Modeler's Mall

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.

Balsa Molding Techniques—Straight Form and Compound Curve — videotape @ $19.95

Airborne Media, 5655 David Pl., Fairfield, OH 45014; Tel: (888) 829-4060; Web: www.airbornemedia.com

The use of molded balsa parts for model airplanes is not a new idea; as far back as the 1930s the concept was used to make light, strong, accurate, and repeatable components. Balsa molding has become one of the many "lost arts" that is again in demand. In this video you will learn the skills required to make a large variety of molded balsa parts from Bob Hunt and Bill Werwage.

• Part 1: Bob Hunt demonstrates straight-form molded leading edges, with tips on template-making, foam-cutting, and a step-by-step method for accurately attaching molded leading edges to a wing frame.
• Part 2: Bill Werwage shows how to mold compound-curved parts, including plotting and making accurate formers; assembling, carving, and sanding mold bucks; sizing and wet-molding sheeting; slitting and gluing techniques for extreme curves; and sanding molded shells for a flawless finish.

Whether you fly Radio Control, Control Line, or Free Flight, the techniques taught here will help you produce lighter, stronger, more accurate models. Run time: 105 minutes (VHS only). For ordering and QuickTime clips, visit the Web site above.

Hangar 9 CAP 232 Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) — $199.99

Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822; Tel: (217) 355-9511; Web: www.horizonhobby.com

The 40-size sport CAP 232 (HAN2300) blends aggressive aerobatic ability with slow-speed stability and simple assembly to help pilots progress into aerobatics without being overwhelmed. Designed for .40–.48 two-stroke and 56–72 four-stroke engines; an MDS .48 is recommended for entry-level aerobatics and provides adequate power for advanced maneuvers like knife-edge flight.

• Features: 90% prebuilt balsa and plywood construction, finishing hardware included, 8–12 hours assembly time, completed weight 6–7½ pounds.
• Covering: 100% UltraCote® in a silver Breitling trim scheme with shark's teeth on the cowl.

Distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.

Roadkill Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny" — $64.95

DJ Aerotech, 719 Fisk St., Piqua, OH 45356; Tel: (937) 773-6772; E-mail: djaerotech@erinet.com; Web: www.djaerotech.com

DJ Aerotech adds the Curtiss JN-4D "Jenny" to its Roadkill Series of profile indoor/backyard electrics. The model requires no painting—the natural plywood doublers and bare balsa closely match the original aircraft's colors. A .BMP file with US Army insignia is planned for a military-trainer version; barnstormer versions were often left unpainted.

• Details: scale cowl louvers, a radiator cap, dummy engine cylinders, and exhaust stacks on the nose.
• Handling: scale-like performance with better control response than the full-scale Jenny; typical cruise at 65–70% throttle.
• Flight: virtually vice-free except for a tendency to do a Jenny-like bounce on touchdown—fly with roughly 20% down elevator.
• Power: good seven-cell 110 mAh NiMH pack yields about 10 minutes of flight time.

Specifications:

• Wingspan: 27.2 in
• Length: 17.4 in
• Weight: 3.2 oz
• Wing loading: 3.2 oz/sq ft

GWS Pico Flight Pack with JST Connector — $94.99

Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL

GWS's new micro flight pack is 5% lighter than previous versions by using JST connectors and lighter antenna wire. Each pack includes an R4P receiver, two Pico microservos, an ISC 50 speed control, and a 270 mAh battery. JST connectors are lightweight and nearly impossible to plug in the wrong way, reducing reverse-polarity mishaps.

• Compatibility: ideal for Pico Stick, Pico J-3, Tigermoth, and similar slow flyers.
• Versions: JR (GWS2030) and Futaba (GWS2035).

Available where indoor flyers and accessories are sold. GWS is distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.

Fury Extreme Extended Main Shaft Kit (#120-80) — $35.95

Miniature Aircraft USA, 3743 Silver Star Rd., Orlando, FL 32808; Tel: (407) 292-4267; Fax: (407) 292-4296; Web: www.x-cellrchelicopters.com

This kit allows installation of an extended main shaft on all Fury models, fully supporting the main shaft above and below the main gear. Includes all required hardware. Early model frames may require additional mounting holes.

• Kit includes: Bearing Block (#115-18) and Main Shaft (#120-10).
• Availability: local hobby shops or direct order.

