Worth a Closer Look
EF's Cypher 3D
If instinct tells you to buy the Cypher from Global Hobby Distributors just for its looks, your instincts serve you well. But this model's value goes much deeper.
Because its heritage is rooted in the company that helped start the small-helicopter rage, EF's goal was to make a better 450-class helicopter for a competitive price. Our test machine has proven to be a dynamite product (see the Summer 2008 Park Pilot).
Under the Cypher's slop-free mechanics is a lightweight mainframe that has a somewhat wider spread than most similar models, for increased stiffness. Its lower stance enhances roll stability, and its length from nose to tail smoothes pitch control. Between the frames are a multitude of other well-thought-out features that make this machine a best buy.
The Cypher 3D ARF comes with an approximately 325-watt, 3800 kV motor and a 40-amp ESC. The canopy is even already fitted and decorated. Also included are factory-balanced and -painted wood blades. The 18-page, full-color manual leaves no question unanswered.
The high head speed that is possible with the Cypher makes this helicopter fly in a rock-solid manner. Its agility rivals machines that cost 100% more. Global keeps a good amount of parts available, which is a comfort to pilots who are learning aerobatics.
Global Hobby Distributors: 18480 Bandelier Cir., Fountain Valley, CA 92807; Tel.: (714) 964-0827; Web site: http://ef.globalhobby.com
Easy Built MiG-3
This laser-cut, free-flight rubber-powered kit replicates Earl Stahl's winning 1/8th-scale design from January 1943. Full-size, rolled, CAD-drawn plans detail the build, as do the assembly and flying instructions. Purists will enjoy the premium laser-cut balsa parts, hand-picked competition-weight balsa sheet and strip wood, FAI rubber, Peck-Polymers nose bearing and propeller, wire, wheels, vacuum-formed canopy, guns, exhaust pipes, spinner, and air scoop.
Easy Built Lite tissue in Olive Green and Light Sky Blue is included for replicating the summer scheme. For that special touch, TissueCal markings—which are printed directly on tissue—are also provided. The sample model shown wears the optional AeroSkins, which is printed camouflage tissue sold in four-sheet, legal-size bundles.
To build this 23-inch-wingspan MiG-3, the builder will need a hobby knife, fine sandpaper, a building board, pins, and glue.
Easy Built Models: Box 681744, Prattville, AL 36068; Tel.: (334) 358-5184; Web site: www.easybuiltmodels.com
Electric RC Flying for Cheapskates
Bob Nadler's latest book, Electric RC Flying for Cheapskates, is available only on CD-ROM. If you are uncomfortable with turning the pages with your mouse, you can print out a copy.
The paperless presentation echoes the author's philosophy and ideas about frugal modeling. In addition, the electronic reference includes web links, which saves readers the cost of buying components they can't do without—such as airplanes, batteries, motors, ESCs, tools, radios, etc. The electronic book is also easy and inexpensive to update.
This book's ideal readers want to experience RC flying but are intimidated by what they perceive to be the cost and level of difficulty. Electric RC Flying for Cheapskates provides the knowledge of how to enjoy flying radio-controlled airplanes. RC flying, even at its most expensive, is far cheaper to do than, say, owning a large boat.
But if a modeler is a true cheapskate like the author, he or she will find much of interest in this reference; few stones are left unturned.
f/22 Press: Box 141, Leonia, NJ 07605; Tel.: (201) 568-6250; Web site: http://members.aol.com/f22press/pubs.htm#RCBK
A Tranquil Escape for the Park Pilot
Experience the serenity and beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains—and bring your park flyer. The Fox Hill Bed and Breakfast in Fairfield, Virginia, is particularly suited for the RC modeler; the resident innkeeper/RC enthusiast has set up a 90 x 300-foot private grass landing strip in the property's wide-open meadows. Relax and enjoy the quiet, comfortable elegance of the 38-acre retreat.
Fox Hill offers spacious B&B suites with queen beds, private baths, satellite TV/radio, and a three-course breakfast. The cottage suites, with fully equipped kitchens, a living room, and separate bedrooms, are perfect for those who prefer even more privacy.
