Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/06
Page Numbers: 16,17,18,19
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Product Spotlight - 2012/06

Extreme Glare Prescription Sunglasses

As model pilots we spend much time outdoors enjoying our hobby. Sometimes we take for granted protecting our eyes and skin. Bruce Holden of Zurich International shared the findings of Dr. Steinberg, an optometrist and avid RC enthusiast.

Dr. Steinberg observed that RC pilots had a higher occurrence of cataracts and other eye ailments than the general population because we spend so much time looking into the sky when flying. After developing premature cataracts himself, he began advocating eye protection with a good pair of sunglasses.

Zurich International has produced the Extreme Glare Sunglasses line since 1986. The original design fit over prescription glasses; later versions included styles for those who do not need vision correction. Recently they began offering prescription lenses in a variety of frames, including wraparound protection in more conventional styles.

A demonstration at the AMA Expo showed the sunglasses’ glare-reduction capability: the author could read writing on an aluminum reflector inside a 500-watt halogen shop light while wearing the Extreme Glare Sunglasses, but not without them. The author chose Serengeti frames with rose lenses (to enhance colors) and a blue exterior tint for a modern look. The lenses are not polarized, so LED and LCD displays remain readable—handy for seeing transmitter displays. The rose lenses improved color and definition of the aircraft, and the author appreciated not needing contacts to fly.

Vendor

Micro F-86 Sabre

If you remember early electric jets with brushed motors struggling to perform, times have changed: modern electric-powered jets capture much of the performance and spirit of full-scale jets. Great Planes’ F-86 Sabre Micro EDF condenses that power and excitement into a model that can be flown indoors, at larger venues, and outdoors.

Details

  • Scale details: molded-in panel lines, hatch lines, machine gun ports, and an unpainted foam pilot figure.
  • Ready-to-fly out of the box; compatible with most radios via the Tactic AnyLink 2.4 GHz Adapter. An RTF version is available with a four-channel 2.4 GHz transmitter.
  • Includes: two-cell 200 mAh battery, DC charger, plug-in wheels, pilot figure, and manual. The box doubles as a carrying case.

Specs

  • Weight: 2.35 oz
  • Motor: Ammo 11,500 kV brushless inrunner
  • Fan: 30mm HyperFlow ducted fan
  • ESC: 6-amp brushless
  • Controls: four-channel (ailerons, elevator, rudder, throttle)
  • Flight time: typically 4–6 minutes, depending on throttle use

Flight tips

  • Plug-in landing gear allows rise-off-ground or hand-launch departures.
  • If using gear, point directly into the wind and allow full throttle for 30–40 ft before liftoff to reduce tip-stall risk (the reviewer achieved liftoff in ~30 ft).
  • Hand launches: into the wind, wings level or slightly up, at full throttle.
  • Maintain power and airflow over control surfaces during landing; the undercambered airfoil helps with landings.

Vendor

  • Hobbico / Great Planes
  • Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826
  • Tel: (800) 637-7660
  • Website: www.greatplanes.com

Stunt Wing

  • Price: $98.50 + S&H
  • From: BMJR Models
  • Address: Box 1210, Sharpes, FL 32959
  • Tel: (321) 537-1159
  • Website: www.bmjrmodels.com

Background and features

  • The original Stunt Wing was built in 1955 by Harold “Red” Reinhardt to demonstrate that flying wings could perform Precision Stunt.
  • BMJR’s reproduction follows the original with step-by-step construction. A balanced elevator counters stall tendencies; the finished Stunt Wing flies smoothly and is stable in wind, yet not too fast for competition.
  • Specifications (original prototypes):
  • Wingspan: 47.5 in
  • Area: 596 sq in
  • Prototype weights: around 33½–37 oz depending on engine and covering

Flyzone Calypso EP Glider

  • Price: $89.99–249.99 + S&H
  • From: Great Planes Model Distributors
  • Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826
  • Tel: (800) 637-7660
  • Website: www.flyzoneplanes.com

Overview

  • A good first electric sailplane with options for experienced pilots.
  • Constructed from AeroCell foam and available in four versions: RTF, Transmitter-Ready (Tx-R), Receiver-Ready (Rx-R), and ARF.
  • Tx-R includes an SLT receiver compatible with the AnyLink system; ARF is a budget-friendly option for those choosing their own radio and motor.
  • Most versions include a factory-installed brushless power system.

Features

  • Two-piece wing for transport; independent aileron servos allow mixing.
  • Simple tail assembly and alignment (tighten one screw).
  • Factory-finished in green and black trim; 73-inch wingspan.
  • Includes wheel, nose and tail skid plates for grass or runway landings.
  • Requires a four- to five-channel 2.4 GHz radio.

