Author: G. Rose
Edition: Model Aviation - 1995/09
Page Numbers: 95, 96, 97
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Radio Control: Combat

Greg Rose, 3429 Elmy, Orion MI 48359

Safety Reminder

RC Combat fliers: because the majority of Combat models are hand-launched, fliers must hold the aircraft while engines are running during launch preparation. Virtually all accidents during RC Combat events happen in the brief period between start-up and launch. Handling a model with a running engine demands attention and respect.

The "one-minute launch window" adopted for 704 events gives the pilot time to safely handle the model instead of racing to be first in the air. I've talked to people who didn't think a .15- or .21-size engine could cut off a fingertip; now they admit they were wrong. As I wrote in an earlier column, "No one has fun if anyone gets hurt." When launching your model, don't let anything distract you from putting Safety First.

Trade-Show News (Toledo)

Like many modelers, I enjoy trade shows. In my area the Weak Signals club hosts the Toledo trade show—one of the country's finest hobby shows. Almost every modeling discipline is represented, and RC Combat is no exception. Scale and non-scale Combat fliers can always find out what's new in the sport. Here's a sampling of news from the Toledo show.

High T.E.K. Models — Suitcase Eliminator

  • New Suitcase Eliminator: scaled-down version of the larger Eliminator, designed to fit easily in a suitcase after disassembly.
  • Features: two-piece plug-in wing; landing gear and vertical/horizontal stabilizers are easily removed for transport.
  • Specs: 36-inch wingspan, about 2 pounds, powered by a .15-size engine.
  • Ideal for non-scale Combat events.
  • Contact: High T.E.K. Models.

Bear Manufacturing — Stalker

  • New Stalker RC Combat wing.
  • Specs: 41-inch wingspan; typically powered by .21–.32 engines; nearly 500 sq. in. wing area in a 2–2½ lb. flying-weight design.
  • Construction: all-balsa for lower weight and wing loading, improving maneuverability; size close to "Gremlin Class."
  • Contact:
  • Bear Manufacturing, 28305 South Yates Ave., Beecher, IL 60401
  • Tel.: (708) 946-6130

Custom Cutters / Northwest Tool Supply

  • Custom Cutters has sold its line of 704-scale Combat kits to Northwest Tool Supply.
  • Northwest Tool will continue to offer Custom Cutters' Macchi MC.202 and Messerschmitt Bf.109 and plans to introduce kits that were in development (including a Kawasaki Ki-61 and a Hawker Hurricane).
  • Contact:
  • Northwest Tool Supply, 27430 Fox Rd., Willits, CA 95490
  • Tel.: (800) 755-5687

LDM Industries — Combat Fighter Series (Jets)

  • New Combat Fighter Series jets: F-15 Eagle, A-10 Warthog, F-18 Hornet, F-16 Falcon.
  • Intended for RC open-combat or sport flying.
  • Construction: foam wings, extruded PVC fuselages, balsa tail surfaces and trim; include complete hardware and trim.
  • Power: .40–.46-size engines; a little over 510 sq. in. wing area.
  • Flying weight: about 4.25–4.5 lb. — somewhat heavy for aggressive maneuvering, but Standoff-Scale appearance is attractive.
  • Contact:
  • LDM Industries, Box 292396, Tampa, FL 33687
  • Tel.: (813) 991-4277

ES-Teknik — Saab J-21 and J-9 plans

  • Brought a small Saab J-21 pusher to the show.
  • Current: 1/15 scale J-21 fits Swedish RC Combat rules but is too small for most Combat events in Europe and the U.S.
  • Planned: a 1/9 scale J-9 for U.S. and European markets (J-9 known as the export Seversky P-35).
  • Contact:
  • ES-Teknik, Box 16 163, S-103 24, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Tel.: +46-8-648 70 80

Quiet Flight International & K&A Models Unlimited — Slope Soaring Kits

  • Quiet Flight International (QFI) provided contacts for slope-soaring developments in Europe.
  • K&A Models Unlimited (U.S.) produces slope-soaring kits, including 1/2-scale kits of the P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, and P-51 Mustang.
  • Kits: recommended for advanced "Slopers"; airframe construction uses fiberglass and epoxy with foam wing cores; include complete hardware, vacuum-formed canopies, cowls, and details.
  • Contact:
  • K&A Models, 6059 Faculty Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712
  • Tel.: (310) 804-0006

Scratch-Built Beauty of the Month

Dan Stensby (Minneapolis, MN) — Messerschmitt P-1101 (WW II-era jet prototype)

  • Prototype note: the full-scale P-1101 was damaged in a ground-handling accident and never flew.
  • Model: flights with a Cox Tee Dee .09 in the nose; flying weight about 2 lb.
  • Performance: "It's a missile in the air!" (per Dan).
  • Specs: 29-inch wingspan; 174 sq. in. wing area.
  • Construction and finish: fuselage balsa with blue-foam turtledeck; wings balsa-sheathed foam; flat-bottomed airfoil; canopy and cowl vacuum-formed; covered in aluminum MonoKote and painted with 21st Century paints.
  • Notes: determining the proper center of gravity on the swept-wing design has been difficult, giving some odd power-off characteristics; Dan hopes a second version will improve handling.

Dan flies Combat with the Twin City Radio Controllers, a club that shared in last year's Great Northern Campaign and hosts annual public displays.

Twin City Radio Controllers — Mall Display

  • The Twin City club staged a second year of demonstrations at the Mall of America.
  • Display: several 704-scale fighters hung in a PVC "mobile."
  • Public outreach: shoppers were challenged to match historic fighter descriptions with the models overhead.
  • A sincere thank-you to the Twin City club for sharing 704 Scale Combat (and RC flying in general) with the public.

Closing

Be sure to check the "Contest Calendar" in this issue for up-to-date information on RC Combat events around the country. Remember: a little "Safety First" is better than a whole lot of "First Aid." Fly and fight safely, and never forget to check your six!

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