The Weak Signals Show in Toledo,
Ohio, is now a memory, but the
motivation that comes from
attending such an event lasts a long time.
This month I’ll take a break from
some of the electronic stuff and review
the show. I know the Model Aviation
editors were there working hard, and
there are video interviews available on
YouTube.
Toledo Weak Signals 2012
My overall impression of the show this
year was good. I can’t honestly say there
were as many new product releases as
in previous years, but there was plenty
of new stuff to see. The big names were
there and some names from previous
years were missing.
FMA Direct was not there this year,
and I’ve received a number of emails
asking if the company is out of business.
It is not out of business, but you’ll have
to go to the FMA website to view its
products.
This has become a trend lately with
people becoming more comfortable
viewing and buying things online.
I’m still old school and want to touch
and feel things while I talk to the
manufacturers/vendors.
Electrics are mainstream now and
nearly every vendor at the show had
products to entice me.
Stevens AeroModel
This company had some great kits,
complete with power systems, and
advice for all who needed it. Bill Stevens
has come up with a unique subscription
plan for modelers: you pay a set price
and every three months you receive a kit
in the mail.
The price at the show was $99, so
that’s an airplane every quarter for $25.
It’s a very cool idea, and his kits build
and fl y beautifully.
Dragons Do Exist!
The award for Best in Show went
to Rick Hamel’s incredible turbinepowered
dragon. This work-of-art is
vacuum-bag molded fi berglass and
Nomex honeycomb in 62 molds. It has
a 9-foot span, 30-pound fl ying weight,
and JetCat P80 power. The fi nish is R-M
automotive paint, and painting it took
more than 100 hours.
The head turns and breathes fi re using
liquid propane and a 50,000-volt Taser
in the lower fangs for ignition. This
beauty has to be seen to be appreciated.
This is the second version after the
initial prototype fl ew successfully. Rick
tweaked the airfoil (yes, it’s a real airfoil)
and adjusted how the head moves in
conjunction with the tail for directional
control.
Multiple safety mechanisms are built
into the dragon, including glowing red
eyes, to let Rick know that the fi re
breathing system is armed and ready.
Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby always has a great
booth with many of the show pilots and
designers on hand to answer questions.
Visiting the booth to talk with people
such as David Payne, Quique Somenzini,
John Redman, Mike McConville, and Steve
Rojecki is worth the trip.
All of the new offerings were there,
ranging from micro to Giant Scale, but one
thing that jumped out at me was the Micro
Aerotow setup. The UMX Carbon Cub,
paired with the UMX ASK-21 Sailplane,
drew much attention.
It was demonstrated at the E-Fest event
earlier in the year, but this was the fi rst time
most of us had seen it on display. It’s a Bind-
N-Fly setup that has me chomping at the bit
for mine to arrive!
Great Planes
The Great Planes/Hobbico booth was
stuffed full of new items and displays of
the company’s great LiFeSource battery packs and more. The proliferation of
micro airplanes in the hobby was not lost on Great Planes either, and the booth
displayed a wide variety of offerings in that class.
Especially exciting is the new AnyLink device to allow usage of any radio
with the micro line. Two prominently displayed new releases were the Micro
F-86 Sabre electric ducted-fan jet from Great Planes and the Giant Scale
Corsair.
The Corsair is offered in a generic matte blue scheme that allows the modeler
to complete it in any of the many variants seen during World War II. Having
the ability to customize the Corsair adds to the value of buying an ARF since it
won’t look like everyone else’s at the fi eld.
The F4U Corsair ARF spans 86.5 inches and is designed for a 50cc to 55cc
gas engine. My Rimfi re 50cc outrunner motor and 12S would do nicely! All
control surfaces are prehinged. The Robart 90° retracts (pneumatic or electric)
drop into place.
Eagle Tree Systems
It’s always exciting to see Bill Parry in the Eagle Tree booth, because he’s
constantly coming up with new telemetry or data-logging technology. Bill is the
brain behind the telemetry in the Spektrum radio system and he introduced his
new Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer.
This is an incredible little device offering 2-D (wing leveling), 3-D aerobatic
performance, or no leveling capability. Connect it to a switch on your
transmitter and choose which mode you want during your fl ight.
This type of technology, for only $75, seems nearly impossible. I ordered one
at the show and already wish I had ordered two or three. Innov8tive Designs
Lucien Miller is always fun to talk to
because he’s always got something new
in the works to talk about. This year
he featured his multirotor machines,
along with a new Giant Scale motor and
prototype 14S ESC.
