Worth a Closer Look
14 MODEL AVIATION
Electric ZAP Machine
House
of Balsa
introduced
a lightweight,
fully sheeted
aircraft design.
And fully
sheeted
means just
that; all of
the surfaces are sheeted with balsa. And
because this model is electric powered, no
covering is needed.
All parts are laser cut to make construction fast and accurate.
Full-size CAD plans and an illustrated, color instruction manual
are included.
The Electric ZAP Machine has a 29.75-inch wingspan, a
230-square-inch wing area, and weighs 22 ounces ready to fly.
It requires a Speed 400 can motor and a three-channel micro
radio with three servos, and an eight-cell 950 mAh NiMH
battery pack is recommended.
The model’s suggested retail price is $69.95.
House of Balsa: 10101 Yucca Rd., Adelanto CA 92301; Tel.:
(760) 246-6462; Web site: www.houseofbalsa.com
This is the first of a two-part “Worth a Closer Look” devoted to some of the new items at this year’s Weak Signals show in Toledo,
Ohio. We can’t show everything in this limited space, but following is a cross section of a few models that stood out. Next month we’ll
bring you some of the new engines, radios, and hardware from the show.
Cuda
One of the newest aerobatic designs at the show was Carden
Aircraft’s Cuda. It is designed to fill a gap while you are working
your way up from 3-D ARFs to the larger, high-end aerobats.
The Cuda features all the usual items found in other Carden
kits: removable wing panels, anodized aluminum tube and wingsocket
system, precision foam-core flying surfaces, a built-up
fuselage, and a clear epoxy fiberglass cowl and wheel pants.
This model spans 80 inches, has a 1,600-square-inch wing area,
and is built to be powered by a 55cc engine.
The Cuda sells for $499 and should be available by the time
you read this.
Carden Aircraft: Box 998, Tellico Plains TN 37385; Tel.: (423)
295-2295; Web site: www.carden-aircraft.com
Tribute 3-D ARF
Horizon Hobby’s E-flite brand has introduced a 3-D electricpowered
foamie made for
indoor/backyard flight.
(See Bob Hunt’s
“Modeling Spoken
Here” column on
page 7 for
more
information
about this new
segment of model flying.) It is designed to be a
torque-roll trainer and is capable of flat turns,
high-alpha rolls, flips, and even tight loops within the
length of the fuselage.
This model is sized for today’s micro RC equipment and is
constructed from thin, flat foam with embedded composite stiffeners.
The Tribute spans 37 inches, has a wing area of 374.6 square
inches, and weighs 9 ounces without the battery. Included is a
specially designed 370 motor, gearbox, and propeller.
The street price is $44.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL
61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
Ercoupe
This classic aircraft was designed
in 1937, and its life span was estimated to
be only 10 years. However, 2,600 “Coupes”
are still flying today. Now Balsa USA is offering this new “true to
scale” kit of the aircraft that is as easy to build as it is to fly!
This kit features balsa, basswood, and plywood construction
using Balsa USA’s “Fall-Out” die-cutting. The wing panels are a
two-piece, plug-in design with aluminum tubes. This model has a
true scale outline, with scale rib placement and scale sliding side
windows.
A complete cockpit interior kit—including cargo compartment,
cockpit interior sides and floor, instrument panel, and more—is
included. The cast scale landing gear features functional oleo struts
and scissor links. The cowl is fiberglass, and a formed windshield
is included.
The Ercoupe spans 120 inches, has a wing area of 2,400 square
inches, and weighs 28-32 pounds. A 45- to 50cc gasoline engine or
a 3- to 3.5-cubic-inch glow engine is recommended. A fourchannel
radio system with six servos (60- to 70 in.-oz. of torque
minimum) is required.
The kit includes full-size rolled plans and a photo-illustrated
instruction manual. Its retail price is $899.95.
