Product Spotlight
ESPRIT MODEL TRANSMITTER TRAY
One of the more polarizing items in RC is the transmitter tray. Pilots who use them, swear by them. Others prefer not to have the extra bulk around their neck.
Regardless of which side of the debate you’re on, we invite you to take a look at this new transmitter tray available from Esprit Models. It’s called the Universal tray because it can hold a wide variety of transmitters without complicated fasteners.
The tray requires some assembly. The tray and a backer piece attach to the uprights using a set of locknuts and washers. When assembled, our Lite Carbon tray weighed a mere 7.375 ounces.
To attach your transmitter, simply place it on the tray against the coated portions of the uprights. Using the supplied hook-and-loop material, strap the transmitter to the tray by running it through the correct holes in the tray and around the transmitter’s handle.
Now you have a solid base to hold your transmitter steady without adding much weight. Because of its small size, your switches are easily accessible and the transmitter’s display is still easily viewed. You’d never even know the tray is there.
When you’re done flying, remove the strap to take the transmitter off of the tray.
Three versions of the Universal Transmitter Tray are available. The least expensive of the three is the Standard at $39. The version shown here is the Lite Carbon (plywood base laminated with carbon fiber) at $45.
Also available is the Lite Silver (plywood base laminated with silver fiberglass) at $45.
The Transmitter Neck Strap Deluxe (double) is a comfortable, padded leather, adjustable-length strap. The heavy-duty clasps on both ends swivel so the strap always fits correctly. It retails for $30.
Esprit Model: 1240 Clearmont St. NE Unit #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel. (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
ESPRIT MODEL TRANSMITTER STICK ENDS
Considering all of the switches, knobs, levers, and sliders on your transmitter, what are the parts you use the most? That’s right, the sticks. Sure you can adjust the tension and the stick length, but what about the “feel” of the sticks?
That’s where Esprit Model’s new Transmitter Stick Ends come in. These are machined, anodized aluminum pieces that replace the factory stick tips to give you a customized, secure grip on the gimbals.
There are five different styles to choose from, and they are available in as many as four colors (blue, gold, red, and silver) depending on the style you choose.
If you are a thumb flier, choose from the V1, V2, or V5 styles. V2 is the shortest of these at 5/8 inch. The 3/4-inch V1 style is slightly longer, and the V5 style comes in at 7/8 inch. All have aggressive crowns cut into the tip to guarantee your thumbs won’t slip off.
For finger-and-thumb fliers, the V3 and V4 styles are great options. They have 1 1/4-inch tips and feature knurled grips around the outside to give your fingers plenty of surface area to hold. The two-tone V4 style features an anodized portion that twists following the position of your fingers.
Each style is available with different internal threads to work with Futaba, Hitec, JR, or Spektrum transmitters. They range in price from $5 to $13.
SWASHBUCKLERS AND BLACK SHEEP
Greg "Pappy" Boyington's Black Sheep Squadron is one of the best-known fighter squadrons of the Pacific theater during World War II. This may be partly attributed to the show Baa Baa Black Sheep that aired on NBC in the 1970s that focused on their exploits.
In the book, Swashbucklers and Black Sheep, Bruce Gamble showcases photos and artwork collected throughout more than 20 years, many of which came directly from members of the Black Sheep Squadron. The narrative provides a summary of the unit with a nice overview that complements the fantastic collection of photographs.
The book covers VMF-214 before WWII and what became of the unit after the war. Its primary focus is on the squadron during wartime. An excerpt from the inside flap provides some insight into the success of the squadron.
"During two combat tours spanning eighty-four days, the Black Sheep established a blistering record against the tenacious Japanese—first in the skies over the fabled islands of New Georgia and Bougainville, and later over the stronghold of Rabaul, New Britain. Tangling in dogfights that sometimes involved as many as two hundred planes, the Black Sheep were officially credited with ninety-seven aerial victories and another thirty-five enemy planes probably destroyed. No fewer than nine Black Sheep became aces, including Greg Boyington, who earned a Medal of Honor on his way to becoming the Marine Corps' top gun."
The 216-page hardcover book provides a roster of pilots and essential ground officers in VMF-214 during WWII. An "Awards for Valor" appendix provides details about each citation, from Boyington's Medal of Honor to others who received the Navy Cross. Also in the appendix are biographies of all of the artists whose work is featured in the book.
