Author: Randall Trumbull

Edition: Model Aviation - 2000/08
Page Numbers: 14, 15, 16, 17, 22
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Toledo

Randall Trumbull

Our annual look at new products and accessories

The 46th Annual Weak Signals RC Exposition was held April 7–9, 2000 at the SeaGate Center, Toledo, Ohio.

Visitors enjoyed static model displays, workshops on a variety of subjects, an auction, and, of course, new products from approximately 250 exhibitors.

Exhibitors and New Products

  • RK Products (Box 950547, Lake Mary FL 32795-0547; Tel.: [904] 255-8431; Web site: www.liltrickler.com) showed the new Lil' Trickler Multi. This device plugs between your charger and an electrical outlet to provide trickle charging for as many as three devices. Lil' Trickler Multi works with most small chargers rated between four and seven watts.
  • Ohio Superstar Products (204 5th St., Chester WV 26034; Web site: www.ohiosuperstar.com) released a new product (details not specified in the scanned text).
  • Bill Griggs Models (3137 Whitelaw Rd., Canastota NY 13032; Tel.: [315] 697-8152; Web site: www.agiusa.com/bgriggs/) released the Little Tiny laser-cut kit. It features a spiral-wrapped carbon-fiber boom, five-micron Mylar® covering, and a hardware package. It has a 24-inch wingspan and can be built with a V-tail or conventional tail. Other new releases include a Grumman F9F Panther electric ducted-fan CNC-cut foam kit, a CNC foam-cutting machine with software for Windows®, and Tracfoil airfoil plotting software for editing and printing your own airfoil templates.
  • Taurus Engines (Box 1076, Southgate MI 48195; Tel.: [734] 283-4813, Fax: [734] 283-0650) showed the 25cc (1.5-cubic-inch) TSS 25 Single Series Sport Engine. The engine is the newest in the company's line of lightweight gas engines. Taurus also announced color anodizing for its aluminum parts, available in red, black, blue, and green.
  • Sonic-Tronics (7865 Mill Rd., Elkins Park PA 19027; Tel.: [215] 635-6520, Fax: [215] 635-4951) displayed a new electronic failsafe. The failsafe plugs into a single channel between the servo and receiver and allows the user to set a servo position that is enabled when signal is lost from the transmitter. The company will offer park-flyer wheels in 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2.0-inch versions. The 1.25-inch version weighs only 1.4 grams.
  • i4 C Products (6924 E. 92nd St., Tulsa OK 74133-5318; Tel.: [918] 492-9435, Fax: [918] 492-9375; Web site: www.i4cproducts.com) had CNC-cut aluminum onboard air whistles. Two sizes are available: Small (for 25–75 mph) and Large (for 40–90 mph). Each weighs approximately 1/2 ounce and costs $16.95 for a pair.
  • J'tec Pillow Packs (660 Pacific Ave., Oxnard CA 93030; Tel.: [805] 487-0355, Fax: [805] 487-0936) are made to fit all receiver sizes. These receiver protectors are made from neoprene and provide engine vibration protection. They are precut for antenna and servo wiring access.
  • ElectroDynamics, Inc. (31091 Schoolcraft, Livonia MI 48150; Tel.: [800] 337-1638, Fax: [734] 422-5338; Web site: www.electrodyn.com) introduced the EDR-111, an optically coupled and amplified servo isolator that reduces the chance of glitches caused by servo load on the power supply. It can handle six channels and is expandable to 12 channels.
  • Cactus Aviation / Bobby Wilson (10380 E. Heritage, Tucson AZ 85730; Tel./Fax: [520] 721-0087) showed the 3W 75/1 engine. It features a low-rpm, high-torque cylinder configuration and weighs 5.3 pounds. Optional dual ignition and a quiet muffler are available. The engine sells for $699.
  • Composite Structures Technology (Box 622, Tehachapi CA 93581-0622; Tel.: [661] 822-4162, Fax: [661] 822-4121; Web site: www.cstsales.com) offered molding kits. The kits include Mylar®, Chavant clay, Coverall film, wax, colloidal silica, fiberglass, coremat, graphite powder, mixing pots, mixing sticks, and instructions. The kits are available in two sizes, depending on project needs.
  • Desert Aircraft® (140 S. Camino Seco #418, Tucson AZ 85718; Tel.: [520] 722-0607, Fax: [520] 722-5622; Web site: www.desertaircraft.com) displayed ZN Line Carbon Fiber Spinners, said to be the lightest spinners available for Giant Scale models. They can be easily adapted to prop shapes with a Dremel Moto-Tool™. Various diameters from four to six inches are available. Prices start at $105.
  • Yellow Aircraft International (203 Mass Ave., Lexington MA 02420-4003; Tel.: [781] 674-9898, Fax: [781] 674-2288; Web site: www.yellowaircraft.com) offered a 120-class Sukhoi 31M ARF. It has a wingspan of 72.5 inches. Recommended power is 1.08–1.5 two-stroke, or 1.20–1.80 four-stroke. The Sukhoi sells for $379.
  • ACE Hobby Distributors, Inc. (116 W. 19th St., Higginsville MO 64037; Tel.: [660] 584-6716, Fax: [660] 584-7766; Web site: www.acerce.com) announced plans for a series of six 1/12-scale Combat ARFs representing countries involved in World War II. The first of the six, a P-51 Mustang, will be available in mid-summer. It is for 15 to 25 power and is covered with PVC film for durability. A summer release is also planned for the Slow Cub ARF for 15 to 25 power; the model will be covered in Ultracote and will require four to five servos. By July, the Fuji engine line (Mustang 32 and 50, and Mustang Twin 86cc engines) will be carried by ACE.

Event Note

The 47th RC Expo will be held April 6–8, 2001 at the SeaGate Centre.

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