement of the products.
Charge Switch from Maxx Products International Inc., 815 Oakwood Rd., Unit D, Lake Zurich IL 60047; Tel.: (847) 438-2898 for info, (800) 416-MAXX (6299) to order.
As the name implies, the Charge Switch includes a charging jack as well as a switch. The charging jack is internally wired, eliminating the need for an extra connector, providing the convenience of a charging jack and switch at one location. A sliding dust cover is mounted over the charging jack.
The heavy-duty switch has dual redundancy, with 7/12-inch, 22 awg wire leads. It is a sturdy one-piece design, and is easy to mount. A silicon shock mount and mounting hardware are included, and the switch is compatible with DSC (direct servo control).
The Charge Switch is available for Futaba (J 3170), old Airtronics (3370), and Hitec/JR, Airtronics Z (3470).
Maxx Products has many other fine Radio Control products for the modeler. For more information, send a 78¢ SASE for a free catalog, or write or call.
Casting of a P-51D Mustang @ $295 (introductory price) + $25 S&H from Jennings Products, Box 1121, Hendersonville TN 37077.
This casting of a P-51D Mustang is truly a unique piece of art. It is handmade from cold cast bronze and solid walnut. The overall dimensions are 14¼ x 30¾ inches.
It features the detail of panel lines and rivets, but at the same time, gives a warm, nostalgic look at one of history's all-time favorite aircraft. Each piece is allowed to oxidize slightly before it is hand-finished with oils and waxes. The walnut is hand-rubbed to a furniture finish.
The edition is limited and each piece is individually signed and numbered by the artist. Call (615) 826-7158 for more information.
Spirit Two-Meter ARF sailplane @ $149.99 from Great Planes Model Distributors, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-6300; Fax: (217) 398-0008.
The popular, proven Spirit sailplane is now available as an ARF (Almost Ready-to-Fly). With confidence-building stability for the beginner, and the capability of exceptional flight performance worthy of Two-Meter competition, along with its superfast assembly, modelers of all skill levels can embrace the Spirit ARF from Great Planes®.
This graceful all-wood glider can be flight-ready in just two hours, and comes factory-covered in genuine Top Flite® MonoKote® in an attractive high-visibility trim scheme.
The wing comes in two pieces that slide together and attach to the fuselage with rubber bands, and because it's an ARF, you don't have to worry about creating the Spirit's polyhedral airfoil and triple-taper wing planform—they're already done for you.
The horizontal stabilizer bolts onto the top of the fuselage, and the vertical stab plugs in, and is secured with bolts that hold the entire tail section together and automatically align the tail surfaces.
For the experienced pilot, optional spoilers built into the wings can be used to help control the Spirit's airspeed and allow for precise "spot" landings. This sailplane performs well with lightweight servos or with more-economical standard servos, and a pilot figure that enhances the Spirit's realistic-looking appearance.
Specifications: wingspan, 78.5 in. (1995mm); wing area, 676 sq. in. (43.6 sq. dm.); weight, 2 pounds (910 grams); wing loading, 7 ounces/sq. ft. (20 grams/sq. dm.); fuselage length, 39 inches (1,000mm); requires two- to three-channel radio.
Two-stroke gas-fueled engine from Taurus Engines, Box 1076, Southgate MI 48195; Tel.: (734) 283-4813; Fax: (734) 283-0650; E-mail: [email protected].
Taurus Engines introduced its new line of precision two-stroke gas-fueled engines at the 1999 Toledo Expo.
New techniques developed by Taurus have been adopted to produce a lighter engine, resulting in a higher power-to-weight ratio. The TS 52, a 52cc, 3.2 cu. in. engine, weighs a mere three pounds, five ounces complete, with muffler.
A full line of engines will be available, from 2.6 to 14.6 cu. in., including single- and twin-cylinder. Along with the engines are engine mounts, single-bolt propeller hubs, auto-advance ignition systems, and other accessories.
Additional services are available are repair and modification of most chain saw/weedeater whacker-style engines, such as Sachs, Husqvarna, Stihl, A&M, and Walker. Modifications would include single-bolt adapters, as well as a machined crankcase to replace the standard cast crankcase.
All new engines produced by Taurus Engines come with a guarantee and two-year limited warranty. D&L Designs is introducing a .40-size Radio Control sport model airplane. The Doghouse, designed by Dick Smith, is an easy-to-build, easy-to-fly ideal second or everyday airplane. It has a very wide flight envelope. It will fly as slow as you want, or it will hot-dog quite well, with "bang, bang" control movements. Landings are very slow and very predictable, regardless of the control setup.