Balsa USA: Box 164, Marinette WI 54143; Tel.: (800)
BALSAUS; Web site: www.balsausa.com
07sig1.QXD 4/26/04 9:58 am Page 14
F-27 Stryker
The F-27 Stryker
combines a 480 motor,
aerobatic agility, and
X-Port functionality
to provide a parkflying
experience
unlike any
other. Its
advanced
Mode
Change Flight Control system lets pilots choose between two
flight modes with the flip of a transmitter switch.
Fliers will also be able to plug the optional Sonic Combat
Module into the Stryker’s X-Port and take on similarly equipped
airplanes in air-to-air combat.
The Stryker comes complete with factory-applied paint and
decals; tough EPP-foam construction; the motor; a seven-cell
8.4-volt, 900 mAh NiMH battery pack; and a three-channel radio
system with charger for the flight pack.
It spans 37 inches and weighs 21 ounces ready to fly.
This model is scheduled to be released in June with a $169.99
retail price.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd.,
Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site:
www.parkzone.com
July 2004 15
Super Stearman ARF
Long
considered the
classic biplane,
the Stearman
has assumed
many roles and has
never failed to
impress. Great
Planes’
International Miniature Aircraft
Association-legal Scale Super
Stearman was introduced at the show, with attention to detail and
flight characteristics that should parallel those of the full-scale
aircraft.
The wheel pants are made from fiberglass and are painted to
match the airplane’s trim scheme. The interplane struts and cabanes
are preformed and prepainted.
A dummy radial engine and polished aluminum spinner add
realistic touches to the Super Stearman’s appearance. A plywood ring
glued inside the fiberglass cowl adds strength and allows for cowl
attachment without visible screw heads.
The model spans 71.5 inches and has a wing area of 1,466 square
inches. It requires a two- or four-stroke .91-1.20 cu.-in. (15-19.5cc)
engine and a four-channel radio with five to seven servos.
The Super Stearman 1.20 ARF has a street price of $399.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.electrifly.com MA
F-15C Eagle
One of the introductions
for the jet set was this F-15C
Eagle from Yellow Aircraft.
This precision model is for
the Scale jet enthusiast,
and it comes complete
with a fiberglass
fuselage and all
panel, hatch,
and vent
detail
molded
in.
With the
optional scale retractable
landing gear and door
cylinders, the F-15C operates
as its full-scale counterpart
does and is extremely fast.
Thanks to the body-wing
blending style, the fuselage
produces considerable lift at
slow speed, which allows this
jet to land like a pussycat.
This model spans 56.5
inches and weighs 18-20
pounds dry. Recommended
power is a 15- to 22-poundthrust
turbine. (A ducted-fan
version is also available.)
Contact the company for pricing and availability.
Yellow Aircraft: 203 Mass Ave., Lexington MA 02420; Tel.:
(781) 674-9898; Web site: www.yellowaircraft.com
Eindecker E.I
SR Batteries’ new Eindecker E.I is
its first kit for Giant Scalers and is
available for gas, glow, or electric
power. It is designed for low and slow
flight—just like a big Cub.
The wing utilizes a unique airfoil
and locked-in washout to assure leisurely, relaxed flying. The huge
100-inch wingspan, 1,700-square-inch wing area, and light 14-pound
weight make the Eindecker a floater.
Some of the unique design features include interlocking parts for
precise alignment; shock-absorbing main gear and tail skid; an all
flying hingeless rudder; ding-proof, no sand, composite tube LEs for
the wing and stabilizer; laminated balsa components for strength
without heavier weight; and a heavy-gauge, spun-aluminum cowl that
is precut to shape.
The E.I is designed for a pull-pull or pushrod system for rudder and
elevators. It is also designed to minimize unnecessary additional costs
by using an inexpensive Zenoah G-26 gas power system including the
stock muffler and engine mount provided with the engine.
The Eindecker E.I’s introductory price is $299.95.
SR Batteries: Box 287, Bellport NY 11713; Tel.: (631) 286-0079;
Web site: www.srbatteries.com
07sig1.QXD 4/26/04 9:59 am Page 15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/07
Page Numbers: 14,15
Edition: Model Aviation - 2004/07
Page Numbers: 14,15
Worth a Closer Look
14 MODEL AVIATION
Electric ZAP Machine
House
of Balsa
introduced
a lightweight,
fully sheeted
aircraft design.
