Edition: Model Aviation - 2002/10
Page Numbers: 14, 15
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Worth a Closer Look

Kelly Mini Electric Sailplane

Every once in a while we get the chance to preview a kit before the public gets its hands on it. Hobby Lobby gave us a sneak peek at its newest electric-powered sailplane: the Kelly.

The Kelly is a Radio Control (RC) Almost-Ready-to-Fly model and comes precovered. Clearly visible are the built-up surfaces (wings, flying stabilizer, and rudder). The fuselage is fiberglass with a removable clear-plastic canopy for radio and battery access.

With a folding propeller, two-piece plug-in wings, and a removable stabilizer, this model breaks down into a small, almost suitcase-size package.

Specifications:

  • Wingspan: 52 inches
  • Wing area: 222 square inches
  • Length: 28 inches
  • Flying weight: approximately 13 ounces
  • Wing loading: 8.5 ounces per square foot
  • Control: three-channel (elevator, rudder, motor)

Although we haven't had the chance to fly this model yet, Hobby Lobby reports that it flies with the grace of a much larger sailplane—slowly and smoothly. It has a good climb and great duration from a 500 mAh NiMH pack. On a good thermal day, you should be able to fly indefinitely.

Retail price: $95

Hobby Lobby contact:

  • Address: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Brentwood, TN 37027
  • Tel.: (615) 373-1444
  • Fax: (615) 377-6948
  • Web: www.hobby-lobby.com

Getting Started in Backyard Flying

If you liked Bob Aberle's landmark "State of the Sport: Electric-Powered Flight" article in the April 2002 Model Aviation, you will love his new book: Getting Started in Backyard Flying — Your guide to small electric radio-control planes.

Aimed at newcomers to this segment of the RC sport, this book is also an excellent resource for the experienced electric modeler.

Chapters include:

  • Introductory chapter outlining the many and varied types of backyard and indoor RC models and the attributes of each
  • Electric Motor Systems
  • Propellers
  • Electronic Speed Controls
  • Batteries & Chargers
  • Connectors
  • Wire & Soldering
  • Measuring Motor Parameters
  • RC Systems
  • System Installation
  • Control & Hookup
  • Choosing Your Aircraft
  • Let's Put It All Together
  • Flying
  • Competition Flying
  • Organizations
  • Publications
  • Internet & Electric Flys
  • What's Next
  • Modeling Terminology
  • Source Guide

Many additional technical tips and techniques are provided in an abundance of informative sidebars. Even the non-electric modeler should have this book in his or her library for the many excellent building and equipment-installation techniques. Each chapter is filled with pertinent information, and the text is supported by clear, well-thought-out graphics and excellent color photography. With no prior knowledge of electric modeling, you should be able to successfully build and fly a backyard or indoor-type electric airplane by applying the information in this comprehensive book.

List price: $24.95

Publisher contact:

  • Air Age Publishing: 100 E. Ridge Rd., Ridgefield, CT 06877
  • Web: www.rcstore.com

GWS DHC-2 Beaver Park Flyer

Designed for afternoon getaways to the local park, the GWS Beaver park flyer looks like a baby bush plane. Its all-foam fuselage is molded to look like the real thing and comes with a realistic-looking cowl. No painting is required; decals are included for extra detail. Assembly can be completed in just a couple of short evening sessions.

A three-channel radio system, micro flight pack, and charger are required to complete assembly. GWS has designed two new flight packs (sold separately) specifically for use with the Beaver. Using a 600 mAh pack, park flyers will enjoy slightly more than 11 minutes of flight time.

Takeoffs can be made in roughly the length of a picnic table, thanks to the brisk climb performance provided by the EPS300C power system. The Beaver will fly lazy 15-foot circles at half throttle without a hint of tip stall. There's plenty of horsepower for loops too. On landing, the model retains superb control authority all the way to touchdown.

Specifications:

  • Wingspan: 39.8 inches
  • Wing area: 260 square inches
  • Length: 27.4 inches

Street price: $44.99

Horizon Hobby Distributors contact:

In each installment of "Worth a Closer Look" we do our best to bring you new and exciting products from our industry. These write-ups are not press releases but are mini-reviews written by the Model Aviation staff. In each instance the product or service is actually built, tested, flown, used, etc., to give you a firsthand account of how it performs.

We have found some of these items on our own, but many have been brought to our attention by outside sources. If you have a product you'd like to see reviewed in "Worth a Closer Look," contact Model Aviation Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt:

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