The Magazine for the Radio Control Modeller Radio Control Model News RCM News

The magazine for the radio control modeller Radio Control Model News RCM news

MORE PAGES! The Christmas edition was scaled up 1.14% to lift an extra 16 pages.

l Shepparton Mammoth Scale Number 93 l Learning to fly - stick n rudder Australia: $8.95 l The Project - 1911 Caudron racer Inc GST l New products

PRODUCT REVIEWS l JR PCM 12X 2.4 l Supertiger G-34 l World Models Cap 232 l Awesome Mig 15 l Awesome Sea Vixen l Awesome Chinook l Austars Ag-Husky l Famous Models Rafale l Dolphinco Edge 540T l APL Defender l E-Go Models MLD 500 l Sport Flyers Rythym Regular Columns l RC Scale Forum l Flying Electrics l Spooling Up l R/C Helitech l Scale Aerobatics l R/C Helitech l Scale Aerobatics l Large Scale Air Racing Australia Print Post Publication No: PP3466 9310 003

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RADIO CONTROL MODEL NEWS Contents: Issue 93. December-January 2008-2009

6 The leading Egde by Brian Green. 49 Product Review: Awesome R/C 83 Product Review: Dolphin Co Edge 540T. Sea Vixen by Stephen Green. 25% scale with a good finish and 8 Shepparton Mammoth Scale. Now on patrol fighting birds. construction reports Les Marriner. Bigger again says Ken Thomas.

88 Product Review: APL Defender. 16 Stick n Rudder. 52 Product Review: Famous Models David Hipperson with an RTF, built Use it for more than just taking off. Rafale EDF. right here in Australia. So easy to launch.

91 Product Review: Awesome R/C Chinook. 19 Product Review: Awesome R/C Mig 15. Reg Neville adds another indoor heli Dean Williams goes down Mig Alley. 55 Large Scale Air Racing with Stephen Green. to his collection. You want to race what now?

93 RC Helitech with Justin Church. Geoff Sussmans BK 117 and flying the Blitz Avro. 32 Product Review: Supertigre G-34. 57 Scale Aerobatics with Steve Richardson. A nice little engine say Neil Giggins. The 2009 Tuscon Shootout.

101 Product Review: E-Go Models MLD-500. Hardly any says Stuart Claire. Fly in doors or out and forward flight. 64 NEW PRODUCTS.

36 Product Review: Austars Ag-Husky. 66 Spooling Up with Andy Bolle. Ross Bathie builds it in just 21 days. Temora Jets, Prolynx Struts Pt2, the $6 million upgrade. 103 Flying Electrics with David Hipperson. Flying Flea, ASM Panther, ESC pro gramming, Easy Bee.

72 Product Review: World Models Cap 232. Dean Williams finds good perform- 44 Product Review: JR PCM 12X 2.4. ance straight out out of the box. by Brian Green. 112 RC Scale Forum with Frank Curzon. The Pace Spirit, 1910 Hanriot- a likely contender, Showtime, NSW State Champs, the Next Monty. 76 The Project. Caudron racer circa 1911.

122 Advertising policy.

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It’s interesting to compare our appar- was telling me about the extremely exciting cover pic ently forthcoming economic situation Red Bull air races he had attended on the with similar ones in the past. Back when Swan river in Perth. Wow and Wow are modellers spent leisure time putting kits just a little of what the experience was for together, then covering the finished struc- him. That night in bed, the brain starting ture, installing the gear and then go flying, ticking over, why not something similar for recessions did not have a really big impact us, RC models. “Holy Cow Air Racing” on our hobby trade. Of course if you had avoids any copyright problems. Ten laps lost your job and had no reasonable chance around a two hundred metre long course of employment, it truly did. But for those with aerobatic manoeuvres performed on who had their working hours reduced, the straights. One model at a time though. leisure time that could be spent on putting Slow roll, four point roll, fast roll, inverted kits together increased. And therefore the flight, knife edge flight are just some. The The full size MK 16 Supermarine Spitfire, cost of enjoying our hobby could be spread fastest time wins. Say four classes based on on which Chris Henry from Twin Cities over a long period of time. engine size, up to and fifty CC, up to and based his superb model, has quite a But today we buy our models and seventy five CC, up to and a hundred CC history. It originally flew in 1944 and they just require a few short hours to put and open above that. So what about it, is it took park in 17 operations over Germany. together. The enjoyment comes from the a goer? After surviving the hostilities, it had a flying side and there is a cost with that. We were having a cuppa between fl starring role in the film “Reach For The Even the cost of transport to and from the ights at the field recently when the talk Sky” before being shipped to Wanaka flying field can mount up. turned to the models being manufactured in N.Z., where it stayed for over ten years. It Maybe the smaller indoor helis and tiny China. Talk about the variable quality and is now at Temora NSW. The model, built park flyers that can be flown locally so one. Then one question was, how come from a Yellow Aircraft kit, has quite a will be our saviour. On that subject, Reg China has basically come from nowhere in history as well being ten years old. Neville, whose name graces these pages the aeromodelling world to one who now Ken Thomas pic. from time to time, has really got into the produces most of the world’s ARF models? indoor heli scene, big time as he now has After all the U.S.A. Europe and Japan, then China’s virtual domination of the world’s around twelve of the little beggars. He later on Vietnam have been the traditional ARF manufacturing market. organises an indoor heli day each week in a players. I was fortunate enough to be in Our team of Bill Bloodworth, Steve hall South of Melbourne and the attendance China in the late eighties for an aerobatic Coram and Glenn Orchard are back from is growing at an alarming rate. Helis and competition and during the event had the the Combined Asia Oceania Continental tiny aircraft are the go. During the last visit opportunity to engage with long talks with Championships, (CAOCC), aerobatic to our place he was flying one of his little the CD Huang Yongliang. He told me that championship in Taiwan and have done helis in and out of the furniture. For more aeromodelling is considered a sport and well, finishing just behind the highly details give him a call on (03) 9803 2342. each region in China has a Government professional Japanese in the team result. Then Ian Boyd from Hstore in Sydney sports administration body. Aeromodelling Individual placings had Bill in Fourth just rang to say they have a very popular indoor coaches are employed by this body and go seventy eight points in a thousand from event the second Saturday each month. You around the schools teaching aeromodel- third, Steve just behind in Fifth and Glenn can call Ian on (02) 9525 7540 for more ling (control line and free flight) to those in his first International competition in info. students who are interested. Each school Ninth. After the preliminary flights that are The last week in October we were buy- then held annual competitions and the win- to a known schedule of manoeuvres, the ing a piece of furniture. We had found what ners of these then were entered in regional next stage in the event, the semi finals, are we wanted and were standing there just events where the winners progressed up flights to both a far more difficult and an looking at it. Along came a sales lady with the competition chain that culminated in unknown schedule. Competitors are told a sticker in her hand and went to place it on the National Championships and then entry of these at a meeting the night before. Big the piece of furniture we were looking at. into World Championships. China has for shock for Glenn as he had made the semi “Excuse me, I said, we want to buy that.” a long time been very competitive in Free fi nals and concentrated his preparation on Well you are lucky, and just in time,” was Flight and Control Line in these events. As the early schedule to just generate the best her reply as she showed us the new sticker. part of their development these modellers team placing and had not even practised for It had a twenty percent increase in the were taught building skills and even made the semi finals. National team results are price. Some gentle prodding revealed that their own engines from supplied casting calculated on the preliminary flight scores. all prices were going up by twenty per cent sets. Huang actually showed me the engi- As Bill reports in his blog at: because of the lower exchange rate. Now neering workshop on the airfield. I asked http://ausf3ateam.blogspot.com/ the the great majority of our aero-modelling about radio control and was told there were event was great and very friendly with a goodies are imported, so I suggest if you around thirty radio control flyers in all of great atmosphere. Log on for a look. Conti- are looking to buy that big ticket item, you China as the cost of imported radio control nental Championships are just one level be- get in there pretty quick. sets was a limiting factor. Remember in low World championship status so we look Had a phone call from Brian Simpson those days, the Government paid for eve- forward to next years Worlds in Portugal. at Perth RC Models asking for a copy of rything. What China had was a very large To think it all started for Australia in areview we had done on one of his prod- pool of people who had been trained in 1971 at Doylestown USA, with Bob ucts.He believed it would help his customer aeromodelling and I would be very certain Young, Dot and I. with the product. While on the phone he that many of those are the driving force in

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J-3 CUB 50cc 11’ Span $799.99 .46 ARF $299.99 Shepparton Mammoth Scale by Ken Thomas

The 27th Annual Mammoth Scale Fly- In was bigger and better. At the time of writing, I have just returned from my twelth Shepparton Mam- moth Scale Fly-In staged by the Valley Radio Flyers. Of course this still leaves me as a new kid on the block compared to the many participants who have been making the annual pilgrimage for nearly thirty years. But this was also the third time that crowded calendar and with petrol prices last year - had he taken a flying model I have been asked to report on the event for etc. being what they are, many modellers instead of a static - was me! Furthermore RCM News, which presents the perennial - especially seniors – may have to choose there was over twenty more models than at problem of what can I say that has not been between events instead of trying to attend last year’s event, with the average quality said before? them all. In the weeks before Shepparton, being noticeably better, and the average I suppose I could start by saying that it was widely rumoured that the excellent size much larger – so much so that the this was the friendliest, best run and most Bowylie Scale Rally plus the long estab- V.R.F. committee are debating whether or laid back “Shepparton” that I have ever lished Wagga Military Event would take not to increase the pit size for next year. On been to. But, although true, that might their toll on the attendance figures at the the subject of the committee, I have heard a sound a bit patronizing. I could also de- Mammoth Scale Fly-In. whisper that Secretary Adrian Sumner may scribe the many excellent models, but the They didn’t. be retiring this year. If so, he will be sorely photos and captions should cover that. Of In fact the precise figures are quite missed. From a personal perspective, he course I could always talk about the weath- interesting. This year there were four less has given invaluable assistance to me over er (some strong wind on Saturday – perfect pilots than last year. However three of the last three years. I wish him well in any on Sunday) but that is not very exciting. At these had pre-entered but couldn’t attend, future venture. a pinch, I could also say that I was chas- (and, because of the V.R.F.’s excellent The only real down side of the weekend tised over the public address system for policy, will get their money back), and was that there seemed to be more serious being where I shouldn’t have been with the the one other who could have brought the mishaps than common. It is a policy of this camera - but there is nothing new about registered number to exactly the same as magazine that we do not dwell on crashes, that!! (I did have permission from the line director) So all that is left for me to do is to Graeme Simpson’s go behind the gloss and glamour and look very long serving for the controversial – and this year there Cub still looks wasn’t even much of that. great. Graeme As most flyers who are prepared to is from P & travel are aware, we now have a very D.A.R.C.S.

Pretty Green!” but in this instance we are talking about Doug Radford large and expensive models, so I did a little from W.R.C.S. unofficial survey to see if I could find a (Sydney) shows common denominator for the accidents. I his 90” depiction couldn’t. My enquiries indicated that the of the 1930 Avro wind (on Saturday), structural failure, radio Avian Monoplane failure, and brain fade all contributed in with an unusual about equal amounts. colour scheme. By far the saddest story was that of

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mammoth scale

Prolific builder/pilot Dave Barling from the G.M.A.A. campaigned this unusal Messerschmitt ME 109 F4 (Tropical). The 80” OS 120 F/S pumper powered depiction was built from Dave Platt plans.

Shepparton’s Rob Popeleir’s Winjeel looks big enough to take small children on joy flights. Rob scratchbuilt the model in fibreglass starting with a plug made by Andy Thomas from Bendigo. An 80cc Solo chainsaw engine provides the motive power.

Col Wilson from the Wombat club (NSW) has an “attention grabbing”moment during take off. The unusually coloured scratchbuilt Pilatus Porter is powered an Enya 120 4 stroke, has a 90” wingspan and is covered with brown paper.

The autopilot is switched on and Stephen Geen’s 1/5 scale Piper Cub tows Ross Bathies glider aloft. Zenoah G20 power with a 15x10 APC and Futaba pilot link which sets the climb attitude. Mr Green was relegated to Cub duties after a most spectacular A great view of an great model. Jim Galea (KDMAS) does a “low coming together of a power line and what was a Grumman and slow” for the camera with his Curtiss Hawk. Panther.

David Murray guides Shane Bartlett’s OV 10 Bronco off the Michael Lynch taxies his hard working Corsair F4U 1 on to the runway after another successful flight. Both pilots are from the runway. Wingspan is 2.3 meters, power is from a Zenoah G62 Sale club. and Michael is from the Croydon club.

10 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 11 mammoth scale

There is certainly a lot of modelling talent in the East Gippsland This striking example of a Supermarine Swift was handcrafted area! Robert Eppelstun from the Sale club scratch built this by Iain McLeay from the Constellation club in South Australia. imposing F 15 Eagle, installed a 28 pound thrust T.J.T. 3000 turbine and the result is awesome.

Interesting Cessna Floatplane with an interesting undercarriage Ian Waters, one of a very strong contingent from the Bairnsdale flown by Barry Thomas. from Bendigo. Club, performs a fly past with his D.A. 50 powered 97” YH Models ARF Gee Bee Y.

Dean Fisk’s Saito powered Heinkel 177 looks menacing from any angle. The amazing fact about this 125” model is that the entire Another mammoth effort undertaken each year is that by Col framework (including wing ribs) is made from polystyrene fruit Taylor Models. The stock from the shop transported from Wagga boxes. Wagga to Shepparton. in a series of three tonne trucks.

12 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 13 Shepparton mammoth scale

Gary Sunderland from Bacchus Marsh had a little difficulty David Goodes from Alice Springs finds it hard to smile after his keeping his Albatross D3 on the straight and narrow in the Pitts Special was run over in the car park before he even got to blustery conditions. He always puts one of his marvellous WW1 fly it. By the time he returned home the other chap involved had machines up, often in appalling conditions. already sent a cheque to replace the model.

Simply stunning! Gary Bergen’s 118” Boeing Super Stearman built from a Balsa USA kit and powered by the mighty 215 cc Rod Mitchell’s latest and greatest twin, the Lockheed P2V five cylinder Moki engine stands out in even a high class field. “Neptune” demonstrates it’s fire fighting capabilities. Three and one half years in the making, the 106” totally scratchbuilt model is David Goodes, a young Air Traffic Controller from the Northern powered by two OS 91 four stroke engines. Territory. David drove all the way from ALICE SPRINGS via Adelaide and on arrival at the field unpacked and assembled his Great Planes Pitts Special leaving it half tucked under the rear of his trailer whilst he registered. When he returned he found that another competitor had reversed over the model with, of course, disastrous results. The good news is that the other chap involved in this most unfortunate incident sent a cheque to replace the model and this was already there waiting for David when he arrived back home. Another stroke of good luck for David was that this incident was witnessed by Tony Farnan, founder/owner of Model Engines (Aust) P/L and (I speak from personal experience) when Tony sees an injustice or takes an interest in a situation, the recipient of said interest invariable ends up the better for it. What else can I say? At the presentations, Rod Mitchell from Keilor won the pilots choice award for his new Neptune Bomber, and at a somewhat different level of import, Ivan Chislett was honoured with a Life Two veterans! Long time Keilor member Ken Goff displays his Membership of the M.A.A.A., a very popular decision. So that’s it. one quarter scale Austars-Model version of the ageless D.H. 82 I suppose I could close with the hope that I will meet you all again Tigermoth. at Shepparton next year – but that goes without saying.

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Stick and rudder with Stephen Green.

At any field around the country it is highly 120-140 sized scale likely that a scale aerobatic model will aerobatic machines. sitting in the pits. There is a multitude of In the forground is scale aerobatic product available in a range a Giles 202 with an of all sizes and the 20 and in particular the OS 200FS swinging 50cc sized models are one of one of the and 18x8 APC most rapidly growing market segments. prop. The Katana Advanced aerobatics requires the use of has an OS 160 FX rudder. In order of degree of difficulty, here with an APC 16x10. are a four manoeuvres that require rudder, the spin, knife edge, knife edge loop and Props full down elevator however the rudder and the side slip. I should save this for my Grumpy Old Man aileron directions are split, ie left rudder I always wanted a model with enough column but I can’t do that until next year and right aileron. grunt to do a knife edge cuban eight. My when I turn fifty. The Helicopter 3D trend A more spectacular spin is the flat spin CM Pro Katana does have the mumbo has transcended to aeroplanes and now either upright or inverted. Establish the to do fly over the top and accelerate fast lots of people want to hover. Unfortunately spin then slowly apply opposite aileron enough to pull back over the second half. those low pitch 3D hovering props create a and the nose should raise and the spin rate Boy, you really have to work controls hell of a lot of noise at full throttle so blat- increase. This is usually improved with going over the top, particularly the second ting around at altitude with full power can power and about half works best with my half . be a bit anti social. Katana. Also the upright flat spin looks bet- The four-stoke powered Giles also The props tips wail as they break ter as the nose will almost be level. pictured will also do that manoeuvre but the sound barrier which just annoys the Standard spin recovery technique is it has to be much smaller as there is not as neighbours and other modellers at your simply centre the controls but a flat spin much power. flying site. If you are not convinced drive can take a couple of rotations to stop. In a kilometre away from the field and listen case you are running out of altitude, lower- when one is in the air. ing the nose and applying opposite rudder Control Throws will give a more rapid recovery Unless you These are the throws I use on the Katana. Needle valve. are in a competition how you enter a spin They have been measured at the wid- If you intend doing a whole flight practis- isn’t that important. You can just snap roll est point on the inboard edge of control ing a series of the next two manoeuvres in. The exit however, is quite important. A surface. than set a richer than normal setting spin is low airspeed and high angle of at- High Low otherwise the engine will overheat.. This tack and the biggest mistake you can make Rudder 65 85 applies to both methanol and petrol engines is trying to pull out straight after the spin Aileron 20 24 I guess electric modellers may chuckle has stopped. Elevator up 15 20 because they carry on regardless but if it Let the thing drop at least fifty feet be- down 18 25 were my grands worth of battery packs fore pulling out level otherwise it can snap The extra down elevator value is set up there, I would fly five long knife edge roll back into a spin during the pullout. to give the same looping radius for inside passes then land to check how hot the and outside loops. Assuming the model is packs were. Just to be sure. trimmed to fly upright, to maintain level Knife Edge flight a symmetrical wing section must This is where the lift generated by the fly at a given angle of attack. The faster Spins fuselage and the prop is enough to main- speed less angle required. If the model was This is easy, stall the model then pull in tain level flight. Rolling onto the side for a trimmed for inverted these values would full up elevator then apply full aileron and second or two isn’t what knife edge is all be reversed but this is why more throw is rudder. To make it spin in particular direc- about, that’s a vertical bank. needed one way. tion ease in a bit of rudder just before the Sustaining knife edge requires rudder to stall to encourage the model the desired raise the nose. This is where most people way. Inverted spins are of course using get their first inkling about yaw coupling

Rudder to aileron mix, 5% left and 7% right. Rudder to elevator mix 9%.

16 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Stick and rudder Sustained knife Graupner MX 22 for the Katana and these edge requires a were set to give the best possible assistance touch of left aileron for knife edge flight. The model has an and a touch of up OS 160 FX driving a 16x10 APC at 9,000 elevator to keep it rpm so it is quite fast. With 9% mixing on straight. elevator and 7% on aileron it may seem a lot but those values are at full deflec- tion. Flying flat out, the Katana only needs around half rudder in low rate to knife edge but the settings give the desired flight path with that amount of rudder. If I was to set the mixing to fly stop the nose pitching as rudder is applied in a vertical climb the values would be slightly different. Even when you are happy the and although some types are better than mix set there will be subtle varions on a others, the aileron and elevator will need different day but that is what makes flying to be adjusted to keep a sustained knife aeroplanes accurately so challenging. edge straight. The model will probably want up elevator and opposite aileron. The next time someone tells you their model does not need any yaw-coupling mix this manoeuvre is a simple way to test that Climbing up to the claim. Once established they should be able top of knife edge to take their hand off the aileron and the loop. As the speed model will track across the horizon without decays pushing rolling out. up to the top the The computer radio does make this left aileron and up easier to do by programming in mixing. elevator have to Many new radio systems now include be increased, quite suggested values in the instructions. The substanially, as the mixing values in the TX photos are from a speed decays.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 17 Stick and rudder up. Often the idle won’t slow right down unless the nose is raised. This is often heard during the flare. Line up to land, with excess height and kill the power then lower the nose. Apply the rudder to yaw then bank at forty five In a side slip keep degrees and steer it in using combination the rudder constant of aileron and elevator. To come in closer, and steer it in slightly increase the bank or to move away with elevator and decrease or you can also use elevator but aileron. The low I suggest mastering one axis at a time. If wing goes into the model gets slow, increase the bank and wind. lower the nose with elevator to pick up speed. You can also apply a little throttle. Knife edge loop. the lift markedly and most people won’t Once you have all three axiis reliably Chunk it down into two sections. In the even notice. Once you can do a loop try for under control you continue on and land. climb more and more opposite aileron and a cuban eight. Getting a straight down line Just ease off the rudder and roll out before up elevator are required and near the top with a half roll in the middle takes a lot of the flare and the key to this is speed. Not where the model is quite slow I am holding practice. airspeed but how quickly do you let the a heap of elevator and aileron. If I didn’t rudder off. Because aeroplanes have differ- make those adjustments the model would ent characteristic and some can be quirky, have rolled out and pitched way off line Side Slip slowly is better as there is more time to as- after a just few seconds. Hopefully it will have dawned on you why sess the total picture. For example the huge After you have achieved getting over I have left the next manoeuvre till last. This inboard wing fillets tend to blank out the the top then take a deep breath and go back is because anything associated with landing tailplane at slow speeds on the Katana. under. The control inputs at the top will be requires manoeuvering at low altitude. If it all starts getting pear shaped, make reduced quite rapidly when the nose passes By now you will have aquired new the decision to go round, an early one. below the horizon and the speed increases. skills at compensating with the other Don’t muck around, get full power on and At the bottom is where a lot of rudder controls and gained some understanding of fly out. power is needed and this is often where how much drag a rudder can create. This By the way if you are a beginner a servo will reveal if they have sufficient drag becomes very useful because high there is a series of article on the basics of power. pitched props used on some of these mod- learning to fly available for free off our If you start getting to low, rolling the els does make them a little harder to slow website,www.rcmn.com.au. wing off vertical by five degrees increases Product Review

Awesome R/C Mig 15 by Dean Williams.

Wingspan 835mm, EDF 69mm, 3-4s LiPo. In any anthology of iconic jet fighters, ers and the fin is hollow except for a balsa thirteen triangular shaped holes cut in the the Mig 15 would have to be close to the spar. There were a number of interlocking belly below the wing mounts. These sup- number one pick. No wonder then that laser cut ply formers solidly glued in place plementary air intakes or “cheater holes” Model Engines have taken the opportunity for mounting the hardware, a ply hook was are the result of a compromise to keep a to add an ARF electric ducted fan (EDF) mounted solidly in the belly for bungee more scale looking nose intake. Inside the Mig-15 to their Awesome RC range. This launching and a plastic tube had been in- fuselage, just aft of the wing trailing edge Mig-15 is 83.5 cm (33 inches) in span, stalled as a conduit for the receiver aerial. was mounted the 69 mm five bladed ducted making it about 1/12th scale and comes There were three hatches, one that en- fan unit complete with brushless motor. fitted with a 69 mm EDF unit and brush- compasses the cockpit area, designed to be The front of the fan unit was accurately less motor. This kit got my heart racing retained with rubber bands for quick access mated to a fuselage former whilst its lugs just looking at it so I was very eager to see to the battery and electronics bay whilst were screwed to ply mounting rails. An what effect the build and flying would have the second was in the belly aft of the wing intake ring was mounted on the other side on my system. for occasional access to the motor and fan. of the former, this improves the efficiency The third was in the fin for access to fit and of the fan by smoothing out the air entering service the elevator servo. the fan around its perimeter, particularly The kit For some reason, this latter hatch was important in the absence of intake duct- The most striking feature of this kit was the a different shade of red to the rest of the ing. The fan looks very similar to an early gorgeous high-gloss fibreglass fuselage, fuselage, making it more conspicuous than version of the Wemotec Minifan, though photos do not do the finish any justice. necessary. Also quite conspicuous were the there are some subtle differences, most There were no surface imperfections to be They say imitation seen, not a pin hole, not a seam, but there is the sincerest were subtle panel and hatch lines moulded form of flattery. A in for scale effect. The paint job was excel- Wemotec Minifan lent, the line between the two finish colours 480 on the left, the was razor sharp from end to end. fan from the Mig My initial impression was the glassing on the right. was a bit heavy around the nose, but after a few hot landings, I was thankful for its extra resilience. The wing and tailplane stubs are shaped over occluded balsa form-

The motor and fan notably the use of a small pin through the unit liberated from shaft adaptor to stop the rotor turning when the airframe. Do tightening the rotor retaining nut, some- check all the screws thing that was a bit of a problem with the are secure, some early Wemotec fans. thread lock would The supplied in-runner motor was 28 not go astray. mm in diameter and 47 mm long with a 4 Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 19 product review: awesome rc mig 15 The build Before getting into the build, a quick test The Mig’s fan set run of the fan indicated it could do with up in a test rig for balancing. I removed the unit, a simple job final balancing. Do of undoing the four self tapping screws and take care and wear here I found the vibration had caused the eye protection screws to chew out the wood of the mount- when running up ing rails and were loose. I glued a couple the fan (any fan of pieces of 3 mm ply to the undersides of really) because….. the mounting rails and used longer screws when re-mounting the fan. Disassembling the fan unit was easy. I mounted the fan rotor on a prop balancer and used strips of masking tape placed on the inside of the fan hub to counterbalance the heavy side of the fan as necessary. The final balancing involved assembling the fan and motor, (some thread locker was used on the screws and nut), mounting it on a test rig and running it up. If it vibrated mm output shaft supported on ball races, cals and a bungee launching system, which excessively, the spinner cone was removed, the KV was specified as being 3,600 RPM/ included an 20 cm metal stake, 7m of 6mm rotated by thirty degrees relative to the ro- V. The power wires had been extended shock cord, 3m of braided nylon line and a tor and re-attached, the fan was then run-up with 16 gauge multi strand silicon wire and metal ring. again. This was repeated until the fan was terminated with male 3.5mm gold plated The A4 instruction booklet featured running at its smoothest, and it was ready bullet connectors. sequences of clear colour photos and plain to be reinstalled in the model. The case had a ribbed finish to increase English text that could be easily followed A warning, after I had reinstalled the surface area and aid heat dissipation, the which was very welcome. The builder fan in the Mig, the spinner cone on the shaft turned smoothly and it had a nice sol- needs to supply three high torque (1.5 fan exploded during final bench testing! I id feel overall. The high level of attention – 2.0 kg/cm) micro servos (8 – 13 g class), was lucky here, as the flying shrapnel was to build and finish quality evident in the two 15 cm and one 30 cm servo extension contained within the fuselage, the only fuselage, was also carried into the flying leads, a BEC equipped brushless speed damage was some chipping to the skin surfaces which were built-up from balsa controller rated for at least 40 amps contin- of the fuselage. Had this occurred dur- and ply, fully sheeted and film covered. uous current and 4S LiPo cells, a 4S LiPo ing testing outside the model, who knows The wings have a fairly thin semi-sym- battery in the range of 2,000 – 3,000 mAh where the pieces might of ended up! I metrical section whilst the all moving capacity and capable of a sustained 40A should add, balancing was done on 3S, stabiliser has a fully symmetrical section. current draw, a three channel (minimum) the spinner failed the first time I ran it on Cardboard tubes had been built into the radio system, hook and loop fastener, some 4S. I was very careful not to overtighten wings and tailplane to carry the carbon fi- masking tape and a few common types of the spinner and I am sure it did not distort bre support rods. The ailerons came already adhesive. with repeated re-tightening. The point is attached with clear tape top and bottom for an aerodynamically clean hinge line. There were pre-painted plastic mouldings for the intake splitter and cockpit canopy, and a clear plastic sheet cut to form a tapered exhaust tube. The wing fences and aileron servo hatch covers were made from fibreglass sheet, the servo covers themselves covered with film to match the wings. The hardware provided included, carbon fibre rods for wing and tailplane supports, pushrods, horns and connectors, three Allen keys, a set of female 3.5mm gold plated connectors to The fan installed in match the ones on the motor, some wooden the airframe with servo mounts, rubber bands and a roll of the thrust tube fitted clear (very) stick tape. There was a sheet of and secured with self adhesive Russian stars and number de- tape.

20 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: awesome rc mig 15 that things can fail and this is a high speed unit so I stress again the need for safety glasses. The other thing to be aware of is no loose objects in front of the fan because for suction, this unit leaves a Hoover for dead. Onto the build proper and the first step in the instructions was hinging the ailerons, but this had already been done (very well too I might add!) so it was onto installing the aileron servos and linkages. I used Hitec HS-65HB’s as they are a robust and strong little servo, just what you need in a fast aircraft like this. However, they were not quite small enough, I needed to grind away some of their case and remove some of the ply framing surrounding the servo mounting recess to get them to fit. I would have preferred a more adjustable push rod system than the one used for the aileron controls, but I persisted with it and provided accurate bends in the

The aileron servo was glued to its recess cover. A drawstring is built into the wing to pull the servo lead through the ribs. wire were made, it works well enough. When fitting the linkages, its important that they are slop free as any slop can lead to high- speed flutter and failure of the control surface. The design of the all-moving stabiliser made it particularly easy to mount and achieve a very clean and neat (low drag) set up with the servo and control linkages completely enclosed in the fin. However, the execution did not quite go as planned. I had noticed that the tailplane halves had different incidence when mounted on the carbon support rods and left uncorrected, this would affect roll trim. I relieved the front support rod mounting hole in one of the stabiliser halves until the two halves would align and then glued the The wings are supported on a pair of sturdy carbon fibre spars. carbon rod into the modified hole to maintain the alignment. I also The fit could not be faulted. found the elevator pushrod was too thin for the clevice, so it was TRADING HOURS COL TAYLOR MODELS Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 16 Cheshire St Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 Closed Sat-Sun Welcome Phone 02 6925 6600. Fax 02 6925 7700 We will be closed from Email [email protected] www.coltaylormodels.com Dec 25th till Jan 4th. Enjoy your break MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our national customers from Col, Tony, Daryl, Pat.

