Product Spotlight
New products that are Worth a Closer Look
BUILDING TOOLS
REVIEWS
Ron Eigenschink of Precision Aero provided us with a few of the building tools that the company has begun to offer.
The AeroBroach Hinge Slotter simplifies the hinging process by including three sizes of broaches to generate the correct slot width for the type of hinge to be installed.
The CA broach is designed for use with CA-type hinges, which are thin, polyester strips with flocking.
The 60 broach is designed for use with the standard prepinned hinges such as the Du-Bro #116 for up to .60-size airplanes.
The 1/4 broach is designed for the heavy-duty, two-piece plastic pinned hinges such as the Du-Bro #257 commonly installed in 1/4-scale airplanes.
The broaches don't come with a handle and it is recommended that a heavy-duty knife handle, such as the Excel #5, be used. We were able to use the smallest broach, the CA, without a handle.
We also received a pair of the 3 x 3 building squares. Whether you build your models from scratch or from a kit, you need certain tools to ensure that the model is built straight and true. A builder's square with its 45° angle works well to align the vertical and horizontal stabilizer or can be used to ensure that each wing rib has the proper angle.
Some builders typically only use one square for alignment. The Builders Squares from Precision Aero come in packs of two or four and include a stand, allowing them to be freestanding. Made from heavy, 1/8-inch-thick PVC, they are sure to last a long time.
If you labor over installing your airplane's tail and are looking for a simple way to ensure alignment, the Building Squares from Precision Aero might be what you are looking for.
We received the Servo Fast Mount System for easy installation of servos inside the fuselage. This system is fully adjustable and the rails can be snugly mounted between the fuselage sides. When the width is determined, trim the excess for a perfect fit.
The AeroBroach Hinge Slotter retails for $17.95; the Building Squares are $6.50 for a pack of two; and the Servo Fast Mount is $1.75.
Precision Aero: 1561 River Highlands Dr., Oconomowoc WI 53066; Tel.: (262) 352-6670; website: www.precision-aero.com.
FLYZONE TIDEWATER
Joe Hass helped us review the Flyzone Tidewater. Here is what he had to say:
Flying off of water is cool—not only because of the breezes off of the water, but also the overall experience.
In the past, aircraft needed to be built before they could be flown. Even in the past few years, ARF aircraft needed a flight box.
Today, however, modern technology and materials, coupled with electric power, have made entering the world of float flying nearly instantaneous. Your power system is small enough to fit in your pocket!
The Flyzone Tidewater from Hobbico is a marvelous flying amphibian that can be put together in roughly the same amount of time that it takes to charge the three-cell, 2,200 mAh LiPo used to power it.
Two versions of the Tidewater are available. The RTF has everything you need including a Tactic TTX404 transmitter, ElectriFly 3S 2,200 mAh LiPo battery, and a smart charger.
The transmitter-ready version (TX-R) allows you to use your Tactic-compatible transmitter or AnyLink 2.4 GHz Radio Adapter and your own battery and charger.
Either way, you will be in the air fast.
The Tidewater is fantastic. It handles well on the water, thanks to a collaboration between the Flyzone team and the AquaCraft team to make the hull perform similar to a boat. Also, there is plenty of rudder authority to taxi into the wind.
Slowly advancing the throttle gets the Tidewater on step and smoothly in the air. Aerobatics are not typically included in the description of amphibians. The Tidewater changes that definition. Loops from level flight are easy, rolls are axial, and four-point rolls are easily accomplished.
The Tidewater does not need smooth water or air to fly well. I have flown it in 15-knot winds and with considerable chop on the water's surface. This is not a fair-weather-only aircraft. Regardless of the conditions, I have never seen water in the hull.
Flying off of water is a great change of pace and rewarding. The Flyzone Tidewater provides an easy-to-assemble and easy-to-fly aircraft to help you quickly get your water wings. Give it a try!
Be sure to stop by www.modelaviation.com/flyzonetidewater to read the full review and watch a flight video!
Hobbico: 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.flyzoneplanes.com.
X1-200 Touch 200-Watt DC Input, Multi-Chemistry Touch Screen Battery Charger @ $119.99 + S&H from Hitec RCD, 12115 Paine St., Poway CA 92064; Tel.: (858) 748-6948; website: www.hitecrcd.com.
Hitec proudly announces its high-performance, microprocessor-controlled X1-200 Touch battery charger.
With a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen, integrated cell balancer, and automatic current adjustment, this 200-watt charge/discharge station can operate on a 12-volt automotive battery or 11- to 18-volt DC power supply.
Included with the X1-200 Touch are a universal balancing board with paired cable, two alligator clips, and a two-pin, T-type charging cable. It charges NiMH, NiCd, LiPo, LiFe, Li-Ion, and Lead Acid batteries, with an adjustable charge-current rate of 0.1-12.0 amps.
Colossus 19-in-1 Charging Adapter @ $24.95 + S&H from Common Sense RC, Box 3546, Chatsworth CA 91313; Tel.: (866) 405-8811; website: www.commonsenserc.com.
Common Sense RC introduces the new Colossus 19-in-1 Charging Adapter—“the last charging adapter you’ll ever have to buy!”
This adapter features all of the most popular charging connectors: Deans T-Plug, Deans Micro Plug, Tamiya and mini Tamiya female, JST, Futaba J servo and transmitter charge plug, Traxxas, EC3 (E-flite), JR transmitter charge plug, Anderson Powerpoles, and Spektrum TX connector.