The new Scorpion 14-cell ESC is
capable of 180 amps and provides a
switching BEC supplying 15 amps
of continuous current and a 20-amp
surge at 5.5, 6.2, or 7.4 volts. The new
HK-7050-340 Kv motor is designed
for large-scale helicopters or airplanes
and continues Scorpion’s tradition
of excellence in motor design and
efficiency.
Kondor Model Products
Kondor Model Products’ (KMP)
booth was filled with its new line of
electric-powered warbirds. These are
some big airplanes with plenty of detail.
The B-17 was impressive, sporting the
following specifications:
Wingspan: 2000mm (79 inches)
Length: 1400mm (57 inches)
Flying weight: 3500 grams (123.5 ounces)
Drive system: Four brushless outrunner
750 Kv motors
Propeller: Three-blade
Speed controller: Four 45-amp brushless
ESCs with BEC
Servos: Ten 9-gram servos; two 17-gram
servos
Retracts: Servoless retracts
Batteries: Two 14.8-volt 4S 2200 mAh 20C
LiPos (not included)
The airplane is made from durable
EPO foam (Expanded Polyolefin) and
features flaps, electric retracts, lights, and
functioning bomb bay doors. KMP states
that no gluing is required to assemble
this aircraft.
Taking Off
I could go on, but coverage of the
show will be spread throughout other
columns, so I’ll quit. Equipment gets
better, airplanes get bigger—and smaller,
too—and every time I turn around, I
find something more exciting.
These are truly “the good ol’ days!”
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/08
Page Numbers: 89,90,91
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/08
Page Numbers: 89,90,91
The Weak Signals Show in Toledo,
Ohio, is now a memory, but the
motivation that comes from
attending such an event lasts a long time.
This month I’ll take a break from
some of the electronic stuff and review
the show. I know the Model Aviation
editors were there working hard, and
there are video interviews available on
YouTube.
Toledo Weak Signals 2012
My overall impression of the show this
year was good. I can’t honestly say there
were as many new product releases as
in previous years, but there was plenty
of new stuff to see. The big names were
there and some names from previous
years were missing.
FMA Direct was not there this year,
and I’ve received a number of emails
asking if the company is out of business.
It is not out of business, but you’ll have
to go to the FMA website to view its
products.
This has become a trend lately with
people becoming more comfortable
viewing and buying things online.
I’m still old school and want to touch
and feel things while I talk to the
manufacturers/vendors.
Electrics are mainstream now and
nearly every vendor at the show had
products to entice me.
Stevens AeroModel
This company had some great kits,
complete with power systems, and
advice for all who needed it. Bill Stevens
has come up with a unique subscription
plan for modelers: you pay a set price
and every three months you receive a kit
in the mail.
The price at the show was $99, so
that’s an airplane every quarter for $25.
It’s a very cool idea, and his kits build
and fl y beautifully.
Dragons Do Exist!
The award for Best in Show went
to Rick Hamel’s incredible turbinepowered
dragon. This work-of-art is
vacuum-bag molded fi berglass and
Nomex honeycomb in 62 molds. It has
a 9-foot span, 30-pound fl ying weight,
and JetCat P80 power. The fi nish is R-M
automotive paint, and painting it took
more than 100 hours.
The head turns and breathes fi re using
liquid propane and a 50,000-volt Taser
in the lower fangs for ignition. This
beauty has to be seen to be appreciated.
This is the second version after the
initial prototype fl ew successfully. Rick
tweaked the airfoil (yes, it’s a real airfoil)
and adjusted how the head moves in
conjunction with the tail for directional
control.
Multiple safety mechanisms are built
into the dragon, including glowing red
eyes, to let Rick know that the fi re
breathing system is armed and ready.
Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby always has a great
booth with many of the show pilots and
designers on hand to answer questions.
Visiting the booth to talk with people
such as David Payne, Quique Somenzini,
John Redman, Mike McConville, and Steve
Rojecki is worth the trip.
All of the new offerings were there,
ranging from micro to Giant Scale, but one
thing that jumped out at me was the Micro
Aerotow setup. The UMX Carbon Cub,
paired with the UMX ASK-21 Sailplane,
drew much attention.
It was demonstrated at the E-Fest event
earlier in the year, but this was the fi rst time
most of us had seen it on display. It’s a Bind-
N-Fly setup that has me chomping at the bit
for mine to arrive!
Great Planes
The Great Planes/Hobbico booth was
stuffed full of new items and displays of
the company’s great LiFeSource battery packs and more. The proliferation of
micro airplanes in the hobby was not lost on Great Planes either, and the booth
displayed a wide variety of offerings in that class.