Due to the constantly fluctuating Australian dollar, these prices are subject to change without notice. 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www.coltaylormodels.com COL TAYLOR MODELS Due to the contantly fluctuating Australian dollar, these prices are subject to change without notice. VQ & TM MODELS Futaba Engines 6EX 2.4 GHz TX-RX...... $329 OS two stroke SUPER TIGRE PRICE CRASH WW11 7 CH 2.4 GHz TX-RX ...... $429 40 FX...... $149 Australian Warranty AT-6 Texan 1540mm 72FS...... $279 9ch 2.4 GHz TX-RX...... $699 40 LA ...... $95 40 ...... $99 P-51B Mustang 1460mm 72FS...... $279 10 ch 2.4 GHz TX-RX...... $839 46 AX...... $149 45 ...... $110 P-39 Airacobra 1580mm 72FS...... $279 12 ch 2.4 GHz TX-RX...... $1439 46 LA...... $110 51...... $125 Zero 1580 mm 72FS...... $279 14 ch 2.4 GHz TX-RX...... $2750 50 SX...... $239 61R...... $130 FW-190 1490mm 72FS...... $279 6 Ch 2.4 RX...... $149 55AX...... 169 61ABC...... $165 Kawasaki KI-61 Hein Tony 1540..$279 7 Ch 2.4 RX...... $159 75AX...... $239 75...... $158 Hawker Hurricane 1490 72 FS...... $279 8 Ch 2.4 RX...... $219 91 FX...... $279 90...... $170 ME-109 1540 72FS...... $279 14 Ch 2.4 RX...... $279 120 AX no muffler...... $269 2300...... $219 Macchi 205 46...... $279 12ZA 36 MHz...... $1899 120 AX with muffler.... $329 3250...... $259 Mig 1580 72FS...... $279 12ZA TX battery charger- case ONLY...... $1490 160 FX no muffler...... $359 ASP 4/S P-40 Kitty Hawk 1600mm 91FS...$329 9CAP-CHP Super Synth...... $699 160 FX with muffler..... $429 30...... $169 Kawasaki KI-61 Hein Tony 1570..$329 9CAP-CHP no servos...... $489 .. 160FX with 52...... $199 Hawker Hurricane 1610 91 FS...... $329 Skysport 4 ch 4 servo nicads charger...... $229 Bisson Pitts muffler...... $399 61...... $210 ZERO 120 w retracts...... $399 AG-401 Gyro with servo...... $289 OS four stroke 70...... $239 SPORT AG-401 Gyro only...... $199 NEW FSA 110...... $549 91...... $269 Megafly 1480mm...... $189 CR 2500 charger Cycler...... $189 FS-91 fuel injected...... $579 120 FS...... $339 Spacewalker 1480mm...... $219 3001 ball raced 4 for...... $79 FS-120P...... $$529 180 FS...... $439 Tomahawk 1340mm 61FS...... $279 3003 4 for...... $60 FS-40...... $259 Aviastar engines to clear! Cap 10B 1495 mm 91 FS...... $329 148 4 for...... $69 F56 Alpha...... $289 120 with Pitts muffler..$259 Cap 10B 1970 mm 120 FS...... $399 6ch FM receiverwith crystal...... $110 81 ...... $379 150 with Pitts muffler..$259 91 FS...... $399 Magic Pylon 1150 mm .32...... $139 7ch PCM receiver with crystal.... $129 180 with Pitts muffler..$269 91FS-P...... $459 7Ch PCM receiver dual conversion...... $269 200 with Pitts muffler..$299 TWINS 120 FS-E...... $489 Special Moki 135...... $299 9ch PCM A-26 Invader 2x 40 1720mm...... $399 Synthesised RX ...... $289 200FS ...... $529 NEW MT ENGINES 14ch DPS RX...... $349 P-38 Lightning 2 x 72 FS 2050...... $599 OS Helicopter two stroke 42cc single gas CDI....$350 Synthesised TX module...... $149 P-61Black Widow 2x91FS 88”...... $659 50 Hyper...... $239 50cc...... $399 3001 servos 4 for...... $89 91 sz-h ring...... $349 57cc High Performance..... THUNDER TIGER Advanced Scale Models $499 54 FS was 299 now...... $229 A-26 Invader 2 x 46 with retracts $459 Hitec 62cc “ “ “...... $450 OPTIC 6 sport computer radio w 8ch RX...... $220 75 FS was 319 special.. $239 ZENOAH Seagull Models Optic 6 ...... $289 Pro 46 ...... $119 62cc special...... $649 Gee Gee 2 1800mm 200FS...... $359 Laser 4 CH.FM 4 servos NC+Chgr...... $199 Pro 61 2c was 219 now $169 Decathlon 2000mm 200FS...... $399 MVVS ENGINE SPECIAL Deacthlon 1800mm 91FS...... $329 8CH Dual conversion receiver with crystal...... $65 35cc w silencer...... $569 Servos 45 no silencer...... $799 311 4 for...... $60 SAITO with Australian Warranty 755 HB 1/4 sec 19kg .23...... $45 635 HB 5kg .18...... $39 30 c...... $219 115...... $399 645 MG 7kg 4 for...... $179 30...... $245 125...... $419 425 BB 3.3kg ...... $23 40...... $259 150 SPECIAL...... $499 170 radial 3 cyl...... $999 422 four for ...... $75 45...... $259 180...... $569 225 BB mini...... $26 56 ...... $239 56F...... $259 182 TD twin cyl...... $820 225 BB mini (metal gear) ...... $36 60 twin cyl...... $689 200 TI twin cyl...... $999 125 MG thin wing...... $39 BLACK HORSE ARF 62 ...... $269 220 ...... $699 85 BB 3kg...... $32 72 ...... $299 300T twin cyl...... $1100 Stock Sale SAVE SAVE SAVE 5245 MG digital mini 4.4 kg...... $59 Tornado ...... 1.46 metre .46’ $119 82...... $349 300TT DP twin cyl..... $1299 Cobra Sport 1.36 metre ...... 46’ $139 5475 BB “ “ 4.4kg ...... $39 91...... $399 325 R5 radial 5 cyl..... $2159 J3 Cub 1.84 metre ...... 46’ $159 5745 MG “ 18 kg 1/4 sec...... $85 90 Radial 3cyl...... $799 450 R3D radila 3 cyl.. $1620 Spitfire 55”...... 46’ $159 5645 MG 10.0 kg...... $65 90 twin cyl...... $759 NEW Canter ...... 1.47 metre .46’ $169 6635 HB digital 6 kg 0.15 cm-sec...... $59 100...... $399 36cc single cyl gas spark Thunderbolt 1.34 metre ...... 90 $219 6965 HB digital 8.0kg 0.08 cm-sec...... $79 100 twin cyl...... $639 ignition...... $1025 Sukhoi SU31 1.73 metre ..... 160 $289 55 micro four for SPECIAL...... $60 100 TI twin cyl...... $849 Spitfire...... 71” 120 $289 81 four for SPECIAL...... $70 Cap 232 2.06 metre ...... 160 $319 New. 5985-MG 10kg...... $99 STARTERS for large models Hangar 9 JR SF belt reduction add own electric motor...$199 Frenzy 100 61” 125 FS $299 DSX-9 2.4...... $889 SF belt reduction with electric motor...... $279 2610 only...... $399 Funtana 50 $219 2720 7ch 20mm synth...... $499 Sullivan Dynatron 12-24volt...... $169 Funtana 100 $299 SPEKTRUM F-22 Raptor with simulator disk $469 DX-6 TX - 6200 full range rx with charger...... $239 Cessna 182 95” with simulator disk $829 DX-7 radio. Mode 1-2 w 4x 489 digi 5kg servos Special World Models ARF batteries and charger...... $499 Extra 300 80” 1602S.200FS was $649.....$449 P-51 Mustang w radio +simulator disk $589 Flite Log suit AR9000-7000...... $62 AR7000 RX...... $139 Fun World 70” 3D 120FS...... $200 AR9000 RX...... $169 Katana 36% 106” 100CC...... $659 PHOENIX AR9000 with TX module...... $269 Katana 29% 3D 50CC...... $599 Pitts Bulldog 55” 120fs $329 AR7000 with tx module...... $209 Ultimate 42% 98” 150CC was $1450.....$1200 AT-6 Texan 59” w retracts $229 Servos Ultimate 33% 76” 100CC was $950...... $749 Katana EP 49”3D $189 539 four for...... $99 371 four for...... $99 Super Frontier Snr. 80” 91-120 was 310...$289 AWESOME R/C E-SKY 4 CH Radio with buddy box lead and extra transmitter (2TXs) s ...... $289 Thunder Tiger RAPTOR Waco Biplane ready to fly with 4ch radio, Extreme Link 2.4 SPECIAL battery-charger-brushless motor-esc $259 TX module with 8ch RX JR-FUT-HT...... $199 50 Titan Kit only $429 TX module with 10ch. RX JR-FUT-HT...... $259 Black Widow suit 2x46 or 61fs 79” $479 50Titan kit with motor $559 10ch RX ...... $129 50 Titan ARF special $529 8ch. RX ...... $ 89 90 3D kit $789 Due to the Australian dollar cont- BLUEBIRD SERVOS 136 MG 6.1 kg 2 BB retract...... $45 antly fluctuating, these prices are subject to 620 MG 9.1 kg 2BB...... $45 change without notice. 621 MG 6.4 kg 2 BB...... $45 www.coltaylormodels.com product review: awesome rc mig 15 replaced with one from my spares box. I used a Hitec HS-65HB to secure it to the fan around the exposed half, it was impos- for elevator control and this was fixed in place with medium CA sible to tape the far side of the overlap and to date, this has not (epoxy wouldn’t stick!) after fitting a 30 cm extension lead and been a problem. Where the sheet overlapped on itself, it was setting and checking the elevator trim and throws. taped down on the outside where it could be reached from the When it came to mounting the elevator halves to the fin, the openings. retaining grub screw could not be tightened onto the carbon rod, I wanted to secure the overlap from the inside as well to part of the internal structure must have got in the way. Instead, give it a very smooth finish. To achieve this I slid a metal ruler both halves were glued onto the rods with epoxy, a couple of lay- down between the fuselage skin and the exhaust tube, aligning ers of paper placed between the stubs on the fin and the tailplane it with the inner overlap. I cut a length of tape a bit longer than roots whist the glue cured ensured rub-free movement. the exhaust tube and attached one end to a 10mm square stick, Whilst the fan unit was out of the model, I wrapped the wider folding it over so the sticky side was facing out. The stick and end of the exhaust-tube sheet around the fan shroud and marked tape was carefully lowered down the rear end of the exhaust where I needed to make cut outs for the mounts and the wiring to tube and once it reached the fan the tape was introduced to the give it about 10 mm of overlap with the shroud. With the fan in- line of the overlap. The stick was pulled free of the tape and it stalled in the fuselage the exhaust tube was fed in through the tail was then used to rub down the tape from the fan to the outlet, and then wrapped tightly around the fan. The clear tape was used the ruler providing a firm and flat surface to rub against. This achieved a very smooth finish and gradual taper from the fan to the outlet, which is very important to maximise the efficiency of the fan and the delivery of thrust. The outlet diameter of my exhaust tube was 58 mm, this provided an outlet area equivalent to 90% of the fan swept area (FSA). The FSA is the total frontal area of the fan, less the frontal area of the motor tube, in other words, the area of the swathe made by the fan blades. Anywhere between 80 and 100% FSA is generally OK for our EDF models. As the FSA increases to 100%, static thrust increases (good for acceleration and vertical performance) whist a lower FSA, 80% or a bit less, will give higher efflux velocity (higher top speed) at the expense of lower static thrust (ability to accelerate). So a FSA of about 90% is a good compromise between top speed and acceleration. EDF’s have a very different thrust profile to The servos were glued in place. propellers, the relatively low static thrust means they can take The Model Aeronautical Association of Australia Inc. The M.A.A.A. is the Australian National organization for aeromodelling as well as the International representative. The executive represents aeromodellers to the So, why join a club? Federal Government on the very important matters of air space and exclusive use of l Get Help and Assistance frequencies. Experienced flyers can help you When the Federal Government along the way. Flying instruction is regulates, it is the M.A.A.A. that represents available at participating clubs. you. Among the important functions the MAAA performs are: To be an M.A.A.A. member you need to l Associate with like minds l Providing a variety of insurance policies join an State/Territory affiliated club and Share experiences, find out what’s for the aeromodeller, including Public and that brings even more benefits. in, what’s out. Products Liability* What if you live in an area where there is l Representing Australian aeromodellers no club? l Have insurance cover on the International Aeromodelling Com- If there enough modellers, As an MAAA affiliated club mem- mission of the Federation Aeronautique why not form your own? ber, you’re covered by insurance Internationale through membership of the Or else, many clubs have country mem- policies applicable to aeromodel- Australian Sport Aviation Confederation, ber affiliation at a reduced cost and that ling including Public and Products thus providing the right to enter World and will make you an M.A.A.A. member. Liability Continental Championships. l Protect your investment in the l Providing low-cost loans to clubs for the To contact your nearest club email, call or hobby. purchase of flying fields and for the devel- write the MAAA secretary, Be represented by Australia’s opment of existing fields. Kevin Dodd largest Sport Aviation group with l Assisting clubs with obtaining legal advice [email protected] representation in Canberra. R/C on matters affecting flying field tenure. Ph: (07) 32079067 frequencies and flying fields are l Promoting safe operation of model aircraft MODEL AERONAUTICAL and in compliance with the Regulations of just two of the important issues that ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA Inc. this representation protects. the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. www.maaa.asn.au * Available only through participating affiliated State/ Politicians respond to numbers. Territory Associations.

24 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: awesome rc mig 15 longer on take-off to accelerate to flying Looking from the speed. This is why a bungee line has been rear end at the fin’s supplied with the kit to help launch the balsa root and the model. plastic tube for the I have been bungee launching models receiver aerial. (pushers and EDF’s) for many years and I have summarised this experience in a separate article in the previous issue of RCM News. I was concerned that the position of the tow hook fitted to the Mig was too close to the balance point, and this might Below right; the cause the model to pitch up steeply on elegantly shaped launch. I decided to fit a new tow hook, 90 factory fitted mm forward of the original tow hook. bungee tow hook This involved securely gluing in a (on the left) was 20x30x10 mm hardwood block to the made from ply. I inside of the fuselage and screwing in a glued a hardwood 20mm x 6G self-tapping screw, letting the block inside the head stand about 5 mm proud of the skin to fuselage and act as the tow hook. Another slight modi- fitted my own fication I made was to paint the cockpit tow hook (AKA self-tapping screw) floor with matt black enamel paint and fit further forward. a medium sized Wemotec pilot figure and The forward hook a seat back shaped from balsa, this added a produces a much bit more character to the model. better launch The cockpit canopy was glued on with for those less epoxy whilst the intake splitter was glued experienced. with medium CA and thin CA was used

The equipment bay to glue the wing fences. Fitting and fixing under the cockpit. the wings was very easy and the alignment A neat layout can was perfect. The servo leads were just be achieved and long enough to reach the Hitec Electron 6 there is quick and receiver mounted with Velcro on the gear easy access to the tray under the cockpit. battery. Make sure I made a number of attempts to push you use plenty the receiver aerial up the aerial tube, but of hook and loop gave up as I couldn’t get more than 5 cm fastener to secure in before it refused to go any further. This the battery. really didn’t trouble me as I had concerns VICTORIA’S BEST HOBBY STORE

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Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 25 product review: awesome rc mig 15 from the start about the potential RF interference from running the antenna so close in parallel to the motor power wires. Instead I drilled a hole in the side of the fuselage to run it out and up to the top of the fin where it was secured it with some clear tape, not as neat but I had no radio range issues. An SJ Conquest 45 amp speed controller was mounted to the gear tray opposite the receiver with space left between for the battery. I used a Flight- Power EVO25 4S (14.8v) 2150 mAh LiPo battery, at 228g it balanced the Mig right on the mid point of the recommended range of 65 to 75 mm from the trailing edge at the fuselage sides. I trimmed the tailplane to align with the stubs on the fin and I did not have a lot of faith in the holding capacity of the supplied I set its throws as indicated in the instructions, 7 mm and 10 mm 8 inch bungee stake (the shiny one at the top) I prefer to use a each way at low and high rates respectively. The ailerons were pair of more sturdy 12 inch stakes.

also set-up as shown, 5 and 8 mm each way at low and high rates respectively. These thows turned out to be way too touchy. For good measure, 40% expo was dialled into both controls. A check of the power system with the freshly charged 4-cell FlightPower pack showed 36.5 amps being pulled at 13.6 volts for 497 watts, equivalent to 185 watts per pound for the ready to fly weight of 1,220 g (43 oz). I placed the Mig nose down on some scales to roughly measure static thrust, which registered a respectable 1 kilo. I also ran the power system on a 3-cell LiPo and got the figures of 23.7 amps at 10.5 volts for 249 watts, half the power level of the 4-cell set-up. Recently at the Swan Hill Electric Fly I did see the Mig flown off the standard hook with 3S power bit I feel the performance offered by 4s is a better option. Given this, if this is your first EDF I would discourage attempts to fly the Mig on a 3-cell pack. The A little bit of extra detail in the cockpit can add a lot of extra self-adhesive decals were applied and the Mig-15 was ready to visual impact. take to the skies.

E-FLITE SEAGULL MODELS EXTRA 260...... $159 SPACE WALKER II...... $125 138 Princes Highway. MINI KATANA...... $159 AT6 TEXAN...... $195 Fairy Meadow 2519 DIAMANTE 25E...... $220 SEA FURY...... $280 Model MINI SHOWTIME...... $165 ART - TECH Phone: 02 4285 5221. MINI FUNTANA X...... $159 COOTA AMPHIBIAN...... $260 Fax: 02 4284 0813 ENTICEMENT F3P...... $79.95 MINI P-51D MUSTANG...... $209 GREEN AIR KYOSHO Sports for Prompt Mail Orders MINI G-BEE Y...... $199 SPACEWALKER...... $358 www.modelsports.com.au CURTISS JENNY...... $259 VQ MODELS SOPWITH CAMEL...... $185 CURTISS KITTYHAWK...... $262 HELICOPTERS SPIRIT 3D...... $140 A26 INVADER...... $330 RAPTOR 30 PACKAGE...... $950 FUTABA CESSNA BIRD DOG...... $130 SAITO TM MODELS TITAN RAPTOR 50 PKG..$1160 12FG...... $1200 ESM MODELS FA-45...... $295 EDGE 540-EP...... $273 SHUTTLE SCADU EVO...... $820 FW-190A...... $649 9 CAP...... $735 FA-65...... $379 YAK 54 - 63...... $270 RAPTOR 30...... $430 HAWKER TYPHOON...... $435 7 CAP...... $539 FA-72...... $385 ZERO FIGHTER...... $430 RAPTOR 90SE...... $1290 GREAT PLANES 6 EXA...... $345 FA-82...... $480 BLADE 400...... $499 BIG STIK 60...... $170 ROBBE SKYSPORT NICAD FA-125...... $560 BIG STIK 40...... $145 SKYWIND ACRO...... $139 E-FLITE BLADE,ADE CX2..$249 3 SERVOS...... $195 V MAR MODELS TWISTER MEDIVAC...... $199 VIPER 500...... $195 HITEC OTHER ENGINES NORTH AMERICAN THUNDERTIGER MINI SPIRIT 2 MTR...... $135 FLASH 5...... $245 DA-50...... $790 TEXAN AT-6G...... $199 TITAN...... $340 FLING ARF...... $114 DA-85...... $1095 2 X ALIGN T-REX 450...... $299 ECLIPSE 7...... $379 EXTRA 300S 40-50CC..... $599 HANGAR 9 DZY-48...... $850 SUNDOWNER...... $519 HYPERION EXTRA 300S 160...... $620 SPORTSMAN AVIATION ZENOAH FUNTANA 50...... $255 PARAMOUNT 50...... $179 EOS 610 NET...... $239 SUPER SPORTSTER 40 $165 G-20...... $375 FUNTANA X 100...... $339 VICTA AIRTOURER...... $450 EOS 5 IDP...... $115 AT6 TEXAN...... $299 G-26 W/ELECT IGNITION $449 CAP 232 G 27%...... $520 PRECISION AEROBATICS EDS 12-101...... $252 SPIRIT ELITE ARF...... $175 G-45...... $589 EXTRA 260 27%...... $540 ELECTRIC SHOCK...... $128 BALANCER...... $68 DOLPHIN MODELS YS-63S...... $390 KATANA MD...... $240 YAK 54...... $600 WORLD MODELS CHARGERS YS-110...... $580 WORLD STAR 40 ...... $159 BAD BOY...... $215 CM PRO KITS SWALLOW 12 VOLT...... $65 YS-170...... $990 EXTRA 331 50CC...... $529 SKY RAIDER MKII...... $99 ADDICTION...... $175 SWALLOW AC/DC...... $129 JBA-56A...... $129 CESSNA 182...... $469 CAP 232EP...... $175 MULTIPLEX JBA-120...... $199 AT5 TEXAN...... $200 GROOVY 3D...... $159 CULARIUS GLIDER...... $289 OS ENGINES JBA-140...... $249 LANCAIR...... $200 FUN WORLD EP...... $147 BLACK HORSE 40 LA...... $99 SPE-26CC...... $390 SWALLOW F3A...... $340 SUPER CHIPMUNK EP.....$168.9 TWISTER...... $125 46 LA...... $115 SPE-43CC...... $450 P51-D 140...... $400 LA RACER ...... $169 SUKHOI 31...... $345 46 AX...... $149 DL 50...... $469 YAK 54 40-70...... $235 RAMBLER EP...... $110 BRAVO 303...... $245 55 AX...... $189 TOC-53...... $500 YAK 54 140...... $395 FUNWORLD 40...... $159 SEBART PHOENIX/SEAGULL P-47D THUNDERBOLT...... $495 ANGEL S 50E...... $295 SX50H...... $240 SPACEWALKER...... $189 NEMESIS 52...... $285 KATANA 30E...... $250 61FX...... $265 EDGE 540 EP...... $147 BARBER JEAN 52...... $285 RADIOS 120AX...... $260 INNOVATOR...... $99 SUKHOI 30E...... $245 SPEKTRUM DSM DX7...... $500 120AX W/MUFFLER...... $325 YAK 54...... $185 42% EXTRA 330L...... $1989 DX6...... $245 140RX...... $630 BOOMERANG...... $95 THUNDERTIGER DSM2 AIR MODULE...... $329 160FX...... $360 BOOMERANG 60...... $135 VELOCITY...... $146 JR FL70...... $265 CLASSIC TRAINER...... $95 SEPTEMBER FURY...... $489 DSX9 2.4...... $960 FS91 SURPASS...... $405 MAGIC 3D EP...... $116 GILES 202 3D PROFILE...... $54 X2720...... $580 TUCANO EP...... $125 FS91 S PUMP...... $430 RARE BEAR 1/2 SCALE...... $120 X2610...... $400 CAP 232...... $120 FS120 E...... $490 RARE BEAR 1/16 SCALE.....$435 QUATTRO...... $185 YAK 54...... $135 FS200...... $535

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product review: awesome rc mig 15

Time to turn Southern Tassie into Mig Alley! Despite being the middle of winter, I was presented with cool, clear days with light winds for the test-flying, bonus! For the first few flights, I decided to use my tried and tested launching ramp and bungee system (the fewer unknowns for the first flights the better!), so these were set up whilst the batteries were charging. The bungee I use for models weighing around 1-2 kg is made up of 10 metres of 8 mm shock cord with another 5m of nylon line to reduce the intensity of the downward part (vector) of the pull. I stretched it to give 6-7 kg of pull, equivalent to a bit over 5 times Sabre hunting! the weight of the Mig. With everything looking good following the final check over (balance, range and control direction) it was The ample thrust on tap ensures fast and steep climbs can “twang time”! The Mig was hooked up to the bungee using the be achieved and it can get quite small before gravity finally screw I had installed and following a deep breath (or two) it was triumphs. Just remember, as speed drops away, so does control released. authority. As the bungee slackened and dropped away, the motor was Landing in calm conditions requires a long and shallow ap- gradually spooled up and the Mig started to pitch up and up until proach. I would recommend shutting the motor off completely it was vertical and all speed was lost. Fortunately, by this time it before touch down as the cheater holes will collect debris that was also eighty metres in the air, with no time to hit the trim lever, could damage the fan, also make sure any debris is cleaned out I managed to fight it to the ground for a safe landing. The trim on before running the fan after landing. I was impressed at the the tailplane was adjusted to lower the trailing edge by 1 mm at resilience of the belly, I thought the glass work would easily be the root and it was loaded back into the launcher. This time the damaged, particularly around the cheater holes, but it has held launches went perfectly with a nice steady climb out (what a dif- up to some hot landings really well. I kept flight times to about ference 1 mm can make!). Once it’s away from the launch, speed four minutes, this would pull about 2,000 mAh out of the pack. continues to build quickly, very quickly! Roll control on low rates Whilst this may not seem like a lot of time, its enough for the was a nicely balanced, not too touchy but with good authority, Mig to cover a lot of ground and the intensity also makes it roll rate was about 360 degrees per second at full tilt. Banked on seem a lot longer. its side through a turn, it was hard not to be struck by the classic A bigger pack can be accommodated but with the inevitable beauty of that swept wing and tail, very sweet indeed! I did have to weight and performance penalty. The 25C continuous rated execute turns with some care initially, as elevator control was way battery was only just warm at the end of the flights, as would too sensitive, I was only a thumb twitch away from a high-speed be expected from this strong pack. After a few flights when stall and that was in low rates. all the trim and control issues were sorted, I tested the sup- Adjusting the elevator throw to 3 mm each way (less than half plied bungee and original tow hook with a hand release. To the original throw) and moving the balance point 5 mm forward secure the bungee line, I swapped the supplied stake for two really smoothed out the pitch sensitivity whilst still keeping plenty longer stakes as the ground was quite soft. The bungee line of control, now its just the way I like it. Low-speed stalls were was stretched out for 10 paces (about 12 kg tension) and the pretty exciting with a quick snap into a spin, recovery requiring model was released from chest height at full power. However, a bit of height so the controls to be centralised and a gentile pull as I suspected, the rearward position of the factory tow hook out executed. Best just keep the speed up, after all, that’s one of made the launch very steep, inducing a stall that I didn’t have the main reasons you fly a jet fighter in the first place! Indeed one enough height to recover from. of it’s best manoeuvres is the high speed swooping pass down the Based on my experience, I would strongly recommend runway, the sudden change in pitch of the hum and whistle of the fitting a tow hook further forward, particularly for the first power system as it goes by adding to the sensory impact. flights.

Conclusion There is no denying, on the ground and in the air, the Awesome Mig-15 has real presence, charisma, gravitas. All this and its so accessible, and it works. There were some quality issues, but these pale away when considering the whole package. The performance ranges from wild to intense, there is nothing mild about it! I found it really got the adrenalin pumping, and so it should. This is a model for the intermediate to advanced pilot and would make a great step up from a EDF trainer like the Multi- plex Twister or fast pusher models like the Awesome BD-5 or Multiplex Microjet. It needs to be treated with respect and it will deliver (dare I say) awesome performance in return. The Awesome RC Mig 15 is distributed to hobby shops by Model Engines Australia, Telephone 03 8793 5555 www.modelengines.co.au

The Mig on a fast and flat landing approach.

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Supertigre G-34 by Neil Giggins.

This engine is presented as the second in this series and the smallest engine in the Super Tigre range for review. The comprehensive line-up extends through to the not honed, same as the GS40. Claimed from a local Model Store. Instructions G3250 Giant size. improved porting was clearly evident when were clear on fuel type to be used as well These engines obviously have the same looking down the bore. All components as prop sizes. A recommended 9x6 Master design & manufacturing characteristics, were as expected very clean. Rotation Airscrew prop was selected for the running and all bear the familiar Italian design of the crankshaft rod & piston was very in procedure. form & engineering features that have been smooth with no tight spots. Engineering Initial starting and running in proved very popular for many years. The letters practices, as with the GS40, are improved to be a very simple exercise, after fuelling “CHINA” cast into the back plate & on by the methods used to attach the silencer up, primed & first rotation of the starter & the huge silencer give away the country of adaptor to the crankcase with long through it was running. Kept it at a fast idle until manufacture for this product. bolts & nuts. The very substantial clamp warm & then up to full throttle & control- The packaging of this engine was for the silencer with a 4mm bolt & nut will led the rpm with the mixture ensuring it identical to the GS 40. All individual items ensure the silencer stays very secure on its was very rich for the first five minutes were found to be lightly oiled, wrapped adaptor, in operation this has proven to be (as per Super Tigre instructions.) Ran separately & sealed. A solid formed foam the case. two tanks of fuel through the engine with base ensured the engine was protected from The carburettor design is the classic excessive rich to smooth running to be sure transit damage. The package contained a Super Tigre twin needles within moving/ it was holding settings before committing very detailed instruction booklet with an rotating barrel, the end of which is covered to flight. Initially the acceleration off idle easy to read English instructions together by a very generous rubber boot that is de- was a trifle hesitant and a couple of minor with the obligatory cautions. Attention to signed to, keep the dirt out. Throttle arm is tweaks on the idle mixture toward a leaner detail is very obvious with the presentation, very substantial, made from polycarbonate setting had it idling, accelerating like it was down to the glow plug in it’s own sealed & held positioned by a very generous a veteran. Idle RPM was simply adjusted plastic bag. clamp, adjustable for any angle required. on the TX, it was then smooth, and pickup Casting quality of all aluminium com- The carburettor is held into the crank- from idle was excellent - solid throughout. ponents & additional fining was clearly case with the traditional Super Tigre scal- The plan was to use this engine to sup- evident. Machining of all components was loped through bolt, which is very effective port a trainee pilot and as a test of noise noted to be of a very high standard finish & allows the carb. to be positioned to suit emissions produced from smaller two- & fits were excellent. It was interesting virtually any installation. Very fine threads stroke engines. Our club is currently going to note the piston skirts had a crosshatch on the needle provide for very precise mix- through a process with the local Shire honed finish whilst the steel liner was ture adjustment & guaranteed remaining set Council due to a noise complaint. As this with a double clip ratchet spring. engine is supplied with a generous sized Engine installation into an EXCELL muffler and by fitting a larger prop. I had 2000 Trainer Model was very straight every confidence it would pass even the forward made easier with the infinitely most critical noise test. A 10.5 x 5 APC, variable positions of the carburetor, muffler slightly more pitch, was then fitted for & throttle arm it wasn’t long before it was flying. It was pleasing to see this engine ready to run. and airframe combination easily met the Super Tigre instructions were very required noise standard required for our specific on many pages of their instruc- field. That is 80 Dba @ 7 metres . tion manual not to flip start engine using Subsequent flights were a delight, ones finger(s). An electric starter applied engine started first time every time & re- to a plastic spinner for all starts ensured sponded extremely well in all flight modes compliance with the instructions. in spite of heavy smoke trail due to the rich A Premium Glow fuel consisting of mixture. Throttle response was excellent 13% Klotz oil with 5% Castor base and after prolonged descents & throttling up. For those who have never seen the inside. 10% Nitro methane was the fuel provided It was not necessary to change any of the

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 29 product review: supertigre g34 settings for subsequent flights over a period of four weeks and approximately six hours of continuous flying. With such trouble free operation and established settings it was possible to provide the student with a reliable engine/aircraft combination which greatly reduces training time and creates absolute confidence in the mind of the pilot. This is the second Super Tigre engine tested and its performance was exactly as advertised. Out of the box it is a perfect engine for the trainer/sport flyer in the appropriate airframe. There was no benefit in doing full power output, RPM vs prop performance tests because individuals seeking a reliable engine

Trouble free operation over six hours of continuous flying. The 10.5x5 APC produced 80 DBa at 7 metres, ideal for noise sensitive flying fields.

for a trainer or small-scale type models are not seeking absolute power based performance. Additionally in today’s ‘politically correct’ society and sensitive neighbourhoods, noise levels outweigh performance values. They want the performance & reliability that this engine provides in it’s reliable starting, idle, mid range, & adequate power for their chosen subject; this the Super Tigre G34 should certainly provide over a long period of operation. The Supertiger G34 is distributed to hobby shops by The Its performance was exactly as advertised. Hobby Headquarters tel 02 9545 1944 www.hhq.com.au

30 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY THE HOBBY HEADQUARTERS PTY LTD. TEL(02) 9545 1944 WEB:WWW.HHQ.COM.AU Product Review

Sport Flyers Rythym 3D by Grahame Goodson.