The Doghouse has a 54-inch wingspan with 675 sq. in. wing area. It weighs 5-1/2–6 pounds, with an 18.75- to 20-ounce wing loading. A .40-.45 two-stroke or .48-.52 four-stroke engine is used. A four-channel radio with five servos is required.
The kit contains rolled plans, laser-cut parts and balsa wood, plywood, and spruce by Sig. The kit also contains a formed aluminum landing gear and a complete 20-page step-by-step manual, containing 73 photos to aid in assembly.
The Doghouse kit @ $79.95 + S&H from D&L Designs, 1145 E. Kleindale Rd., Tucson AZ 85719; Tel.: (520) 887-0771; Web site: http://dldesigns.home.mindspring.com; E-mail: [email protected].
Dave Patrick epoxy from Leading Edge Technologies, Inc., 1811 E. 400 N. Rd., Milford IL 60953; Tel.: (815) 457-3128; Fax: (815) 457-2938; orders only: (800) 531-1784; Web site: www.modelmagic.com; E-mail: [email protected].
A premium-quality epoxy adhesive for all applications where superior bonding and moderate cure times are required is available from Dave Patrick Products. Model Magic Epoxy 6 has a three- to six-minute working time, and two hours curing time to full strength. Model Magic Epoxy 20 has a 10-20 minutes working time, and six hours to full cure. Both are two-part, high-strength, non-sagging, professional-grade epoxies, and are available in nine-ounce bottles.
New are the 8 Minute Epoxy Plus and 30 Minute Epoxy Plus. Both are a special blend of resin and additives that are 25% lighter—a flexible-strength epoxy glue that doubles as a non-sagging sandable filler. These special epoxies can be used for basic construction, fillet-joints, to fill fiberglass, repair fiberglass, sheet foam wings, and can be carved and molded. 8 Minute Epoxy Plus reaches full strength in four hours, 30 minutes, and 30 Minute Epoxy Plus in six hours.
Soon to be released is a complete line of RC fuel, Model Magic Fuel, and other products for the avid R/Cer.
Building & Flying 1/2A Control Line Models and Brodak Fly-In @ $19.95 + $3 S&H each from the Image Producers, Inc., 7131 Akron-Canfield Rd., Canfield OH 44406; Tel.: (330) 533-0100; Fax: (330) 533-5022; Web site: www.aviationthevideos.com.
Under the direction of writer and producer Bill Harding, Image Producers, Inc. has begun production of several videos in the highly-popular arena of Control Line flying. Bill has a track record of highly professional videos that entertain and teach beginning and experienced pilots how to master various acts in building and flying their favorite machines.
Image Producers has partnered with recognized experts in the field, and has added a high-quality production to the videos, which make them much more visually appealing and entertaining. Image Producers, Inc. has been producing high-end productions for more than 20 years, including national spots, and programming for the Discovery Channel. The Brodak event has become the place for various levels of competition for prototype and scale flyers. This year they held five events with nonstop flying for three days. The video is a must-see for all.
Building & Flying 1/2A Control Line Models is perfect for the beginner. Complete step-by-step instructions are beautifully displayed in full detail. This is like having the expert right there with you to guide you through the entire process.
Modeler's Mall
1/2A trainer/Combat airplane from Protech Services, 1220 Broad St., (US 41) Brooksville FL 34609; Tel.: (352) 796-1985.
This 1/2A trainer/Combat airplane is designed to fly 40-44 mph with Norvel or Cox power, and is balanced for either. The model has a low-aspect wing for stability and increased durability, and "crooked" elevator to promote more tension on deflection. Mailing tape is a good covering, and the arrowshaft boom has yet to break.
A Super Slow Combat model will be out soon from Protech.
MX-9900 Super Glow driver from Maxx Products International, Inc., 815 Oakwood Rd., Unit D, Lake Zurich IL 60047; information: (847) 438-2233; order: (800) 416-MAXX (6299); Fax: (847) 438-2898.
Maxx Products International has released its MX-9900 Super Glow—the ultimate onboard glow driver. The MX-9900 is extremely advanced, and it offers many unique features not found in other glow drivers. It's unique in that it is a full digital design with a microprocessor. A simple one-button idle setup eliminates the need for a pot, jumper wire, or switch.
The MX-9900 has three operational modes: Dual Mode—throttle priority with manual override; Automatic Mode— throttle control only; and Manual mode—on-demand control.
Dual Mode is recommended to take advantage of the full capability of the glow driver. The LED (light-emitting diode) for status display can be externally mounted so if desired, it can be seen from the outside of the model.
