Modeler's Mall
Buzzard Bombshell kit @ $60 from Spirit of Yesteryear Model Aircraft Company, 40 Holgate St., Barrie Ont. Canada L4N 2T7.
Spirit of Yesteryear's newest kit is Joe Konefes' Buzzard Bombshell for 1/2A or Speed 400 Electric motors. This popular 1940s model is laser-cut for a perfect fit and comes with all hardware, including wheels. The model's wingspan is 46.5 inches, and the wing area is 345 sq. in.
The Buzzard has gentle flying characteristics, and runway takeoff from paved or short grass strips are possible. The inexpensive Speed 400 motors use six or seven cells of 500mA size, along with a 15-amp speed control.
Weight is an important factor in successful Electric flight, so builders should consider the size of radio gear and covering used.
As with all Spirit kits, a photo of your finished aircraft receives a coupon for $10 off any future kit.
Modelers should check with their local dealer first for a quick start to building, or contact Spirit of Yesteryear at (705) 737-0532 for inquiries, (800) 670-5468 for orders. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, money orders, and checks are welcome.
Accelerator Slope Glider kit @ $99.99 plus $7.99 S&H from K&A Models Unlimited, Box 66527, Albuquerque NM 87193-6527; Tel.: (505) 836-3681; Web site: www.kamodels.com.
The Accelerator delivers maximum flight performance in a wide range of wind conditions; it has a very clean and lightweight airframe design, allowing you to fly in light wind or to load up for those really fun days.
The specially-designed triple-airfoil wing gives the Accelerator its speed and maximum energy retention throughout its maneuvers. With an average flying weight of 17-18 ounces, the Accelerator can be flown at any slope site.
Specifications: wingspan, 60 in.; wing area, 370 sq. in.; wing loading, 7-8 oz./sq. ft.; airfoils root-to-tip, RG15, RG14, and SD7003.
Kit contents: epoxy/fiberglass fuselage with separate canopy, foam core wings, precision-cut balsa-and-plywood parts, hardware package, full-size plans and instructions.
All Because of Model Airplanes, produced for the Academy of Model Aeronautics by Flight TV, Inc., (800) 789-7886; Web site: www.rcmodel.com.
Whether you have enjoyed a lifelong love affair with model airplanes, or are just learning of them, one of the best parts of the activity is sharing that interest with other modelers. At the same time, it can be difficult to communicate your love of model aviation to "outsiders."
The public has developed sophisticated expectations for video, film, and television programs. AMA recognized this, and commissioned Model Video Productions to create a television format program about model airplanes, especially for presentation to the public.
This is not just a program about Radio Control (RC) flying at the local club field. It deals with the broad spectrum of model airplane activities, all the way from Indoor Free Flight to large RC Scale models.
This program takes the viewer on a tour of club flying sites that reaches all four corners of the country. Model-flying activities shown range from a public library demonstration of Indoor Free Flight for school children, to Control Line Racing, and on through to RC Pylon and Scale competition. The viewer ends up with spectacular footage of large Scale Slope Soarers at the Torrey Pines site in California.
In the process, the viewer meets modelers from across the US, ranging from seven-year-old kids bubbling with enthusiasm, to veteran senior citizens who credit some of the best things in life to model airplanes. A cameo appearance by film star Peter Fonda lends special impact.
Program narrator Jim Cissell has performed on hundreds of national award-winning commercials, videos, television features, and documentaries.
Run time is 24½ minutes.
"Split Gear" main drive system from Miniature Aircraft USA, 3743 Silverstar Rd., Orlando FL 32808; Tel.: (407) 292-4267; Fax: (407) 292-4296; Web site: www.xcellrchelicopters.com.
The new "Split Gear" main drive system has 100% tail drive for "hot dog" autorotations. The system is available in 90-tooth (#0866), 93-tooth (#0866-1), and 95-tooth (#0866-2) configurations to fit all X-Cells.
New features include 100% machined Teflon™-impregnated Delrin™ gears and a new heavy-duty "SPRAG" type clutch bearing. The system is secured to the mainshaft with the proven "XL PRO" dowel pin system, is easily serviced, has a new lightweight design, and has CNC-machined components.
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.
Waterman Aerobile plans @ $29 + $5 postage 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/ct/bhplans.
Plans for the Waterman Aerobile are one of 22 sets of large Scale plans drawn years ago by the late Bob Morse. Bob was one of the original large Scale designers.