The Rhythm 3D is a 30” span X 33” long foam indoor biplane that is somewhere Wingspan 755mm, 2s LiPo, service ceiling unknown due to low roof. between the ARF and kit build model. I would categorise it as “: quick build” So let’s assemble!! glued. With the lower wing lying flat on whereas I believe this model could be com- The motor supplied had its own back the building board, the appropriate fuse- pleted in two or three nights, I took a more plate mount, and this is screwed to the pre lage tabs are inserted into the wing slots relaxed approach to the construction. installed fire-wall with three overly large and glued. The inter plane wing struts are The model has factory cut and colour screws. I noticed that the fire-wall was a bit similarly assembled and glued, ensuring printed foam parts, the wings and tail feath- wobbly, which was quickly fixed with foam that everything is square. When the glue ers being of the flat sheet variety, whilst the safe cyano. On further checking, I found has cured, the top wing is laid flat on the fuselage is ready built up and ready for the it necessary to re glue several more of the building board and the fuselage/lower wing installation of motor, controller and battery fuselage joints. assembly is mated to the top wing and which are all purchased separately. etc. Next the elevator is re-enforced with glued. Equipment used in this review which are carbon strips before being inserted through We now have something that resem- also available as a package consists of three the slot at the rear of the fuselage. The bles a model, but beware, at this stage the Blue Arrow micro servos, E-Max CF2822 stabilizer is then slipped into position structure is very flimsy! Carbon tube is outrunner, Scanner 25amp ESc and a GM- and glued, after which the elevators can now fed through pre cut holes in the wings Fly 800mAh 2 cell (2s) LiPo. be hinged with clear tape. (Not supplied, and interplant struts and glued initially to The foam is a little flimsy, and care is modellers choice). If the tail is not done in the bottom wing Note also that wherever a needed handling the items. I am not sure this sequence, you will not be able to fit the carbon tube goes through a foam surface, what sort of foam it is, it is not as dense elevators if the tail plane is glued in place the holes are re-enforced prior to assembly or as rigid as Depron. The outer surface first. Now the rudder can be hinged to the with thin plastic discs. is coated with a thin paper to which the col- fin in the same manner as the elevators af- The lower wing is again placed flat on our printing is applied. ter a bevel is sanded into the leading edge. the building board, the upper wing is trued Also included is a quantity of carbon Now the trailing edges of both wings up. The carbon rods are then glued to the fibre rods and strip to stiffen the model, are re-enforced with carbon strip in the top wing and the interplane struts. What wire for control linkages and hardware same manner as the elevators, and then, as results is a surprisingly rigid model. Care to hook up the controls. A pair of pre as- above, the ailerons are hinged to the wings must still be taken as the foam is easily sembled carbon fibre undercarriage legs using your preferred method. The wings marked or broken. The ailerons are now and a preformed tail wheel unit complete have pre cut slots, into which correspond- joined in a very cunning method, three the package. ing tabs on the fuselage are inserted and pieces of carbon rod, joined with two pieces of heat shrink tube (provided). The joints are carefully strengthened with CA. This is a very effective way of connecting the upper and lower ailerons, and works surprisingly well. Small wing “fences are now added above and below the interplane struts, to provide quite large surface area which I presume is for knife edge flight. The undercarriage legs are inserted through pre located holes in the lower wing, and then reinforced at both the wing junction and where the legs enter the fuselage structure. The assembled tail wheel unit is now glued into its location slot in the tail. The model sits on its wheels in the Ready to get approximate level flight attitude started. The micro servos are held into their respective slots by whatever method you 32 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: sport flyers rythym 3d choose……I used double sided tape. The battery, in its dedicated compartment in the Flying control horns are epoxied in position on top forward fuselage the battery hatch is I have been bought up in the belief that the control surfaces. Rudder and elevator held in place by pre-installed tiny magnets, aeroplanes need an aerofoil wing section in pushrods are thin wire, each supported on providing easy access for charging etc. order to fly. Since returning from working the fuselage sides by plywood guides. I There are additional decals provided to fur- in Hong Kong my flying skills are pretty used a Z bend at the horn end, and micro ther dress up the already colourful model. rusty so I though it would serve the product ezy connectors on the servo end, as for me, When sticking the velcro dot or patch well if I handed the model for Stephen this makes setting up the controls simple. onto the battery pack remove the small la- Green to fly. The instructions call for a single servo bel first otherwise the patch will just come “Basically we are about to fly a foam driving all four ailerons. I thought that this off, along with the label. There are two fruit box, lightly loaded with no aerofoil could be quite a strain on the small servo labels and the important one has the battery section, just a pair of flat plates for wings I had been provided, so I opted to add capacity and voltage details so leave that instead. The model can be flown outdoors another servo. This of course has the added one in place. on a calm day but it should be very calm. advantage of independent aileron operation With two cells being 7.4 volts the mo- The first take off was off a cricket pitch and on each side, making for easier set up and tor is a 1,200 rpm per volt. A selection of it was rather long in fact after about fifteen allowing for elevator – flap mixing if that is E-Max and TPH propellers were supplied metres I killed the power and aborted. The your thing. with this review but unfortunately the problem being the undercarriage set up All that was left now was the installa- E-Max props were not the correct fit for resulted in the model sitting on the floor tion of the receiver, speed controller and the adapter. The hole was too large and the with negative angle of attack. battery. Velcro or double sided tape can be prop would not run true. The TPH 10x 4.7 The only way to lift it off was to build used to attach the receiver and speed con- did not fit the adapter either but I was able up speed then cut the power and she would troller to the fuselage insides. Likewise the open it up and it worked fine. leap in the air although you could not guar- Hinge the elevators rantee that it would everytime. After bend- after the tail is ing the tail-wheel wire back subsequent glued. flights were better. For hand launching I found either holding underneath the top wing or the top of the fuselage works but either way point Below left; be the nose up thirty degrees particularly for careful when the first throw. That position tends to force handling any the nose down. You don’t have to throw it micro servos, in as such, full power and very gentle toss is particular the light all it needs. The control throws were set weight plugs. to those typical for this type of machine however if indoor flight is your thing, set the throws to the maximum achievable without binding. Maximum throw If flying outside the surface should be no binding for smooth. There is no give at all in the un- indoor flight. dercart and dumping the model on or rapid

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 33 product review: sport flyers rythym 3d quarter throttle it can be dragged around at walking pace or it will cruise quite happily at half power. At that setting though unless you have the use of a 737 hangar flying indoors you will find that walls, lights and ceilings appear rapidly. The model will turn very tightly which is why I mentioned the maximum control throws. Start off by keeping the speed down by chugging around with the nose up. You will be surprised at how slow she will go. If a wall or any obstacle is looming and a tight tun is required, rack it over and haul back the stick and gun the motor. The time between the roof and the floor is often just a couple of seconds and one advantage is that the extra drag that biplanes produce is very useful. It keeps the speed low on a down line. Flying outdoors the power dropped off after three minutes however indoors you could expect four to seven minutes. The variable being how much power is used.

The axle is also secured by the spat. deceleration when landing on grass cracked the glue joints a few times. This wasn’t a problem and the foam friendly CA and kicker had it back in the air in a minute. The same happened indoors when I dumped it on in order to avoid running into a fork lift. Compared to landing on both wheels on average I found landing on a wingtip and one wheel first, softens the landing shocks. After a few flights this is my preferred method. There isn’t a problem with the model as such, rather this is typical of this material and glue combination does have the tendency to work loose. The kicker tends to harden the glue making it a tad brittle. This next section is specifically for those who have never flown a biplane. The drag from all those struts coupled with very light weight requires the approach to be flown with at least one quarter to a third throttle. With no power at all the nose must be down at least thirty degrees to maintain airspeed so I suggest not running the battery down on the first few flights until you get a feel for the flight time and landing. Periodically check the glue joints around the upper and lower The electric combination has heaps of power and the Rythym wing mount. will climb vertically after take off. Nose high with around a Closing the door This aeroplane would be suitable for someone with a few models under their belt. In the main this recommendation is due to the lightweight nature of construction rather than any assembly or flight considerations. The combination of huge throws and light weight the model can turn itself inside and out in a very short space and it would do anything I could think of. The limiting factor being imagination, flying skills and of course the ceiling height. That is the factory or stadium ceiling not the service ceiling of the model. Without the restrictions of flying indoors the high power to weight ratio would test ones eyes quite quickly. Anyway she is a fun little machine. The Rythym is distributed to hobby shops by Tates Performance Nifty bullet connectors. Hobbies tel 03 522 4201 www.tates.com.au

34 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News SSS ad August 08 RCM 8/9/08 9:33 AM Page 1

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Austars Models Ag-Husky by Ross Bathie. Wingspan 2,794mm, engine 50-85cc, six channels required. a general guide to building the Husky. So fix is very simple, I just added some 1.5mm for me building began with cutting the film ply cut to a neat fit and were glued in place for the under fuselage hatch and ironing with CA and made up a neat fitting hatch the edges of the covering down. This then with four mounting tags from 1.5mm ply Hi guys.....Guess what turned up at work gives access to mount the alloy under car- and four wood screws for latter access. today? Give up? Well the good folks at riage and in doing so help to avoid hanger The throttle and choke servos were Austar Models have done their homework rash during construction. connected with 4-40 all thread and sleeved and listened to their customers and have Now imagine my surprise when I in carbon rod. In order establish the correct produced an outstanding model of the opened the tyre bag and found a gorgeous length you will need to bore a 40mm hole Cessna 188 Ag husky. Since the models set of solid and light weight rubber 5” cub through the fire-wall. original conception, the models have un- style wheels with tread and all, no leaky Additionally I added a short length of dergone several changes in response to the tires around here! All in all pretty good so heat shrink just to be safe on the throttle modeller’s wish list. far pushrod. The pushrods were then fitted off So first off the model comes in a very with 2-56 Dubro ball links. To finish off sturdy double box affair to look after your the engine a 4” True Turn Ultimate cut 3 new toy in transit, this also doubles as an Engine blade spinner and a Mejlik 18x10 propeller overgrown rubbish bin to put the acres of The DL 50 and a Slimline Pitts muffler were fitted temporarily until a 20x10 can be protective wrapping that every component were fitted using the supplied stand offs acquired. has been carefully protected in. Construc- and allows for a 6mm overlap of the fuse- tion consists of a very light built up ply and lage with the cowl. balsa construction with high quality cover- During the engine installation I came to Cowl ing film finished to a very high standard. the conclusion that the easiest and quick- With the motor now being in the middle of The hardware is also to a high standard and est way to hook up the throttle and choke the centre lines on the engine box the cowl as such is a testament to the time and atten- servos was to simply cut out the covering was offered up and found to be a really tion to detail that has gone into the design in front of the UC where there is a myriad good fit. With the cowl removed I then and development of this model. of servo holes to be had! Now this instantly ruled a datum line from the centre of the So down to business. First off my makes life one hell of a lot easier and gives cowl mounting holes on the side of the fuse intention with the Ag husky is to use it for you the option of either fitting a removable with a Biro and marked 100mm back. Aero towing as a replacement for my now hatch or simply covering back over the This will give you a straight line to pick deceased ESM Cessna 185 that served me hole. up again after refitting the cowl. With the well for over two hundred and fifty flights Now one thing I was a little surprised at cowl refitted and the datum line of 100mm and was lost through no fault to the model. was that there isn’t any ply under the centre from your previously marked point trans- The power plant for this build will be of the UC....that is to say that all the load is ferred to the cowl, your mounting holes in the DL 50 which is on the bottom of the carried on the outer 2” of the undercarriage the cowl are perfect every time. To help power range as the recommendations. . In mount. While this isn’t of any concern to chipping your gorgeous paint on the cowl keeping with my usual style of building the me as this is where all of the work is done when drilling, masking tape was place over instructions were given the once over fol- it was a pain as there isn’t anywhere to iron the cowl....an oldie but a goody!! lowed by the heave-ho and are provided as your covering onto the forward hatch. The In addition to the DL engine Landing lights and cowl slots standoffs, mount a One of the charms of the Husky is the clut- 10mm packer from tered look at the front and a big part of that an SWB standoff kit are the landing lights and cowl slots. Not gives about a 5mm being one to take the easy path and leave clearance between them off I set about taping up the front of the cowl and the cowl and working out there relative back plate of the sizes based on the “that looks about right” spinner. The 50cc theory. engine only weighs Situated below the spinner and in weighs 1.38 kg so between the landing lights are the cooling an adittional and slots. These are not only an optical addition 2.2 kg of lead was but also improve the overall engine cooling added up front. substantially. The slots were first marked

36 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: austars models ag husky

Engine box Masking the cowl The electrical system on the engine box helps prevent the consists of the ignition module which has paint chipping been soft mounted on silicon fuel tubing around the with an undersized 2-56 cap screws and cutouts. t-nuts, the Emcotec regulated ignition kill switch was mounted with two layers of thick double sided tape and finally a 5 cell 2700 nmh pack that was simplicity in itself using self adhesive Velcro and a good coat- ing of thick CA between the Velcro and the engine box. Angle the lights down a few degrees. Fin and Rudder out with Biro on with masking tape and quick twist hold your breath and clench Anyhow while the glue was drying on roughed out with a cut off wheel and finish your cheeks and voila, they come out..... the replaced hinges (yes I replaced all of up with needle files. If you’ve done things properly all the them). One thing I learnt from my 86” Landing lights are a very easy addition gaps will be filled in and you will only Cessna 185 was the damaging effect of that will not only bring the model to life, have a little clean up to be done. Just for vibration, particularly when at idle on the but really help with the last flight at dusk interest sakes I fired up one of the torches elevator hinges with a big single up front on landing to see your model.... in standard format, let’s just say my eyes and after 250 flights the original kit hinges The lenses for the lights are cut down were hurting for a good few minutes after as supplied were of inferior quality and had el cheapo torches from your local Bun- I looked away and can even go as far as to become very sloppy. nings store, a total of $3.50 each. So after say they are brighter than my 75watt spotty With this being the case I have replaced trying to come up with a brainiest way of outside the shed at night! all of the hinges in the kit with Robart filling the gap between the cowl and the items of the same size but to a much lights caused buy the curves in the cowl, I higher quality, just to be on the safe side. suddenly had an idea of brilliance...... AHA! Actually it’s pretty easy and involves tac gluing the outside of an alloy tube to the facing lens with a couple of silicon blobs. While this was drying I began cutting out a couple of very neat hole in the cowl, allowing for a little bit of downward lens action. The tube is then released with QZ 11 The ignition system release agent and the two lights and tubes module, battery are slid into place in the cowl being careful pack and the Emotec to align the whole lot. Once you’re happy unit isolates the they can then be potted in with hysol. Once ignition switching cured after 24hours you can give them a from the receiver.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 37 Green R/C ESM JBA SPE BIELA AUSTARS MODEL PTY LTD-We sell excitement! Phone:02-81181247 ` or 0413424139 (support) Fax: 02-9502-1316 Email: [email protected] Webpage: www.austars-model.com Retail & wholesale Available! New Products (PARK FLYER) designed by French 3D champion BPLR, visit our website for all videos!

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Combo special price zone Christmas Special! 3D-Butterfly Plus (AM1000mah/20C lipo+AM20A/ESC+AM22103 Motor) was $199, now $ 169 (1 10x4.7 free prop) 96” Cessna-152 ARF was $ 759, now $ 659 3D-Spirit Plus (AM1000mah/20C lipo+AM20A/ESC+AM22103 Motor) 85” Gee Bee Y ARF with Oleo was $ 649, now $ 599 Was $ 229, now $ 189 (1 10x5 free prop) 52” GP/EP DR-Fokker was $ 289, now $ 239 50” British Se5a ARF was $ 189, now $ 139 27” EP Tiger moth Plus (AM800mah/20C lipo+AM20A/ESC+AM22103 Motor) 42” GP Alfa Jet was $ 189, now $ 99 Was $ 219, now $ 179 (1 10x4.7 free prop) 51” GP Rocky-18 float plane was $ 339, now $ 279 40” EP Gee Bee Plus (1600mah/20C lipo+AM30A/ESC+2215/25) (pull start engine, prop, floats included) Was $ 312, now $ 239 51” GP/EP Rocky-18 float plane $ 199 50” EP Tiger moth Plus (AM50A/ESC+2250mah/20C/11.1V+2815 Motor) (prop, floats included, it can be converted into EP version) Was $ 442, now $ 329 50” GP/EP Curtiss Jenny was $ 259, now $ 199 50” EP Curtiss Jenny Plus (AM50A/ESC+2250mah/20C/11.1V+2815 Motor) 50” GP/EP Tiger Moth was $ 259, now $ 229 Was $ 442, now $ 329 38” EP Curtiss Jenny was $ 189, now $ 139 52” EP DR-Fokker Plus (AM50A/ESC+2250mah/20C/14.8V+2816 Motor) 38” EP Niewport-17 was $ 179, now $ 129 Was $ 492, now $ 379 40” EP 3D-Spirit was $ 129, now $ 99 38” EP Niewport-17 Plus (AM30A/ESC+1600mah/11.1V20C+2215/25 Motor) 38” EP Ultimate was $ 189, now $ 99 Was $ 295, now $ 234 42” EP TL-2000 was $ 189, now $ 119 38” EP Curtiss Jenny Plus (AM30A ESC+1800mah/11.1V/20C+2215/20 Motor) 47” EP OV-10 Bronco was $ 189, now $ 119 Was $ 292, now $ 229 40” EP Gee Bee Y was $ 189, now $ 129 36” EP Jetstar was $ 144, now $ 79 French NMP 3D plane combo 44” EP Cessna-172 was $ 144, now $ 89 NMP 1.37M Yak Trans Blue/Red plus new JBA 46F & Pitts 40” EP Beaver was $ 144, now $ 89 muffler was $ 498, now $ 439 (Free shipping) 42” EP IBIS was $ 144, now $ 79 NMP 1.35M Extra330s plus new JBA 46F & Pitts muffler GP/EP Subaru FA200 $ 189, now $ 159 (limit) Was $ 449, now $ 399 (Free shipping) GP AM-50 Trainer $ 79 3 Blade Spinner 2.5”-4.5” from $ 21-$ 59. NMP 1.45M Edge540 plus new JBA 46F & Pitts muffler BIELA CF Propeller 3 Blades & 2 Blades from $ 69-$ 279 AUD Was $ 449, now $ 399 (Free shipping) 59” EP Bever was $ 299, now $ 259 65” EP Otter Twin $ 299 Christmas Special!

38 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News The world’s LARGEST Composite Cessna-182TC The world’s LARGEST Composite DC-3 4 meter wingspan! Austars Model new flagship! Creating a new concept to modeling! 136 inch!

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Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 39 product review: austars models ag husky I set about gluing the fin onto the fuse and found that there is just enough length in the beacon light that I can solder the power leads outside the rear of the model, that is to say you can still get to them via the tail cone. This I also chose to screw on rather than glue for future access. To drive the rudder on the Husky I started off by drilling the hole for the Dubro closed loop control horn. This is a nifty piece of kit and like the aileron and elevator horns requires you to drill a hole from one side of the surface through to the other, slide the threaded rod through and do up the knuckles on both sides and voila, your horns are ready. This now gives you the location of where your rudder cables will need to exit. To drill these I used some 2-56 piano wire mounted to the end of a power drill. On the end of your wire you will first need to grind a point on the end followed buy opposing flats on either side, this baby will happily go through balsa ply and even carbon, but gets very hot on the tip..... Throttle and choke servos. you have been warned. From here it just a case of adding 4-40 Dubro clevises and 4-40 threaded couplers with cable crimps made Wings from short lengths of brass tube, about 6mm long does the trick. The wings on the husky consist of two plug in panels and are The same attachment method was used at the servo end as well. of a fully built up structure and film covered to a high standard. The wings come with wing tip navigation lights fitted and wiring looms attached and additionally require the fitment of two servos Tailplane per wing to drive the ailerons, flaps and control horns. Next up was to cut a rather big hole in the tail plane root rib the Now I was a little concerned to see that only 2-56 pushrods size of a Hi-tech HS 645mg. This is my servo of choice as there is were supplied given the size and weight of each flying surface. plenty of grunt with 9.6kg of torque at six volts. Now there are two On my 86” Cessna 185 (RIP) I had used 4-40 all thread with reasons for cutting the hole. First it allows you to see what’s inside Dubro clevises at either end and had survived 250 flights and the the structure and secondly it will give you access to the servo they supplied gear probably would be okay but they would have mounting screws. to pass the inspection for the Heavy Model Permit so needless to I decided for simplicity I would also cut a hatch in each tail say, the pushrods now lay somewhere over my right shoulder. plane half just to make putting the servos in one hell of a lot easier Once finished, I set about assembling the model with wings and for future servicing should the need arise and have glued on and fitting the struts and strut covers. This is a very easy affair mounting tabs on the inside from 6mm ply with an additional as you can see the mounting holes through covering but again the 1.5mm ply floor to help distribute mounting loads. good folks have given you some accurate measurements to help find the holes and fit the struts. This only has to be covered briefly. So you’ve got your holes and mounted the outer cap screws, Wiring looms now the manual shows you measuring from the fire-wall back and One time consuming but necessary job is to make up servo looms this works okay in part but what I found was really useful. Use consisting of Hitec heavy duty extension leads. These are then masking tape on the fuse and run a centre line to the mounting encased into braid and were split into a left and right side of the hole. Put the strut back in place and continue the line on the strut model with power systems on one side and servo’s on the other and simply measure the centre of the strut and drill my hole with and travel from the front of the model to under the towing mast the strut removed from the model. where the receiver will be located on a rudder servo tray. So after you’ve breathed a sigh of relief having refitted things At this time I had also been giving some thought to the layout and they all line up correctly you will next have to fit the strut of the rudder tray, this will require a total of four switches, two for fairing that fits in with the fuse. On first attempts my shroud was receiver, one for ignition master switch and the other for lighting. close to fitting but required some extra fettling to allow for the This is in addition to three battery monitors and a Smart Fly batt flats on the struts that bulge out the sides a little and secondly to share and receiver. The 2.4 gig system I am running is the nine refine the fit at the front on both fairings to match the fuse better channel Spectrum module and AR9100 receiver. this only took me thirty minutes so not really a big job. Once happy with the fit, it pays to mark the end of the fairing on the strut with some masking tape this will allow you to see where you can put the silicon for gluing it to the strut. Once cured (four hours) I found it to be good practice to cover the outside of the glass fairing with a layer of tape as this will prevent the paint from chipping when the drill bit breaks through from the inside of the strut. The hole in the fairing is then opened up to clear the head of the cap screw

Tow release pylon (optional) Given that the cabin is set well back on the model and due to the height of the fin mounting aft of the cockpit isn’t suitable. My solution is to make an internal ply structure to carry the tow hook and tie this into the pre existing fuselage structure. Templates are available on the Austars web site. Using pattern makers dividers I was able to measure the Instead of an internal pushrod I modified the stabs to servos. inside of the structure and lay this out on a sheet of 6mm seven 40 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: austars models ag husky ply and use the width of the ruler for wall locating holes in the accepting fuselage Firstly you have the heat to contend section. The tower is made in two halves former for my two canopy latches. I can with and secondly the water or spray when to get them into position due to the taper- now remove the canopyin thirty seconds! operating during winter. Both could have ing fuselage, later the two halves will be catastrophic results so I made the decision sandwiched between 3mm three ply and to mount them on either side of the throttle 6mm five ply doublers when joining. Some Fuel tank tray and choke servos on ply plates to be glued material has to be removed from the cabin A fuel tank will need to be fabricated and in, again with epoxy. The batteries to be floor for it to fit. you are on your own here so mine has a held in place with Velcro straps. For fast The mast was stiffened with diagonal 3mm light ply base and sides with a 15mm charging I’m going to have to make two 10mm round dowel travelling from the top high flange around the edges to stiffen easily accessible fast charge extension of the mast, past the rear former and to the things up. Now it had me really scratching leads from 13 gauge wire and Deans plugs floor of the longerons. To capture the top my head as to how best to mount the tank to exit under the cabin. of the dowel I made ply doublers with two while not blocking access to the two front Ok so here we are day twenty four after round holes drilled in them. This also ties servos and leave a big enough space to fit receiving my Husky and having putting in the two sides of the towing tower together a hopper. monumental hours build and designing, I up top plus the doublers on both sides at Thanks to banana man’s idea during my spent the last night making up an aileron half mast. The top of the towing mast was build thread I decided to mount the tray to and flap loom, sheathed in braid to keep then drilled after curing to take both the the joiner tube which also has it right on all things nice. The receiver was also fitted split pin and the release pin outer brass the the CofG. My tray was bolted to the using Velcro while all of the wiring comes tube, this will gives the release pin some- mount with 4-40 cap screws and T nuts. up through a hole in the rudder tray flaw thing to slide in and was simply pressed in To do this I first made a side template from the holes were lined with rubber grommets as it was a very tight fit. light ply to test the fit spun it around a few to help prevent chafing. A smart fly battery No glue required while the split pin was times and when I was happy transferred backer has also been fitted for an overlap- notched and epoxied in. While the glue this to some 6mm ply to carry the 36oz ping power supply and as such redundancy. was wet I also set about gluing in the cross Dubro tank. The tank tray and ply mount Only a single LED light bar has been fitted brace doublers on both sides of the cross are held to the mount buy means of cap via a Y lead to monitor the battery voltages brace using 1.5mm 5 ply and fitted the up- screws and t-nuts. This assembly was glued at this stage as I had run out of Y leads. per mast doublers to seal the deal. in place on the tube with 30 minute epoxy The elevator and one aileron horn fitted while the joiner tube was fitted to prevent up gorgeously but the last one was go- distortion.....it’s a very neat fit! ing in the scrap bin as I found that there Cabbin/Upper hatch hadn’t been a thread tapped inside the The kit provides a perfectly feasible way boss but a ruddy great gaping hole. Plan B of securing the upper hatch with two cap Fitout was initiated and both aileron horns were screws let into the side of the fuse ala I began mucking around with where to dually ripped out and replaced with Dubro IMAC style. Although this will certainly put the two custom made Intellect 3,600 hardware. At two o’clock am the model is work, I don’t really fancy removing my NiMh packs. They had to as far forward as finished, my eyeballs are falling out of my canopy screws each time I want to turn all possible to make the model balance. I even head, off to bed. four 4 switches on and off. toyed around with the idea of mounting My solution was to fit Graupner sliding them on the fire-wall inside the cowl but The moment of truth canopy latches. I finish off fitting the can- this would create two major problems. At the field the model was quickly put opy up by drilling a hole in the rite place together and closely scrutinized buy the to clear to split pin and drilled a couple of locals one of which is the heavy model inspector. So one more last preflight and were good to go. Taxiing onto the strip the all clear is given and I slowly advance the throttle, rudder is required for the first small part of her run. I apply some up and she climbs out effortlessly into a climbing left hand bank. The trims for this first flight were pretty good a couple of clicks of left and some up and away we go. Now I have a theory with models that you know in the first circuit if you like you model or not and this one I love!! The model is smooth, responsive and fun to play crop duster with. Having done many beat ups...... I mean crop duster runs up and down the strip for the entertain- ment of all present, so at ten minutes in I call landing and drop the flaps all the way. There is no really noticeable trim change Fashion up your own fuel tank tray. Run other than a slight drop in nose attitude but the tubing though a rubber grommet in care must be taken not to come in too hot The tow release pylon, my own design. the fire-wall. to the runway or she just sails on by.....take

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 41 product review: austars models ag husky

Good tailwheel The modifications I have made to this steering is very model are to personal taste and although is important on the original concepts as shown in the in- heavy aeroplanes structions would no doubt work I did have so it was replaced my reservations and as such have changed with a J&J unit them for long reliable operation when aero from Desert towing. The last thing to do is mount the Aircraft. Another flycan and hang a glider off the back. pair of wheel Finally I would like to thank the good collars are also folk at Austar Models for not only creating needed for the for a fantastic model but for also giving me the the mains. opportunity to review the model for you and play with a really cool toy. The Ag-Husky is available direct from Austars Models tel 02 9502 1768 www.austars-model.com.au

two, take three and we were in. The rudder servo, The undercarriage is awesome and takes battery voltage up the rough stuff well, but just like the meter, receiver Pawnee needs to be landed almost on the and battery stall for the smoothest landings. backup.

So would I do it again You’d better believe it. But in all serious- ness The Ag husky is a rewarding and sweet model to fly and in combination with the DL or MT or 3MM will not fail to impress you or your mates. My aircraft was balanced on the centre of the joiner tube but could do with being balanced on the How real does this leading edge of the tube. look?

