Electric Flight - January 2014

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ELECTRIC FLIGHT (USPS # 021-655; ISSN# 2159-0672) is published bimonthly by Air Age Media, 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2013, all rights reserved. Periodicals postage permit paid at Wilton, CT and additional ofces. Canadian
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editorial submissions but assume no responsibility for the loss of or damage to unsolicited material. To authors, photographers and people featured in this magazine: all materials published in Electric Flight become the exclusive property of Air Age Media
unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. ADVERTISING: Send advertising materials to Advertising Dept., Electric Flight, 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USA; (203) 431-9000; fax (203) 529-3010; sales@airage.com. CHANGE OF
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CONTENTS
Volume 13
Number 1
January 2014
48
60
22
6 | On the Web
8 | From the
Cockpit
10 | Airmail
12 | Shop Tips
14 | Current News
64 | AirAgeStore.com

Departments
ON THE COVER: Te FMS B-25 Mitchell
Panchito looks remarkably scale-like
as its gear retracts and landing gear
doors close during takeo. Dont miss
our exclusive Pilot Report on page 16.
Photo by Peter Hall.
Features
26 2014 Buyers Guide
62 hot new products for your hangar
By the Electric Flight crew
Pilot Reports
16 Exclusive! FMS B-25
Mitchell Panchito
Tis bomber makes a great rst twin
By Rick Bell
22 Flyzone Tiger Moth
A classic barnstorming micro yer
By Gerry Yarrish
38 Duray Fi 156 Storch
An exceptional yer thats priced right
By Greg Gimlick
42 SIG Rascal 72 EG
A popular design gets an electric makeover
By Klaus Ronge
47 Special
Helicopter Section
48 Helicopter Jamboree
Electric news from the IRCHA ightline
By Jim Ryan
52 Duray Auto-G V2
An unusual bird with remarkable ight
performance
By Jim Ryan
56 Hobby People X2
Fly fast with authority
By Charlie Hynes
Columns
60 Custom Corner
Easy scale details for the Hangar 9 P-40B
By John Reid
62 Aerobatics Made Easy
Fly the Inverted Circle
By John Glezellis
66 Tailview
Dave Perrones Giant Flying Razor
By Gerry Yarrish
TOC_EF0114.indd 4 9/27/13 12:17 PM
full page.indd 1 9/24/13 2:22 PM
6 MORE FROM THIS ISSUE AT MODELAIRPLANENEWS.COM
On the Web
ModelAirplaneNews.com
WE WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK! Please tell us what YOU want to see! Find us
online at ModelAirplaneNews.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr,
Instagram, or Pinterest. You can also always drop us a line at MAN@airage.com!
PREMIUM
SITE
EXCLUSIVE!
BRUSHLESS
MOTOR
NAMES &
SIZES
Te way that motors
are named can be very
confusing if youre
new to electrics. For
that matter, it can be confusing if youve been around them for a while.
Te good news is that there are only a few methods being used now. Tis
online article by Greg Gimlick explains these terms and concentrates on
outrunners, since they are most common.
FLIGHT
TECHNIQUE:
MASTER
INVERTED
Learning new maneuvers is
something that many pilots
enjoy, but it isnt always easy
to master advanced ight
techniques. In this video,
Jason Benson will help to
simplify that learning curve
as he explains the intricate
details of mastering inverted
ight. Youll be down on the
deck ying upside-down in
no time at all!
GET IN THE KNOW!
A video of this half-scale, 15-foot-span
electric Cub was featured in our free
weekly newsletter. Its powered by 6S,
6000mAh LiPos thats 7,500 watts
of electricity! Missed it? Sign up for the
newsletter at ModelAirplaneNews.com,
and youll always be in the know!
MOVIE MAKEOVER: CREATING DISNEYS BULLDOG
Te Disney movie Planes features a cast of airplane characters, and when Rich Uravitch ran across the
Duray de Havilland DH-88 Comet available from HobbyKing, he decided to transform it into Bulldog.
He notes, Te fact that the model was an electric twin ARF equipped with retracts, and had the servos
pre-installed, made it perfect for the intended purpose. I could concentrate on the actual conversion
without having to spend a huge amount of time building and nishing.
On the Web0114.indd 6 9/26/13 6:03 PM
On Sale Now!
FLIGHT JOURNAL
SPECIAL ISSUE: SPITFIRE
New from the editors of Flight Journal, this special
issue is devoted to what is arguably the most
beautiful and lethal ghter aircraft of WW II: the
Supermarine Spitre. Hear the voices of those who
saw WW II through a Spitres gunsight from England
to India and all points in between. Spitre shares
insider information on every page and is packed
with the spellbinding stories and the extraordinary
photography that have made Flight Journal famous.
Tis one-of-a-kind collectors issue is sure to become
a must-have addition to your WW II library.
Order your copy of Spitre today at
AirAgeStore.com or pick up a copy at your local newsstand or hobby shop.
EDITORIAL
Executive Editor Debra Cleghorn debrac@airage.com
Senior Technical Editor Gerry Yarrish gerryy@airage.com
West Coast Senior Editor John Reid johnr@airage.com
Deputy Managing Editor Katherine Pierpont
Copyeditor Suzanne Saunders
CONTRIBUTORS
Bob Aberle, Gary Allen, Jason Benson, Budd Davisson, Roy
Day, Don Edberg, Mike Gantt, Dave Garwood, Dave Gierke,
Greg Gimlick, John Glezellis, Henry Haffke, Aaron Ham, Sal
Iasilli, Clarence Lee, Jim Newman, Mark Rittinger, Jim Ryan,
David Scott, Jerry Smith, Quique Somenzini, Aaron Strietzel,
Faye Stilley, Michael Stroup, John Tanzer, Richard Thompson,
Craig Trachten, Paul Tradelius, Pat Tritle, Rich Uravitch, David
Vaught, Michael York, Nick Ziroli Sr.