All plans are available from Bob Holman Plans, and epoxy/fiberglass cowls are available for many of them.
The Aerobile was a tailess roadable ship of the mid 1930s, made for the Zenohau G-38. It has a 92-inch wingspan, 1,812 sq. in. of area, and weighs 22 pounds.
Delta Vortex kit @ $119.95 plus shipping from Bruce Tharpe Engineering, 8622 E. Evans Creek Rd., Rogue River OR 97537; info: (541) 582-1708; orders: (800) 557-4470; E-mail: [email protected].
It would be easy to mistake the Delta Vortex for a winged rocket, suitable for hot-shot pilots only, because there are several smaller, faster Deltas on the market.
However, if you look closer, you will begin to see that it has a great deal in common with "regular" sport models: the engine and fuel tank are up front for easy access; and the tricycle landing gear allows normal takeoffs and landings. The model also has twin rudders to let you fully explore its aerobatic capabilities. The thick airfoil keeps the top speed within reason, and lets you make beautiful nose-high space-shuttle-style landings.
The Delta Vortex was designed for sport, not speed, so you don't have to be the club expert to fly it. If you can fly a typical low-wing four-channel sport model, you'll feel right at home with the Delta Vortex.
The kit includes super-accurate machine-cut wood parts, top-of-the-line balsa, aircraft plywood, and Lite Ply, CAD-drawn plans and a photo-illustrated instruction book, all American-made hardware from Sig and Du-Bro, pushrods, easy hinges, throttle and steering cables, prebent landing gear, wheel collars, and decals.
The Delta Vortex has a 54-inch wingspan, 1,375 sq. in. of wing area, and weighs seven to eight pounds. It can utilize a .60-.91 two-stroke engine, or an .80-.91 four-stroke engine.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Edge 540 kit or plans from D&L Designs, 1145 E. Kleindale Rd., Tucson AZ 58719; Tel.: (520) 887-0771; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://dldesigns.home.mindspring.com.
D&L Designs offers laser-cut kits or plans for the 1/3-scale (20%) Sport Scale Edge 540. The model has a wide speed range, is very aerobatic, but easy to handle, and has precise handling properties.
The Edge 540 is suitable for sport flying, Sport Scale, or MiniMax IMAC (International Miniature Aerobatic Club) Scale Aerobatics. It has a wingspan of 60 inches, and 648 square inches of wing area. Recommended engine size is a .45-.61 two-stroke or a 48-70 four-stroke.
The design utilizes a midship fuel tank location, pull-pull cable rudder, and spanwise variable airfoil design for excellent slow-speed handling characteristics. Sig AAA balsa, spruce, and plywood is used through the kit, and the model comes in at a weight of 6¾ to 7½ pounds, ready to fly.
The plans come as three sheets, showing all details required to build the model. Supplied with the plans is a 12-page construction manual with materials list, and 70 black-and-white photographic photos of various construction details.
The kit contains all balsa-and-plywood laser-cut parts for wing and fuselage. Wing construction utilizes building tabs on the ribs for this one-piece wing, and a removable canopy hatch for fuselage access. All additional wood is supplied to build the model, plus there is a cardboard tube for the aileron leads in the wing.
A preprimed fiberglass cowl and wheel pants are supplied along with the canopy and tempered aluminum landing gear. Bellcrank, cable rudder exit guides, and rudder horn hardware is supplied for the cable rudder system, along with the elevator horns.
Cut wing parts consist of all-balsa ribs and plywood pieces, dihedral brace, and wingtips. Fuselage parts include fuselage sides, all balsa top and bottom decks, plus plywood parts consisting of fuselage doublers and formers, wing bolt plates, landing gear plates and formers, instrument panel plate, firewall, cable rudder platform, and tail wheel plate.
The model requires a four-channel radio driving five servos.
The complete kit costs $149.95 plus $9 S&H; the rolled plans with construction manual and construction photos cost $25 plus $4.50 S&H.
Rubber Band Puller from Du-Bro Products, Box 815, Wauconda IL 60084-1198; Tel.: (847) 526-2136, (800) 848-9411; E-mail: [email protected].
Designed to take the frustration out of dealing with tight or oily rubber bands, the Rubber Band Puller just hooks onto rubber bands and takes them off or puts them on easily.
The Rubber Band Puller is item #805; price is $2.95 per package.