Especially exciting is the new AnyLink device to allow usage of any radio
with the micro line. Two prominently displayed new releases were the Micro
F-86 Sabre electric ducted-fan jet from Great Planes and the Giant Scale
Corsair.
The Corsair is offered in a generic matte blue scheme that allows the modeler
to complete it in any of the many variants seen during World War II. Having
the ability to customize the Corsair adds to the value of buying an ARF since it
won’t look like everyone else’s at the fi eld.
The F4U Corsair ARF spans 86.5 inches and is designed for a 50cc to 55cc
gas engine. My Rimfi re 50cc outrunner motor and 12S would do nicely! All
control surfaces are prehinged. The Robart 90° retracts (pneumatic or electric)
drop into place.
Eagle Tree Systems
It’s always exciting to see Bill Parry in the Eagle Tree booth, because he’s
constantly coming up with new telemetry or data-logging technology. Bill is the
brain behind the telemetry in the Spektrum radio system and he introduced his
new Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer.
This is an incredible little device offering 2-D (wing leveling), 3-D aerobatic
performance, or no leveling capability. Connect it to a switch on your
transmitter and choose which mode you want during your fl ight.
This type of technology, for only $75, seems nearly impossible. I ordered one
at the show and already wish I had ordered two or three. Innov8tive Designs
Lucien Miller is always fun to talk to
because he’s always got something new
in the works to talk about. This year
he featured his multirotor machines,
along with a new Giant Scale motor and
prototype 14S ESC.
The new Scorpion 14-cell ESC is
capable of 180 amps and provides a
switching BEC supplying 15 amps
of continuous current and a 20-amp
surge at 5.5, 6.2, or 7.4 volts. The new
HK-7050-340 Kv motor is designed
for large-scale helicopters or airplanes
and continues Scorpion’s tradition
of excellence in motor design and
efficiency.
Kondor Model Products
Kondor Model Products’ (KMP)
booth was filled with its new line of
electric-powered warbirds. These are
some big airplanes with plenty of detail.
The B-17 was impressive, sporting the
following specifications:
Wingspan: 2000mm (79 inches)
Length: 1400mm (57 inches)
Flying weight: 3500 grams (123.5 ounces)
Drive system: Four brushless outrunner
750 Kv motors
Propeller: Three-blade
Speed controller: Four 45-amp brushless
ESCs with BEC
Servos: Ten 9-gram servos; two 17-gram
servos
Retracts: Servoless retracts
Batteries: Two 14.8-volt 4S 2200 mAh 20C
LiPos (not included)
The airplane is made from durable
EPO foam (Expanded Polyolefin) and
features flaps, electric retracts, lights, and
functioning bomb bay doors. KMP states
that no gluing is required to assemble
this aircraft.
Taking Off
I could go on, but coverage of the
show will be spread throughout other
columns, so I’ll quit. Equipment gets
better, airplanes get bigger—and smaller,
too—and every time I turn around, I
find something more exciting.
These are truly “the good ol’ days!”
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/08
Page Numbers: 89,90,91
The Weak Signals Show in Toledo,
Ohio, is now a memory, but the
motivation that comes from
attending such an event lasts a long time.
This month I’ll take a break from
some of the electronic stuff and review
the show. I know the Model Aviation
editors were there working hard, and
there are video interviews available on
YouTube.
Toledo Weak Signals 2012
My overall impression of the show this
year was good. I can’t honestly say there
were as many new product releases as
in previous years, but there was plenty
of new stuff to see. The big names were
there and some names from previous
years were missing.
FMA Direct was not there this year,
and I’ve received a number of emails
asking if the company is out of business.
It is not out of business, but you’ll have
to go to the FMA website to view its
products.
This has become a trend lately with
people becoming more comfortable
viewing and buying things online.
I’m still old school and want to touch
and feel things while I talk to the
manufacturers/vendors.
Electrics are mainstream now and
nearly every vendor at the show had
products to entice me.
Stevens AeroModel
This company had some great kits,
complete with power systems, and
advice for all who needed it. Bill Stevens
has come up with a unique subscription
plan for modelers: you pay a set price
and every three months you receive a kit
in the mail.
The price at the show was $99, so
that’s an airplane every quarter for $25.
It’s a very cool idea, and his kits build
and fl y beautifully.
Dragons Do Exist!
The award for Best in Show went
to Rick Hamel’s incredible turbinepowered
dragon. This work-of-art is
vacuum-bag molded fi berglass and
Nomex honeycomb in 62 molds. It has
a 9-foot span, 30-pound fl ying weight,
and JetCat P80 power. The fi nish is R-M
automotive paint, and painting it took
more than 100 hours.