42 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Apprentice 15e RTF EFL2725 Wingspan: 58 in (1475mm) RTF Length: 37 in (940mm) Wing Area: 525 sq in (33.7 sq dm) Weight with Battery: 40–45 oz (1130–1270 g) Motor: 15-size brushless outrunner (installed) ESC: E-flite 30A Pro SB Brushless ESC (EFLA1030) (installed) Transmitter: Spektrum™ 2.4GHz DX5e 5-Channel Air System (SPM5500) (included) Receiver: Spektrum AR500 2.4GHz 5-Channel DSM2™ (SPMAR500) (installed) Battery: 3S 11.1V 3200mAh Li-Po (EFLB1040) (included) Servos: Two 12 g and one 13 g sub-micro servos and one standard servo (installed) Prop: 11x7e (included) Trainer Port: JR and Spektrum compatible

A Great Trainer for the Aspiring Pilot E-flite’s Apprentice RTF The Apprentice is a 15-size high-wing trainer that comes with everything you need to go from buy to fly. This one-box purchase The Apprentice RTF comes with the interference-free Spektrum™ includes the full-range DX5e Spektrum radio with the 2.4GHz 2.4GHz radio, 11.1V Li-Po battery, Li-Po balancing charger and is ready-to-fly with all the electronics installed to get the plane interference-free technology and AR500 receiver. No building from box to air faster. required—just charge and install the included battery, mount the wing and tail and fly. The Apprentice is made from durable, lightweight Z-Foam™, making it great for training and sport flying. Every beginner pilot experiences their share of bumps and bruises, so the Apprentice’s durable build and easily repairable construction ensures more opportunities for success. The Apprentice is the perfect training aircraft thanks to its gentle flight characteristics. Once the pilot has learned the basics of flight with the help of a club instructor, the Apprentice is capable of performing mild aerobatics. The Apprentice comes with a Spektrum AR500 2.4GHz 5-Channel DSM2™ receiver and all servos are installed to help get you flying.

Spektrum’s DX5e 5-channel 2.4GHz transmitter and the AR500 DSM2 5-channel receiver will provide glitch-free, interference-free performance wherever you fly. And the best part? You won’t have to worry about frequency conflicts anywhere, anytime. The DX5e is a great solution for all model aircraft requiring up to five channels.

Spektrum is used with permission from Bachmann Industries, Inc.

© 2008 OMP. www.E-fliteRC.com E-flite® products are distributed exclusively by OMP, a division of L.O’Reilly Pty Ltd. For additional information or your nearest E-flite dealer, call 08-8186-0899. Product Review

JR PCM 12X 2.4G & 36M by Brian Green.

The latest from the JR stable to reach our shores is the JR PCM12X. The system comes in a rugged aluminium case and ex- udes in the quality which the JR brand has well earned. As the title implies the unit has twelve channels, all of which are propor- tional. And if you like switches and knobs this is the one for you. Six trim switches, eight lever switches, six three position, two two position, plus four rotary knobs and two levers put you in control of all channels and a multitude of functions. After all with twelve channels and only four needed for the control sticks, one needs to be able to get control of the other eight. Now obviously all these switches, helicopter and full function sailplanes. is selected in the menu system. When in knobs and levers in control of functions The CD has the software to allow the the 36 meg setting, modulation types are brings some concern. What if one was TX to communicate with a PC using the available, APCM, SPCM, ZPCM and PPM inadvertently operated during a flight and included USB cable. Also the instruction which make the transmitter compatible caused some unusual effect on the model? manual for the data transfer and Adobe with earlier JR receivers. The twelve chan- You can rest easy because any one or all reader version 8.1. With the data transfer nel RS12DA 36 meg receiver scans to lock can be de-activated in the menu software. software installed one can upload the TX onto the TX frequency. The documentation incorporated with data to the PC, save it to disk, modify it if Also in the 36 meg menu, a frequency the PCM12X comprises a quick start desired and then transmit it back to the TX monitor is available with an onscreen information sheet, a list of Australian 36 or another TX, maybe email your setup to display of the interference level on the meg frequencies, a twelve month warranty another user. selected frequency when your TX RF is card, CD and two substantial books. One The PCM 12 X submitted for review is turned off in the opening menu display. an application and programming guide, a 36 meg (12X MV) system with the 2.4 The transmitter detects which module (2.4 the other the instruction and programming TX module and receiver packed separately. or 36) is plugged in and only the functions manual. The latter covers every function in The 36 meg TX module has no crystal or applicable to that module are available in the menu system with the application guide frequency changing switches available and the menu system. covering setting up in depth the system thus the Australian operating frequency, As in all high level JR transmitters the for the model types, Giant scale aerobatic, starting at channel 601 and ending at 659 PCM12X incorporates, adjustable length control sticks, adjustable control stick tension, electronic trims on the flight control

functions common to all model types Adjustable trim rates Assignable switches Triple rates and Expo Eight programmable mixers The two receiver Adjustable servo speed types. Left is the Three timers twelve channel 36 Servo position monitor meg APCM and on Fifty model memories the right the nine Programmable trainer system channel 2.4 gig Model naming complete with its Flight mode naming six aerials.

44 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: jr pcm12x sticks with a mechanical trim lever for the throttle and provision for a neck strap. And a fifty model memory! However there is no provision for changing the stick mode detailed in the instruction manual and there is no menu listing stating the stick mode. The throttle stick travel is reduced mechanically which may be the reason for no stick mode change.

the acro model type For fixed wing power models, this mode The system menu screen. The circle is the reflection of the cameralens ring. has a multitude of features. Switch and lever assignability with the ability to inhibit their function. Up to five flight modes, triple rate and expo settings that can be individually applied to all or each flight mode, four wing types, Normal, Flaperon, Delta and four aileron servos. Two values for aileron differential, V tail mixing, dual channels for all primary flight controls and flaps, dual throttles and pitch curve mixing for variable pitch props. And more and more. You would be hard pressed to The power model menu screen. come up with an in flight function that is not covered by the PCM12X. Try in flight selection of three gains for two gyros, no problem for the 12X, it’s there. EveryO MP double page function is fully detailed in the instruction manual. spread the helicopter type Six swashplate types, six programmable flight modes, up to five throttle curves with eight programmable points, up to six pitch curves with eight programmable points and The helicopter menu screen. triple rates in flight modes. Then there is five programmable Governor mix values, eight programmable mixers and a cyclic overdrive preventive system. This prevents over driving the swashplate due to combined elevator and aileron commands. Plus more and more.

the sail plane mode Five flight modes that can be individually named, stick software switches that can turn function on/off at the preset stick position, camber programming for each flight The glider menu screen. mode and three timers, switch or stick operated are just a few of the available functions.

the TX There are two length stick tips included and these can be adjusted over a range of eight millimetres. Longer stick tips are available as a JR option. The 36 meg TX antennae is stored in the TX case while the upper section of the 2.4 GHz one can be folded to reduce the amount of TX storage space. The transmitter battery is an eight cell 2000 mAh Ni-MH with the TX specified to draw 180-200 milli-amps so there should The two length stick tips. Stick tension adjustment access. OMP double page spread OMP double page spread product review: jr pcm12x 240V charger is rated to deliver 120 milli- amps. The trainer system will only pass control of the selected channels to the slave TX. For example, to prevent the student from changing the power setting only the aileron, elevator and rudder channel control can be changed by the student. In fact only one channel such as aileron can be passed over until such time as the student has mas- tered control of the ailerons. Then elevator can be added and rudder added even later. After the four primary control channels the other eight channels are named, Gear, Flap and Aux 2-7. AUX channels 4-6 are controlled by the rotary knobs, the Gear and Flap by switches. Any of these chan- The substantial aluminium TX case. nels can have their control inputs changed and the method is extremely easy to use. full throttle and after some mix adjustment Hold down the ENT button and turn our model is flying straight at both idle and on the TX, then select function 17, De- full power. But the mix is electronic and viseSEL. The eight named channels are the rudder comes in as soon as we open displayed and by selecting the desired one, the throttle, but the engine takes some time simply rotating the control knob cycles to reach full power. The model yaws left through and displays by high-lighting each before full power is reached. available switch or knob/lever. Pressing the So we now mix channel ten with throt- rotary control then selects the high-lighted Left is the 36 meg TX module and the 2.4 tle and mix channel ten into the rudder. control. complete with antennae on the right. Now by setting the servo speed on channel As mentioned pressing the ENT button ten we can slow the rate of the rudder mix while turning on the TX enters the system application to equate to the time it takes menu and this menu is used to set up the RX and will display the RF link data of the full power to be reached. And because we applicable model type. Once this has been previous flight. can set the servo speed differently in both done, pressing the LIST button will display Further security in transmission is open and close we can also match the throt- the menu functions for the selected model provided by each TX having its own code tle closed action. type. For example, helicopter functions will number and once the receiver is bound to Remember power comes off much only be displayed when Heli is selected as the TX it will only respond to an identi- quicker than it comes on! the model type. cal code. Both 36 and 2.4 systems offer failsafe functions. summary receivers The JR PCM12X is capable of control- The twelve channel 36 meg APCM RX is why ling the most complex and sophisticated synthesized and is simply locked onto the Do we need all this technology, twelve of aircraft, helis and gliders. The JR brand TX frequency by placing it close to the channels, multiple mixers and a wealth of has a well established reputation for quality powered up TX and pressing the button on other functions for each model type? and reliability. The system is designed to the end case. The blue LED will flash when Easy really, to make it easier for you. provide the maximum possible flying field a connection has been established. Take a typical ARF power model that safety, most important in today’s world of When using 36 meg, a TX safety feature almost always have an aileron servo in litigation. is that the TX will not transmit any RF each wing. A simple “Y” lead will connect The programming manual covers the until the ENT button is pressed. The blue both servos to the aileron channel, “right.” multitude of programmable functions in RF LED will then come on, indicating RF But you find one aileron travels more than clear easy to read steps aided by the many transmission. the other, so one has to spend time mucking pictures. The seventy five page applica- The PCM12X system received for around with linkages to get equal travel. tion manual covers the basic setting up of review was one of the first and was shipped Try that on a four servo wing! power, heli and glider models. with a nine channel 2.4 receiver. The With the PCM12X you simply plug The transmitter is compatible with all twelve channel receivers will be available each servo into its own channel, set up the JR and Spectrum 2.4 receivers. by the time you are reading this issue. wing type for two aileron servos and set JR radio control systems are The 2.4 receiver system has three equal aileron travel using the end point distributed to the hobby trade by: O’Reilly separate units, one main and two remote menu. Takes a few minutes. And you save Model Products, receivers. The Spectrum high frequency 2.4 the cost of a “Y” lead. Tel 08 8186 0899 www.omp.com.au requires a line of sight signal path and any When you put your latest ARF into the RF restriction in this path will cause a loss air, you find that it pulls to the right with Subscribe to Radio Control of signal at the RX. Using multiple receiv- full power and yet turns left with power Model News, delivered to your ers with their own aerials minimises and off. The power off is easy, just adjust the chance of a control signal loss. rudder trim to straighten out the flight path. door in a waterproof plastic wrap- One can also display just how good the However that will make the pull to the per. Plus you save some money RX reception is with an optional data log- right at full throttle even greater. at just $50 for six issues. ger. This is plugged into the data port of the So we mix some left rudder travel with 48 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Product Review

Awesome R/C Sea Vixen by Stephen Green.

Wingspan 835mm, length 930mm, 3S LiPo.

two tail booms and the pair of wing panels Flying The Sea Vixen was a 1950’s De-Havilland slot in place and a plastic plate slips into a The model flies very well and the hand design that served with the Royal Air Force recess. Before they are bolted together with launch mouldings are great. If you are as a carrier based all weather fighter. Origi- nylon nuts and bolts you have to remove worried about the propeller spinning from nally overlooked the manufacturer pressed the double sided tape backing. The tail- behind you shouldn’t. I have never seen on with the development and the design plane is also secured the same way. anyone chewed up by a pusher prop and was eventually accepted into service. One The three undercarriage leg just snap it has never happened to me. If you opt to hundred and forty five aeroplanes were into place however the Vixen can be flown fit the wheels just bear in mid there is no built and one had the dubious distinction with or without the wheels. If you don’t directional control until the model is in the of breaking up during a supersonic dive wish to dangle the Dunlops the manufac- air because there is no nose-wheel steering demonstration at the 1952 Farnborough turer has taken this into account. There are nor rudder. Use a wide runway until you Airshow. a couple of mouldings specifically for hand get the feel for it. According to Wickopedia, this accident launching and they are to accommodate The model has a good speed range and I resulted in changes to procedures and since one finger and a thumb. found it could easily operate within the size then no member of the public has been The receiver antenna is held in place by of say, a footy oval. The control responses involved in a fatality at a British Airshow. clips in the right hand wing in order to keep are excellent, not too touchy and the model it away from the prop. Once the battery is depending on your flying skills, will cer- The Model charged, a simple control check to make tainly cope with wind. Landing this type This offering from Awesome RC is a ready sure everything works the correct way and of model is best done with a flat approach to fly four channel electric powered model. she is ready to fly. with a bit of power and skim it on. If the The package includes almost everything All parts were a good fit and there really wheels have been left off don’t forget to cut required to fly the model such as the four isn’t much else to say as the instruction the power before the prop hits. channel FM radio, balanced 240 V power book covers what I have just described in During the six flights the model has pack charger and a 1,500 mAh 3S Lithium greater detail on a step by step basis. One been landed a dozen or so times and the Polymer (LiPo) with a capacity of battery thing I must point out is that the canopy po- original prop is still going strong. The foam pack. The motor is a brushless outrunner sition is not a mistake. The full sized ver- fuselage has a gathered a few scrape marks and a spare prop is supplied. The only extra sion had an offset canopy for the pilot and as a result of landing without the gear and required are eight AA batteries for the TX. the navigator/radar operator was housed it is standing up to the task. The components are moulded in foam within the left hand side with a small win- and plastic and this model is very quick dow. Doesn’t sound very comfortable. Balance to assemble and no glue is required. The There should be a small stick on weight included with your kit. There is no mention Just half an hour of this weight in the instructions because from before to the pre-production sample tested by the after. chaps at Model Engines didn’t need any. The production sample in this review looked identical to the original and

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 49 product review: awesome RC sea vixen

following a gentle dive. Don’t come out of a sharp turn and expect to pull a loop. The wing has a cambered or a lifting section and it will easily maintain inverted flight so you can expect to push in quite a bit of down elevator to maintain level flight.

Final approach The Sea Vixen is an interesting product in that the subject is quite unusual. I had never heard of the full sized before and checking the web it seems most people would also be unaware of it’s existence. In model form this is an inexpensive package that flies very well and the radio and electronics all perform as one would expect. It also looks great in the air. The Sea Vixen, number 134, is now stationed at the Nicho Base down on the Gippsland Lakes. Its mission is to defend Teddy Angelos boat “Lady Thelma” When berthed on the Nicholson River she is under constant bombardment from above. The problem of pelican poo on the Checking the balance point. decks is becoming a bit much and this is where modern electric power has proved it is ideally suited for this role. With a charged although my model flew fine, in a tight turn it would sometimes battery this nimble fighter can be scrambled in a few seconds and tighten up and bleed off speed. is more than a match when it meets the much larger (but slower) Technically the Cof G was a little aft and even though the enemy to shoo them away from the drop zone. The model is priced Vixen is totally flyable like this as is, a few gramms of lead in the within the beginners sector but from a flying perspective it is really battery compartment eliminates this trend and the importer has more suited to someone who is already at a basic solo stage. opted to do include the stick-on lead. The Awesome Sea Vixen is distributed to hobby shops by Model Engines Australia Telephone 03 8793 5555 www.modelengines.com.au Combat One of the perils of park flying during Spring is that the enemy remains on full alert from dawn till dusk. We are not talking about the by-laws officer here or even dogs but when flying a combat mission you need to keep your eyes SIMITAR AIRCRAFT RETAIL & SIMITAR TAILLESS MODEL AIRPLANE KITS peeled. I once lost a model when the enemy dived right out of the have relocated from sun and took out the tailplane. Be vigilant. DARWIN to HOWARD QUEENSLAND 4659. That model wasn’t a fighter however the Sea Vixen is and it features two attributes that will make it a legend in the suburbs. It is fast enough to outrun the enemy and if you do suddenly have SIMITAR IS A ONE STOP SHOP to go from a cruise power setting to full combat power, that rear FOR ALL YOUR AEROMODELLING SUPPLIES prop scares away both crows and that ultimate aerial fighting machine, the dreaded magpie. Simitar specialise in manufacturing; Tailless Model Aircraft Kits.

SIMITAR kits are now available. Please contact us for free brochure. Aerobatics Rolls are a no brainer and swept wings always look so good as We are now Australian agents for; they roll around the horizon. The Vixen will loop from level flight PLANTRACO MICRO INDOOR MODELS as long as you have the speed but it is easier to fly over the top & ACCESSORIES.

We stock & supply AUSTARS models & acc.

Specialising in Castle Creations, E-Flite, Flight Power,

Dual Sky, Hyperion, FUTABA, JR Radios and accessories.

A large range of materials for constructing your own models in stock

including. Balsa & plywood, Depron foam, glues for all materials.

Du Bro, Ty1, Cool Power, Sullivan.

Foam wings cut to order.

For information and expert advice on Model Aircraft

from a modeller of 50 years experience.

Please contact Steve 07 4129 4316. Fax 07 4129 4317 The appeal of an early jet. Inexpensive fun, just in time for Mobile: 0412 688 942 (Service after hours available) Christmas.

50 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News

Product Review

FAMOUS MODEL Rafale by Stephen Green.

Wingspan 650mm, length, 1,000 mm, weight 630 gm, 3s Lipo. very thoughtful treatment of the rudder antenna out along the wing. To reduce pushrod. Before you slide the fin into place the chance of glitching I would suggest This is one of those products that come for glueing the rudder pushrod has to be using wing because running the antenna along and turns out to be full of surprises. guided through the bottom part of that as- right past the high rpm motor in an EDF Many years ago when we reviewed few sembly. The wire pushrod is covered by a increases the likelyhood of it picking up EDF models the performance after launch plastic outer which splits in two. Just slide unwanted RF. There is a recessed panel was always quite marginal, and good flying the pushrod into place. When ready, simply line underneath each wing, just behind the skills were needed to ensure a successful remove the outer tube and glue. leading edge and the antenna could fit in outcome. After a glance at the box I natu- Make sure you use a Foam Freindly there. Just run good quality clear tape over rally decided to find an experienced flyer to CA as typical cyano will eat the foam. The the antenna to hold it in place. review this product. fin and left wing panel fitted perfectly but The 3s 1,300 mAh Lipo battery pack is No one else was available so I decided the right side would not butt right up into easily accessible as the canopy in held in to do it myself. The upshot was myself be- place. There are two notches that locate the place by four strong magnets. The servos ing quite chuffed with this product. wing into the fuselage and they protrude leads are clearly marked and after setting from the wing root. Trimming a couple of the control throws she was ready to fly. The Receiver ready millimetres off these resulted in a good fit. charger is a 12volt DC unit with balancing The model is packaged as “Receiver The next job is to install the receiver leads. Ready” which is a new industry term which I mounted with double sided tape. I If hand launching a model places you meaning one just has to supply a transmit- used a 2.4 GHz system which removes the in unfamiliar territory a set of landing gear ter and receiver, everything else is includ- task of routing a one metre long 36 MHZ is also included. The legs just glue in place ed. The box however does show a transmitter is included but there are labels depicitng Easy access to the that it is not actually supplied. The three battery. The canopy servos, fan, motor and 25 amp ESC have is held in place been installed at the factory and assembly by four strong requires glueing the two wing panels and magnets. fin in place. The Rafale airframe is moulded in that durable polystyrene type of foam. The extra scale detail such as panel lines and access panels are moulded in and good quality stickers decals are also in place. The first thing that gave me a hint as to the quality of this model was that the control horns have been very neatly recessed into the surfaces. The next clue was the The rudder pushrod was an example of excellent attention to detail for the customer.

The recessed control horn is an indication of quality.

52 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News

product review: famous model rafale

Thirty flights old proves the foam is up to it. and the good news is the nose wheel is steerable. I didn’t bother with the wheels because I did not want the look of a jet beating up So easy to launch. the runway, with the gear hanging down.

Launch The fuselage is quite wide and my first thought was it being awk- ward to get a good grip then I gave the model an almighty heave. This really isn’t necessary which was the biggest surprise of all. Even on a clam day the model will just fly out of your hand after a gentle push. The Rafale develops a fair turn of speed, around 100 k.p.h. mark is my guess, so it scoots through a footy oval in just a few seconds. That’s an AFL oval, not one of those smaller soccer or rugby patches that are dotted around in other parts of the Slowing down for a high alpha pass. country. For those new to Delta wings you are about enter the other end pointing straight down, with full throttle. I had plenty of foam CA of the amazing envelope. Controllable slow flight is the forte of and the nose was soon glued back in place but it was disappointing this wing planform and high alpha slow passes are a cinch. I have to mar what is a good finish. Still that’s what happens when you even had it fly backwards in a breeze. show off. The Fan-tastic motor combination becomes evident when you exit the high drag high alpha flyby. Punch the throttle open and the Rafale leaps forward and gains airspeed immediately. To date she Cleared to land has flown about thirty sorties and the foam has proved to be du- The finish and performance of this inexpensive model is such rable and quite often she been flown on to hard dirt. The moulded that it would not be out of place at any club field. The Rafale can plastic nose is very light built and it does dent easily so take care also be easily operated as a park flyer. When flying in a park one when moving the model about. should keep in mind that the airspeed is quite high for that environ- The thirty first flight however stressed the foam beyond its ment. it will probably surprise you too. The control system is free limits. Flying backwards in a twenty five knot wind I gassed it up of binding and centres well and having rudder makes it so much then hauled the nose vertical. If it didn’t start to climb away the more interesting to fly. Landing is a piece of cake, it will land very plan was to lower the nose and fly out. Flippin on it’s back was slowly with the nose up which is the approach you should use if not part of the plan and suddenly the model was two metres up but showing off by catching it. Otherwise flying it in flat and grooving it on is the way to go. Nose high and slow will slam the nose down which can make you look like a bit of hacker. The motor-fan works so well and it isn’t noisy, possibly enhanced by good balance. Flight time is around three and a half minutes at full throttle. The ESC has plenty of cooling air but the battery has none so it does get quite hot so you must let it cool right down before re-charging. The instructions are pretty basic but anyone who has assembled one model would easily complete it. It s a great little package and I am glad it’s in my hangar. The Rafale is distributed to hobby shops by Lion Electroncs tel 08 9250 1929 www.lionelectronics.com

54 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Large Scale Air Racing with Stephen Green

Air Race Calender Adelaide Golden Era 27-29 March 2009 Golden Era, Reno, AT6. MAAA National AT6 Championships Cootamundra Easter 2009 The National Air Races Cootamundra August 2009 Golden Era, Reno, AT6. You’d have to Bendigo AT6 August 2009 be crazy. Melbourne Air Races Oct 2009 Golden Era, Reno, AT6. an in-line with a 60-70cc mil. A few years got me started. The last remaining ques- ago I stumbled across this very interesting tion was the choice of engines. With three aeroplane and since then I have won- OS120 AX I think it can be built to the 8-9 Adelaide 2009 dered how fast this clean aeroplane, with kg mark. To save time and weight the pre- The next race meeting is Adelaide. This three times the power of a Texan would ferred covering would be covering Gloss- is the biggest event on the calendar and be. Recently a chance conversation with tex, for that scale weave. The engines can entries are full with a few competitors on David Hipperson revealed that he in fact be re- shimmed to take high nitro fuels and the waiting list should a model not be com- possessed a set of plans for a Speed 400 reworked if required which is part of the pleted or is withdrawn. powered electric powered version. De- added attraction of Golden Era because you Golden Era has the most entries and signed as a transcontinental racer the Bel- can do whatever you want. Another engine what is pleasing to see is a number of new lanca finished in second place in the 1939 combination would be with an OS 160FX new radial models which be competing Bendix Trophy race. The model number in the nose with two 140 in the wings. The for the Leo O’Reilly Trophy. This is the denotes 280 square feet of wing area and 140’s are rear exhaust which simplifies concourse de-elegance awarded for a radial 920 horsepower from the combination of the most complicated part of the project. type. a 420 HP Ranger in the nose and Menasco Different engines may pose the dilemma 250’s in the wings. Scaled to the 156” rule of prop selection and a couple of enquiries the model has a wingspan of 2.3 metres to date about whether a mismatch would Bellanca 28-92 (92”) and the generous wing area should be very counter productive have drawn a Before this issue was put to bed my build- make it turn well. The engine of choice blank. ing benches were cleared and the Spitfire would be three OS 160 FX which would To a layman like me then, thrust is pushed aside for this new Golden Era produce about twelve actual horsepower in thrust although there obviously an optimum In-line project. I already have an ARF an eleven kg model. combination for this project. Two years ago Sparrowhawk and although the engine is The shape of the nacelles that housed I was lucky enough to spend some time in not fully sorted, when it goes it should be the six cylinder Menasco’s was very simi- the right hand seat of a BAE 146 simulator reasonably competitive. The trouble is I lar to those over the Gypsy Majors in De- as my friend was practising to fly one of only have one good prop and if that breaks Havilland’s DH88 Comet. In my garage is the last remaining Ansett aeroplanes. It had that will be the end of that. We have been an 88” span ARF Comet and a quick check to be flown from Essendon to Tullamarine searching for higher pitched props and it proved that a 120 engine would fit inside to be fitted with a new engine pylon. The seems that Steve Annette in QLD has them the nacelles and with a little reworking, flight was to be using three of the four all and he isn’t parting with any of them. they would suit perfectly. I also have the available engines although he was allowed After ten laps a draggy Texan with a retracts and oleos. Most of the work build- to have number three idling. The difference single 20cc engine isn’t all that far behind ing a twin is in the nacelles and that is what between the one engine either idling or not running at all made quite a difference to the take off roll. If I was to go for the 160 engine in the centre my idea would be to start by using the same pitch all round and trim the diameter on the larger prop until the RPM matched the smaller engines and check the airspeed then go from there. I won’t make that final decision until some idea of weight but I don’t see starting and tuning three engines to be much of an issue. That could be done before it goes into the ready box. I wonder if the opposition will wait for all three engines to be running before they take off .

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 55 large scale air racing

Who said Webra 120 aerobatics is I haven’t seen a new Webra engine for boring? At least years and although I am very happy with you learn what mine, it must be at least ten years old so the left stick is for. one would might be excused for thinking Robert Lauder saved the model by holding nearly full left rudder and aileron. A nice bit of flying.

Seagull texan and fin treatment is similar to the Sparrow- Seagull Models have released an AT6 hawk and the stabilisor halves could easily which will of great interest for people like be made removable. The wing panels are myself who have done silly things with removable and they slide onto a long alu- their Texan. Things such as hitting the minium tube, then secured by a self tapper. the newer Speed 120XP would have some pylons, other models and the ground. The fuselage has balsa sheet rolled around increase in power. The ARF complies with the AT6 regula- the ply formers and the rest of the airframe There is also the Speed 120AAR a racing tions and the good news is it will probably is balsa -ply then covered in Profilm. Sup- version of the 120 which features an alu- take about half the build time of the CM plied with fixed gear the wheel wells are minium liner for reduced friction. Perform- Pro or YH models offerings to put together. already there for retracts and Eurokits will ance figures on a 15x10 APC should be The cowl mounting is very simple indeed drop straight in. available very soon. which will save a great deal of time. If The model is supplied with two pilots It has been five months since I have you are an OS 120 punter the standard OS and ordinarily you would think they a bit banked then yanked so roll on Adelaide. I Powerbox muffler will fit and the fire-wall on the heavy side so only one would be have a lot on my plate with the Bellanca so treatment has placed as many components used but I would use both of them as being it looks like a Top Flite P-51 ARF will be up front as possible. The RX battery pack under weight might be a bit of an issue. on the bench before the Spitfire makes it and the of elevator servos plus the rudder The instructions quote 5-5.8 kg and i think back on next year. I wish someone would servo all mount under the engine cowling. a little ballast will be needed. Depending do an 88” ARF. With three wire pushrods inside a on the retract system used coupled with the plastic outer tube the rudder pushrod is a larger battery packs she should weigh in straight run is very free and the elevators pretty close to 6.35 kg minimum. The de- have a bend but I think the friction will be cals are on a separate sheet making it easier acceptable for a digital servo. The tailplane to change colour scheme.

Simple cowl mounting and most of the time consuming work is done.

