Author: L. Jolly
Edition: Model Aviation - 1984/08
Page Numbers: 16, 17, 129
,
,

Helicopters at the MAC Show

By Larry Jolly

The MAC Show held in Long Beach, CA, has always been the premier trade show for viewing RC helicopters. Not only do all the manufacturers have their products on display, but the public is given the chance to see these machines in action in outdoor demonstration flights. As in past reports, I summarize what each manufacturer had on display and highlight new items. This year I present the report in reverse alphabetical order.

Miniature Aircraft Supply

  • Owner: Walt Schoonard.
  • Booth: helicopters, radios, race cars, and accessories.
  • New: World Helicopters (a MAS subsidiary) will market the Questar. Ted Schoonard fitted a set of Heim mechanics into a pod-and-boom design. Questar is ready-to-fly at 9 lb and should be a good alternative for those wanting Heim mechanics without a full-fuselage large model. It appears to handle similarly to the Graupner Heli-Max (about 8.5 lb) which uses the same rotor head.
  • Radios: Multiplex Helicopter Radio will be distributed by World Helicopters and will be available once type-accepted. Features include standard helicopter mixing, dual flight trims, selectable PCM or PPM by switch, and dual transmitter packs.
  • Other models: Heim Star Ranger, Schluter Superior, and Schluter's new Heli Star. The Heli Star appears to be a “Superiorized” Heli-boy: Superior rotor head, all-ball-bearing bellcranks, Superior cooling system, double-sided main gear, and auto-rotation as standard. It’s an attractive machine likely to gain wide acceptance.
  • Notes: The Schluter Superior can be set up to do consecutive maneuvers; Walt showed a video of a Superior performing consecutive rolls. Contact Walt for proper aerobatic setup tips.
  • Contact: Miniature Aircraft Supply, 2594 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804.

Gorham Model Products

  • Booth: extensive line of helicopters and an army of staff to answer questions.
  • Lines: full range of Hirobo scale and aerobatic-scale machines; Heim Star Ranger; Graupner 60-size Heli-Max.
  • New/info: John Gorham showed photos of Hirobo’s new Agusta 109 using SST mechanics.
  • GMP originals: Cricket, Competitor, and the new crowd-pleaser, the Cobra (review referenced).
  • Flying demos: John and Robert Gorham handled demonstrations. Robert—1983 Nationals Helicopter Champion—flew smooth displays including inverted flight under a bridge and spot-hovering auto-rotations.
  • Contact: Gorham Model Products, 23961 Craftsman Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302.

Futaba

  • Display: top-of-the-line PCM Helicopter Radio and the 7G heli-systems.
  • Notes: The PCM system is impressive and hints at where future technology is headed.
  • Contact: Futaba, 555 W. Victoria St., Compton, CA 90220.

Condor Hobbies

  • Display: Ishimasa line of RC helicopters.
  • Models: electric-powered EH-1 and the .25 glow-engined Playboy.
  • Other: Condor also markets imported lines, including Rossi and Weber engines. Good source for hard-to-find items.
  • Contact: Condor Hobbies, 17971 Skypark Circle, Suite D, Irvine, CA 92714.

California Model Imports

  • Display: Kobe Kiko helicopters, including the popular Hughes 300 (gas and glow versions) and the R-22 scale-type machine.
  • Notes: A flybar head for the R-22 will be available soon. Dave Robertson handled CMI flying and demonstrated that the R-22 flies as well as it looks.
  • Contact: California Model Imports, P.O. Box 1695, Garden Grove, CA 92642.

Circus Hobbies

  • Display: extensive line of Kalt helicopters. Large crowds around the booth.
  • New: Kalt’s 206L Long Ranger (beautiful offering). An updated Custom Baron 20 (not shown) incorporates new ideas to improve its acrobatic qualities.
  • Accessories: TSK high-quality add-on parts for Kalt and Hirobo (used on machines that won the Japanese Nationals several years running).
  • Radios: Circus imports JR radio systems; JR has introduced a PCM Unlimited Helicopter Radio.
  • Contact: Circus Hobbies, 3132 S. Highland Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89109.

American RC Helicopters

  • Display: Mantis and Super Mantis.
  • Upcoming: American Eagle (.60-size aerobatic) shown but not finished. Features a rotor head similar to the Competitor’s layout, futuristic shaping, and wings with working ailerons. John Simone says the wings are functional and improve rolling performance.
  • Notes: Looking forward to a flight demonstration.
  • Contact: American RC Helicopters, 594 Airport Rd., Oceanside, CA 92054.

Each year I see more and more great products being offered. No sooner do I finish one helicopter before another catches my eye. Please contact the individual manufacturers for more information on the products mentioned here.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.