Edition: Model Aviation - 2002/09
Page Numbers: 150, 151
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Modeler's Mall

Manufacturers who wish to have their products considered for inclusion in this department should send information and a photo, if possible, to the editorial office of Model Aviation. These reviews are composed from such information and do not imply an endorsement of the products.

Ugly-Bipe

  • Price: $47 + $4 S&H
  • From: BMJR Model Products, Box 1210, Sharpes, FL 32959-1210
  • Tel.: (321) 537-1157
  • Web site: www.bmjrmodels.com

The Ugly-Bipe is the result of experiments by Paul Bradley as published in the March 2002 Model Aviation. The model is basically the BMJR Ugly-Sport with a second wing and a plywood wing mount, which allows configuration changes with a few rubber bands.

Without the plywood mount and top wing, the model may be flown as a low-wing sport airplane capable of all two-channel aerobatics including inverted flight. By removing the bottom wing, it becomes a nostalgic parasol. The parasol configuration is stable in flight about the longitudinal axis because of the low center of gravity, tending to right itself from steep banks—making it excellent for low-time pilots.

With two wings, the model turns tightly, which is sometimes a must, especially indoors. The increased wing area allows larger batteries for longer slow flights. As Paul wrote, “there is a great charisma factor of seeing a biplane in the air.” The model has a 33-inch span for Speed 280 electric power.

Radio Control Aerobatics 3-D Freestyle (Video)

  • Producer/Distributor: Airborne Media
  • Address: 5655 David Pl., Fairfield, OH 45014
  • Tel.: (888) 829-4060
  • Web site: www.airbornemedia.com
  • Run time: 1 hour (VHS only)

Three-time Masters champion and six-time top Tournament of Champions (TOC) competitor Jason Shulman takes you step-by-step through the latest radio control aerobatics 3‑D freestyle maneuvers. You'll learn cutting-edge secrets to award-winning 3‑D flying and get tips on maneuvers such as the Elevator, the Harrier, the Wall, the Waterfall, the High‑Alpha Knife Edge, and more.

Jason covers aircraft setup for optimum 3‑D performance, including weight and balance, control-surface ratios, engine setup, and surface deflections needed to begin experimenting with high-alpha flight. He demonstrates techniques for learning to hover (a first step toward learning the Torque Roll), explains each maneuver while showing it flown correctly, then repeats the maneuver showing required stick movements on the transmitter, and finally walks through recovery techniques if something starts to go wrong. Also included are a run-through of Jason's TOC Freestyle routine and a lighthearted segment in which he ties a line and lure to the tail wheel and goes Torque-Roll fishing—he actually catches one. The video is professionally shot and edited on digital nonlinear equipment for a fluid, entertaining, and informative presentation.

Hawker Hurricane (Plan)

The Mk I Hurricane flew in the Battle of Britain. Brian Taylor is one of England's most experienced scale designers, with wins at four UK Nationals and numerous appearances for the British Scale team at World Scale meets. Photos of Brian's models are often hard to distinguish from photos of the full-scale aircraft. Brian will not sell a plan until the model has been built and completely test flown, so you will never unknowingly be building a prototype.

The Hawker Hurricane plan is 70 inches in wingspan. Recommended power is a 90–120 four-stroke. Accessories are available, including a detailed fiberglass cowl, canopy, and spun-aluminum spinner. Laser-cut parts include most of the components that require cutting.

Modeler's Mall (continued)

Hangar 9 Aspire EP RTF

  • Price: $239.99
  • From: Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
  • Tel.: (217) 355-9511
  • Web site: www.horizonhobby.com
  • Model: HAN1950 (RTF)

With the Aspire EP RTF, all that's left for anyone to do to get started in RC soaring is install the transmitter batteries, bolt on the tail, slide together the wing halves, and fly. The Aspire EP RTF features a balsa/plywood structure covered with an UltraCote trim scheme. Control is provided by Hitec's Focus 3 single-stick RC system. The same 550-type electric motor and folding propeller combination found on the standard Aspire EP is included, and power is regulated by a proportional electronic speed control. Hangar 9 has included a six-cell sport battery pack and charger. Practically nothing is left for the modeler to provide other than eight AA batteries for the transmitter.

The Aspire will easily offer 12–14 minute motor-run times with the included six-cell sport pack. Cut the power and the EP will settle into a gentle glide slope that can carry the airplane a long way with sufficient altitude. Turns are neutrally stable and stall behavior is tame. This mild stall behavior and solid stability, coupled with ready-to-fly simplicity, make the Aspire an option for a trainer too. Hangar 9 is distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.

Sopwith F.1 Camel (Roadkill Series)

Thanks to improvements in development processes, DJ Aerotech is introducing the World War I vintage branch of its Roadkill Series of profile indoor/backyard electrics with the new Sopwith Camel.

The Camel flies extremely well; it was expected to be a real monster requiring heroic measures to get the center of gravity (CG) far enough forward, but neither proved to be an issue. The Roadkill profile-type fuselage keeps the tail light and the moments of inertia very low, which helps dynamic stability and eliminates difficulty in getting the CG correct. (Conversely, many conventionally structured Camels need massive amounts of nose ballast.) The Camel's performance allows it to be flown comfortably in a high-school gym.

Specifications:

  • Wingspan: 21.0 inches
  • Length: 14.3 inches
  • Weight: 3.9 ounces
  • Wing loading: 4.1 ounces per square foot

Aerobatics and Scale Masters 2000

These titles are now available on DVD.

GWS Ultra Light Wheels

  • Tel.: (217) 355-9511
  • Web site: www.horizonhobby.com

    • GWS Ultra Light Wheels give electric-airplane modelers many choices. With seven sizes to choose from, GWS has a wheel for almost any electric modeling application. Ultra Light wheels are great for small-scale nitro modelers looking to save weight too. Sizes and prices:

    • 25mm Ultra Light Wheels (GWSW025) — $1.99
    • 38mm Ultra Light Wheels (GWSW038) — $2.39
    • 47mm Ultra Light Wheels with O-Ring (GWSW047) — $3.99
    • 57mm Ultra Light Wheels (GWSW057) — $2.99
    • 79mm Ultra Light Wheels (GWSW076) — $3.99
    • 85mm Ultra Light Wheels with O-Ring (GWSW085) — $5.99
    • 102mm Ultra Light Wheels (GWSW102) — $4.99

    GWS is distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.

    Flair Products Ltd. Bristol F.2B Fighter (Sport Scale Kit)

    • Price: $210 + $20 S&H
    • From: GCBM R/C Inc., 5009 Fairdale, Pasadena, TX 77505
    • Tel.: (800) 609-7951
    • Web site: www.gcbmrc.com

    GCBM R/C Inc. offers the line of World War I Sport Scale kits from Great Britain's Flair Products Ltd. This all-wood builder's kit features die-cut and CNC-cut wood parts, strip wood, sheet wood, fuel tank, engine mount, extensive hardware pack, pre-bent undercarriage, and fully detailed plans and instructions.

    The wingspan is 76 inches with a flying weight of 8½–10 pounds. It is designed around a .61 to .90 two-stroke or a .91 four-stroke engine and a four-channel radio. This is a rendition of an unusual and not-often-modeled WW I fighter. Light wing loading offers excellent flying characteristics in a practical size for easy transportation. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted.

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