56 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Scale Aerobatics with Steve Richardson Once again Kyle Woyshnis proves why he is a Tucson Aerobatic Shootout 2008! favourite with the The shootout (TAS) is over for another crowd. year, and what a competition it was. The weather was certainly not the best I have into the passenger seat! No bugger ever flying field just outside of Phoenix, which seen at the shootout, it was blowing a gale, seems to like to drive first! Driving on Frazer Briggs calls the moon. It’s a pretty and it certainly kept all the pilots on their the wrong side of the road isn’t really that desolate spot and you can get in some seri- toes, and on some days, just watching them hard once you have done it a whole bunch ous practice without disruption. Obviously attempting to land was nail biting. If you of times!! Anyhow, I somehow ended up if you experience any major problems read the last issue you already know that with the van keys in my hand and a steer- you have a couple of hours to drive to get three Aussies were competing this year, ing wheel in front of me. Fortunately I had back to Tucson. But the upshot is besides Chris Brislin (Qld), Troy Brodrick (Qld) done this kind of thing a bunch of times “Bogan” the wonder kiwi, you pretty much and Mick Dakers (Qld). Six of us made and knew how to get to DA, so I was it!! got the place to yourself. Just you, the odd the trip this year, three pilots and three Whacko!! local, and the various critters. goefers!! And let me tell you every pilot When we arrived at DA we pressed the We dropped in at the venue for the needs a goefer! flesh for a while, saying “Giday” to eve- shootout (Timpa) to give the guys a chance For the Aussies crew the journey began ryone. We then got stuck into assembling to see what it’s like to fly there and experi- at Brisbane International Airport Wednes- the models and setting up the vans to carry ence the place before the comp. We had all day morning 11am on the 1st of October. the models. A couple of quick trips to Ace been there before but only Chris and Troy We were all pretty excited, and keen to get Hardware (one of my favourite stores) got had flown there. Timpa is normally pretty there to begin the model preparation and the necessary goodies required to hold the busy before the shootout and we usually lots of practice. The models were already models in place and top up the tool box. just drop in for a quick fly on the way to in Tucson, having been freighted there ten By the end of the afternoon, we were all set the moon. But this year is was really quiet, days earlier, and were sitting in their crates up and good to go! “Happy days”. We had and all the boys got in three or four flights at the Desert Aircraft factory. We arrived at only been on the go for over thirty hours, before we pushed on to what would be our LAX airport twelve hours or so later, a lit- and it was starting to show, we all look a base for the next three days, “The Moon”! tle dishevelled, but still eager with anticipa- little knackered. Practicing at the moon is awesome, you tion. We all got through customs without The next morning we headed to the can fly all day and not see a soul. It can a hitch, well most of us!! Custom officers Tucson Radio Control Club (TRCC) take a few days to get your model sorted had some questions for me and it took a lit- to give models a quick shakedown and to your liking. I can hear you all saying “It tle time, but that’s a whole other story!! So re-acquaint the pilots thumbs with their should have been set up before you went”! after a bit of a delay (sorry team), I caught transmitters. The TRCC field is pretty close Well you are right, and they were, but fly- up with the rest who had waited patiently to the factory and is ideal for shaking down ing at the higher elevation of Tucson and for me. We had to hurry up and wait for the models before heading off to your fa- Phoenix changes things somewhat, and all our domestic flight from LA to Tucson, but vourite practice field. If you have any prob- of your settings need tweaking. You have by early afternoon we were out of Tucson lems DA has all the equipment you could less power and the model feels a little soft, Airport and in a cab on route to pick up our need. Usually TRCC get pretty busy this getting your rates and yourself adjusted to hire vans. close to the shootout and it’s a good idea to suit the conditions takes a couple of days. Our big yellow vans were ready and find yourself a lonely practice field to get Both Troy and Mick changed little on their waiting, everyone was busy trying to get some stick time. We planned to head to a models except for rates. Chris changed to a two bladed prop, which suited the conditions better, it was a little on the loud side, but the shootout has no noise conditions applied, so a little more bark wasn’t going to cause us any grief. Each day we would practice the known sequences mixed with a whole bunch of unknown sequences that Mick had col- lected. I would pull an unknown out of the book, give Troy and Mick a quick glance, and then call them through it. Chris was flying in the invitational class this year, and Todd Bridges Katana just before had three different known sequences to get it smacked the through. He was also doing freestyle again ground. this year, so his workload was intense. Mick would call Chris through one of his Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 57 scale aerobatics

3 known sequences and an unknown from Chris’s collection. Then later in the afternoon Chris would work on his freestyle. At the end of the day we were all pretty drained, but it was good practice for pilot and caller. Frazer (Bogan) Briggs would usually turn up later in the afternoon (as is his way), but by then we were about ready to call it a day, and he had the sky to himself. His model had been lost on the way over from New Zealand, which seriously hampered his preparations. It took five days to find the model, and in hindsight it Chris Brislin gives really damaged his chances of being fully the thumbs up, competitive. By the end of our days at before his freestyle. the moon, we had burned oodles of fuel, exhausted our book of unknown sequences, folks. The next day was registration day at pretty impressive part of the world. Every and were about as ready as you could get. Timpa, we didn’t plan on flying so left the morning of the comp, they have the na- If we weren’t ready now, we would never models in the van(s). We claimed our area tional anthems in alphabetical order, so Ad- be. of the pits, hanging up the Aussie flags and vance Australia Fair is first up. Mick and banners, then, we got the formalities out Troy were both flying advanced and were Shootout here we come. of the way. The judges briefing is always up by mid morning. Chris wasn’t up until We headed back to Tucson on the Mon- interesting, although the same questions about lunchtime, so he could have a good day evening. We went to Dave Johnson’s always seem to pop up. Snaps and spins, look at his first unknown. Both Mick and (Mr DA) that night for his pre shootout seem to be the hot points regardless what Troy put in solid first rounds and quickly shindig. This is usually the first time you part of the world you fly in. adjusted to having multiple models in the get to catch up with some of the shoot- Wednesday is race day, the comp gets air. (The USA uses two flight lines). Chris out organizers, judges and pilots. Dave started in earnest. It’s a pre dawn start for looked a little apprehensive prior to his first throws a great party and it was nice to sit us, early brekky and in the van. I always round, only natural I suppose consider- back, enjoy a beer and catch up with some enjoy the drive to the Timpa field, this is a ing the people he was competing against.

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Contact Details 07 3422 0772 www.desertaircraft.com.au [email protected] 58 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News CHALLENGE #4: Demonstrate DSM’s robust RF link by ying one mile away in front of thousands at the 2008 Joe Nall event. THE RESULT: A perfect ight, with no holds, as conrmed by the on-board Flight Log.

Since the competition has ooded the marketplace with coding gain that spreading its signal could contribute. Plus unsupported claims and hype, we gured we’d demonstrate there’s another boost thanks to its additional layers of path, the strength of DSM2’s RF link with a test that RCers could all time and frequency diversity. And nally, by using DSM’s relate to. patent-pending MultiLink,™ 3-axis polarization, you can realize a third big gain in signal integrity. So at the Joe Nall rally, we positioned a cellphone-equipped observer over nine tenths of a mile away, at the south end of Add them all up and these exclusive features result in an RF the eld. Our pilot, Mike McConville, then headed his huge link that’s impossible to match by competitors—a link that’s 46% Ultimate biplane downrange until the observer unprecedented in RC. And it's why we say DSM's here to stay conrmed that the model was overhead. At this point the and the one to beat. plane was a speck, so Mike hit the smoke to let everyone know the objective had been attained. Then, just to add a little more excitement, he pulled vertical and climbed a few hundred feet higher.

We heard more than a few “wows” from the crowd and that was it. Proof positive.

Fact is, the stronger the RF link, the greater the range. And with 2.4GHz, the link’s determining factors include transmitter output and receiver sensitivity, plus any processing gains that might be incorporated. And the prime reason we chose Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum over the older FHSS technology was the 18 dB of added

If you want to y a plane a mile from your transmitter, start with a Spektrum or JR/DSM radio, line up two observers with cell phones, and use a very large model.

Spektrum™ DSM: Clearly different, clearly better.

© 2008 OMP, a division of L.O’Reilly Pty Ltd. Spektrum radios and accessories and JR products are distributed exclusively by OMP in Australa. DSM and DSM2 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc, licensed to OMP. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. www.omp.com.au scale aerobatics

At the end of the day all of the Aussies had done well setting the foundation for a good comp. As the days wore on the pecking order in each class sorted itself out, both Troy and Mick were holding their own, and Chris was growing a third leg! Friday is elimination day for some pilots, Sportsman to Unlimited are cut to 5 finalists for each class, and those guys get two rounds on Saturday to finalise the overall positions. Friday morning would of blown the dog of the chain!! It was hooting! At the end of the day Troy had qualified for Satur- days final, but Mick had a disappointing result in the mornings unknown and failed to make the cut. Although Mick was disappointed he should of still been pleased to of been competitive in such a strong field. Saturday morning was still blowing hard, and it didn’t look like relenting. When it came time for the freestyle section of the comp, it was decided that it was too windy and the first round The Master and his apprentice QQ and Seth Arnold. was cancelled. This proved to be a pretty unpopular decision with some of the crowd. But whether you liked it or not, the decision crown. Early into his routine, he went to flick on the smoke as he was made with safety and model preservation in mind. Troy put pushed the nose over in a low manoeuvre and the engine quit. The in a cracker of an unknown and a strong known, really putting model pancaked on the ground, ripping out the undercarriage and the pressure on the leaders. Chris had slipped from 5th to 7th cracking the models back just rear of the canopy. I helped carry after Friday, and was a little disappointed. He also put in two very the model back to the pits and I was quickly reminded of how impressive rounds on Saturday morning and was looking good for young some of these pilots are, Gernot was in tears and could not the remainder of the comp. Unfortunately after Friday you don’t hold back is emotions, I had forgotten he is only sixteen! It turned get to see the results, you can see your individual scores but you out that there was something mixed wrong in his radio and his won’t find out where you ended up until after the trophy presenta- ignition was turned off when the smoke was turned on. Every- tion. So we had to contain ourselves and just continue doing what one pitched in to help him salvage a model from the pair that he we had been doing all comp, “Do your best”. brought with him. They managed to get him back in the air, but Sunday morning was cooler and a whole lot less windier! It with no throw away round, the race to defend his freestyle crown was hard to believe that the comp was almost over, the time had was over. passed so quickly. Only invitational and freestyle pilots compete Chris was 4th in freestyle after the first round and we could on Sunday, for the rest it’s time to relax and enjoy the show. The only guess on how he was doing in invitational. He was finding it 1st round of freestyle finally got underway, and it seemed like difficult to find a spot to sit down and get focused, he was in high an age since Chris had last flown his freestyle model. A lot of demand for autographs, pictures and interviews. Despite all the competitors had elected to fly smaller 85cc and 100cc models attention, he and Mick managed to wander away and get the days this year, including Mark Leseberg and Jason Noll. Chris had routines refreshed in their mind eye. Sunday’s invitational known decided to only use one freestyle routine this year, and it was a was a belter!! Whoever wrote this sequence had worked overtime, cracker. He had worked pretty hard at it all year and was very and the pilots were going to be tested. Chris put in a brilliant determined to put in a strong show this year, particularly after effort in the unknown and looked pretty solid in the known. His tapping the ground in a couple of rounds in last years shootout. IMAC section of the comp was complete and he looked pretty sat- Chris was using his trusty three metrer Composite-Arf Extra 260, isfied with his efforts but not confident that it was good enough to he has done a ton of flying on this particular model and was pretty get on the podium. He still had one more flight to go in freestyle, confident in what he could do with it. With the loss of one round and good chance of getting in the places. due to the weather, there would be no throw away rounds and both He put in a great effort in his last freestyle round, and flew rounds would count. So, no mistakes, and don’t touch the ground! within himself. This is truly commendable for young man who Chris put in a well controlled routine and was flying well within has just turned seventeen. It wouldn’t take much for ambition to himself. The rest of the field was also putting in some amazing override you capabilities, and in the heat of the moment it could routines, and the crowd was loving it. Last years freestyle win- all turn to custard!! The crowd also like his work, and were very ner Gernot Bruckmann had a disastrous start to the defence of his vocal during his flight. Chris had signed some team hats that we

Andrew Jesky checks our his Extra. Gernot Bruckmann and his Krill Yak.

60 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News scale aerobatics

worth of cash and prises to be divide up among the pilots, and the stash of prizes was huge. Troy made it to the podium coming 3rd in Advanced, what a great effort in a strong class. We waited with much anticipation as they read out the finishing order in freestyle from last to first. One by one the names went by, 5th place, 4th place, were on the podium, 3rd place and still not Chris. I heard Chris mumble “Holly crap” when 3rd place was called out. Chris had come 2nd to Mark Leseberg!! Not to shabby!! Mark Leseberg and pulled out a blinder in the last round and had reclaimed his freestyle crown. When the invitational places were called out, Mark Leseberg had pulled out the double, and won the shootout for the 4th year in a row! Chris Brislin finish in 5th place, a wonderful effort for the young Queenslander. When I sit back and reflect on the whole trip, not only am I proud of how well all three pilots flew, but also of how well they conducted and presented themselves. This trip has been a long time in the making, and for some the planing started in 2006. It takes commitment and dedication to compete on the world stage, not to mention the financial cost. All of the Aussies did extremely well, but Chris Brislin is now a rock star on the scale aerobatic stage, I for one hope he gets the support and encouragement he deserves, well done Chrisby! Results Frank Noll Jr putting his stick plane through it’s paces. Freestyle Invitational 1st Mark Leseberg (USA) Mark Leseberg (USA) thew to the crowd, at first I thought we would get killed in the 2nd Jason Noll (USA) Chris Brislin (Australia) rush, but fortunately the fence held them back. Imagine what they 3rd Bernd Berschorner (Germany) Jason Noll (USA) would do for some thing a little more expensive than a hat!!! 4th Gernot Bruckmann (Austria) Andrew Jesky (USA) The last flight was done and dusted and the podium was as- 5th Chris Brislin (Australia) Quique Somenzini (USA) sembled as the scorekeepers did their work. There was $100,000 For full competition results please go to www.desertaircraft.com

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Hello again everybody and welcome to the Christmas edition of Spooling Up. Think- ing about Christmas, I began to wonder; what would be my next jet model? It’s a question that I truly relish in discover- ing the answer to. Given that jet modelers often require encouragement in this (not), I figured why not add my two cents worth. Here goes. Best trainer/sport jet in my opinion is the Boomerang Elan (hint). Next up, budget trainer, the Falcon 120. After that we start getting into serious scale stuff; Skymaster F-4 (I have an L-39 so it no longer counts), perhaps even the soon to be released JetLegend CT-114? From there anything from Airworld would do, but given a choice the BAe Hawk or Hawker F-16 Gaggle at Temora, that’s seven models and there were still two more somewhere in Hunter. After that we venture into the the pits, it’s quantity, not quality that counts! world of scratch or kit building. How about a 5 metre MD-11 airliner? As for the acces- your dates for 2009 events, just email me; not a cloud in the sky. I could simply say sory side of things, model glasses would be [email protected]. the weather was some of the best you could at the top of the list along with a Hangar9 Wangaratta Jets imagine at a meet, but then it’s been par for digital incidence meter. Mind you, the new 3rd, 4th and 5th April 2009, Wangaratta the course for Jet Action and Wangaratta brake valve from Jetronics wins hands Aerodrome, Wangaratta, VIC. Contact Rus- Jets this year. It’s a credit to all the organis- down as far as the most improved product sell Eastaway, 0408 309 468 (eastway@ ers of these events, they all made the brave goes. tpg.com.au), www.vjaa.org.au. move into better times of the year and These are just some of my thoughts, the they’ve been rewarded. This year’s Temora best thing is that new model aircraft kits Temora Jets 2008 Jets had a whopper 62 pilot registrations are coming out all the time. Perhaps then, I think this is the first time I’ve written with almost 100 models attending. So how I can justify to my beloved partner and about a jet meet literally days after the much fun was it then? Well as much as I modelling mates why it is that ‘my next big event. I reckon it’s the snappy Apple could possibly handle! thing’ tends to change like the wind. On laptop I have, it’s truly wonderful to use. The flight line did stay busy and that with the show, Temora Jets wraps up a fine In case you haven’t heard about Temora can sometimes get the adrenalin up, but the flying season, part two of my strut review Jets before, its an annual event held at the lads from NSW did a superb job of running and how to turn your ‘old’ JetCat into a Temora Aviation Museum (www.aviation- the entire weekend, albeit at the expense bionic hero. museum.com.au) in Temora, NSW. So how of their own flying time. There were many was Temora this year? new models and pilots this year too, mak- The Friday was sunny, with light cloud, ing 2008’s Temora Jets one of the best ever. Upcoming Events lightish winds straight up the runway. Then A number of retailers also had their gear on Only the dates for Wangaratta Jets have Saturday started exactly the same, but display, adding that wonderful ingredient been set, to the best of my knowledge for with a crosswind freshening in the arvo. called temptation. Not that I managed to 2009, however if you would like your jet Sunday really turned it on for everybody, release my wallet for anything serious. One event mentioned here or you have fixed light winds again down the bitumen and thing that I did notice was the high standard of flying, the attrition rate for the entire weekend was very, very low. One of the most anticipated models for me this Temora was the appearance of David Gladwin’s Airworld (www.airworld. de) BAE Hawk. David competed at the 2008 Jet World Masters in Ireland with this model. Put simply, it is a world class example and I want one real bad. This aircraft Jet rookie, Mick only flew once, but it was a glorious sight. Pocock bringing Another model that really impressed me his Fantasy was Chris Paterson’s scratch built F/A 18 Eurosport home Hornet. The fuselage is loosely based on after another the Yellow Aircraft kit. The model is quite sortie at Temora large, powered by a pair of P120’s and flew Jets. like a dream. Apparently it’s taken Chris 66 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News spooling up

Chris Paterson’s around four years to finish the model and Below: The business end of Chris Paterson’s F/A-18 Hornet, the scratch built he was suitably proud too. Les Blundell’s model sports a pair of JetCat P120’s for thrust. F/A-18 Hornet, Skymaster F-4 Phantom was also a very brilliant model impressive flying machine and I’m sure with all the gear we’ll start to see more examples of the F-4. going on. Getting back to the traders’ stands, there was a new distributor on the scene with a terrific range of 1/6th scale F-16’s, Below: David fully painted with some very attractive Gladwin’s scale landing gear. Check out Speed Freaks 1/5th scale RC Jets, www.speedfreaks.net.au for their Airworld BAe full range. Also, Jeremy Daly did his usual Hawk, stunning thing of demonstrating his product in the model which air with a bunch of flights on his 1/5th he represented scale L-39. It’s a lovely scale model and Australia with at with some extra work, like adding rivets, the last Jet World would make a fine scale example. He sells Masters. the JetLegend range of kits; have a look at www.aussiejet.com and www.globaljetclub.

com. Above: DC-10 on a Finally, I met Ray Botten from Custom flyby, originally built by a Queensland Decals. He was handing out little envelopes modeller, lovingly with small sheets of self made transfer restored and flown in decals to promote his business. Ray makes try scale fashion by water slide transfers to order, any scale, Kevin Dodd. provided the largest decal will fit on an A4 sheet. Turnaround time is 2-4 weeks. Oh, he’s using the same printer technology as Ralle from Tailor Made Decals too, so Ray could be a good alternative. You can contact him on 02 6294 1582. There you have it, the last jet meet of the year, which pretty much wraps up the Airworld Hawk’s best flying season I’ve ever had. Thanks to front access Jason Starkey and all the hard working lads hatch, there is an from the NSW Jet Flyers Association for a identical hatch on top weekend. the other side too.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 67 spooling up

Greg Voak’s Composite-ARF Spark, electric ducted fan, clocked Bill Pearce’s F-15 climbing out, good to see him airborne. at over 200 km/h on this run, unfortunately I didn’t get the pilot’s name.

Master Jamieson, the young pilot of the only IC ducted fan at the event, this lad put in a bunch of flights with his model, thanks to dad giving up his own flying time, worth it though, the boy has Les Blundell’s new P160 SX powered Skymaster Plus F-4 talent. Phantom, boy did this thing groove.

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Phil Celima’s Falcon 120, powered by a JetCat P60, possibly the best value trainer available. Awesome R/C Panther, this one is also electric ducted fan and flewP artquite 2 -a Pbitro -overLynx the Struts weekend. Following on from the Jet1A product review, I have the ‘budget’ version of Sandor Kruise’s Pro-Lynx struts for us to oogle. Inciden- tally, his company is Digitech Turbines, based in Holland. These units are based on his Jet1A designs, but the components are machined by a German company rather than the Swiss lot who make the prized Jet1A stuff. Apparently Sandor’s Jet1A designs were, how do I put this, ‘utilised’ by a US company. In response to this, Sandor needed to come up with a cheaper version of his product, hence the Pro-Lynx range. All the gear I’m reviewing here is made from 7000 grade aluminium (aircraft grade) with silver steel shafts. The Pro-Lynx range cater for your typical jets, Elans, Rookies and the like. What makes the Jet1A/Pro-Lynx range of struts so JetLegend’s 1/5th scale L-39, very nice model with loads of detail. good is their cantilever action. This method of shock absorption, as opposed to the scissor/piston variety allows for longer throws and softer distribution of energy. With a straight strut, the landing forces want to push the strut up and backwards, putting incred- ible strain on your retract mounts. Whereas the cantilever variety allow the strut to do just that, swing rearwards under load, with the spring offering the cushioning. Clearly these struts aren’t a suitable replacement for a scale project requiring the straight scissor variety, but on a sport jet these would be brilliant. All the same, forward thinking of pre-cut slots in axles and shafts is applied to these Pro-Lynx units making this gear some of the best stuff on the market today. The profile/shape of these struts are no different to the Jet1A ones; in fact the only difference I can see (apart from the etched brand name) is that the colour of the metal is slightly different. All the same forward thinking that makes the Jet1A gear so good, ex-

Elan size Pro-Lynx mains, here you can see the 13mm diameter retract end suitable for a wide range of retract brands.

69 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News spooling up only ever had 16 flights and I dunno which of those our hero trashed himself in to get his rebuild. I digress, back to my engine. The donk looks identical to when I first had it, except for the snazzy new front cover with the checker pattern on it. Of course it has some new gizzards too. The ECU has also been upgraded to the latest V6.0 firmware along with a new circuit board. A quick note about turbine age; later JetCat Bobcat size models are more certain to be upgradeable, Pro-Lynx struts, but older motors may not be acceptable as perfectly sprung to too many components will require replace- suit the weight of ment and drive the cost up significantly. the model too. For example, I discovered that my P120 had a cracked EGV casing when it was ists in the Pro-Lynx product. So why even unique Jet1A units. This is rather clever inspected by JetCat USA’s service depart- release Pro-Lynx? From what I’ve been in that the Pro-Lynx struts are expected ment for its upgrade. So, I would recom- told by Mark Kyle (Australian distributor to fit into a wide range of units giving the mend the SE upgrade in conjunction with of both ranges), it’s cheaper to have the product excellent compatibility with other a scheduled service, as a perfectly running components machined in Germany than it brands. The other thing I noticed is that the motor may still need some attention. is in Switzerland. I’ve been to Switzerland, spring is different and actually has one ex- Well, no point having the engine sitting and they have some very big hills that tra coil in it, compared to the Jet1A items. ‘on display,’ so I bolted it into my Skymas- require quite a bit of lawn mowing, cow The spring load feels almost the same, with ter L-39. Previously this model has had a chasing, chocolate stirring and that awful the Jet1A units feeling somehow smoother. JetCat P80, so it’s a matter of removing yodelling, hence the price difference. Given that the springs are externally fit- the smaller engine and fitting the upgraded Looking closely at the Pro-Lynx gear, ted and easy to replace, I’d be tempted to P120 straight in. Once that was complete, the real difference here is the sleeve into upgrade these to the Jet1A springs, should a quick check that I’d done everything cor- the retract block, rather than the silver these ever need replacing. rectly and it’s boot up time. steel shaft arrangement of the mains struts. There you have it. So which ones would One of the major differences with the The Elan sized main strut retract end (for I go for? Prior to our recent Black Friday, new ECU and SE version turbines, is that example) is machined down to 13mm, Jet1A would be the go, but after seeing my they talk to each other in a new way. From suggesting that these are made to fit Robart meagre share portfolio get munched up into now on your kero swilling donk is go- and Intairco retract units, rather than the sausage mince, I reckon the Pro-Lynx units would do rather nicely thank you! Build your own turbine Please contact Mark from Kyle Com- munications on 07 3888 7899, www.kyle. engine with our CNC com.au for full pricing and details. machined parts that are made to exacting The ‘Six Million Dollar Man’ of Upgrades I really do have a license for silliness in my tolerances. column.. here goes. We have the technology, we can rebuild him (it, actually), better, smarter, stronger, faster. Then just imagine Parts for: that weird ‘he’s being super-duper’ sound and there you have it: the bionic P120. Yep, I’ve taken my first ever turbine and had it GT-2000 upgraded from it’s ‘humble’ beginnings as a ‘standard’ P120 and had it upgraded KJ-66 to the latest version, the P120 SE. Dunno what SE stands for but I reckon it’s a Ger- MW-54 Plus custom machining of your own man abbreviation of ‘I’m now a six million design service available. dollar man type turbine’. Incidentally, for those of you old enough to remember (and to have idolised CNC Turning the TV show) I found out what the aircraft CNC Milling was that Lee Majors stacked in the opening Laser cutting credits. It was the Northrop M2-F2, a heav- yweight lifting body aircraft, designed by NASA and built by Northrop. The aircraft Erwin Hirt at Eth Enterprises would be hauled to around 45,000 feet by P.O. Box 899 a B-52, once released the pilot would glide Benalla. 3672 the aircraft back to earth, reaching speeds Phone: 03 5762 1973 of around 720 km/h (450 mph). Surely a Fax: 03 5762 1974 normal house brick from down the back [email protected] fence would achieve the same speeds? It 70 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News spooling up

The bionic P120, upgraded to the SE version, 1.5 seconds to max Cop this, a scratch built Jet Joe powered drag car complete with power from idle, wow. homemade afterburner! Brett Smith clearly has lots of free time, ing to identify itself to the ECU, as in, ‘hi there, I’m a P120 SE, this model has clocked 140km/h (then he got scared); the model is based on Peter Bennett’s full sized dragster. load me up please’. This eliminates the need to re-flash (repro- gram) the ECU every time you want it to talk to a different sized immediately, brilliant. engine. Incidentally, I did weigh both the P80 and P120 to see if Getting back to the start of a flight, having an SE JetCat makes I’d have any changes in the CoG. The P120 weighs a piddly 90 taking off from grass so much better. Admittedly I’m comparing grams more, that’s it. Quite a technical achievement considering it a P80 with a bionic P120 but the ramp up is super fast. I typi- pushes out nearly 30% more thrust. cally start my takeoff with 50% power and as soon as I’m rolling So, now the best bit, test running the upgraded engine. I carried straight-ish (within several metres) I go immediately go to military my first test run out in the backyard, with my CO2 extinguisher power. Now, within 1.5 seconds I’m at full noise and accelerating and fire person at hand. The start sequence seemed pretty normal hard. I estimate I’ve cut 20 metres off my takeoff run. The added to begin with, but then once the main kerosene feed started, the power means of course that vertical climb outs (once I’ve cleaned engine literally roared into life. Okay, that was impressive. Then up the gear and flaps) are obligatory. I fingered the throttle, OMFG (try googling that one!). The lag Overall the flying characteristics haven’t needed too much ad- time, throttle movement to spool up is virtually instantaneous. It justment, other than I don’t need a 2-3 second lead time to perform frightened me, not because it was loud or anything like that, it was massive loops. Now, I’m literally opening the taps metres before I because after all these years of four second spool ups, this just begin the manouevre. I can hear the engine crank up fast too, very didn’t seem right. So, after some careful consideration, I’m going impressive. The only other thing I need to mention is the constant to dial the idle acceleration back from Fast, to Normal. I’ll forego need for backward stick movement of the throttle. I know it’s not the Slow setting thanks, it’s time for a change. Version 6 software something some jet modelers are familiar with, other than to land also allows me to set both ends of the acceleration spectrum, so in but I’m seriously off the gas all the time. The reason for this is effect I can ask my SE to behave more like it’s older counterpart. ofcourse the fast acceleration, that power is coming on nearly three I left the top end acceleration in ‘Fast’ mode. I’m sure there are times faster. It really does give the impression of a much more other changes but I didn’t really spend that much time hunting powerful engine. through the menus. There you have it; take one ageing P120, give it the six million To the flying. I had seven flights at Temora, another four at dollar man bionic treatment and you too will have a rather impres- the local field and I’m thrilled to bits! It has taken me all of half a sive turbine to play with. Contact Peter Agnew from Intairco on 03 dozen flights to get used to Lee (JetCat) Majors, but it is every- 9436 2296 (www.intairco.net) for details on how to upgrade your thing it promised to be. So what adjustments did I have to make JetCat engine. to my flying technique? Firstly, go easy on the throttle, even with Well that’s it, the last column for 2008 and a great wrap up to the idle ramp up set to ‘Normal’ rather than ‘Fast’ it’s very easy the best year of jet flying I’ve ever had. What on earth will next to go ‘vooosh-vooosh’ on the taxiway in front of your mates. The year bring? I dunno, sure as sunshine though I’ll be there to find best way to manage the taxiing speed is to start with 1/4 throttle out. Mind you, I do have a spare P80 on the shelf, a set of Jet1A and make minor adjustments from there, not only do you look the retracts and struts to suit an Elan.. could mean another build job part (scale) it’s more relaxing and you avoid looking like a metal coming up. Next edition I’m starting the year off with a bit of implement. history, the first ever jet powered model and the magazine cover One of the key realisations I had with the engine was on it appeared on. Have a wonderful Christmas break, may all your landing circuits. Not only does the SE engine spool up so much landings be smooth and your stockings laden with model products! faster, it also spools down equally as quickly. This means that the residual thrust I’d come to depend on (unknowingly) simply wasn’t there. However, it was only at my local field that I came Subscribe to Radio Control Model News and have to this conclusion. At Temora I was struggling to land the L-39 it delivered to your door in a smoothly. Back at home without all the distractions and pres- waterproof plastic wrapper. Plus you save some sure of a busy flight-line, I finally twigged on a downwind leg for money at just $50 for six issues. landing. I could see the model slowing down as soon as I closed the throttle, ah-hah! I’d simply been bleeding of that little bit extra Try our gift subscription for a present that lasts a airspeed. The next three landings were beautiful. Even on short year. Same price, great value! finals I could bring on a little throttle and the model responded

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 71 Product Review

The World Models Cap 232 by Dean Williams. Wingspan 1,000 mm, AUW 735 gm, 3S LiPo.

finish scheme is reminiscent of a particular less motor weighed in at 60g, had a 3mm motor oil company, without actually mak- output shaft, is rated for up to 180 watts ing any reference to it, I guess this avoids and in this kit, it is intended to spin the This model of the Cap 232 is my fourth licensing issues! supplied 10 x 6 inch plastic folding prop, review of a World Models EP kit and is The detailed yellow, green and red fin- another feature common across much of very much a derivation of what is prov- ish appeared to be painted on the cover- the range. This just leaves the builder to ing to be an effective formula for World ing material before its application to the supply a brushless BEC speed controller Models. It features the almost “standard” airframe, and there was some evidence of (20 amp minimum rating), some wiring 100 cm wing span and is supplied with the overspray, a slip in quality I found surpris- connectors, a three-cell LiPo battery pack same outrunner brushless motor common ing. No issues though with the quality of around 2,100 mAh capacity, a minimum across most of the range but despite this, it work to form and finish the fibreglass cowl of a four channel radio system with four still retains the distinctive (and attractive) and wheel spats, and the clear plastic cock- micro (~9g) servos. A servo Y-lead is also outline of the full size aircraft. pit canopy ready to fit and a light-weight needed to operate the twin aileron servos I must confess I have become particu- pre-painted pilot figure to go under it are from one receiver output (if necessary). larly fond of the World Models Ultimate great features. The hardware was generally A few basic modelling tools, common 100 EP, the subject of my last review, so pretty good, the only substitutions I made adhesives and modest building skills are the Cap 232 has some high expectations to was the silicone tubing for holding closed then all that’s needed to bring it all to- live up to. the clevises, the supplied tubing was not gether. flexible enough, and the stock wheels were replaced with larger ones for grass field The kit operation at my local strip (as usual!). Assembling the Cap The kit is pretty standard fare for a built- Given that many of the kits in this range These days, I can nearly put these kits up balsa and ply ARF, though I must say are very much alike, World Models could together blindfolded, that’s not a negative. it’s executed to a high standard. Overall, have provided a generic set of instructions, Assembly starts with attaching the ailerons the airframe parts are light and stiff, built a one-size-fits-all approach. However, they and fitting their respective control systems. square and true. However, I did find two continue to produce clear and comprehen- The CA hinges for the ailerons come areas where strength in the quest for liveli- sive instructions, specific to each kit, an with short lengths of cotton thread pass- ness through lightness I felt the need for a admirable approach. ing through their centres, I assume to small improvement (more on this later). The 28mm diameter outrunner brush- ensure the hinges centre when the surfaces The heat shrink covering job could not The power system be faulted, though after handling, some used in the Cap, the edges did lift, and with sun exposure, some outrunner motor is wrinkles did develop, but any of this can included in the kit. easily be dealt with a warm to hot iron. Its

