Worth a Closer Look
Palm-Size Helicopter Delight
Coaxial-helicopter mechanical stability is translated into an RC package that fits in the palm of your hand. The HM-5G6 electric-powered RC helicopter is designed for indoor entertainment at a lower price than larger helicopters, while retaining the same easy-to-fly handling.
This 8-inch-long model uses two 1215 strong-magnetic motors that provide plenty of power for fast climbs and stable maneuvering. Highly efficient 3-gram servos provide accurate control, and the custom-designed 4-in-1 unit is adjustable to suit the pilot’s needs.
The helicopter comes ready to fly with a 72 MHz four-channel transmitter; a 400 mAh, 3.7-volt Li-Poly battery; and a charger. AA batteries for the transmitter are not included, but a spare set of blades is.
We’ve had a blast with our sample HM-5G6. Weighing in at just under 2 ounces, there’s little threat to itself or anything a pilot might bump it into by mistake.
BP Hobbies keeps parts in stock. Metal upgrades for the three versions of this helicopter are a nice addition, and extra batteries are reasonably priced.
BP Hobbies: 140 Ethel Rd. W., Suite J, Piscataway, NJ 08854; Tel.: (732) 287-3933; Web site: www.bphobbies.com
Hangar Pack 1
Horizon Hobby introduces the first Hangar Pack, which adds even more aircraft to the popular FS One RC flight simulator. This latest edition includes 10 new airplanes and helicopters from favorite brands such as Hangar 9, E-flite, and Align.
Some of these models are available only on FS One, such as the T-Rex, Blade CX2, Blade CP Pro, Hangar 9 P-51, and Hangar 9 F-22 PTS. Popular indoors and out, the Align T-Rex 450SA is sure to be a favorite. The F-22 Raptor PTS is modeled after the Air Force’s newest stealth fighter.
With the Hangar Pack, users get all the same great features they expect with the original aircraft: realism and the most accurate representation of each model’s performance, but without the penalty of error. Hangar Pack 1 includes all software patches to date.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
White Rose Tail Wheel
This tail-wheel assembly was designed around the durability problems Giant Scale enthusiasts have had in high-vibration environments. In many cases, tailwheel units develop so much slop that they do more harm than good for ground control.
Vern Smith’s tail-wheel design utilizes bushings made for high vibration and nylon washers for thrust bearings between the spring and yoke (as well as between the wheel and yoke). Each unit is built with tolerances between 0.003 and 0.007 inches, so dirt has a hard time working its way into the rotating and sliding surfaces.
The yoke is CNC-machined four times from 6061 T351 aluminum. The fits are precise, and quality control is high throughout the manufacturing process. The urethane tire is molded onto the hub and runs dead true. Unit weight is approximately 2.75 ounces.
The assembly is offered with one of two carbon-fiber springs: a 10-inch-long, 3/16-inch-thick spring intended for 35%–40% airplanes (shown), or a 7.5-inch-long, 1/8-inch-thick spring intended for 25%–35% airplanes.
Price: $79 plus $6 shipping and handling. Although this unit is designed not to wear out, replacement parts will be available.
White Rose Engineering: 789 Brentwood Pt., Naples, FL 34110; Tel.: (239) 254-0194; E-mail: [email protected]
JTEC Engine Test Stand
The all-metal JT-TS3 is a strong, convenient test mount for running-in model engines up to .40 cu. in. displacement.
One of this unit’s major virtues is its ingenious clamping system. Its flat-headed engine-lug hold-down screws can be tightened from above or below. That minimizes the clamps’ overall height and permits mounting and demounting muffler-equipped engines without the need to remove their mufflers.
Another useful feature is the JT-TS3’s ability to be mounted on a hardwood or plywood baseplate. The assembly can also be clamped onto a deck railing or portable workbench whenever it’s needed for breaking in an engine. All necessary mounting hardware and instructions are included.
A suggested fuel-tank mount and throttle actuator are depicted, although most modelers will want to make their own custom installations for those items.
JTEC Radiowave: Box 1847, Mooresville, NC 28115; Tel.: (704) 799-1658; Web site: www.jtecrc.com
Worth a Closer Look
Ready to Fly
Nothing floats on water better than foam, and GWS knows foam models better than anybody. Its subsidiary, Grand Distribution, imports Icon R/C RTFs, and it supplied a 42-inch-wingspan Gordo for testing on the pond.
The only thing needed to complete the Gordo was AA batteries. The ingenious control linkages were prefinished and required minimal adjustment. The included 3S 2200 mAh Li-Poly battery is there more for weight distribution than power; the brushless motor system draws only roughly 13.5 amps static.
The amphibious Gordo needs the throttle advanced slowly for a smooth transition from standstill to airborne. It will take off in calm water in approximately 30 feet, and sooner with a headwind.
Cruise requires just five-eighths throttle, which means the large battery pack can last for more than 20 minutes. Aerobatics are sportlike, and landings are predictable because of the model's light wing loading.
Grand Distribution: 138 S. Brent Cir., City of Industry, CA 91789; Tel.: (909) 594-4979; Web site: www.granddistribution.com/planes.html
Crash-Proof Trainer
The new Citabria from MS Composit USA is an almost unbreakable model designed for those who want to start learning or advance their flying skills.
The 39-inch-wingspan model is much like the other EPP-foam models MS Composit has made popular—you can't break them. For learning aerobatics, a durable model is something pilots at all skill levels can appreciate.
At just 9.4 ounces flying weight, the Citabria will teach indoors or outside. The stock version uses simple three-channel control, which can be upgraded later or built as a full-tilt aerobat from the start.
The model can be assembled in roughly three hours using regular cyanoacrylate and a touch of foam-safe cyanoacrylate for the Depron tail surfaces. Three or more color schemes will be available in the realistic airbrushed designs that MS Composit is known for.
Flight performance excels in calm conditions, but the Citabria will handle 10–15 mph winds. For training we used a small propeller to govern power, but with an APC 8 x 3.8 Slow Flyer propeller the model has ballistic performance with just a 2S pack.
Look for the colorful review of this airplane in the summer issue of Park Pilot magazine.
MS Composit: 8766 South St., Suite 130, Fishers, IN 46038; Tel.: (317) 579-1955; Web site: www.mscompositusa.com
Futaba 10C FASST
Some radios focus on one category of aircraft at the expense of others, but the Futaba 10C offers high-end features for all types of aircraft, with the programming ease Futaba radios are known for.
Key features include:
- Eight programmable mix options, including six for helicopters
- Intuitive Dial 'n' Key programming with joystick navigation
- 10-character user name and model name
- Assignable functions and switches
- Pure digital data stream and, when used with the included TM-10 module, super-quick response speed
- Backlit LCD screen with adjustable contrast and auto-off
Additional highlights:
- Smart Switch Technology: a programmable "Logic switch" option that activates a function or channel when specific multiple switch/stick conditions occur
- Servo grouping to ensure matched timing for multiple servos
- Replacement for the 9C radio; CAMPac module allows easy transfer of existing model data into a 10C
- Uses the R6014FS 14-channel FASST receiver
Great Planes Model Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-3630; Web site: www.2.4gigahertz.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