The author, Bruce Gamble, is a retired naval flight officer and former historian with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. He has authored five books about the Pacific war.
Swashbucklers and Black Sheep provides a treasure trove of photographs, illustrations, and artwork that is sure to appeal to anyone interested in the Pacific war, and specifically the Black Sheep Squadron.
Zenith Press: 400 First Ave. N., Suite 300, Minneapolis MN 55401; Tel. (800) 458-0454; website www.zenithpress.com
Product Spotlight
New products from the Modeler's Mall
Evolution .91NX Glow Engine @ $179.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; website: www.evolutionengines.com
The new Evolution .91NX single-cylinder, two-stroke glow engine provides the performance of a .91-size engine in the case size of a .61-class engine, allowing the modeler to put more power in a smaller aircraft.
The .91NX is smaller and lighter than typical .91 displacement engines, delivering a higher power-to-weight ratio. It fits the same mounting pattern as the .61NX engine, and is smooth and easy to tune.
All flying experiences with the .91NX will benefit from the ball bearing-supported crankshafts and the proven durability of aluminum cylinder with brass, chrome-plated liner (ABC) construction.
The engine weighs 20 ounces. The propeller size range is between 13 x 7 and 15 x 6, with an rpm range of 2,000 to 15,000. The Evolution .91NX glow engine requires 10% to 30% nitro fuel, with 16% to 18% oil.
SR Pro Micro XL Stabilized Gimbal/Landing Gear System @ $699.99 + S&H from Atlanta Hobby, 6110 Parkway North Dr., Cumming GA 30041; Tel.: (678) 513-4450; website: www.atlantahobby.com
Atlanta Hobby announces the SR Pro Micro XL Stabilized Gimbal/Landing Gear System. Born out of the SR Micro Pro Gimbal, it is the perfect solution for the DJI Flamewheel F450 and F550, and can easily be fitted to many other multirotor aircraft for larger cameras such as the Sony NEX5 or NEX7.
Manufactured in the US, the SR Pro Micro XL is made with the highest-quality aircraft components, while maintaining a lightweight, but incredibly strong, design. It weighs 526 grams and is built from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum, carbon-fiber skids, and rails. It incorporates space-age polymers, genuine Teflon bushings, and titanium screws, which all work together for the best aerial photography and videography.
The built-in balance system helps dial in the perfect balance of your multirotor for longer flight times as well as less wear and tear on your motors. Ease and functionality are because of the direct-drive, two-axis servo control (two Hitec HS-5245 digital servos are included), which produces smooth and dynamic video footage. A vibration dampener system is available as an optional upgrade.
The SR Pro Micro XL Stabilized Gimbal/Landing Gear System is finished in a stealth-black, electrostatic thermal powder coat for a durable, scratch-resistant finish.
RC Heli Storage and Transport Skid Clamps @ $1.50-$13 + S&H from RandomHeli.com; email: [email protected]; website: www.randomheli.com
RC Heli Storage and Transport Skid Clamps from RandomHeli.com give RC helicopter pilots a simple, reliable solution for securing models during transport.
The clamps come in three sizes to fit 450-size models to .90-size helicopters. They are fully assembled and include the mounting hardware and color-matched screw covers. Individual skid clamp parts are available on the RandomHeli.com website, so pilots can create custom color schemes to match their helicopters.
Unlike other products that merely clip onto the landing skid pipe, RandomHeli.com’s clamps lock the pipe down, securely clamping it and the helicopter. If the heli hits a large bump or pothole, it stays where the pilot puts it.
Skid clamps can also be used for storage and display. Modelers have used them as wall and ceiling mountings and as do-it-yourself test stands.
The RandomHeli.com website features instructional videos for mounting and assembly, and high-tech performance videos to show the skid clamps’ strength and durability.
A comprehensive list of RC helicopter makes and models is also provided, so pilots can choose the correct size for their machines.
