Radio Control: Helicopters
WELCOME BACK. This month I have the pleasure of introducing a new Helicopter - the Kalt Enforcer. It is distributed in the U.S. by Hobby Dynamics. The Enforcer is a derivative of the Kalt Space Baron. It is not the same machine, as there are some subtle differences. The main difference is in the gear box (the one in the Space Baron, of socalled "planetary" design, tended to chatter). The problem was traced to the idler gears, which turned on plain bushing-type bearings instead of ball bearings, so the Enforcer uses needle bearings on those idler gears, and the previous trouble with vibration in the transmission has now been eliminated.
Radio Control: Helicopters
First one for .30s: As I mentioned last month, we are going to take a look at the First Annual Kyosho RC Helicopter Challenge that took place June 9-10, 1990 in Champaign, IL. As far as I know, this was the first contest limited to .30-size machines (machines designed to be powered by engines in the .30-cu-in, displacement range - Ed.) in the U.S., although they have been held in Japan. This well-attended competition was jointly sponsored by Kyosho and Model Builder magazine. A big thanks to both of you, and congratulations on a good idea. The contest was well organized and ran very smoothly (smoother, in fact, than some Nats I have attended). Contest Director Tim Lampe did a great job of both running the contest and staying busy on the public address system enlightening the crowd as to what was going on.
Radio Control: Helicopters
WELCOME BACK. This month's column will be devoted to Hobby dynamics' new Kalt Baron Alpha II. When I was offered the chance to review Kalt's latest 60 ship, I was very enthusiastic. I had both flown and watched Dan Melnik put his Excalibur through its paces and was very impressed. While the Alpha II is basically an upgraded Excalibur, it demonstrates Kalt's understanding of where the American Helicopter market is going. This includes the change to a larger rotor disc, different gearing and high quality main and tail rotor units.
Radio Control: Helicopters
WELCOME BACK. I have quite a few topics to cover this month, so let's jump in. P.A.R.R. Field Charger Update: I just heard from Mr. Ray Stacy, editor of the P.A.R.R. Newsletter. As you may recall, I published a schematic for a low-cost field fast charger in the January issue-a schematic that I had liberated from the P.A.R.R. newsletter. As things turned out, it would have been better to publish it in the April issue, because, as presented, the charger doesn't work. It seems that quite a few of you already have found this to be the case. Ray told me that he has been receiving from seven to 10 calls and/or letters a day for the last several weeks.
Radio Control: Helicopters
THEY WON! Congratulations to the 1991 U.S. Helicopter team. They just came in first place at the World Championships held in Australia. Team member Wayne Mann finished second, followed by Curtis Youngblood in third and Robert Gorham came in sixth. Mann and Youngblood flew Miniature Aircraft X-Cells while Gorham flew a TSK. The contest was very close with high winds on at least two of the competition days. Sensui from Japan is the new World Champion. He flew a Kalt Omega. Look for a full report soon in Model Aviation.
