RC Sailplanes At Toledo

RC Sailplanes At Toledo

Byron Blakeslee

Come along for the ride as our resident Soaring columnist takes us through the thermals at this year's Toledo Expo.

The fourteenth running of the Toledo RC Exposition was held April 8–10 in the Sports Center. Again, the weather was quite nice. Stories about the terrible Toledo weather are not always so! Attendance was very heavy, and the crowds appeared to be about the same as last year's record. Judging by all the eager lookers, the RC industry is very much alive and well.

Modelers go to Toledo every spring to find out what's new. This is a general RC show, so all phases of the activity are represented. Of the manufacturer and distributor displays, powered aircraft (pattern, sport, and scale planes) represented the biggest part. RC cars were second and boats third. Strangely (to me, anyway), I'd guess sailplanes and helicopters were about tied for fourth. I find this peculiar, because owing to the number of sailplane kits sold and the number of soaring clubs in the country, I would think the number of sailplane vendors would rank higher. Could it be that we just buy more from fewer companies?

As to what was new in sailplanes, Bob Sealy's 129-inch Ultima and the Klingberg 78-inch Flying Wing were completely new kits. The new Sig Riser 100 is an enlargement of their two-meter ship, and Goldberg's new Sophisticated Lady is a development of the ubiquitous Gentle Lady.

Most of the excitement at the show this year centered around the announcement of the new microprocessor (computer on a chip) radios by Airtronics and Futaba. These radios, along with the JR Galaxy and Multiplex Royal, which were already on the market, will surely be the radios of the future for the more sophisticated sailplanes. To this list should be added "microprocessor conversions" by Emulation Electronics and Control Systems Laboratories. These companies sell replacement encoder circuits that will convert older radios, say your Futaba Conquest, into the equivalent of a $1,000 radio.

The beauty of these new computer radios is that you can buy a generic "aircraft" set (as opposed to "helicopter") and custom program it to do all the specialized sailplane "tricks" you desire. You can mix rudder with ailerons, elevator with flaps, flaps with ailerons, etc. Basically, you can mix anything with anything else.

To lend some coherence to this presentation, I'll divide it into three parts. Part 1 will cover the new radios; Part 2 will be on sailplanes; and Part 3 will discuss everything else.

Before getting on to what I saw, there is a trend that's becoming important that I'd like to mention for your consideration. It is the growing interest in sailplanes launched with electric motors. No, I'm not talking about electric winches. No, I'm not talking about electric motors with propellers.

This isn't new! You may be thinking that most electric planes in the past were just that: electric planes. The idea now is using a motor to get the plane up so you can soar with it. The extra weight of the motor system has often been found to be of help rather than a hindrance to soaring. Modern sailplanes are moving to the faster-stronger-heavier philosophy anyway. Purists will naturally insist on a pure sailplane, but for fliers who can't locate a field big enough for a winch or hi-start, electric-motor launching makes a lot of sense. I'd be happy to hear what readers think about this. We can kick it around in the regular monthly RC Soaring column.

Radios

Airtronics

• The big news is a new (as yet unnamed) six-channel microprocessor PCM set that will list for $500 with four servos. Sanwa of Japan will make it exclusively for Airtronics, and it should be out about midsummer.
• It will have the capability of mixing any three channels with any other three. You can get mixing for flaperons, spoilers, elevons (V-tail), elevator with flaps, rudder with ailerons, etc.
• Features include elevator preset trim, aileron differential in both flaperon and spoileron modes, dual rate adjustment, adjustable exponential on all channels, and built-in voltage regulation.

Airtronics recently introduced the Spectra PCM seven-channel and Quantum PCM eight-channel radios. They are very good sets, but listing for $600 and $800, respectively, puts them above the new six-channel computer radio that may be more adaptable for sailplanes.

Futaba

• Futaba showed a new nine-channel 1024 PCM/PPM microprocessor radio that should be available by midsummer. It will mix any four channels with any other four and can be programmed for up to six individual planes.
• The transmitter is programmed by pressing buttons on the front face. A large LCD display window shows a graphic representation of a pattern plane to help show what's happening.
• The set has all the usual programming options and modern conveniences. It will list for $1,000 with four servos.