MEDIA SERVICES
Vice President Media Services &
Corporate Strategy Laurene R. Booth
Creative Director Betty K. Nero
Art Director Kevin Monahan
Web Producer Holly Hansen
Production Assistant Paul Streeto
VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographers/Videographers Joseph Arthur,
Johnathan Henninger, Adam Lebenstein
ADVERTISING
Advertising Director Mitch Brian 203.529.4609
Senior Account Executive Ben Halladay 203.529.4628
Sales Assistant Tracey Terenzi 203.529.4637
CONSUMER MARKETING
The Media Source, a division of Source Interlink Companies,
Inc.
MARKETING & EVENTS
Vice President, Marketing Laura Hagan
Associate Creative Director Leslie Costa
Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco
PUBLISHING
Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr.,
Yvonne M. DeFrancesco
88 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT 06897 USA
Email electricight@airage.com
Internet ModelAirplaneNews.com
Editorial ofces (203) 431-9000
Customer Service (800) 479-5849
For more ways to contact us, check
out our Reader Services page.
RCX.com
Magazine Publishers
of America
Printed in the USA
From the Cockpit
By Gerry Yarrish
Icon of Aviation
I think the most famous WW II bomber was the B-25 Mitchell. Made famous by Jimmy
Doolittles aircraft carrier attack on Tokyo, it set the stage to highlight the courage and
bravery of Americas airmen. Several movies have followed the exploits of the Doolittle
Raiders and in doing so, has kept the twin-engine B-25 medium bomber a popular aircraft
for full-size and RC warbird enthusiasts.
This months cover plane is one of the newest B-25s to hit the market and the all-silver
bomber from FMS is a great flyer. Distributed by HobbyKing, it comes with loads of details
and takes a very short time to assemble. If you have ever watched Thirty Seconds Over
Tokyo and have a soft spot for these iconic ocean-going bombers, then youre going to
love this warbird!
UPSIDEDOWN AEROBATICS
If youre looking for more excitement to add to your RC bag of tricks, in this months
Aerobatics Made Easy, columnist John Glezellis shares all you need to know to perfect
the inverted circle! Nothing wows the crowd quite as much as inverted flight, and when you
slow it down and precisely execute this move, everyone will take notice.
Also in this issue, we have a good mix of micro RC fliers, including the new de Havilland
Tiger Moth from Flyzone and an indoor micro coaxial helicopter from Bladethe Red Bull
BO-105 CBcx. Both of these pint-size aircraft hold gallons of fun and are extremely easy
to fly. Whether you like fixed-wing or coaxial-rotor flight, these reviews will give you the
latest inside scoop.
Editors_masthead0114.indd 8 9/26/13 4:01 PM
MUSTANG FEVER
I have loved the Mustang for years and I think
your last issue with the P-51 from Hobby
People on the cover was great. I know there
are a lot of molded-foam warbirds on the
market but many seem too big and require
large motors and high-count LiPo packs.
Most of my limited electric power experience
has been with airplanes that have medium-
size 11.1V LiPo packs, so nding a nice
Mustang that can use my existing equipment
is awesome! Tanks for the timely review.
Walter Watkins, email
Walter, the 49-inch Mustang from Hobby
People is a nice size warbird that can
be transported to the ying eld fully
assembled in just about any compact car. With an
excellent power-to-weight ratio and neat features like
retractable landing gear and optional aps, you get a lot
of value from this 3S LiPo-powered P-51. Equipped with
standard Deans connectors, you can use just about any
sport pack that can handle a 50-amp system. We also
love the fact that the Mustang performs nicely with its
scale-looking 4-bladed propeller. GY
SPY IN THE SKY
Having already own the standard 1SQ quad from Heli-
Max, I was pleased to read your recent review of the new
camera-equipped V-Cam version. I had been wondering
how the little quad would handle the additional weight of
a video system, but it doesnt seem to be an issue. Do you
have any videos that were shot with your review model?
Keep up the good work.
Sammy Costello, Brooklyn, NY
Sammy, we had a blast putting the new Heli-Max 1SQ
V-Cam through its paces. If anything, compared to the
camera-less 1SQ, I thought it was even more stable.
Tis is perhaps because of the extremely slight weight
increase. Te video footage is stored in a removable Micro
SD card and you can easily download the les to your
laptop. We combined the ight footage taken in the Model
Airplane News o ce with some other ight video and
you can nd it at ModelAiplaneNews.com. GY
PLANES ON THE BIG SCREEN!
I just brought my family to the new Disney movie Planes.
Wow! If ever there was a reason to go out and get an
electric-powered airplane for some kit-bashing, this
movie is it! I can just imagine all the Dusty crop-dusters
and Skipper Corsairs that will be coming out of modelers
workshops. I am on the lookout for a micro crop-duster
model right now! Tought Id share! Love your magazine.
Bill Parkinson, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Bill, thanks for writing. I agree, the new animated Planes
movie should inspire some great characterizations
for electric-powered RC. We happen to have a great
makeover in the form of Rich Uravitchs online post
where he modied a HobbyKing de Havilland Comet into
the movies great British racer, Bulldog. I really got a
chuckle out of the Chupacabra Gee Bee, but I think
Disney missed a historical opportunity to properly name
their Corsair character Pappy in honor of USMC Black
Sheep Squadron commander Major Gregory Pappy
Boyington. But thats just my opinion. It was a splendid
movie. GY
MINI MICRO ACTUATORS
I read with interest your review of the Ares Tiger Moth 75
from HobbyTown. I know all about micro servos but what
are the actuators you mentioned in the article? How do
they work?
Frank Phillips, email
Frank, thanks for writing. Magnetic actuators go back
many years and they produce semi-proportional
control on extremely lightweight RC planes. A magnet is
attached to the control surface and is positioned inside
a xed coil of ne wire. Te coil is connected to the
receiver board and when the transmitter stick is moved,
the receiver changes the voltage sent to the wire coil.
Tis changes the magnetic eld around the magnet
and causes it to move back and forth, which leads to
the swinging of the control surface back and forth. Tis
control setup is practical only for lightweight indoor iers
as the amount of force applied to the control surface is
very slight. For the Tiger Moth, the actuator is only used
on the rudder. GY
Airmail
Email: electricight@airage.com | Mail: Airmail, Air Age Media, 88 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 USA
Get Talking on ModelAirplaneNews.com
Our recent Quadcopter as Companion post really got your
attention. It seems that sci- stories of the future hit closer to
home than we think. Heres what some readers had to say.

