Edition: Model Aviation - 2001/02
Page Numbers: 139,140,141,142
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Modeler's Mall - 2001/02

Laser Arts — Laser-cutting and engraving services

Laser-cutting and engraving services are available for individual modelers, model organizations, and small manufacturers of model and hobby products. Laser Arts is dedicated to providing quality work at affordable prices. Their services allow the scratchbuilder to create wood and plastic parts that rival the quality of those found in the most expensive kits. Laser-cutting produces parts with a level of accuracy impossible to obtain with handmade parts, dramatically reduces material waste, and yields infinitely repeatable parts. Laser Arts has been serving the radio-control modeling community since 1994.

Composite Mini A-10 — $159.95 (Electric Jet Factory)

Following the laser-cut 41-inch-span Mini A-10, the Composite Mini A-10 includes a lightweight epoxy/fiberglass fuselage, laser-cut balsa tail surfaces, wire-cut foam wings and sheeting, and vacuum-formed wheel covers and engine nacelles. The power package can be two Electric Jet Factory EDF 400 Turbo units or two WeMoTec Mini Fan 480 with Speed 480 BB motors (minimum). Standard controls are aileron, elevator, and throttle. Rise-off-ground, hand-launch, and bungee-launch options are possible. Robart 1/2A retracts, flaperons, and rudders are viable options, with a variety of speed-control and battery configurations for maximum use of the airframe.

Robart — Air system service kits

  • Contact: Robart Manufacturing, Inc., 625 N. 12th St., St. Charles, IL 60174
  • Tel.: (630) 584-7616
  • E-mail: robart@robart.com

Air systems with moving parts need periodic maintenance to keep functioning properly. Many flying sites are unpaved, exposing equipment to dirt, sand, and moisture, which cause wear and eventual failure. Robart recommends periodic maintenance and offers service kits that provide everything needed—even the grease.

  • 195S (standard kit): services a tricycle gear set — three 3/8-bore air cylinders, a control valve (standard or VR), the fill chuck, fill port, and check valve.
  • 195L (large kit): services three 1/2-bore and one 3/8-bore air cylinders, control valve (standard or VR), fill chuck, fill port, and check valve.
  • 195G (giant kit): services three 5/8-bore and one 3/8-bore air cylinders, control valve (standard or VR), fill chuck, fill port, and check valve.

Check and service your gear once a year and keep a spare kit in your flight box.

Bob Palmer Thunderbird kit — $99.99 (Brodak Manufacturing)

  • Contact: Brodak Manufacturing, 100 Park Ave., Carmichaels, PA 15320
  • Tel.: (724) 966-2726; Fax: (724) 966-5670
  • E-mail: flyin@brodak.com

The Thunderbird is one of Bob Palmer's long line of outstanding designs, refined through years of development and competition (including two National Championships). It is a pleasure to build and exciting to fly in Classic competition. The model has a 54-inch wingspan, 569 square inches of wing area, and an overall length of 38½ inches. It will accommodate .35 to .46 engines; the upright engine design makes starting easy. The kit includes full-size plans on two large sheets, illustrated step-by-step assembly instructions with helpful building tips, detailed drawings of the built-up fuselage, and notations for accuracy. As with all Brodak kits, it includes select AAA balsa, a formed landing gear, clear molded canopy, die-cut plywood doublers and ribs, a Brodak heavy-duty nylon bellcrank, a leadout wire kit, weight box, adjustable leadouts, and a full hardware package. Brodak kit BLB-53, available through hobby shops.

Rally of Giants 2000 — $19.95 + $3.25 (SKS Video Productions)

  • Contact: SKS Video Productions, 85 Pine Rd., Abbottstown, PA 17301
  • Tel.: (800) 988-6488 (US) or (717) 259-7193; Fax: (717) 259-6379
  • E-mail: scott@sksvideo.com
  • Web: www.sksvideo.com

This production covers the Rally of Giants held at the R/C Aviation Country Club in Hebron, Ohio. SKS Video and Propwash Video Productions combined efforts to feature top coverage of the event. More than 200 pilots and countless spectators attended; from over 250 superb model aircraft, this video presents the best. The program includes many pilot interviews, in-depth static segments, exciting flight footage, and onboard cameras mounted on two models for extreme aerial perspectives. Run time: two hours.

