Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/02
Page Numbers: 142

Modeler's Mall 2003/02

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.

FiberClassics Yak-55 SP — $4,999

With a length of 114 inches and a wingspan of 131 inches, the Yak-55 SP is a giant among large-scale airplanes. The model faithfully replicates the lines and details of the full-scale Yak-55 while adding design details to maximize competitive advantage.

Design details include a seven-layer carbon-fiber floating spar. With the fillets molded into the wing, the entire wing structure can be moved to one of three preset positions. This feature allows you to adjust the balance point without adding trim weight and helps maintain 10% TOC rules. Other design features include huge control surfaces retained by removable pins and a removable cowl that does not require propeller and spinner removal.

As with other FiberClassics models, the Yak-55 SP is constructed entirely from vacuum-bagged composite. At 38 pounds and powered by a 150cc engine, the performance is nothing short of world class. The first 10 aircraft sold include the red-and-silver paint job used on the original prototype.

Contact Don Kanak at Planes Plus, Inc. for more information on the Yak-55 SP and other FiberClassics aircraft.

Hangar 9 60-size P-51D ARF — $254.99

  • Manufacturer / Seller: Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61822
  • Tel.: (217) 355-9511
  • Website: www.horizonhobby.com

This version of the venerable P-51D is unlike any other Mustang Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF). Its 60-size airframe sets it apart from the many 40-size Mustang ARFs. The larger size allows Hangar 9 to closely match proportions and lines to the full-scale aircraft.

An UltraCote trim scheme underscores the scale design, authentic right down to the name on the nose and the identification number on the tail. A prepainted fiberglass cowl with molded Merlin exhaust stacks is included. Hangar 9 has also installed retractable landing gear at the factory; each wing half comes from the box with the retract mechanisms completely installed. The modeler needs only to install a compatible retract servo, such as the JR low-profile S703 or Expert's low-profile SL680. Hangar 9 has simplified servo installation with precut servo bays in the wings and tail for the aileron, rudder, and elevator servos.

Equipped with Saito's muscular 100 four-stroke, the Mustang flies much like a nimble 60-size sport model. Roll and yaw authority are excellent at slow speeds and during landing approaches. At high speeds, using the recommended control throws, low-level banking passes and hard-breaking dogfight maneuvers are exhilarating. The throaty sound of the big Saito adds to the experience.

Specifications:

  • Wingspan: 65½ inches
  • Wing area: 745 sq in
  • Length: 55¾ inches
  • Weight: 7–8 pounds
  • Scale: 1:7
  • Engine: .60–.78 two-stroke or 91–100 four-stroke
  • Item number (P-51 .60 ARF with retracts, Ultra): HAN2375

Hangar 9 is distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.

Matrix Hotliner — $109.99 (+ $10.99 S&H)

  • Manufacturer / Seller: K&A Models Unlimited, Box 66527, Albuquerque, NM 87193-6527
  • Tel.: (505) 994-8083
  • Website: www.kamodels.com
  • Kit number: 10148

K&A Models Unlimited announces the release of its Matrix Hotliner electric kit. The Matrix is designed for multitask flying: the airframe size allows you to use anything from a Speed 400 motor on seven cells up to an .05 brushless application on 10 cells. The Matrix is extremely stable in flight and a great aerobatic and thermal performer. The wide performance range is owed largely to its triple-airfoil wing and its lightweight airframe that averages only 23 ounces carrying 10 cells.

The kit includes an epoxy/fiberglass fuselage, precut-to-shape tail surfaces, foam-core wings that you sheet with the supplied balsa, precision-cut plywood parts, plans, and instructions.

Specifications:

  • Wingspan: 42 inches
  • Wing area: 206 sq in
  • Wing loading: 16 oz/sq ft
  • Weight: 20–23 ounces

Gas Passer Flight Box — $44.99

  • Manufacturer / Seller: Sig Manufacturing Co., Box 520, Montezuma, IA 50171
  • Tel.: (641) 623-5154
  • Website: www.sigmfg.com
  • Item number: SIGBX003

The Gas Passer is the newest member of Sig's family of 100% laser-cut flight boxes, designed for the gasoline-powered model flier's special needs. This flight box features an extra-large compartment to hold a gallon bottle, a gallon can, or Du-Bro's EZ Fill gallon container.

It also has roomy parts drawers, two custom positional tool holders, a large battery compartment for wet or gel-cell batteries, and a handy place for your Sig FieldBoss power panel (not included).

This build-it-yourself flight box assembles quickly thanks to laser-cut parts and can be finished in your choice of paints or clear polyurethane. It's a classy box for classy fliers.

Specifications:

  • Length: 18½ inches
  • Width: 9½ inches
  • Height: 13¾ inches
  • Weight: 6 pounds (empty)

The Gas Passer Flight Box is available at your local hobby retailer.

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