Where can I buy one!? Tony Bastist

What a joke. $50 on eBay ... so just how is this thing going to carry out any
tasks for us? Phrank Stein

I am interested in building one from scratch! Michael DeWitt

Tough not in production yet, theres some more info at kickstarter.com
John Franki
WRITE TO US!
We welcome your
comments and
suggestions. Address
letters to Airmail,
Electric Flight, Air Age
Media, 88 Danbury Rd.,
Wilton, CT 06897-7337
USA; email electricight@
airage.com. Letters may
be edited for clarity and
brevity. We regret that,
owing to the tremendous
numbers of letters we
receive, we cannot
respond to every one.
Te RC Bulldog looks almost as
good as it did on the big screen!
airmail.indd 10 9/26/13 5:28 PM
SEND IN YOUR IDEAS and if we pick your tip, well send you an Electric Flight baseball cap! You can
send in a photo or sketch describing your favorite shop trick to: Shop Tips, c/o Electric Flight, 88 Danbury Rd., Suite 2B, Wilton,
CT 06897 or email us at electricight@airage.com. Be sure to include your name and mailing address. Were sorry to say that due
to the number of hobby-related ideas we receive, we can neither acknowledge each one, nor return unused material.
Easy Wing Bolt Retainers
To help prevent losing your wing bolts, or leaving them in the workshop when you go
to y, slip some snug-tting O-rings onto the bolts so they are retained on the bolt.
Te O-rings provide some exibility to easily guide the bolts into the threaded block in
the fuselage and are easy to remove should you need to replace the bolts. To make it
easier to slip the O-rings over the threads, use a piece of a plastic drinking straw. Split
it lengthwise, slip the O-ring onto the end, and slide the straw over the bolt. Hold the
O-ring in place and pull the straw away.
Tim Bourgeois, Tehachapi, CA
Cockpit Combing
One of the things many scale modelers are faced with is trimming the edges of an
open cockpit of a vintage airplane. Many use split fuel tubing painted black but for
a really nice-looking treatment, you can use golf club grip wrap. Tis is available in
sporting good outlets or you can even remove it carefully from old clubs you nd at a
ea market.
Gene Oshrin, Southampton, NY
iPod Protector
Tese days, we can get a lot of electronic reference material at the workbench: digital
magazines (like Model Airplane News), along with how-to posts, photographs, and
instructional videos from the Internet. Tough smartphones and tablets may have a
screen protector, they are not really protected from spills and overspray. So, put the
device in a sealed plastic bag; you can keep that reference handy without worrying
about ruining your gadget with a spill of thinner or a drop of CA instant glue. Also,
many touchscreens will work through the plastic bag. Warning: Dont try this with
devices that require ventilation for cooling (laptops, netbooks, and others).
Sal Calvagna, Holbrook, NY
No-smell Accelerator
We all know that CA glue is a standard in model airplane building; however, the use
of accelerator can give some people a bad headache! Te problem with accelerator
is inhaling the fumes. Instead of using the spray bottle, apply the accelerator with a
cotton swab. Saturate the cotton with accelerator and apply it to the surface. Tere
will be a slight smell, but no strong vapors to inhale. In fact, if you can do your heavy-
duty gluing outdoors, youll do away with the strong odors all together!
Joe Maran, Grovetown, GA
Shop Tips_0114.indd 12 9/26/13 4:07 PM
Current News
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN ELECTRIC RC
E-ite Carbon-Z Cub
Sporting an 84.6-inch wingspan, this big
Cub comes with a powerful brushless motor
and radio system installed and only requires
a 6-channel radio and 6S 3200mAh LiPo. It
has aps and is an ideal towplane and photo/
video aircraft. We think the optional oats
are a must-have! Te Carbon-Z Cub costs
$399.99. e-iterc.com
Tunder Tiger Raptor E700
Tough enough to handle any 3D moves, this ultra-lightweight
machine has an eCCPM ybarless control system with an
aluminum rotor head and a quick-calibrated system for
easy, precise alignments. Its aluminum tail boom has
extra-long supports for added rigidity and the tail servo
is mounted at the rear for a low center of gravity. It
costs $699.99. thundertigerusa.com
If youve always wanted to build a kit but didnt want to take on a large
project, heres your chance! Tis 3-channel sport-scale aircraft is
designed to accept readily available micro components and is perfect
for small elds and indoor ying. Te 18.5-inch-span microMAX 103 kit
costs just $37 and is intended for rst-time
builders. stevensaero.com
Stevens
AeroModel
microMAX 103
Current News0114.indd 14 9/26/13 3:44 PM
JANUARY 2014 15
Ares Chronos FP 110
Ready to step up from coaxial helis? Tis helicopters
advanced xed-pitch and self-stabilizing rotor head
make it easier to learn the basics of more advanced
ight, and because its larger, it can handle light winds
yet comfortably maneuver indoors. Te ready-to-y
Chronos costs $99.99 and comes with everything you
need. ares-rc.com
Futaba CGY7 50
Now with upgraded
software, this popular
unit oers smooth
operation and ybarless control in a smooth,
lightweight design. Heli pilots will appreciate
its high cyclic gains, excellent pirouette
compensation, superior rate control, and
consistency between stationary and fast
forward ight. Te half-ounce unit costs
$269.99. futaba-rc.com
HobbyZone Delta Ray
You dont have to be a rst-time pilot to appreciate
the ight assistance of this SAFE-equipped plane.