The Colossus adapter includes new connectors for XT60, EC5, and HXT 4mm, charge connectors for glow igniters, bare leads, and a connector for the Blade mCX, which also matches many other micro-size aircraft.
Beast 60e Biplane @ $349.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; www.e-fliterc.com.
The Beast 60e ARF biplane embodies everything you’d expect from a design created to deliver stunning aerobatics in a modern classic!
With lightweight, laser-cut balsa and plywood construction, the Beast 60e has a high power-to-weight ratio and 3-D capability.
The four-screw and four-pin field assembly takes only minutes. The two-piece wings plug in with a carbon joiner tube. The magnetic nose hatch provides ample access to the battery and electronics. Other features include a steerable tail wheel, a quality hardware package, a prepainted fiberglass cowl, and wheel pants, and durable aluminum landing gear with a painted finish.
A six-plus-channel transmitter and radio system, four mini servos and two standard servos, a 60-size brushless outrunner motor, 17 x 7e propeller, 3-inch parabolic spinner, 80-amp brushless ESC, 22.2-volt 6S 4,400-5,000 mAh 30 C LiPo battery, and a battery charger are recommended. A pilot figure is optional.
Blade 600X Pro Series Helicopter Kit @ $579.99 + S&H from Horizon Hobby Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; www.bladehelis.com.
The Blade 600X Pro Series heli kit from Horizon Hobby uses the same main frame and rotor head parts as the 550 X, with the extra power of an E-flite Heli 700, 500 Kv brushless power system. The carbon-fiber Revolution blades are 600mm. The tail has been lengthened and includes Revolution 95mm carbon-fiber tail blades.
The swashplate, head block, and blade grips are CNC-machined aluminum. Other key features include the direct-to-swash flybarless head design, symmetrical carbon-fiber main frames, a triple ball-bearing-supported 10mm solid steel main shaft, a torque tube-driven tail with aluminum tail boom and case, and a dual-point tail pitch slider and balanced tail grips.
The Blade 600X Pro Series helicopter requires a six-plus channel radio system, three cyclic servos, a tail servo, a 100-plus-amp HV brushless ESC, two 22.2-volt 6S 3,200-4,400 mAh LiPo batteries, a flybarless control system, a charger, and assembly tools.
Dambusters app for iPhone and iPad @ $2.99 from Hyperspace; email: [email protected]; website: www.thedambusters.co.uk; iTunes App Store: http://bit.ly/15ATC9y.
Dambusters is a 3-D flying game app inspired by Operation Chastise.
EC145 1/43-Scale Collective Pitch RC Helicopter @ $149.99-$199.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.helimax-rc.com
Heli-Max wants you to fly like a VIP by replicating the full-scale Eurocopter EC145 as a 1/43-scale electric model!
The injection-molded body features rivets, windows, turbine exhausts, tie-downs, door outlines, and more. The unique, four-blade, collective-pitch rotor head expands the helicopter's maneuverability, while Triple Axis Gyro Stabilization (TAGS) provides smooth, stable flight.
The forward fuselage is magnetically attached for easy access to electronics, and a 14,750 Kv brushless motor and ESC, digital servos, battery tray, SLT-compatible receiver, and the TAGS gyro, are all mounted inside.
The RTF version includes all of the electronics, as well as a variable-rate balancing AC LiPo charger and a TX610 SLT transmitter, only requiring eight AA batteries. The transmitter-ready version includes everything but a required six-channel SLT helicopter transmitter or six-channel helicopter transmitter and AnyLink.
A four-channel radio with a minimum of five servos, two 11.1-volt 3,200 mAh LiPo batteries, and an engine or motor are required.
F1 Rocket Evo Sport GP/EP ARF @ $179.99 + S&H from Hobbico, 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite #1, Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 637-7660; website: www.greatplanes.com
Modeled after and inspired by the full-scale homebuilt RV aircraft, the F1 Rocket Evo Sport ARF can go from a relaxing Sunday flier to a swift, aerobatic performer.
Powered by a two-stroke .46-.55, four-stroke .70 glow engine, or by a .55 electric motor, the F1 Rocket Evo features a colorful, preapplied MonoKote trim scheme, and a prepainted fiberglass cowl and wheel pants.
The large hatch is held in place by magnets and quickly removes to reveal an interior with room for LiPo batteries or a fuel tank. Control surfaces are prehinged, and the canopy area holds a preinstalled pilot figure.
The full-scale Laminar XLF-207 was the first European sailplane built using a laminar airfoil design, reducing skin friction drag and increasing maximum lift capacity. The 4.4-meter ARF sailplane from Esprit Model is as impressive.
Finished in scale-blue gel coat to match the UltraCote-covered, balsa-sheeted foam-core wings and tail, the Laminar XLF-207 features lightning holes in the tail surfaces and flaps for maximum weight reduction and responsiveness, while still maintaining strength.
The two-piece wings are easily removable for transport and have split ailerons and one flap per side. The bottom hinged flaps can be lowered to approximately 90°, and when combined with the included spoilers, the result is incredible braking force.
With its 173.25-inch wingspan, scale HQ airfoil, and camber-changing ability, this airplane has a broad-speed range with no bad tendencies. It performs inverted flight maneuvers as well.
This ARF kit includes a complete hardware package and many extras such as a fuselage servo tray, precut spoiler openings, and wing servo covers.
Laminar XLF-207 sailplane @ $895 + S&H from Esprit Model, 1240 Clearmont St. NE #12, Palm Bay FL 32905; Tel.: (321) 729-4287; website: www.espritmodel.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
