Worth a Closer Look - 2008/01

14 MODEL AVIATION
Worth a Closer Look
Peter Goldsmith
designed E-flite’s Piper
Pawnee 15e ARF. The 62-
inch-wingspan, balsa-andplywood
model of the
agricultural aircraft is easy to
assemble. It has extremely gentle
flight characteristics that are
comparable to those of the ever-popular
Piper Cub.
The Pawnee replicates the scale outline of its full-scale
counterpart, from the aileron and flap locations to the preinstalled
scale cockpit. It comes complete with a detailed instrument panel
and molded pilot’s seat.
This model’s lightweight design is focused around E-flite’s
Power 15 BL Outrunner Motor, for flight times of approximately
25 minutes per charge. Or the 4.00- to 4.25-pound Pawnee can be
paired with the Power 25 BL Outrunner Motor for maximum
power.
E-flite’s version of
the Taylorcraft is an
easy-to-assemble, 450-
size ARF scale park flyer
that is constructed from balsa
and plywood. It is docile and
easy to fly.
This model is gentle enough for most pilots, yet the lightweight
replication of the clipped-wing variant makes it capable of
aerobatics, so more advanced modelers can experiment with loops,
rolls, and inverted flight. Scale enthusiasts will appreciate the
cockpit that is outfitted with molded, fabric-covered seats, and the
overhead window is duplicated down to the painted trim.
The 46-inch-wingspan Taylorcraft is focused around E-flite’s
Park 450 or 480 Brushless Outrunner Motor for maximum power.
The 29- to 31-ounce model uses 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
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 the stresses caused by
temperature changes, shock, and vibration.
This adhesive is ideal for bonding dissimilar materials, such as
fiberglass to wood or plastic to metal. Mixed at a 1:1 ratio, G/flex
has a 45-minute working time, the initial cure is within seven to
10 hours, and it’s fully cured in 24 hours. It is ideal for laminating
jobs and composite lay-ups.
G/flex Epoxy is available in 8- and 10.7-ounce quantities and
as a complete kit (shown), which 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 those
areas where a more
structural bond is
required, such as
firewalls and landinggear
mounts.
CST-The Composites Store,
Inc.: Box 622, Tehachapi CA 93581; Tel.: (800) 338-1278; Web
site: www.cstsales.com
Featuring flight-training techniques developed during the
instruction of more than 1,200 students at 1st U.S. R/C Flight
School, the book Park Flying 1-2-
3D was written to guide fliers step
by step, with unparalleled
efficiency, through each phase
of becoming a better pilot.
Hundreds of illustrations
with matching control-stick
diagrams make learning easy
and fun. At the same time,
special features help pilots
bypass common mistakes by focusing
their attention on controlling what the airplane does instead of
reacting to it.
Learn the essential planning and control techniques required to
take off, trim, turn, maneuver, and land a model. Study the 10
aerobatic maneuvers pilots use to get more fun and excitement out
of RC flying. Understand the specialized airplane and control
setups that are necessary to fly 3-D, and then practice the flying
techniques that are required to perform more than a dozen thrilling
3-D stunts.
1st U.S. R/C Flight School: Box 212, Shawano WI 54166; Tel.:
(715) 524-2985; Web site: www.rcflightschool.com
Tough Yet Flexible Epoxy
Now your transmitter can be as
ready to fly as your Li-Poly electricpowered
models because
Lithium batteries don’t
self-discharge, as Nickelcell
packs do. Many of
today’s modern radio
transmitters are capable of
handling 12 volts of power, but
be sure to check with your specific
radio to be sure.
TrueRC has specially built Li-Poly battery packs that will fit
most brands of radios. The 2500 mAh transmitter pack is wired
with the JR connector and SMP250 balance plug.
The 2500 mAh pack is a direct replacement for the Spektrum
DX6 and DX7 and JR XP9303 transmitters. This square pack
will also fit the Futaba 7C and 9C radios and the Hitec Flash,
Laser, Optic, and Eclipse radios if ordered with the proper
connector. It will also fit in some Airtronics transmitters.
The 2500 mAh pack has been tested to run on a DX6
transmitter for more than eight hours. Be sure to fully extend
the antenna before turning on your JR radio.
The 2650 mAh, 11.1-volt, 3S1P transmitter pack is the flat
style that will fit the Futaba 6EX-style radios and some Hitec
transmitters. At a 300 mAh discharge rate, the pack can last
more than eight hours. Many transmitters have a discharge
rating of roughly half of that, which means the pack could last
as long as 16 hours.
As with all TrueRC packs, custom plugs and adapters are
available. Please do not charge your Li-Poly pack with the
charger that came with the radio. You should remove the pack
from the transmitter and charge it in a safe container. These
packs are 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
Transmitter Li-Polys
Pawnee and Taylorcraft ARFs
Park Flying 1-2-3D
01sig1.QXD 11/19/07 1:25 PM Page 14
January 2008 15
Worth a Closer Look
The ThunderBat XF PNP (Plug-n-Play) by ReadyToFlyFun.com
offers 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, just like the highpriced
turbinepowered
sport models.