Tis micro model comes ready to y and features Z-Foam construction,
so its durable and lightweight. Te 34-inch-span twin costs $179.99.
hobbyzone.com
Hobby People Activator-EZ
At last: a totally automatic battery charger! Just push the
button and the Activator-EZ detects battery size and capacity,
and sets the charge rate to the optimum safe charge setting
every time. Use it anywhere because it works with both AC
110V and DC 12V input. It charges 2S to 6S LiPo and 1- to 15-cell
NiMH battery packs and costs $49.99. hobbypeople.net
ParkZone Ultra-Micro Icon A5
From land or sea, this Bind-N-Fly model is ready for action! Its AS3X
technology means it can easily handle the breeze and y like a much
larger model. Te Micro Icon A5 comes with quick-mount landing gear
so you can also y o pavement. Te 24.5-inch-span ying boat costs
$159.99. parkzone.com
Current News0114.indd 15 9/26/13 3:44 PM
FMS
B-25 Mitchell
Panchito
By Rick Bell Photos by Peter Hall
Mention the B-25 Mitchell to any warbird fan, and they will most
likely bring up the Doolittle Raid. While the attack on Tokyo on
April 18, 1942, was the most famous B-25 mission, North American
Aviations brilliant bomber played a much larger part in WW II.
Designed as a medium bomber to operate from altitudes between
8,000 and 12,000 feet, the B-25 was powered by two 1,700hp Wright
R-2600 engines and it served in every theater of WW II. Te aircraft
performed well and had a formidable array of repower.
Pilot Report
PR B25 Panchito.indd 16 9/26/13 4:24 PM
JANUARY 2014 17
FMS
B-25 Mitchell
Panchito
By Rick Bell Photos by Peter Hall
Gear used
Radio: Futaba 14SG transmitter, Futaba R617FS
2.4GHz receiver (futaba-rc.com)
Servos: Eight FMS 9g servos (included)
Retracts: FMS 1400mm B25 MD202 electric
retract system (included)
Motor: FMS 4023 KV1000 x 2 (included)
Speed Control: FMS-ESC-40A BP x 2 (included)
Battery: Turnigy 3S 3300mAh 25C LiPo
(hobbyking.com)
Prop: 9x6.5 3-blade propeller with spinner x 2
(included)
Highlights
+
Fast assembly
+
Smooth ight performance
+
Sequencing retractable landing gear and
gear doors
+
Counter-rotating propellers
Specications
Model: Mitchell B-25
Manufacturer: FMS (fmsmodel.com)
Distributor: Diamond Hobby
(diamondhobby.com)
Type: Scale WW II medium bomber
Wingspan: 57.9 in.
Wing area: 434 sq. in.
Length: 44.5 in.
Weight: 68.1 oz.
Wing loading: 22.6 oz./sq. ft.
Radio reqd: 6-channel (rudder, elevator,
ailerons, throttle, aps, retracts)
Power reqd: 3S 3300 25C LiPo battery
Price: $299.99
Author Rick Bell walks the
B-25 Mitchell to the end of
the runway for takeo.
Te rst ights were made on our clubs
well-mowed grass runway. As expected,
the B-25s tricycle landing gear conguration makes for easy
ground handling. With full power, takeo runs are surprisingly short,
and on the rst ight, the B-25 leaped into the air in less than 20
feet! Tat sure caught me by surprise! Future takeos were made
with less power and were very realistic. While the B-25 is making
a nice scale-like takeo, retract the gear and watch the landing
gear doors close its mesmerizing! Landings should be made
with some power on and the plane needs to be own all the way to
touchdown. A gentle are about a foot o the ground will grease the
plane every time. With condence-inspiring ight characteristics,
the B-25 will remove any fears about ying a twin-engine model.
GENERAL FLIGHT PERFORMANCE
Stability: Te B-25 has a moderate wing loading and this makes
for a nice, solid feel. For the rst ights, I set up the model a little
nose heavy on the forward side of the CG. After a couple of ights, I
realized that the B-25 will easily tolerate a more aft CG.
Tracking: With its counter-rotating props, there arent any torque
issues. I only needed a couple clicks of right aileron and down-
elevator to y hands o, straight and level.
Aerobatics: While the B-25 is capable of mild aerobatics, its very
much out of character. Rolls are very axial due to the counter-
rotating propellers and do look pretty cool. Also, loops are easily
done enter with full power and gently pull up-elevator. Be sure to
reduce power on the downside of the maneuver.
Glide and stall performance: Te B-25 airframe has a fair amount
of drag and will slow down quickly when power is reduced. I didnt
notice any snapping tendencies when the model stalled, just the
nose dropping.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
Te B-25 taxis well, thanks to its wide stance main gear and
steerable nose gear. Te twin motors provide a lot of thrust and
I had no problems taking o from a thick grass runway. Tis is a
stando scale, twin-engine bomber, and I think it looks best own
in a scale-like manner. Cruising at half-throttle provides a nice
scale-like speed that looks perfect for a B-25. While aerobatic
maneuvers are out of character for a bomber, loops and rolls do look
pretty cool! Te best-looking maneuver is a nice low pass with the
gear up and cycling the landing gear. Watching the gear doors open
during these passes and then the landing gear dropping is just too
much fun that guarantees to bring a smile to any pilots face!
In the Air
Shenzhen Famous
Electronic Tech Co.,
better known as FMS,
is one of the industrys
fastest growing RC
airplane manufacturers.
Known for their
commitment to quality
and innovation, the
new Mitchell B-25 is
no exception. It has a
span of 57.9 inches, is
constructed of durable
EPO foam, and the
Panchito is painted in
brilliant silver and packs
scale details including
forward, rear, top, and
side gun turrets with
clear canopies and
gunner gures. Te twin
KV1000 motors provide
strong power, great
reliability, and smooth
performance, while the main landing gear and nose gear use worm drive
electronic, servoless retracts that feature sequential closing and opening
doors. Tis is accomplished with a very simple-looking circuit board that
the retracts and the servos for the gear doors simply plug into. No fancy
radio programming is required here and they look awesome in action!
Tere are also bright LED navigation lights in the leading edge of the
wing. While the wing panels are detachable for ease of transportation,
I dont recommend removing them once installed because of the large
amount of leads (ve per wing panel) that need to be connected and
stored. Access to the ight battery is through a removable canopy. Any
intermediate pilot will be proud to add this warbird to their hangar!
