RADIO CONTROL GIANTS
Sal Calvagna 1335 Broadway Ave., Holbrook NY 11741 E-mail: ncalvagn@suffolk.lib.ny.us
NOW THAT THE HOLIDAYS are almost behind us, it's time to get serious about that new Radio Control (RC) Giant project for 2004.
Did you notice that I didn't write "winter project"? For those residing in southern climes, you are in the middle of a flying season and probably don't want to take time off from flying to get serious about building. For the rest of us who live where the mercury is heading in the same direction as the Dow Jones average has been for the past year, now is the time for hot soup, hot chocolate, a little ZAP, some ZIP kicker, and lots of balsa.
Whether flying or building, those of us who are into the "big" models should take a bow. I respect those who build and fly Giant model aircraft. It takes a certain type of person to make such a large investment of time and money to complete a magnificent Giant, not knowing if its first flight will be its last.
All RC airplane modelers face the same unknowns. There is a certain level of risk, an adventurous spirit, and a can-do attitude involved that you don't find in other hobbies. If you can't take the risks or the stress is too much, consider one of those neat trains. For those of you out there who press on—building, flying—and yes, crashing Giant models—pat yourself on the back. You deserve it!
Last month I wrote that I would complete the Balsa USA S.E.5a project for this month's column. I apologize—there wasn't enough time to finish the covering and painting, so I'll report on it next month.
Don't worry—I have some neat things to share with you this month, so sit back and read on.
Super Kraft Rearwin Speedster Almost Ready to Fly (ARF)
Super Kraft (Kangke Industrial) has released its second Golden Age aircraft, the Rearwin Speedster 1/4-scale ARF. The model spans 96 inches and was designed for a 1.8 to 3.2 gas or glow engine. It is covered with Oracover and has a fiberglass cowl and wheel pants. The kit is designed for a four-channel radio with six servos.
The wing is fully symmetrical and the moving surfaces are large—I suspect the Speedster is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The cabin structure is super-strong, built from many laminations. The painted parts, including the landing gear, cowling, and wheel pants, are beautifully finished and match the UltraCote covering perfectly. For those who are interested in a Golden Age scale model with real performance potential, this may be the airplane for you.
For more information: www.kangkeusa.com or call (877) 203-2377. For technical information, call (631) 274-3058.
Horn Products: 1/3-Scale Vickers Machine Gun and Accessories
Mike Horn of Horn Products manufactures the most accurate 1/3-scale version of the Vickers machine gun that I have ever seen. This beautiful rendition is made from industrial PVC, 6061-T6 aluminum, and painted with DuPont acrylic lacquer. The gun comes with mounting hardware (for Balsa USA’s 1/3-scale Sopwith Pup) and was created from authentic plans and dimensions of the full-scale version.
Walt Horn (Mike’s father) and Mike started Horn Products in 1984, originally manufacturing medical components and laser-cutting nozzles. Because they had been modelers for more than 40 years, they decided to produce accessories fellow modelers could use.
Horn Products also manufactures:
- A gun sight for the Vickers made from brass and wire in a soldered assembly, painted to match the gun.
- Carburetor intake stacks for the Zenoah G-23, G-26, G-38, and G-62 gas engine line; the stack angle is fully adjustable (price: $7.50 each).
- A spherical propeller washer/hub for electric starter use and custom-machined engine mounts.
All custom aluminum products are made from 6061-T6 or 7075-grade aluminum. The Vickers gun is sold for $99 plus $6 shipping.
To contact Horn Products: phone (508) 347-2164, fax (508) 347-3587.
Peter Bresler’s Saab 340
Peter Bresler of Los Osos, California, built his 89-inch wingspan Saab 340 model from his own set of plans. The fuselage is 81 inches long and is powered by two Ryobi 31 cc gas engines with electronic ignitions. The model uses Spring Air retracts and Robart struts and weighs 26 pounds.
Peter used the CompuFoil program to design the wing, stabilizer, and engine nacelles. All controls and switches are hidden behind the functioning scale door. The model is covered in aluminum MonoKote with LustreKote paint on the nose, tail, and nacelles. The markings were made using Papilio vinyl transfer material printed on a home computer.
Peter hasn’t flown the model yet but will soon start taxi trials. If you are interested in Peter’s plans for the Saab 340, call (805) 528-5234 or write to 328 Travis Dr., Los Osos, CA 93402. The plans sell for $29.95 plus shipping.
Background: The Saab 340 originated from a 1979 joint feasibility study for a 30- to 40-seat commercial airliner by Fairchild (U.S.) and Saab-Scania (Sweden). The SF-340 was launched in September 1980. Saab handled the fuselage, fin, and final assembly; Fairchild handled wings, engines, and empennage. The first prototype flew on January 25, 1983; production began in March 1984. In November 1985 Saab took over production entirely. Slow sales led Saab to cease production of the 340 in 1998.
RC Giant Mega-Dart
The Giant version of the famous AMA Delta Dart is the brainchild of AMA Education Coordinator Jack Frost. At approximately 80 inches, the Mega-Dart is a real eye-catcher. Jack built it from carbon-fiber tubes and ripstop polyester material. A 280-size, gear-driven motor swinging a GWS 10 x 4.7 propeller powers it.
Jack says the Mega-Dart handles surprisingly well in windy conditions and is a great slow flyer for indoor use. According to Jack, it is a terrific attention-getter for children of all ages involved in the Delta Dart building program.
Hey, Jack—since this is a model of the real AMA Delta Dart, does this make it a scale model?
What to Take to a Giant Scale Meet
There are several helpful items you should consider taking with you to the next Giant Scale model meet. Many of us know about the infamous black plastic "body bag" for early-demise models, but here are more practical items:
- Chargers and batteries
- Fuel and fuel pump
- Radios and spare transmitters/receivers
- A tent or canopy and chairs
- Tools and spare hardware
- First-aid kit and basic repair supplies
After a summer plagued by rainy weekends, I found another "must have": small plastic drop cloths for your models. When rain threatens, everyone scrambles to fit their 30- to 40-pound Giants under the canopy—and there's often no room left for people. Try using 9 x 12 foot plastic drop cloths (available at Home Depot or paint stores). They come in various thicknesses and cost roughly a dollar or two. The drop cloths are compact, easy to store, and can save your model from the elements. Pick up two or three and you should be covered.
That’s all for this month. I thank those readers who have taken the time to write or e-mail me with their latest projects and their thoughtful comments about the RC Giants column. To borrow a phrase from California’s current governor, "I’ll be back."
MA
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
