Worth a Closer Look
These products debuted at the 2010 AMA Expo, which took place January 8–10 in Ontario, California.
RaydioWarm Transmitter Mitt
This is a multilayer mitt system for both your hands and your transmitter. It is made from polyester with a laminate backing and is supported by a padded neck strap and removable waist strap.
The RaydioWarm radio flight bag has a Velcro closure into which you insert your transmitter. It also includes an antenna-hole fitting kit, in case you need one. A hole was not required during testing with a 2.4 GHz system.
The inside is lined with fleece, providing both warmth and comfort. Access to the radio is via elastic cuffs, to keep the cold out. A PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic window on top provides UV protection and easy viewing of your transmitter, although the window could be slightly larger.
We used the RaydioWarm mitt in below-freezing temperatures, with a wind chill in the teens, and found that it does keep your hands and transmitter warm. Using your transmitter inside the mitt may feel awkward the first time, but it is easy to get used to. Neck-strap users will feel at home with this system.
If you want to fly in extremely cold conditions and don't like numb fingers or the loss of feeling that gloves cause, the RaydioWarm radio flight bag is a worthy investment.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
Flyzone Playmate
This small, lightweight RTF is versatile enough to fly in a large indoor area or outside in calm conditions. Its three-channel, 2.4 GHz micro radio with built-in flight battery charger keeps things simple.
A rechargeable 3.7-volt, 130 mAh Li-Poly flight pack keeps the 1-ounce, 18.5-inch-wingspan model aloft. We had the opportunity to fly the Playmate indoors, and it was both forgiving and easy to pilot.
The box in which it arrives doubles as a carrying case, to keep the airplane safe during transport.
Hobbico: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-8970; Web site: www.hobbico.com
DPM Super Cub
The original Dave Patrick Models (DPM) Super Cub was popular with modelers when it was originally released, and it still has a loyal following. Cermark has partnered with DPM to release version 2, which will be for sale soon if it isn't already.
The goal is to remain faithful to the original design while adding improvements such as a scale interior and navigation lights. At 1/4 scale, the DPM Cub is legal for International Miniature Aircraft Association and International Miniature Aerobatic Club participation.
Cermark has claimed that the parts from Super Cubs 1 and 2 will be interchangeable. This is great news for anyone who has the first edition of this model and needs spare parts.
Cermark: 9830 Bell Ranch Dr. #101, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670; Tel.: (562) 906-0820; Web site: www.cermark.com
Scorpion Motors
Scorpion has released its HK-50mm motor series, targeted at helicopter use.
The HK-5020-450 is designed around 700-class helicopters and has a maximum continuous power rating of 3,770 watts at 85 amps. It features a 10 mm main shaft that is precision-ground to 6 mm at the pinion end. This allows the use of oversize main bearings and the ability to fit the stock 700-class pinion gears that have a 6 mm bore.
The Scorpion HK-5035-500 motor will provide all the power you need for the larger 800-class machines, massive scale projects, or any platform helicopter that needs to reliably lift heavy weights.
The HK-5035-500 has a maximum continuous power rating of 5,400 watts at 120 amps and a peak power rating of 7,100 watts at 160 amps. It features a massive 10 mm main shaft that is precision-ground to 8 mm at the pinion end. This allows the use of oversize main bearings and the ability to fit the stock 800-class pinion gears that have an 8 mm bore.
Innov8tive Designs, Inc.: 1495 Poinsettia Ave., Suite 144, Vista, CA 92081; Tel.: (760) 468-8838; Web site: www.innov8tivedesigns.com
Worth a Closer Look
UH-1 Huey Body Kit
This kit allows you to transform any Blade CP-series helicopter (CP, CP+, CP Pro, and CP Pro 2) into a scale re-creation of one of the most famous helicopters in US Army history. Optional lights (sold separately) add realism.
Included with the kit are black-finished main and tail rotor blades and a direct-drive tail rotor with relocation bracket to allow it to be mounted in the scale position. The provided scale skids, rockets, and guns complement the Bell gunship's realistic lines and paint scheme.
Horizon Hobby: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.e-flite-rc.com
Stobel V3
This glider takes advantage of the latest servo advancements, enabling a new thinner/faster airfoil and the full benefits of a factory-fitted RDS aileron control system. Without the drag of external pushrods and control horns, the new V3 is very slippery through the air.
The wing is constructed with spread-tow carbon fiber for the D-box and a carbon-reinforced fiberglass/Rohacell trailing edge (TE), giving the wing incredible stiffness without the weight penalty.
The oval-shaped fuselage, constructed from IM and UHM carbon, makes a much stiffer boom for the powerful launches developed in discus-launch glider competitions.
The tails are made from CNC-machined Rohacell cores with carbon reinforcements, pressed into aluminum molds to ensure accuracy. They are controlled using a torsion spring and pull cord, delivering a light overall weight (240–260 grams ready to fly) with no sacrifices.
Soaring USA: 827 N. Glendora Ave., Covina, CA 91724; Tel.: (626) 967-6660; Web site: www.soaringusa.com
Fieseler Fi-156C Storch EP
The Fi 156 Storch was a small German liaison and observation aircraft that Fieseler built before and during World War II. It included a design feature rare for land-based airplanes: wings that could be folded back along the fuselage.
Maxford's new 63-inch-span RC Storch has that wing-folding feature, making the model easier to transport, even in a compact car.
This design stands out from other RC versions and sizes of the Storch, with functional slats and flaps and full-throw ailerons. It comes with six preinstalled servos and the option of a scale upgrade package. It includes a pilot seat, dashboard, machine gun, airspeed sensor, light, and oil cooler, all stored in a handsome plywood box.
Maxford USA: 15247 Texaco Ave., Paramount, CA 90723; Tel.: (562) 529-3988; Web site: www.maxfordusa.com
Thunder Power Pro Power 45C Batteries
The new G4 Pro Power 45C series batteries are reported to deliver up to 40% more power, six times more cycle life, and ultra-fast charge-rate capability of up to 6C. They offer long-lasting value and performance.
These batteries exhibit no discernible loss of power delivery after more than 300 cycles, delivering as much as 40% more power at the same or even lower weight than most other brands of 25C- to 40C-rated batteries. The 45C series is available in capacities from 325 to 6,500 mAh and in configurations of 1S (3.7 volts) to 10S (37.0 volts).
All Thunder Power batteries are assembled and supported in the US, with a full one-year warranty and a one-year, 50%-off damaged-battery replacement program.
Thunder Power RC: 4720 W. University Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89103; Tel.: (702) 228-8883; Web site: www.thunderpowerrc.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