JR Propo

• JR Propo showed an extensive line of radios, including the microprocessor-controlled Galaxy Computer 8. This set has been available for about a year and has received excellent comments from fliers who have owned one.
• The Galaxy Computer 8 is an eight-channel set that will mix four channels, including flaperons and V-tail, and can store trim data on seven different planes. It is available in Pattern and Helicopter versions; the Pattern set sells for $579.99 with four servos, direct from Cirrus Hobbies.
• JR Propo is now being handled by Hobby Dynamics as a distributor to local dealers. JR makes extremely sophisticated radios for Graupner in Germany, built to Graupner's specifications. With European frequency spacing able to cope with transmissions just 10 kHz apart, JR should have no trouble with U.S. specs calling for RC frequencies 20 kHz apart.

Emulation Electronics

• The Hendrickson brothers (Martin and Tom) and Tim Ahrens wrote a three-part article in RC Modeler called "Hi Tech Encoder" about converting AM or FM PPM transmitters to use a Motorola microprocessor chip for encoding.
• The Hendricksons are selling a complete printed circuit encoder board for do-it-yourself modelers who want a very sophisticated radio at a reasonable price.
• The board is designed to drop into the Futaba Conquest but can be adapted to most other transmitters. It will work with four- to eight-channel radios and can mix five channels. It can store data on four planes.
• A unique feature is autortrim: press and hold a button while holding a trim position and the computer will gradually (about three seconds) reset elevator neutral trim to that spot. Trim pots can still be used.
• The Hi Tech Encoder is available directly from the Hendricksons for $175, plus $5 shipping. Address: 2206 S. Lynn, Urbana, IL 61801; telephone (217) 344-8740.

Sailplanes

Ace RC

• Bad news: Ace was planning to come out with Leon Kincaid's three-meter Scooter this season, but because of plant expansion, it will be delayed until later. The Scooter should be worth waiting for.

Airtronics

• Their sailplane line continues with the Oly 600, Oly II, Sagitta, Cumulus and Cumulus Plus.
• Their latest kit is a two-meter electric called the Eclipse. It has built-up construction with a three-piece wing and comes in two kit versions: standard or deluxe. The deluxe includes a motor, 3:1 gear reducer, and folding propeller.
• The deluxe version including most components (except motor, Ni-Cd pack and charger) is convenient for beginners.
• Tim Renaud is working on a new sailplane called the Image: all-wood with a 100-inch span three-piece wing with ailerons. It will likely be available around Christmastime.

American Sailplane Designs

• Gary Anderson of San Diego aims to be a source of U.S.-made sailplanes (especially unusual ones) and soaring accessories. At Toledo he featured the Klingberg Wing, a neat 78-inch-span flying wing of all-built-up construction, selling for $39.95.
• Designer Rol Klingberg of Sunnyvale, CA, working from Horten flying-wing concepts, built the RC model to validate his foot-launched, pilot-carrying wing idea. Interest led him to produce the RC kit. Several hundred Klingberg Wing kits have been sold.
• Order by mail from American Sailplane Designs, 2626 Coronado Ave., #89, San Diego, CA 92154; telephone (619) 429-8281. Send $3.00 for a complete catalog.
• Gary is also producing the 1/3-scale ASW-20 kit (formerly by Mark Smith): five meters wingspan and about 16 pounds. Gary also sources obeche skin wing wood and may offer it at about $0.50 per sq. ft. depending on order size.

Bob Martin

• Bob will be back in Duralene fuselage production this summer. The Coyote and SR-7 slope kits will be available again.
• By the end of summer there should be a new Katie II with an unbreakable Duralene fuselage—ideal for introducing beginners to slope soaring. Duralene fuselages are very durable.
• Bob also plans to get the classic Hobie Hawk back into production by Christmas.