MDS MkII mufflers (Horizon Hobby)

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

The MkII series offers a lighter, quieter, smaller muffler for tight installations. An internal baffle system reduces noise by 1–3 decibels compared to previous designs. Each MkII muffler features a two-piece case allowing the exhaust outlet to be rotated 360°. A large overlap prevents leakage where the halves meet, and a pressure tap is preinstalled. Pricing: $15.95 and $17.95. MDS is exclusively distributed by Horizon Hobby.

Flight-training manual — $24.95 (+ $2 with color cover) (1st U.S. R/C Flight School)

The 1st U.S. R/C Flight School has developed a system of Sport Aerobatic Flight Training to maximize practice time and establish lasting habits. The DAS System of Sport Aerobatics covers Loops, Rolls, Immelmanns, Cuban 8s, Reverse Cuban 8s, and 4-Point and 8-Point Rolls. The second book in the series uses over 150 illustrations and "Key Points to Remember" to break maneuvers into base steps for systematic learning and refinement. Postage-paid U.S. orders only. MasterCard and Visa accepted.

RAF S.E.5a Windsock Datafile (Wise Owl Worldwide Publications)

  • Contact: Wise Owl Worldwide Publications, 1926 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 204, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-6145
  • Tel.: (310) 944-5033; Fax: (310) 944-9963
  • E-mail: wiseowl@sprintmail.com

This 46-page volume contains historical text, black-and-white photos, three pages of scale drawings, four pages of color-and-markings, and many close-up photos of the S.E.5a's cockpit, wing structure, and gun installation. Price: $32 postpaid in the U.S. ($34.64 for California residents).

Bob Palmer’s Original Smoothie kit (Brodak Manufacturing)

Brodak announces the re-release of Bob Palmer’s Original Smoothie, an innovative design first produced in the early 1950s. One of the first models with flaps, it set standards when unveiled in 1951 and has been a favorite since. Early Veco kits had inaccurate drawings; Brodak’s release features the correct design as drawn by Bob Palmer. The Original Smoothie is versatile—suitable for Old-Time, Classic, or modern flying. The model spans 52 inches, has a 540-square-inch wing area, and an overall length of 36½ inches. It accommodates .20–.40 engines. The kit includes full-size plans on two large sheets, illustrated step-by-step assembly instructions with building tips, detailed fuselage drawings and design notations, select AAA balsa, a formed landing gear, clear molded canopy, die-cut plywood doublers and ribs, a Brodak heavy-duty nylon bellcrank, a leadout wire kit, a weight box, and a full hardware package. Brodak kit CLB-52, available through hobby shops.

All-In-One Prop Wrench (Robart #430)

Is your flight box weighing you down? The All-In-One Prop Wrench replaces 12 standard wrenches with inch and metric sizes in a single tool. Its all-in-one design reduces flight-box clutter; its large size is easy to see and hard to lose, and the thin profile works on all types of prop nuts (use two for jam-nut applications). It’s extra long for extra torque, heat-treated for toughness, and plated for long life. Ask for Robart #430 at your dealer.

HiTech Creations — Aces High (Version 1.04)

HiTech Creations released Version 1.04 of Aces High, a multiplayer WWII air-combat simulator played on the Internet. Each update has brought features, airplanes, vehicles, and improvements. New features in Version 1.04 include a padlock view system, an enhanced flight-control trim system, and improved flight modeling. Airplanes and vehicles now total 30, including the Lancaster Mk III, Ju 88A-4, and the 3.7 cm Flakpanzer IV Ostwind. HiTech’s continuous updates keep Aces High fresh; the next version will add player-controlled aircraft carrier task forces and naval aircraft. Aces High is available as a free download with eight-person multiplayer support; massively multiplayer flying requires a monthly subscription after a two-week free trial. For more, visit HiTech Creations’ web site.