Scale details are plentiful here is the dummy radial
engine and 3-blade ying prop.
FMS B-25 Mitchell Panchito
UNIQUE FEATURES
Distributed by Diamond Hobby,
the B-25 comes extremely well
packaged. Te manual is nicely
illustrated with photos and shows
a logical assembly sequence.
Also included is a 7-page manual
that also covers the operation of
the speed controls. Everything
needed to complete the model
is included even a tube of glue
and a screwdriver. However, I used
some 5-minute ZAP epoxy as the
supplied glue takes several hours
to dry. Glue is only required for the
attachment of the twin vertical ns
to the horizontal stabilizer and the
various dummy cannons, so a bare
minimum of epoxy is needed. Te
model also comes complete with
decals applied.
Te B-25 assembles very
quickly and without a lot of fuss. All
of the servos are already installed
and the control surfaces are hinged
at the factory. Tis saves a lot
of time, as there would be eight
servos to install. Te tasks you do
need to complete are basic and go
quickly. Te tail assembly is rst,
and the control horns for the twin
rudders and elevators need to be
screwed to the control surfaces.
Tis should be done before gluing
the vertical ns to the stabilizer for
handling ease. A clever array of
pushrods and bellcranks actuate
the twin rudders and elevators
and they are pre-installed to the
rudder and elevator servos on
the underside of the horizontal
stabilizer. After the vertical ns are
glued to the stab, you only need
to attach the rudder pushrods to
complete the assembly. Before
screwing the tail assembly to the
fuselage, I tested the rudders and
elevator and adjusted the pushrods
to neutralize the control surfaces.
Te wings are the heart of the
model and require the most eort
when it comes to assembly. Te
aileron servos are pre-installed and
you only need to screw the control
horns to the control surfaces and
make up the pushrods from the
included hardware. Like the tail
assembly, I tested the ailerons
before attaching the engine
nacelles to adjust them. Now is a
good time to check that the wing
panels t the openings in the
fuselage mine were pretty tight
and required some sanding of the
airfoiled section that ts into the
fuselage. A couple of minutes of
light sanding had the wings tting
perfectly. Te wing uses two
carbon-ber wing tubes to attach
the wing panels to the fuselage.
Two built-in clamp assemblies in
each wing panel provide a tight
pinch around the tubes, and the
screws to tighten the clamps are
on the bottom of the wing. Before
inserting the wing panels on the
tubes, make sure the screws are
loose, otherwise you wont be able
to slide the wing panels on. I really
like this feature as it makes repairs
or replacing a wing panel a snap.
Te engine nacelles come
ready to screw onto the wing
panels, and the motors, 40-amp
speed controls, cowls, retractable
landing gear, and gear doors
are all factory installed. You only
need to snake the leads of all the
components through the wing to
the root and screw the nacelle to
the appropriate wing panel. Before
attaching the wing panels to the
fuselage, hook up the receiver to
the various functions to test the
motors and make sure they are
rotating (without the propellers
attached) in the proper directions
and that the retracts and doors
If I live to be 100 years old, Ill never forget the feeling of sitting at the end
of the runway, right hand wrapped around two throttles, looking out at
3,600 horses in two big radial engines. Te 22,000 pounds of airplane
around me agitated gently but noisily in their wake. I was about to y
the big, beautiful B-25 bomber! I was in the left seat of N543VT, a North
American B-25N, Mitchell. Junior Burchinal, proprietor of Flying Tigers
Air Museum, was in the right seat, shouting at me to do this and that.
Yes, Im multi-engine rated, but most of my limited experience has
been in a couple of moth-eaten Apaches, and the B-25 bears as much
resemblance to an Apache as I do to Raquel Welch.
Flying a 10-ton aluminum ingot isnt something you just wander out
to your local FBO and do. I was going through the WW II ight course at
the Flying Tiger Air Museum in Paris, TX, and my original intent was to
y the ghters. Te B-25 is also part of the program, intended to broaden
your education and it does, in spades! Heavy in this case means
about 17,000 pounds empty, with an allowable emergency overload of
nearly 45,000 pounds. Tats more than my hometown weighs!
Originally, I was to go up with Junior and drive the 25 around for an
hour or so, just to see how it felt. I began to like the idea of ying the big
moose, however, and I soon heard myself saying things about more
time, and the words type rating kept popping up. Type rating! Tats
the special license it takes to carry passengers in airplanes that weigh
over 12,500 pounds, and the B-25 weighs that much with one wing and
both engines removed. It takes a dierent type rating for each type of
airplane. Tis also meant I would have to learn the airplane inside and
out, and thats a lot of territory. Junior is an FAA-designated examiner
for the B-25, and I knew he would be tough. My rst introductory
ight made me feel like crawling into the bomb bay and going for a walk
outside.
When we got up into the air and over the practice area, Junior
signaled for me to take it. I took the wheel, and a slight out-of-trim
condition caused the nose to drop. I automatically pulled the nose up
or at least I tried. I was ying with my left hand as my right rested
lightly on the throttles. I could hardly pull the wheel back with one hand!
I released the throttles and brought the other hand over to help, barely
getting the nose up level. I nally had enough sense to wheel in some
up-trim. I then made a turn to the left (or at least my hand did), but
the control wheel resisted my attempts to move it. Grasping it rmly,
determined to do it with one hand, I forced one end down and the wings
responded smartly enough by rolling obediently into a left bank. Ten
the nose started to fall. With the 30-degree bank I was holding, I had to
force the wheel to the rear to keep the nose from falling. It had started
losing altitude the second I started to roll. I wasnt prepared for the
heavy control pressures.
Just to prove to me that the airplane would y, Junior reached up and
punched a red button on the console between us that started moving
levers. As I was watching him, I saw the right propeller come to a stop, its
blades edged into the wind. He diddled with some trim wheels and sat
there, hands o, boring along with only one engine going. Satised that
I had been suitably impressed, he red up the other engine and headed
back to his eld.
To read the entire Pilot Report, check out Budd Davissons website:
airbum.com.
