RC Sport Flyer Aug/Sept 2015 (Vol-20-04)

RC Airplanes | Gliders | Helicopters

FLASH 7 TX TESTED

AUG/SEPT 2015

EXCLUSIVE

SWIFT S1 BUILD & FLY REPORT

VINTAGE GRUNAU BABY IIB GLIDER RECYCLE

…AND

USA & CANADA $6.49

RC-SF.COM

• • • •

Bücker Jungmeister Plan Huge Joe Nall ‘15 Coverage How To Iron-On Coverings I Scale for Competition II

Favored For

Flight Make Your MoMent to FlY Hassle-Free.

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with aS3X ® technology BNF (eFl10850) to find the e-flite airPlane that’s right for you, Visit your faVorite hobby shoP

night Visionaire BNF BaSiC (eFl7150)

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P-47d thunderbolt BNF BaSiC (eFl6850)

P-51d Mustang BNF BaSiC (eFl6750)

rare bear BNF BaSiC (eFl1250)

The per f ec t momen t t o f l y is some t hing special and hav ing an E-f li t e ® airplane can help make t he experience fun. That’s because E-flite products are developed right here in the United States by RC pilots who crave a great flight. So they carefully scrutinize every detail and flight characteristic. The right airfoil matters, the right CG matters, and so on, which is why when you press the bind button on your Spektrum™ transmitter everything comes to life in harmony. Make the moment you choose to grab a flight one you’ll want to repeat over and again.

VISIT

CLICK

CALL

Your Local Retailer

horizonhobby.com

1.800.338.4639

SERIOUS FUN. SERIOUS FUN.®®

©2015 Horizon Hobby, LLC. AS3X, E-flite,DSM2, UMX,DSMX, AS3X, SAFE, VisionAire, andthe theHorizon Horizon Hobby are trademarks or registered of Horizon Hobby, LLC.trademark The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of ©2014 Horizon Hobby, LLC. E-flite, Bind-N-Fly, the BNF logo,Serious Serious Fun Fun and Hobby logologo are trademarks or registered trademarkstrademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC. The Spektrum is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. Bachmann Inc.from MODEL 12® is a45260 registered trademark used by permission of Jim Kimball Enterprises, Inc. The Viking Model 12 trim scheme is by stylist Mirco Pecorari of Aircraft Studio Design. All other trademarks, Actual product Industries, may vary slightly photos shown. service marks and logos are property of their respective owners. 49386.1

ULTRA LOW

LATENCY

Get more of what you need with the FLASH 8! Expanded capability and extensive programming features make the FLASH 8 a step above the rest. With 30-model memory, built-in telemetry and ultra low latency, our latest radio brings reliability, performance and connectivity to every pilot.

Enjoy each flight with confidence and control. Itʼs time to be FLASHY!

RECEIVER SPECIAL OFFER! Purchase an Aurora 9X, Flash 8 or Flash 7 transmitter and we will include two Optima 7 receivers for FREE. Have a larger fleet? Buy up to FIVE additional receivers for HALF PRICE!

Hitec RCD USA, Inc. | 12115 Paine Street | Poway, CA 92064 | (858) 748-6948 | www.hitecrcd.com

1815 South Research Loop Tucson, Arizona 85710 Phone: (520) 722-0607 E-mail: info@desertaircraft.com Web Site: desertaircraft.com

DA-200

Price $2795

Displacement: 12.20 cin (200 cc) Output: 19 hp Weight: 10.95 lb (4.95 kilos) Length: 9.625 in. (244 mm) Warranty: Two Years

DA-150

Price $1395

Displacement: 9.15 ci (150 cc) Output: 16.5 hp Weight: 7.96 lb (3.61 kilos) Length: 7.67 in. (195 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-100L

Price $999

Displacement: 6.10 ci (100 cc) Output: 9.8 hp Weight: 5.57 lb (2.53 kilos) Length: 6.5 in. (162.5 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-50-R

Price $549

Displacement: 3.05 ci (50 cc) Output: 5.0 hp Weight: 2.94 lb (1.33 kilos) Length: 6.7 (170 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-170

Price $1695

Displacement: 10.48 ci (171.8 cc) Output: 18 hp Weight: 8.05 lb (3.56 kilos) Length: 7.67 in. (195 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-120

Price $1199

Displacement: 7.4 ci (121 cc) Output: 11 hp Weight: 4.95 lb (2.25 kilos) Length: 6.25 in. (159 mm) Warranty: Three year

DA-85

Price $795

Displacement: 5.24 ci (85.9 cc) Output: 8.5 hp Weight: 4.3 lb (1.95 kilos) Length: 5.9 in. (150 mm) Warranty: Three year

TABLE OF CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS

10 LEADING EDGE 12 HOT PRODUCTS 82 AD INDEX 83 MYSTERY PLANE

LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD FOR COMPETITION II

PG 42

EVENT

HOW TO

24

42

JOE NALL 2015 REPORT THIS EVENT IS MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAN THE AIRPLANES.

By Robert Vest

BUILDING FOR COMPETITION LEARN WHY RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION ARE IMPORTANT.

By Tom Wolf

A 50 RECYCLE MODEL FIND OUT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU CAN SAVE BY BUYING USED.

By Gene Cope

54

PERSONALIZE IT WITH PAINT WE SHOW YOU HOW EASY AND FUN IT IS TO PAINT YOUR MODELS.

By Marco Penk

JOE NALL 2015 12-PAGE REPORT

PG 24 3-VIEW

PG 58

S1 58 SWIFT A COMPETITIVE AEROBATICS GLIDER

By Hans-Jürgen Fischer 6

RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

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AUG/SEPT 2015

BUILD DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN SAVE LOTS OF MONEY BY BUYING A USED AIRPLANE OR GLIDER.

PG 50

REVIEWS

FLASH 7 36 IRON-COVERINGS, 64 HITEC PART I RADIO SYSTEM LEARN HOW TO APPLY IRON-ON COVERING MATERIALS FOR A PROFESSIONAL FINISH ON ANY MODEL.

By Jeff Troy

THIS IN-DEPTH REPORT DETAILS HOW WELL THIS NEW SYSTEM WILL ADVANTAGE YOU.

By Marco Penk

PLAN BÜ 133 62 BÜCKER JUNGMEISTER

72

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS VINTAGE AEROBATIC AIRPLANE THAT WAS AND IS A STANDOUT PERFORMER.

By Wendel Hosteller

ICARE SWIFT S1 GLIDER SEE WHY THIS 3.7-M MACHINE MAY BE YOUR NEXT SLOPE AND AEROTOW PERFORMER.

By Wil Byers

PG 62

LEARN HOW EASY THIS 7-CHANNCEL RADIO IS TO PROGRAM.

PG 64

PG 72 CHECK OUT THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS 3.7-M WINGSPAN AEROBATICS GLIDER.

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Wil Byers wil@rc-sf.com ASSISTANT EDITORS James T Baker Doris Chen Louie Scribner Asa Clinton PRODUCTION Zhe Meng mengzhe@kionapublishing.com PHOTOGRAPHY Wil Byers Bess Byers GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Zhe Meng Shi Yuang WEBMASTER CONTACT Chang Liang OFFICE MANAGER Sue Wharton support@kionapublishing.com OFFICE ASSISTANT Terra Woodford CIRCULATION Christian Wells MARKETING Wil Byers ads@rc-sf.com

Point Your browser at the new

SPORTFLYER.CO STORE to get other great RC-SF products.

The simplest way to add chasing, blinking, fading LED effects!

Use coupon: RCSF and save 20%

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rob Caso, Gene Cope, Daniel Holman, Mike Hoffmeister, Richard Kuns, David Phelps, Marco Penk, Steve Rojecki, Mike Shellim, Patrick Sherman, Jerry Smith, Jeff Troy, Robert Vest, James VanWinkle, Tom Wolfe, David Wigley RC Sport Flyer (ISSN: 1941-3467) is published monthly for $29.95 per year in the USA by Kiona Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 4250, W. Richland, WA 99353-4004. Periodicals postage paid at Richland, WA and additional mailing offices.

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a. HEXACHROME #09195B or b. R = 9 G = 25 B = 91

FOR PRINT (Lithography, Screen printing), USE

a. PMS 294 Uncoated b. C = 95 M = 65 Y = 17 K=5

LEDs - ARDUINOS - ELECTRONICS FOR THE RC SPORT FLYER. Why pay for LEDs by the meter when you can have the whole roll!

Save $$ Now. Ships from USA

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

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CONTRIBUTIONS: Articles and photographs are welcome, but cannot be considered unless guaranteed exclusive. When requested we will endeavor to return all materials in good condition if accompanied by return postage. RC Sport Flyer assumes no responsibility for loss of or damage to editorial contributions received. Any material accepted is subject to possible revision at the discretion of the publisher. Publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of content. Opinions of contributing authors do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

RC Sport Flyer will retain author’s rights, title to and interest in the editorial contributions as described above in both print and electronic media unless prior arrangement has been made in writing. Payment for editorial materials will be made at our current rate. Submission of editorial material to RC Sport Flyer expresses a warranty by the author that such material is in no way an infringement upon the rights of others. The contents of this magazine may not be reprinted traditionally or electronically without permission of the publisher.

Copyright ©2015 All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA

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Maxx Products is your complete source for Electric Airplane Accessories

Mounts - Heatsink or plain mounts for beam mount Fit 20, 28, and 36 mm motors.

Heatsinks - Extruded aluminum heatsinks Fit 12, 20, 28, and 36mm motors.

Prop Adapters - Over 20 types and counting, Collet and set screw type prop adapters and prop savers Fit 2mm, 2.3mm, 3mm, 1/8”, 4mm, 5/32”, 5mm, 6mm, & 8mm motor shafts.

Spinners - 29, 38, 44 and 50mm lightweight polished aluminum spinners - Fit 2 to 5mm motor shafts.

Gearboxes - Assorted planetary and offset gearboxes to fit a variety of motors.

Tools - Universal Pinion Puller. Universal Extracting Tool

1570 Switch - This simple switch temporarily disconnects BEC power to the radio system between flights.

• Micro wire (32AWG) extensions, Y-harness, switch harness for small electric airplanes, • Full line of Himax Brushless motors and gear motors, • Full line of ferrite motors and high performance cobalt & neodymium motors, Micro servos, micro receivers, and battery packs.

Visit Our Website to See the Complete Line!

Get The Most For Your Hobby Dollar, Visit Your Local Hobby Shop!

Wheels - Light weight wheels with strong hubs Sizes: 1.25”, 1.5”, 2”, 2.5”, and 3.00”

Exclusive Distributor

MAXX Products International, Inc. 815 Oakwood Rd., Unit D, Lake Zurich, IL 60047, USA Ph: 847-438-2233 Fax: 847-438-2898

www.maxxprod.com

LEADING EDGE

T

WIL BYERS

hirty-four years ago, 1981, Model Airplane News published my Scooty glider plan and construction article. My radio system was a four-channel, 72-MHz Futaba, and the airplane’s servos were all analog. Third-order intermodulation was a serious problem, and crashes caused by radio interference were common.

There were pretty much two types of aircraft: airplanes and gliders.

We thought we had it good and that the gear was state of the art.

Much has changed over the years. One thing has definitely not. That is the love of hobby/sport by so many good and generous people. As I read and edited this issue, I could not help but be overwhelmingly impressed by the generous giving of so my people and companies. I was pretty much “blown away” by Bob Shaw’s exceptional donation of $250,000 to the new Youth Learning Center, which is being constructed at the Triple Tree Aerodrome in Greenville, SC — what an amazing gift Bob is giving to so many . Then too, when I see the number of companies that keep giving and giving to the hobby I’m amazed.

The list is long but they include many of the companies, big and small, that advertise in this publication, such as: Bob Smith, Castle Creations, Eagle Tree Systems, Esprit Models, Frank Tiano Enterprises, Great Planes, Hitec RCD, Horizon Hobby, Icare RC, Maxx Products, PowerBox Systems, RTL Fasteners, Soaring USA, ThunderPower, TruTurn, and the list just goes on! Then there are those club members who go above and beyond that of just paying their annual membership dues by working tirelessly for their clubs and members. They are absolutely integral to their clubs’ successes.

Don’t you agree that we must be hopeful this kind generosity is not lost on the millennials in RC. I say this because they are so often the benefactors of the baby-boomers generosities, and I wonder if they understand why and how people like Bob do what they do. I for one am hopeful the current and future successes of millennials will let them become contributors to our RC community. For those that read beyond these pages, the 1930s book Narcissus and Goldmund underscores, in my opinion, the differences between givers and takers. It therefore leads me to say there are significant lessons to be learned by

the doings of people like Bob Shaw. I thank God for men and women like Bob! HOT PRODUCS Editing this month’s Hot Products section gave me pause to reflect. I thought, what if we RCers had this kind of gear when we got into the hobby? It would have made a huge difference in our piloting experiences. Instead of repairing models and buying new radio gear, we could have spent the time flying, which would have certainly made us better and more competitive pilots overall.

No matter, the aircraft and radio gear is now here to enhance every pilots skill level and enjoyment. The stabilized airplanes, gyros, transmitter, First Person View (FPV) equipment, motors, power management systems, etc. makes flying RC more fun than ever — I don’t care your age. Now, anyone can enjoy flying RC without crashing, which means more modelers.

So, read our Hot Products section this month to see what can enhance your enjoyment of the hobby. The results of my edits resulted in a new Hitec® HG3XA gyro sitting on my desk waiting to be tested. I expect it will put joy in my fingers.

REVIEWS Notice that the two reviews in this month’s issue are quite lengthy. This is because we wanted to give you as much detail about both these products as possible.

In terms of the Flash 7 radio, our new writer, Marco Penk, is detailing how easy it has become to program a seven-channel radio system. He also expounds on how powerful computer programmable radios have become over the last decade or so.

You too will benefit by his article, even if you are not flying a Hitec radio system.

My review of the Icare Swift S1 glider is meant to tempt many of you into flying scale gliders/sailplanes in either slope or thermal soaring conditions. I’m also detailing the quality of this glider and how I recommend it be built in order to get the most enjoyment from of it in all soaring conditions.

CHANGES Until next month stay with us as we make changes to our website and online store. Also, friend us at Facebook and YouTube. We want you to be part of our community.

APC Competition propellers for the intermediate and

advanced sport flyer as well as the competition community.

Over 400 pitch/diameters available ranging from slow-flyer electric to High performance Giant Scale Racers.

Visit the APC Prop Website for product selection and detailed information on product design and features.

LANDING PRODUCTS All propellers are in stock and overnight delivery is available.

Proudly made in the USA

10

RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

1222 Harter Ave., Woodland, CA 95776 (530) 661-0399 est. 1989 by Mr. Fred Burgdorf

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QuadPack 25:

• 490 Hz refresh rate • 6S LiPo • 25 amps • 8 amp peak BEC* *This package contains one MultiRotor 25 with a BEC and three with no BEC. The single BEC supplies power for all 4 controllers

QuadPack 35:

• 490 Hz refresh rate • 6S LiPo • 35 amps • 7 amp peak BEC* *This package contains one MultiRotor 35 with a BEC and three with no BEC. The single BEC supplies power for all 4 controllers

HOT PRODUCTS EAGLE TREE ALERTER

E

agle Tree recently announced a new accessory for their Vector Flight Controller / On-Screen Display (OSD) system.

The Alerter is a small, lightweight Buzzer with light emitting diodes (LED). It provides important audiovisual information about a Vector-equipped model’s status, and a “smart” lost model/battery saver alarm. The Alerter is designed for those pilots flying first person view (FPV) or line of sight (LOS) type models.

• Three LEDs with programmable brightness • Programmable inactivity alarm, annunciates for lost model • Buzzer indication for errors and events • LEDs for Vector status, number of GPS satellites in view, etc.

• Programmable LEDs brightness and buzzer volume for highest levels only when armed • Comes with six-inch (15 cm) connection cable Price: $14.99

Features • Multi-tone buzzer with programmable volume

Distributor Eagle Tree Systems 4957 Lakemont Blvd SE, Suite C-4, PMB 235 Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425-614-0450 eagletreesystems.com

Specifications

SPEKTRUM DX7 7-CHANNEL TRANSMITTER W/AR8000 RECEIVER

Channels Modulation Band Receiver Programming

T

he new Spectrum DX7 transmitter lets pilots have pro-class features in a sevenchannel system. The new Spektrum™ DX7 system gives customers programming for three model types (Air/Heli/Sailplane), 250-model memory storage, voice alerts, a wireless trainer link, and more. The builtin telemetry feature provides pilots with real-time information for model battery voltage, signal quality, engine or motor temperature, airspeed, altitude, with other options as well. The voice alert system is programmable so that the DX7 annunciates on specific telemetry values, events or limits.

• 2000-mAh LiPo battery included • Telemetry built in Price

$349.99 (#SPM7000)

Model Memory Modes

Seven DSM2/DSMX 2.4 GHz AR8000 8-channel DSMX type Airplane/Helicopter/ Sailplane 250 User Selectable Modes 1 – 4 2000-mAh Lithium Ion

Transmitter Battery Charger SPM9551 Intl Air Tx AC Adapter

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com

Features • 250 Model Memory (Unlimited by SD card storage) • Voice alerts and wireless trainer • Supports Air/Heli/Sailplane models • SD card port for updates and storage • Includes AR8000 receiver • Quad-bearing gimbals

12

RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

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ESPRIT MODEL LIPO PACKS

E

sprit Model Company is now pushing the outside of the envelope with their new Jeti Pro Power Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries packs. These new packs offer maximum power and performance, but at a price that makes them affordable.

Esprit’s new packs are designed specifically for the demands of the latest power systems, plus extreme 3D aircraft.

The Jeti Pro Power series have been optimized for pilots that demand the ultimate in battery voltage and current.

Price:

$18.00 (1300 30C) $25.00 (JETIRX2700) $129.00 (5000 30C)

Distributor Esprit Model 1240 Clearmont St NE, Unit 12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 espritmodel.com

JETI DC-14 TRANSMITTER Distributor Esprit Model 1240 Clearmont St NE, Unit 12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 espritmodel.com

J

eti has just released one of the most advanced radio systems money can buy.

It is built around a solid CNC-machined aluminum case, with five integrated antennas, a mini USB port, built-in speaker, and headset jack. The DC-24 uses metal transmitter gimbals with Hall sensors (4096 step resolution) and integrated vibration feedback (Stick Shaker), with nine ball bearings for precise control inputs.