The recently
improved ThunderBat
XF contains a fully
assembled aircraft
made from rugged
EPO foam with a
blow-molded plastic
nose section. The three
microservos, gyro,
ESC, brushless motor, and propeller are preinstalled. Also included is
a handy hardware package with Velcro for securing the battery and
receiver, in addition to tape and weights for fine-tuning the balance.
Several ThunderBat combo packages are available. The PNP
version essentially needs the builder to plug in a receiver and battery,
and it’s ready to fly.
With a two-cell Li-Poly battery, the ThunderBat delivers sporty
performance that is perfect
for any intermediate pilot.
Plug in a 3S pack and
prepare for ludicrous
speed; the ThunderBat
will climb easily at half
power, and full power
delivers unlimited vertical
performance and speedy
flybys that approach 70
mph.
The included gyro not
only dramatically improves stability and tracking, but it also makes
the model easier to handle in gusty conditions. You can actually see
the model correct itself when the wind knocks it around.
The ThunderBat XP is stable and easy to control at low speed, so
safe landings are at the pilot’s fingertips. Transitioning from slow- to
high-speed flight is easy, with only small trim adjustments required.
The ThunderBat is capable of any aerobatic aileron/elevator
maneuver, such as inside and outside loops, rolls, and inverted flight.
Soon to be available is a power upgrade for racing that should be
able to propel the ThunderBat up to 100 mph.
ReadyToFlyFun.com: 4140 Oceanside Blvd. #159-391,
Oceanside CA 92056; Tel.: (480) 994-4344; Web site: www.ready
toflyfun.com
The respected
Hobbico NexSTAR 46
is now available as the
NexSTAR EP, which has
all the innovations of the
original NexSTAR, offering
more assistance for first-time
pilots. And now that it has
electric power, the NexSTAR EP is the cleanest and quietest way to
learn to fly.
The 68.5-inch-wingspan NexSTAR EP RTF is supplied with the
Futaba 6EXA computer radio system and the built-in PA-2 Pilot
Assist Link that immediately corrects in-flight instability. The user
can grow with the 6EXA, just as the NexSTAR will grow with its
pilot.
The RimFire brushless outrunner motor responds instantly to
throttle commands, and it rivals glow engines for power and
performance. Virtually no field equipment is required. The package
includes a special Great Planes RealFlight CD-ROM so modelers
can practice flying the NexSTAR on their Windows-equipped
personal computer anytime.
The NexSTAR EP RTF is available from local hobby retailers.
Not included in the package are the two 9.6-volt, 3000-3600 mAh
NiMH batteries and peak charger.
Look for the full review of this model on Model Aviation’s Sport
Aviator at www.masportaviator.com.
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign IL
61826; Tel.: (217) 398-3630; Web site: www.hobbiconexstar.com MA
See page 199 for submission guidelines
The LP6 ensures safe
charging of rechargeable
Lithium batteries (Li-Poly,
LiIo, LiFe) consisting of
series-wired cells by
employing advanced
charging technologies to
conveniently charge the
pack. This unit’s charging
algorithm reflects the latest technology, and it enables users to
make full use of those Lithium batteries at their maximum
performance.
The unit is easy to operate using three buttons. Its user can set
the type of cell, number of cells being charged, and charging
current. The LED display will show, in a simple manner, what has
been set, and it will show the error code when there is one.
The Jet That’s All Set
Rapid Eyewear—the UK-based company behind Model
Glasses—has released its new brand into the US marketplace, with
distributors located in the United States.
Modelers Colin McGinn and John Clark developed the glasses in
response to the requirement that RCers get their hands on affordable,
high-quality, versatile eyewear that is perfect for flying. These
glasses include prescription frames and come with three sets of
interchangeable lenses: yellow to enhance light for duller days, red
for normal sunlight, and smoked for bright sunlight.
Model Glasses are made from tough polycarbonate (including the
lenses). They are shatterproof, offer 100% UVA/UVB protection,
and conform to US general standards for safety.
The wraparound design helps block the light and keep wind out
of your eyes. Three styles are currently available, including a version
that can accept prescription lenses
(which are available from your
local optician).
Rapid Eyewear: 16
Douglas Rd., Maidstone,
Kent ME 16 8ER, United
Kingdom; Tel.: 0044 1622
670434; Web site: www.
modelglasses.com/usa.htm
Custom Eyewear for Modelers
e-Station LP6
Electric NexSTAR RTF
The LP6 has a high-performance microprocessor to control the
charging process that is like the big brother of chargers. This unit
monitors every parameter during the process and guarantees
maximum safety. The LP6 can be used with the PB6 voltage
balancer to equalize the voltages of individual cells.
RC Accessory, Inc.: 3304 Foxridge Cir., Tampa FL 33618; Tel.:
(813) 765-0124; Web site: www.rcaccessory.com
01sig1.QXD 11/19/07 12:46 PM Page 15