SinBad the Sailor 36 RC and ThinBad the Sailor (Nostalgic Gliders)

  • Price: $43.99–49.99 + S&H
  • From: Retro RC LLC
  • Box 193, Keego Harbor, MI 48320
  • Tel: (248) 212-9666
  • Website: www.retrorc.us

Details

  • Based on the 1941 Berkeley SinBad the Sailor (50-inch wingspan).
  • Two kits: RC SinBad the Sailor 36 and FF ThinBad the Sailor.
  • SinBad 36: built-up fuselage, can be flown RC or free-flight (includes auto rudder mechanism).
  • ThinBad: 5/8-inch-thick profile fuselage, easier for FF novices; includes an Olive Oyl pilot for towline and hi-start launches.
  • Both feature removable tail groups and wing halves joined with wire joiners; break down for storage into an 18 × 4 × 4-inch box.
  • Kits include precision laser-cut balsa parts, hardware set, and photo-illustrated instructions. ThinBad includes two sheets of colored Esaki tissue; SinBad does not include covering.
  • An e’Power Pod is sold separately to convert SinBad into an AMA Park Pilot Program–legal airplane.

X2-400 Multicharger

The X2-400 Multicharger charges and discharges at 0.1 to 5 amps. It’s designed as a versatile solution for common battery chemistries.

Features

  • Compatible chemistries: 1S–6S Lithium (LiPo, LiFe, Li-Ion), 1–15 cell NiCd/NiMH, and 2–20 V lead-acid packs.
  • Internal cell balancer
  • High-contrast LCD display
  • Important warning and safety functions
  • Aluminum case for rapid heat dissipation

B-17 Nine-O-Nine EPO ARF

  • Price: $349.99 + S&H
  • From: Hobby Lobby International
  • 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood, TN 37027
  • Tel: (866) 512-1444
  • Website: www.hobby-lobby.com

Overview

  • A prepainted 63-inch-span EPO ARF depicting the famous B-17 Nine-O-Nine with end-of-war markings (140 bombing missions, no crewmember casualties).
  • Prefabricated; only a few hours of assembly required. Photo-illustrated instructions include control throws and CG information.

Includes

  • Four 1350 Kv brushless motors
  • Four 30-amp ESCs with finned heat sinks
  • Counter-rotating propellers
  • Electric retracts and split flaps (split flaps help slow the model for smooth landings)
  • Large wheels and robust suspension for grass fields

Recommendations

  • Use an external 6-amp BEC rather than relying on ESC BEC circuits.
  • Required gear: six-channel radio, 1800–2200 mAh 11.1 V batteries, and a LiPo charger.

E-flite Heli Brushless Outrunner Motors

  • Price: $49.99–149.99 + S&H
  • From: Horizon Hobby, Inc.
  • 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
  • Tel: (800) 338-4639
  • Website: www.e-fliterc.com

Features

  • Available for 450-, 550-, 600-, and 700-class helicopters.
  • Built for efficiency and high performance with sealed bearings, hardened shafts, and integrated airflow cooling.
  • Dual-mounting pattern for broad compatibility; slotted eight-pole motor design.
  • Quiet, lightweight, and ideal for sport or 3-D flying.
  • All models include 4mm gold bullet connectors.

BH Models Landscape 76-inch 26–30cc Gas ARF

  • Price: $459.99 + S&H
  • From: Hobby People
  • 18480 Bandilier Circle, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
  • Tel: (800) 854-8471
  • Website: www.hobbypeople.net

Overview

  • A 76-inch semiscale ARF of the full-scale Lancair, designed for 26–30cc gas engines.
  • Handcrafted from wood sheet with precision-placed formers.

Features

  • Approx. 13 lb flying weight
  • Two-piece wing
  • Tab/groove/pin factory-installed hinges
  • Molded wheel pants and oleo-strut nose gear
  • Oracover covering (lightweight, repairable, fiberglass-like finish)
  • Requires six-channel radio and eight servos
  • Sold exclusively by Hobby People

Gaui X7 Helicopter Basic Kit

  • Price: $899 + S&H
  • From: Empire Hobby
  • 950 E. Baseline Ave., Unit 210, Apache Junction, AZ 85119
  • Tel: (480) 982-0909
  • Website: www.empirercr.com

Overview

  • The Gaui X7 features a flybarless main rotor head and swashplate for quick response and precise control.
  • I-shaped structure and carbon-fiber mainframe provide high rigidity for 3-D maneuvers.
  • CNC 6065 and 7075 aluminum parts enhance 3-D performance.

Features

  • High-efficiency, heavy-duty torque-tube-driven tail for excellent performance at varied head speeds
  • High modulus drive and bevel gears, upgradeable toward 800-class compatibility
  • Delivered with main frame, integrated CNC servo and motor mounts, painted FRP canopy, and canopy protective cover
  • Distributed in the U.S. exclusively through Empire Hobby and sold in hobby stores nationwide

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.