Gear/Door Sequencer (mini-microprocessor)

Mini-microprocessor technology provides precise gear and door timing. The sequencer signals two to four servos when and how far to move gear and door valves. Two programs are contained; doors remain open or closed after gear extension. The unit plugs into any fifth channel. Dimensions: 1.9 x 1.3 x 0.75 inches; weight: 23 grams.

Electronic "Add-On" — $39.95 (Nelson Hobby Specialties)

  • Contact: Nelson Hobby Specialties, 2900 SW Cornelius Pass Rd., #762, Hillsboro, OR 97123
  • Tel.: (503) 259-8899; Fax: (503) 645-1492

This new line of electronic accessories improves the performance, reliability, and safety of radio-control aircraft. The first Add-On offered is a Fail-Safe throttle device that automatically reduces engine throttle or shuts off the engine if the receiver experiences interference or if there is a transmitter failure. It is specifically designed for PFM (FM) Futaba, JR, and Hitec radios that lack a fail-safe option. The unit is prewired and can be installed and set up in minutes, even at the flying field (item number ESM23). Specifications: size 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 x 3/4 inches; weight 0.632 ounces; plastic box construction; connections via lead with plug (included) and sockets wired for Futaba/JR/HiTec radios; supply voltage 2.5–10 V DC; supply current approximately 9 mA plus servo current at 4.8 V; output follows input except during fail-safe operation when signal width is adjustable between 1 and 2 ms in 6.25% steps. Note: Futaba and JR servos' positive leads are red. Futaba negative lead is black and JR negative lead is brown. Futaba signal lead is white; JR signal lead is orange.

Plans for wood flight box — $14.95 (Tony Eilers)

  • Contact: Tony Eilers, 619 W. 7th St., Waterloo, IA 50702

These plans are for modelers who are also woodworkers. The original design is constructed of oak, walnut, maple, and cherry. Measurements: 24 1/8 x 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches tall. Drawers are 12 1/2 inches wide. Both ends are enclosed with lids: one end holds the power panel and the other holds fuel with plenty of room for other items. Everything but the transmitter is covered to avoid a cluttered look. The plans include pictures and step-by-step instructions.

Sukhoi Su-31 Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) (Sig Manufacturing)

  • Contact: Sig Manufacturing, 401-7 S. Front St., Montezuma, IA 50171-0520
  • Tel.: (641) 623-5154; Fax: (641) 623-3922
  • Web: www.sigmfg.com

The Sukhoi Su-31 ARF brings the performance of the full-size design to a field-friendly size. Using a 2.4 cu in gas engine, the Su-31 offers clean takeoffs and aggressive aerobatic performance—knife-edge, rolls, loops, hovering, and extreme 3-D maneuvers—while remaining light on the sticks. Low-speed characteristics are gentle for easy landings. Servos mount close to control surfaces for precise response. The ARF is hand-assembled from fine balsa and plywood using CAD techniques, and covered with Goldberg UltraCote® in a unique trim scheme. It includes a heavy-duty hardware package from American manufacturers and a fully illustrated assembly manual. Item #: SIGRC81ARF. Recommended engines: 1.50–2.10 two-stroke glow, 1.80–2.70 four-stroke glow, or 2.4 gas. Specifications: wingspan 76¼ inches; wing area 1,152 sq in; weight 13–14 lb; length 66.9 inches; required radio: four-channel with six servos.

Plastic Fantastic kit (Protech / Brodak)

  • Contact: Protech — Tel.: (352) 796-1985; Shop: (352) 688-4043
  • E-mail: mso@atlantic

This new Control Line kit is part Coroplast™ and part foam, held together with plywood. It replaces the Kiss-24 and is unique for its simplicity: only five pieces and a build time of about one hour. It flies well, bounces, and is durable enough for Combat or kids. Power can be Cox or Norvel. Price: two for $35 with Brodak hardware, postpaid in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. A radio-control version for the Thunder Tiger .07 will be released soon. The kit is also available through Brodak Manufacturing (www.brodak.com).

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