Radio Control: Helicopters
Larry Jolly 5501 W. Como Santa Ana, CA 92703
Chicago Model and Hobby Show (October 15–16, 1988)
Even though this is the February 1989 "RC Helicopter" column, I'm writing it in November of 1988. So, remembering that lead time, it is not too much of a surprise that I'll be talking about October 15–16 as if it were recent history. Those were the dates of the 1988 Chicago Model and Hobby Show, and I'm going to highlight some of the new products on display there.
The AMA and RCHTA teamed up to provide public relations coverage by assembling a crew of recognized RC pilots to meet show visitors. The AMA set up a row of booths with experts available to talk with modelers. Although the first impression was a bit like "primate row" at the zoo, the arrangement worked well and proved educational for both local modelers and the visiting experts.
I shared a booth with Ernie Huber, one of the original RC helicopter pioneers. We had a great weekend talking helicopters and movie making with anyone who stopped by. I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I agreed to do the show, but after Chicago I plan to edit some of my many tapes to show people how movies are made and how models are used in them.
I had a great time meeting many readers of the column — thanks for your input and encouragement. Many thanks to the AMA for the opportunity, and thanks to all the modelers who stopped to chat. I look forward to the next show.
A quick disclaimer
I take notes and do my best to remember everyone at the show. If I missed you or didn't mention you, I'm sorry. Send pictures of your products and I'll run them as space permits. No letter bombs, please!
Exhibitors and new products
- Airtronics
- Bob and Tim Renaud showed new ideas in radio and kit technology.
- Displayed PCM radios including the Spectrum.
- Discussed a helicopter computer system due next year, similar in layout to the Vision system for sailplanes. I like the Spectrum I'm currently flying and recommend checking Airtronics systems out.
- Ambrosia Micro-Computer Products
- Showing a helicopter simulator that worked great; demonstrator got heavy use all weekend.
- If you're into computers, contact them — the system looked top class.
- Futaba
- Displayed its popular heli radios, from the Conquest up to the new feature-packed 1024.
- Futaba supplied me a 1024 for evaluation — an incredible radio with extensive mixing and programmable curves. So far it has worked flawlessly; I'll report more in an upcoming issue. Anyone who says they can truly use all the functions of a 1024 is probably exaggerating — it's a big leap forward.
- American Model Products
- Busy showing the Legend in various forms: standard with flybarless rotor and belt-driven tail; optional shaft-driven tail; optional pro-head main rotor.
- Also available is the RTE shaft-driven tail, enabling tail-driven autorotations.
- GMP
- On display: new Hirobo Bell 222 fuselage for the Shuttle and the Boeing Vertol Traveler.
- Also showing a new mini-tool kit containing everything needed to assemble a helicopter: bottle of blue Loctite, 3 mm and 2 mm hex drivers, reamer, pin vise, Allen drivers, needle-nose pliers, ball-link pliers, straight and Phillips-head screwdrivers, and a set of four hard Allen keys — all in a compact travel case. Looks like a neat goody box for $49.95.
- Great Planes
- Showed the new Kyosho Concept 30, a nice little helicopter designed by former World Champion Taya from Japan.
- Available in two versions: a trainer and an all-out sportsster with lighter paddles and ball bearings throughout. Look for it at Tower Hobbies.
- Hobby Dynamics
- Dan Melnik and Frank Dykes showed their new Kalt machines, including the Omega Jet Stream.
- Also featured the new JR PCM 10 radio — a 10-channel microcomputerized unit comparable to Futaba's 1024, with extensive mixing and throttle-pitch curve capability.
- Miniature Aircraft Supply
- Showed popular XL-Cell and Quick Silver products and expanded into accessories, tools, and building aids.
- New Long Ranger fuselage: very light and highly detailed.
- New Rotor Sport pro-blades: available in five styles plus tail rotor blades; epoxy/Kevlar construction. Excellent blades for a non-grid rotor system — comparable to Star blades. Contact Ted or Tim Schoonard for details.
- Raves
- Showing the Heim line of helicopters and accessories for Heim, Schlueter, and GMP machines.
- Also displaying a line of fiberglass rotor blades. They had a beautiful Lockheed 286 on display.
- Robbe
- Terry Moore and Mike Maus presented the extensive line of Schuler products.
- New items included the Bell 222 for the Junior 50, the Scout, and other Champion derivatives. The Champion is one of the best buys in the .60 class with broad appeal.
- Slimline and Eastcraft
- Slimline mufflers and Eastcraft electric onboard starters were on display. Eastcraft is developing a new system for modern-style mechanics — useful because nothing sets off a scale model like remote starting.
Closing
After the Chicago show I got really enthusiastic and have been building like crazy — I imagine many of you are too with winter here. If you're building something, send a couple of photos and a few lines — I'm always looking for material for the column.
BCNU
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