Modeler's Mall
Kyosho Mitsubishi Zero ARF @ $349.99 from Great Planes Model Distributors, 2904 Research Rd., Champaign IL 61826-9021; Tel.: (217) 398-6300; Fax (217) 398-0008.
The Zero is a fearsome .40-size fiberglass Almost Ready-to-Fly model of scratch-built quality, and it's 80% preassembled! The model features a durable, lightweight fiberglass gel-coated fuselage, and balsa-sheeted foam-core wings.
The model comes precovered, with decals for reproducing the authentic Zero WWII fighter trim scheme. The vacuum-formed plastic cowl is hand-painted to match the covering, and optional retracts can be installed for added realism.
A great deal of hardware is supplied, including fixed landing gear, wheels, wheel covers, and a fuel tank.
Specifications: wingspan, 54 inches (1,376mm); wing area: 511.6 sq. in. (33 sq. dm.); total weight: 5.7 pounds (2,600g); fuselage length, 44.5 in. (1,132mm); requires two-stroke .40-.46 cu. in. (6.5-7.5cc) or four-stroke .45-.60 cu. in. (7.5-10cc) engine, four-channel radio with five servos, prop, spinner, and muffler.
Skymasters Michigan 9th Annual Float Fly! @ $19.95 plus $3.25 S&H from SKS Video Productions, R.D.#1 Box 264 Pine Rd., Abbottstown PA 17301; Tel.: (800) 988-6488 (US), or (717) 259-7193; Fax: (717) 259-6379; E-mail: scott@sksvideo; Web site: http://www.sksvideo.com.
Island Lake State Park in Brighton MI was the sight of the ninth-annual Skymasters Float Fly. The 1999 event drew a record number of pilots to this pristine flying site, which features a 40-acre lake and a 1,000-foot beach.
Approximately 120 floatplanes were in attendance, including a Cessna 182, Northstars, an Astrohog, an Ultra Sport, an Extra 300, a 1/3-scale J-3 Cub, Lakers, a Wingo, Beavers, PBYs, and a twin-engined Supermarine Stranraer!
Strap on your swim fins, and dive into the fun! Running time is 90 minutes.
Gyro Bee Autogyro kit from the Autogyro Company of Arizona, 3307 W. Renee Dr., Phoenix AZ 85027; E-mail: [email protected].
This fun-to-fly Radio Control autogyro captures a whimsical “retro” look of cabin autogyros of the early 1930s.
Gyro Bee is incredibly stable and easy-to-fly—even for the first-time gyro flier.
This wingless, lateral-direct-control design is the first deluxe-kit autogyro that qualifies as an autogryo trainer!
The Gyro Bee kit is an autogyro conversion of the popular Lazy Bee! The Gyro Bee is offered as a complete stand-alone autogyro kit, or for those already flying a standard Lazy Bee, the “autogyro conversion module” can be ordered separately.
The Conversion Kit forms a self-contained module that simply replaces the wing on a standard Lazy Bee! Removing the wing and putting the Gyro Bee conversion module in its place only takes a few minutes at the field, and requires no balance changes to the airframe! No radio modifications!
The Gyro Bee is flown with any simple four-channel radio—no mixing required—and any motor/propeller combination that produces 2.25 pounds of static thrust—including electric! (Motor of choice: 26 four-stroke.)
The kit comes complete with laser-cut parts, rotor bearing, full laser-cut resphaped airfoil blade set, prebent ROG (Rise-off-Ground) landing gear, and detailed, illustrated construction, setup, and flying manual.
Autogyro Company of Arizona offers a great video for the Gyro Bee, featuring additional setup information, blade tracking, test spin-ups into autorotation, hand launch/ROG takeoffs, and even a dead-stick landing!
The Gyro Bee literally floats, with a remarkable disk loading of 3.5-3.9 ounces per square foot, and is especially suited for small-field operation!
Prices: Gyro Bee Conversion Kit, $119 (+S&H); Gyro Bee video, $15 (+S&H); Gyro Bee combo (includes standard Lazy Bee fuselage), $159 (+S&H).
Orders are taken seven days/week on the toll-free line: (888) 783-0101. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Dealer inquiries invited. Autogyro Company of Arizona ensures customer success by offering seven day/week tech support. Call (623) 582-9428 for additional information, or browse our Web site at http://www.autogyro-rc.com.
