Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/01
Page Numbers: 14,15
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Worth a Closer Look

Tough Yet Flexible Epoxy

G/flex Epoxy from West Systems is a liquid adhesive for bonding plastics, metals, and wood. G/flex is tougher than standard epoxies, so the bonds can absorb stresses caused by temperature changes, shock, and vibration. It is ideal for bonding dissimilar materials, such as fiberglass to wood or plastic to metal.

Key properties:

  • Mixed at a 1:1 ratio.
  • 45-minute working time.
  • Initial cure: 7 to 10 hours.
  • Fully cured in 24 hours.
  • Ideal for laminating jobs and composite lay-ups.

Packaging and kits:

  • Available in 8- and 10.7-ounce quantities.
  • Complete kit includes:
  • Two bottles of liquid epoxy (one 4-ounce resin and one 4-ounce hardener)
  • Two mixing sticks, two syringes, four mixing cups
  • 406 Colloidal Silica filler
  • One pair of gloves and four alcohol pads
  • A thickened-version kit is available for more structural bonds (e.g., firewalls and landing-gear mounts).

CST—The Composites Store, Inc. Box 622, Tehachapi CA 93581 Tel.: (800) 338-1278 Web site: www.cstsales.com

Transmitter Li-Polys

Lithium-polymer (Li-Poly) transmitter packs reduce self-discharge compared with nickel-cell packs. Many modern radio transmitters can handle 12 volts, but check your specific radio first.

TrueRC transmitter packs:

  • 2500 mAh pack:
  • Wired with JR connector and SMP250 balance plug.
  • Direct replacement for Spektrum DX6 and DX7 and JR XPS903.
  • Square pack fits Futaba 7C and 9C radios and Hitec Flash, Laser, Optic, and Eclipse radios if ordered with proper connector; fits some Airtronics transmitters.
  • Tested to run a DX6 transmitter for more than eight hours.
  • Note: Fully extend the antenna before turning on the radio.
  • 2650 mAh, 11.1-volt (3S1P) flat pack:
  • Fits Futaba 6EX-style radios and some Hitec transmitters.
  • At a 300 mA discharge rate, lasts more than eight hours; many transmitters draw roughly half that, so the pack could last up to about 16 hours.

Additional notes:

  • Custom plugs and adapters available.
  • Do not charge Li-Poly packs with the charger that came with the radio; remove the pack and charge it in a safe container.
  • Priced competitively with replacement Ni-Cd or NiMH packs.

TrueRC 44 Evergreen St., Elk Grove Village IL 60007 Tel.: (773) 203-8695 Web site: www.truerc.com

Pawnee and Taylorcraft ARFs

E-flite's Piper Pawnee 15e ARF, designed by Peter Goldsmith, is a 62-inch-wingspan balsa-and-plywood model of the agricultural aircraft that is easy to assemble. It has gentle flight characteristics comparable to the Piper Cub. The Pawnee replicates the scale outline of the full-size aircraft, including aileron and flap locations and a preinstalled scale cockpit, detailed instrument panel, and molded pilot's seat.

Power options:

  • Focused around E-flite's Power 15 BL Outrunner Motor for flight times of approximately 25 minutes per charge.
  • Can be paired with the Power 25 BL Outrunner Motor for maximum power.
  • Weight: 4.00 to 4.25 pounds.

E-flite's Taylorcraft is an easy-to-assemble, 450-size ARF scale park flyer constructed from balsa and plywood. It is docile and easy to fly yet, being a clipped-wing variant, capable of aerobatics for advanced pilots. The cockpit includes molded, fabric-covered seats and an overhead window duplicated down to the painted trim.

Specifications:

  • Wingspan: 46 inches.
  • Power: E-flite Park 450 or 480 Brushless Outrunner Motor recommended.
  • Weight: 29 to 31 ounces.
  • Features E-flite's new sliding-motor-mount system.

Horizon Hobby Inc. 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822 Tel.: (800) 338-4639 Web site: www.horizonhobby.com

Park Flying 1-2-3D

Park Flying 1-2-3D, developed from flight-training techniques used at the 1st U.S. R/C Flight School (more than 1,200 students), guides fliers step by step through becoming better pilots. The book uses hundreds of illustrations with matching control-stick diagrams and special features that help pilots avoid common mistakes by focusing on controlling what the airplane does rather than reacting to it.