The 24 also has a large 320 x 240 color, backlight display and many other high-end performance features.

One of the attractive features of the Duplex 2.4-GHz line of products is their integration with all Duplex telemetry sensors. You can easily observe up to 40 different parameters in real-time on the transmitter’s screen. Or, by using the JetiBox Profi (sold separately) you can see your data in parallel mode giving you and your copilot valuable real-time information.

A most important feature of Jeti’s transmitters are the gimbal and switch function assignment flexibility. With the rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

DC/DS-24 you are free to customize your radio’s interface. You can swap switches or sticks (Mode 1 – 4) and the on-board computer will recognize your changes and assign functions anywhere you like. Other important functions are programmable Sounds/Alarms and even user-recordable sounds. This audible alarm feature was specifically designed to keep you informed while also keeping distractions to a minimum.

Specifications / Features • Dual-band 2.4-GHz and 900-MHz, triple redundant with five (5) integrated antennas.

• Dual haptic feedback — integrated vibration feedback for both gimbals (Stick Shaker).

• High-contrast, full color 320 x 240 backlight LCD display • Upgradable firmware • CNC-cut aluminum transmitter case with integrated antennas • Large, oversized color LCD display.

• Mini USB port for firmware upgrades and PC download of telemetry data • Integrated speaker and 3.5-mm headset jack. You can play back music and create custom voice alarms • Built-in, logical switches that lets you program a complex string of control events with the simple flip of a switch • 9-point, programmable curve mixes for 24 digital proportional channels • Triple rate controls options • Pre-programmed servo setups for most wing, tail and swashplate types • Unlimited use of the on-board eight-GB SD card memory • Integrated logical switch functions.

• Integrated digital telemetry • Create, manage and program alarms.

• All switches and channels are completely moveable and assignable.

• Unlimited number of programmable timers.

Price

$1595 (JETIDC24)

RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS • Built-in switching AC power supply • Includes 60-watt soldering iron, 400 – 840oF • USB support for PC and WiFi smart phone interface

HITEC X2 AC PRO - AC/DC MULTI CHARGER

E

xpanding on the success and reliability of Hitec’s X2 AC Plus, we introduce its pumped-up brother, the X2 AC Pro! Our AC/DC dual port charger/discharger delivers 200 watts of total power in AC mode, and up to 300 watts total output in DC! Its versatile power distribution mode lets you optimize the output in AC mode for maximum charge efficiency.

Additionally, the X2 AC Pro is equipped with a built-in heavy duty 60W soldering iron with adjustable operating temperatures from 400 to 840oF (200-450oC), making it a convenient and handy feature at the airfield as well as at home. Easily store and recall 20 charge/discharge profiles. Capable of charging all battery chemistries, including the latest high voltage LiPo’s (LiHV), this all-in-one charger has advanced functions such as Battery Meter and Battery Internal Resistance Meter modes. For the ultimate convenience, you can also configure your settings and keep an eye on your charge progress with your Smartphone or PC.

Price:

$199.99 (#44238)

Optional WiFi Module Features • Compatible with the X2 AC Pro and X2 AC Plus Chargers • View, change and customize your X2 AC Pro options via smartphone • Supports both iOS and Android devices Price - $22.99 (#44228)

Specifications

Features • Twin-channel charger with two independent circuits • Input power: 11 – 18 volts DC or 100 – 240 VAC • DC mode output: 200 watts Port A; 100 watts Port B; 300 watts total • AC Mode power distribution: 200 watts

Charges NiMH, NiCd, LiPo, LiHV, LiFe, Li-Ion and Lead Acid batteries NiCd/NiMH Cell 1 – 15 cells Count LiPo/LiHV/Li-Ion/ 1 – 6 cells LiFe Cell Count Pb voltage 2 – 20 volts Charge current 0.1 – 10.0 amps range Maximum charge AC 200W / DC 300W output (200W + 100W) Profile Settings 20 programmable Balancing Independent cell circuitry

Distributor Hitec RCD 12115 Paine Street Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-6948 hitecrcd.com

OS ENGINES 5825-520 3D BRUSHLESS 700-800, HELI MOTOR

I

f you are into flying electric-powered helicopters, this is a motor you’ll want to know about. The 5825-520 brushless 700800 helicopter motor is designed to deliver extreme 3D flight performance. It pumps out power and rpms for precise, advanced aerobatics that demand a top-quality motor. This motor is hand-wound for highinductance and it features samarium-cobalt magnets for a good balance between current consumption and power output.

It also is fitted with a heat-reducing stator design to keep internal resistance at a minimum. OS recommends the 5825 be powered by 12S LiPo battery, so you know it is a performance-built motor.

Features • Designed extreme aerobatics helicopters • Hand-wound stator for higher inductance

14

RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

• Samarium-cobalt magnets • New stator design to minimize heat generation • Balance between power and current consumption Price

$349.99 (OSMG9475)

Specifications Outside diameter Body length Shaft length Rated Rated current Maximum current Kv rating

2.28 in. (58 mm) 2.13 in. (54 mm) 1.58 in. (40 mm) 44.4 volts 100 amps 150 amps (5 seconds) 520 (rpm per volt)

Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com twitter.com/rcsportflyer

DROMIDA VISTA UAV 251 MM INTENSE PERFORMANCE DRONE RTF Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com

D

romida has just introduced the Vista UAV. The Vista UAV is as easy to fly and it is tough! This ready-to-fly quadcopter comes with absolutely everything you need to fly it. It includes an auto-flip button, four flight modes, three-axis gyro stabilization for improved control, vivid, eye-catching

LEDs for easier tracking day or night, and extra-long flight times, so less battery charging is required.

Includes • Assembled Vista UAV quadcopter • SLT radio system

• • • •

LiPo battery and USB charger “AAA” batteries Extra set of blades Screwdriver

Features • Intense LED lights • Easy, normal, advanced and expert flight modes • Advanced three-axis gyro stabilization, with three accelerometers • Low battery current drain • Auto-flip button • Four color schemes Price

$79.99 (#DIDE03)

FLYZONE SENSEI FS ELECTRIC TRAINER

F

lyzone’s Sensei FS (Flight Stabilization) electric trainer makes learning easy and fun. The WISE 3-axis stabilization system is like having a flight instructor, ready to take over if necessary.

A brushless power system delivers the performance needed for sport aerobatics and for the added fun the “drop-door” feature, which lets pilots deliver a payload.

Specifications 58 in. (1475 mm) 3.2 lb (1450 g) 3.25 – 3.5 lb (1470 – 1590 g) 48 in. (1220 mm) Tactic TTX610 RTF version SLT RTF version 3S 2100-mAh LiPo RTF version Charger AC/DC balancing RTF version Batteries “AA” RTF version RxR Tx & Rx, 2100 – 2200-mAh Lipo, charger required,

Wingspan RTF weight RxR Weight Length Transmitter Receiver Battery

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

The airplane comes as the all-inclusive RTF version or as the flexible Receiver-Ready model that lets you equip the Sensei FS with your radio gear choice!

Features • AeroCell™ foam airframe with a preapplied trim scheme • WISE 3-axis flight stabilization system • Flight Success guarantee with the Sensei FS RTF • Simple, screw-together assembly — no gluing required • Factory-installed brushless outrunner motor, ESC and five micro servos • Steerable nose gear The WISE stabilization system works with any radio! Takeoffs and landings are as easy as increasing or decreasing the throttle. In the air, three flight modes allow modelers to learn flying skills at their own pace.

Beginner — the Sensei FS maintains a gentle bank and climb/descent envelope, with the pilot able to return the airplane to

straight-and-level flight by simply releasing the sticks.

Intermediate — pilots will be able to fly with increased freedom, while still having the stick release function to fall back on.

Advanced — once pilots are comfortable with the basics, they can fly the model without limits, but still with the benefits of gyro stabilization.

Bailout Switch — extra insurance that immediately returns the Sensei FS to straight and level flight from any orientation, in any of the three modes.

Price:

RTF w/WISE $299.99 (FLZA303) RxR w/WISE $199.99 (FLZA3034)

Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

HITEC HG3XA GYRO

Distributor Hitec RCD 12115 Paine Street Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-6948 hitecrcd.com

H

itec just introduced their new compact HG3XA gyro. It is designed for all your standard and delta wing, and V-tail aircraft.

Hitec says, this lightweight, threeaxis gyro provides high performance stabilization, increased precision, and smooth navigation in very challenging flight conditions. The HG3XA gyro’s accurate angular motion detection is designed to instantaneously improve your airplane’s 3D performance, making hovers, torque rolls, harriers, and knife-edge flight easier to master.

It has three trimming potentiometers that allow you to adjust the gyro’s gain for

the aircraft’s ailerons, elevator, and rudder. It is designed such that you can toggle between three flight modes (Off, Standard, Heading Hold) while your model is airborne.

The complete package includes the HG3XA gyro, connecting cables, and adhesive mounting pads.

Price:

$29.99 (#61076)

BLADE CHROMA

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he Blade Chroma™ from Horizon Hobby is designed for anyone looking to make life’s everyday moments a little more epic. Its easy-to-fly characteristics and all-in-one transmitter solutions make it easy to capture must-have video or still photographs. Fathers, teens, mothers, photographers, and avid drone enthusiasts will love the Chroma for its usability, amazing camera options and super long flight times.

Features • Four available versions • RTF 4k CGO3 with ST10+ transmitter (BLH8675) • RTF 1080P CGO2+ with ST10+ transmitter (BLH8665) • RTF GoPro 3-Axis Gimbal with DX4 transmitter (BLH8670) • BNF with fixed GoPro camera mount (BLH8680)

• “Follow me” and “Tracking” modes (ST10+ version only) • ST10+ transmitter option • All-in-one personal ground station • Cartridge-style battery • 30-minute flight times • Advanced SAFE Plus technology • Smart Mode for beginners • AP Mode for experienced pilots • Can be charged as a standard LiPo – no special charger needed!

• GPS receiver and compass mast —both units are now high above the model • Uses GPS and GLONASS for unparalleled accuracy • Self-tightening propellers • No tools needed for assembly Price

$1199.99 (#BLH8675)

Specifications Voltage range PWM Output PWM Signal Full-scale range Gyro sample rate Temperature range Dimensions Weight

5 – 6 volts DC 50 Hz, or 20 ms 1520, ±500 μs 970 – 2070 μs 1 KHz -40°F to 185°F 1.85 x 1.30 x 0.55 in.

0.39 oz

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com

TACTIC TR826 8-CHANNEL 2.4-GHZ TWIN ANTENNA RX WITH END TERMINALS

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actic says their new TR826 is lightweight and designed to fit into cramped, multi-rotor fuselages, and it does so with right-side outputs. The TR826 delivers rocksolid, 2.4-GHz reception, and eight-channel control. It is more than just a multi-rotor receiver too, so it will work well in all your favorite RC aircraft. Plus it provides the security of redundant, Tactic twin-antenna technology.

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

Specifications Channels Frequencies Modulation Range

Price

Eight 2.403 – 2.480 GHz SLT 2.4-GHz FHSS Full RC aircraft range

$39.99 (TACL0826)

Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com twitter.com/rcsportflyer

TOPFLITE P-47 RAZORBACK GIANTSCALE 50–61-CC EP ARF

Specifications 85 in. (2,160 mm) 75 in (1,905 mm) 1,329 in2 (85.7 dm2) 19.5 – 21.5 lb (8.84 – 9.75 kg) Wing loading 34 – 37 oz/ft2 (104 – 113 g/dm2) Wingspan Length Wing area Weight

Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com

T

he WWII P-47 was effective as an escort fighter, interceptor, bomber, and ground-attack aircraft. It was one of the most versatile aircraft of the War. Although the bubble canopies of later models would become very popular with the USAAC and later airshow crowds, it was the original models, with the ‘razorback’ canopies, that really did the heavy lifting. Heavy armor, massive firepower, and the option to install rockets and bombs made the P-47 a lethal threat to anything moving.

Now it is available from TopFlite models as an almost-ready-to-fly ARF kit.

Features • Uses pneumatic or electric-powered

Robart retracts • Scale details including recessed instruments, molded instrument panel, side panels, floor, and seat • Has Razorback and canopy design from the original P-47 • Flaps come hinged by the factory • Large magnets secure hatch for easy access • The hatch comes covered in MonoKote® Needed to Complete Radio system with a minimum of 6 channels, 11 – 12 servos, 3200-mAh minimum receiver battery, 1100-mAh ignition battery (for gas engines), Robart pneumatic or electric retracts, building and field equipment. Also needs 3.0 – 3.7 in.3 (50 – 61 cc) gasoline-powered engine or brushless electric 80 – 85 160-Kv motor, with 160-amp ESC, and 12S 5000-mAh LiPo. Price

$729.99 (TOPA0714)

E-FLITE ULTIMATE2 BNF BASIC

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Specifications Wingspan Length Wing area RTF Weight Motor Propeller ESC Radio Receiver Servos Rx Battery

37.6 in. (954.4 mm) 42.6 in. (1082.3 mm) 519 in2 (33.5 dm2) 2.8 lb (1.3 kg) 10-size brushless outrunner, (installed) 12 x 4 two-blade 40-amp BL (installed) 6-channel with Spektrum™ 2.4-GHz DSMX® Spektrum AR636A 6-channel Four 13-gram analog micro servos 2200-mAh 11.1-volt 3S 30C LiPo (required)

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

he E-flite® Ultimate 2 biplane has been designed for pilots looking for a fun aerobatic experience. It’s a Mike McConville design that’s a synergy between a highlytuned airframe and modern aerodynamics, all complemented by a stunning trim scheme by Mirco Pecorari of Aircraft Studio Design.

The Ultimate has a high power-to-weight ratio, plus high-quality components that help deliver a biplane with an aggressive 3D flight personality. Four enormous ailerons offer blinding roll rates, while the massive elevator and rudder surfaces can make spin and snap maneuvers as wild looking as you want, yet with complete control.

Features • AS3X® technology with SAFE® Panic Recovery mode • Tuned airframe by Mike McConville

• Distinctive trim scheme by Mirco Pecorari of Aircraft Studio Design • Vortex generators to enhance 3D performance • Spektrum™ 6-channel AR636A DSMX® receiver (installed) • Powerful 10-size brushless power system (installed) • E-flite 40-amp brushless ESC (installed) • Accepts 3S 2200-mAh LiPo battery packs • Constructed with durable Z-Foam™ material • Four 13-gram micro servos (installed) • Lightweight design with 3D-size control surfaces • Matching wheel pants and aluminum main gear • Tinted canopy provides a sport-scale appearance Price

$249.99 (#EFL10850)

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

ICARE SUPERSTARLIGHT F5J

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he SuperStarlight has been designed to fulfill the LMR pilots’ wish for a Standard class cruciform tail thermal-duration competition machine.

The SuperStarlight’s increased wingspan, follows the current trend towards huge floater aircraft. While the use of Drela airfoils tends to give the model good penetration against the wind, especially for a lightweight aircraft. It also is noted to have excellent climb ability in thermal conditions. The cross tail gives crisp and accurate control to the airplane. The complete tail assembly is pre-built and assembled. The model’s ball-bearingmounted bellcrank, rudder post, rudder, and pushrods come factory installed. The very slim, low-drag fuselage is Kevlar/ carbon, with a 2.4-GHz friendly receiver area. It is said to be a very competitive airframe for F5J/ALES. Includes • Molded airframe, wings are sturdy carbon D-box construction • Ready for servo and radio installation • Kevlar/carbon fuselage comes with rudder servo pre-installed • Ready for elevator servo installation with pushrod Options • Custom paint scheme • Servo packages and wing servo wire harness • Complete power package available • Protective bags

Specifications

Distributor Icare/Icarus 890 ch. d’Anjou unit 1 Boucherville, QC J4B-5E4 Canada Phone: 405-449-9094 icare-icarus.com

Price $1499.00

Wingspan Wing area RTF Weight Wing loading Airfoil Motor Battery Transmitter Receiver

Distributor

TOWER HOBBIES KAOS 60 GP/EP ARF

Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com

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ower Hobbies introduction of the venerable Kaos 60 GP/EP ARF makes your transition to an aerobatic pilot easier than ever.

The Kaos 60 offers pilots more than just the choice between glow and electric power — though it delivers excellent flight performance with either option. Handling is equally impressive, whether you prefer slow, steady flight or high-speed aerobatic maneuvers.

The model’s prefabricated parts keep assembly time to a minimum. The airframe is made from high-quality balsa and plywood, and it comes factory-covered in an eye-catching, high-visibility trim scheme. Other features include: a large, easy-to-remove canopy, painted fiberglass cowl and a two-piece wing with joiner tube. The quality and completeness of this kit will ensure you will be flying your Kaos 60 in no time.

Features • Solid handling characteristics • Sport aerobatic performance with glow or electric power • Low parts count and builder-friendly

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

136 in. (3.46 m) 1071 in.2 (69.1 dm2) 72 oz (1.8 –2.0 kg) 14.5 oz/ft2 (44.49 g/dm2) AG40 – AG4x Mega 22/3S 3 – 4-cell LiPo 4-channel min Micro

prefabrication • Large, easy-access hatch/canopy with convenient spring-latch removal • Two-piece wing mates to a joiner tube • Dedicated aileron servos with short, direct linkages • High-quality balsa and plywood construction • Hand-laided-up, painted fiberglass cowl • Factory-applied, high-visibility trim scheme • Includes motor mount parts for electric power option • Tricycle landing gear provides positive taxiing • Complete hardware package included Price

$179.97 (TOWA2058)

Specifications Wingspan Length Wing area Wing loading Weight Engine Motor ESC Battery Radio system Servos

62 in. (1575 mm) 57.5 in. (1460 mm) 748 in.2 (48.2 dm2) 22 – 25 oz/ft2 (67 – 76 g/ dm2) 7 – 8.25 lb (3170 – 3740 g) 2-stroke .60-.65 or 4-stroke .90 glow 50-55-500 KV brushless outrunner 75 amps 6S LiPo 4-channels 4–5

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

JATI CENTRAL BOX 400 POWER DISTRIBUTION COMBO WITH R3 RECEIVERS

Distributor Esprit Model 1240 Clearmont St NE, Unit 12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 espritmodel.com

T

he Central Box 400 is programmable receiver system. It has two independent, stabilized power voltage regulators (30 amp continuous / 230 amp peak) designed for power and signal management of servos.