Bratco HexDrone Ready-to-Fly Control Line Airplane — $109.99

Sig Manufacturing Co., Box 520, Montezuma, IA 50171; Tel: (641) 623-5154; Web: www.sigmfg.com

Based on the success of the SkyBaby, Bratco introduces the HexDrone (Item #BRT200), a high-powered delta-wing control-line airplane with a 24-inch span. Manufactured with high-impact polymer honeycomb construction for strength and low weight, precolored in black-and-yellow trim.

• In the box: Norvel .061 CLX glow engine with integrated fuel tank and spring starter preinstalled, full-span elevators, laser-cut control-line handle with Dacron® lines, and all necessary hardware.
• Performance: loops, eights, inverted flight, and fast response.

Distributed exclusively by Sig Manufacturing Co.

Wiss® All-Purpose Compound Action Cutter — $18–$21

CooperTools, Box 728, Apex, NC 27502; Tel: (919) 362-1670; Web: www.coopertools.com

Wiss® introduces a compound-action cutter with a 5:1 power ratio for less fatigue. Features nonslip textured cushion-grip handles sized for small hands, 3-inch serrated chrome-plated blades that grip material, and spring-loaded action for faster cutting.

Available through hardware stores, home centers, and retail outlets.

Perfect Engine Mounting Techniques — $19.95

Bob Noll demonstrates proper engine mounting to extend model and radio life, reduce noise, and ensure correct right- and down-thrust alignment. The video shows mounting a YS 120 four-stroke in a fiberglass-fuselage pattern model using the Hyde Custom Soft Mount system and explains installation of Brown Products' VibraDamp and Gator R/C Soft'N'Safe mounts. Also covered: Gator R/C Nose Ring installation and Soft'N'Safe mount installation in built-up wooden fuselages.

• Features: close-up clips, building tips, and a simple adjustable mounting fixture demonstration.
• Run time: 1 hour (VHS only). For ordering and QuickTime clips, visit the Web site above.

Kadet Senior Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) — $299.99

Based on the classic Kadet Senior kit, this ARF has been stretched to an 80-inch wingspan for a fun-flying, versatile airplane suitable for IMAA events. The large wing and barn-door-style ailerons suit beginners and experienced pilots; the light wing loading makes it ideal as a platform for cameras, lighting, parachute drops, or glider tows.

• Features: 90% assembled, Oracover® polyester film covering, complete hardware package including nylon and metal parts, eight-ounce fuel tank, wheels, and comprehensive assembly manual.
• Specs:
• Wingspan: 80 in
• Wing area: 1,180 sq in
• Fuselage length: 64¼ in
• Weight: 6–6½ lb
• Engine: .40–.46 two-stroke or 60 four-stroke
• Radio: four-channel, five-servo recommended

Available at local hobby dealers.

modelSPORT Video Magazine — MS0501 issue

modelSPORT Video Magazine, Box 12557, Jacksonville, NC 28546; Tel: (910) 938-3371; Fax: (910) 938-1912; E-mail: jbeech@modelsport.com; Web: www.modelsport.com

The MS0501 issue contains many tips and features: fiberglass repair, Robart bolt-on action struts, YS's supercharged FZ-63, converting a profile Jenny to turbine power (F-15 and P-82 Twin Mustang), review of World Models' Rambler 45, an up-close look at Hitec/RCD's Eclipse radio, and new products from the International Model & Hobby Show.

• Format: two-hour VHS
• Retail: $6.99
• Availability: more than 450 hobby dealers or direct.

T-38 Talon — $795

Bob Fiorenze, 401 Westchester Dr., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701; Tel: (407) 673-9080; Web: www.rcaviation.com/bfiorenze

New for 2002: carbon-fiber-reinforced fuselage for the turbine kit version. Kit features an epoxy-primed white fiberglass fuselage, a large 11 x 19 in premolded flanged hatch, molded panel lines, rivets, access panel details, precut foam flying surfaces, fiberglass inlets and bifurcated exhaust duct, flying stabilizer hardware, clear canopy and canopy frame, three-view plans, former templates, and a photo assembly instruction book.

Specifications:

• Wingspan: 48 in
• Length: 84 in
• Weight: 15–20 lb
• Power: .91 or turbine

Send $3 for illustrated catalog.