The MX-9900 is suitable for single and twin engines, and has built-in hysteresis for chatter-free operation. It will auto shutoff when the transmitter or receiver is turned off (for FM and AM radios only—PCM (pulse code modulation) radios will depend on failsafe setup); however, a kill switch is recommended in the ground wire to the engine.
Hookup is simple, requiring no "y" connector. Two leads on the glow driver, with connectors, plug into the receiver throttle and channel 5 connections, allowing the channel 5 switch on the transmitter to override the throttle when necessary (in the Dual Mode only). The throttle servo connector is plugged into a port on the glow driver.
The MX-9900 is compatible with Futaba, Hitec, JR, and the new Airtronics 2K connector. Specifications: size, 1.9 x 1.4 x 0.7 inches; weight, one ounce; power consumption, 2-15 mA; power source, 1.2 volts; 1,300 mAh minimum for single cylinder, 2,000 mAh for a twin cylinder.
Maxx Products has many other fine Radio Control products for modelers. For more information, send a 78¢ SASE for a free catalog, write, or call Maxx Products.
Hobbico's Builder's Protractor © $7.99 from Great Planes Model Distributors, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign IL 61826-9021; Tel.: (217) 398-6300; Fax: (217) 398-0008.
Hobbico's Builder's Protractor is made of heavy 1/8-inch-thick clear plastic, for maximum visibility.
The 180° protractor (marked in 1° increments) is attached to a handle that doubles as a 100mm/four-inch ruler. On top of the handle is a full-length swingarm with a black midline. Rotate the swingarm, and you can read the angle where the midline crosses the protractor dial.
Put the protractor down on plans, and you can duplicate cutting angles to transfer to parts. Remove the small section of the swingarm that extends down below the protractor, and you have the means to measure camber, caster, or toe-in on cars and trucks.
The protractor is item HCAR04990. Visit the Hobbico Web site at www.hobbico.com.
Laser-cut parts for the Brian Taylor Typhoon from Bob Holman Plans, Box 741, San Bernardino CA 92402; Tel.: (909) 885-3959; Fax: (909) 889-9307; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.angelfire.com/ctl/bhplans.
Laser-cut parts are available for the Brian Taylor Typhoon. Brian is one of England's most-experienced Scale designers, with wins at four UK Nats. He has also done well at the Worlds. Scale meets many times, flying for the British Scale team.
Photos of Brian's models are hard to tell from photos of the full-scale aircraft. Brian will never sell a plan until the model has been built and test-flown.
The Hawker Typhoon plan has a 72%-inch wingspan, and power is a .90-1.20 four-stroke. Available accessories include a detailed fiberglass cowl, canopy, and spun aluminum spinner. Laser-cut parts include most parts that have to be cut to shape.
Plans are $40 + $5 shipping, rolled. The accessory package is $85, Laser-cut parts are $85. Please add $10 shipping for the complete package. part of the Science Olympiad. Indoor Model Supply (IMS) has received much response from those who want to participate, and new kits designed for current rules will help students and parents get off to a good start.
The eight-gram Sci Oli 1, which has a 19½-inch wingspan, will quickly introduce contestants to this event. The kit for the Sci Oli 1 is complete. It contains indoor-quality select balsa, and each stick is stress-tested to produce a model of maximum strength-to-weight ratio. The balsa is color-coded to indicate density and where it should be used to best advantage. The wing spars are marked blue, indicating the most strength.
Each box contains materials for three complete models. The 11 x 17-inch plans are illustrated with construction drawings showing how to align the components and make trim adjustments. The Sci Oli 1 is capable of competitive performance of more than 3½ minutes.
The Contender, also eight grams with a 19½-inch wingspan, is an endurance design that flies equally well indoors and in calm air outdoors. Construction is as simple as it comes—no landing gear, no ribs to cut out, and ready to assemble. With the huge wing area, put your telephone number on the motor stick before flying outdoors.
If you already have the 18-page IMS catalog, send two stamps for more information and to order these two new kits, or send $2 in cash or six stamps for the 2000 catalog and new additions.
Aeronca Champ @ $275.50 + $12.75 S&H from IKON N'WST, 3806 Chase Rd., Post Falls ID 83854; Tel.: (800) 327-7198 (to order); E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.ikonwst.com.
This delightful-flying Aeronca Champ is a fine addition to IKON N'WST's line of kits. The company has 30 grand airplanes, most from the Golden Age of Aviation (1930s), and is in the process of adding more.
The Champ's wingspan is 106 inches, length is 65 inches, and weight is 15 pounds. IKON is running a Moki 1.8 at just above idle in the model. The chord is 15½ inches, so the wing area is 1,643 square inches.