And fully
sheeted
means just
that; all of
the surfaces are sheeted with balsa. And
because this model is electric powered, no
covering is needed.
All parts are laser cut to make construction fast and accurate.
Full-size CAD plans and an illustrated, color instruction manual
are included.
The Electric ZAP Machine has a 29.75-inch wingspan, a
230-square-inch wing area, and weighs 22 ounces ready to fly.
It requires a Speed 400 can motor and a three-channel micro
radio with three servos, and an eight-cell 950 mAh NiMH
battery pack is recommended.
The model’s suggested retail price is $69.95.
House of Balsa: 10101 Yucca Rd., Adelanto CA 92301; Tel.:
(760) 246-6462; Web site: www.houseofbalsa.com
This is the first of a two-part “Worth a Closer Look” devoted to some of the new items at this year’s Weak Signals show in Toledo,
Ohio. We can’t show everything in this limited space, but following is a cross section of a few models that stood out. Next month we’ll
bring you some of the new engines, radios, and hardware from the show.
Cuda
One of the newest aerobatic designs at the show was Carden
Aircraft’s Cuda. It is designed to fill a gap while you are working
your way up from 3-D ARFs to the larger, high-end aerobats.
The Cuda features all the usual items found in other Carden
kits: removable wing panels, anodized aluminum tube and wingsocket
system, precision foam-core flying surfaces, a built-up
fuselage, and a clear epoxy fiberglass cowl and wheel pants.
This model spans 80 inches, has a 1,600-square-inch wing area,
and is built to be powered by a 55cc engine.
The Cuda sells for $499 and should be available by the time
you read this.
Carden Aircraft: Box 998, Tellico Plains TN 37385; Tel.: (423)
295-2295; Web site: www.carden-aircraft.com
Tribute 3-D ARF
Horizon Hobby’s E-flite brand has introduced a 3-D electricpowered
foamie made for
indoor/backyard flight.
(See Bob Hunt’s
“Modeling Spoken
Here” column on
page 7 for
more
information
about this new
segment of model flying.) It is designed to be a
torque-roll trainer and is capable of flat turns,
high-alpha rolls, flips, and even tight loops within the
length of the fuselage.
This model is sized for today’s micro RC equipment and is
constructed from thin, flat foam with embedded composite stiffeners.
The Tribute spans 37 inches, has a wing area of 374.6 square
inches, and weighs 9 ounces without the battery. Included is a
specially designed 370 motor, gearbox, and propeller.
The street price is $44.99.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL
61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
Ercoupe
This classic aircraft was designed
in 1937, and its life span was estimated to
be only 10 years. However, 2,600 “Coupes”
are still flying today. Now Balsa USA is offering this new “true to
scale” kit of the aircraft that is as easy to build as it is to fly!
This kit features balsa, basswood, and plywood construction
using Balsa USA’s “Fall-Out” die-cutting. The wing panels are a
two-piece, plug-in design with aluminum tubes. This model has a
true scale outline, with scale rib placement and scale sliding side
windows.
A complete cockpit interior kit—including cargo compartment,
cockpit interior sides and floor, instrument panel, and more—is
included. The cast scale landing gear features functional oleo struts
and scissor links. The cowl is fiberglass, and a formed windshield
is included.
The Ercoupe spans 120 inches, has a wing area of 2,400 square
inches, and weighs 28-32 pounds. A 45- to 50cc gasoline engine or
a 3- to 3.5-cubic-inch glow engine is recommended. A fourchannel
radio system with six servos (60- to 70 in.-oz. of torque
minimum) is required.
The kit includes full-size rolled plans and a photo-illustrated
instruction manual. Its retail price is $899.95.