Sun Cover

Wingbags.Com, 2994 Gratz Ridge Rd., Grove City, OH 43123; Toll-free: (866) WINGMAN; Product line: (614) 539-5718; E-mail: wingbags@msn.com; Web: Wingbags.Com

The Sun Cover is a sun-reflecting, custom-fit fuselage cover that keeps canopy and fuselage cool while parked in the sun, protecting delicate electronics and the cockpit and preventing MonoKote® wrinkling. Wingbags.Com makes custom-fit wing bags for specific aircraft (not universal sizes), including many popular 33–40% models. Add-on options include corner hanging loops for safe trailer storage.

Ex-Treme 330 3-D ARF — $129.95

Carl Goldberg Products Ltd., Box 818, Oakwood, GA 30566; Tel: (678) 450-0085; Fax: (770) 532-2163; Web: www.carlgoldbergproducts.com

The Ex-Treme 330 3-D ARF (order #12070) is a profile aerobat capable of hovering, torque rolls, knife-edge loops, inverted snaps, and harrier landings. Its thick-chord wing provides rock-solid stability; oversized control surfaces and close-mounted servos offer precise control and minimal slop.

• Features: 90% prebuilt, quality hardware, all-wood airframe precovered with premium iron-on covering, complete hardware package including aluminum landing gear, wheels, and fuel tank, dual aileron servos.
• Specs:
• Wingspan: 46.5 in
• Wing area: 744 sq in
• Length: 43.5 in
• Flying weight: 3.5–4.5 lb
• Power: .32–.46 two-stroke or .40–.63 four-stroke

Available at local hobby retailers.

Lanza Airborn 430

Bob Holman Plans, Box 741, San Bernardino, CA 92402; Tel: (909) 885-3959; Fax: (909) 889-9307; E-mail: bhplans@aol.com; Web: www.bhplans.com

The original Airborn was designed by Chet Lanza in the 1930s. The scaled Airborn 430 (built by Don Bebkins) is powered by a .19 ignition engine and has 430 sq in area with a 61.3 in wingspan. It can be built as an electric and can use various ignition and glow engines. The model is designed to come apart for travel. Plans and parts will also be available for the original 108-in and a 490-sq-in versions.

• Plans: CAD-drawn by Jim O'Reilly — $11
• Laser-cut parts: $35
• Shipping: $5

For SAM information, visit www.antiquemodeler.org.

Thinmunk Mark II (Profile Kit)

The Thinmunk Mark II is an updated profile kit capable of hovering, knife-edge flight, basic and complex aerobatics, and can be set up for CROW for very short approaches and landings.

• Features: two-piece wing for easier building and covering, laser-cut parts, full hardware pack, rolled plans, instruction manual, and decals.
• Specs:
• Wingspan: 48 in
• Wing area: 768 sq in
• Engine: .40–.46
• Weight: 4½ lb
• Note: a computer radio is recommended but not required.

Ordering: telephone and fax credit card orders via Nelson Hobby Specialties, Tel: (503) 629-5277; Fax: (503) 645-1492.

GCBM R/C Inc. — WW I Sport Scale kits (Flair Products Ltd.)

GCBM R/C Inc. offers a line of WW I Sport Scale kits from Great Britain's Flair Products Ltd. These all-wood builder's kits include die-cut wood parts, strip wood, sheet wood, fuel tank, engine mount, extensive hardware pack, prebent undercarriage, and fully detailed plans and instructions.

Two-Meter Jester (R/C Glider)

The Two-Meter Jester is designed for the moderately experienced builder/flier. Laser-cut parts and precision fit make construction straightforward; beginners and pros will appreciate the build quality. The SD3021 airfoil provides good low-speed characteristics and efficient cross-country performance. Efficient spoilers aid precise landings. The Jester is suitable for small-field flying, hi-start launch, or aggressive winch launches and makes a versatile contest or Sunday model.

• Kit includes laser-cut parts, high-quality wood, full-size plans, instruction booklet, most hardware, and a free construction photo CD (PC).

LanierRC Stinger 60 ARF

LanierRC's Stinger 60 ARF (order #21265) is a lightweight, all-wood ARF suitable for novice to experienced pilots. The built-up wing and all-wood airframe yield light weight and agile performance; fiberglass cowl and wheel pants add durability. The kit includes name-brand iron-on covering, all hardware, and dual aileron servos.

• Specs:
• Wingspan: 60 in
• Length: 53 in
• Weight: 6.6–8 lb
• Wing area: 810 sq in
• Engine range: .61–.91 two-stroke or .60–.91 four-stroke

Available from dealers or direct from LanierRC. (Intended for intermediate/advanced pilots.)

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