What you'll learn:

  • Planning and control techniques for takeoff, trimming, turning, maneuvering, and landing.
  • Ten aerobatic maneuvers to increase fun and excitement.
  • Specialized airplane and control setups for 3-D flight.
  • Flying techniques required to perform more than a dozen 3-D stunts.

1st U.S. R/C Flight School Box 212, Shawano WI 54166 Tel.: (715) 524-2985 Web site: www.rcflightschool.com

Worth a Closer Look

The Jet That's All Set

The ThunderBat XP PNP (Plug-n-Play) from ReadyToFlyFun.com delivers rugged fun and speed in a compact, ready-to-fly package. Designed for intermediate to advanced fliers, this jetlike model features a swept wing, pusher motor, and twin tails, similar to higher-priced turbine sport models.

The recently improved ThunderBat XP includes a fully assembled aircraft made from rugged EPO foam with a blow-molded plastic nose section. Three microservos, a gyro, ESC, brushless motor, and propeller are preinstalled. A hardware package with Velcro for securing the battery and receiver, plus tape and weights for fine-tuning balance, is included.

Packages and performance:

  • PNP version requires only a receiver and battery to be plugged in before flying.
  • Two-cell Li-Poly delivers sporty performance suitable for intermediate pilots.
  • A 3S pack provides very high performance: climbs easily at half power and achieves unlimited vertical performance; full power delivers flybys approaching 70 mph.
  • Included gyro improves stability and tracking, especially in gusty conditions, and makes the model easier to handle.
  • Stable and easy to control at low speed for safe landings; transitions from slow to high speed require only small trim adjustments.
  • Capable of aerobatic aileron/elevator maneuvers (loops, rolls, inverted flight).
  • A forthcoming power upgrade aims to reach speeds up to 100 mph.

ReadyToFlyFun.com 4140 Oceanside Blvd. #159-391, Oceanside CA 92056 Tel.: (480) 994-4344 Web site: www.readytoflyfun.com

e-Station LP6

The e-Station LP6 charges series-wired Lithium batteries (Li-Poly, Li-Ion, LiFe) using advanced charging algorithms to safely and effectively maximize battery performance. It is easy to operate with three buttons to set cell type, number of cells, and charging current. The LED display shows the selected settings and error codes.

Features:

  • High-performance microprocessor monitors all parameters during charging to ensure maximum safety.
  • Can be used with the PB6 voltage balancer to equalize individual cell voltages.
  • Simple user interface suitable for hobbyists.

RC Accessory, Inc. 3304 Foxridge Cir., Tampa FL 33618 Tel.: (813) 765-0124 Web site: www.rcaccessory.com

Custom Eyewear for Modelers

Rapid Eyewear (UK), the maker of Model Glasses, has introduced its brand to the U.S. market with domestic distributors. Developed by modelers Colin McGinn and John Clark, these affordable, high-quality, versatile glasses are designed for flying.

Product features:

  • Prescription frames available.
  • Three interchangeable lenses: yellow (enhances light for dull days), red (normal sunlight), and smoked (bright sunlight).
  • Made from tough polycarbonate, including lenses—shatterproof with 100% UVA/UVB protection.
  • Wraparound design blocks light and wind.
  • Three styles available; one style accepts prescription lenses (obtainable from your local optician).

Rapid Eyewear 16 Douglas Rd., Maidstone, Kent ME16 8ER, United Kingdom Tel.: 0044 1622 670434 Web site: www.modelglasses.com/usa.htm

Electric NexSTAR RTF

The Hobbico NexSTAR 46 is now available as the NexSTAR EP, offering the original NexSTAR innovations with electric power for a clean, quiet learning experience. The 68.5-inch-wingspan NexSTAR EP RTF includes the Futaba 6EXA computer radio system and the built-in PA-2 Pilot Assist Link, which corrects in-flight instability.

Features:

  • RimFire brushless outrunner motor provides instant throttle response and power comparable to glow engines.
  • Minimal field equipment required.
  • Package includes a Real Flight CD-ROM for practicing the NexSTAR on Windows PCs.
  • Sold through local hobby retailers.
  • Note: Two 9.6-volt, 3000–3600 mAh NiMH batteries and a peak charger are not included.

Great Planes Model Distributors Box 9021, Champaign IL 61826 Tel.: (217) 398-3630 Web site: www.hobbiconexstar.com

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