The Champ is an easy-to-build airplane—it's really just a large stick model. IKON used the color scheme featured on the cover of Sport Aviation magazine instead of the traditional paint scheme.
As with all of IKON's kits, the Champ's shaped parts are hand-cut and landing gear is pre-bent. The kit has full-size inked drawings, fiberglass cowl, tail logo decal, and all of the hand-selected wood needed to build this great Scale model.
A catalog of IKON N'WST's kits is available for $5 at the address above. 1999 Heli-Internationals videotape @ $24.95 plus $3.25 S&H from SKS Video Productions, R.D. #1 Box 264, Abbottstown PA 17301; Tel.: (800) 988-6488; outside US: (717) 259-7193; Fax: (717) 259-6379; E-mail: scott@sksvideo; Web page: http://www.sksvideo.com.
The Heli-Internationals is the largest Radio Control Helicopter event in the world. This one-of-a-kind annual event attracted 370 pilots, and hundreds of helicopters. It featured world-record events and the famous night-flying, plus 3-D acrobatics and Scale.
Featured in the video are Joe Howard's Hughes 500 NoTar, Greg Totten's fleet of Scale models, Carl Camper's TSK Mystar, John Zanki's Airwolf, the Raptor Review, and much more! Running time is approximately 120 minutes.
1923 Cierva C.4 autogyro kit from Autogyro Company of Arizona, 3307 W. Renee Dr., Phoenix AZ 85027; Tel.: (888) 783-0101 for orders; (623) 582-9248 for information/free brochure; Web site: http://www.autogyro-rc.com.
This Radio Control (RC) autogyro is a Sport Scale replication of the first successful full-scale autogyro, which was flown for the first time by Spanish inventor Juan de la Cierva in Madrid in January 1923!
The 1¾-scale C.4 is a single-rotor, wingless, lateral direct control autogyro, which is flight-stable enough for the average sport flier. The model uses any bushing .40-size motor with sport four-channel radio (no mixing required), operating throttle, rudder, elevator, and rotor head "tilt" (roll control).
This Scale autogyro is painstakingly designed for the average RC model builder and flier, and requires no machining. The kit features laser-cut parts (including pre-shaped blades), rotor bearing, elastomeric flapping blade hinge plate, preformed landing gear, motor mount, fuel tank, hardware, and detailed 36-page illustrated Construction/Flying Manual with photos!
The C.4 has short-field takeoff/landing capability, and can perform positive G maneuvers. It can hover in an 8 mph breeze!
If you are looking for an exciting new aircraft type, be the first at your field with the C.4. The deluxe laser kit is $179, and flight video is $15.
Scale Modelings's Black Art videotape from Dave Platt Models Inc., 1306 Havre NW, Palm Bay FL 32907; Tel.: (407) 724-2144.
Dave Platt's Black Art videos have turned out to be a major help for the Scale modeler. In the last tape of the series, Detail and Painting—Volume 2, the concluding processes of building a Top Gun-level Scale model are shown.
After explaining how the "color wheel" works, and its vital importance in Scale modeling, Dave gives the first-ever live demonstration of how to mix model paints to match a color chip. While spraying the camouflage pattern, Dave shows many necessary spray gun techniques. This is followed by numerous demos on numbers, insignia, badges, and other markings, all with paint—no decals!
With the Black Art series complete, Dave is preparing a video set on scratch-designing Radio Control Scale models. If you're one of the thousands of Scale fans who has felt locked into what the market has made available, watch for the next announcement!
modelSPORT magazine @ $4.99 per issue from Box 12557, Jacksonville NC 28546; Tel.: (910) 938-3371; Fax: (910) 989-1912; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://modelsport.com.
Producer John Beech successfully launched modelSPORT magazine in the Republic of Panama. Catering a need to be closer to the greatest Radio Control (RC) market on the planet, John announces that modelSPORT magazine has completed the move of its editorial and advertising offices to the U.S.
The business advantages of producing modelSPORT in one of the nation's top-five movie-making states, and the beautiful, temperate coastal Carolina weather played a part in moving production.
From childhood, show-and-tell is the most enduring tool in the transfer of knowledge and experience. As a VHS video magazine, modelSPORT magazine updates the paradigm! Videotapes are available through more than 200 hobby stores.
Each two-hour long issue (there are eight total) features a unique assortment of general and technical information about RC modeling. Feature and "how-to" segments cover a diverse range of subjects, including modeling techniques, RC engines, radio programming, tips and tricks, flying and trade events, tools, construction, and new products. By adding sound, motion, and emotion, modelSPORT magazine entertains and educates.
modelSPORT is the world's top-selling special interest television program about building and flying RC models.
