Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/04
Page Numbers: 14,15
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Worth a Closer Look - 2003/04

3D Panels

Skin detailing is a part of the scale-illusion process. To help in the quest for more realistic-looking models, Jerry Caudle (Mr. Pro Mark) has created easy-to-apply, slightly raised panels.

At only 1.5-mil thick, these panels add just enough third dimension to the model’s skin surface to simulate certain access plates, vents, hinge-cover plates, etc., that are not perfect flush fits on full-scale jet aircraft. Pro Mark’s 3D panels can also be used to disguise or cover a blemish.

The various shapes and sizes are computer-cut into a sheet of adhesive-backed, chrome-like Mylar. Use 0000 steel wool to scuff the shine off the entire sheet—this also gives “tooth” for paint adhesion—then use a knife point to pick up an edge and remove a panel.

Pro Mark Graphics

  • 751 Airport Rd., Metropolis, IL 62960
  • Tel.: (618) 524-2440
  • Web site: www.pro-mark.com

The American Fighter Plane

If you ask most model-airplane enthusiasts what type of full-scale airplane they like to model most, the answer would probably be “fighters!” This new book, written by Amy E. Williams and illustrated by Ted Williams, traces the evolution of the fighter in the U.S. and features 40 of the most popular, revolutionary, and influential designs in the country’s history.

Conflict spurs quick and decisive development, and the airplanes highlighted in this book are representative of the incredible technological advancements made in fighter design because of the need for a better weapon. From World War I types to the most modern jets in our inventory, the book covers the spectrum, offering the interesting story of each significant design.

While the text is excellent, the artwork is outstanding. Each airplane discussed includes a clear and detailed three-view drawing, complete with specifications and performance figures, and a stunning four-color artist’s rendering. The detail and quality of these elements make this a must-have book for those seeking great scale documentation.

The American Fighter Plane is priced at $15.98 and is published by Barnes & Noble Publishing, Inc., 122 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011. It is available at Barnes & Noble booksellers.

Barnes & Noble: www.bn.com

Brodak .40 CL Engine

John Brodak has become known as “the man who saved Control Line.” In recent years he purchased the rights to many classic Control Line (CL) designs for production by Brodak Manufacturing and has introduced many new designs.

John felt a light, powerful, and affordable .40-size CL engine was missing from the market. Most of the models in the Brodak kit line are designed for .40-size engines, so he specified a new engine that delivers reliable cycle-on and cycle-off peak power (commonly referred to as 2-4 break) throughout the flight.

The result is this engine, which weighs 6.83 ounces without the supplied muffler and 8.51 ounces with the muffler fitted.

This is an aluminum-aluminum chrome (AAC) engine: the high-silicon aluminum piston runs in a chrome-plated aluminum sleeve, yielding less weight for a given displacement and better heat dissipation. This construction is also more immune to damage from the occasional lean run. The supplied instruction booklet explains the advantages of AAC, the proper break-in procedures for long life and optimal power output, and how to achieve the best “stunt run.”

Brodak Manufacturing suggests a fuel blend containing 11% synthetic oil, 11% castor oil, and 5–10% nitro. Brodak 11 x 4 or 10 x 5 propellers are recommended for most applications.

The Brodak .40 is a true CL engine and comes fitted with a venturi instead of a carburetor. The machine work is excellent, and the pressure die-cast case is highlighted with a polished head and venturi for a pleasing look. The muffler bolts onto the engine with two supplied screws, and the muffler outlet can be exhausted in any direction desired.

During testing the Brodak .40 ran well in the 9,500–10,500 rpm range and delivered consistent, usable power. This is an excellent choice to power most popular Classic Stunt designs.

The Brodak .40 is $99.99. It is available from Brodak Manufacturing and your favorite hobby shop.

Brodak Manufacturing

In each installment of “Worth a Closer Look” we bring you new and exciting products from our industry. These write-ups are not press releases but are minireviews 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 from outside sources. If you have a product or service that you feel might be “worth a closer look,” contact Model Aviation Aeromodeling Editor Bob Hunt at (610) 614-1747, or send an E-mail to closerlook@airbornemedia.com.

AcroPro

Probably the best way to describe SR Batteries' AcroPro is that it's a fully aerobatic version of its Cutie on steroids.

The AcroPro has a fully symmetrical wing, ailerons, a second hatch and cowl, beefed-up landing-gear mounts, gear fairings, a battery tray, and motor mounts. SR Batteries has dramatically increased the horsepower by using the optional Jeti Phasor 15/4 brushless motor on seven cells.

The AcroPro is an aerobatic hotrod. Loops, rolls, stall turns, inverted flight, snap rolls, Cuban 8s, and other maneuvers are no problem. It will even do horizontal and vertical eights!

Although the AcroPro can be significantly faster than the Cutie, it doesn't have to be. It will perform all of the preceding maneuvers at a fairly sedate speed if you prefer. This model was not intended to be a pylon racer because pylon models eat up a lot of sky and require large flying sites. The AcroPro can easily be flown at a ball field.

Specifications

  • Wingspan: 45 inches
  • Wing area: 350 square inches
  • Weight: 38 ounces
  • Flight time: 6–7 minutes for aerobatics; 12+ minutes for casual sport flying

The AcroPro kit includes all laser-cut balsa and plywood parts and:

  • Custom Dave Brown Products wheels
  • Du-Bro tail wheel and tail-wheel bracket
  • Control horns, clevises, threaded couplers, and wheel collars
  • SIG wheel retainers, fiberglass tape, SR composite spars, gapless hinge tape
  • "Z"-bend pushrods, computer-cut graphics, gear straps, numerous building fixtures, socket-head screws, and more

SR Batteries

R/C Sports Copter Challenge

We had many requests for coverage of a simulator that does not require a computer—something that could run on a game console such as PlayStation—and we found it: R/C Sports Copter Challenge for PlayStation 2.

This is not a strict simulator; it is a game in which you fly a radio-controlled helicopter. Using the PlayStation 2's joystick controllers, you can fly the helicopter with movements similar to those that control real radio-control helicopters.

In Copter Challenge you can use points and awards gained in the game's numerous modes to purchase any of nine real radio helicopters and outfit them with unique parts. An obstacle course of challenges waits in adventure mode—fly through tranquil gardens, rushing rapids, and dangerous city skies. R/C Sports Copter Challenge is available where PlayStation 2 games are sold.

Xicat Interactive Corporation

  • 800 E. Broward Blvd., Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
  • Web site: www.xicat.com

Neon-SS FM

Hitec has introduced an innovative, upgradeable new single-stick radio that lets you get what you want when you want it.

Out of the box the affordable, ergonomically designed Neon offers three-channel single-stick operation with all the basic features you need and channel 1 and 2 mixing.

With the Neon, you don't pay for features you don't need. This radio can be upgraded as your needs change with easy-to-install optional packages.

Features

  • Dual rates on channels 1 and 2
  • ATV (Adjustable Travel Volume) on channels 1–3
  • Trainer switch with port
  • Fourth-channel switch with three positions
  • No case screws, so upgrading the Neon is simple

The Neon comes in two packages: a Micro version (for small park-flyer models) and a Deluxe version (with larger servos, Ni-Cd batteries, and a charger).

Hitec RCD

  • 12115 Paine St., Poway, CA 92064
  • Tel.: (858) 748-6948
  • Fax: (858) 748-1767
  • Web site: www.hitecrcd.com

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