Getting a B-25 Type Rating
Text and photo by Budd Davisson
A great feature is the sequencing landing gear doors. Tey are timed to close when
the gear are retracted.
JANUARY 2014 21
work properly. After I conrmed that everything
was working appropriately, I attached the
wing panels, fed all of the leads to the battery
compartment, and plugged the leads to the
receiver. Heres where FMS really shines in my
book they supply the needed Y-harnesses
and they are labeled so you can easily and
correctly plug everything into the receiver.
Tey also supply a harness that connects both
motors together to use a single battery. From
here, its only a matter of securing the receiver,
tting the battery, installing the 3-bladed
propellers, adding the clear nose piece and
dummy cannons to the fuselage, and balancing
the model. All in all, it took me about two hours
of eort to make the B-25 ready for ight.
BOTTOM LINE
Te FMS B-25 Mitchell bomber from Diamond
Hobby is a steal at $299.99. It is a highly
detailed model that includes retractable landing
gear, sequenced gear doors, lights, and pilot
and gunner gures, and all hardware needed to
complete the model. Te assembly was quick
and easy, and I love the sequenced landing gear
doors! Te removable cockpit hatch provides
easy access to the receiver and makes battery
swaps a snap. I am impressed with the level
of detail packed into this bomber and it is the
center of attention on every trip to the ying
eld. Te B-25 Panchito provides warbird thrills
in a beautiful EPO foam package and sure looks
great making low passes down the runway!
Rudder and elevator control linkage are below the

stabilizer.
Ready for another mission, the B-25 has plenty of detail including crew gures and machine guns.
1/3S.indd 1 3/13/13 10:53 AM
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Flyzone
Tiger Moth
By Gerry Yarrish Photos by Peter Hall
Flyzones micro airplanes are very well known for their stable, pilot-friendly ight
performance and out-of-the-box great scale looks. I have own and reviewed several
of Flyzones WW I micro biplanes and all have been excellent performers in the
gymnasium and outside in calm conditions. Teres virtually nothing to do except
charge the battery (with the RTF versions) and link the plane to your transmitter (for
transmitter-ready planes) to be ight-ready. Each comes in a nicely packaged box so
they are safe and easy to store and transport. Whenever I attend a club indoor ight
night, theres never a lack of club members asking to y my Flyzone planes.
Pilot Report
Te de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth is just the ticket for
relaxing afternoon ights. Its ideal for committing micro
aviation in a backyard, at a local park or indoors at any school
gymnasium. Like other Flyzone planes, the Tiger Moth is
available in two versionsa complete, all-in-one RTF package,
and as a Transmitter-Ready (Tx-R) model that can be linked
with any SLT transmitter, or a radio with an AnyLink module.
Unique features
Te Flyzone RTF Micro Tiger Moth comes with a LiPo
140mAh ight battery and a charger built into the
transmitter, an SLT transmitter, servos, speed control
and receiver installed, and a basic Instruction manual.
Tis review features the Tx-R version of the Tiger Moth
and I linked it with a 6-channel TTX650 Tactic 2.4GHz
It takes only moments
to get the Tiger Moth
ready to y.
Te review model is a Tx-R (transmitter ready)
version and it comes with the airplane and pilot
gures, charger and a LiPo ight battery.
PR Tiger Moth.indd 22 9/26/13 4:18 PM
NOVEMBER 2013 23
Flyzone
Tiger Moth
By Gerry Yarrish Photos by Peter Hall
Gear used
Radio: 6-channel Tactic TTX650 transmitter,
receiver, servos, ESC (installed)
Battery: 140mAh 1S LiPo pack (with charger) both
included
Highlights
+
Lightweight foam construction
+
Molded-in details
+
Two micro pilot gures included
+
ElectriFly LiPo battery (with charger) included
Specications
Airplane: DH-82 Tiger Moth
Manufacturer: Flyzone (yzoneplanes.com)
Distributor: Hobbico (hobbico.com)
Length: 12.9 in.
Wingspan: 15.1 in.
Weight: 1.1 oz.
Price: $99.89 (RTF); $79.98 (Tx-R)
GENERAL FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
Stability: Te Tiger Moth is pilot-friendly and stable enough to be a great second
airplane for anyone who has soloed RC successfully.
Tracking: Te plane tracks nicely without too much need for rudder.
Aerobatics: Tis is a 3-channel (no ailerons) airplane and so its capable of loops,
wingovers, and other vertical maneuvers. For me, the Tiger Moth is designed for
low-level barnstorming in close to yourself.
Stalls and Glide Performance: Power o, the Tiger Moth does glide but being a
biplane, its nose needs to be kept pointing downward to maintain airspeed. Stalls
are easy to recover from simply by releasing some elevator back pressure and
adding some power.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
Te Flyzone Tiger Moth is ready to y straight out of the box. Charge the ight
battery, and youre good to go. Flight durations of about eight minutes are normal
and the included charger takes about 20 minutes to recharge a partially used
battery. Be sure not to full deplete the battery.
Te Tiger Moth performs
nicely at my RC clubs ying
eld with calm conditions; it was a real joy to y! It
is stable and has enough rudder and elevator throw
making it easy to control. Even with the occasional
gust, this little vintage era biplane easily rights itself
with little control input (if youre high enough). Even if
you manage to hit the ground on occasion, the model
is so lightweight that there rarely any damage. If the
wind is blowing however, forget it. Flying o grass is
not possible with any truly micro RC plane because
of the small wheelsyou need to hand launch it. If
you are indoors on a smooth level oor, takeos are
a piece of cake. Te rudder is eective and the Tiger
Moth will become airborne almost all by itself. You
can also make tight gure-8s and loops if you are
daring and the ceiling is high enough.
transmitter. Te Tx-R Tiger Moth comes out
of the box ready to go and will link to any SLT
transmitter. Simply turn on your transmitter
(place the throttle stick to the o position),
and then power up the Tiger Moth by plugging
in the ight battery. Te only issue you might
encounter is that with a 4-channel transmitter,
the rudder control will be on the transmitters
throttle (left) stick and the elevator control will
be on the right stick. Using the Tactic TTx650
programmable transmitter, I simply used
channel mapping to assign rudder function
to the aileron stick, no mixing is necessary.