Fox Hill is conveniently located near the historic towns of Lexington and Staunton, Virginia. Natural Bridge and Caverns, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Rockbridge Vineyard are close by, and outdoor activities abound. Fox Hill Airfield is ideal for park flyers, electrics, hand-launched gliders, and two-meter electric sailplanes.
Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast & Cottage Suites: 4383 Borden Grant Tr., Fairfield, VA 24435; Tel.: (800) 369-8005; Web site: www.foxhillbb.com
Worth a Closer Look
ElectroStik EP RxR and ARF
The Stik has been a familiar design at the flying field for years. ElectriFly has updated the classic favorite and equipped it with clean, quiet electric power.
Modelers who enjoy the advantages of brushless motors have an opportunity to experience flying a proven RC classic. Glow pilots who are considering an electric aircraft will find familiarity in the 52.5-inch-wingspan ElectroStik's quality wood construction and traditional look. And everyone will appreciate how easy it is to get to the flightline—especially with the Receiver-Ready (RxR) version.
The low parts count and high level of preassembly means that modelers can have the ElectroStik ARF ready for takeoff in short order, and the RxR can be airborne in roughly an hour. A carbon-fiber tube streamlines wing assembly by eliminating the need for complicated fixtures and allowing for easy breakdown when transporting the 3- to 3.5-pound model.
Great Planes Hobby Distributors: Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-3630; Web site: www.electrifly.com
Astro Chocks
From 4-ounce models to 40% aircraft, never again damage a model going to and from the flying area because of transport runaway mishaps. Made from one-piece molded plastic, the Astro Chocks are light and durable. The rubber strips firmly hold the model wheel in place to prevent damage during transit.
Permanent mounting is quick and easy with premarked holes for screws, or you can place Velcro on the bottom for quick adjustability to different-size aircraft. The hook side of Velcro will not typically skid on automobile carpet.
Sold in pairs and in four different sizes, Astro Chocks will help keep a model secure.
Grayson Hobby: 1653 Windrush Pkwy., Grayson, GA 30017; Tel.: (678) 485-7192; Web site: www.graysonhobby.com
GDH Planes Cactus Kitten
At the Toledo Show, GDH Planes announced the release of its 1/5.5-scale version of the 1920 Curtiss-Cox Cactus Kitten 1. Texas millionaire S.E.J. Cox sponsored the design of this one-off aircraft that Curtiss created, along with the Texas Wildcat, to enter in the 1920 Gordon Bennett Cup race.
The GDH-designed and -manufactured, 55-inch-wingspan Cactus Kitten 1 is supplied as a full kit, in the builder's choice of either a fuel- or electric-power version. Both come with full-size CAD-designed plans printed on two sheets and include a 60-page illustrated building manual.
The kits also include laser-cut balsa and plywood parts, required wood stock, pre-bent wire, streamline aluminum, formed canopy, and an extensive hardware package including metal clevises and metal control horns. The kit is designed for an intermediate builder/flier and requires a .70 four-stroke engine or an 850-watt motor system.
GDH Consulting Corp.: Box 235, Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1N 5S1; Tel.: (905) 668-2326; Web site: www.gdhplanes.com
Etomic Ushers in More Choices
Most modelers develop a unique comfort level with their radios and are uninterested in purchasing another transmitter just to fly a specific model. Bind-N-Fly helps take them to an entirely different level of RC flight. It also offers consumers everything they want and need in an airplane, without unnecessary components.
ParkZone's Vapor, a member of the unique Etomic series of ultramicro aircraft, is compatible with DSM2 transmitters. In no time at all, modelers will be ready to take to their basements, living rooms, or almost anywhere else to enjoy superb indoor flight with the ultra-slow Vapor.
This model is available in either an RTF or Bind-N-Fly version and offers flight times that average 10 minutes per charge. It has a wingspan of 14.75 inches and a flying weight of 0.53 ounce (15 grams). Each Vapor includes the onboard radio system, charger, and flight battery.
Horizon Hobby, Inc.: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel.: (217) 352-1913; Web site: www.parkzone.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