Bob Sealy Quality Fiberglass

• Bob's new 129-inch-span Ultima is attractive and should be popular with contest fliers. It features a high-quality epoxy/glass fuselage with a practical slip-on nose cone. The fuselage is built in two halves with a slip joint just behind the wing; the builder glues and fills the joint.
• The balsa-sheeted foam wing uses a Selig 4061 airfoil and is in three pieces. The center section is flat and bolts to the fuselage with a single 1/4-20 nylon screw. The center has a spruce-and-ply box spar described as "bulletproof." Tip sections plug into the center panel using 1/4-inch steel joiner rods. Tip planform has the trendy double-taper leading edge sweepback.
• The all-flying T-tail stabilizer is screw-attached to a rocking mechanism at the fin; stabilizer drive is via a steel cable in a nylon tube. Dry weight is about 80 oz. With 1,254 sq. in. of wing, dry loading is 9.2 oz. per sq. ft.
• Prototype setup uses three servos: coupled aileron and rudder, elevator, and flaps. Higher-tech radios could drive separate servos for each aileron and rudder, enabling a "butterfly" configuration for landing. Factory-direct price for the complete kit, including all wood, is $189.00.
• Also offered: the Javelin flying wing (no vertical surfaces) for $39.00, and the large cross-country Constellation with a 167-inch span for $227.50. Constellation uses the Selig 4061 airfoil, balsa-covered foam wing, and incorporates flaps and spoilers.
• Bob will be moving to Nashville and concentrating on kit manufacture, likely cutting back on epoxy-glass fuselages. Contact: 521 96th Lane N.E., Blaine, MN 55434; telephone (612) 780-2737.

Carl Goldberg Models

• Sophisticated Lady is the new plane from CG. Its wing heritage is the Gentle Lady, but everything else is new: T-tail, beefed-up and widened fuselage, clear canopy with detailed cockpit and pilot. The result is a more realistic-looking two-meter trainer.
• Also available is the Electra power pod that bands on above the wing. The down-thrust servo and switch are in the pod; the battery goes inside the fuselage.
• Prices: Sophisticated Lady $54.99; power pod $39.99.
• CG has taken over distribution of Model Magic Filler and Epoxy Plus. Model Magic is a cream spackling paste good for filling small holes and making fillets; it sands nicely and is strong. Epoxy Plus is a two-part white epoxy 25% lighter and more flexible than regular epoxy; pot life is about 8 minutes.

Davey Systems

• Ted Davey started manufacturing with sailplanes but has grown into a big line of power kits. Sailplane kits remain the Prophet in two-meter and 100-inch sizes and the 1.5-meter Ariel for hand launching, slope, or thermal flying.
• Ted still has Sport Winches on hand: miniature winches that use a motorcycle battery—useful if you need to carry equipment a long way. The complete set, including line, parachute, and turnaround, is $234.95 plus UPS. Davey Systems: 675 Tower Lane, West Chester, PA 19380; telephone (215) 430-8645.

Dynaflite

• Dynaflite combines Mark Smith Models, Craft Air, and Jemco. Mark Smith was present but did not have new sailplanes. Noteworthy is the number of "oldies but goodies" still available.
• Growing interest in vintage RC gliders (pre-1975) has increased demand. The Dynaflite catalog contains Mark's Windfree, Tom Williams' Windrider, and Dave Thornberg's Bird of Time. More modern kits include Blae Rawdon's Mirage and Dick Odle's RO-8.
• Dynaflite is selling almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) Wanderers and Piece O' Cakes. The POC instructions show kids how to take a motor and radio from an electric car, install them in the glider, add a prop, and fly.
• Address: P.O. Box 1011, San Marcos, CA 92069; telephone (619) 744-9605.