The extras of the are pushed together, a reasonable idea, power and control but…removing these threads in-situ before system needed gluing the hinges proved to be very dif- to complete the ficult. I removed the hinges, removed the model. threads, pushed pins though the centrelines, 72 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: world models cap 232

short elevator pushrod helped the geometry, smoothing the movement. I mounted an Esky six channel micro receiver (16g) just in front of the servos using some foam for cushioning and a cable tie for retention, threading the aerial out through the cockpit and fixing it to the top of the rudder. The motor mount and fire-wall was one of the areas where I felt that a bit too much lightening had been applied. The mount could be twisted about with light finger pressure so I wondered what the torque effects of a 10 inch prop might do! A square of 2.5 mm balsa sheet was glued between the lower edges of the mount sides and a length of 6 mm square beech was glued across the top of the motor mount where it met the fire-wall. This bracing only added a few grams but increased stiffness of the mount a great deal. After fitting a set of 3.5 mm gold plated bullets (user supplied) to their leads, the motor was secured to the mount and the controller (a Novatec 25A, 23g) was velcroed inside the fuselage just behind. A view of the internal structure built stiff and light. The shapely motor cowl was a good fit but I couldn’t get its re-fitted the hinges, pulled the pins out and wicked thin CA into painted stripes to align with the stripes on the fuselage whislt the hinges to secure them. keeping the prop spinner centred, so the stripe matches on one The aileron servos (I used E-Sky EK2 0508 micro digitals at side (the most photographed side!) but not the other. Like the 8g each all round) and their hardware were easy to fit and set up. I added 30cm extension leads to the servo leads to give enough slack when removing the wing to access the battery. The draw- strings built into the wings made threading the leads through a simple task. When fitting the horizontal stabiliser, the slot needed lengthen- ing by about 2mm, easily done with a hacksaw blade and when positioned did not quite sit parallel with the wing. It was easier to shim the wing saddle with some foam tape than adjust the stab slot in the fuselage to correct this, particularly as the fin sat square with the stab in its original position. Both tail feathers were glued in place with PVA. I drilled the pre-marked holes for the control horn screws in both the rudder and elevator halves prior to hinging (in the same fashion as for the ailerons) and then fitted the control horns. The tail wheel assembly was prepared and fitted, ensuring the pivot was aligned with the rudder hinge line. As with previ- The fire-wall and motor mount benefitted by stiffening with ous kits, the guide tubes produced a lot of drag on the elevator some balsa sheet and beech strip. pushrods (I wonder how long it will take World Models to address motor mount, the landing gear mount appeared a bit too heavily this?). I have since been informed that this review was sent to lightened (you know what I mean!) for my taste, particularly after CEO of World Models by HHQ so it is nice to know that some my experience with the Ultimate (nothing to do with my landing manufacturers do listen. skills, really!). In a pre-emptive move, I manufactured and fitted Fortunately, the guide tubes are easy to pull out and it’s sur- a reinforcing plate to the landing gear mount inside the fuselage. I prisingly easy to thread the pushrods through the holes left behind made this from some 1.5mm ply and a couple of lengths of 6 mm in the formers. After that, I had no problems with mounting and square beech. The main thing to consider here when fitting the hooking up the rudder and elevator servos, a slight bend in the plate is avoiding getting glue into the blind nuts used for attaching the landing gear, if this happens, some light oil on the mounting screws then fitting them in until the glue dries avoids headaches later. As I mentioned earlier, I substituted the supplied 38 mm wheels with some 50 mm units, this necessitated opening up the wheel spats with a sanding drum on a rotary tool. This also made it easier (though still fiddly) to fit the wheel collars. No dramas mounting the pilot and canopy though. I modified the battery tray by gluing in a piece of 0.8 mm ply to give some Velcro a better surface to adhere to, this all helps the supplied strap to firmly hold the battery in high ‘G’ manoeuvres. With the battery, a Fullymax 2,200 mAh, 11.1 volt (3S), 25C LiPo (186g) as far back on its mount as possible, the Cap 232 still balanced about 7mm in front of the recommended point of 75mm from the leading edge, which I was comfortable with. The control A reinforcing plate for the landing gear mount was made up and throws were set as recommended and the Cap was good to go. installed during assembly as past experience had indicated this A power check showed that on the fully-charged Fullmax, the would be a good idea. motor was spinning the 10 x 6 folder at 7,710 RPM, pulling 15.27 Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 73 product review: world models cap 232

The gear in the There was no clear winner in the air be- fuselage can be tween the Cap 232 and the Ultimate. neatly positioned However, I wish I didn’t have to for easy access. remove the wing of the Cap to access the battery, the Ultimate has a convenient The rudder and hatch which puts it ahead in the practicality elevator control stakes. At one stage I lost one of the M 2.5 linkages. nylon wing bolts, not a common size apparently. Fortunately though, it re-appeared amps at 11.63 volts for 177 watts. The racers or ballistic EDF jets prowling the before I had to resort to corrective surgery, ready to fly weight was 735 g (25.9 oz) so air) for the first flight. The Swan Hill so keep an eye on them. this meant a power loading of 110 watts MAC dirt strip was a smooth and forgiv- per lb (watts / kg just doesn’t sound right to ing surface for a wheeled take-off and the me!). Wing loading was a modest 14 oz/sq pretty little Cap was eased into the air with Conclusion ft (there I go again being all imperial!). no fuss and it climbed away strongly, no There is no denying the Cap 232 is a pretty To put this in perspective, the Cap was trim adjustments needed (then or since, I model with good flying manners and per- about 79g (2.8 oz) lighter in weight but swear!). formance straight out of the box with great 4.4 oz/sq ft heavier on the wing than the The Cap had good speed and climbing potential for those who like to tinker. Any Ultimate with the same power system. ability but the folding prop is not the best at intermediate to advanced pilot will have a producing the thrust for sustained vertical lot of fun with this compact package. climbs or hovering, regardless, the Cap ex- Is it a Cap-able flyer? cels at the basic aerobatics (nice big loops The World Models Cap 232 is distributed The Cap was finished off only days before and axial rolls for example) and most of the to hobby shops by The Hobby Headquar- the AEFA Swan Hill electric fly-in and as advanced ones (knife edge and snaps etc.). ters. tel02 9545 1944 www.hhq.com.au there was room in the car, it had to make The low speed stall was pretty benign the trip. A big fly-in is not usually the but if the elevator stick was pulled back best place to test fly a new model, but the hard at high speed, a quick snap would relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the occur. Landings were no sweat either, and event, perfect weather and a good track at the end of an 8.5 minute aerobatic flight record with previous models by this brand only 1,140 mAh (about half a “tank”) had gave me confidence to give it a go. been consumed. In later flights, the fold- However, there was an initial hitch as ing prop was swapped for a fixed 11 x 5.5 the range check proved inadequate, I could APC-E prop and this, pulling 18.5 amps, not get control of the model farther than provided much better vertical and hovering five metres away antenna down (on 36 performance. meg). Good to find this out on the ground Back at my home field it was nice to see and not in the air! The receiver was quickly the Cap was also well behaved on a grass swapped and all was good (the problem strip and the landing gear mount shows no later traced to a faulty receiver crystal). signs of stress. Overall, I am really pleased With that sorted, I waited until there with the way the Cap has come together was a lull in the activities (no supersonic and delighted with its flight performance.

It’s very CAP able.

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The Project with Ken Thomas.

1911 Caudron Racing Monoplane Without help, it is obviously impossible for a person on a single pension to build models at the level to which I would like to stay accustomed! Fortunately, for many years, I have had considerable help from several people to whom my only contribution has been to re- pair their models when required. One such person is toolmaker extraordinaire Ivan Vidak, from Keilor, who has been doing all my fitting and turning, sheet-metal work, The results of this were amazing. As we home for it, so I offered to “loan” it for the and fibreglassing for many years. This has both use packs from Queensland Balsa for project. been done for little or no reward because major projects (the only way to go) we had Ivan does not break many models. many sheets of seldom-used sizes (mainly But what to build? Recently, I decided that the time had 1.5mm and 2.5mm) left over, which, when Ivan usually flies jets but has a soft-spot come to “pay the piper,” so I told him that I added to the other sizes in the scrap-boxes, for WW1 or earlier models, so it seemed a intended to build him a model, hopefully of resulted in quite an amount of wood. Add good time to call in that Guru of all things some significance. to this half-used sheets of ply, piano wire, ancient, Frank Curzon. All I asked for To save a lot of time, I will not include horn, clevises, radio components, etc. and was a small 3-view of an aeroplane with the protestations and refusals that this I certainly had enough material to start an exposed radial engine. But Frank, who offer generated but just say that a compro- production. never does things by halves, sent about 10 mise was reached, allowing me to build The jewel in the crown was my much- likely contenders which could have caused a “scrapbox and Bunnings” special, with loved OS FR5-300 “Sirius” radial engine further selection difficulties. Fortunately, Ivan supplying some of the hardware. that I had won at the first O.S. Engines Ivan and I both quickly settled on the 1911 This meant cleaning out the workshops fly-in and which was as yet unused. I had Caudron Monoplane Racer. and seeing what we had that was usable. been waiting for years to find a suitable [In 1908 Gaston and René Caudron, Our only plan. farmers in Romiotte, near Crotoy, called on Luciole, the farm mare, to launch their first glider and a legend was born. When WWI broke out, the Caudron brothers,( who by this time had become prolific aircraft builders) supplied the G3 (a reconnais- sance aeroplane) that was used from the very beginning at the battle of the Marne in 1914. Its successor, the G4, a twin-engined bomber, sold no less than 10,000 all around the world. There is an expression in France: “maniable comme un Caudron” (easy to handle like a Caudron.)]

It is a good idea to check out the full Getting Started. sized subject first. The first step was to ascertain a scale, and this was achieved by dividing the size of the engine in the 3 view into the size of the “Sirius.” The result was 15. Thereafter it was only a matter of multiplying the dimension of the 3 view by 15 to produce a scale outline. As we had the dimensions of the full size aeroplane, we were able to cal- culate that the model would be just under ? scale with a 95” wingspan which seemed just about right for the engine. The instruction book for the F5R-300 dictates that the engine mount/fire-wall should be a minimum thickness of 15mm, so it was off to the local hardware to buy some ply of this size plus hardwood for

76 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News the project longerons and spares whilst I was there. required compound curves it took an incredibly long time over Good quality 15mm ply can be very expensive but at most hard- boiling water to induce the larger section to assume the correct ware shops one can find reject sheets (usually with surface cracks) shapes. at one quarter of the price, and it is an easy matter to select one that I would not be surprised if Origin Energy nominated me for will do what is required. sainthood for the amount of electricity it used. I have been often questioned about my penchant for using dressed Tasmanian Oak for spars, longerons, etc. because it is quite Construction heavy. But it is also very strong (about 4 times that of spruce) The first building step was to create a nose box with the 15mm ply so smaller sections can be used. It is also available in 2.4 metre front, top and bottom with 10mm ply dovetailed in at the sides. lengths (down to 6mm square) and it is cheap – approximately $4 This box would provide the engine and undercarriage mounts plus for a 2.4m length. I chose my usual 6mm x 6mm for the spars but the wing support tube and wing warping tube locations. The four bought 9mm x 9mm for the longerons. longerons were then inserted 60mm into each rear corner. Lighten- In hindsight this was a mistake – the 6x6 would have been ing holes were provided where ever possible. adequate. The 9x9 certainly caused some problems. At a pinch, the The laminated 3mm balsa cockpit sides and floor were added 6x6 will bend slightly – the 9x9 will not. Because the longerons behind the nosebox to keep the structure square. While this was going on I was also making the laminated sections for the tailplane. I decided to use the crutch method because of the amount of 1.5 balsa and cheap PVA glue that we had. This is just a matter of crossplying 3 layers of balsa (2 layers tends to warp) to the size of the required area, weigh it down, wait for it to dry, then cut it to

Fuselage basic frame ready for separation.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 77 the project The ribs. All getting the right geometry for the two pull the same outer pull servos attached to the one elevator. shape but about 6 The hardest part was to achieve the above variations. whilst still providing access and removabil-

the required shape. Ribs are then added top The port wing and bottom or on both sides in the case of with the warping the rudder. This is not the lightest method mechanism, support of construction but it is very strong and tube and flying wire accurate and lightening holes can be added attachment points later. (temporarily) fitted. The full-sized Caudron used tail warping as well as wing warping but I decided fixed protruding aluminum tubes in the tail ity from a bottom hatch. against the tail warping so I hinged the section into two recessed fiberglass tubes Time to turn attention to the wings elevators right at the top and will cover the in the front, exactly the same way as many – and immediately I am faced with an old entire tailplane in one piece in an attempt to wings are fitted. problem in scale modelling. Do I want disguise the modification. All the relevant To obtain the level of accuracy required, the aerofoil exactly like the original or do wires are fitted to add to the illusion. the entire join was built “in situ” with the I want the model to fly? Of course, it is The pull-pull rudder has no fin and longerons not being cut until the complete not quite as bad as that, but we know a lot swivels on Teflon bushes on a carbon fibre fuselage frame was finished (a nervous more about aerofoils now so I decided to tube inside an aluminium tube. moment!) The locking mechanism was design my own whilst trying to maintain From the very outset this model was then added, and although the concept is the “flavour” of the original. to incorporate two ideas that I had wanted extremely simple, it took some fiddling to Besides which, this brought me to the to try for some time. The first was that the get it to work and look “just right.” The second idea that I wanted to incorporate plane had to be capable of being disman- tailplane was then fitted to the rear section and that was that the wing warping was to tled for transport without disconnecting a of the fuselage (by four screws) followed be operated internally providing more posi- single flying wire. The aim was to be able by the servos for the rudder and elevator. tive control with less servo power and no to assemble the model at the field in less Sounds easy, but it took time, especially need for constant adjustments. (On the full than a minute. To achieve this, the fuselage was required to separate behind the cockpit, leaving the front assembly with the wings, flying wires, radio, etc. intact, whilst the tail section of the fuselage contains the elevator and rudder servos, pull-pull wires, etc. Electrical connection is by two standard plugs, whilst the mechanical connection is operated by a single lever which becomes the pilot’s step when in the locked position. Note: the wings can be removed from the Almost completed front of the fuselage for painting, repairing, rudder crutch with etc. but this is not intended for normal use. Teflon bushed This model will fit in a standard station carbon-fibre tube wagon without doing so. inside aluminium I decided to make the join by sliding 2 tube.

78 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News TY1 / Mercury RCM. 17/3/08 11:02 PM Page 1

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Tailplane and tailskid fitted to rear section of fuselage. Servo angles, pulleys, etc. determined. Note ply horns. Fuselage is now divided. Note box over engine mount, provision for wing mounting and early stages of the undercarriage.

Bottom view showing undercarriage mounts.

Mast and wing-fairings in place, compound curve of top section roughly established. carbon fibre rod that was attached to the laminated ply outer rib by an aluminium plate. The rod runs through a fixed tube running half the span of the wing with the carbon fibre rod terminated by a removable lever inside the fuselage. This lever is connected by a simple pushrod to a quarter scale servo. The mechanism is dupli- cated for the other wing. It works great (on the ground) but the purists will be horrified! The only drama with the wing construction was that Ivan wanted 4 spars whilst I thought it only needed two. It ended up with 3! Back to the front end of the fuselage, (it was great being able to work on only half at a time!) a removable, fuel-proofed box with a bottom hatch was fabricated to cover the radial engine mount, The fuselage locking system. which had been bolted to the fire-wall. This allows the engine to wires was fitted and the 24oz tank with plumbing was installed. be fitted or removed in less than five minutes (five capscrews, one After this, it was relatively easy to join the fuselage and complete fuel tube, one throttle clevis and five clip-on glowplug leads, plus the shape thereof by adding formers and stringers, some of which the mixture and choke extensions. had already been done to establish the scale dimensions. Next on the agenda was the undercarriage. This is harder to ex- The cockpit opening was formed in balsa ready to receive the plain than it was to do. Basically, it consists of a piano-wire frame padded “leather” surround (formed by wrapping vinyl around with hardwood inserts bound and glued. The four legs were then ordinary 3 core round electrical cable. The seat was made with a covered on both sides with 8mm ply, filled and sanded. Suspension raffia effect obtained by weaving 6mm strips of .4mm ply, whilst is by two coil springs supporting a 6.5mm piano-wire axle which the fly-screen was assembled from scrap ply and perspex. will carry 200mm wire spoked wheels (when Ivan finishes making The movable joystick is simply a piece of 15mm dowel turned them!). to produce an 8mm stick with a 15mm ball at the base. This ball At the top of the fuselage a four-posted mast for the flying is sandwiched between two 30mm square brass plates with 12mm

80 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News the project Crowded house! doing this on the cheap, so it’s D.I.Y. From the top – the Although we have been using them two quarter-scale for about sixty years, many modellers still servos with the do not realise that a gloplug pulls about 4 wing-warping amps of current (@ 1.2 volts.) The Sirius linkage, the has five glowplugs. That means twenty 2400 ma/h radio amps of current. Our normal servo wire battery (light will melt its insulation at 5 amps or less. green), charging So to make our glow-driver we needed connections, the an on/off switch plus a micro-switch (to glow-driver micro- be activated by the throttle linkage) which switch actuated by would handle 20 amps. Don’t bother trying the throttle servo to buy those at Tandy or Dick Smith’s. plus the glow- Jaycar is the place to go. Also Supercheap driver batteries. Auto has 25 amp wire at a very cheap price. Another hint is to buy double-pole single-throw switches and solder the 25 amp wires across both poles. The next consideration is battery holes in the centre. Ivan has also produced not unknown that the FR5-300 likes some power. Fortunately Ni-Cad (and other) several exquisite instrument cases turned current to the plugs under approximately ¼ batteries have improved almost unbeliev- from brass stock. These will be installed throttle. This can be approached two ways. ably in the last 10 years. In the Caudron I after the model is painted and detailed. 1. Buy a commercial unit which, by have installed three “D” size batteries (in Next item on the list was the electrics the time you have added the parts to cater parallel) each with 4,000 mA/h capacity, a and electronics. The only concern in the for five cylinders, adds up to over $100. 2. total of 12 amp/hr @ 1.2 volts. This should radio department was the massive battery Make your own for about $9. (Both plus provide about 30 minutes continuous drain of 2 quarter-scale servos, so we in- batteries). Obviously I cannot speak for all power to the 5 plugs, sufficient for four or stalled a 2,400 mA/h battery which should brands or the newer versions, but my expe- five flights without recharging. (Remember do the job. Testing its duration on the rience with commercial units when used on the driver is only on under ¼ throttle and ground might be a good idea. The glow- more than two cylinders, has not been bril- the plugs draw less current when the engine driver was somewhat more difficult. It is liant. Besides which, we are supposed to be is running.) All went to plan, and it seems

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 81 the project

A sample of weaving 6mm wide strips of .4mm ply plus the finished seat. to work well, although for a reasonably large model it is getting Early stages of cockpit detailing. surprisingly crowded under the front two hatches. Next came the pull-pull wires, flying wires, turnbuckles, etc. ing the wires to the turnbuckles by means of 1.5mm brass tubing. The latter are easily available commercially but are approximately By this time I had made the multitude of 1.5 ply “horns” that were $6 each – and we needed thirty six of them! Ivan promptly pro- fitted into circular mounts in the wings and tail-plane. As each duced an acceptable substitute by cutting 30mm lengths of 440 mount is formed by four quadrants around a rib and/or spar this threaded stock, forging a small flat section on one end of each with was a brain-numbing exercise. When all the wires were temporar- a 1.5mm hole drilled through said flat section. These were then ily fitted, the radio was turned on, transmitter levers wiggled and screwed into standard 440 black metal clevises with the adjust- everything worked! Wow! ments being held by the locknuts that come with the clevises. He Still to come:- Covering, more cockpit detail, making the then spent several hours at my abode measuring, cutting and crimp- wheels, painting and, hopefully, flying! Ken Thomas.

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82 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News Product Review

Dolphin Co Edge 540T by Les Marriner.

Wingspan 1780mm (70inches), length 1690mm (66.5inches), weight 4kgs (8.8 lbs) Engine 26cc radio five channel minimum.

and a total length of 1690mm (66.5inches), a low heat, then heat the end of a paint The Edge 540T is the two seater compe- the Edge weighs in at a very favourable scraper or putty knife with the heat iron tition/aerobatic training version of this 4kgs (8.8 lbs) as reviewed. and push it into the hinge slot. This also great aerobat, aimed at the club ownership Flying the Edge 540 is a real pleasure seals the covering and forms a well in the market. Manufactured in Guthrie, USA as it can be hotted up for 3D aerobatics slot, and then it is a simple task to drip thin by Zivko Aeronautics, the 540T has some or de-tuned to perform some very accu- CA into the well, one drop at a time. Using very impressive performance stats to boast rate and impressive scale aerobatics. Its this method, I have never had a run of CA about. It has a climb rate of 3,500 ft/min, overall light weight ensures good response glue escape over the covering, causing an roll rate of 420 degrees per second and a to power inputs, and after all things being urgent cleanup and an attempt to recover cruise speed of 185 knots. considered, this is a lovely scale model that from disaster. The T version is powered by a Lycom- assembled easily, and gives me immense The only remaining task is to drill and ing 340 hp engine, with a wing span of pleasure in owning and flying. install the control horn into each aileron. 25feet 2inches, fuzz length of 22feet There is a factory installed pilot hole which 8inches, and an all up weight of 1240lbs. is positioned 152mm from the inboard end The 540T is very distinguishable from the Wing Assembly and back 7mm from the leading edge. Lo- single seater version, by its larger canopy, Each wing half is joined to the fuselage cating the pilot hole with a pin is the best giving the occupants unsurpassed visibility. using an 18mm Dural wing tube (61cms way to find the centre, and then the hole in length) and the wing incidence is fixed can be drilled starting with a 1/16th and via two locating dowels. A nylon wing progressing up to a 9/64th inch bit to take Model Snapshot retaining bolt completes the job for each the 4mm diameter by 60mm in length ma- The review model is 25% scale size, being half. Assembly is confined to hinging the chine screws that form the control horns, marketed by Dolphinco who are based in ailerons and the installation of the servos. along with the hardware supplied in the kit. Perth. Construction is fully built up from CA hinges are supplied and were installed I dry run the screws into their holes then lite-ply, balsawood; fibre glass and heat into the factory prepared slots. back them out again and run some white shrink covering. A tip here is to seal the covering around glue into the threaded section that will go The laser cutting is of a very high the hinge slot with your covering iron on back into the aileron wood. This eventu- standard, which results in a very accurate, Mark the glue strong and lightweight airframe. I will also points with a be using the supplied GR Pro 26cc petrol whiteboard engine, which is also imported by Dolphin- marker. co. With a wingspan of 1780mm (70inches)

Sealing the covering around ally hardens and makes for a good strong the hinge slot helps bond and using the wood glue, allows the prevent the CA screws to be removed if required at some glue from running. later stage.

83 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: Dolphin co edge 540t don’t heat it up first you will run the risk of snapping it during the procedure. I used the gas jet on the hot plates in the kitchen, (when my wife was out) so no special gas torch is required. The main undercarriage legs, wheels and wheel pants went together so easily that the only comment required here is, it was a real pleasure and went together with total accuracy.

Engine Installation Dolphinco import and supplied the 26cc GR Pro petrol engine for the review model and my first impression was that it was a good match for the Edge 540. The kit also comes with the standard type of T-bearer engine mounts if a conventional glow/methanol engine was to be used. The engine is supplied with 35mm standoffs which really are not long enough for the muffler to clear the fire wall, so I made my own standoffs that measured 40mm in length and I tapped The horizontal stabilisor was a very tight fit and a little sanding of the fueslage was required in order to protect the covering during installation.

Tail Feathers The horizontal stabiliser (stab) and vertical fin can now be installed, and I would recommend that epoxy be used here as it allows the parts to be manoeuvred into place, without any grabbing which can happen when using wood alaphatic resin glue, in the warmer weather. The first thing to decide on is how you are going to activate the elevator halves. The kit comes with a preformed spring steel joiner that allows you to use one elevator servo, or you can do away with this and use two servos, one for each elevator half. I decided to go with the one servo and make use of the joiner, which needs to be put in place prior to sliding the stab into its slot, as you will never get it into the slot later. For the stab installation, the first thing to do is a trial run to At 35mm the standoffs need to be shimmed out another 5mm so see how tight the stab is in the prepared slot in the fuselage. The the muffler will clear the fire-wall. Mount the ignition system as review model was a very tight fit, and if I had attempted to force far as practicable away from the receiver. the issue, I would have ended up damaging the covering on the stab. A small amount of careful sanding on the bottom part of the 5mm threads into each end for fixing to the engine lugs and the fire slot resulted in an easy installation that also allowed the epoxy to wall. I have spoken to the importer who will be looking to supply stay in the joint and not be forced out during the installation. Ex- the extra length standoffs in future. The prop thrust washer ended cess epoxy can be removed and the joint cleaned up with a cloth up being 130mm from the fire wall. This worked out very well soaked in methylated spirit. with regard to balancing the model on the recommended Centre of Gravity (120mm rearward of the leading edge), without the need for adding any weight to the model.

Undercarriage Assembly As the engine has a rear mounted carburettor, a clearance hole The tail wheel is an easy install, and the only thing to note here is needed to be cut in the fire wall, inside the four standsoffs , to to heat the spring steel to a dull red before attempting to bend the allow the carby to have clearance. This was achieved by drilling a 90 degree angle that will eventually slot into the rudder. If you series of 5mm holes around the perimeter of the cut-out and finishing it off with a small drum sander in the Dremel tool. I then fashioned plastic control horn extensions from large Hitec servo arms and these were screwed or bolted to the throttle and choke output arms. The spring from the choke mechanism was removed as it was too strong. A pushrod connecting the choke output arm was connected to a Hitec HS 81 servo, so I now have the ability to switch the choke on or off from the retract switch on my transmitter. I have found this to be very useful and user friendly, and it also has the advantage of being able to stop the engine in an emergency if I ever lost throttle control. For throttle control, I used a Hitec HS 425BB servo, and as I extended the throttle arm on the carby, the servo has 100% travel adjustment for both high and low throttle settings. This gearing effect also results in a smooth throttle transition because you are al- Keeping all wiring as far away from the receiver antenna as you lowing the servo to operate with accuracy. Reducing travel adjust- can is standard practice but with an ignition system on board ment via the transmitter for any control is a bad thing and should this becomes more important. be avoided at all cost. It reduces the accuracy of the servo and

84 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: Dolphin co edge 540t if the servo is connected to a control surface, it places immense strain on the servo which can lead to excessive power drain on the receiver battery. A good rule of thumb that I stand by is to have at least 100% travel adjustment for all servos, and if there is any need to increase or decrease control surface throws, it is done manually on the servo arm and the control horn. The engine instruction manual states that propellers from 16” by 8” up to 17” by 10” can be used. I actually choose a wooden 18” by 8” as I believe that this engine is more than capable to handle it and the larger diameter with less pitch, slows the model down in flight and really assists with the landings as it acts like an airbrake.

Cowl Installation The cowl is attached via four machine screws that screw into factory installed blind nuts. As the nuts are hidden by the covering film, the first job is to locate them from inside the tank bay area Ensure a 3mm gap at the spinner ring before mounting the and prick a pin-hole through the nut and film. This hole can be cowl. I use silicon fuel tubing to act as a vibration proof washer enlarged from the outside to allow the screws to run freely in the between the fibreglass and the screw. threads. As you can see from the photos, a reasonable chunk of cowl for the feed, vent and fill lines. I positioned the tank as far rear- needs to be removed to allow for engine clearance and cooling. ward as I could in proximity to the wing spar, so that the changes Again this was achieved by drilling a series of 5mm holes around to fuel levels didn’t have a marked effect on changes to the Centre the perimeter of the cut-out and then finishing the job off with a of Gravity. The most commonly available petrol tolerant tubings small drum sander in the Dremel tool. are Dubro Tygon yellow or the Dubro neoprene black. Locating the mounting holes and transferring them to the To stop the tank moving on the tank mounting rails, I use the outside of the cowl is achieved by attaching a strip of cardboard to hook side of self adhesive Velcro on both the tank and the rails. the side of the fuselage using masking tape, with the cowl screws This will position the tank from moving about and I then tie the located into the blind nuts, for all four mounts. The screws can tank to the rails using the supplied cable ties. I find that using then be removed and the cowl offered into position with the card- the Velcro in this manner, it remains easy to remove the tank if board strips now being on the outside of the cowl. Once you are needed, as a full length of Velcro used in its normal format would happy with the position of the cowl, ensuring that you have at least make it almost impossible to separate tank from frame, without a 3mm gap for propeller clearance, the cowl can be secured to the running the risk of applying too much force and damaging the fuselage with masking tape. airframe. The screw locations in the cardboard can now be used to act As the petrol engine is fitted with a fuel pump, no pressure line as pilot holes for drilling the cowl. I use 2mm lengths of silicone is required from the muffler to fuel tank. However, you need to fuel tube to act as spring washers for the cowl attachment screws. run a breather line to the tank and this is open to the atmosphere Under compression, the silicone will stop the screws from vibrat- during engine operation. It also acts as an overflow outlet when ing out and it will also guard against cracking the fibreglass cowl. the tank is being filled. The carby feed line is set up with a clunk in the same manner as a regular methanol setup, and the third line is a filler tube for filling and emptying the tank. This doesn’t need Tank Installation a clunk and can simply be a piece of tubing that reaches the bot- The fuel tank is supplied with a petrol compatible bung and clunk tom of the tank. A tip here it to make sure it doesn’t interfere with line, but you will need to purchase some petrol tolerant fuel tubing clunk feed line. As with all tank assemblies, it pays to pressure test the tank for leaks by running a small length of tube between two outlets, then attaching a longer length of tube to the remaining outlet. You then apply mouth pressure to this tube and immerse the tank in a container of water. Any leaks around the bung will show themselves in the form of air bubbles. If you have a leak, simply tighten the bung and retry the test until no bubbles appear.

Canopy Installation I found that the base of the canopy frame was 2mm too long to allow for the frame to seat into the fuzz neatly, so I simply detached the rear frame, removed the unwanted 2mm of material and re- glued the rear frame to the base using epoxy. I did this in-situ by placing a piece of glad-rap on the fuzz, putting the frames in place and held the rear frame to the turtle deck using masking tape. I then ran a fillet of epoxy along the Quite a bit of material has to be removed from the engine joint and allow it to set hard before you remove it. The glad-rap cowling. Drill a series of pilot holes then cut with a knife or a will guard against any glue seepage and you end up with a very hand held grinder. strong joint that is absolutely spot-on for accuracy. I spoke to

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 85 product review: Dophin co edge 540t

Fully cowled engines installations require a fill line. It goes to the bottom and is short to avoid fouling the clunk line.

