RC Sailplanes at the Toledo Show
Dan Pruss
Toledo exposition and atmosphere
TOLEDO — The event hosted by the Weak Signals club is called an exposition, but it's much more: an annual gathering of modelers from across the U.S. and around the world. It brings together special-interest groups in a way not usually seen at other model aviation get-togethers. It's hard to believe the show started 31 years ago; Toledo itself takes you back to those early days of modeling.
Among the roughly 200 listed exhibitors were collectors and displays of engines, kits, magazines, and plans that invite reminiscence of the Forties and earlier. Reproductions of period items (magazines, transfers, and kits) were on display — nostalgic, but not at 1940 prices.
Show statistics and general impressions
- The show runs three days and is consistently crowded; by Sunday morning the last of 10,000 sample magazines had been handed out one at a time.
- I counted no fewer than 14 manufacturers of sailplanes, from affordable hand-launch types to a scale Speed Astir with a price tag of nearly $700.
- The consensus: it's a worthwhile event to attend, and it's fun — even if you can't see every exhibit or speak to every company rep during the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Radio and electronics
- Radio equipment from Ace, Airtronics, Kraft, Futaba, JR, and MRC was on display. You could choose FM or Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) units that meet 1991 standards for operation with 10 kHz channel spacing.
- For mixing functions (important for F3B-type machines), the new rigs from Airtronics and Futaba offer extensive mixing capability.
Notable products and gadgets
- SR Batteries: Showed a bolt-on-the-back 1,200 mAh pack that attaches to your transmitter without special tooling. It includes a jumper connection to the transmitter's battery lead — an easy way to gain capacity for long-duration flights.
- Dave Munson Hole Cutters: If you've had to cut multiple lightening holes in balsa, Munson's Hole Cutters (available in 3/4 in. and 1 in. diameters) reduce fraying and give clean results.
- Glitch Buster (Jomar): Featured in past issues of the magazine and praised by many radio experts. According to the instruction sheet, "The Glitch Buster is the most effective device available to reduce radio interference caused by long leads and heavy-duty, high-power servos. It combines three different types of proven techniques in one small package (2 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 3/8 in.) — optical isolation for the signal lines, separate battery power for the servos, and a signal buffer similar to the Ace and EMS glitch stops." Bottom line: if you run long servo leads, consider the Glitch Buster for airborne installations.
- Al-Tec spoilers: The only American-made spoilers on the market at the show. They are double-acting (top and bottom of the wing), and individual units can snap together to create longer spoiler lengths.
- Tantrum (Off the Ground Models): A hand-launch sailplane with a clever folding-tip design. The polyhedral wing tips fold under the main panels and are held by servo-actuated pins. At launch, a tweak of up-elevator unfolds the tips from a 21 in. folded span to a normal 42 in. span. Available from Off the Ground Models, 606C W. Anthony Dr., Urbana, IL 61801.
Manufacturer highlights
- Airtronics: Adante and Cunic. Adante is a multi-task sailplane with foam wings (sheeting included), fiberglass fuselage, and a complete hardware package. Cunic is more conventionally built (also with a fiberglass fuselage) and is designed for thermal soaring.
- Bridi: Affordable kits for those who say they can't afford RC soaring. Six kits range from a hand-launch Tencerel to a 100-in. Windsurfer, all built-up construction. Prices range from $19.95 to $49.95.
- Davey Systems: Prophet and Prophet 941 (Two-Meter and Standard-class sailplanes). These are top-quality kits for serious modelers.
Closing thoughts
The above only skims the surface of what was on display at Toledo. Whatever your modeling interest, the show likely stimulated ideas (and maybe inspired a purchase — I left with a Phantom Flash). If you get the chance, attend one of those wacky Toledo weekends — it's worthwhile and enjoyable.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