The most recent release is MS0204 (volume 2, number 4). Videotapes are also available direct, by adding $3.95 + 50¢ S&H for each additional tape.
Modeler's Mall
Gear door hinges @ $2.95 each from Bob Fiorenze, 3107 Ash Park Loop, Winter Park FL 32792; Tel.: (407) 673-9080; Web site: www.rcaviation.com/fiorenze.
Nonflexible and extremely light and strong, these large scale, heavy-duty hinges eliminate flexing, which is the most troublesome area of gear door fabrication; flexing changes critical alignments. Bob Fiorenze's hinges are machined from lightweight aluminum. Send $3 for an illustrated catalog.
RoboStruts designed for Hangar 9's PT-19 @ $99.95 per pair from Robart Manufacturing Inc., Box 1247, Dept. A, St. Charles IL 60174; Tel.: (630) 584-7616; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.robart.com.
Add the look and feel of real landing gear to your Hangar 9 PT-19. These RoboStruts are designed to mount to the wire gear furnished with the kit; no need to modify the wing. Cut the wire so a 1-1/2-inch stub is protruding below the wing, grind a couple of flat spots on the wire for the set screws, and install the struts. The offset is designed to fit the wheels included with the kit. All you have to do is drill out the wheel axle hole to 1/4 inch, and you are ready to mount your wheels on hardened and plated axles.
Improve the looks, handling, and reliability of your Hangar 9 PT-19 with "Tuff Strut Technology." Ask for Robart part number PT19HAG.
Pilot's Edge @ $19.95 (for a one-month supply) + $4 S&H from The Healing Earth, 723 CR 140, Bunnell FL 32110; Tel.: (904) 437-1563 to order.
This all-natural herbal formula has been scientifically proven to increase memory and learning potential. Enhances quick-thinking ability, while helping you stay composed in stressful situations.
Gary Davidson, cofounder of The Healing Earth and Radio Control pilot, says, "I take Pilot's Edge Herbal Formula when I fly because it keeps my thoughts ahead of the aircraft during complex maneuvers."
Pilot's Edge is beneficial for the experienced as well as the beginning pilot. It's safe and doctor-approved. Postage paid. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Check the Web site, www.aero-sports.com/whplans, for color pictures and other designs.
Downsized 25-inch-span Full Tilt Boogie (Mong Sport) and 43-inch-span Lancair IV from Wendell Hostetler's Plans, 1041 Heatherwood Ln., Orrville OH 44667; Tel.: (330) 682-8896; Fax: (330) 683-5357.
Wendell Hostetler's Plans announces the release of the special 25-inch-span Full Tilt Boogie (Mong Sport) and 43-inch-span Lancair IV. The plans are downsized from Hostetler's 34% Mong and 27.6% Lancair IV.
The small sizes lend themselves to .15 glow engines or .020 electric power. These plans are for the experienced builder and flier who desires a refreshing change of pace.
The plans are available from Wendell Hostetler's Plans for $20.50 each, postage paid. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
2+ Tail Firster canard P-30 @ $28.75 + $4 S&H (Florida residents add 6% sales tax) from BMJR Model Products, Box 1210, Sharps PFL 32959; Tel.: (407) 537-1159; Web site: www.bmjrmodels.com.
The 2+ Tail Firster is a rubber-powered canard Free Flight model, designed and perfected during the past six years by Tony Paillieron for P-30 class competition. The 2+ designation indicates that it is truly a two-minute-plus (at dawn without thermal assistance) design.
The 2+ Tail Firster includes 44 laser-cut parts, 10-gram rubber motor, 9-1/2-inch prop, freewheeling clutch assembly for pusher prop, Japanese tissue, complete hardware pack, full-size plans, and photoillustrated instructions.
The P-30 rules are simple: model must be a maximum of 30 inches in wingspan and 30 inches in length, powered by a maximum 10-gram rubber motor, using a commercially available 9-1/2-inch plastic propeller. Minimum allowable weight is 40 grams without motor.
After meeting those criteria, the Tail Firster has exceeded all performance expectations. The model has a 120 sq. in. main wing and a 42.6 sq. in. forward wing, and of the several built to date, all have come in under the 40 gram limit. This allows a 2- to 4-gram retrieval system to be installed without a weight penalty.
The canard configuration has proven to be a superior flier, featuring less or no downthrust required to handle a power burst of 10 in. oz. of torque, stalls are very gentle and easily corrected, and adjustments made with the forward wing have more positive action than does the stabilizer adjustment on tractor models.
Between July 1996 and July 1999, this design was entered in 19 contests, placing first in 15 and second in the other four. Included were first and second at the 1997 and 1998 King Orange Internationals.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