The head turns and breathes fi re using
liquid propane and a 50,000-volt Taser
in the lower fangs for ignition. This
beauty has to be seen to be appreciated.
This is the second version after the
initial prototype fl ew successfully. Rick
tweaked the airfoil (yes, it’s a real airfoil)
and adjusted how the head moves in
conjunction with the tail for directional
control.
Multiple safety mechanisms are built
into the dragon, including glowing red
eyes, to let Rick know that the fi re
breathing system is armed and ready.
Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby always has a great
booth with many of the show pilots and
designers on hand to answer questions.
Visiting the booth to talk with people
such as David Payne, Quique Somenzini,
John Redman, Mike McConville, and Steve
Rojecki is worth the trip.
All of the new offerings were there,
ranging from micro to Giant Scale, but one
thing that jumped out at me was the Micro
Aerotow setup. The UMX Carbon Cub,
paired with the UMX ASK-21 Sailplane,
drew much attention.
It was demonstrated at the E-Fest event
earlier in the year, but this was the fi rst time
most of us had seen it on display. It’s a Bind-
N-Fly setup that has me chomping at the bit
for mine to arrive!
Great Planes
The Great Planes/Hobbico booth was
stuffed full of new items and displays of
the company’s great LiFeSource battery packs and more. The proliferation of
micro airplanes in the hobby was not lost on Great Planes either, and the booth
displayed a wide variety of offerings in that class.
Especially exciting is the new AnyLink device to allow usage of any radio
with the micro line. Two prominently displayed new releases were the Micro
F-86 Sabre electric ducted-fan jet from Great Planes and the Giant Scale
Corsair.
The Corsair is offered in a generic matte blue scheme that allows the modeler
to complete it in any of the many variants seen during World War II. Having
the ability to customize the Corsair adds to the value of buying an ARF since it
won’t look like everyone else’s at the fi eld.
The F4U Corsair ARF spans 86.5 inches and is designed for a 50cc to 55cc
gas engine. My Rimfi re 50cc outrunner motor and 12S would do nicely! All
control surfaces are prehinged. The Robart 90° retracts (pneumatic or electric)
drop into place.
Eagle Tree Systems
It’s always exciting to see Bill Parry in the Eagle Tree booth, because he’s
constantly coming up with new telemetry or data-logging technology. Bill is the
brain behind the telemetry in the Spektrum radio system and he introduced his
new Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer.
This is an incredible little device offering 2-D (wing leveling), 3-D aerobatic
performance, or no leveling capability. Connect it to a switch on your
transmitter and choose which mode you want during your fl ight.
This type of technology, for only $75, seems nearly impossible. I ordered one
at the show and already wish I had ordered two or three. Innov8tive Designs
Lucien Miller is always fun to talk to
because he’s always got something new
in the works to talk about. This year
he featured his multirotor machines,
along with a new Giant Scale motor and
prototype 14S ESC.
The new Scorpion 14-cell ESC is
capable of 180 amps and provides a
switching BEC supplying 15 amps
of continuous current and a 20-amp
surge at 5.5, 6.2, or 7.4 volts. The new
HK-7050-340 Kv motor is designed
for large-scale helicopters or airplanes
and continues Scorpion’s tradition
of excellence in motor design and
efficiency.
Kondor Model Products
Kondor Model Products’ (KMP)
booth was filled with its new line of
electric-powered warbirds. These are
some big airplanes with plenty of detail.
The B-17 was impressive, sporting the
following specifications:
Wingspan: 2000mm (79 inches)
Length: 1400mm (57 inches)
Flying weight: 3500 grams (123.5 ounces)
Drive system: Four brushless outrunner
750 Kv motors
Propeller: Three-blade
Speed controller: Four 45-amp brushless
ESCs with BEC
Servos: Ten 9-gram servos; two 17-gram
servos
Retracts: Servoless retracts
Batteries: Two 14.8-volt 4S 2200 mAh 20C
LiPos (not included)
The airplane is made from durable
EPO foam (Expanded Polyolefin) and
features flaps, electric retracts, lights, and
functioning bomb bay doors. KMP states
that no gluing is required to assemble
this aircraft.
Taking Off
I could go on, but coverage of the
show will be spread throughout other
columns, so I’ll quit. Equipment gets
better, airplanes get bigger—and smaller,
too—and every time I turn around, I
find something more exciting.
These are truly “the good ol’ days!”
