Author: Sal Calvagna
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/08
Page Numbers: 92,93,94,96
,
,
,

RADIO CONTROL GIANTS

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

I attended the 50th anniversary of the Weak Signals show held in early April at the SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo, Ohio. Since the show is fresh in my mind (and I happen to have another column due), I thought I would write about some of the neat products I saw there.

For those who have not had the opportunity to attend the Toledo expo, it is much larger than the Westchester Radio Aeromodelers (WRAM) Show held in New York, and — from what I hear — larger than the AMA Convention held in Ontario, California. The show is well attended by the industry because of its location. Toledo is where east meets west. Here you can find companies from the East Coast such as Nick Ziroli Plans and SR Batteries as well as West Coast businesses such as Bob Holman Plans and Jet Hangar Hobbies. Great Planes, Horizon Hobby, Sig Manufacturing, Balsa USA, Hitec RCD, MRC, and other manufacturers set up eye-catching display booths.

Kangke (SuperKraft) Rearwin Speedster ARF

We finally had the opportunity to test-fly the Kangke (SuperKraft) Rearwin Speedster ARF. Highlights:

  • Wingspan: 96 in
  • Length: 70 in
  • Wing area: 1,440 sq in
  • Weight: 14–17 lb (depending on power system)
  • Covering: Oracover (UltraCote); painted parts match covering
  • Hardware: kit includes all necessary hardware and the fuel tank
  • Required: six servos, radio, engine (not included)
  • Airfoil: fully symmetrical wing; large empennage and big control surfaces for aerobatics
  • Suggested power: 1.80–2.40 gas or glow engine

I installed a Zenoah G-45 with ignition on it, and there is certainly plenty of power to haul it around. Because the model has a rather narrow cowl, you could install an engine with a rear exhaust and rear carburetor without cutting up the cowl.

My good friend Kevin Shaw of Middle Island, New York, test-flew the Rearwin while I took photos. There must have been a 20-knot wind blowing, which is common for us here on Long Island. With a little throttle, the model broke ground quickly and climbed out with authority. A couple clicks of right aileron trim and a click of up elevator trimmed the model nicely. Because of the wind conditions Kevin did not put the Rearwin through its paces, but it did loop quite nicely. Later in the flight the Zenoah stopped running and Kevin made a gentle dead-stick landing. The Speedster on a low pass almost looks like the full-scale airplane.

If you're looking for a 1930s-era ARF model that builds quickly, flies easily, and has a broad flight envelope, take a good look at the Kangke Industrial USA (SuperKraft) Rearwin Speedster.

Contact:

  • Website: www.kangkeusa.com
  • Phone: (877) 203-2377
  • Address: Kangke Industrial USA, Inc., 65 East Jerlyn Blvd., Deer Park NY 11729

Classic Aero — Sikorsky S-39 (1/6 scale)

Classic Aero of Oxford, Michigan, plans to release its 1/6-scale Sikorsky S-39 flying boat kit in November 2004. The model shown at Toledo:

  • Wingspan: 104 in
  • Weight: 15–18 lb (designed for a 150–180 four-stroke glow engine)

The inspiration came from an earlier 90-inch S-39 that took first place at the 1993 Canadian Nationals in Standoff Scale. Documentation from a full-scale S-39 restoration project, The Spirit of Igor, aided the 1/6-scale design. The kit features classic hull construction with laser-cut wood parts, vacuum-formed parts, and a hull. Accessories include landing-gear struts, custom electric retracts, photo-etched metal parts, a custom mahogany interior, and a decal set.

Contact:

SR Batteries — Fokker Eindecker E.I (100-inch wingspan)

SR Batteries of Bellport, New York, is offering a 100-inch-wingspan Fokker Eindecker E.I. The model can be powered by gas, glow, or electric power. The laser-cut firewall is ready to accept a Zenoah G-26 gas engine or an AXI 4130 brushless electric motor.

Features include a spun-aluminum cowl, composite wing leading edge and spars, shock-absorbing landing gear and tail-skid assemblies, and many modeler-friendly design features. A video of the Eindecker flying with gas and electric power is available on SR’s website.

Contact:

Note: Larry Sribnick, president of SR Batteries, was operating the SR booth at Toledo. Look for more about the SR Eindecker in a future column.

Wendell Hostetler designs (2004)

Wendell Hostetler’s 2004 designs include:

  • 26% Cessna 310R
  • 26% Stinson Voyager 108
  • 33% Piper Tri-Pacer

The Piper Tri-Pacer on display spans 115 in, has a wing area of 2,282 sq in, length of 81.67 in, and weighs 28–30 lb. Recommended power: 2.4–4.0 cu. in. engine.

Contact:

Balsa USA — Fokker D.VII (1/4 scale)

Balsa USA followed their 1/4-scale S.E.5a with a 1/4-scale Fokker D.VII:

  • Wingspan: 88 in
  • Wing area: 2,225 sq in
  • Finished weight: 18–20 lb
  • Designed power: 25–35 cc gas engine
  • Price: $269.95

Package includes full-size rolled plans, pre-bent landing gear, photo-illustrated instructions, name-brand hardware, and premium-grade plywood, hardware, and balsa.

Contact:

  • Website: www.balsausa.com
  • Order line: (800) 225-7287
  • Mail: Balsa USA, Box 164, Marinette WI 54143

Glenn Torrance Models (GTM) — Fokker D.VI (1/4 scale)

Glenn Torrance, known for highly detailed 1/4-scale World War I kits, released a Fokker D.VI biplane. The kit at Toledo retailed for $389 and includes aluminum cowling, struts, and more than 600 parts. The prototype uses a G-26 engine and weighs approximately 15 lb. Optional detail kits are available.

Background: The Fokker D.VI was an interim design using the fuselage of the Dr.I triplane and the wings of the D.VII; only 59 were built and it was soon relegated to training and rear-echelon duties.

Contact:

  • Website: www.gtmodels.com
  • Phone: (919) 423-8530
  • Mail: GTM, Box 440, Morrisville NC 27560

Pacer Technology — ZIP Kicker accelerator

I was born into RC modeling not with Ambroid and white glue but with cyanoacrylates and accelerator. Cyanoacrylate glues were a leap forward, and I enjoy using fast-setting CA glues accelerated with ZIP Kicker. I always wanted a reliable accelerator dispenser; pump-type bottles tended to clog or change output over time.

Pacer Technology (ZAP products) solved the issue by offering ZIP Kicker (PT-50) in a 5-ounce spray can, which delivers a consistent mist from first spray to last. Pacer has discontinued the pump-type ZIP Kicker and added a 2-ounce spray can (PT-15). Now ZIP Kicker is available in 2-ounce and 5-ounce spray cans.

Find a ZAP distributor at:

So ends another RC Giants column. Have a wonderful and safe flying season. See you next month!

MA

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