RADIO CONTROL SCALE AEROBATICS - 2003/09

134 MODEL AVIATION
I WAS LUCKY this year to get a chance
to go to the annual Toledo Weak Signals
RC industry show in Toledo, Ohio. As
Scale Aerobatics (SA) enthusiasts, we are
probably the most fortunate Special
Interest Group in AMA. The show was
packed to the ceilings with loads of SA
airplanes and equipment.
What was hot and new at Toledo? I’d
like to try to clear up recently developed
confusion about FiberClassics aircraft.
The aircraft we used to know as
FiberClassics are now manufactured and
distributed by CompositeARFs.com. They
are the same all-composite aircraft made
in Thailand that we’ve known for years,
just with a new name, distribution
network, and attractive new prices. These
Composite Almost Ready to Flys (ARFs)
are the same models Jason Shulman and
other competitors fly in the Tournament of
Champions (TOC).
The company called FiberClassics
consists of an entirely new line of
composite and foam SA aircraft, with an
impressive 40% Extra 300S and Edge 540.
Planes Plus will distribute the new
FiberClassics aircraft in the US, but Planes
Plus no longer sells the old FiberClassics
line now known as CompositeARFs.com.
Is that as clear as mud?
Another manufacturer that is new to
the Planes Plus stable this year is
Germany’s FMG. FMG makes some of the
most beautifully sculpted models on the
market, including a 42% and 30% Raven
and a new-for-this-year 40% Extra 300L.
The FMG Extra was, by far, my favorite
new airplane of the show.
Two price-busting standouts at this
year’s show were Radiowave—with some
slightly reworked versions of the old
RadioCraft line of airplanes and a few new
additions to the lineup—and Dave
Patrick’s new 40% Edge 540 ARF,
complete with all necessary hardware for a
paltry $1,500. The new Dave Patrick Edge
will no doubt begin to define the
marketplace.
Not new news, but a first look for most
of us, were Hangar 9’s 46% Ultimate
biplane, Carden’s second-generation 35%
Extra 330s, and Desert Aircraft’s new
baby 50cc single-cylinder gas engine. All
of these items will likely make a big
splash at local clubs this summer.
Designed by TOC competitor Mike
McConville, the new Ultimate biplane is
Hangar 9’s largest and most sophisticated
model to date. The airplane has a
Mike Hurley, 11542 Decatur Ct., Westminster CO 80234; E-mail: [email protected]
RADIO CONTROL SCALE AEROBATICS
Hangar 9’s new 46% Ultimate biplane is its largest, most sophisticated ARF to date. The
color scheme is modeled after Mike McConville’s TOC competition Extra 330.
What used to be known as FiberClassics
line of models is now “Composite ARFs”
and is distributed to CompositeARFs.com.
Much-anticipated release of DA-50 gives
entry-level gasoline modelers the chance
to use a TOC-quality engine design.
wingspan of 98.5 inches and a length of
110 inches. It features a removable tail
section and wings that split in half for easy
storage and transportation. I’m hoping that
one of these beauties will make it into my
hangar this summer.
Carden’s new 35% Extra 330 is the
little brother to the TOC-level 40% Extra
that was introduced to much acclaim last
year. The talk is that the new Extra is one
of the best-performing designs in its class.
Because my next design project will
focus on the entry point into gasoline
engines and 3-D, I have the new baby
Desert Aircraft engine in my shop. It
marks a significant step forward in the
quality of an entry-level gasoline engine,
giving those who are new to the gasengine
world a chance to fly a TOCquality
engine design at an affordable
price point.
The 50cc engine (3.05ci) produces
approximately 5 horsepower and weighs
just 2.94 pounds. It has a fully electronic
ignition and a CNC (Computer Numeric
Controlled)-milled high-grade 7075
aluminum crankcase. The DA-50 is a rear-carbureted design,
which is somewhat new to the US market but standard practice
for European modelers. A big standout for this design is the
huge variety of muffler systems available for this engine,
making it ideal in any situation from difficult mounting issues
to noise-restricted flying environments.
Speaking of noise restrictions, for more information on how
your fellow modelers are making their SA airplanes quieter,
visit www.quiet.rcflier.com/. The site gives a lot of information
on how to mount a canister muffler system in an aerobatic
model. MA
September 2003 135
Maker of fine German composite aircraft, FMG has new US
distributor: Planes Plus. New to FMG line is 40% Extra 330LX.
Advantages of DA-50 over other 50cc engines are quality, light
weight, and variety of muffler systems from which to choose.
Hughes RC 1-800-786-0802 www.hughesrc.com
The CHARGE+ glow start charger
makes your pocket glow starter
as good as your power panel.
Charges at 1.6A, yet takes only
600mA from your field battery.
Use at home with AC adapter.
Peaks at highest voltage.
Rejuvenates older depressed
batteries. Get full details at our
website, or call toll-free.
12 ft., 37 lb. Cub, Col. M., Bossier City, LA
CHARGE+ the GRANDSTAND
The GRANDSTAND is great for
.60 size to 40% scale. Made of
HEAVY-DUTY PVC, it is strong,
lightweight and folds for easy
storage and transport. Why pay
more for heavy, old fashioned
stands? See it in action on our
website.
The BATTERY TENDER,
Jr. keeps your 12 volt
gel cell or lead acid field
battery topped off with
microprocessor
controlled float charge
system. Plug it in and
leave it. No more
guessing and no more
down batteries.
Increases battery life too.
Full technical
specifications at our
website.
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BATTERY TENDER Jr.