Engine and radio The GR Pro 26cc petrol engine comes with a very well worded and succinct procedure for the initial running in period and the importer regarding this situation, and I was assured that he subsequent long term operations. I see no need to elaborate here, had checked his stocks and found no other kit to have an ill-fitting only to say that if followed, the engine will start and run very hatch, so hopefully this was a one off hick-up. well indeed. Petrol engines, as a general rule do not need the day Once happy with that, I find the easiest way to glue the canopy to day needle valve adjustment that some aero modellers subject to the frame is by using a 2mm bead of silicone being applied to their methanol engines to, and once again, simply follow the setup the side rails and rear canopy bulkhead, but not across the front instructions as per the engine manual. section. With the canopy hutch in place on the model, the canopy The electronic spark ignition is simple to fit and can be seen in can be carefully lowered into place and secured to the airframe the photographs as to where I located it on the review model. It is with strips of masking tape and left to dry for a day or so. Any very important that the shielded spark plug lead is pushed onto the spillage of silicone can be removed later when it is dry, with a spark plug very firmly, as this action actually earths the engine to sharp knife. I don’t attempt any immediate clean up as it will only the electronic ignition system. If you don’t, you could run the risk make a mess. of the spark ignition causing glitches with the radio system. To finish the job, I cut four 10mm wide strips of white “Contact I used Hitec 5475 digital servos for all flying surfaces and I al- Brand” book covering and apply it to the edges of the canopy. I ways use a PCM receiver in this size of model. I also used a four use this product as it will go around compound curves well and af- cell 1500mah NiCad for the receiver and an 1100mah NiMh for ter 24 hours, it will stay there until you find the need to remove it. powering the ignition system. I chose a JR type Big Switch for

86 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: Dolphin co edge 540t

that the radio has in-fact gone into failsafe mode: not a bad thing to establish whilst the model is still on the ground and under the control of your helper. If this does occur, walk in towards the model about five paces or until the revs go back up to the pre failsafe setting, then conduct the 360 degrees rotation again. If all is good, you can then try operating the control surfaces with the transmitter, return to the model and get your helper to verify that all the surface deflections are going in the correct direction. You may think that I am going a bit over board here, but let me assure you that it really pays to spend a bit of time making sure that everything is right before you commit it to aviation. Believe me, I have learnt the hard way when it comes to fighting for a model’s survival, and if I am not happy with any one of the pre-flight checks, I don’t fly until I am totally satisfied that the problem has been identified and rectified. Glad Wrap keeps the excess glue off the airframe. I use Silasatic. the receiver and ignition systems as they are well suited to the job Flight Test and allows for easy checking of voltage via their external charging After I had followed the running in instructions for the engine, jack prior to each flight. the cowl was installed and the control surface directions were I ran the antenna wire inside the fuselage, ensuring that it did once again checked at the field by my helper, fellow Inverloch not touch any of the servos or extension leads. This is my chosen Club member John Flett. method for the antenna as it is protected from flapping in the wind With John in charge of the camera for the flying shots, I during flight, which could lead to subsequent fatigue and ultimate taxied out onto the strip, holding the rear down with some up breakage. It is also important that the antenna run is not parallel to elevator; allowing the steerable tail wheel to do its job with any servo extension leads as this can also cause a loss of signal to rudder inputs. The Edge was accelerated into wind, tracking the receiver during flight. beautifully down the strip, only requiring minimal right rudder to hold everything pointing towards happiness. The Edge rotated smoothly and climbed out with total authority; instantly giving Range Test me a feeling that I was in full control and about to experience a Once again, with this size of model, I recommend that the “Fail very pleasurable test flight. No trim changes (non at all) were Safe” option be activated for the throttle, the program being set to needed for any of the control surfaces, which certainly speaks just above idle speed. The other flight controls can be set at “Hold highly for Dolphin’s ability to build and supply a perfectly Last Command”. The range test was conducted with the engine straight and accurate airframe. running and to do this safely, it needs two people. I then put the Edge through a number of vertical and horizon- I pick a clear piece of ground away from electric fences etc, tal manoeuvres, all of which tracked straight and came out on and with the engine running just under one third power, I walk command. Rolls and inverted flight needed very little down el- away from the model with the transmitter aerial fully collapsed, evator input whilst inverted. Snap rolls and stall turns were well leaving the controls alone at this stage as it allows the helper hold- controlled were very satisfying to perform. Owing to the Edge’s ing the model to notice any unwanted servo operation, which is light wing loading, the stall is very predictable and controllable, actually interference. which leads to landings that are safe and simple to execute. Once I reach the thirty metre mark from the model, I get my helper who is holding the model securely via the tailplane, to slowly rotate the model thru 360 degrees. The model is sitting Summing Up on the ground and we are both looking out for any change in the The Edge 540T as supplied by Dolphinco of Perth is a very control surfaces, caused by jittering servos. impressive 25% scale model that is capable of performing any During the rotation of the model, I keep a keen ear on the manoeuvres that the pilot has in his repertoire. The finish and engine revs, as if they were to drop back to idol, it is an indicator build quality of the airframe is very impressive, and as you can see from the photos, it is also a very attractive scale aerobat indeed, that certainly delivers in the value for money stakes. The GR Pro 26cc petrol engine is a good match for the Edge and performed faultlessly, with simple and straight forward start-ups, and the electronic ignition system, ensuring a reliable idle and supplying plenty of spark for vertical flight. The engine turned the 18 by 8 wooden propeller with authority and I believe it to be a good choice, with the added benefit of keeping the noise level down in flight, owing to it turning at lower revs than if I had used a 17 by 8. If you have any questions regarding this review, please feel welcome to contact me on my new email address of marrin- [email protected] Regards, Les Marriner The Edge 540T is distributed to hobby shops by Dolphinco tel 08 9479 6267 www.dolphinco.com.au

Slipping back in.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 87 Product Review

Astro Power Leisure Defender by David Hipperson.

We have all become so used to ARFs Wingspan 1,600 mm, 530 gm, 120 or 150 watt power, three channel. particularly those coming from Asia this electric sailplane makes a rare and wel- very high spec’ in terms of power. Perhaps a little more. Malcolm sensibly opted to come change in that it is made right here the only failing in this is that it is almost make use of Chinese Turnigy motors and in Australia. Not only is the quality superb too deceptively simple. For those who are this from my own experience these motors but even more impressive is that and the younger fliers this aircraft is much closer in represent worthwhile value for money. To model is packed with innovation and prac- style to gliders of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s rather give you some idea of performance: tical commonsense. Malcolm Buckmaster than the latest super sleek all glass devices e-drive 2210-30 (1500kVa) on an 8 who produces the Defender kits has been with which we are so familiar. The main X 4.5 CAM prop gives 107 watts at 9.8 turning out first rate electric motors both thing is that there is nothing wrong in that amps with 10100 rpm This being the low brushed and brushless outrunner for many merely that manufacturers are probably be performance version discussed in the text years here in Melbourne. Accompanying less inclined to produce ARFs with a higher although more could be squeezed from this those motors have also been a range of well construction work load so hence moulding with a larger prop. designed kits. However, life shows that rules. On the “performance” motor which is things change and the overwhelming fall in Malcolm offers the Defender as a basic very similar to the e-Watts motor seen in prices from Asian has made it more practi- ARF or in a form I can only describe as Flying Electrics issue 92 we get: cal for Malcolm to direct his efforts to the Ready-to-Fly and the example offered 2217-16 (1050kVa) on a 9 X 5 CAM kits than the motors. The other sea change to me is the RTF version . This has the prop gives 143 watts at 12.8 amps with of course has come with the dominance of brushless outrunner motor, folding prop’, 9900 rpm Both figures shown may be ARFs and although I loved the Electrician ESC, Lipo and servos pre-fitted. The only considered the “usually supplied” spec’ but I reviewed some while ago more and more requirement for me was to clip in a receiver the latter version can also make use of a 10 fliers do not want to build kits but assemble and plug in the servos and ESC. X 8 CAM prop which gives 206 watts at ARFs. I can say hand on heart that of all This reviewed version is referred to as 20 amps with 7400 rpm. It is further worth the ARFs I’ve tried nothing has been so the “low power” alternative with power considering that if selecting your own well thought out as the Defender and per- in the 100-120 watt area. This still offers choices then the sky, literally, is the limit haps is a result of the very personal work significant power when you consider that providing it fits within the airframe. that Malcolm injects. with mine weighing 550g AUW so we are During the flying tests the Lipo sup- Just briefly the Defender is a 1.6 metre talking about 100+ watt per pound. In this plied was a 3S 1350mAh pack.but then we (63”) span model with a proposed weight form it may be possible to go vertical so encountered a minor glitch with that so one around 530g (18.6 oz). Although a light- if you must crave even more then a 200 + of my older Polyquest Lipos (like the better weight it can be brought or supplied to a watt option is also there but naturally costs part of six year old!) was pressed into use. This 3S 1,800 mAh pack was of the 12- 15C variety and was just four grams lighter than the 1,350 mAh more modern version. As I said, the model assembled from box open to motor running took just under fifteen minutes and this included me choos- ing a receiver, connecting up the servos and ESC, clipping the tailplane and fin/rudder into position, plugging the tips on and strapping the wing into position. With the handy but comprehensive manual believe me when I say that if you can read you can assemble the Defender and if you know anything about models you can almost miss out the reading bit (just don’t though!) if The Turnigy you are going for the RTF. outrunner used in The choice is left up to you to either the basic package. use the very clever clip together system or,

88 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News product review: astropower leisure defender degree climb (estimated) without effort at the same time it was just as easy when flown in fifteen foot high circles and eights while Frank Curzon kindly took photos. Incidentally the model has no ‘crank’ in the wing but is simply a distortion in terms of photographic. The Defender is very much a ‘nice’ aeroplane to fly as it is easy to in the air with plenty of authority yet without any twitchiness you can sometimes find. If I were to find any fault it is that the Defender Here the single isn’t physically big so it can small in strong pin locates both lift or at too great distances. The good thing tail and fin for being that you can point the nose at it an assembly and fly back to home with confidence. Anyway demounting. this truly is a very user friendly aircraft and alternatively, glue the tailplane on and/or glue the wig tips on to the centre section. I chose to use the former because as the entire tailplane clips together with a single but robust pin assembly and the tips can be simply plugged on and then held in place with some low tack tape (supplied in the Shows a 3S 1800 mAh pack on the kit). The huge advantage with the ability to battery “tab” for completely de-mounted the Defender and easy fitting and returned to the original carton is that it be- removal from comes absolutely perfect for either storage fuselage. or transportation. This is definitely one you could carry by air to go on holiday. ommended CG point. Even with this “low I believe it would be very tolerant of all but Further thought has gone into the power” set up he hasn’t skimped anywhere the most ham-handed. simple but almost anachronistic wire struts and as an example chose to supply a good The ability to purchase it in the which I think may be in deference to those folding adapter, with Graupner cam propel- choice of either ARF or virtually complete who will demand that absolute maximum ler blades for efficiency. ‘ready-to-fly’ form (only radio receiver and power and then probably follow it up by So, on to the flying field and how transmitter is required) offer the prospec- wanting to do aerobatics. Just bear in mind does it go? To be fair the weather at the tive purchaser great options. If writing this that to my way of thinking the Defender Lilydale club was perfect being warm, sun- I seem enthusiastic about the Defender I is intended for lightweight sailplane use ny and just a little breeze. A little toss into think you’d feel the same way if you were rather than 3D however this is reminiscent that breeze and on half throttle the Defend- to try one and I am already talking to Mal- of the APL Electrician I tried a few years er climbed away in perfect trim without colm about having one for my own hangar. back and it is really very effective. me needing to add a click to either rudder Truly however this model not only or elevator. On full throttle a strong climb goes together easily but was so well resulted with the Defender was apparently thought out that it balanced spot on the rec- capable of go in up at a steady seventy Building the DEFENDER 1.6 at Astropower-Leisure Aust. (By Malcolm Buckmaster) Manufactur- ing the Defender 1.6 takes place in a well-equipped workshop with facilities that allow construction in small batches. Many of the components for the Defender 1.6 are cut in sets on the CNC Router (which was built in the same workshop essentially for this purpose) There are eighty CNC cut parts in the completed airframe. By careful selection of material thickness and grade plus the provision of cut-outs wherever possible, the weight of the structure after covering is approx. 200 grams.(7 ounces) The flying weight of the completed model is 450-550 A set of joiners are cut from 3.2mm grams (16-19 ounces) ply on a custom When compared with laser cutting, the designed CNC cutting speeds of the router are slower but router. the advantages of the CNC process are

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 89 product review: astropower leisure defender The machine- It is interesting to note that the majority cut interlocking of orders are for ready built aircraft and components for the ensures that the running gear used is the wingtips with a co-ordinated set. All the motors, con- the spars provide trollers, batteries and servos are selected the location and for the Defender 1.6 application and the alignment of the installation is free if they are ordered with ribs. The same the model. The propellers are made by A-L method is used in A to a design that ensures a good supply the construction of motor cooling air and that the propeller of the centre wing blades are pivoted on the correct centres to panel. fold neatly to the nose contours. Graupner CAM blades are used from 7.5”x 4” to 10”x 8” sizes. The finished set of components are shown ready for packing in the custom-made carton. The uncovered During the fit-out process, all the airframes are controls are operated and set at neutral, ready available for the controller defaults are set for the type completion in the of power system used, and the motor and colour selected by propeller are run. All that is required of the customer. the customer is to supply and install the

RC receiver, assemble the model, apply The finished clear tape at the wing / tips joinline, and product ready to establish a satisfactory range check before fly. flying. After initial flights the C of G position realised in the accuracy and consistency of components are finished then stored to may be adjusted to suit the owner’s flying the cutting. be available for completion in the colour style. This allows greater use of interlocking selected by the customer. The covering is The Defender is available direct from tab assembly during construction where usually completed one model at a time to Astro Power Leisure tel 03 9763 1632 or possible. The wings, fuselages and tail allow early despatch. alphalink.com.au/~mkbuck

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Awesome RC Chinook by Reg Neville.

In the last issue of the magazine the editor “kindly” added a few words to the review Rotor diameter 340 mm, weight 400gm, 3s LiPo, 4 channel ready to fly. and informed everybody that I have a collection of counter rotating helicopters, the set up and programming to improve the can be used. If you are new to helicopter the fact is that I like to take models to our flight performance. Twister were the first flight you will like the D.V.D. that clearly indoor meetings that look like their full size manufacturer in the world to produce a 4 shows how to operate the transmitter and counterparts are easy to fly and look good channel tandem twin rotor helicopter and walks you through the learning curve on in the air. the other three models in their range are the journey to your first solo flight. The The model in this review achieved all of also stand off scale versions of actual air- footage showing the model flying outdoors these tasks far better than I had anticipated. craft, the Chinook really stands out in this looks great but should only be attempted The “Australian” version of the Chinook quartet because it’s somewhat larger and of in very little or preferably no wind which helicopter has undergone an upgrade and course it does have rotors at “both”ends. usually means early in the morning or the the RAAF livery has now been replaced The model arrived in perfect condition evening. and it assumes the ARMY camouflage and when you open the box and check The instruction book is clearly written colour scheme, whilst I like the new the contents you will find that everything and covers everything that you would ever colours (mind you I am colourblind) all needed to get you into the air is included. need to know, also a USB cable is included who have seen it agree that this is a definite The “hard” work on your part is to attach and connects the transmitter to your com- improvement and the model looks much a pair of gas turbines to the body then fit puter, you can then practice on the flight better for the change. The Chinook has a the swashplates and rotor blades, all of this simulation program that can be download- very realistic stand off scale appearance, can be accomplished in the time it takes to ed free of charge. The helicopter is fitted the panel lines are moulded into the body, charge the battery. with LBW, which stands for low battery decals are already fitted and the canopy is It’s good to see that the charger includ- warning. This is a beacon positioned on top tinted, you will see in the photos that this ed is the type that balances the cells in the of the body and it flashes when the battery really is a well detailed model and in flight 11.1v li po battery and it operates from 12 voltage is getting too low warning you that it looks just like the full size CH 47. volts or alternatively a normal power point it’s time to land and recharge. Another The modifications cover a lot more than just improving it’s appearance. The gyro software has been upgraded to achieve even greater stability, the chassis has been lengthened and changes have been made to

One servo does fore and aft, the other for lateral cyclic.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 91 product review: awesome rc chinook

pair of motors, the gears, shafts, bearings and the linkages to the rotors. Located in the centre of the chassis the 3 in 1 control unit is mounted, this houses the piezo gyro, speed controls and the receiver, the 2 hi torque micro servos are also fitted in this section. The interesting thing here is that the two rotors at “both” ends are controlled by only one gyro and the two hi torque servos. The general opinion from those who have seen both versions of the Chinook fly are that this one appears to be more stable, is smoother in flight and looks very realistic in the air. From these comments one can only come to the conclusion that all of the improvements that have been put into the Chinook upgrade have been well worthwhile. From my point of view I have now flown a number of different counter rotating helicopters and the Chinook as they say is rock solid, very easy to control and whilst twin rotor helicopters are not difficult to fly, accidents can happen. I did have one during the photography session at home and I wasn’t even flying it at the time. I mention this because when you choose a model make sure that spare parts are readily available and the Twister range of helicopters are well backed up in this regard. Back to the Chinook what else is there to say, I think that almost anybody can easily learn to fly it, and if you want to take something different to the next indoor meeting that looks like the original, has a realistic flight performance and is enjoyable to fly then you should consider counter rotating helicopters and the Chinook would be an ideal place to start. Another good reason is that the Chinook helicopter was voted as the best hobby product of the year at the 2008 Toy and Hobby Fair. The Awesome R/C Chinook is distributed to hobby shops by Model Engines Australia tel 03 8793 5555 www.modelengines.com.au

This heli can be enjoyed by beginners and sport flyers alike. safety feature is MOPS an acronym for motor overload protection system, this helps to prevent damage to the electronics by cutting power to the motors if the blades are stalled. A word of warning here, you “must” lower the throttle immediately as the system will re arm a few seconds later and the chicken dance across the floor is not a pretty sight. When the body is removed you see that the chassis is a strong square section and at each end the main frames are positioned, these each hold a

Nightflying under lights at Shepparton Mammoth Scale.

92 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News R/C Heli Tech: R/C helicopter Flying and Technology Justin Church

I’m sure you’re probably reading through this very issue of RCM and cannot believe it is Christmas time again. My how this year has flown, and as I look back and read through past RC Helitech columns and reviews we certainly did cover some ground. When flicking through past pages I cannot help but feel that perhaps over the 2009 editions, the RC Helitech column needs some development in areas other than product reviews and general industry chit chat. So I’m calling for arms and asking all readers to email what you, yes you, would like covered in the 2009 season of RC Helitech. At the end of the day this is a reader’s magazine and without your thoughts on content or topics to be covered then everyone must rely on my stale old brain for solutions, and believe me when I say I’m not getting any younger. Jeff commented that four bladed rotor head systems were not too difficult to fly. Your input is important, so please, take this as your chance to send me, the now but thanks to the beginning of Snapper make some new engine side frames. roaming reporter to try and cover the topics Season in Port Phillip Bay. Nevertheless Once the model was flying well, to and suggestions that you choose. There I have been working on continuing the which I’m informed was from the very first are no holes barred as I will endeavour to flight profile and setup on the Blitz Avro as flight, Jeff wanted to find a scale body to cover all areas so email me your questions, reviewed last issue. mount the model into. Through his travels, topics, thoughts and suggestions but please Jeff came across a model shop that had a let’s keep it less flavoursome and strictly dusty old box that contained a fibreglass fu- helicopter related. Another Scale Project from Jeff Susman selage helicopter resembling a BK117. He Just incase you are wondering, no I’m Recently when I was down at the Mel- set to work in preparing the fuse which was not suffering writers block or can no longer bourne Helicopter club, I could not help a little time consuming due to the custom build models as I’ve lost both hands to a but notice another new scale project from work required in fitting the tail rotor system blender accident as this is not the case. The a fellow club member, Jeff Susman whose and fixing the doors and hatches that were simple answer is you buy this magazine for scale projects have featured in RC Helitech cut out of fibreglass in the original box set. many different reasons, so why not read before. Jeff successfully designed his own After fiddling for some time he decided about something that specifically interests home engineered gas engine conversion kit to not make this the Ferrari finish that you. So what to now, well as Victoria heats to retrofit a small Zenoah G23 petrol motor he normally works towards and instead up and runs desperately low on water, fly- to his Thunder Tiger Raptor 60. He ex- jammed the model with some colour and ing time has increased yet my appearances plained that the conversion was relatively set to fly it. at the field are still low. Not due to work easy to complete, utilizing G10 material to The BK117 features a Robbe 4 bladed rotor head swinging 660mm SAB rotor blades and an additional gyro to provide some rate assistance with the collective control. Overall the finished appearance is very realistic indeed and it seemed quite at home gently plodding around the sky. Whilst flying, I could not help but ask many questions over the characteristics of the model having never owned a gas powered model or flown a helicopter with a multi bladed rotor head. Jeff explained that his models that have multi bladed rotor heads are not overly difficult to fly but they always must be Jeff Susmans BK flown i.e. they always require control input 117, an interesting and correction. I was surprised with the scale model and BK117’s performance even though the finished very well. engine was the 23cc opposed to the more

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 93 rc helitech heads. Hundreds of hours in the machine Nothing beats the shop formed the test model. Initial testing scale appearance of a flybarless revealed a number of hurdles to overcome scale helicopter. such as servo and engine power tests high- lighting the requirement to go strong on the electronics and engine power. The model swings 800mm blades and uses three gyros to provide stability assistance. Soon the model will be in its final testing stages and will be officially handed over to the new owner where it will be utilised in Australian film and surveying work.

commonly seen 26cc in most scale applica- tions. Another project that Jeff is currently finishing off is a huge counter rotating camera ship that is powered by a massive 80cc twin cylinder electric start petrol motor. Jeff was commissioned to design and build a model helicopter that provided an exceptionally stable platform for camera work but also could carry considerable weight like 8kg. A custom cut down Jeff engineered his own base design Hatori muffler was and began experimenting with materi- squeezed into the als to construct the main frame and rotor fuselage.

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The Blitz Avro 90 – Continued There was only enough time to hover the model around before the last issue was put to bed but I gained an initial impression which was quite favourable indeed. The Blitz was rock solid in the hover but felt nimble on the sticks throughout the pitch range due to the 3D rotor head setup that I chose to build, pri- marily from setting up leading edge blade grips. Upon coming quite comfortable with the model in the hover and no additional setup changes from the box stock model except for a little ex- potential on collective and cyclic. It was time for the fly around the sky. I had setup the Blitz as a plus and minus eleven degree pitch range with 1,650 hovering RPM and a stunt RPM at 1,900. As soon as I ramped up the throttle when switching through the flight modes, the Blitz developed one of those really annoying invisible vibrations that turned the fuel tank into a dishwasher. This is not the first time I have experienced this in a model but there is nothing more frustrating than foaming fuel as a multitude of areas could be causing the problem without any visible signs other than the foaming fuel itself. And this was the case as the model did not have one vibration in it whatsoever. So what could it be? My first thoughts were clutch related and the balance thereof but there was no runout and seldom do unbalanced clutch fans cause such a problem. I then thought about worn bearings or a bent shaft somewhere but there was no abnormal heat, vibrations or sounds coming from the model. Another trait the model revealed through some gently flying around the sky was that the engine sounded to be loading pre-

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Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 95 Double page BLADE MCX Double page BLADE MCX rc helitech maturely even in the simplest aerobatic ma- The Hughes XF noeuvres. It was clear that something was 17 Heavy Lift not right and it wasn’t until I was talking Helicopter takes over the issues with a fellow club member flight. Only a that he thought that my drive belt was way mother could love too tight, and once I gave this another once it. over I could see his point. I contacted Neal Scanlan at Blitz Helicopters and was asked a myriad of diagnostic questions in a rapid response to get to the bottom of the problem. We reviewed my setup, the engine mounts and belts in the model and the gear ratios I had selected. Neal came to the conclusion that in the kit I had received, it included some drive pulleys that were made slightly oversize in error thus creating higher drive slow for my liking. Avro owners had actu- ing very quick indeed needed some taming belt tension. The higher tension could be ally commented to Blitz that the roll was with further expo. responsible for an unnoticeable vibration generally viewed to be too quick with the Blitz also now provide an additional ro- foaming the fuel and preloading the engine. 3D setup and that provided me the indicator head setup sheet, complementing the in- I was promptly sent new drive pulleys tion that the Curtis Youngblood standard cluded booklet with in the kit with another which were meant to be replaced in my paddles perhaps were a little small and suggested setup that mechanically slows kit, and with the new one installed the belt replacing these with the 105mm super size the rolls down a bit. I have not tried this as clearly ran smoother, I’m sure providing was the way to go. And it was. Now the yet as I’m comfortable for the moment. It some welcome relief to the engine and flight performance had really come out and has been some time since I have flown a 90 airframe. Upon flying the model now, I I was enjoying the Avro more each time I size model and the Blitz is no exception in retuned the engine and the Avro had a new flew it. Another change I decided to make keeping the pilot on their toes. lease on life. After some general flying I was to reduce the main blade length from The Blitz is very fast in forward flight needed to fiddle with the pitch settings to 710mm to 690mm. Whilst the blades were and certainly oozes the precision on rails ensure the inverted performance was equal the same weight, the slight reduction in en- feel, but this means if you are a sport pilot, to the upright. gine loading again aided the zappy feel of you must consistently fly the model. Even The rolls were ample but yet a little the model and rolling ability, now becom- so, the rock solid feel gives you confidence

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The XF 17 spanned 134 feet and weighed in at 22 tonnes dry. in the strength of the model. I still have to take control of the pucker factor and just treat the model a little harder, and let James Dargue put the Blitz through a full Masters 3D routine. This will come with time of course and I will write about how it stood up to the beating.

The cars give a good indication of the size. RC Helitech has a likely contender- the Hughes XH-17 Who ever said the Russians had the most interesting looking Now I don’t want to be made out to be taking anything away from helicopters. Perhaps I will submit the next to the Scale Forum for my fellow scale columnist but they do say imitation is the sincerest Frank to cover off the aircraft in more detail but I just could not let form of flattery. this one pass me by. Recently when visiting a client of mine that just happens to be Well I wish you all the best for this Christmas break, and trust a helicopter company, I could not let the opportunity pass of hav- that you will have a happy but very safe festive season. I would ing this column’s very own ugly helicopter award after comment- like to thank the RCMN for it’s constant support and allowing ing on some picture in their meeting room of the most peculiar me to contribute to the magazine and the advertisers, particularly aircraft. Model Engines and Perth RC for their product support throughout The helicopter was the first design and test aircraft for the the year. Finally I would like to thank the subscribers and readers Hughes Helicopter Company in America, designed to lift in excess of RCMN as it is you that allows me to have a sport here and sup- of one hundred and fifteen metric tonnes. In the late 1940’s an en- port our advertisers. Till next time, see you in the sky. gineer sold the design to Hughes who commissioned it to become a heavy lift and research aircraft. Built in California over a three year period, completed in 1952, the XH-17 took flight in 1953 weighing in at some twenty two tonnes and still holds the record for the largest flying rotor system. The rotor system itself spanned 134 feet and when flying the rotor tips flew at a remarkably low speed of 88 rpm. The power plant was made up of two massive turbojet engines, with the jet propulsion channelled through the main rotor hub and hollow blades where smaller blade end jet engines were further ignited with fuel for power. Since the rotor rpm was so low, there was little if any torque compensation required, thus the helicopter only had a very small tail rotor system in comparison to the main rotors. Whilst incredibility stable and powerful, the power system in general was so inefficient, only allowing a maximum range of 64km. Only one helicopter was built and Hughes intended to build an even larger design but the program was cancelled due to the cumbersome and limited flight characteristics. I have listed some statistics of the aircraft below: Crew: 3 Length: 53 ft 3 in (16.25 m) Rotor diameter: 129 ft 11 in (39.62 m) Height: 30 ft 2 in (9.17 m) Empty weight: 28,563 lb (12956 kg) Loaded weight: 31,270 lb (14184 kg) Useful load: 10,284 lb (4665 kg) Max takeoff weight: 43,500 lb (19731 kg) Powerplant: 2 General Electric GE J35 turbojets Maximum speed: 90 mph (145 km/h) Cruise speed: 85 mph (137 km/h) Range: 40 mi (64 km) Service ceiling 13,100 ft (3995 m) Rate of climb: 1650 ft/min (8.4 m/s)

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E-Go Models MLD -500 by Stuart Claire.

Rotor diameter 450 mm, weight without battery 350 gm, 2S Lipo, four channel radio.

