Author: Sal Calvagna
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/08
Page Numbers: 109,110,111
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RADIO CONTROL GIANTS

Sal Calvagna 1335 Broadway Ave., Holbrook NY 11741 E-mail: [email protected]

I will start by showing the progress of my Aviomodelli CANT Z.1007 bomber kit that I introduced in last month's column. I have also selected three new accessories from Sullivan Products, Maxx Products, and Du-Bro Products that you might find helpful in your Radio Control (RC) Giant. I will end with a Gold Edition Giant Scale TopFlite P-47 built by Joe Wcela of Bohemia, New York.

Aviomodelli CANT Z.1007bis three-engine bomber

Last month I featured a unique World War II CANT Z.1007bis three-engine bomber kit imported by Internet-RC. The sport-scale model is a laser-cut kit with vinyl-sheeted foam outer wing cores. The completed airplane has a 90-inch wingspan.

My good friend Ed Hirschfeld of Selden, New York, has framed and sheeted the CANT Z model into the condition seen in the photo. Unlike a typical domestic kit that includes a construction booklet and full-size plans, Aviomodelli has taken a different approach to building this model.

The assembly instructions include a complete parts listing, approximately two dozen black-and-white photos of the model in various stages of completion, and slightly more than one page of written instructions. Don't be alarmed; the manufacturer has done a wonderful job. In addition to the page of instructions, you also get eight sheets of plans that list every laser-cut part and exactly where that part goes in relation to the surrounding parts. The plans are roughly half size rather than full size, so they are easy to handle and much easier to reference. The plans show the complete fuselage, wing, and tail groupings and exploded views of the landing gear, servo-tray setup, engine installation, and other spots that need clarification. Each part is numbered. If pictures are worth a thousand words, the eight plan sheets are surely worth what an extensive construction manual would be. There is even a plan that shows the placement of all markings and decals.

The first thing the manufacturer asks you to do is number the individual laser-cut parts. Aviomodelli provides complete parts plans, so it's a snap to locate the parts for numbering. The model was easy to frame because the laser-cut parts fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The fuselage, inboard wing panels, and engine nacelle parts fit exactly, making alignment of these assemblies perfect.

Once framed, the model is sheeted with three types of material. The inner wing panels are sheeted with aircraft-grade plywood roughly 1/32 inch thick. The forward fuselage sides are finished with two large premade 3/32-inch balsa slabs that have vinyl covering on one side. The engine nacelles and rear fuselage use balsa planks. Keep an eye on future RC Giants columns for the engine, radio, and control-system installations.

For more information about the CANT Z and other Aviomodelli model aircraft:

MAXX Products — heavy-duty switch assembly

MAXX Products International of Lake Zurich, Illinois, is offering an updated heavy-duty switch assembly. This new switch assembly comes with an onboard battery checker and an LED display.

If you are going to build and fly giant-scale models, it is a good idea to install a heavy-duty switch assembly. Larger models draw more current because of the increased number and size of the servos, and they experience greater vibration because of the size and type of engines used. Standard switch assemblies that are sufficient for 40- to 60-size glow-powered models should not be used on a 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup powered by a Zenoah G-62 gasoline engine. The switch harness is one of the most overlooked assemblies on our RC Giants.

For information about Maxx Products:

  • Web: www.maxxprod.com
  • Address: 815 Oakwood Rd, Unit D, Lake Zurich IL 60047
  • Phone: (847) 438-2233
  • Order-only toll-free: (800) 416-6299

Sullivan Products — SkyWriter Smoke Pump

Sullivan Products of Baltimore, Maryland, offers an electronically controlled smoke pump for onboard smoke systems: the SkyWriter Smoke Pump. Sullivan uses the same ultrasonically sealed direct-drive pump head as in the company's other electric pumps.

Key features:

  • Ultrasonically sealed direct-drive pump head
  • Microprocessor-controlled electronic pulse drive speed control
  • Smoke rate adjustable via transmitter trims and mix (can be mixed with throttle channel)
  • Operates on 6- to 12-volt battery packs
  • Weight: 3.9 ounces
  • Size: 3.8 x 1.4 x 1.4 inches (96 x 36 x 35 mm)
  • Includes filter, smoke tubing, and antisiphon valve
  • Approximate price: $79.95

For more information:

Du-Bro — 4-40 Safety Lock Kwik-Link

If you build and fly large model aircraft, eventually you are going to need a good 4-40-size clevis to operate your control surfaces. A good clevis should offer a way to lock itself onto a horn so there is no chance of slipping off because of stress or vibration.

Du-Bro Products, Inc. of Wauconda, Illinois, has added a new Safety Lock Kwik-Link to its lineup of accessories.

Features:

  • Self-tapping design to eliminate slop on threads
  • Square shank for easy installation and adjustment
  • Brass-plated stepped steel pin to prohibit binding on control horns or servo arms
  • Brass-plated steel safety lock that slides into a groove on the pin for a secure lock
  • Safety lock mounted on a track system on the clevis to help prevent loss
  • Available sizes: 2 mm, 2-56, and 4-40
  • Super-strong, super-tough, and about 10% lighter than a steel clevis

For more information:

TopFlite Giant Scale Gold Edition P-47 — Joe Wcela

Joe Wcela has a new addition to his military hangar: a TopFlite Giant Scale Gold Edition P-47. Joe is partial to warbirds and wanted a P-47 that was not too large but would still qualify as an International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA) aircraft. Joe says the TopFlite kit was exactly what he wanted.

Model details:

  • Wingspan: 85 inches
  • Weight: 25 pounds
  • Engine: Quadra 65
  • Gear: Robart main retractable gear and Yellow Aircraft retractable tail gear
  • Finish: Painted with household latex paint (Joe likes latex for its deep, low luster, ease of application, easy cleanup, low odor, and ability to be recoated multiple times in one day)
  • Markings: Finished in 56th Fighter Group colors, sporting "Big Chief" on the cowling

Have a great and safe summer of RC flying.

If you would like to see yourself or your latest and greatest RC Giant in this column, please send me some photos with a description. Don't be shy; I would like to see you and the model in a great photo together. Remember that you gotta submit it to be in it.

MA

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