Balsa USA: Box 164, Marinette WI 54143; Tel.: (800)
BALSAUS; Web site: www.balsausa.com
07sig1.QXD 4/26/04 9:58 am Page 14
F-27 Stryker
The F-27 Stryker
combines a 480 motor,
aerobatic agility, and
X-Port functionality
to provide a parkflying
experience
unlike any
other. Its
advanced
Mode
Change Flight Control system lets pilots choose between two
flight modes with the flip of a transmitter switch.
Fliers will also be able to plug the optional Sonic Combat
Module into the Stryker’s X-Port and take on similarly equipped
airplanes in air-to-air combat.
The Stryker comes complete with factory-applied paint and
decals; tough EPP-foam construction; the motor; a seven-cell
8.4-volt, 900 mAh NiMH battery pack; and a three-channel radio
system with charger for the flight pack.
It spans 37 inches and weighs 21 ounces ready to fly.
This model is scheduled to be released in June with a $169.99
retail price.
Horizon Hobby Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd.,
Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site:
www.parkzone.com
July 2004 15
Super Stearman ARF
Long
considered the
classic biplane,
the Stearman
has assumed
many roles and has
never failed to
impress. Great
Planes’
International Miniature Aircraft
Association-legal Scale Super
Stearman was introduced at the show, with attention to detail and
flight characteristics that should parallel those of the full-scale
aircraft.
The wheel pants are made from fiberglass and are painted to
match the airplane’s trim scheme. The interplane struts and cabanes
are preformed and prepainted.
A dummy radial engine and polished aluminum spinner add
realistic touches to the Super Stearman’s appearance. A plywood ring
glued inside the fiberglass cowl adds strength and allows for cowl
attachment without visible screw heads.
The model spans 71.5 inches and has a wing area of 1,466 square
inches. It requires a two- or four-stroke .91-1.20 cu.-in. (15-19.5cc)
engine and a four-channel radio with five to seven servos.
The Super Stearman 1.20 ARF has a street price of $399.99.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (800) 682-8948; Web site: www.electrifly.com MA
F-15C Eagle
One of the introductions
for the jet set was this F-15C
Eagle from Yellow Aircraft.
This precision model is for
the Scale jet enthusiast,
and it comes complete
with a fiberglass
fuselage and all
panel, hatch,
and vent
detail
molded
in.
With the
optional scale retractable
landing gear and door
cylinders, the F-15C operates
as its full-scale counterpart
does and is extremely fast.
Thanks to the body-wing
blending style, the fuselage
produces considerable lift at
slow speed, which allows this
jet to land like a pussycat.
This model spans 56.5
inches and weighs 18-20
pounds dry. Recommended
power is a 15- to 22-poundthrust
turbine. (A ducted-fan
version is also available.)
Contact the company for pricing and availability.
Yellow Aircraft: 203 Mass Ave., Lexington MA 02420; Tel.:
(781) 674-9898; Web site: www.yellowaircraft.com
Eindecker E.I
SR Batteries’ new Eindecker E.I is
its first kit for Giant Scalers and is
available for gas, glow, or electric
power. It is designed for low and slow
flight—just like a big Cub.
The wing utilizes a unique airfoil
and locked-in washout to assure leisurely, relaxed flying. The huge
100-inch wingspan, 1,700-square-inch wing area, and light 14-pound
weight make the Eindecker a floater.
Some of the unique design features include interlocking parts for
precise alignment; shock-absorbing main gear and tail skid; an all
flying hingeless rudder; ding-proof, no sand, composite tube LEs for
the wing and stabilizer; laminated balsa components for strength
without heavier weight; and a heavy-gauge, spun-aluminum cowl that
is precut to shape.
The E.I is designed for a pull-pull or pushrod system for rudder and
elevators. It is also designed to minimize unnecessary additional costs
by using an inexpensive Zenoah G-26 gas power system including the
stock muffler and engine mount provided with the engine.
The Eindecker E.I’s introductory price is $299.95.
SR Batteries: Box 287, Bellport NY 11713; Tel.: (631) 286-0079;
Web site: www.srbatteries.com
07sig1.QXD 4/26/04 9:59 am Page 15