The Central Box 400 has a unique design that provides power management, servo assignment, telemetry data stream, and overload protection for all servo outputs individually. The Central Box 400 can manage two battery inputs and supports the Jeti EX telemetry data streams. Up to two receivers with serial (PPM, EX Bus, UDI) output as well as two power batteries can be connected at the same time to the Central Box 400 for ultra reliable power and Rf signal redundancy. Additionally, the Central Box 400 has four independent Ext1/Ext4 telemetry inputs and two stabilized BEC outputs for extra electronic devices. For added safety and security, the Central Box 400 contains two switching regulators that are connected in parallel.

EAGLE TREE INFOPANEL

E

agle Tree’s new InfoPanel liquid crystal display (LCD) lets you check the status of your Vector equipped model and configure settings anywhere, but without need for a laptop computer or video goggles.

The adjustable voltage for the BEC outputs is always the same as voltage supplied to the servos. Voltage for the servos can be adjusted from five to eight volts in 0.1-volts steps.

When using Jeti Duplex 2.4-GHz DC/DS transmitters, the full potential of the Central Box 400 can be exploited, such as an easy way to wirelessly configure the servo outputs, EX telemetry, Fail-Safe setting or Fast Servo response.

Includes • (1) Jeti Central Box 400 • (3) Jeti Duplex EX R3/RSW 2.4-GHz receiver • (3) Servo installation bracket w/ screws • (2) BEC installation bracket w/ screws • (2) Multiplex connectors • (1) Mini USB to USB PC cable

Features • Solid, CNC cut aluminum case with integrated voltage regulators • Control management with individually configurable servo outputs • Redundant power management with two independent battery inputs • Two independent power voltage regulators (Tx wirelessly adjustable) • Firmware updatable via USB port • Jeti Duplex EX Bus, UDI or PPM compatible • Wirelessly programmable using DC/DS Tx device explorer • Two independent programmable 15-amp power outputs (BEC1, BEC2) • Independent receiver signal inputs (SAT1, SAT2) • Up to 24x servo outputs with overload protection • Up to 4x telemetry sensors inputs (Ext1 Ext4) • Input for included magnetic or R3/RSW wireless wwitch • Input voltage: 6 – 17 volts (2S – 4S) • Output current: 30 amps continuous / 230 amps peak • Output voltage: 5 – 8 volts (0.1-volt steps) • Dimensions 131 x 88 x 19 mm • Weight 270g Price

Distributor Eagle Tree Systems 4957 Lakemont Blvd SE, Suite C-4, PMB 235 Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425-614-0450 eagletreesystems.com

Features • Easy-to-read backlit display, even in bright sunlight • Hot pluggable/unpluggable for ground only use • Rugged and lightweight for model mounting • Displays pack voltage, mAh status, satellites in view, and compass rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

$695 (JETIBOX400R3-3)

• Shows Vector notifications and error messages • Configure Vector with your radio sticks • Comes with six-inch (15 cm) connection cable Price: $32.99

RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

FUTABA 18SZ FASSTEST, FASST, T-FHSS, S-FHSS

Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com

A

sophisticated 18-channel radio system, the 18SZ is perfect for pro pilots and weekenders. It offers all the functions, features, and flight conditions any demanding pilot could possibly want.

Its list of features starts with full telemetry functions — it receives temperature, rpm, altitude, GPS, voltage, current, and data logging, which keeps you informed about your models performance and position. Its intuitive touchscreen display and extensive programming capabilities make it a radio you’ll want controlling your hangar’s aircraft.

Features • 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen • 8 flight conditions • Temperature, rpm, altitude, GPS, voltage, current, and data logging telemetry • Telemetry voice messaging

• Expandable, 30-model internal memory • 6.6-volt 2100-mAh LiFe battery for seven to eight hour operation • User-updateable software • Two sides, six digital trims, eight toggle switches • Speaker and earphone jack Includes • T18SZ transmitter, R7008SB receiver, 6.6-volt LiFe battery, switch harness, and mini screwdriver Price

$1099.99 (FUTK9510 Air) $1099.99 (FUTK9511 Heli)

E-FLITE CARBON-Z T-28 BNF BASIC/PNP

T

he E-flite Carbon-Z T-28 airplane is a big warbird model, which makes if fun to fly and impressive on the ground.

Exclusive Carbon-Z construction allows a large airplane such as this onet to be rigid like a conventional all-wood airframe, yet lightweight so it can have friendly flying characteristics. Plus, the durability of the Z-Foam™ material means that any dings in its finish are simple to repair.

The model includes numerous scale details such as a cockpit with instruments and pilot figure, while the fitted cowl highlights a dummy radial engine. Of course, no warbird would be complete without functional flaps and operational retracts — both are factory installed. This is an airplane that makes a super addition to any pilot’s hangar.

Features • Easy to assemble • AS3X technology built in • Electric-powered retractable tricycle landing gear (installed) • Operational flaps with individual servos (installed) • Rigid Carbon-Z construction • Scale appearance with cockpit and radial engine details • Spektrum™ 6-channel AR636A DSMX® receiver • Powerful 60-size brushless power system (installed)

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

• (7) high-quality, metal-gear servos (installed) • Large canopy hatch with latch closure • Accepts 6S 22.2-volt 3500 – 5000-mAh LiPo batteries • Two-piece, bolt-on wings and stabilizers • Vivid trim scheme with U.S. Navy inspired graphics • Spinner hub and two-blade propeller (included) • Flat-style pin hinges on the ailerons, rudder, and elevator • Scale landing gear strut details and twopiece main gear doors Price

$519.99 (#EFL1375)

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com

Specifications 78.0 in. (198.0 cm) 63.0 in. (162.0 cm) 1073 in.2 (70.0 dm2) 12.0 lb (5.5 kg) Carbon-Z® technology Yes Yes 60-size outrunner Spektrum™ AR636 with AS3X® technology (BNF only) ESC 60-amp brushless

Wingspan Length Wing srea RTF Weight Construction Flaps Retracts Motor Receiver

Radio 6-channel+ with Spektrum™ 2.4-GHz DSMX® Servos 6 metal gear mini, 1 metal gear micro analogs Rx battery 5000-mAh 6S 22.2-volt 30C LiPo twitter.com/rcsportflyer

HITEC HS-1100 WP SERVO

can build large-scale airplanes with the confidence that there is a servo purpose designed and built for your needs and wants.

H

itec’s new HS-1100WP waterproof, heavy-duty digital, giant servo brings out-of-this-world torque performance and strength to large-scale vehicles, airplanes, and robotic projects.

This new servo is made with impressively durable steel gears, robust EMI-shielded cases and an IP-67*-rated code for maximum underwater protection. This new servo has Hitec’s unrivaled industrial digital circuitry and engineering. Now you

Distributor Hitec RCD 12115 Paine Street Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-6948 hitecrcd.com

Model

11.1 VOLTS Speed Torque

HS-1100WP 26 sec/60º

1167 oz-in.

Features • Non-programmable, industrial digital circuitry • EMI-shielded cases • International protection code 67 rating • Immersion up to 1 meter • Durable steel fears • 14.8-volt 2-cell LiPo compatible • 5-pole carbon brushed motor Price:

$559.99 (#34110)

14.8 VOLTS Speed Torque 19 sec/60º

1528 oz-in.

Dimensions

Weight

2.52 x 1.30 x 2.87 in.

12.80 oz

HITEC OPTIMA SL 2.4-GHZ 8-CHANNEL SINGLE-LINE RECEIVER Distributor

an S-Bus protocol for maximum compatibilities to keep you in control of your model in every attitude and maneuver.

The Optima SL is designed with a dualBODA antenna, a supplementary power connection (SPC) and hold and fail-safe function that will safeguard your helicopter during the most complex and agile aerobatics.

Combined with Hitec’s transmitters you have a winning combination.

Hitec RCD 12115 Paine Street Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-6948 hitecrcd.com

Y

ou’ll be interested in Hitec’s new full-range Optima SL receiver. It is specifically designed for flybarless system helicopters. It is packed with advanced telemetry capabilities and exceptional security. The Optima SL receiver utilizes

Specifications Output One S-Bus and Eight PWM channels Dimensions 1.89 x 1.12 x 0.60 in.

Weight 0.78 oz

Price:

the go-to servo for the most complex and specialized applications. It is programmable, and has a solid build that is second to none.

Think of the uses that you can find for this servo in your aircraft: pilot, doors, beacons, FPV/video cameras, line retrieval systems, etc.

HITEC CONTINUOUS ROTATION ROBOT SERVO

H

itec has improved their HSR1425CR continuous rotation servo by creating a new, digital HSR-2645CR. The HSR-2645CR is a non-proportional, continuous rotation servo that delivers the commanding force your models require. It provides optimum torque, with wide input voltage capability, plus Hitec’s impressive metal gear train. This servo’s high-speed motion and quick directional shifts make it

Model HSR-2645CR

4.8 VOLTS Speed Torque

6.0 VOLTS Speed Torque

7.4 VOLTS Speed Torque

46 rpm

58 rpm

72 rpm

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111 oz-in.

139 oz-in.

167 oz-in

$99.99 (#27224)

Features • Programmable digital circuit • Linear speed control • Quick directional shift • Low dead-band for precise control • 4.8 – 7.4 input voltage Price:

$31.99 (#32645CR)

Distributor

Part#

Dimensions

Weight

32645CR

1.59 x 0.77 x 1.48 in.

1.87 oz

Hitec RCD 12115 Paine Street Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-6948 hitecrcd.com RC-SF.COM

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HOT PRODUCTS

FUTABA 6K FOR 6-CHANNEL CONTROL

Distributor Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com

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utaba’s new 6K six-channel radio system gives you lots of useful functions and features at a very affordable price. You get telemetry sensors to keep you up-to-date on critical flight data such as temperature, rpm, altitude, voltage levels, and more.

S.Bus servos can even be programmed through the transmitter, and its controls are positioned to be within easy reach for positive feel and control. To add safety and handling convenience, the radio’s antenna is now built inside the transmitter’s case.

Versions of the 6K are available for both airplane and helicopter control — both versions come with an R3006SB receiver.

You find that the 6K’s versatility will meet your needs for a wide range of aircraft.

Features • Four assignable switches (three 3-position and one 2-position) • Program navigation is intuitive with the jog dial, +/- pads, and end pad Price

$199.99 (FUTK6100 Air) $199.99 (FUTK6110 Heli)

EAGLE TREE PLUG & PLAY AV CABLES – FATSHARK/IRC/GOPRO HERO 3/4

Distributor Eagle Tree Systems 4957 Lakemont Blvd SE, Suite C-4, PMB 235 Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425-614-0450 eagletreesystems.com

E

agle Tree has just made wiring your Vector system simple! If your model is fitted with the Fatshark/IRC style video transmitters, and either a Fatshark style camera or GoPro Hero 3/4 camera, Eagle Tree’s wiring cables make it quick and easy.

You’ll only need to plug the cable into the video transmitter, camera, and Vector, with no adapter cables or wire splicing required.

Features • Fatshark camera version is factory set for five-volt cameras, but is easily modified

E-FLITE UMX F-16 BNF BASIC

T

he E-flite UMX™ F-16 is an ultra-micro, scale electric-ducted-fan (EDF) model.

It comes factory assembled, and has been officially licensed by Lockheed Martin Company.

It has four-channel control, with an operational rudder and full-flying horizontal stabilizers that provides both pitch and roll control. The steerable nose wheel makes ground maneuvering easy. In the air, the F-16 uses innovative AS3X® technology that keeps the jet expertly tuned to your piloting skill level. ®

Features • Ultra-lightweight, factory assembled airframe • Innovative AS3X® technology built in • Officially licensed Lockheed Martin F-16 body design • Operational full-flying horizontal

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

for 12-volt type that use a three-pin micro JST connector • GoPro Hero 3/4 version provides video and microphone to your transmitter, and also powers your GoPro! • Cables include a convenient five-volt tap for powering multirotor receivers — NOT for servos.

Price: $$9.99

Specifications Wingspan Length Wing srea RTF Weight Construction Motor EDF ESC Radio Servos Rx Battery

11.6 in. (295 mm) 17.0 in. (434 mm) 37.0 in.2 (2.39 dm2) 2.80 oz (80 g) Foam BL180m, 13,500-Kv brushless inrunner 28-mm Installed 6-channel+ with Spektrum™ 2.4-GHz DSMX® (3) SA2030L linear longthrow 280-mAh 2S 7.4-volt LiPo

stabilizers • Proportional four-channel control • Removable landing gear and steerable nose wheel • Brushless Delta-V® 180m EDF (installed) • High-speed, 13,500-Kv brushless motor (installed) • Spektrum™ DSMX® 2.4-GHz technology Price

$139.99 (#EFLU2850)

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com twitter.com/rcsportflyer

Specifications Wingspan 56.4 in. (1390mm) Motor 480-size brushless (installed) ESC 18-Amp (installed) Charger DC-powered 3S LiPo balance (included) RTF weight 33.5 oz (950 g) Landing gear Tricycle

Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com

HOBBY ZONE SPORTSMAN S+ RTF/BNF

H

obby Zone has designed the Spartans S+ to be as intuitive as possible.

The airplane is loaded with SAFE Plus technology that makes it easy to fly. SAFE® Plus technology uses advanced attitude awareness and GPS sensors so pilots can leave their hesitancy behind even if it’s their first time flying an RC airplane. Landing is easy thanks to AutoLand technology and Panic Recovery Mode greatly reduces the risk of a crash. Holding Pattern allows new pilots to virtually “pause” their flight by activating an autonomous “orbit” flight path.

Virtual Fence creates an invisible boundary

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that prevents pilots from flying further than they can see. These new features are all in addition to the Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced modes that help pilots learn to fly.

Features • AutoLand lands the airplane autonomously with no pilot input (under most circumstances) • Panic Recovery mode provides instant flight recovery to avoid crashing • Holding Pattern keeps the airplane flying with no pilot input

• Virtual Fence prevents the aircraft from flying away • Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced flight modes provide progressive learning experience • 480-size brushless motor and ESV • 1300-mAh 3S 11.1-volt LiPo battery • Spektrum DX4e transmitter included (RTF only) • Impact-resistant Z-Foam™ construction • Camera mount for EFC-721 included Price

$309.99 (#HBZ8480)

RC-SF.COM

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EVENT

JOE NALL 2015 IT’S THE EXPERIENCE!

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he Joe Nall experience is one you really can’t be put into words. You just have to be part of it by attending!

The experience begins as you drive through the small town of Woodruff, and then see that first Joe Nall sign. I can tell you the Joe Nall just gets better and better thanks to Mr. Pat Hartness, and the Triple Tree volunteers — I’ve attended now for 10 years.

FIRST-TIMERS Two good friends from Virginia, Greg Blackburn and Vern Orell, gave their first-time experiences. Here is

what went through their minds as they drove through the front gate: Vern wrote, “Having been immersed in the RC Hobby for little over three years now, I have heard all of the stories of Joe Nall from my club friends. In most cases, their eyes are bright and their voices are always full of excitement when they begin to tell me about their experience and what goes on there.

So with that build-up, I knew this was something I had to see for myself.

As my traveling friend, Mike Hall (who by the way is a very excitable guy), and I got within a mile of Triple Tree, I can only equate our excitement level to that of the kickoff of the Super Bowl

BY ROBERT VEST

when your favorite team is playing. And like all great sports announcers, Mike was giving me the commentary that would have made ESPN hire him on the spot.

And then there it was, the grand entrance; and I must tell you this place is LARGE, much bigger than I expected.

With activities going on all around me, I almost drove off the road three times just getting up to the visitor’s center.

Now for the best part: the people both on staff and all of the fellow RC flyers. At check-in with our camper in tow, the welcome desk folks were so nice and friendly to us you would have thought we were the only visitors at the place. Our stay was from Wednesday thru Saturday on site in a camper. And I must say, I was so impressed with how well run this place is and a bit overwhelmed at how nice everyone was to one another. I met my hero’s like Quique Somenzini and Joe Smith, and these guys are so humble and friendly it really makes you glad and proud that you are a part of this hobby and the fellowship of RC flying.

We are already planning our trip for next year and can’t wait until May 2016.”

Greg wrote, “The closer we got, the more the excitement built and the longer the ride seemed to take. Those last ten minutes seemed to take hours.

Lead-in signs for the RV route were You know you’ve arrived when you are welcomed to the Triple Tree Aerodrome by the manicured lane that leads to registration.

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

Scott Geller – Andover, NJ. According to Scott his model is a Mibo A-10 Warthog. It is powered by two Jetcat P-160 turbines. It has a 118-in. wingspan and weighs around 55 pounds. It is fitted with JR servos and uses Futaba for guidance.

The model is very detailed and sure looked good in the air.

Jeffrey Stubbs from Salem, VA was flying this RAF Red Arrows version of the BAE Hawk jet. The color scheme commemorates their 50th annivesary.

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

RC-SF.COM

25

EVENT

JOE NALL 2015

Herb Johnson – Kingsport, TN. Herb’s model is a Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D9, which was built from a Meister Scale kit. It has a 100-in. wingspan and is 98 inches in length. It is powered by a 3W 111 Red Head engine and weighs 30 pounds. It uses Robart retracts.

Herb uses a JR 12X transmitter. The model is fitted with a JR R1222X receiver, with Hitec servos for control. The fuselage is fiberglass and the wings are built up. It is painted with RustOleum® paint.

Marcio Jorge – Macon, GA. Marcio’s model is a BAE Hawk. It is based on the Navy’s T-45 Goshawk that it is used mainly for carrier landings, training, and small-attack missions. The model is manufactured by Fly Eagle Jets and it is powered by two King Tech 210-G turbines that produce 46 pounds of thrust. It has a 82-in. wingspan and 100 inches long. It is fitted with two Futaba receivers and Futaba servos. He uses Futaba 18MZ transmitter. The lighting system is by Fly Eagle Jets and the ordinance is by details4scale.com. The airplane was painted by the manufacturer, but he built, detailed and weathered the airplane. It is very realistic when flying!

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

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Patrick Mclaughlin – Canton, GA. Patrick’s model is a Grumman F9F Hellcat that is built from Ziroli plans. It has a 95-in. wingspan and is 75 inches in length. It is powered by a Zenoah® GT-80 twin. It has Robart retracts and weighs 34 pounds. Guidance is by a Futaba 10C transmitter, with a 14-channel receiver. It is fiberglass covered in 3/4-oz cloth and 20-minute finishing epoxy resin. Patrick painted with Model master and Krylon® paint.