Hobby Lobby

• Jim Martin is enthusiastic about electric-motor launching for sailplanes and imports the Graupner line of sailplanes and accessories. German designs favor heavier, faster, and more efficient sailplanes with fiberglass or plastic fuselages and balsa- or obeche-covered foam wings with ailerons—very good for slope flying.
• Fliers are finding the extra weight isn't a detriment in thermal flying if the planes can use higher cruise speed to cover sky and find lift. Heavier sailplanes may have longer flight times from the same launch height in zero-lift air.
• New Graupner electric motor unit: belt reducer, shaft extension, folding prop, and spinner; uses 8–12 cells. Unit (less battery) sells for $69.00. Jim says the unit will launch the plane twice on one charge to over winch launch height.
• A free catalog is available from Hobby Lobby, 5614 Franklin Pike Circle, Brentwood, TN 37027; telephone (615) 373-1444. The new Graupner four-meter Grob Twin Astir scale sailplane is a beauty—$835.00.

Hobby Shack

• Hobby Shack imports many ARFs; new this year is the 72-inch-span Elec 1800 by the EZ Company of Japan. It comes complete with motor, gear drive, and prop for $180.00. Just add radio and battery and go flying. Reported to fly well and shows how weight and speed can compete effectively with traditional floaters.

Jim Glasscraft / John Foote

• John Foote reports the 48-inch-span Penetrator (semiscale S1-91 glass/foam kit) is selling well, especially in California. This is the "D" version with a clear canopy instead of a fastback. Basic kit $54.00 (plus $4.00 for the "D" version). Deluxe kit with all wood and hardware $76.50 (plus $4 for "D"). Add $3.00 for shipping.
• A five-eighths-size Penetrator called the Pee Wee Penetrator has a 28-inch span and requires micro-size radio components. Basic and deluxe kits are $38.00 and $52.50, postage paid. Contact: 30820 Mayflower, Roseville, MI 48066; telephone (313) 773-7069.

Model Engineering of Norwalk (MEN)

• Jerry Ivarson's sailplane kit Gobbler won the F3B World Championship for Dwight Holly in 1981. While technology has advanced, the Gobbler remains suitable for club or Division II F3B competition (under 12 oz./sq. ft. wing loading).
• MEN is a source for high-quality balsa-formed hi-start rubber. Prices for 100-ft. lengths: light (1/8 in. x 1/4 in.) $38.95; medium (5/16 in.) $41.10; heavy (3/8 in.) $57.70; super heavy (1/2 in.) $81.90. Approximate pull at 200% stretch is 7, 9, 12, and 17 lb, respectively.
• Jerry sells special Teflon sleeves for hi-starts and a gadget that slips into the rubber ends to provide a ring and swivel ($3.00). MEN: 54 Chestnut Hill, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Robbe Modellsport

• Robbe's latest is a 3.5-meter (137-inch) ASW-24 scale sailplane. The full-size Schleicher Standard Class ship uses double-trapezoid wing geometry. The model employs the F3B-proven Quaebeck HQ-3.0/13 airfoil for excellent performance and a wide speed range.
• The fuselage is molded white plastic and unbreakable; foam wings and tail are balsa covered. The kit is $279.95 and can be launched by electric motor—Robbe sells a 100 electric flight set for the plane.
• Robbe's U.S. manager Frank Heinrich notes the factory near Fulda tests sailplanes at the Wasserkuppe.

Sig Manufacturing (Sig Mfg. Co.)

• Mike Pratt enlarged Sig's two-meter Riser to a 100-inch-span sailplane, the Riser 100. It is easy to build and aimed at beginner to intermediate fliers. Features: Lite Ply fuselage sides, Eppler 205 airfoil, two-piece wing, and optional (recommended) spoilers.
• Space for standard-size servos makes it beginner-friendly. The Riser 100 lists for $59.95.
• Sig also featured Easy Hinges: 0.012-inch Mylar with a special wicking coat. Install by cutting a thin slot, assembling with hinges, and applying thin cyanoacrylate (CYA) glue; the CYA wicks in and secures the hinge. After curing, wiggle surfaces to pop off exposed glue. Price: $2.95 for 24.

Top Flite

• Top Flite sailplane kits include the 56-inch Wistrocrat, the Two-Meter Metric, and the 100-inch Antares. Scott Christensen anticipates releasing his Astro .035 Cobalt-powered Phasor soon. Its wing is similar to the Wistrocrat, with a different fuselage and tail—good for quick flights during a lunch hour.