Above: Te rudder and elevator control linkages
have V bends in them for ne tuning the surfaces
mechanically.
Below: Te 1S 140mAh LiPo ight battery ts into an
open compartment under the airplanes nose.
de Havillands Answer to the Piper Cub
Old man de Havillands line of Moths goes clear back to the 1920s, a time in which they
were on a par with their peers. However, as their peers advanced, the Moths continued to
come from the cocoons with only minor mutations. Maybe an engine cowling change here,
an engine mod there, but no sweeping design changes.
Te altimeter, marked in meters, speaks of a time long ago, and the horizontal oating
compass betrays its nautical heritage. As I eased the thrust lever forward, I was greeted
more by noise than anything else and we started rolling with no real sensation of
acceleration. Just after I eased the tail up, the airplane gently lifted o and we hadnt even
rolled a half a dozen airplane lengths.
I have tried several times to pick a single word to describe the Tiger Moth. Te airplane
is soft in all its movement and does nothing fast, especially climb. Finally, I opted for
leisurely as the Moth is absolutely in no hurry. I cannot say I felt comfortable in the Moth.
Im used to a much more predictable, precise control feel as well as a machine that is less at
the mercy of the elements.
On nal, I couldnt decide whether my eyes or the airspeed was out of whack. To keep
a decent airspeed number (50 knots), it required pointing the nose down at a ludicrous
angle. When it was time to are everything just plain stopped. We oated down close to the
ground, hovered for a second, and plopped down, rolling forward just far enough to leave a
short set of tire tracks in the grass.
As an elementary trainer, the Tiger Moth was to the British Empire what the Piper Cub
was to us. After the Canadians abandoned their Fleet Finches in 1942, the Moth was the
only primary trainer the RAF and RCAF used. I now know why the English and Canadians
call their airplanes Kites.
Budd Davisson/airbum.com
Painting Micro Pilot Figures
One thing that you have to do to make your
Flyzone Micro yer look more scale, is to
dress up the included all-white molded
foam pilot gures included with the plane.
I detail how I did this for my other Flyzone
classicthe Fokker Triplane Check it out at
ModelAirplaneNews.com/micropilotpaint
Having elevator and rudder control on the right
transmitter stick is the goal (for mode 2 pilots).
Once you have linked the Tiger Moth to your
transmitter, be sure to check the control throws
for proper function and direction. Tis also goes
for the throttle so keep your ngers clear of the
propeller and maintain a rm grip on the model
when arming the motor. Besides charging the
included 1S 140mAh LiPo ight battery, the only
task left is to paint and install at least one pilot
gure. Luckily, there are two unpainted micro
pilot busts included with the Tiger Moth.
J
An excellent transmitter to use for all Flyzone Tx-R
airplanes is the Tactic 650 programmable 6-channel
radio.
Flyzone Tiger Moth
BUYERS GUIDE
Aero-Model Inc./FMD Planes Metis
Designed by Filippo Materazzi, this super lightweight indoor performer is ideal for
freestyle 3D aerobatics. Made from pre-printed milled 3mm and 2mm Depron foam,
carbon rods, super lightweight carbon control horns, the Metis comes with all the
necessary hardware to complete the plane. Motor, prop, speed control, battery,
servos and radio are not included. Wingspan: 37.4 in.; wing area: 270 sq. in.; weight:
5.1 oz.; wing loading: 2.72 oz./sq. ft.
$82; aero-model.com
E-ite UMX Sbach
A new level of ultra-micro aerobatic performance, the UMX Sbach 342 3D packs
big-time performance into an impressively small package. Ideal for both outdoor
and indoor aerobatic fun, this aerobat comes completely ready to y just bind
the Spektrum AS3X receiver to a DSM2/DSMX transmitter, add a 2S 180 20C LiPo
pack, and youre good to go. Wingspan: 17 in.; wing area: 51 sq. in.; weight: 19 oz.;
wing loading: 5.36 oz./sq. ft.
$140; e-iterc.com
E-ite Edge QQ
Modeled after the full-size Edge 540, this mini performer has been tweaked by
Quique Somenzini to produce a mini aerobat with huge performance. Powered by
a BL280 outrunner moto system, its light weight, high-speed digital servos and
Spektrum Nanolite receiver give the plane super performance for 3D and precision
aerobatics. Wingspan: 26 in.; wing area: 162 sq. in.; weight: 8.3 oz., wing loading:
6.64 oz./sq. ft.
$169.99; e-iterc.com
E-ite Carbon-Z Splendor BNF
Tis sleek F3A precision aerobatic plane is designed by Quique Somenzini and
is part of the Carbon-Z series of rugged, molded aircraft. Able to perform all
modern FAI precision maneuvers, this Bind-N-Fly pattern ship comes with a
Spektrum AR635 receiver with built-in AS3X technology to give it amazingly
stable performance. Wingspan: 54.5 in.; wing area: 645 sq. in.; weight: 5.5 lb.; wing
loading: 19.7 oz./sq. ft.
Are you in the market for something new to y? Well, you picked up the right magazine
because this years Buyers Guide will have exactly what youve been searching for! Every
one of the 62 products youll see on the next pages has been editor tested and approved.
All you have to do is narrow down your choices and get ready to enjoy your new aircraft!
BY THE ELECTRIC FLIGHT CREW
AEROBAT
EFBG_2014.indd 26 9/27/13 12:30 PM
JANUARY 2014 27
BUYERS GUIDE
Precision Aerobatics KMX
Tis easy-to-assemble, lightweight aerobatic ARF has amazing performance.
It gets its strength from its Fiber Fusion construction that laminates wood and
carbon ber together to maximize rigidity and durability without adding additional
weight. Te PA Trust 50 power package and 70A speed control provide amazing
performance for 3D maneuvers. Wingspan: 57 in.; wing area: 749 sq. in.; weight: 66
oz.; wing loading: 12.96 oz./sq. ft.
