RC Giant Scale at Toledo
First impressions of all the new "Big Bird" goodies which are becoming available to the Monster Men
By Bob Beckman
The Big Birds aren't just coming — they have arrived. I think it was 1975 when Andy Sheber first had his big Pitts at the Weak Signals show in Toledo. I first saw it in 1976 when there were two of the beautiful monsters sticking out like basketball players at a midget's convention. This year you couldn't move 10 feet in any direction without seeing another 1/5th- to 1/2-scale giant.
On Saturday and Sunday the crowds were especially dense. This first and biggest of the RC trade shows continues to grow, and it has definitely outgrown the Sports Arena. Let's hope larger facilities will be available in the future.
Almost half of the airplanes on display were biggies. Quite a few new kits are now or soon will be available, and several new planes were shown. The big-bird buff can now choose from a wide selection of designs, both scale and original. Depending on the time and money you have available, you can take any route from straight plan-built through semi-kits and full kits to fiberglass-foam composites that require minimal work to get into the air.
New power choices
There are some new power choices, too. At least three new big-bore gasoline engines were shown:
- Kioritz, 2.44 cu. in., available from Gibbs Hobby & Research.
- Kawasaki, 2.22 cu. in., available from C.B. Associates and EWH Specialties.
- Kawasaki, 3.15 cu. in., available from C.B. Associates and EWH Specialties.
Bob Hutton of EWH had one of the 3.15s mounted on a test stand and made several demonstration runs. It is the smoothest-running chain-saw–type engine I have seen.
Propellers
Propeller choices are broadening as well. In addition to Zinger and Top Flite props in giant sizes, Dynathrust continues to add sizes to their line of molded, glass-filled nylon props. EWH is coming out with carved maple props in higher pitches — 18 or 20 — to take advantage of the torque characteristics of the Kawasaki engines.
Accessories
In the accessory area, unfortunately, the pickings are still slim, with few new items. Highlights include:
- Du-Bro and Fox big wheels (it would be nice to see even bigger ones).
- C.B. Associates cable fittings, strut fittings, tail wheels, etc., specifically designed for Giant Scale applications.
Once manufacturers absorb the message delivered by this year's turnout of Giant Scale airplanes, we should start to see more of the items builders need.
Organization
On Saturday night, over 100 big-bird builders met to formalize a new organization. Temporarily known as the Miniature Aircraft Society, the group is dedicated to the advancement and non-competitive enjoyment of all types of large models. Don Godfrey (Super Stearman fame) was elected president.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
