File: 02calvagna.ot1.doc
[Headline: WRAM Show 2015]
Welcome back to the “RC Giants” column. One of the “Big Three” RC trade shows to take place in the good old US is about to hit town; the 2015 Westchester Radio Aero Modelers (WRAM) Show. It’s held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, February 20-22. There will be more than 150 manufacturers and vendors present, along with magnificent static models of all types for land, sea, and air. Check out the new offerings and maybe find a great deal. It’s also a good time to meet up with fellow modelers to renew old friendships. For more information, please visit the WRAM website, listed in “Sources.”
Vailly Aviation SE5
It’s been a year since Vailly Aviation’s newest offering, a 1/3-scale Royal Aircraft Factory SE5, was last featured in this column. Now here’s a second look at the completed model.
The model spans 108 inches with a length of 85 inches and all-up weight between 38 and 46 pounds. The SE5 is a 1/3-scale design for the World War I Sport/Fun Scale enthusiast based on W.A. Wylam drawings. It may also be built as an SE5a with some changes. It is designed around a Zenoah G-62 with a Mick Reeves reduction propeller drive unit (30/10 propeller). Other engines may also be used with direct drive. Construction is an all wood built-up structure and utilizes conventional materials and assembly techniques. The model features a three-piece wing design with plug-in panels for easy transportation and the functional flying wires provide easy assembly/disassembly at the field. For more information please visit the Vailly Aviation website.
PA-12 Supercruiser and J-4 Cub Coupe by Randy Smithhisler
Randy Smithheisler of Edgewood, Washington, built both these immaculate models. The first is a Piper PA-12 Supercruiser in 1/4 scale with a 108-inch wingspan. Randy built it back in 1996 for an article titled “Electric Conversions for RC Scale” that was published in the May 1997 issue of Model Aviation. This was one of the first electric-powered models to win a trophy at the AMA Nats (1997) and a U.S. Scale Masters Association (USSMA) qualifier (1996).
The second model is a 1/4-scale J-4 Cub Coupe that was built using the wing from a Sig Manufacturing kit and a fuselage built from Paul Matt three-views. This model has competed in eight USSMA championships, but still feels at home flying at the local field on Sunday afternoons. Both models are powered by a geared Astro Flight 90 brushed motor using an 11S Hyperion LiPo pack. Very nice work, Randy.
Curtiss Standard J-1 by Keith Zimmerly
Keith Zimmerly of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, is well known for building very large models. This time, Keith has gone over the top with his latest project, a 1/2-scale Curtiss J-1 Standard. The model spans 22 feet, is powered by a 3W-170 gas engine swinging a 36 x 10 propeller and sports 16-inch bicycles tires. Even at 76.5 pounds, the model floats like a trainer.
Keith covered the model with Solartex and painted it with Rustoleum. The aluminum roof paint for the wings was put on with a roller. Of course, Keith couldn’t miss the opportunity to finish the model in a barnstorm-era scheme using part of his own name: “Zimm’s Flying Circus.” Keith states that the model will be donated to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome for display in its museum.
Guess the Aircraft
Just like a radio show where the listener has to guess the song by listening to a few notes, the first reader to identify the aircraft from the photo of just the rudder will win a heavy-duty switch harness with charge port from Maxx MPI or EMS. All you have to do is email me at the address listed at the top of this column. Good luck.
That’s all for now. Send me photos of your current project and I will be happy to include them in an upcoming “RC Giants” column.[dingbat]
SOURCES:
47th Annual WRAM Show
www.wram.org/wram-show
Vailly Aviation
(631) 732-4715
www.vaillyaviation.com/