Chris Susicke – Caldwell, NJ. This Westland Wyvern is a modified ARF made by Black Horse Models. It has a 88-in. wingspan and weighs 18 pounds. The motor is a Himax CR6320-240 contra-rotating, twin outrunner married to two 100-amp Hobby Wing ESC’s. It puts out about 3,700 watts of power. Power comes from four 4S 5,000-mAh LiPo packs — two each in series for 8S 5000-mAh per motor. The propellers are customized Zinger four-bladed 18x8s — one pusher and one tractor. The rear spinner is a modified fiberglass spinner. The front is a Zinger aluminum. It uses Robart electric retracts and Robart struts. It is fitted with seven Hitec HS-645MG servos, which are controlled by a Spektrum AR7000 receiver. Chris uses a JR 9503 transmitter. It was a very unique looking airplane and sure looked great up in the air.

Nick Lynch – US Virgin IS, Nick flew this Reaper Drone UAV3000, which is sold

by Hobby King. He said they did not list the actual manufacturer. It has a 118-in. wingspan and weighs 12 lb. It has a fiberglass/plywood fuselage, and sheeted balsa/plywood two-piece plug in wings. It uses a Turnigy SK3 5055-430 Kv motor, and a 80-amp ESC, with a Turnigy Multistar 6S 10,000-mAh LiPo battery. The flight time is about 30 minutes and the top speed is 87 mph. It has HK 2.50 magnetic wheel brakes and uses a Spektrum AR9020 receiver. Nick’s transmitter is a DX 18. rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

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Dave Sullivan and Tavis Newman were pretty much cutting up the water. Dave was flying his DA-120 powered Airborne Models Clipped wing Cub and Travis was flying a 37.5-percentscale PilotRC Yak 54. As you can see Travis did a little water-rudder work.

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Travis had his big Yak 54 completely outfitted with LED lights, which made for an outstanding night-time show.

I apologize, but I don’t know who was flying this DeHavilland Beaver, but it was a gorgeous. Send RC Sport Flyer a Facebook message with who the owner was and get three issues free.

Luke Hedin was flying this electricpowered Extra 300. The thing about Joe Nall is that it is very much all inclusive for all ages.

Allen Reynolds of Blacksburg, VA was flying a very nicely done P-40 Warhawk, which was done up in Flying Tigers colors — love that big spinner.

Markus Rummer flew his Delro Raven, which is electric powered, but with a variable-pitch propeller that could reverse its pitch in flight.

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Brian Brannan – Selma, NC. His A6M5 Japanese Zero is a Meister cut kit from Meister Scale plans. It has a 108-in. wingspan and has Seirra retracts and a Robart tail wheel. It uses a DLE 111 engine for power that turns a 27/12 Zoar propeller. It is guided by a JR 9503 and a Spektrum AR9110 DSMX power safe receiver, with Hitec servos throughout. The cowl, spinner, and canopy were supplied by Meister, as well as the basic cockpit. It is finished with 3/4-oz fiberglass cloth and three coats of SIG resin. It is painted with single-stage acrylic enamel PPG car paint. It weighs 48 pounds empty.

a welcome sight to see, the GPS got tossed aside and we really started to look for airplanes. Finally we recognized the big gate we had seen so many times on YouTube and in other photos. We had finally arrived!

The main gate was followed by the nice long road lined with trees and a manicured lawn set the tone. This is definitely not like our little field back home!

The Welcome Center’s wowfactor really set in — with the large multipurpose-built structure, with its numerous registrars and extremely friendly and polite people behind the counter.

As we pulled away from the Welcome Center we began to see the formation of a small city made up of campers and motor homes with the cluster of model airplanes parked next to them. It was early Friday so there wasn’t much flying yet, but the drive to our camp site was almost a show in itself. Between me and my son I don’t know who did more pointing.

Airplanes were rolling their wheels on the surface of the pond, doing rolling circles, hovering over the pond, and occasionally trying to dip their tails.

Having to unpack and set up the tent was about like waiting for mom and dad to get their coffee before you could open your presents on Christmas morning. With one or two distractions and our first look at ‘The boat of Shame’

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we were finally able to get the tent up and go looking around.

At the crack of dawn, before the sun came up over the trees I looked over at my neighbors setup, with him sleeping inside (a 10-year Joe Nall veteran) and thought, ‘It’s a perfect morning at the largest, most famous RC event in the country. How can you be sleeping!’

After being there for half a day you begin to realize that it’s not just a gathering of people, but more like a gathering of an extended family.

Everyone was super friendly and courteous.

If you miss the bus and just start walking odds are someone on a golf cart will pull over and offer a ride. We met people from as far away as Canada and California. The people we met and talked to seemed more like neighbors than strangers. Before you go, you think it’s about the airplanes, and don’t get me wrong there are lots and lots of awesome airplanes and incredible pilots doing some unbelievable flying. After you are there you realize that Joe Nall is really about the people.

Overall everything at Joe Nall went above and beyond our expectations.

There was virtually no trash on the ground anywhere. The site was very clean and well kept. The staff did a good job and it seemed everyone else was litter conscious. The place was immaculate. The restrooms and bathhouses are in some ways nicer than

what I have at home. They are equipped with granite counter tops, hair dryers mounted to the wall and nice mirrors.

One night after I had gotten in late, I found myself sitting in the screened in porch in the tent looking across the lake at the Electric and Main Flight lines, things had quieted down. As I looked up the hill all that could be seen was what looked like a little city of the future. Lots of little window lights covered the hill with little buildings just barely visible.

Lights from vehicles drove back and forth along what looked like the main street and were frequently leaving earth and flying around. An unusual but very relaxing and enjoyable way to finish off the day.”

I must say both Vern’s and Greg’s comments pretty much sum up Joe Nall. In talking to them, I could tell they were really enjoying themselves.

Greg’s son Ethan was smiling from ear to ear.

ATMOSPHERE I have to be honest, I come to Joe Nall to enjoy the atmosphere, the fellowship, and to share in the aviation excitement with fellow modelers.

As many have commented, it’s the people that really make this event.

Yes, there are many very nice airplanes there to see, but I enjoy being able to relax and see all of the pilots having fun while flying their machines. I have met a lot of very nice people over twitter.com/rcsportflyer

David Reynolds came to Joe Nall from Blacksburg, VA. He was campaigning his Sizzlin’ Liz version of the P-51 Mustang WWII fighter.

Erin Favot and Dan Landis of Great Planes enjoy the show from the shade of a tent with Jason Shulman. Joe Nall can be as busy or relaxed as you make it.

Manny Huysentruyt of Apex, NC brought his Jug to Joe Nall. He put on a nice show with the P-47 Thunderbolt making some great passes for the spectators.

James Martin flew this Blue Angels Number 7 version of the F-18 Hornet. James and this model also put on a nice show for the crowds.

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Woody made a few night flights for us during the event. This is a unique facet of the hobby that could be getting bigger soon.

Vern Orrell – Chesterfield, VA. Vern was flying an RC Guys Super Decathlon. Vern’s Decathlon has a 94-in. wingspan. It is powered by 45-cc Thor gas-powered engine.

The model uses Hitec servos throughout.

One thing is for certain, the crowd loves the noontime demonstration flights, which are done by some of the best pilots in the world.

Joe Nall is not without incidents as is seen here when the gear collapsed on this beautifully done BAE Systems Hawk jet...

Daniel Diez of Fort Meyer’s, Florida flew his swing-wing Skymaster F-14 Tomcat. It powered by two P160 turbines that deliver 72 lb of thrust.

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Ralph Loseman and Enrico Thaeter of team PowerBox put on super show with there twinturbine, thrust vectoring SU-30 jets.

Mark Davidson of Triple Tree took home the distinguished Joe Nall Award for his dedication to the event and the people that attend. It was well deserved!

Tri-County RC Flyers of Savannah, GA won the award for raising the most money to support our soldiers, which says much about the TCRC club.

The Valkyrie is a Joe Nall project airplane started years ago. It has a 20-foot wingspan, a 40-inch chord, a 12-foot fuselage, and an 8-foot elevator.

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This year’s Bob Smith Award went David Payne of Horizon Hobby — he flew his models is an extremely scale like manner.

Kyle Dahl puts on a superb noontime demonstration flight that must be seen. The pictures do not do it justice, but here you see him doing a little lawn mowing.

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The restroom facilities have been improved over the years too. Note that the Triple Tree Aerodrome has only one paid staff member who takes care of the grounds, the rest of the work is handled by volunteers.

Larry Hultman hails from Livingston, TX. He was flying this good-looking Fokker DR-1 triplane with smoke on. Flights like these let you see snippets of aviation history.

the ten years and I look forward to seeing them each year. Even though I am an RC pilot, I don’t really go there to fly but rather to enjoy one of my other hobbies, photography. I enjoy taking pictures of the airplanes and the people, capturing them enjoying themselves! This year’s Joe Nall had 1,711 registered pilots, which broke the attendance record from last year’s 1486. Will it be 2,000 in 2016?

I have no idea just what it takes to put together an event of this magnitude, but they make it look easy! The Triple Tree volunteers

go out of their way to accommodate you. Mr. Pat listens to suggestions and there are usually improvements made to the organization and presentation each year. This year there was more room for camping at the Electric line. More land was cleared and the fence moved back, which really helped a lot. The tree line at the right end of the 3D line vanished too. That tree line caught airplanes in previous years, so it was nice to see it gone. Also this year we drove to a new Welcome Center as we drove into Triple Tree. It is top notch.

MISSION Importantly, Joe Nall is designed for everyone, regardless of the aircraft you fly. There are: Main, 3D, Float, Electric/Park Flyer, Helicopter, and even Control Line flight areas.

Since its year 2000 inception much has changed at Triple Tree.

Significantly, Mr. Pat Hartness has donated the Triple Tree Aerodrome to the club members by way of a 501(c)3 corporation.

Mr. Pat knows we need young people to take an interest in aviation to keep Joe Nall and our hobby alive and well. As such, the Triple Tree dream is to construct a dedicated learning center at the Aerodrome site! It is planned to be a modern, multifunctional facility, as both a shop and a year-around classroom — to inspire and motivate young aviation enthusiasts. The mission statement is: To Ignite and Expand the Passion For Aviation. The estimated cost of such a facility is about $320,000.

So, if you too think this educational effort is worthwhile, please go to (tripletreeaerodrome.com) and make a donation. The Aerodrome needs your help to make this dream real.

IT’S BUSY We had perfect weather at this year’s event. One day attendees actually had to wear a light jacket up

These timed exposures show you what can happen at night when airplanes are flown with LED lights attached — it is amazing!

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As of 2015, the Triple Tree Aerodrome has signage to get pilots and spectators to where they want to be — a very nice addition.

until about noon.

The flight lines stayed very busy the entire week. The noontime demonstrations started on Wednesday, with some very talented flyers showing us their stuff. Markus Rummer from Emcotec® flew his Delro Raven, which had a very unique engine/propeller design.

It was electric powered, but with a variable-pitch propeller that could reverse its pitch. When coming nose down, Marcus could actually stop the airplane and hover it for a short time. Markus could also vary the vertical and horizontal pitch/ axis of the propeller much like thrust vectoring in a jet, which enabled Markus to do some very interesting maneuvers with his airplane. The propeller/motor configuration took six years to develop.

Team PowerBox® attended, with their two Russian Sukhoi Su-30 jets.

This German team always put on a great show. Getting them to Joe Nall, along with their airplanes, is a feat in itself.

Also, Andrew Taylor and Kyle Dahl flew their airplane/helicopter routine, which was intense to say the least. It ended with Kyle landing his helicopter on top of Andrew’s airplane. And yes, Kyle did turn his helicopter upside down and trim the grass for us!

There are just so many things to see and enjoy at Joe Nall. If warbirds are your thing, well there are many, from the vintage WWI and WWII, to Cold War era machines, to modern Jets — they are all amazing to see!

AWARDS Friday, as always, there was a rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

Greg and Ethan Blackburn were first-time Joe Nall attendees. As you can see by their smiles that enjoyed the event and the facilities.

noontime awards ceremony.

The AMA presented the Tri-County Flyers RC Club of Savannah, GA with a special plaque because they raised over $10,000 in charitable contributions for the Wounded Warrior Project. Way to go guys!

Each year there are two Joe Nall trophies awarded: the Bob Smith Award for ones flying abilities and skill on the flightline and the second being the Joe Nall award for outstanding service to the event. This year’s Bob Smith Award went David Payne of Horizon Hobby — he flew his models is an extremely scale like manner. The Joe Nall award went to Mark Davidson — for the many things he does quietly behind the scenes.

There was also a surprise announcement. Bob Shaw donated $250,000 for the construction of the Youth Learning Center, which will be constructed at Triple Tree. Bob obviously shows true dedication to the hobby and selfless giving — his gift underscores what the Joe Nall has come to mean to so many people.

VALKYRIE There is a Joe Nall build project that has been in the works for a few years. It is Valkyrie. The project started eight years ago. It is only worked on during the Joe Nall, which is about five days or so each year. The model is 200 percent scale, which gives it a 20foot wingspan, a 40-inch chord, a 12foot fuselage, and an 8-foot elevator.

Anyone attending Joe Nall has been invited to participate in building this airplane as a way to spark interest in building. The builders get to sign their name on each part they install.

The motor being used is a Hacker Q80. The decision was made it would fly this year. And, it did fly late Thursday evening after Mr. Pat turned out two steel wheels on his lathe.

They weighed 15 pounds as a way to get the airplane to balance. The Valkyrie made it’s way into the air at approximately 8:00 p.m. for a perfect flight…

BARBECUE Friday always wraps up with the traditional barbecue dinner. Note that about 1000 people get served in less than 25 minutes. It is a sight to see.

The food is delicious — I love the large shrimp. And, what’s a dinner without dessert? Some of the heroes of RC served large, homemade cookies.

What a way to wind up a dinner!

MEMORIES Joe Nall makes for fond memories!

If you attend, you’ll discover that you will make friends and meet with old.

It is hard to emphasize in words how I feel about the Joe Nall and the friends I’ve made, especially when it is someone I met a year ago and then ask, ”Robert, how are things going?”

Unfortunately, Saturday morning means it is time to get ready for the six-hour drive home. As you wave to friends, you can’t help but think it’s going to be a year before I’m back again.

Simply put, the Joe Nall is all about fun, fellowship, and hospitality. If you’ve never been, I challenge you to attend. I’ll warn you, you’ll get hooked, but do it anyway.

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IRON-ON COVERINGS, PART 1 SUPER SPORTSTER 60 WING

BY JEFF TROY

The Great Planes Super Sportster 60 lends itself to a variety of covering materials and color schemes. My model will ultimately be covered in five colors of Top Flite MonoKote.

T

he last of the woodwork for my Super Sportster 60 (SS60) by Great Planes was completed in the last issue of RC Sport Flyer, with the model ready for covering since. Waiting to explain covering procedures was necessary because I wanted to show you more than just polyester film. The SS60 is the perfect vehicle for a relatively simple yet effective film scheme in Top Flite® MonoKote®, while completing the woodwork for the Dynaflite® Super Decathlon afforded me the opportunity to also demonstrate fabric covering.

The covering techniques you’ll see here over the next several installments will work for almost all of the hobby’s films and fabrics on, although you will see dramatic differences between the types. All coverings are not alike, and their application will usually call for

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different temperature ranges and a variety of tools. Each has its own set of rewards and quirks, so follow the directions to the letter, and be sure that you understand the iron you’ll be using. All iron-on coverings should be applied with a high-quality iron, and be aware that not all coverings will take kindly to a heat gun.

During the early-to-mid ‘90s, before the company was sold to Hobbico®, I handled customer service, instructional materials, and product development for Coverite®. One of the products I was involved with was the 21st Century Iron. I felt that better modelers would prefer to pay more to have a better product, so Coverite chose to offer a higher-priced hobby iron that had no equal at the time. The 21st Century Iron uses a computer chip to maintain temperatures that will not fluctuate more than +/- 3

degrees from the temperatures selected. Further, the temperatures are indicated on the dial in degrees, not in simple 1, 2, or 3, ranges.

A dial mounted on the foot of a hobby iron can burn fingers when turned, so the 21st Century Iron prevents this by having the dial in the handle, where it’s also recessed so it can’t be accidentally bumped while you work. The 21st Century Iron shoe, which I designed, is unique in that there are no sharp corners on the bottom. This feature greatly reduces dents and creases in soft balsa when reversing the direction of the iron during the covering process. There is, however, that all-important sharp corner on the topside of the tip of the shoe, so when you need to iron down the inside of a sharp corner, just flip the iron over to get that clean, sharp bond you want. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

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Some of the tools I use to apply film coverings are the 21st Iron and Cover Sock by Coverite, a Hangar 9 Heat Gun, SuperTuff Tack Rag sold in hardware stores, and a No. 1 Knife and #11 Blades by Excel Hobby Blades.

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The 21st Century Iron by Coverite is one of the finest hobby irons in today’s marketplace. The iron comes with a plated-wire stand and a 21st Century Cover Sock.

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The 21st Century Iron’s temperature dial is recessed into the handle, where it won’t burn fingers when it’s adjusted. Actual — and accurate — degree readouts are indicated right on the dial.

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Dents and creases in balsa are kept to a minimum because the shoe has no sharp corners on the bottom to cause damage. The top of the tip lets you iron tight corners.

The tail of the shoe is also different.

It has gradually rounded, upswept wings like an old Cadillac’s fins, and those wings are ideal for working in convex areas such as wing fillets.

Another feature is the foot of the iron that supports the shoe is made of a non-heat-transferring composite so it doesn’t burn your fingers if it’s accidentally touched. Hobbico still offers the 21st Century Iron in its Coverite lineup, and I urge you to try one if haven’t already done so.

There are other contemporary irons that handle model coverings nicely, but some kind of a temperature indicator is a must-have feature if you want to work an iron-on covering within its manufacturer’s specified heat range. Some of the lessexpensive irons using a thermostat to control temperature can fluctuate severely, dropping by as much as 50 or even 60 degrees before tripping rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

the thermostat to resume sending heat to the shoe, and even if lesser irons could hold their temperature, the 1, 2, or 3 settings can’t tell you exactly what you need to know. You will do a better job if your iron has markings in actual degrees on the dial.