DLA 32cc, 56cc, 64cc-Twin, 112cc-Twin Gas Engines @ $275.99-$689.99 + S&H from Golden Skies R/C Aircraft, 30882 Rivera Place, Laguna Niguel CA 92677; Tel.: (949) 378-5998; website: www.goldenskiesrc.com
Golden Skies R/C Aircraft and DLA introduce four reengineered DLA gas engines. Designed for sport and competition pilots, displacements are 32cc, 56cc, 64cc-Twin, and 112cc-Twin. Producing a 3.8- to 11.2-hp span, the engines have typical static thrusts of 19.4 to 54 pounds.
The DLA 32cc gas engine includes dynamic electronic ignition, muffler, plug, and stand-off mounts. ARF and engine combinations are available.
The DLA 56cc gas engine is ideal for aircraft up to 18 pounds and 90-inch wingspans. Its excellent power-to-weight ratio and low entry price make it an attractive engine in its class. It is available in multiple crankcase colors.
The DLA 64cc-Twin Cylinder engine produces a greatly reduced vibration compared with a single-cylinder engine. Its 7.2 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 41 pounds pulling force offers exceptional performance. The DLA 112cc gas engine is specifically designed for Giant Scale aircraft. It’s powerful, lightweight, easy to adjust and operate, and is complete with a dynamic ignition, a muffler, mounts, and a plug.
All necessary engine components are included. The mounting patterns are compatible with other major engines, and the ignition is 2S LiPo compatible. Shipping is free throughout the US.
Grumman HU-16 Albatross @ $339.99 + S&H from Park Scale Models, 872 Cougar Point Circle, Seven Valleys PA 17360; Tel.: (717) 428-0923; website: www.parkscalemodels.com.
Park Scale Models pays homage to the iconic flying boat—the Grumman HU-16 Albatross—with the introduction of its Sport Scale, laser-cut, balsa kit.
The Albatross was designed with state-of-the-art 3-D CAD software and Park Scale Models’ Accu-Lock interlocking and self-jigging construction. It can easily be constructed by anyone with basic building skills.
With a 96-inch wingspan, a flying weight of 8 pounds, and a light wing loading with docile handling, the Albatross is perfect for “splash-and-gos” or circling a lake low and slow on a search and rescue mission. The optional removable landing gear makes flying the Albatross without water fun.
E-flite Power 10 motors or similar ones with 11 x 6 propellers are recommended. An optional sheeting pack, precut planking, base hardware pack, and landing gear hardware pack are also available on the Park Scale Models website.
Futaba S.Bus2 High-Voltage Programmable Servos @ $54.99-$239.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.futaba-rc.com.
The Futaba S.Bus2 servos are on the cutting edge of performance, delivering more for the pilot who demands it! Handling up to 2S LiPo packs, these servos are ideal for powering functions on larger aircraft and competition helicopters. All are programmable and can be used in S.Bus and S.Bus2 applications.
The S.Bus2 servos feature brushless motors that offer incredible holding power and five times longer life than servos that are equipped with brushed motors.
The BLS3172SV S.Bus2 servo is ideal for gliders and smaller aircraft. BLS9170V has a low-profile design, allowing the servo to fit into wings where height is an issue. BLS172SV has ultra-high torque and an aluminum center case, while BLS 272SV is high speed.
All S.Bus2 High-Voltage Programmable Servos are dual ball-bearing supported and have a one-year warranty through Hobby Services, which begins at the purchase date.
Super Sport 2.35S/E ARF Sailplane @ $345 + S&H from Esprit Model, 1240 Clearmont St. NE #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com.
A perfect combination of classic design and modern technology, the Super Sport 2.35S/E ARF sailplane is great for sport and competition flying. The white, gel-coated fiberglass fuselage, high-tech carbon-fiber main spar and I.E. tube with carbon/balsa built-up tail parts make the Super Sport a strong and light model.
Features also include a two-piece wing with ailerons and oversized flaps. The wings and tail parts are covered in transparent UltraCote. Each part of the Super Sport 2.35S/E is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Control surfaces include ailerons, elevator, rudder, and flaps. The Super Sport 2.35S/E can be set up as a sailplane or E-sailplane. Conversion parts are included, as well as necessary hardware to complete the model.
With a wingspan of 92.5 inches and weighing 49-52 ounces, the Super Sport 2.35S/E ARF sailplane was designed and built to be a 21st century favorite.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