Kwik-Fill fuel can fitting from Du-Bro Products, Box 815, Wauconda IL 60084; Tel.: (847) 526-2136; toll-free: (800) 848-9411; E-mail: [email protected].
This fitting fills a fuel tank with ease, directly from a standard one-gallon fuel container. Just drill or cut a 1/2-inch diameter hole in the cap, insert the fitting as shown. It features a safety fuel line storage fitting to prevent leakage if tipped over. Comes with filter pickup. The fitting is catalog #807, and is $7.95 per package.
Modeler's Mall
Brass tees from Robart Manufacturing Co., Box 1247, Dept. A, St. Charles IL 60174; Tel.: (630) 584-7616; E-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.robart.com.
Made by Robart to Robart's exacting standards, these precision-machined brass tees are for those applications in which a severe environment exists, or where you need to assemble and disassemble your air line tee-type connections.
Reusable, and the toughest tees available, they come two per package (Robart part #225) for the suggested retail price of $5.95.
Cool Pins from Data Graphics, 625 Fairview Dr., #109, Carson City NV 89701; Tel.: (775) 883-4610; Fax: (775) 883-5675; Web site: www.coolpins.com.
Do you like to be different? Data Graphics can help you with its new line of personalized control pins.
Standard frequency pins (3½ x 2 inches) include your name and one of 10 airplane motifs, for $3 each.
Custom frequency pins (3½ x 2 inches) include your name, address, AMA number, and SIG (Special Interest group), for $4 each.
Personalized frequency pins (3½ x 2 inches) can include anything you like, such as club logo, picture of your favorite aircraft or club field, and personal information, for $4.50 each, plus $15 one-time setup. Send your favorite photos, and Data Graphics will do the rest. (Photos will be returned with your order.)
Standard frequency pins are available in Sky Blue only, and Custom and Personalized pins come in 10 colors. You can also take control of the frequencies used at your flying field with a 50-pin personalized set. The set features your club logo and picture of your flying site, or whatever you like. A choice of five distinct color schemes sets these pins apart from the individual Custom and Personal pins.
There is no setup charge for a complete set; a complete 72MHz set is $200. (Ham bands available.)
The PlaneSaver™ @ $29.99 from Anchor Bond (known for its adhesive products for the hobbyist), (800) 669-5217 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time). Online sales are available at www.anchorsel.com.
The PlaneSaver™ is an onboard monitoring and timing device for use in Radio Control model airplanes and gliders, and boats and cars.
The new microprocessor-based design differs from other monitoring products, with its five functions to keep your model safe from common problems, and a loud alarm that can be heard during flight.
The PlaneSaver™'s five functions are: sounding an alarm to indicate power switch position; measuring and announcing battery voltage at turn-on; accuracy to 0.1 volts (and not having to be mounted in a visible location); continually measuring battery voltage during flight, and sounding a unique high-pitched audible alarm at dangerously low battery levels; operating a fuel timer that sounds in flight after a user-set elapsed time of 0-40 minutes; and sounding a special "lost airplane" tone for one hour, five minutes after the fuel timer has elapsed.
The PlaneSaver™'s size is 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches, and it weighs 11 grams, .39 ounces.
FC100 CHARGEALL fast field charger from FMA Direct, 9607 Dr. Perry Rd., Unit 109, Jamsville MD 21754; Tel.: (800) 343-2934; Fax: (301) 831-8987; E-mail: [email protected].
A peak detection fast charger, CHARGEALL operates from any +12V DC power source that can sustain 10 amps current. CHARGEALL fast-charges a transmitter pack, a receiver pack, and one Ni-Cd glow-plug lighter simultaneously.
The transmitter output charges 6-10 cells at one ampere. The receiver pack charge rate is variable from 0.5-4 amps for 4-7 cells.
At completion of charge, transmitter and receiver outputs switch to a trickle charge of 80mA for the transmitter, and 15% of selected charge rate for the receiver pack. Receiver charge rate is displayed on the meter.
The glow plug battery connects to a dummy glow plug to receive a 20-minute timed charge at 1.2 amps. Spring-loaded clips accept bare wire cable ends, available on FMA Direct charge cables. A 7-amp fuse is used, and the unit is protected from reverse polarity.
The status of charge is displayed via LEDs for each of the three packs. Input power is indicated by a yellow LED. CHARGEALL meets all your shop and field fast-charging needs. It comes with a one-year warranty.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