Hardly Any said Stuart Clair! That was chines. After reading articles about many Points of difference how much time elapsed before my reply others I thought coming up with enough This machine does actually have a few was given after the offer to check this words would be a struggle. I have spent advantages over the other contra machines model out flew my way. hours putting around inside, scaring the cat. I have flown and these points of difference Why? Because the shape of this egg- When the family had enough I could also all centre around the battery pack. At first beater makes it my favourite helicopter. go outside provided it was dead calm. glance I felt the battery pack mounting The fact it was in one of the great helicop- The MDL-500 is typical of indoor under the fuselage was a bit daggy and my ter chase scenes was in the movie Birds of contra rotating helicopters except it is big- imagination took over and so it became a Prey which featured a TV news helicopter ger than most. It comes in ready to fly form cargo rack. Flip open the cargo rack and chasing an Alouette. Another great scene with a four channel 36 MHz FM transmit- changing the battery is easy because it was in the movie when an old Boeing ter and the TX uses eight AA batteries does not involve removing any part of the Stearman bi-plane was chased by a pair of which are supplied. The in-flight battery fuselage. military helicopters. The helicopter that did pack is a 2S (two cell) 1,000 mAh LiPo, The flight time on this machine is all that pursuing was a Hughes 500 which I charged by a 12 DC balancer charge. A longer most. Stated on the box as ten have been told by people who fly for a liv- spare set of rotor blades are also supplied minutes and after a few cycles and I found ing that if you are after a sporty helicopter, and a flight simulator cable that plugs into this to be a valid claim that although I must that is the machine to get. If you haven’t a pc via the USB port and the software is say it becomes marginal but eight minutes seen those two pictures you should because also supplied for free, on a CD. the flying is brilliant. The battery pack At least back then the producers is very easy to would stump up the dough and film actual remove. helicopters. Now a days it’s all done on computers. I wish someone in the mo- tion picture aviation fraternity could show the computer geeks in Hollywood how a helicopter, or an aeroplane for that matter, actually turns. They never get it right. Do- ing the rounds on the web is a video where they faked the wing panel falling off a full- sized Extra. Perhaps they should get that guy, apparently he writes sim programs. In my ever changing fleet of model helicopters there have been a few indoor ma- of useable power is certainly available. The charger plugs into the 12 volt accessory power supply socket in the car. This is nothing new however as I used that setup on previous indoor machines this became pain as I would have to trundle out to the car to recharge. That’s fine if you are a smoker, it isn’t a problem but I don’t smoke. Back when Hollywood could show people smoking that power socket was called a cigarette lighter. That isn’t new either. What is new however is you that you can now stay out there and fly. You don’t Ready to fly. have to come back inside to fly because

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 101 product review: e-go mld-500 The name is bottom of the fuselage towards the rear. Bond. My bond. I You must do this or you risk running out of rent and have to range. be more mindful of the walls with this bigger than Winding Down the average The 500 is at the larger end of the indoor indoor machine. heli range. My lounge room is 4x6 metres which is fine but this model will actually mark the walls so if people are around, give some thought to safety. The fact this model with actually sustain forward flight not only makes it unique for it’s type it also makes it an ideal progression before going this machine can be flown outdoors. It can on to a collective pitch machine. cope with a bit of wind but what’s more it I was going to put my newest addi- will actually zap around in forward flight. tion to my helicopter fleet into storage for It will go quite fast so give a thought to awhile, just in case I get that telephone call where the flying will take place because it from Hollywood but I remembered I can will cover some ground. just take the free simulator with me. To see how fast it would actually go I The MLD -500 is distributed to hobby really wound it up then the rotor blades hit An indoor heli shops by E-Go Models www.egomodels. each other in a left hand turn. The model that can be flown com.au fell from four metres up but no real dam- outdoors. Before age. Surprisingly the rotor blades were heading off into okay but the fin took a knock and stripped the wild blue the self tapping screws was loose so that yonder you must was just glued back on with cyano. It has unwind some had twenty flights since then. of the receiver You must unwind the receiver antenna antenna wire. for flying outdoors but don’t let it dangle Run it around the because it will get caught up in the ro- skids and tape it tor system. Just unwind it enough to run underneath up the back. around the skids than tape it along the

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102 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News In the last issue I introduced you to by David Hipperson Anthony Mott’s gorgeous Vickers Vimy The 1/6th scale and if I may I would like to follow up with Flying Flea scratch an equally intriguing aircraft, the Mignet built by Anthony “Flying Flea”. I won’t add to Anthony’s Mott. description but if this aircraft does appeal, and I know that many are fascinated by the Pou, there are several plans available from several sources in various sizes and a very cute laser cut kit. On to Anthony:

The Flying Flea The “Flying Flea” (or ‘le Pou du Ciel’) designed by the the Frenchman Henri Mignet in 1934 and has always appealed to me as a scale subject. However, all of the published The fuselage has it’s problems with fully dried the rest of the construction was plans I have seen of this subject have had curvature too. In plan view it is very much relatively simple using these “pre-bent” polyhedral wings rather than the smooth boat shaped and the side view requires the side frames. curved dihedral of the original (remember bottom longerons to sweep though ninety Wing rigs were also cut from polysty- the Hobie Hawk glider?) but the idea of degrees right up to the thrust line. In ad- rene and carefully marked out with wing laminating up curved spars for the wings dition to the curves in plan view at either ribs and centrelines for the two spars in did not appeal. end. To overcome these difficulties a block each wing. Before the wings and spars Indoor electric R/C models have of white polystyrene foam was cut to the were assembled the leading edges were intrigued me and whilst I applaud the tech- shape of the fuselage plan view then care- pre-shaped as these were also curved in nical and aerodynamic skills required to fully marked out on each side for the frame both in plan and elevation. This was ac- build models of less than 100 grams, to me outlines and verticals. Strips of balsa were complished by cutting yet another set of a model should represent a full-size aircraft cut a bit over length, soaked in ammonia polystyrene forms to the required shape i.e be a scale prototype. What better design solution, before gently coaxed around the and then following the soaked ammonia for an indoor electric model than a Flying curves and pinned down on the foam block solution process. Flea? Something very different with plenty before allowing to dry. The bottom long- After cutting out the ribs holes were of wing area, minimal fuselage and all in a eron for the portion that curves upwards carefully drilled at about 2mm inside the compact format. was slit with a bandsaw and a 1/32nd inch outline of both top and bottom edges at the It was then that I saw a photo in the balsa filler strip inserted in the strip before spar position to accommodate the carbon AEFA newsletter of a wing being built soaking and bending. Next day the com- rods. For the main wing the front spar using carbon fibre rods for spars with sheet ponents were trimmed to size and masking uses1.0mm rods top and bottom while the balsa as webbing between the top and bot- tape applied to the form at the glue joints. rear spar and those for the rear wing all use tom rods. I realised that such a spar could The form was rubbed with wax candle 0.7mm rods. The webbing was 1/32nd for be made curved and thus allowing the to prevent glue adhering to the form. The those of 0.7mm while 1/16th for those of whole wing built in a curved jig. With that frame was then assembled using aliphatic 1.0mm. problem solved I decided to go ahead con- glue and plenty of pins while close atten- The ribs were then threaded on to structing a 1/6th scale (44”/1118mm span) tion was taken ensuring that the curves to the carbon rods working from the centre of an indoor Flea - carefully ignoring tales the lower longerons were correct and the outwards then the ribs, webbing and rods of models of Fleas that would not fly! three layers tightly pressed together. When assembled one rib at a time gluing up with thin CA. Toothpicks were pressed into the foam to hold the ribs vertical and in position and as each bay was completed light rubber bands held the section down into place on the jig. With the wing structure still in the jig the leading edge was then trimmed and stuck on also working outwards from the centre and again using CA. The trailing edge of about 20mm wide from 1/16th balsa was made up in the flat and glued into recesses cut into the bottom of the ribs. Starting from Both the leading and trailing edges were scratch. dampened with the ammonia before allow-

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ing them to dry to the correct shape. Silver Litespan was used for covering but prior to application a number of ply and balsa blocks had to be fitted in order to accept screws to hold fittings for the rigging, wing pivot and incidence pushrod linkage. At this stage the main wing structure weighed 22grm and the rear 14grm. The Litespan was applied in panels each spanning two rib bays at a time. This of course due to the complex compound curves that exist in the covering particularly due to the wing tips. Construction of the rest proved pretty straightforward while continuing with the Silver Litespan. A Simprop D250 motor with gearbox and a 10 X 4.7APC indoor prop was installed along with seven Sanyo Nicads (Please note that at the time of Anthony’s model, brushless motors and Lipos had not achieved the sort of standards now in use – David). A Hitech 555 receiver along with two Hitech HS-50 servos and a JES 5amp ESC controlled the model.

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For the initial test flights (operating out of Andrew Carter and the garden in dead calm conditions) the the Panther, with an seven Sanyos of 110mAh were used and AUW of 8kg. Neu in this form the AUW was 315 grams. The 1527/1.5Y motor, E change to seven 250mAh Nicads plus the Turbax fan, Castle additions of an engine cowl and letter- Creations 110amp ing pushed the weight up to 344 grams at Opto ESC, 12S 6,000 which weight it completed several flights Lipo packs, separate at home plus three more at the Doncaster 3S 3300 Lipo for the indoor venue on July 10th 1998 (This tells RX and servos. On all regarding the choice of equipment!) take off this set up The flying characteristics of the runs at 44 Volts and model were quite docile with reliable pulls 107amps which control responses and stable flight “hands is approx.4.7kw or off”. However, steep dives and aerobatic 6hp. manoeuvers have been carefully avoided to prevent any emulation of the suggested design defects in those of the full-size. One wonders as to why Henri Mignet a 33” span version designed for electric With around seventy registered pilots decided to name the original aircraft the from Traplet and a laser cut kit from Estar and about 100 aircraft this proved very “louse of the sky” (literal translation of Models in Korea at 750mm span and AUW well attended. I must admit that as always “le Pou du Ciel). Maybe because it was a of approx 10oz. a sucker for the Panther (and almost any small aircraft or that he hope it would be as older type jets) I needed no effort to share prolific as lice. Anthony Mott. Andrew’s details with you. Another thanks to Anthony and a lit- ASM Grumman Panther The Panther is running on a Neu tle bibliography for any interested. Plans: Over time I have shown a few photos and 1527/1.5Y motor mated to a Jet Hangar A larger 66” span model from the now items from Ian Carter. These have notably Hobbies E Turbax fan with a Castle Crea- defunct RCM (USA magazine NOT this!!) included his GWS Stearman conversion, tions 110amp Opto ESC off 12S 6000 Lipo by Randy Wrisely for .30 size four strokes. Bi-Fly and all foamy Sabre among others packs and a separate 3S 3300 Lipo for the Very practical and may still be found. A but now I recently received an interesting receiver and servos. On take off this set up 53” span version by Bob Wright in the also mail from son Andrew Carter showing runs at 44 Volts and pulls 107amps or this defunct Radio Modeller in the UK but still some of his photos from the Temora Jet means approx.4.7kw or 6hp and thus give available via RCM & E plans. There is also event at 19th -22nd September. ample power for the AUW of 8kg (approx.

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undoubtedly use different series of beeps. USB lead (shown in Flying Electrics More manufacturers have realised this Issue 91) for your computer which can then difficulty and adopted various forms of pro- be used from a downloadable programme gramming “cards” to simplify the problem. via the Net. Some are better and more sophisticated For some time I’ve been using the but generally most are pretty reasonable in Castle Creation similar Castle Link USB cost and I strongly suggest that it is worth cable for their products that does the CC purchasing a “card” when you acquire a ESC programming in the same way. Mine new type or maybe more important your is permanently stored in my computer and first ESC. I’m not here to suggest which are has always operated easily and flawlessly best but I will make a few comments and backed up by great response directly to heading that up is simplicity particularly if Castle Creation themselves. you are a novice. I do not know if they are still available For that reason the card offered with but a little while ago Waypoint had a neat Jeti Advance ESCs is in many respects little programme box that had a series of the ultimate in my opinion. Though the small switches for use with theirs. Advance is relatively basic it covers almost Finally in this small grouping are those all of the requirements and the programme from the Chinese suppliers TowerPro and card is super easy as all you need to do is Turnigy. The TowerPro unit which is a physically move a series of small “jumper” small plastic box simply fitted with four 17lbs). Andrew keeps track of all this with connectors direct from an easily read menu directional buttons up-down , forward an Eagle Tree data logger connected to straight on the face of the card. No fuss – back so that you can navigate through the show voltage, amp draw and mAh used but and at only about 50mm square it will go ESC menu. It does work but is not the most he says that eventually altitude, IAS, rpm into the pocket while at the field. I suggest user friendly for me. Turnigy on the other and motor temperature are to be added. though that you keep it in a plastic sleeve hand use almost a similar system to the Jeti The Panther is said to be easy to build or similar to avoid damage or loss of the Advance but electronically as the simple and fly as well as even sounding the part “jumpers”. “jumpers” have been replaced by a series in flight which I guess is what all of this is Jeti also offer a Spin Box which as you of LEDs and press buttons but all laid out about. If the aircraft is as enjoyable as An- might gather is an electronic box and on on a clearly labelled panel. I found this drew says I can only say that I’m envious the face of this are four directional buttons very handy and flawless in use. even if very unskilled at this sort of level. to access the menu, button for confirm So, I reiterate that with your ESCs Andrew’s comments that having dab- and screen for read out. This can only be choose one (or more) of these systems as it bled with glow powered ducted fans in used in conjunction with their Spin range will make life much easier and surely that the 90’s has found to his pleasure that of ESC however it includes download must be an advantage. electrics are easier to install and run are ‘in-flight’ information from the ESC such certainly performing as well if not better as rpm, watts, amps and other useful stuff. (his words!) as the glow powered ducted Obviously both Spin Box and ESC’s are fan motors but also sound much better and more expensive. Spektrum DX6i are infinitely cleaner. Where have we heard Hyperion offer two options with one, Nutter that I am the idea of yet another these expressions before? the excellent and well known E-meter radio appealed and in this case specifi- which carries a raft of information both cally trying another 2.4 GHz radio. I have Easy Programming from and to the ESC and then as an alterna- already tried the Xtreme Link system as Over time I have commented on various tive a very inexpensive cable an “add-on” to my Multiplex Cockpit SX options other than programming your ESC by listening to a series of tones that I’ve Ultra simple Jeti usually referred to as “beeps”. I can’t deny programmer that these systems work but as ESCs have clearly showing the grown ever more complex in their abil- “links” and pins. ity so the tones too have almost reached a point where the “beeps” are unwieldy and near impossible to remember. This is particularly the case if you have more than one type of manufacture of ESC which will

Very clear information printed on the press buttons of the Turnigy.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 107 flying electrics

The Castle Link for USB connection allows all programming from the desktop.

Very clear information printed on the press buttons of the Turnigy. but being an after-market system it could reasonable price which seems to be just not be fitted into a module slot within the about $230 retail with this to include the Cockpit SX. Instead it needed to be tacked transmitter and the AR 6200 receiver. The on the back of the transmitter attached (in recivers are also quite small which has ob- my case) with Velcro. I had something of vious advantages when installing into small a horror about the possibility of damaging models. The RX antenna installation alone the casing or the antenna more in the car makes it worth consideration for smaller this. The “binding” which is part of the than any thought of in use at the field. electric craft where routing a one metre 2.4GHz set ups for most systems is incred- So I decided to bite the bullet and try wire is an issue. ibly easy with a little ‘bind’ tag for the re- a complete system after had a fly with The transmitter is very comfortable in ceiver which is an adapted servo style plug. a Spektrum in one of Stephen Green’s the hand and feels equally good in the air With this the “binding” is truly a matter of models. This had the advantages of a fairly with all switches easily accessible. To my moments. Generally with me the real ‘bind’ good specification as far as fixed wing and surprise it is supplied with just four ‘pen- is when it comes down to programming but helicopter programmes are concerned but I cell’ batteries but so far seems very eco- for some time I have sung the praises of my was also singularly impressed by the very nomical but with constant visuals to check Cockpit SX because of the total simplicity

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a complete pleasure if confusion has ever led you astray with some gear. The manual is excellent and generally easy for all normal use but is definitely easier still in conjunction with the gear. So, are there any faults? Well none to speak of but one must accept that this is very much a basic model. Although perhaps over critical I am surprised with the apparent lack of some fixed wing and gliding functions. There is no ‘pot’ for flaps as flap is offered with two settings Normal and Land via a switch so thus being a case of on or off. Similarly on-off spoilerons can be accessed but are one of the slightly more obscure (to me) programmes. Finally there is no ratchet for throttle rather just friction which is compara- tively light in feel. I found this difficult for me but I do understand how comfortable this could be with a heli. Not yet having inflicted this on my ageing brain I cannot say with honesty but personally preferred a ratchet system. This is available as an accessory in the USA so I’m obviously not totally alone but fortunately Tim at Model Flight/O’Reilly got hold of one of these for me so thanks to them. So, we come down to 2.4GHz, which then tends to depend on how you view this newer approach to radio. I have heard all the comments that seem from those who find endless fault to those who declare it to be the greatest thing since slice bread. Obvi- ously there is a medium somewhere in this but in my Gee Bee the Spektrum felt absolutely fine in use but then one might argue that The Spektrum DX6i shows super simple looks but has up until this time I do not believe any of my crashes have been the sophistication in a basic transmitter. known result of radio failure or specific interference. I am aware of the things that have been done to assist in reducing and intuitiveness when programming is called for. I have to sing the possibility of radio interference and 2.4GHz appears that it those same praises here because the Spektrum DX6i has equal may be the best available at the moment. Certainly this is an easy simplicity with a simple roller to the right of the panel which is ac- way for those wanting to ease their way into the latest technology. cessed by either pressing or rolling as appropriate. This is easy and

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 109 flying electrics

Sorta Easy Bee At a recent AEFA evening Tim Lennon showed a foamy model that is very similar in style to the Clancy Bee sort of model. Clancy having been a designer specialising in low weight, low aspect wing fun flyers. This foamy varies in an infinite number of details but does basically follow the general style. It appears that Tim downloaded the information from the Internet (how would we do without it?) and then added his own touches. Tim Lennon with While one of the photos displays the his scratch built overall shape hopefully you may pick up in Depron “Bee” the other picture the ‘step’ in the wing sec- style model from tion which results from the much greater Internet plans. wing thickness in the leading 1/3+ area and therefore giving strength but apparently still shown no adverse in flight. This is inexpensive, great fun as well as being very fast and easy to construct. Good Flying. David Hipperson, P.O. Box 161, Mount Evelyn, Vic, 3796 or E- mail to [email protected].

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R/C SCALE FORUM with Frank Curzon

At Least They Tried ! These four pictures came from “L’Epopee des Temps Heroiques de l’Aviation” by Serge Pacaud, kindly loaned to Scale Forum by aviation artist and scale modeller John Leeden of Croydon, Victoria. The book is a collection of postcards from the very birth of aviation at the beginning of the last century The natural first reaction to these il- lustrations is one of amusement, but we should remember that it was from these faltering, sometimes misdirected, explora- tory steps that aviation as we now know it was born; so have a giggle and then reflect. Now let’s see if he can get out.

Tom Prosser’s Pace Spirit Seen all too briefly in Scale Forum’s cover- age of the inaugural South Pacific Scale Masters, I reprimanded myself for not pho- tographing the model in detail to show just how well Tom has created this miniature masterpiece. As good luck would have it Chris White* took some excellent pictures of Tom’s model and was kind enough to make them available for our Forum. The model was completely scratch built from 3-views to a scale of 31.25% giving a wing span of 96”, a wing area of 1490 sq. in. and a weight of 11.5 kg. The motor, The latest thing in which spins a 20”X10” APC airscrew, swept wings. is a much modified Tartan Twin and the airframe is covered with Sig Coverall and painted with K&B two pack. Guided by JR radio, she carries a total of six servos, one each on elevators and rudder, two on the ailerons and one each on throttle and choke. All in all a most impressive model aircraft and now I’ll let the pictures do the Quicker, quicker. talking…… (* this lad’s been busy – see the NSW State Scale report).

I think I’m facing the right way.

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Instrument panel front. Instrument panel rear.

Detail in-extremis. U/C leg cuff and brake line.

Inner face of wheel pant. Inboard aileron spade.

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 113 rc scale forum

Immaculate louvres. Great fuselage detail.

Bracing and stitching. It all works too !

Aileron spade/balance. Much-modified Tartan Twin under the bonnet.

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rc scale forum

Cowling latches; one open, one closed. Nose underside louvres.

View overall – great ! Tom, you deserve to be proud.

A new Likely Contender the 1910 Hanriot Monoplane In RCMN #90 the Forum included a small item on the Hanriot 1910 Monoplane, a picture taken by David Reid at the 2003 Avalon Airshow and a coloured drawing from “Pioneer aircraft 1903-1914”. Since then I have been rummaging around and have found reference to what well may be the definitive drawing of the marque in “WWI Aero – the Journal of the Early Aeroplane”, edition #138 of November 1992, published by Leonard E Opdycke. The original 1/10th scale, highly detailed drawing by Herb Kelley is available from WWI Aero at 12 Crescent Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA. I apologise for the lack of clarity in the drawing presented here, caused by the necessity of copying and reducing two separate pages from the Journal, joining them with paste and then re-copying. It should however be good enough to whet your appetite and form the basis for enlargement to model size. Please note that the line of the bottom longeron at the rear of the fuselage, if extended forward through the area where it has been cut away, does not join up properly with the forward part of the fuselage. I cannot explain this other than to suggest that it is probably a draughting error. The original aircraft was the mount of young Marcel Hanriot who gained his pilot’s brevet at the tender age of 15 and at the time was a participant at the leading edge of aeronautical development. His career in adventure was under way even earlier when, in Mode 1 control layout. 1904, at 10 years of age, he was co-pilot to his racing-car father, 116 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News rc scale forum

Springing and of information from the Internet. warp detail. Although the simple airframe presents little difficulty, as usual the devil is in the detail and it is for this reason that I have included a couple of enlargements of the undercarriage area showing the springing and the warp mechanism, although the latter could be dispensed with if the dihedral was marginally increased to allow the rudder-generated yaw to take care of banking. Greg McLure and his friends in the West fly models of similar vintage and complexity using glow motors for power, but my preference would be to go electric for two reasons - one is the difficulty, nay, Rene, during his attempt at achieving 180 French description gives the span of the the impossibility of preventing exhaust res- kmh aboard a 200hp Darracq racing car. aircraft as 10m, the length as 8m and the idue and dirt from getting into every nook From our point of view it is interesting to motor a 40hp Clerget. The aircraft flown and cranny, and the second the smooth note that Rene, working from his workshop at Avalon belongs to the Old Rhinebeck operation of electric motors, assuming that in Rheims, tested new design features by Collection in the USA from whose site proper propeller balancing is done. building scale models powered by a 3hp http://www.oldrhinebeck.org more pictures I would build the fuselage inverted on Duthiel-Chalmers engine – so we come full are available. In fact just Googling “1911 the plan view with the usual longerons and circle. Sources differ, but a contemporary Hanriot Monoplane” brings forth a plethora cross pieces and sheet from the bows to the

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 117 rc scale forum Now which lever was it for ‘up?

...this one Dad?” start of the tailplane, then the addition of curved formers and planking at the front, blending into the triangular, fabric-covered section aft of the cockpit. The temptation would be to construct the undercarriage from hardwood as per the original, but practicality would dictate that it be done in piano wire, suitably fleshed out with balsa cladding. Wheels could be a problem because it would be a shame to use anything other than spoked ones. Spokies are available from some modelling retail sources or you could make your own, it’s not that difficult. Alternatively a look in the local Opshop Heads down lads. might produce a toy with suitable wheels. The wings could be built with sheet strips of balsa, followed by the main spars reproduced – but it’s not rocket science. balsa ribs but would be weak due to the and intermediate, lighter “shaping” spars, On the prototype the tailplane appears grain running off the extreme top and and then concluding with more laminated to be of “kite” construction with only cross bottom curvature. A better and lighter way balsa strips to form the top of the ribs. spars and no fore and aft members other would be to build the wing on a curved Of course this requires careful dimen- than the wire edges. Indeed, when I saw it plywood board with the curvature matching sioning and cross-sectional tapering of the fly at Avalon the entire tailplane seemed the underside of the ribs. The wing would spars to ensure good contact with the rib to flap. I think I’d be putting in just some then be built by laying down laminated strips so that the wing section is accurately rudimentary structure there for peace of mind, although the elevators and rudder should be OK as drawn. Note that aft of the second tailplane spar, the tailplane dips down by a few degrees, adding some positive incidence. If it is decided to include this feature it might be as well to make the setting adjustable for trimming purposes. Yet, on one of the photographs the front of the tailplane is raised, giving much the same amount of positive incidence. Now let’s go back to the “bows” - can’t help the intrusion of maritime terminology - this aeroplane is redolent of sailing ships - to see what we need to do there. If the intention is to use an oil burner despite all I’ve said, well you have four choices for cylinder head location and all the room in the world for the fuel tank and R/C gear, but don’t blame me when it is all grotty and sticky ! However, for those who have seen the (electric) light for projects of this type, 118 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News rc scale forum choice of motor is purely determined by the size of the model all makes a refreshing change. the way up from a basic Speed 400, preferably geared, at about Now we come to something which is not for the faint-hearted, 42”span, to allow the use of a larger airscrew, to the seriously big the Miles M.52 by Greg McLure of WA. The picture on the bot- motors coming off the production lines around the world in ever- tom left was taken just after the maiden fright… er… flight - only increasing numbers. My personal preference would be for a size kidding - Greg says the difficulty was all in the mind and that giving good “sit” in the air without being too large for the car, although she flew like a bat out of Hell she did it in a very stable so 5’-0” to 6’-0”span with a medium-sized outrunner and LiPo’s manner. The prototype was built in 1946 as a remotely controlled would be the go. With a bit of luck the radiator could house the preliminary to a manned version intended to be the first manned battery, both providing cooling and aiding balancing. aircraft to break the sound barrier but was abandoned and the If you do decide to have a go at this beauty please let SF have a look.

Show Time The first two pictures were taken by SF’s daughter-in-law, Fiona, at the Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, field and are of son Anthony’s Sea Fury, (who said nepotism was dead?), and Joe Buttigiege’s PT-19. The Sea Fury is a Seagull ARF of 1.675m span, powered with an ancient Enya .80 XF two-stroke which copes more than adequately despite the model manufacturer’s recommended .91 power. Joe’s PT-19 is 2.74m span and has an OS 35cc BG X-1 up front to provide the urge for the 9.5kg model which Joe acquired from Glen Block back in 1990. Looked after, big ones do last. Hot and hairy under a lowering sky”. Next up we have a picture received via Mike Adams in Tas- mania of Graeme Moir’s elegant ¼-scale Spitfire, taken during engine test running at Dr Ken Lawson’s place. From the Mick Reeves kit she is powered by a ZDZ 100cc in-line twin and alleg- edly came close to dislodging the anchor post during the run up – see the worry on Graeme’s face. The desert zone camouflage

Pilot checking the strip.

Hoping the post will hold!

Post-flight, Greg is still shaking.

New email address [email protected]

Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 119 rc scale forum research material given to the USA. Greg’s model is powered by a Wemotec Mini Fan fed by a 10-cell 2100mAh NimH pack. The “spinner” at the front is the prone pilot’s cockpit, slightly under scale to allow more air through and very interestingly there are no ailerons, tailerons taking care of both pitch and roll – brilliant ! Not knowing what to campaign at the next Bowylie, the BE- 2G which had been destined for (demoted to ?) static exhibition purposes has been resurrected. Her original 40cc Kioritz after a lay-off of 12 years is of doubtful reliability, so a new DL-50 has been obtained from those helpful chaps at The Hobbyman in Dandenong, Victoria. It will be interesting to see by how much the extra 10.8 cc capacity improves performance. And, just making it under the wire before copy goes to the Boss, a couple of pictures taken on the floor of Wingspan Hobbies of Arthur Green’s DH Puss Moth still in the raw awaiting Lite Span clothing – all built from 3-views happily provided by the Forum. Dean Erby being rewarded…….

Waiting for the new donk..

………and Alf Williams to.

On the floor, but soon for the air.

Rescheduled NSW State Championships As reported by Chris White, the NSW State Scale Championships which were abandoned earlier in the year due to bad weather were run on the weekend of 4-5 October. Two classes, F4C and Open had a good entry and the weather was kind. The top three in each class were as follows:- F4C: 1st - Dean Erby, Albatros, 2nd - Alf Williams, Swordfish 3rd - Tom Prosser, Pace Spirit Open: 1st - Chris White, Corby Starlet, 2nd – Adam McDowell, Ulti- mate Biplane, 3rd – Dave McDowell, Spacewalker Thank you Chris.

The Monty 2009 .. and it will be here before you know it. Darryl Cope of P&DARCS has fired a warning shot over Scale

120 Subscribe and get delivery to your door and save dollars Radio Control Model News rc scale forum

Tom Prosser’s Pace Spirit.

Chris White and his Corby.

Below left: Adam McDowell with the Ultimate. Below right: Dave McDowell and the Space Walker.

BLENHEIM NZ. CLASSIC FIGHTERS. 7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS from 9th – 15th April, 2009. Inclusions: Airfare (taxes not included), Boutique Chocolate Factory. accommodation (6), breakfasts,(6), dinners (3), Air conditioned coach. 3 day gold pass, Marlborough Sound Cruise with Package Costs: Sydney - $2949.00 (Twin share), lunch, return transfers, Lawsons Dry Hill and Brisb/Melb - $2969.00 (Twin share) Montana Wineries - Tour & Tasting, Makana Single supplement - $500.00 AIR VENTURE - OSHKOSH 2009 From 25th July – 2nd August, 2009. BOOK EARLY. The biggest Airshow & Convention in the World”

Inclusions: Return airfare (Taxes not included in package) from $4250.00 plus taxes T/S 8 nights accommodation – University of Wisconsin, Additional travel after Oshkosh can also be Oshkosh Twin Share. arranged before departure Return Coach Transfers from Chicago O’Hare Deposit of $500.00 required on Oshkosh booking Airport - University. and final payment by 15/5/09. Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth Additional travel can also be arranged. For further information, please contact Karene on (02) 8004-1070 or Marya on 1300 728 634 - Fax (02) 6495 0361 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

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Number 93 December 2008 - January 2009 Please mention RCM News when responding to advertisers 121 rc scale forum

Forum’s bows about next year’s Monty Tyrell Memorial Scale Rally. Casual readers are well advised that if they want to see some exciting scale action – that’s the place to be. The accompanying pictures will give you a taste of what to expect, so competitor and spectator alike, please make note in your diary of the following from Darryl: “Good Day Frank, The date is 22 March and there will be two categories – scratch built aircraft and ARF aircraft, with prizes for the first three in each category. Aircraft and their pilots’ flying will be judged by a team of judges on realism in takeoff, flight and landing and overall presen-

A Mitchell by another Mitchell – Rod. tation of their models. If you want to be in the running for a prize you must exhibit your model in a prototypical manner, i.e. no prop hanging, no inverted WW1 models. The entrant judged to best represent the spirit of the Rally, will be presented with the Monty Tyrrell trophy. This award will be voted on by the pilots themselves. The cost of entry will be $5.00 per model on the day. You can pre-enter but send no money, please pay on the day !! Entry forms are available on the P&DARCS website. www.pdarcs.com.au The event will start at 10.00am sharp, with full catering ! so Tony Farnan’s vintage Walrus. come along and have a great day ! Hope to see you there! Any enquires please e-mail DARRYL COPE dags18@big- pond.com thankyou !!”

Gear Down …….well it always is on my vintage models – often when it has fallen off, like my saga with the Extra 260’s canopy, but that’s too embarrassing to tell. Because of the need to have this edition of RCMN out through the printers and to the booksellers in time for Christmas, we Rolly Gaumann’s Grizzly (Bear) contributors have been given a hurry up by the Editor – and being a good little airman I’ve got a wiggle on.(In a previous life I inadvisedly ordered a group of WAAF’s to “get a wiggle on”, and received a dressing down from my smiling C.O. for making a sexist remark.) Until the next convening of the Forum I hope you have a tre- mendous time, do a bit of building and a lot of flying and produce stacks of pictures for publication – downsized please if e-mailed. All the Very Best to You and Yours, Frank. “Three Gables” 26 Clematis Rd Mount Evelyn Victoria 3796 (03)97364814 [email protected]

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