Because iron-on film coverings are traditionally more widely used than iron-on fabrics, I’ll begin my covering demonstrations with film. Several excellent choices are available in today’s marketplace.

Popular polyester-based films include 21st Century Film by Coverite, AeroKote by SIG Mfg. Co., MonoKote by Top Flite, ToughLON

by The World Models (AirBorne Models), UltraCote by Hangar 9®, and many more. Lightweight films for smaller or specialized models are generally polypropylene based, and they include AeroLITE by Stevens AeroModel, EconoKote by Top Flite,

TowerKote by Tower Hobbies, and others.

Top Flite MonoKote (formerly Super MonoKote) was the first material of its kind in the American hobby market, and American modelers have used more MonoKote than any other film. In short, MonoKote has become the gold standard by which other iron-on materials are judged, but there is a down side. Because modelers are so accustomed to the way MonoKote handles and behaves, they expect all other coverings to handle and behave the same way — and there’s the problem. They do not, and why should they? If all coverings had to handle and behave exactly the same, why would any company bother to develop and market them in an arena that was dominated by the original product? They wouldn’t. They didn’t.

Nearly every covering handles and RC-SF.COM

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The 21st Century Iron’s shoe features a pair of rounded and tapered fins. These graduating curves are ideal for ironing recessed curves like the ones you find on fuselage-to-wing fillets.

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The Top Flite Hot Glove protects your hands from burns while grabbing and pulling the covering tight when applying heat. The discontinued Mitt can be replaced by a soft towel.

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Creating a unique color scheme for your model is easy. There’s no need for professional artistry, just scratch out a few variations and settle on the one you like best.

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My SS60 scheme uses the ribs to separate the colors over the wing’s open bays. My Lanier Stinger 120’s triangular color panels required balsa diagonals to support the overlapping seams.

behaves differently, and if you want to get the best results from any covering, you must discipline yourself to work the product by its own instructions, not by those with which you are already familiar.

START The first of my film-covering demonstrations will be with Top Flite MonoKote. Iron-on fabric and other types of covering materials will be addressed in future installments, but for now, I’ll stay in your comfort zone. I’m presently demonstrating with MonoKote, but if you’re working with a different film product, you can still use the methods I will show you. The primary difference is that you must set your iron within the specific temperature range given on the instructions that came with the covering.

A few preparatory items need to be taken care of before you can plug in

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the iron, the first of which is figuring out what your model should look like.

I do this by making rough sketches of the model, then using a pencil to try different color schemes. When I finally create one that pleases my eye, I draw it out in a final version to guide my work. While you’re preparing to make your initial sketches, keep this important observation in mind.

Seams are ugly, and can’t be hidden with films as easily as they can be with paint. The way to make a seam disappear with film coverings is to make a color change. Changing colors makes a seam appear nonexistent. Never forget it!

My SS60 will get its lower surfaces covered in Metallic Platinum. The upper surfaces of the wing and horizontal tail surfaces will be white at the center, with blazes of Circus Pink, Dove Gray, and Sky Blue running progressively out toward the tips. The scheme I’ve created has the color

changes taking place over the wing ribs, and the ribs will provide ample support to prevent the colors from separating when heat is applied. The tail surfaces are solid balsa rather than open bay, so there is no issue of nonsupport there either. However, what if you want to make color changes over an unsupported open bay?

I have a discontinued Lanier Stinger 120 that I finished a year or two ago. For it, I will use roughly the same style of covering scheme as I’m using for my SS60, but the color changes on the Stinger’s wings and tail will be angled, running diagonally to the ribs instead of in line. Because these are open-bay, built-up surfaces, I felt that some sort of structure must be added to support the color changes. I embellished the wing and tail with balsa sticks that follow the color scheme, then sanded them to conform to the airfoil of the ribs and the flat surface of the horizontal tail twitter.com/rcsportflyer

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Balsa diagonals were also added to the stabilizer and elevators of the Stinger 120. These additions can sometimes be omitted, but it truly depends upon your choice of covering materials.

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Vacuuming the workbench and model parts is just the beginning.

Dust is everywhere, so thoroughly vacuum the walls, ceiling, light fixtures, bench accessories, and various tool racks.

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After vacuuming, use a tack rag to remove any leftover dust from the model components. Don’t tackle everything at once; wipe down each part before you start to cover it.

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Starting with the bottom of the wing, cut and iron strips of appropriate-colored covering into any recessed areas. This strip is being applied to the inside of the wing/fairing joint.

parts.

After you’ve planned your scheme and made any necessary modifications to the model components to accommodate your color changes, it’s almost time to start covering. Slip a brush attachment over your vacuum hose and vacuum your workshop. By workshop, I mean the bench, walls, ceiling, lighting fixtures, tools, bench accessories, and even the clothes you’re wearing. Dust is everywhere, and when it comes to covering, dust sucks. Fortunately, the vacuum sucks in a more positive way, so use it—everywhere, and don’t forget to vacuum the model!

Ready? Almost, but first you must wipe each model component with a tack rag. A tack rag is piece of cheesecloth that’s treated with a sticky compound made to pick up dust and other small debris particles as you move it across the surface.

Tack cloths (aka/tack rags) are sold in rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

hardware stores, paint shops, big box home stores, and better hobby shops.

While you might be tempted to wipe down the whole model, you don’t have to, at least not yet. Wait until you are ready to cover the first part, then wipe it down with the tack rag while you wait for the iron to adjust to the temperature you’ve selected for the film. Wipe each part immediately before covering it.

If the bottom of the wing is free of obstructions, it can usually be covered with a single piece running tip to tip. If there are obstructions, such as the forward and rear fairing blocks on the bottom of the SS60 wing, it may be more practical to consider covering one side at a time. That is what I’m doing with the SS60, but before I apply the bottom skins, I want to be sure that no bare wood will be exposed at the wing-to-fairing joints or the inside corners of the aileron bays.

Cut strips of covering approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide, and iron them down along the wing-fairing joints. If the joint is a straight line, ironing the strips will be a no-brainer. If the joints are curved, cut the strip a few inches longer than necessary, iron down one end and pull on the opposite end while you iron the strip down between the wing and the fairing. Touch the iron to material as you pull it tight, and in most cases, the heat will allow the strip to relax and conform more easily to the curve.

Small strips of color should also be added to any inside corners, such as the corners of the aileron bays. If you don’t put strips in place ahead of time, bare will be exposed when you slit the corners of the covering to fold them over and onto the inside of the aileron bays. Iron the strips down to conform to the ‘L’ shape of the trailing edge-towing tip joint, then trim the strips to RC-SF.COM

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IRON-ON COVERINGS, PART 1

13

When the top and bottom covering is applied, cutting the corner angles will result in small areas of woodwork being exposed.

Prevent this by ironing small strips in the corners.

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Firmly iron the corner strips to both surfaces of the inside corners, then use a sharp hobby knife or blade to trim away any excess material and cut the overhang at the crease.

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Use the tip of the iron to fold and seal the overhanging tabs of all of the covering’s corner strips over the upper and lower wing surfaces outside of the corners.

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The secret to my ‘Four Corners’ covering method is stretch, not shrink. Begin by ironing a small corner of the bottom covering to the trailing edge at the wing root.

extend approximately 1/8 inch beyond the structure. Slit the overhanging covering at the inside corners above and below the wing’s surface, then use the iron to fold over and seal the overhangs to the wing.

If you learned anything at all in science class, you learned that heat makes things expand, not shrink.

Heat-shrink coverings are designed to shrink with heat, but not just any heat. It takes a relatively high degree of heat to do that, and it usually comes to the model in the form of a good hobby iron or a heat gun. The sun also generates heat, but not good heat. Sunlight is not hot enough to maintain the tautness of your model’s covering. All the sun will do is heat the covering enough to let it relax—unless you can apply the covering tightly enough to ensure that it won’t bag from prolonged exposure.

Enter my ‘Four Corners’ method of applying model coverings, a

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technique based in stretching the covering tightly as it’s being applied, not just in shrinking it afterward. As you cover your model, regardless of what film or fabric you’ve chosen, think stretch instead of shrink, and imagine yourself covering your model with thin sheets of rubber instead of polyester or polypropylene film. Flat surfaces, outside corners, rounded surfaces, and even compound curves would all be easy to cover with a material that behaved like a Playtex glove, and you can make your covering work for you in the same positive way.

HERE’S HOW Cut a piece of covering to fit over the bottom surface of the wing, half length or full span, being careful to cut it at least two to three inches oversize at the leading edge and trailing edge, and four to six inches oversize around the wingtip. I’ll

describe the procedure for my SS60, which uses two half-span bottom panels. Begin the Four Corners method by tacking down a small area of covering — approximately one square inch — at the trailing edge near the root (center-section joint) of the wing. Wait a few seconds for the heated adhesive to cool and cure, then grab the end of the covering at the opposite corner (the leading edge near the wingtip), and pull it tightly away from the corner you ironed previously. Now iron a one-inch area of covering down at that corner.

The third corner is the leading edge near the root, so pull the covering tightly once more and iron it down at corner No. 3. Corner four is the trailing edge at the wingtip. Pull it tight and iron it down. Now stand back, and take a look at what the Four Corners just bought you. Your model’s wing covering is already fairly tight, and you haven’t yet sealed the twitter.com/rcsportflyer

Next, pull the covering tightly toward the opposite corner of the wing (the leading edge at the tip), then iron down roughly a oneinch area of the film in that corner.

18

The third corner is the leading edge at the root. Pull the covering tight and iron down a small area there. Can you see how this method is already working?

19

Tack down the last corner at the tip of the trailing edge to complete the Four Corners. The next steps will demonstrate my ‘Divide by Half’ method for sealing perimeters.

20

My Four Corners technique on the SS60 ensures reasonably snug covering before sealing the perimeter or trying to shrink it tight.

The next issue demonstrates upper covering and adding colors.

perimeters or brought a heat gun or iron anywhere near it to start a shrinking process. What you’ve done is stretch the material tightly over the wing instead of depending on a heat gun to shrink a baggy application after the fact.

CONGRATULATIONS You’ve taken the first step to thwarting the evil that the sun can wreak upon heat-shrink coverings.

To sum up, if you apply covering loosely and depend on an iron or heat gun to shrink it tight, some of that ugly bagginess will come back to bite when your model’s covering is heated by the sun. On the other hand, if the covering is tightly applied before you perform the final shrinking, you will have eliminated nearly all of the potential bagginess the sun might cause.

Iron-on covering materials encompass a wide range of unique rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

properties and application techniques.

In the next, issue, I will apply Jet White MonoKote over the upper panels of the wing, and show you how I apply the Circus Pink, Dove Gray, and Sky Blue blazes from the white base out to the wingtips.

Later installments will demonstrate covering the fuselage, ailerons and tail feathers, and future demonstrations will show you fabrics, lightweight specialty iron-ons, and many other forms of model finishing from fiberglass-and-resin to Stits Lite and other select fabrics. Stay with me, and don’t ever stop having fun.

Many of the techniques I describe in my series for RC Sport Flyer have been demonstrated in previous installments. If you are enjoying the series, please consider having back issues on hand for reference.

Back issues can be ordered from the publisher.

SOURCES

17

Coverite / Dynaflitet Great Planes P.O. Box 9021 Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-637-7660 greatplanes.com Excel Hobby Blades 41 Getty Ave. Patterson, NJ 07503 Phone: 973-278-4000 excelhobbyblades.com Hangar 9 Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Rd. Champaign, IL 61821 Phone: 800-338-4639 horizonhobby.com SIG Mfg. Co. P.O. Box 520 401-7 South Front St. Montezuma, IA 50171 Phone: 641-623-5154 sigmfg.com Stevens AeroModel 26405 Judge Orr Rd. Calhan, CO 80808 Phone: 719-387-4187 stevensaero.com RC-SF.COM

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HOW TO

BUILDING A SCALE FOR COMPETITION — PART II RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION IS THE PROJECT’S FOUNDATION

BY TOM WOLF

I

n the previous installment in this series, we discussed the considerations associated with selecting a scale subject for competition. This installment will cover researching the selected subject and generating the data for a scale documentation package, which is

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

arguably the most important part of developing a competitive scale model airplane. Since the finished model will be judged against the documentation package, it is vitally important the documentation contains the necessary information to support the judging process, is clear, well

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

This is a completed documentation package. A copy of the 3-view outline drawing is mounted to a piece of art board to ease the judging process in breezy conditions.

organized and easy to understand.

Most importantly, the finished airplane must match the documentation in every respect.

A fundamental mistake is often made by new scale competitors (and some who are not new and should know better) is they build the airplane first and then try to assemble a documentation package that matches it. This approach is essentially “mission impossible” and almost guarantees significant score downgrades because the airplane inevitably does not match the documentation. A far better method is to collect the scale

data and put it together into a draft documentation package before work begins on the new airplane.

subject model replicates the full-scale counterpart, if the judges cannot validate the details, then the resulting score will suffer. For example, if the documentation package has no information (photos or drawings) showing landing gear details, then no points can be awarded for the landing gear detailing, regardless of whether the modeler faithfully replicated the gear or not. On the modeler’s part, if he does not have complete documentation to use as a guide during the building, finishing and detailing of their model, then it is extremely difficult to accurately replicate as the full scale.

WHY DOCUMENTATION? Scale competition involves scoring in two categories, static judging and flight judging. For now, we are only concerned with the static judging category. Static judging is a process whereby a panel of judges determines how accurately the aircraft being presented replicates the full-scale subject. In order to do their job, they need data to support evaluation of the model. Regardless of how well the

WHAT DOCUMENTATION Static judging covers three areas, with one judge for each area: Outline, Color and Marking, and Craftsmanship. Outline consists of the outer shape of the model, the shape and size of control surfaces, landing gear size and position, cockpit shape, size and location, etc.

Outline can be documented with a commercially published three-view drawing, or by photographs that

The book is divided into the three sections that comprise static judging: Color and Marking is shown in these photos.

The Outline section consists of a 3-view drawing and supporting photographs.

Errors/deviations are noted on the 3-view, with reference to the accompanying photos.

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Craftsmanship documentation must support such items as landing gear details, guns, access panels, navigation lights, hinges, control pushrods, etc

Data from this pile of books was used to generate the scale documentation for my DeHavilland Mosquito competition airplane that I’ve been flying for a few years.

Information on the L-19 Bird Dog is hard to find. These two publications are the only ones in possession to date.

This is not a problem since unlimited access to the subject aircraft allows the necessary photography to support the documentation package.

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

clearly depict side, front, top and bottom views of the airplane. Color and Marking documentation may consist of published color chips (i.e., Fed-STD-595 color chips or color chips from the manufacturer of the paint used on the full-scale aircraft), or color photographs of the aircraft being modeled. In addition, there must be photos or drawings that depict and locate the color scheme and any markings, insignias, or artwork on the aircraft. Finally, for the Craftsmanship judging, there must be photographs or drawings that depict fine details such as landing gear detailing, access panels, latches, hinges, control pushrods or cables and navigation lights.

Now for the tricky part: The documentation package is limited to 8 pages maximum, each a standard size of eight and one half by eleven inches, with the exception of the outline drawing, which may be 11 by 17 inches. Eight pages sounds like plenty of space, but in practice, it takes very careful planning to cover the required information and still stay within the page count limitation.

For a very good delineation of documentation and static judging requirements, see Section III of the US Scale Masters competition guide, which is available as a download from the US Scale Masters website, or the AMA competition guide, available from the Academy of Model Aeronautics.

SOURCES Depending upon the subject that is chosen, sources of data to support generating a good static judging twitter.com/rcsportflyer

documentation package will vary.

For a model of an airplane that can be accessed directly, the source of choice will be photographs of the actual aircraft. It is possible that the entire documentation package can be generated based upon photographs, assuming that you can obtain top and bottom view photographs (i.e., by air-to-air photography). In this case, Outline and Color and Marking documentation will be color photographs taken for the side, front, top and bottom views. It is best to use a normal to medium focal length lens with the photos taken at least the scale distance away with respect to the judging distance. For example, for a quarter-scale airplane, you should be at least 60 feet (4x15 feet) away from the nearest point of the aircraft so the photographs will have a similar perspective relative to what the judges will see when they examine your airplane from 15 feet. In addition, you should take photographs as needed for the Craftsmanship portion of your documentation package. For my project, an L-19 Bird Dog (N5247G), I have unlimited access to the airplane, so I plan to use photographs for my documentation package to the maximum extent possible. Some examples of the 143 photos I have taken to date to support the Bird Dog project are included in this article.

In situations where you are not able to get photographs to document the side, front, top, and bottom views of your subject, a three-view outline drawing will be required to support

Of the eight three-view drawings obtained for this project, only two appear sufficiently accurate and detailed to support scale documentation.

the Outline judging. Outline drawings are available in aviation books such as the Squadron/Signal Publications series, and from sources such as Bob’s Aircraft Documentation. A cautionary note about three-views: The quality and accuracy of three-views vary widely. Some are quite good, while others are full of errors. So if you plan to use a three-view drawing, make sure you validate it against photographs of the subject. For my L-19 project, I have purchased eight different three views. Of those, three are not very good with obvious errors and insufficient detail. Only two of the remaining three-views are what I would consider high quality and with sufficient detail to support a good

documentation package.

If you find an error or two in your three-view, but are stuck with using it because it is the best data available, it is permissible to make a notation of the error on the three-view, with a reference to a photo in your documentation package that clearly depicts the correct configuration.

Per the rules, photographs always have precedence over drawings. For the documentation package for my one-fifth-scale DeHavilland Mosquito, the three-view drawing had two discrepancies, which were noted and references to supporting photographs showing the correct information. In practice, this has not been a problem.

To avoid confusion, I always make

Photographs will be used for the L-19’s Color and Marking and Outline documentation.

Side-, front-, top-, and bottom-view photographs are required. Top- and bottom-view photos will be taken from a chase aircraft while airborne rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

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Close up photographs of the landing gear are used to ensure the landing gear configuration, size, and detailing is an accurate replication of the full size aircraft. A subset of these photos will be included in the documentation package to support Craftsmanship judging.

certain I explain the notations to the outline judge before judging starts.

Other good sources of data include photo-pack CDs from Airborne Media or Bob’s Aircraft Documentation. Both of these sources have numerous offerings, many of which are museum aircraft.

