Small-field models and the ParkZone Ultra Micro P-51 power plant
When it comes to electric power systems for model airplanes today, we tend to think only of brushless motors. At the smaller end of the size spectrum, brushed motors still represent a good power option. That is certainly exemplified by the use of brushed motors in many ready-to-fly (RTF) models being sold.
One brushed-motor power system that has gained favor within the build-it-yourself community of modelers is the ParkZone Ultra Micro P-51 motor and gearbox. The unit has proven to be a good power option for models in the 16- to 25-inch wingspan range and weighing up to 3 ounces.
Not only will the Ultra Micro P-51 geared motor deliver the needed power, it does so on a single LiPo cell. It’s just the ticket for keeping the flying weight down.
To whet your appetite, here are several nice models that use the ParkZone Ultra Micro P-51 motor package. The Ultra Micro P-51 motor and gearbox are available as replacement parts, so you don’t have to sacrifice a model.
Russ Farris converted a Goldberg FF Shoestring (plans reproduced from the author’s website) into an RC small-field model powered by the Ultra Micro P-51 motor package. His nicely turned-out model is shown in a photo in front of its big brother, a vintage Goldberg Shoestring. Control of the little Shoestring is handled by an AR6400 brick receiver. Russ reports that the converted FF Shoestring is a great RC small-field flier.
Another example is a Piper Tri-Pacer by Chris Moes. Chris drew his own plans for this model. It has a 25-inch wingspan and a flying weight of 2.8 ounces. Control is provided by a Vapor three-channel receiver and Chris says the model performs well. Plans for this model are scheduled to be part of a construction article in Quiet & Electric Flight International.
Following the Tri-Pacer is a Douglas M-2 mail plane built by Keith Spriggs. That model has a 20-inch wingspan and was built using a blown-up three-view. Keith’s nicely detailed model weighs 2 ounces. It is powered by an Ultra Micro P-51 motor package and uses an AR6400 brick receiver to handle the control functions.
I have one more example of an Ultra Micro P-51 motor system used in a platform other than the Ultra Micro P-51 model. My friend John Krouse added an Ultra Micro P-51 motor and gear drive to the unpowered RTF Zoomer FF glider sold by Hobby Lobby. What makes his application different is that only the motor is controlled. The 22-inch wingspan model weighs slightly more than 2 ounces. This is another of John’s climb-and-glide models — a nice hybrid RC/FF model using a readily available RTF airframe.
In smaller models, the ParkZone Ultra Micro P-51 power plant is a great power option for small-field flying.
Bill Bradley's New Ju 52 Short Kit
I have shared several short-kit offerings from Bill Bradley (no relation) in past columns. He has a nice addition to his short-kit line in the form of a Junkers Ju 52. This model has a 57-1/2-inch wingspan and a flying weight of 41 ounces. This is a good model for the larger end of our small-field venues. As with his other models, the short kits are available from Manzano Laser Works. See the Sources listing for contact information.
Neat Deans Ultra Plugs Idea
I received a nice note from AMA Hall of Fame member Ron Wittman regarding Deans Ultra Plugs. These popular plugs can sometimes be difficult to separate. Ron suggests that when soldering the leads to each plug half, you also touch the soldering-iron tip to the sides of the plug halves in several spots. This creates dimples that make it easier to hold the plug while pulling it apart. Neat idea, Ron.
MA Digital Library
The Model Aviation Digital Library is up and running. This is a great resource for AMA members who may be searching for their next model to build. You will find it in the Sources information below.
As always, let me know what you are up to in your small-field modeling world.
SOURCES
- Horizon Hobby / ParkZone
(800) 338-4639 www.parkzone.com
- Quiet & Electric Flight International
[email protected] www.qefimagazine.com
- Hobby Lobby International
(866) 512-1444 www.hobby-lobby.com
- Manzano Laser Works
(505) 286-2640 www.manzanolasers.com
- Model Aviation Digital Library
https://library.modelaviation.com
- Paul Bradley
10201 Scarletoak Dr. Independence, KY 41051 [email protected] www.parmodels.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
