Toledo '98: What's New
Jim Haught
The 44th Weak Signals RC Expo was held April 3–5 at the SeaGate Centre, Toledo, OH. As usual, the focus of this report is on new products—those recently released, or scheduled for release near the time this issue was printed.
Dave Platt Models
Dave Platt Models (1306 Havre NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907) asks "Is it real?" about the company's 1/2-scale T‑28 semikit. Wingspan is 82 inches; weight is 20–22 pounds. Power recommendations are .90–1.8 two-strokes or 1.8–2.4 four-strokes. Landing gear and dress-up kits are also available.
The T‑28 is also featured in the videotape Scale Modeling's Black Art: Secrets of Weathering. See Jeff Troy's "RC Scale" column in this issue for more details.
House of Balsa
House of Balsa (10101 Yucca Rd., Adelanto, CA 92301) has added a 1/2A J‑3 Cub to its line of small models. The 52‑inch-span model can be flown with a standard two-channel radio; the display model featured a Norvel engine.
Performance Specialties
Performance Specialties has counterbalanced prop drivers for Q‑500 and Q‑40 pylon racing.
Carl Goldberg Models
Carl Goldberg Models (4734 West Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60651) has a new low-cost polyester film called Easycoat™. It's available in 10 colors and will retail for $13.99 for a two-meter roll.
Ultrapaint™ is Goldberg's new one-step epoxy, available in 11 colors coordinated to the existing UltraCote™ film. Can size is 6.5 ounces.
Thunder Tiger
Thunder Tiger (Ace Hobby Distributors, 116 W. 19th, Higginsville, MO 64037) introduced a new small engine: the GP‑07 has a displacement of .069 cubic inches—designed for schoolyard-size airplanes. Output is .17 BHP at 17,000 rpm.
The Raptor is the company's initial entry into the helicopter market. Main rotor diameter is 48.9 inches; recommended power is a .30–.36 two-stroke.
Lanier RC
Lanier RC (Box 458, Oakwood, GA 30566) showed a new 31% Staudacher S‑300 for 3.7–5.0 power. The 1,605‑square‑inch model weighs 19–24 pounds; it's scheduled for release in June. A two-place version will follow.
SR Batteries
SR Batteries (Box 287, Bellport, NY 11713) is releasing new editions of its Techniques modeler-help series. R/C Techniques, which covers the entire RC field, is published in even months; Electric Flight Techniques is published in odd months. Each volume is four to six pages in length and may be purchased individually or by subscription.
Miller R/C Products
Miller R/C Products (Box 425, Kenwood, CA 95452) has solved its motor-supply problem and reintroduced its popular 1/2A engine starter. "At one point, we went eight months without motors," said Nancy Miller. The latest version retails for $42.95.
CompuFoil / SoarSoft
Eric Sanders of CompuFoil (SoarSoft Software) distributed demonstrator disks of the new CompuFoil Professional for Windows release. The base program (wing rib/structure layout) sells for $35; options raise the price to $115 for the full package, which includes an airfoil library, .DXF module, NACA generator, and other mix-and-match options.
Saito
Saito (distributed by Horizon Hobby Distributors, 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign, IL 61821) displayed the FA‑9075 twin. It "enhances the look and realism of .60‑size scale projects" and will turn an APC 13×8 at 9,500 rpm.
Bill Northrop Plans Service
Bill Northrop (Bill Northrop Plans Service) continues to expand his plans listing, which is covered in Scratch Builder's Almanac and Full Size Plans from Model Builder Magazine, 1971–1996.
Gator R/C
Gator R/C (2100 N. Old Mill Rd., Brookline Station, MO 65619) has been acquired by Chris Lakin, who is turning over the business to his sons, Micah and Andrew. "It gives them steady part-time employment with flexible hours, and will help pay for their college education," said Chris. Mom Diana lends her support. The family promoted Gator Tubes, Gator Tongues (a fuel caddy), and the rest of the product line. Look for a feature on the Lakin family in an upcoming Model Aviation.
Great Planes
Great Planes (Box 9021, Champaign, IL 61826) has scheduled a June release for its 82‑inch‑span Top Flite Gold Edition DC‑3 for twin .40 power, as well as a 79‑inch‑span ARF Spacewalker for .60–1.20s.
DJ Aerotech
DJ Aerotech (719 Fisk St., Piqua, OH 45356) showed the new "mosquito‑class" Nymph, a 3/4‑meter‑span R/C HLG. The idea came from a new Japanese model class, according to Don Stackhouse. All-up weight is 3.4 ounces. The company plans to market a version that breaks down into briefcase-size parts for travel and flying virtually anywhere. The laser-cut kit will sell for $35–$50.
Robin's View Productions
Robin's View Productions (Box 68, Stockertown, PA 18083) offered its latest video, George Aldrich, The Father of Modern Stunt. Included are a tour of George's machine shop and a discussion of the Nobler's development. Price is $19.95.
ViaGrafix
ViaGrafix (One American Way, Pryor, OK 74361) has released Wingmaster 98 wing design software (Internet-ready, with e-mail and JPG file support) and ModCAD 98 (Windows 95 and 4 MB RAM required). Online help and a tutorial are included.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