Yorkshire Enterprises (Canada)

• North American agent for Sailplanes International (British manufacturer). SI has about 10 gliders, especially nice slope planes. Stuart Pearce can arrange direct shipment from Britain; the 100-inch-span Garth will come over for about $145.00.
• Contact: 40 Holgate St., Barrie, Ont., Canada L4N 2T7; telephone (705) 726-6208.

Other Exhibitors

Kraft Midwest

• Pete Waters specializes in Kraft radio parts and service. He'll also repair and convert other brands. Address: 117 East Main, Northville, MI 48167; telephone (313) 348-0085.

LSF and NSS

• The League of Silent Flight (LSF) and the National Soaring Society (NSS) again shared a booth. LSF officers on hand: President Bob Steele, VP Ray Hayes, Secretary Jim Martin, Treasurer Susie Lipp. Representing NSS were President Pete Carr and District III VP Ed Lightcap.
• To stay on the LSF mailing list, send a card to P.O. Box 647, Mundelein, IL 60060. Bob Steele’s address: 10173 St. Joe Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN 46835; telephone (219) 485-1145. For NSS info, write Pete Carr at 329 Little Ave., Ridgeway, PA 15053; telephone (814) 772-4851.

Magazines

• All the American model magazines were present, plus two British publishers of interest to sailplaners.
• Argus Specialist Publications publishes Radio Control Models and Electronics and Radio Modeller. They are now available by direct subscription: Argus, P.O. Box 35, Wolsey House, Worksop Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4SS, England. Radio Modeller $30.00/year; RCM&E $31.00/year.
• Radio Control Model World (RCMW) has a U.S. office via Traplet Publications. RCMW features a soaring column by Sean Walbank. Traplet Distribution USA: 1635 Wade Dr., Paso Robles, CA 93446; telephone (805) 239-0997.

Scale Model Research

• Bob Banka sold Foto-Paaks—color picture packs used for finishing and documentation. Foto-Paaks contain 10–28 color shots of one airplane type. SMR has Paaks of 57 different sailplanes and 19 motor gliders and is adding new ones. SMR: 23314 Ticonderoga Way, Costa Mesa, CA 92626; telephone (714) 979-8058.

Space Case

• Plastic cases that can be custom designed to hold and protect everything from transmitters to complete planes. Space Cases were used successfully by the 1987 U.S. F3B Team. Contact Matrix Enterprises: 7015 Carroll Rd., San Diego, CA 92121; telephone (619) 450-9509.

SR Batteries

• Larry Sribnick supplies nickel-cadmium packs for transmitters, receivers, electric motors, and more. SR was among the first to offer high-capacity packs and will custom-make packs to specifications. Cells and packs are guaranteed not to form a "memory." SR now stocks chargers, connectors, motors, hookup wire, etc.
• For information send a 45¢ pre-addressed return envelope to SR, Box 287, Bellport, NY 11713; telephone (516) 286-0079.

Sailplane Static Competition

• Only seven sailplanes were entered—and two of them were powered. Come on, sailplaners—let’s show more beauties next year!
• First place: Mark Kummerow of Chicago, winning for the second straight year—both years with flying wings. This year’s entry was a 168-inch PetraSaur inspired by Gene Dees’ Icarosaur. Specs: 168-inch span; 11½-inch chord; 2,070 sq. in. area; E-174/HQ 0010 airfoils; 29° sweep; 5° washout; 10° dihedral; 15-inch winglet span; NACA 0009 winglet airfoil; 10 lb weight; three channels controlling elevons and flaps. Construction: foam, carbon fiber, balsa, plywood, spruce, Ultracote/MonoKote/EconoKote. Well done, Mark.
• Second place: Troy Lawicki's nicely finished Fiesta (Multiplex kit).
• Third place: Susie Lipp with her beautiful Windsong. Susie’s ship has over 100 flights on it and still looks great.

How'd the Ultrasaur go? Can't stand it!

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