If you are modeling a military aircraft, Osprey Publishing or Squadron/ Signal Publications may have books of your subject. Both of these publishers have excellent offerings that provide background history and photos. Squadron/Signal’s “WalkAround” series of books are especially useful for providing source data for the Craftsmanship portion of a documentation package.

Finally, do a search on Amazon, RZM, or Historic Aviation websites for books, models or other information related to your subject. In some cases,

you might be able to locate out-ofprint publications on the used market.

DOCUMENTATION ASSEMBLY Initially, assembling the documentation package involves gathering all of your data and then categorizing it based upon its ultimate utilization: Outline, Color and Marking, or Craftsmanship. For

the final package, the data should be assembled in separate sections that can be physically separated for each judge’s use. A three-ring binder is typically used for the documentation book, as shown in the photos of my Mosquito’s documentation book, included herein. However, for this stage of the L-19 project, it is not necessary to actually put the book together. The goal is to assemble a collection of data that will support building the airplane and then assembling the final documentation book at some later time. Therefore,

This photograph documents the upper cabin window configuration, radio antennas, lifting eyes and fuel tank fuel fill fittings. These details, plus the panel lines and rivets will be replicated on the model.

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

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at this stage, I am not too concerned with meeting the page count limitation. It is far more important to make sure the information collected is complete to support the build. If you find holes in your data, now is the time to fix them. It is also important to make sure the data is consistent, especially if photographs of a generic example of the subject are used, not photos of the actual aircraft. If there are variations, it will be necessary to make sure the final package makes note of the discrepancies and identifies which version is correct for the particular subject.

If you assemble the draft package on your computer, then moving things around and editing/combining data to get the page count down to the limitation for the final version becomes easier. In many cases it is possible to reduce the page count by employing photos or drawings that can serve more than one purpose.

For example, there may be photos that can serve as dual-purpose Outline and Color and Marking

Cooling openings, carburetor and oil cooler inlets in the forward portion of the engine cowl are documented in these photographs. The propeller hub configuration is also evident.

documentation, or perhaps Color and Marking and Craftsmanship. In that case, it is permissible to make duplicate copies of the pages that are used by more than one judge so

that your aircraft may be judged by all three judges simultaneously. In fact, it is permissible to have three complete documentation books, one for each judge. The requirement is that all

To support detailing inside the cockpit area, photos must be taken of all areas within the cockpit. These two photographs show the fuel tank selector, main tank fuel gauge, and the intercom junction box that are located on the left wing root in the upper part of the cabin.

While only a few photographs can actually be used in the scale documentation package, photos such as this can be useful during construction to ensure the build and detailing are accurate.

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This close-up photo of the tail wheel assembly provides critical information to support building an accurate unit on the model. This photo, or one similar, will likely be included in the documentation package to support Craftsmanship judging.

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BUILDING A SCALE FOR COMPETITION – PART II

Photographs will be used for the L-19’s Color and Marking and Outline documentation.

Side-, front-, top-, and bottom-view photographs are required. Top- and bottom-view photos will be taken from a chase aircraft while airborne

three books must be identical and be within the eight-page limit. The following is the page content plan I will be using to organize the L-19 documentation book: • Page i: Model description / information and Builder of the Model Declaration (not part of page count) • Page 1: Color scheme description and color chips (Color and Marking) • Page 2: Side view photograph (Outline, Color and Marking) • Page 3: Front view photograph (Outline, Color and Marking) • Page 4: Top view photograph (Outline, Color and Marking) • Page 5: Bottom view photograph (Outline, Color and Marking) • Pages 6-8: Detail photographs, 4 per page (Craftsmanship) Changes and improvements to the documentation data package should be made as necessary during the build of the airplane. Since good practice is to refer to the documentation constantly during the build, shortcomings or missing information will become apparent as the project progresses. By the time the project is built, finished, and detailed, you should be quite intimately familiar with issues associated with both the documentation and the build, and have made the necessary corrections.

The result of this process should be a

Squadron/Signal Publications has a very good series of books covering military aircraft. The “Walk-Around” series contain especially useful information for scale modeling.

SOURCES

HOW TO

Competition Guides

Documentation

Academy of Model Aeronautics

Airborne Media (photo packs)

modelaircraft.org U.S. Scale Masters usscalemasters.org Top Gun

airbornemedia.com Bob’s Aircraft Documentation (3-views, photo packs) bobsairdoc.com Osprey Publishing

franktiano.com/ TopGun

ospreypublishing.com Squadron/Signal Publications squadronsignalpublications. com/Default.asp RZM Imports (books, models) rzm.com/main/main.cfm Historic Aviation (books, videos, models) historicaviation.com Amazon (books, videos, models) amazon.com

very good static score when you enter competition.

SUMMARY While assembling documentation is not the most glamorous part of a competitive scale project, it is certainly one of the most important

factors related to success. The next installment in this series will explore pre-build planning, including validating the plans or kit from which you will be building the project, prebuild design checks, engine selection and establishing servo torque requirements.

Osprey Publishing is another good source for books covering military aircraft. (They have an extensive list of books, which are typically short run publishings, so if you see one you want you should probably buy it. Ed)

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

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HOW TO

GRUNAU BABY II RECYCLE BUDGET-MINDED MODELERS SAVE BIG MONEY

BY GENE COPE

A

couple of months ago I got the opportunity to buy a thirdscale Grunau Baby IIb. A fellow modeler had passed, and his wife was selling off his model inventory.

During a fun fly event at Kiona Butte in late May, a fellow slope soaring enthusiast was there with the Grunau Baby packed neatly in a gorgeous plywood box. I was surprised it was still around, but there it was sitting atop Kiona Butte. Not that I needed another glider, but when I saw the

model and the affordable price it was being offered for it was too much of a temptation for me. So, the box and glider ended up in the back of my truck, and they found a new home in my workshop in Yakima, WA. Once in my shop, I gave the model an extensive examination from nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip. What I found was a bit disturbing in that there were items that needed to be repaired before I would consider it airworthy.

None were difficult or costly to repair or correct; albeit, they were going to require a bit of time to fix. I have the time. So I made a list of the repairs and then set about doing them.

My first repair/modification was to redo the wiring harnesses.

The former owner had used an assortment of Airtronics type wires and connectors in the fuselage, which gave me concern for the quality of the electrical connections between servos and receiver. When the wires were removed from the model’s airframe, I found there were multiple splices This is the result of my recycle project. I got a great buy on the glider, and I then invested some time to get a superb flying vintage machine.

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

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in the 22-gauge wiring harnesses. I opted to replace the existing wiring with 20-gauge three-wire harnesses. I also decided to use female Multiplex® six-pin connectors on the harnesses’ ends for the fuselage-to-wing connections. I chose to use JR type plugs on the opposite ends that mate with the Jeti receiver I would use in the Grunau. The connectors on the wings’ wiring harnesses were not

rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

much better, however, I decided to reuse the wire. I did cut the old ends off and replaced them with male sixpin Multiplex connectors that would mate to the fuselage’s connectors…

Next, I found the wings had been recovered, but only the open bay sections behind the spar. This would not have been a problem, however, the individual that did the work cut through the covering and into wood,

which then exposed a raw edge. I could have spent hours stripping the wings and recovering them, but when I did a cost benefit analysis, I opted for a simpler and easier fix. To make the repairs, I purchased some 1/4-in.-wide white automotive trim tape that is used for detailing. I then covered the cut lines on the wings, between the wood and new covering, where necessary to hide the cut lines

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HOW TO

GRUNAU BABY II RECYCLE

Here is what the wiring harnesses looked like when I removed them from the model. It was a circuit failure waiting to happen.

This is how I remade the wiring harnesses. It took very little time to remake them, which made for good, reliable circuits.

The model even came with this very nicely made box. A little padding was added to protect the parts and pieces from damage.

with the tape. Note that on the wood sheeted areas, I used clear tape to cover the raw edges such that the wood still shows through.

Then I found the stabilizers’ struts were missing. This was an easy fix. I made new struts out of music wire, ABS plastic tubing, and some K&S® aluminum airfoil tubing. With a little bending, some cutting, the liberal use of cyanoacrylate glue, and a bit of brown paint I was able to fashion some new struts.

I had to open the spoilers a bit to bring the model down low enough for the photographer to snap a few photos.

The two elevator servos were another place that needed attention.

They had been installed between the upper and lower covering. They were fastened to the rear spar and a stabilizer rib with household silicon adhesive. The way they were installed, they moved when the servos’ arms moved, so there was no way to get

The Grunau Baby IIb flies like the full-scale glider, so it is perfect for slope soaring or aerotowing.

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RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

positive control of the elevators.

In fact, one servo had come loose completely and was only held in place by the covering material — NOT GOOD! I fixed this situation by cleaning up the servos and their attachment points. Then I used epoxy adhesive, mixed with a bit of flocked cotton, to fasten them back into their

The fabric covering really lets the light shine through, which I found helps me see the model at altitude. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

I’m into this model for about $700 dollars. That is much less than you would pay to buy and build this glider.

respective positions. They are now rigidly mounted, with positive control responses the result. The lower surface bays of the elevators were then recovered with covering material I found in the model’s box.

Next I replaced the Airtronics rudder servo with a new Hitec HS645MG. I also replaced the existing frayed pull-pull cables with new ones.

I finished my repairs of the Grunau Baby II by setting its center of gravity (CG) at the proper position. To do so, I searched the Internet hoping to find a drawing that would give the proper CG location. I found a good drawing, so I used its CG location as a reference point for my model. Note that I had to scale the position with respect to my third-scale Grunau because the drawing I found online was somewhat smaller than my model. I was able to set the proper CG by positioning a five-cell 3200-mAh NiMH battery pack in the fuselage relative to the needed CG. When I had completed all my repairs and fixes I weighed the model.

It weighs 16 lb 8 oz, which seems rather heavy but the model’s wing loading is still quite low because of the generous wing and stabilizer areas.

On July 5th, on top of Kiona Butte, the Grunau Baby II was re-maidened.

The wind was blowing straight into the 1200-foot-high slope, so the model was launched with just a slight push from its launch man. The Grunau flew away from the hill with zero trim changes required. It simply cruised away from the slope and climbed as it rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

Recycling a model such as this one is both economical and fun. What I got was a model you just won’t see every day.

went. It performed as would have the full-scale ‘30s vintage Grunau Baby II, making easy smooth passes back and forth across the face of the slope, and with well-coordinated controls.

SYNOPSIS What I’m trying to underscore by way of this article is that there are good used gliders and sailplanes available. You’ll likely need to search the Internet and/or forums to find them, but they’re available. Alternately, if you attend events, you will probably find builders/pilots that want to sell their models so they can update their hangars’ inventory. With a little haggling and the proper art of negotiation, you can find extremely good buys, such as was the case with

my Grunau Baby II. You’ll likely discover that some of the models will require only a receiver and battery change to be ready for flight. Alternately, you’ll certainly find some that need a bit of attention to detail to make them one-hundredpercent serviceable and airworthy.

Importantly, you can literally save hundreds of dollars over what a new glider/sailplane would cost. Then too, you will certainly save many hours over that of building a model from scratch, a kit, or as an almost-readyto-fly model.

In the end, you’ll get many funfilled hours of flying — often with a unique machine that other pilots desire!

I recommend you search the Internet, eBay, and the forums to find a good buy on a model that you can recycle into your hangar.

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HOW TO

PAINT JOB PERSONALIZE IT

M

ost model airplanes we see these days are almostready-to-fly (ARF) balsa constructions or composite designs.

Such models are basically factory painted or factory film covered. This is nice for the pilots because it saves time in their workshops. It is, however, boring for the builders who either like to add personal touches to their models, or are tired of the repetitive nature of ARFs. I too find it boring to see so many ARFs coming to the airfield. I guess I miss the “good ole days” when pilots

1 54

The aero-naut CL-415 kit features different types of construction.

The engine nacelle is gel-coated fiberglass, the elevator is balsa covered in Oracover, the float bodies are ABS, and the arm balsa covered in Oracover.

RC SPORT FLYER . AUG/SEPT 15

2

BY MARCO PENK

were also builders. In those times, I found it interesting and inspiring to see the superb projects coming out of the modelers’ workshops. I’m hopeful there will be a builders’ renascence spawned by some high quality kits being offered once again.

My models are normally balsa constructions, composite, or a combination of there of. The latter requires some work to get an airplane build over the finish line. I enjoy this type of work and find it gratifying to see my skills improving. Like many modelers, I have two left hands that

As the builder you will need a few cans of spray paint, some acetone to wipe off any grease or dirt from the surfaces, masking tape, (painter’s tape is best), and varying grits of sandpaper to ready the surfaces for paint. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

3

When sanding gel-coated surfaces it is best to wet-sand them with water. The water prevents clogging of the sandpaper and it removes the sanded material from the part. You’ll use a pen and/ or pencil to mark the areas to paint.

4

You want to mark the areas on the white surfaces with a pen or pencil to show you where to sand. I use a pencil for hard surfaces such as fiberglass and a soft marker for the wood areas that have been film covered.

5

In this photo I’m wet sanding one of my model’s parts. Note that I’ve made a sanding tool that helps me get the part sanded properly. Also, you can see the lines I’ve drawn on the part to show me what I need to sand.

6

You’ll use sandpaper to reach areas that have complex shapes — you may want to use tools such as dowels or blocks. As can be seen, all pencil lines have been sanded away. Wipe the surface with acetone and the part is ready for painting.

feature only thumbs. As a result, I have been on warpath with irons and spray cans ever since. I never iron my shirts, but I’ve become an iron-on film expert for my models over the years.

When using spray-can paint I always apply too much, with the result the surface gets covered with paint runs and dust inclusions. For example, when I painted the parts for this article in my workshop, which I have hermetically sealed against wildlife, an intruder sneaked in by riding on my back. The tiny fly then proceeded to land on the fresh paint and get stuck.

I got angry. I sprayed layers of paint over it as punishment. It got revenge by causing the paint to sag.

Despite such obstacles to rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

perfection, I enjoy the challenges of building. Moreover, I am always proud of my finished projects. I am of course light-years away from being able to create the quality jobs that ARF factory workers deliver. Who cares? What is important to me is that it is my work.

As I already stated, most designs are either balsa constructions or composite designs. While a balsa airplane can be covered with ironon film, a composite model typically requires a spray paint finish. The challenge comes when both materials come together in an airplane.

I was especially surprised to see an additional material, ABS, when I started the build of an aero-naut CL-415 kit. The kit features fiberglass

parts, balsa built-up wings, and ABS parts. The challenge for me was to apply a finish to the fiberglass and ABS parts, and to the covering film.

I have found that acrylic paints work very well with such different surfaces. I do not use primers, but I carefully sand all surfaces with fine, 240- to 320-grit sandpapers. Yes, you read right, I sand iron-on film. I use Oracover® covering film as my product of choice. Oracover is sandable, which makes it a perfect product for my models. I dry sand it with 320grit paper. After sanding, I use acetone to clean all surfaces. Fiberglass parts are normally gel-coated in their molds, with white being the most common color. Sanding gel-coated RC-SF.COM

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HOW TO

PAINT JOB

7

No, these are not two submerged Yellow Submarines. They are the painted wing floats that fit my CL-415. They were made of fiberglass that was gel-coated white. I painted them yellow to match the airplanes covering.

9

Prior to spraying the lower surfaces of the floats red, I applied masking tape at the borders between yellow and red colors. You’ll want to use a painter’s tape, which has a low tack and works well in this type of application.

surfaces works best with water. The water prevents the sandpaper from getting clogged. I wet sand the part with running water or by frequently dipping the sandpaper into a bucket of water. You can use a sponge to wet the part too.

The typical CL-415 features a yellow paint scheme, as do most CL-215s. In my opinion, yellow is the worst color in terms of covering power. Yellow paint works best over white surfaces, but multiple layers are still required. My kit’s fiberglass and ABS parts were white. I had the option to cover the wing in yellow and only paint the white parts or vice versa. It is worthing noting that Oracover paints are an exact match to their brand of

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I did not mask the lower surface, with the result that overspray got on the surface. It is not critical this time because a red color, with high covering power, was applied on to the bottoms of the floats as per my model’s color scheme.

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I taped kitchen towel paper over the parts. I used low-tack painters tape for this step in the process so that it would not damage the previously painted surfaces. Masking tape can leave hard-to-remove glue residue or it can react with the paint.

films.

Know that you’ll need masking tape and paper to protect certain areas from paint spray. The paint work must be done in a well-ventilated room. Painting outside would be a perfect option, but then dust and wildlife becomes a problem again.

I began the paint work by drawing pencil lines on all gel-coated and ABS surfaces. I use a soft marker on surfaces covered in Oracover so the lines do not dent the soft balsa under the covering. The pencil and marker lines help me better see the areas that need sanded. When a line disappears, I know the surface has been sufficiently sanded. I find sanding is easiest done with a sanding block. I

make a sanding block like tool from an old credit card, as is shown in the pictures. The sandpaper is attached to the card with double-sided tape.

Sanding requires patience, but the results of doing it right are worth the effort. Besides preparing the surfaces for painting, sanding also removes dirt and/or spots of cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. Once the surfaces are sanded, it is important to dry them, and to wipe them with acetone. The acetone removes grease and pollutants than can prevent paint adhesion. (Note, Deltron® Acrylic-Clean DX330 is a good option. Ed) After all surfaces have been sanded and cleaned you will mask the appropriate areas based on color twitter.com/rcsportflyer

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Here the first coat of red color has been applied. I do not recommend newspaper paper as wrapping material, because it can leave dark ink on the painted surfaces. Kitchen towels work very well as does masking paper, which is available at good paint stores.

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This photos shows my model’s floats after I’ve removed the masks and the masking tape. The color combination creates a nice contrast that makes the model standout on the ground and especially in the air — you’ll enjoy such a finished look.

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Yellow has low cover power! I had to spray several layers on the model’s nacelles. Even so, the seam can still be seen. For future projects I will paint the seams white with a small paint brush prior applying spray paint to make seams invisible under the yellow.

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When the painting is done, you’ll be able to stand back and admire your work. You’ll also know that you have created a model that is unique from others that may be shown and flown at your airfield or float fly pond. This is the fun of customizing!

separations. Although old newspapers will work, I recommend using kitchen paper towels — they don’t have newspaper ink, which can transfer painted parts. Masking paper is also available at most automotive paint supply stores.

