Radio Control: Helicopters
SINCE MY LAST column I've had a chance to fly the Ergo Sport 60 several times, and I continue to be impressed with its flight characteristics and design. Whether in a hover or upstairs doing aerobatics, the helicopter is a solid machine that flies well, and it's easy to see with its large canopy and fin set. However, the stick-on decals do not stay on very well when fuel residue gets on the plastic, so it looks like I'll have to paint mine soon. The Jett Engineering .65 engine has also proven to be a top performer. It's similar to the Sport .40 engine I have written about, which is in my Ergo 40. A tremendous amount of power combined with a good idle and transition make the .65 a pleasure to use. However, I continue to have a little trouble starting the engine at times because of its tight AAC fit. If the piston stops at Top Dead Center it's difficult to turn the engine over.
Radio Control: Helicopters
ONE OF THE NICE things about being a helicopter enthusiast-and the main reason I continue to write this column-is the help given to and received from others in our hobby. I've been in modeling for more years than I care to admit, and into helicopters for the past 12 years or so, and never have I came close to knowing it all. It seems there is always someone out there who has a little different way of doing something, or a neat new idea. It's always a pleasure to hear from such a person so I can pass that information along to you.
Radio Control: Helicopters
THE NATS! Just saying it brings a certain chill. It's not just the great helicopter flying I enjoy, but the many other flying activities as well. It has been more years than I care to remember since I've flown Free Flight, Control Line Stunt and Combat, or Pylon Racing, and it always brings a certain warmness and fond memories to see those models in the air again. It also makes me remember what a terrific influence modeling has had on my life and professional career, and I wonder if there aren't more effective ways to get more young people involved with helicopters. (But I will leave that subject for next month's column.)
Radio Control: Helicopters
ONE OF THE ASPECTS of helicopters that I really enjoy is that everything bolts together-there is little gluing or painting. There are times, however, when canopies, tail fins, fuselages, etc., need repairs, and until now fiberglass cloth and CyA has been the answer. But recently, I noticed a piece of cloth-like fabric softener my wife was using in the dryer, and tried a small repair job with it. It did the job just fine and was very easy to work with. It cuts straight and easily with a pair of scissors, is very light, and bonds well with CyA. I especially like using a piece that has already been through the dryer, since it's free of the chemical softener.
Radio Control: Helicopters
UNFORTUNATELY, work kept me from attending what has traditionally been considered the place to see many new and exciting products for our hobby: the Toledo show. Two products that were introduced should greatly interest us helicopter enthusiasts: the new JR XF622 computer radio that's priced to fit everyone's budget, and the new Gas X-Cell Graphite that combines the performance of a .60-size helicopter with the fuel efficiency and easy operation of a gas engine. For the past several years, electronic equipment prices have been reduced to the point that virtually everyone can afford a hand-held calculator, a digital watch, etc. Although this trend is true in many markets, the JR XF622 is the first computer radio that has a price close to the most basic helicopter radio available.