Spray painting is an art that I have not yet mastered. While other builders can perform magic, I sometimes get paint sags and dust inclusions.

Painting requires practice and skills that must be honed. Do not get discouraged when things do not come out perfectly during your first attempts. Keep practicing and your work will get better. When applying paint there are two important rules to observe: apply thin coats rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

progressively, and start with the bright colors. Also, don’t get too close to your work while when applying the paint, but apply it a distance that controls the flow conservatively.

The CL-415 features a rather simple two-color paint scheme and I was happy to find large, self-adhesive stickers for the markings and such in the box. With more practice I am sure I will soon be able to do more complex paint schemes. The CL-415 paint job is my third paint project, and although not perfect, I am very satisfied with my progress and the results shown on my model.

It is a bit selfish of me to encourage you to get back into the building part of the hobby or to enter

it. If you do, and you share your work, it will take away my boredom with ARFs. You will advantage yourself too.

I’ll underscore this by saying in closing that building and finishing a model airplane is an extremely satisfying experience, especially when you see your skills develop and the quality of your work progress.

Additionally, you will be able to create an airplane subject that will be unique in its color scheme.

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3-VIEW

SWIFT S1 DRAWINGS BY HANS-JÜRGEN FISCHER

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he Swift S1 unlimited class, aerobatic glider was designed and built by Margański and Mysłowski Zakłady Lotnicze (Margański & Mysłowski Aviation Works [MDM]), a Polish aircraft and glider manufacturer. The company was first incorporated as Zakład Remontów i Produkcji Sprzętu Lotniczego (ZRiPS, Aviation Equipment Repair and Production Works). The company was initially started in 1986 by Edward Margański.

It was the first privately owned aviation works after World War II to be opened in communist Poland.

It began as a glider repair facility, but then in the ‘90s MDM started to design and manufacture unlimited class aerobatic gliders and powered aircraft, wind turbines, as well as other composite structures.

During the ‘90s MDM designed the Swift in conjunction with the Fox aerobatic glider. The main designers were the gifted Edward Margański, Jerzy Cisowski and Jerzy Makula.

They are now known for the Swift at Bielsko-Biała and for the SZD-21-2b Kobuz 3. The Swift prototype first flew in 1991, taking only seven months to build. It was designed as a successor of the famous Kobuz 3. The Swift is an all-composite glider and is stressed for plus and minus 10 G loads. It has a stunning four-second roll rate. It is also designed to accept wingtip extensions, which increases its wingspan to 15 meters. Finally, it has

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Achtung!

Flügel-und Leitwerksschnitte Maßstab x 2

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3-VIEW

SWIFT S1

SPECIFICATIONS

a retractable landing gear as a way to reduce drag.

In 2001 the company started work on utility and training aircraft of composite construction. The corporation was then E. Margański i Wspólnicy (E. Margański & Partners), a limited partnership. In 2005 the corporate identity revised, as it was again 2011 to become the jointstock company of Zakłady Lotnicze Margański & Mysłowski S.A. Note that the single-sweat Swift S1 won the 1995 Aerobatic World championships, which were held in France. It has an extensive history in the airshow circuit as well as in aerobatics competitions, with many wins to its name.

Crew : One Length : 6.91 m (22 ft 8 in) Wingspan : 12.7 m (41 ft 8 in) Wing area : 11.8 m2 (127 ft2) Tail area : 1.65 m² (17.76 ft2) Airfoil : NACA 641412 Aspect ratio : 14.3 Empty weight : 280 kg (617 lb) Loaded weight : 390 kg (860 lb) Sink rate : 0.9 m/s (177 ft/s) Max Lift/Drag Ratio : 30.0 @ 107 km/h Max airspeed : 287 km/h (178 mph) Maneuver airspeed Va : 228 km/h (141.67 mph) Minimum airspeed : 73 km/h (45.36 mph) Diving speed Vd : 320 km/h (198.84 mph) Load factors : +10 g / - 7.5 g

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PLAN

BÜCKER BÜ 133 JUNGMEISTER A VINTAGE AEROBATIC AIRPLANE THAT IS A STANDOUT DRAWINGS BY WENDELL HOSTETLER

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ücker Bü 133 Jungmeister (Young Master) airplane was designed in the 1930s for advanced training of Luftwaffe pilots.

The Bü 133 was an evolution of Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann two-seat basic trainer. The Bü 133 is a singleengine, single-seat biplane that was built around a tubular steel fuselage, with wood wings and flying surfaces.

It was fabric-covered, and had a tall narrow landing gear.

The first flight of the Bü 133 was in 1935, with Luise Hoffmann

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engine made for the distinctive cowling and a 5.1-inch shorter fuselage. It delivered exceptional aerobatic performance as well.

Fifty-two Bü 133C models were manufactured by the Dornier corporation for the Swiss Air Force.

It was in service with the Swiss until 1968. About the same number of Bü 133C aircraft were built for the Spanish Air Force by Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (a Spanish aircraft manufacture), and were designated as CASA 1-133.

The Bü 133C airplane garnered many international aerobatic

SPECIFICATIONS

at the controls — she was the first female factory pilot in Germany.

The prototype was slightly smaller than the Bü 131, and powered by a 140 horsepower Hirth HM506 aircooled, inverted, inline, six-cylinder engine.

The Bü 133A was flown at the 1936 International Aerobatic Championship at Rangsdorf, Germany. The airplane performed well and demonstrated exceptional aerobatic performance.

The airplane was subsequently produced as the Bü 133C, which sported a 160 horsepower SiemensBramo Sh 14A radial engine. This

championship wins. So it was that by 1938 it became the Luftwaffe‍’s standard advanced trainer. At the 1938 Brussels competition, a threeman Luftwaffe team impressed Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring with their Bü 133C flights. Göring then ordered a nine-man team be formed.

The following year, the team put on a crowd-pleasing show that dazzled all onlookers.

The Jungmeister was used for competition after WWII. It remained a competitive machine in international aerobatic competitions into the 1960s.

Bücker Bü 133C Crew : One pilot Length : 19 ft 8.25 in. (6.0 m) Wingspan : 21 ft 7.75 in. (6.60 m) Height : 7 ft 2.5 in. (2.20 m) Wing area : 129.17 ft² (12.0 m²) Empty weight : 937 lb (425 kg) Max takeoff : 1,290 lb (585 kg) weight Engine : Siemens-Halske, 160 hp, Sh.14A-4 radial Max airspeed : 137 mph (220 km/hr) Cruise speed : 124 mph (200 km/hr) Range : 311 miles (500 km) Service ceiling : 14,765 ft (4,500 m)

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REVIEW

FLASH 7 TRANSMITTER IT’S ALL I NEED AND MORE!

BY MARCO PENK

The Optima 7 receiver incorporates very, very large-scale integration (VVLSI), plus a grommeted antenna.

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urchasing a new radio system can be considered a significan event in RC. The purchase represents a commitment to a range of model airplanes as well as their receivers, plus the brand that will remain in your hangar for quite some time to come.

An RC modeler’s career normally has milestones, such as controlling the first model safely around the pattern, advancing to a desired category, or increasing the complexity of the aircraft’s functions.

Each milestone has radio control requirements.

I started my RC hobby with a four-channel radio and a simple balsa glider. After two exciting years spent slope soaring with some occasional O.S. Max or brushed electric intermezzo, I decided it was time to go to the next level. I purchased

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Flash 7s use highquality, lightweight, and ergonomic design, so it feels good in your hands during flights. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

Switch B 2 Position Switch A 2 Position

Button C Momentary Contact Switch D 2 Position

Switch E 3 Position

Switch F Momentary Contact

Left Slider

Right Slider

Left Gimbal J3/J4

Right Gimbal J1/J2

Left Gimbal Trims

Right Gimbal Trims

Back Button Jog Dial Scroll/Enter

a Salto H-101 glider. It required a computer programmable radio for its two aileron servos, with differential control, and V-tail mixing. After a market analysis I obtained a sevenchannel radio. It was very exciting to explore all the new features. However, I discovered the transmitter came with a notable learning curve.

After going through a few transmitter iterations I also discovered a seven-channel system was what I needed for my electric-powered gliders. Then too, seven channels is even enough for some of my giantscale warbirds. The dilemma was, I was spoiled by the programmable features of the more expensive transmitters I had tried.

I do careful analysis of my needs prior a radio purchase. I even like to help newcomers pick the right radio for their airplanes. It is worth noting that the learning curve for transmitter programming has become significantly steeper lately. Software features, complex airplanes with many servos, and telemetry features rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

definitely require a willingness on the pilot’s part to learn.

So I identified my needs as: • Seven channels to control motor,

elevator, rudder, dual ailerons, dual flaps • Sliders to operate flaps, or airbrakes

You can change the power settings for the Flash 7 for LiPo, LiFe, NiCd, NiMh, or Alkaline battery packs.

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REVIEW

HITEC FLASH 7 TRANSMITTER

An assignable throttle -cut, a spring-loaded 2-position, and 2-position switches, and a slider are on the right.

There is a 3-position and two 2-position switches, and one slider on the left side of the Flash 7.

The Optima 7 receiver is perfect for glider fuselage installations because of its single antenna design.

• Three flight modes: Normal, Thermal, Speed • High quality gimbals, with ball bearings and aluminum sticks • High quality, free assignable switches • A pushbutton or dial knob user interface • An LCD screen that is easy to read in all lighting conditions • A quality case with professional design features • Battery tray that allows different battery options • Sophisticated, easy-to-navigate software • A switch or stick operated timer • Fail safe programming • 10 model memories I also identified nice-to-have telemetry items: • Rpm sensor support • Rx and motor battery status display • Watt metering capabilities to check propeller loads Since I was looking for a radio

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that would predominantly be used to control my gliders, it was important for the receivers to fit their small fuselages.

The only seven-channel radio to meet all of my needs is Hitec RCD’s new Flash 7 system.

The Flash 7 I ordered came with an Optima 7 receiver. This full-range receiver features a single antenna, which removes the dual antenna

The Flash 7 features a bright, high-contrast LED display that is backlit. It uses a jog dial programming button.

installation headaches that can be intense when installing into small fuselages. Not so with the Optima 7 — the receiver even features ports on both ends, which allows for a narrow receiver case. Any Futaba, JR, Hitec, Sanwa, etc. servo will fit the ports twitter.com/rcsportflyer

Main screen uses direct select. The cursor marks the name RC-SF. You scroll to access memory, timer, flight modes and transmission.

The timer can be reset by pressing the back button when the cursor is on the timer name, so it is quick and easy.

Freely assignable switches allow you to assign a switch to a timer, and its on/off position, which I find very useful.

You can opt to assign the throttle stick as the timer’s switch. You can define the throttle stick’s on/off position.

You’ll like that you can choose to use two timers for such things as count up and count down features.

Pressing both the back button and the jog dial knob at the same time will accesses the system menu.

The model select screen provides you with different options: NEW, COPY, RESET, RENAME for your respective models.

There are three model types available, with different programming options per type: ACRO, GLID, HELI.

The Flash 7 offers different wing and tail configurations, and is especially glider programming friendly.

too. Besides being perfect for glider installations, the receiver features telemetry, and it can be powered from a 7.4-volt source. There is a grommet that protects the antenna from direct contact to the receiver case — a must-have item for engine-powered models. Also, the receiver has fail-safe that can be programmed by holding down the receiver bind button for a few seconds. After about five seconds the receiver switches back to normal and the fail-safe values are stored.

While modern receivers offer increased operation voltages, it is noteworthy that transmitters’ voltages gets lower. The Flash 7 rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

transmitter features a battery case that accommodates a removable battery holder for only four “AA” size batteries.

I find this very nice for a number of reasons: The weight of the transmitter is significantly lower as compared to the eight-battery pack systems.

Four “AA” Alkaline batteries are less expensive and more environmentally friendly. A four-battery charger is less too. However, I recommend powering it with a 2S LiPo pack. Note the Flash 7 lets you set a low-voltage warning for LiPo, LiFe, NiCd, NiMh and Alkaline batteries in the system menu.

The transmitter also features three ports: data, trainer, DCS. The data port

provides for Flash 7 updates per HPP22 (wired) or HTS-NAVI (wireless) PC interface modules, or to store data on a computer or laptop. The DCS port is a battery voltage output port to power external head tracking units and video goggles. The charge jack is located on the right side of the transmitter case.

The transmitter case features high quality gimbals, switches, and ratcheted sliders. A user-friendly jog dial with back button makes it easy to navigate the software menus and for programming. The Flash 7 features a backlit display and an LED status screen. When the transmitter is powered and a flight mode other RC-SF.COM

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HITEC FLASH 7 TRANSMITTER

All channels, functions, sticks, and switches are assignable as you may want for your model type.

The servos’ trim steps can be individually set to meet pilot’s or the model’s control preferences.

The trainer mode allows various settings, including a pass through option to control head tracking devices for FPV flying.

Sensor programming includes items such as: GPS, RPM, TEMP, Battery, Servo, as we’ll as variometer.

In the Advanced sensor option you can monitor: Airspeed, Variometer, Climb Sound, and Sink Sound.

I like the Watt meter feature very much where you can see: Rx battery, Voltage, Current, Wattage, and Units.

Servo current meter screen is perfect for giantscale airplanes because you can now monitor them individually.

The transmission protocol screen lets you pick the receiver, do range check, binding, and scan the spektrum.

You can pick the control mode of your choice: Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4, with display for the associated sticks.

than Normal is activated, and/or the throttle stick is not in neutral, the transmitter warns the pilot about this by a flashing LED at the top of the transmitter case, plus text that is displayed by the transmitter LCD screen. If a switch is a designated for motor on-off switch, the throttle warning is shifted from the stick to the switch. The transmitter does not transmit until the mode is Normal and/or the throttle stick or the motor switch are returned to the off position.

The big LCD display informs the pilot about trim status, Rx and Tx voltages, and the flight mode. Also one or both timers can be displayed

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on the main screen. Model memory, flight mode, transmission protocol, and timers can be directly accessed by scrolling the cursor on the main screen. I find this very convenient.

The transmitter’s software features a system menu that can be accessed by holding down the back button and the jog dial at the same time. In the menu the following settings can be programmed: • Model type • Model memory, with options to create a new model, copy, reset or rename • Channel assignment to allow assigning any switch, slider, or

gimbal to any function or channel • Trim step definition to set the servo movement per trim click • Trainer mode • Sensors (not tested) • Spectra to switch between the various transmission protocols • Pilot mode control selection • Management: backlighting, contrast, battery warnings, sound feedback, warnings • Info: software version and language The Flash 7 has 20 model memory locations. It also supports Acro, Glider, and Heli types. The main differences twitter.com/rcsportflyer

Radio specific settings including: Backlight, Contrast, Battery, UI Feedback, and Warning Setup.

Warnings such as RF Check, High Throttle, and Flight Condition are included in the Management screen.

This screen provides you with model specific programming — in this case there are two pages of data. I like this because you can see at a glance how your model is set up and make changes quickly and easily as needed.

Making changes to the servos’ sub trims is easy too. You just toggle to it and the jog dial the change required.

between Acro and Glider type are that Arco has a Landing configuration and five-point throttle curve, while Glider has a Butterfly menu. There are different aileron and flap configuration options, plus Delta and V-tail configurations. I was pleased to learn that all channels, gimbals, sliders, and switches are assignable.

I was not able to check out the trainer functions, because I still need to get a second radio, but the manual informs that functions can be assigned. My experience with model airplane students is that almost all do not keep their hands off the throttle stick when I tell them to only use the rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

You can upgrade the radio via a personal computer and USB cable, and set the communication language.

As you would expect, you can change the direction of any and all the servos at this servo set up screen.

D/R EXPO provides for different configurations per the flight mode. This picture shows flight mode Thearm, but you can set it for different modes and switch positions. The curve lets you see how much the servo travels relative to stick movement.

flight controls. I therefore welcome the option to assign trainer functions individually.

Pilots can select various transmission protocols and those who love bind-and-fly airplanes will appreciate the flexibility to select the common SLT protocol. Also, the manual states the system can scan the band for crowded channels upon activation of Rx and Tx, and that busy channels will not be used during transmission.

Holding down the jog dial opens the airplane type specific software menu. The Flash 7 supports Acro airplanes with many options, but also

offers a wealth of very Glider specific programing options. Consequently, I will only discuss the glider options.

This radio was designed to support electric-powered gliders, with fourservo type wings. Therefore the list below presents the programming options for an electric-powered glider that features a dual ailerons and dual flaps. The programming options may vary, however, with other glider types.

• Servo reversing • Sub trimming • Dual rates and exponential • EPA for servo travel volumes • Servo speed • Aileron differential RC-SF.COM

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REVIEW

HITEC FLASH 7 TRANSMITTER

End Point Adjustment (EPA) for all channels is possible — here the elevator’s EPA is reduced to 80%.

A feature normally found in more expensive radios is servo travel speed — used for flaps or retractable landing gear, etc.

You can easily program aileron differential at this screen, without the need to set it in the servos’ travels.

Three programmable mixes are available, which lets you go beyond just those that are built into the radio already.

If you want to mix down-elevator control to motor power it is easy, such as shown here — it is Voila!

This mix screen shows switches can be assigned and the trim of the master channel can influence the slave channel or not.

This is the aileron-rudder mix screen. Note the master-slave trim feature is again used for this mix.

The elevator-chamber mix screen allows pilots to set flight mode specific elevator-aileron mix settings, etc.

Here is a flight-mode-specific elevator-to-flap setting. You would use this to make tight turns or for aerobatics.

predefined mixes or templates. I especially like the flight mode specific Chamber Mix settings. The butterfly feature allows selecting the throttle stick as the control. Alternately, the butterfly can be switch controlled if your model is electric powered and you want to use the control stick for throttle. The radio’s software allows you to set motor acceleration and motor deceleration speed, which is an amazing feature and important for large propeller equipped, geared motor applications, such as for F5J models — this feature definitely saves gearboxes from hard-start damage that can kill gears.

SUMMARY In short, this radio delivers for me!

It has all the programming power for the RC pilot that has advanced past the four-channel control.

I listed the specifications at the beginning of this review. The Flash 7 meets those requirements with bravado. The radio really delivers for performance gliders, but provides for any bind-and-fly, or giant-scale airplane as well. Its telemetry capabilities add additional value — voice alerts are available via Hitec’s HTS-Voice Telemetry Voice Announcing System as an external device too.

• • • • • • •

Three programmable mixes Aileron to rudder mix Elevator camber mixing Flap-to-elevator compensation Control offsets for all channels Butterfly setting Flight conditions for Normal, Speed, Thermal, Launch • Two independent timers • Channel monitor • Throttle lock As already discussed, the Flash 7 delivers the programming options and flexibility of a contemporary 10to 14-channel radio. All my models’ programming needs are met by the

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Another cool Flash 7 feature: motor rpm acceleration and deceleration settings as needed for things like a gearbox.

Flap travel can be set. I prefer to have the flaps in neutral when the slider is fully forward and fully deployed when back.

You can use offset to position the servos as needed, with a mix option provided for that function as well.

A feature found in this 7-channel Tx is a pre-set butterfly mix, with servo speed included, which can be nice for flaps on landing.

The Flash 7 lets you control the butterfly function by either a switch or the throttle stick — nice!

This shows the flight mode switch assignment for Thearm. I find the user interface quite intuitive.

I would like to have a dynamic servo monitor that gives names instead of channel numbers — minor issue.

The Flash 7’s throttle lock is switch assignable, so you can pick the switch that fits your model’s needs.

For me, the new Flash 7 is a must-have system. I find it the best seven-channel radio I’ve had the opportunity to use. In my opinion, the Flash 7 is a milestone in the industry.

SPECIFICATIONS

This mix allows flight mode specific wing chamber settings, including elevator compensation and servo travel speeds.

Type : 7-channel Transmission : AFHSS; G2 AFHSS; SLT Band : 2.4 GHz Modes : 1 thru 4 Battery : 4 “AA” alkaline, 4 NiMh or NiCd, 2S LiFe, 2S LiPo Current Drain : 300 mA

DISTRIBUTOR

Optima (AFHSS : Optima series telemetry Bidirectional) capable Rx Hitec RCD 12115 Paine Street Poway, CA 92064 USA Phone: 858-748-6948 hitecrcd.com

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Minima (AFHSS : Minima series Rx Single-direction) Maxima (AFHSS : High response low latency Single-direction) Maxima Rx

You get this if you try to boot up the radio with the throttle’s control in the wrong position. I like it!

Price: $179.97

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REVIEW

SWIFT S1 3.7 THERMAL AND SLOPE PERFORMANCE IN ONE MACHINE

BY WIL BYERS

The Swift S1 started to climb immediately following its launch into the 18-mph winds at the Eagle Butte slope site, which is southwest of Kennewick, WA.

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A

s was told in the three-view article on page 58 of this issue, the full-scale Swift S1 was purpose designed and built for flying competition aerobatics. It has a wellearned reputation as a glider that lets pilots fly it through the full spectrum of maneuvers to put them in the winner’s circle.

I’ve liked the Swift design well enough that this version of the model is the second one to earn a place in my hangar. I particularly like that it is

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capable of being flown on the slope and for aerotowing. Its HQ 1.5/12 airfoil provides both penetration and reasonable soaring performance. The glider really shows its character in slope soaring conditions when the trailing edge of the wing is reflected about five degrees and the pilot pushes in down-elevator control for speed. In aerotowing conditions, when the wing is cambered about five degrees the model is a capable soarer; albeit, it will not rival a six-meter-

wingspan “super slipper” sailplane.

I like that this new model features ailerons, flaps, elevator, rudder, retract and releasable tow hook. The Swift’s big rudder makes flying aerobatics maneuvers much more pattern like and precise, and it will give your left hand a workout.

The 1/4-scale Swift S1 glider is no “bank and yank” machine, but rather a glider I hope will hone my aerobatic skills. The following is what I learned from building and flying this model.

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SWIFT S1 3.7

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The Swift comes as a very complete ARF kit.

The fuselage is painted, with decals applied.

The wings and elevator are covered, with the control surfaces factory hinged.

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The fuselage comes with the joiner tube factory installed, as are the nine-pin Amphenol connectors that fit in the wing root’s recesses, which saves you lots of building time.

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As is shown, the wing roots have the joiner tube installed, the male Amphenol connectors, the wing hold attachments, and the rear locator pins — it is well done.

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You’ll need to buy the servos’ male plugs and pins from an outlet such a servocity.com.

You’ll also need the crimp tool for making the connections between pins and wires.

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It is best to remove the female Amphenol connectors from the wing roots to make up the male ends, which will plug into the receiver. I used different colors for each.

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This photo simply shows how the wires run through the wings and how I used a Monokote trim iron to seal the covering inside the servo wells.

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KIT CONTENTS • Fiberglass fuselage, factory painted with decals applied • Hinged canopy attached to composite frame, with instrument tree installed • Composite rudder factory hinged • Carbon wing joiner rod • Pre-wired fuselage with 9-pin Amphenol connector • Foam, fiberglass, obeche, and filmcovered wings • Factory-hinged ailerons and rudder • Foam, obeche, film-covered

• • • • • • •

stabilizer/elevator factory hinged Metal wingtip fences Plywood servo trays Retractable landing gear installed Hinged gear doors Tow release installed Assembly manual with drawings Decal sheets

NEEDED TO COMPLETE • 5 Hitec HS-5245MG servos (ailerons, flaps, elevator) • 3 Hitec HS-5645MG servos (rudder, retract, release)

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You’re going to need to strip the wires’ ends and solder the servos’ leads to their respective wires. Be certain to use high-quality solder, and to cover the solder joints with shrink tube.

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I used the cardboard from a cereal box to make a wing protector to use during the soldering process. It will prevent hot solder or the irons tip from touching the film covering.

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This is what my model’s finished wiring connections look like before the servo was glued into the servos’ wells. There is not much room for excess wire, so keep the wire lengths short.

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The spoilers’ linkages come attached to the spoilers.

You’ll need to trim them to the proper lengths. I used Z-bends in the rod as the way to attach the pushrod to the servos’ arms.

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• 2 Hitec HS-5085MG servos (spoilers) • Jeti Duplex R11 11-channel 2.4Ghz receiver (used) • Jeti transmitter (DC-16 used) • 4000-mAh 5-cell NiMH battery • Male servo connector plugs, pins, and crimper • Misc. clevis, pushrods, solder, glue, heat shrink tubing, etc.

• Lead shot and epoxy resin

This photo shows the flap servo after it has been glued into its respective servo well. Notice that the excess wire must get pushed down below the bottom of the servo’s base.

FLIGHT PERFORMANCE For the purposes of this review, I will only discuss how the Swift S1 performs in slope lift. I will post on rc-sf.com how it flies in aerotow once I’ve logged a few hours of flight.

The maiden flight of the Swift S1 was done at Eagle Butte. The wind was blowing straight into the

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You must cut the slots for the flaps’ and the ailerons’ control arms. Don’t make the slots too big. Then you’ll want to glue them in place with 30-minute epoxy as a way to have working time.

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Here you see that aileron’s control arm glued into position. As you can see there is not a lot of excess epoxy. I used just enough to fill the hole and wiped away any excess with a paper towel that had been dampened with alcohol.

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I flew the glider once and discovered the factory’s recommended servo installs was not good. So, I removed the wings’ servos and scraped away the foam in the servos wells to expose the upper wing skins.

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Notice that the servo was blocked into position by hard foam blocks that came in the kit. They did not quite fit the servos my model uses, so they were cut to fit as shown on the drawings. They did not work well!

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Next I cut rounds of 3.4-oz carbon fiber material that fit the servos wells — fiberglass will work for this application. The half-round piece goes to the leading edge of the well as an extra piece of reinforcement.

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I did not like the kit’s servo covers, so I made new ones out of .015-in. sheet Styrene material. I also covered the pushrods and clevises with shrink tubing to secure them in place.

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I used Great Planes 30-minute epoxy to glue the carbon into the wells.

I recommend you heat the epoxy somewhat as a way to lower its viscosity for this application.

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I’m using a Great Planes acid brush to get the epoxy into the well and the carbon fiber fabric. You’ll want to let the glue cure for a couple hours before reinstalling the servos. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

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These are the pieces of the fuselage’s servo tray as they come from the factory.

It is good quality plywood, so it is strong enough to withstand the servo’s’ loads that will be imparted to it.

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Notice the tray’s support wings did not fit the fuselage’s sides properly. As a result, I used small pieces of hard balsa to make shims to get a good fit between the wings and the fuselage’s sides.

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Here is what the fuselage’s servo tray looks like when it is assembled. I brushed a coat of alcohol-thinned 30-minute epoxy over my model’s tray to finish the wood against humidity.

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Looking down into the fuselage, you can see the location of the retract, servo tray, receiver, and releaseable towhook’s servo in the model’s nose. I’ve also tied the wires with hook-n-loop material.

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At this point, I’ve pre-fitted the servo tray into the fuselage to determine its best positioning and fit. Once the location was determined, I marked the location prior to gluing it in place.

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The elevator is driven by a Hitec HS5245MG servo. I cut its three-wire lead and then added new pins and male plug to keep excess wires to a minimum in the back of the model.

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The servo wheel was replaced with an arm before it was screwed into position in its respective plywoood tray. I also used dental floss to secure the connection between the male and female plugs. This is a must-do item for all connections throughout the model to avoid electrical disconnects.

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southwest face of the slope at about 15 to 18 mph. The temperature was hovering around 85 degrees, with cumulus clouds drifting across the valley floor up and over the slope. It was a good day for a maiden flight to say the least.

A couple days prior I had balanced the model. The center or gravity (CG) was set at the rear most mark shown on the plan, which I was confident as being the best point based on my previous Swift experience. It was not!

Launching the model is easy, especially into the 18-mph wind. I simply gave the glider a wing-level,

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straight-ahead, energetic push into the lift. It was immediately flying and climbing. The model required a small amount of down-elevator control to get into its cruise mode. It also required three clicks of left aileron trim to fly wings level. Then I pushed the glider forward and away from slope by the application of more down elevator control. The HQ airfoils provides excellent penetration so there was no problem flying out and away. However, once away from the slope’s face, and letting the model cruise, I noticed the CG was too far aft, which made the glider quite pitch

sensitive. Its airspeed would drop quickly to the point where I felt the model may stall and spin. I flew it for about 10 more minutes just to analyze it control responses. Then I piloted it for a couple of passes thru the landing zone to assess how it would penetrate the compression zone. It did well, but was rather intimidating with respect to its pitch sensitivity.

The landing was okay until the model dropped into the air’s deadzone a few feet above the alfalfa.

There it stalled a wingtip and dropped into the cushioning crop — no damage. twitter.com/rcsportflyer

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The elevator’s control horn mates with a steel clevis. Be certain to use a piece of shrink tubing, or other type of keeper, to secure the clevis against accidentally becoming disconnected.

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You will weigh the cup and the shot.

Then subtract the weigh of the cup from the total balance weigh needed.

Do the same for the epxoy resin and then add the resin to the shot.

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The right wing was somewhat lighter weight than the left. To bring the model into lateral balance a small piece of fishing lead was added to the wing.

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I used an Eazy Balancer to balance my Swift. It is adjustable to the fuselage’s width, has very friction-free gimbals, and padded supports that your model can ride on.

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A plywood dam was glued in the fuselage’s nose with 5-minute epoxy.

The shot was poured into a plastic sandwich bag and positioned in front of the dam while the epoxy to cured.

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A hole was drilled in the wingtip’s rib and the lead weight pushed into the hole. The weight was secured with a very small amount of 5-minute epoxy and covered by the endplate.

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I tape a paper cup to the nose of the model and then add lead shot until the model comes into perfect balance.

Position the cup about where the shot will fit in the fuselage’s nose.

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The epoxy/shot mix was removed from the bag and glued in place with small amount of 5-minute epoxy. The battery is held in place by hook-n-loop material and packaging foam.

Back in the workshop the CG was double-checked. To my surprise, it was back nearly one quarter inch from where it was shown on the plans. It pays to check and doublecheck these settings! The CG was subsequently moved forward of the plan’s mark by about one quarter inch.

A couple days later we had perfect winds for another test flight. Again,

I launched the model from the southwest face of Eagle. The model transitioned into flight with a good forward throw, somewhat nose down.

This time it felt much, much better in terms of pitch sensitivity, and my fear of stalling the model was gone.

I found the Swift to be exceptionally well mannered in all flight regimes, even flying inverted

During the Swift S1’s second flight, I had the opportunity to soar it with a hawk at Eagle Butte. It seemed the hawk was curious to see what the Swift was doing in his territory... rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

with only a slight amount of down elevator control required. It flies through rolls like its full-scale counter part; albeit, I’m still working on my rudder coordination skills. Loops are amazing both going up the front side and down the back. I cannot wait to fly the model in a little bit stronger winds and with the steel wing joiner I’ve ordered to increases

Your Icare Swift S1 will come with all the lettering factory installed on the wings, fuselage, vertical fin and rudder. This is a significant time saver and a nice finishing touch to this fun-to-fly scale model.

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its penetration and speed. Stalls are completely uneventful, however, it does require about 50 feet to recover from a hard stall. Spins are a blast, but I had to urge it into them with a bit of aileron and rudder — once one starts it was fun just to watch.

Landing the model this time was much easier too, thanks to the forward CG position. I simply dove the model back over the top of the hill, flew it through the mild, Eagle Butte rotor zone, and then used the flaps and spoilers to bring the model down from altitude and softly onto the alfalfa crop.

DEBRIEF While I like my “bank and yank” slopers, the Swift S1 is a wonderful change-up glider. It is a machine that will force me to hone my aerobatic skills, fly the model like a full-scale glider, and manage its energy in all flight regimes. The Swift S1 is

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also eye candy for me because I unapologetically love scale gliders. I love how they look, how they feel to fly, their performance envelope, and the added controls that you get with flying a scale glider/sailplane.

One other superb feature of the

Swift S1 is that it only costs $1075 U.S., which is much less than many of the “moldy silhouette” gliders that are often gracing the slopes and airfields.

Plus, outfitting the Swift with radio gear won’t force you to meet with the local loan shark.

twitter.com/rcsportflyer

BUILD The Icare Swift S1 is definitely not a beginner’s project. It is, however, not that difficult to assemble.

You’ll need male and female servo plugs and their pins. You’ll also need crimp pliers. The pliers are used to fasten the pins and plugs to the wire ends. Buy a good set of wire strippers too, so you do not cut the copper wire when stripping the 18-gauge wires. It is best to remove the nine-pin Amphenol® connectors from the fuselage roots when making the plug ends on the three-lead-perside connectors. You’ll also need some shrink tubing to cover the soldered connections. Everything you need is available at servocity.com.

Step one is to put the plugs on the ends of the wiring harnesses, and on the elevator servo’s wires. The photos detail the process.

Step two is to solder the servos’ wires to their respective wires in the obeche wings. Make the wire connections both mechanical and welded with solder. As I show in the photos, you must make a protector for the wings, which you’ll use during the soldering process. Then cover the connections with shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.

During the next step, you’ll want to center the servos before they get glued into the wings. Connect the Amphenol connectors to their respective wings and then center the servos with a receiver or a Maxx Products Servo Driver Pro. Either way works.

Note I glued the servos in the wings as outlined in the instructions.

After only two flights the servos were loose in their wells. So, I removed them, and then removed the foam in the well areas. Next I created new bases for the servos with small rounds of 3.4-oz carbon fiber material. I glued the carbon fiber into the wells, against the upper wing skins, with 30-minute epoxy, and waited about two hours for the epoxy to cure. Then I glued the

The full-scale Swift was designed to perform competition-level aerobatics. The model delivers the same kind of performance, but it will soar well too.

SPECIFICATIONS

The leading edge of the model is straight so it tracks will into loops, rolls and even spins.

You will like how much control authority the ailerons, elevator, and rudder provide.

Wingspan : 147 in. (3.73 m) Length : 68.5 in. (1.74 m) Wing area : 1320 in.2 (85.2 dm2) Weight : 11 – 13 lb (5.2 – 6.5 kg) Wing Loading : 20 oz/ft2 (70 g/dm2) Airfoil : HQ 1.5/12

servos in the wings with 30-minute epoxy mixed with a small amount of flocked cotton — use the epoxy sparingly, with just enough to hold the servos secure. Then you’ll glue in the control arms and make the pushrods.

Assemble the servo tray for the rudder and retract servos. I recommend this be done with 5- minute epoxy. You must then position it in the fuselage to facilitate good linkage lengths for the rudder and the retractable landing gear servos. I secured my model’s tray in the fuselage with Loctite® clear silicone adhesive, applied sparingly along the seam between the fuselage and tray.

You’ll need to solder a threaded clevis end on the rudder’s pushrod and make a pushrod for the retractable gear, but that is a straightforward process.

You must also glue the releasable towhook’s servo tray in the fuselage nose area. I positioned it so the servo is just ahead of the canopy frame’s corner break point as shown in the photo.

Make a plywood dam for the nose of the fuselage. Then glue in place.

Balance weight will be positioned in front of the dam. I use lead shot mixed with epoxy resin as balance weight. As I detail in the photos, I determine the weight needed to balance the model at its rear most CG point. Then I subtract lead shot from the mix equal to the weight of the epoxy and the paper cup used to hold the weight during the balancing process. Once the lead shot is mixed with 30-minute epoxy, it is put into a plastic sandwich bag and molded into the fuselage in front of the plywood dam. When the epoxy has cured completely, the lead shot is removed from the bag. It is then glued into the fuselage with a small amount of 5-minute epoxy.

Finally, the battery and receiver are held in the fuselage with hook-n-loop tape, which is sticky both sides — I bought a roll at Home Depot. Make the wiring neat with Velcro® straps as well.

You may opt to use packing foam to secure the battery in position too.

Receiver : Jeti R11 2.4-GHz 11-channel Servos : Hitec HS-5245MG, 5645MG, HS-5085MG Battery : 5S 4000-mAh NiMH Price : $1075 rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com

DISTRIBUTOR

Transmitter : Jeti DC-16 Icare - Icarus 890 ch. d’Anjou, Unit #1 Boucherville, QC J4B-5E4 Canada Phone: 450-449-9094 icare-icarus.com RC-SF.COM

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2015 STATS: Wingspan 7.9 ft.

Length Weight (Glider) Weight (Electric Glider) 3.6 ft.

46 oz.

53 oz.

Includes Ailerons, Elevator, Throttle, Rudder and Flaps

2015 STATS: Wingspan

Length

41 ft.

Weight

42 ft.

63 oz.

Includes Ailerons, Elevator, Throttle and Rud der

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