$299.95; precisionaerobatics.com
Assurance RC/Align T-Rex 700
Every major component of the T-Rex is pre-assembled at the factory, including
carbon-ber side rails with integrated bearing blocks for the main shaft. Te T-Rex
700 is a quick build and delivers great performance. Also included are: 750MX
motor, Castle Creations ICE2 120 speed control and carbon-ber main and tail rotor
blades. Main rotor dia.: 61.5 in.; length: 52.9 in.; weight: 11.5 lb.; height: 14.17 in.
$1,799.99; alignrcusa.com
Heli-MaxBLACK HAWK Tx-R
Tis transmitter-ready heli comes with the BLACK HAWK Scale Helicopter with
Gyro, 7.4V 600mAh LiPo battery pack and instruction manual. Includes a plastic
fuselage with sliding cabin doors, LED lighting and authentic trim scheme, a 4-blade
rotor head with collective pitch, a torque tube tail drive and a TAGS (Triple Axis Gyro
Stabilization) Gyro system. Main rotor dia.: 12.8 in.; length: 13.8 in.; weight: 7.4 lb.;
height: 3.39 in.
$299.97; helimax-rc.com
HELI
RC Factory/Icare Crack Yak Lite
Tis foam prole aerobat is made from pre-printed EPP foam sheet parts and
is designed by Chris Jewett. It is perfect for learning 3D ight and honing your
aerobatic skills both indoors and outdoors. It has carbon-ber reinforcement and
includes carbon-ber control rods, wheels, basic hardware, and plywood parts. Te
hinges are molded into place. Wingspan: 31.5 in.; wing area: 229 sq. in.; weight: 6.2
oz.; wing loading: 3.9 oz./sq. ft.
$77; icare-icarus.com
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HOT NEW PRODUCTS
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3D MACHINE!
EFBG_2014.indd 27 9/27/13 12:31 PM
Horizon Hobby/Blade 500 3D BNF
Tis Bind-N-Fly 3D capable heli comes completely assembled and set up straight
out of the box. It includes G210 Gyro and Spektrum digital servos, a carbon-ber
main frame, E-ite 520H outrunner motor and a 70A E-ite speed control. It
requires a 6-channel DSM2/DSMX compatible transmitter with heli programming
and a 6S 2900mAh LiPo pack. Main rotor dia.: 61.5 in.; length: 52.9 in.; weight: 11.5
lb.; height: 14.17 in.
$260; horizonhobby.com
IFT Evolve 300 CX
Featuring an on-board collision avoidance system, the Evolve 300 CX is very easy
to hover even in tight quarters. Loosely based on the full-size Eurocopter AS350
Ecureuil, the model comes with its own 2.4GHz radio system (RTF Version), a
spare set of rotor blades, an 80mAh 3S LiPo pack, and a DC balancing charger. Te
collision avoidance system is adjustable for sensitivity. Main rotor dia.: 18 in.; length:
18.3 in.; weight: 2 lb.; height: 10.4 in.
$219.99; hobbytown.com
Global/Skyartec Mini SkyFun
Tis tail-less, fun-to-y pusher jet design has a pusher propeller/motor in the tail
between its two vertical stabilizers. It comes with a radio gear installed and includes
motor, receiver/autopilot, and servos with pushrods. Also included are 2.4GHz
transmitter, 900mAh 2S LiPo pack and charger. Even ve-minute epoxy is included
to assemble this molded foam yer! Wingspan: 21.75 in.; wing area: 151 sq. in.;
weight: 7.6 oz.; wing loading: 7.25 oz./sq. in.
$149.99; skyartec.com
Horizon Hobby/Blade 500 X BNF
Tis Bind-N-Fly heli features BeastX ybarless technology to bring advanced
pilots a big, powerful 3D machine thats ready to y in the time it takes to charge
a battery. It comes assembled and equipped for aggressive 3D with an E-ite
520H brushless motor and a high-output 6S 30C LiPo battery. All you need is a
6-channel DSM2- or DSMX-compatible heli transmitter Main rotor dia.: 38.2 in.;
length: 33.5 in.; weight: 3.88 lb.; height: 11.8 in.
$750; horizonhobby.com
Tunder Tiger Mini Titan E325S
An almost-ready-to-y heli, the Tunder Tiger Mini Titan E325S includes an iFHSS
2.4GHz Radio System, Brushless Motor, 2200mAh LiPo, 1100mAh NiMH battery,
and charger. It features a 120 eCCPM system and a ybarless rotor head, a molded
lightweight one-piece main frame, belt driven-tail, Ace GT5.1 FBL 3-axis gyro, and
325mm carbon-ber main rotor blades. Main rotor dia.: 28.58 in.; length: 26.77 in.;
weight: 4.06 lb.; height: 7.32 in.
$449.97; ttamerica.com
Great Planes F-86
Tis micro ducted fan jet comes ready to y out of the box. All you have to do is
charge the battery and youre ready to go! Gear includes: 4-channel Tactic TTX402
2.4GHz transmitter, 11,500Kv brushless inrunner motor, 6A speed control, 2S
250mAh LiPo pack and charger. Wingspan: 15 in.; wing area: 53.1 sq. in.; weight:
2.35 oz.; wing loading: 6.4 oz./sq. ft.
$149.97; greatplanes.com
JET
FAST &
FURIOUS!
EFBG_2014.indd 28 9/27/13 12:32 PM
JANUARY 2014 29
HobbyKing Stinger Mk2 64
Tis ARF EDF jet has great performance and is recommended for intermediate
RC pilots. Te Stinger Mk2 64 comes with ve 9g servos, and a 3500Kv brushless
motor installed and includes a 22mAh 4S LiPo pack included. Te jet is easy to hand
launch but instructions say tricycle gear are available as an option. Wingspan: 28 in.;
wing area: 202 sq. in.; weight: 27.5 oz.; wing loading: 19.6 oz./sq. ft.
$99.99; hobbyking.com
UMX Micro Carbon Cub
Tis DSM2/DSMX compatible micro bush plane is intended for micro aerotowing
when matched up with the UMX ASK-21 glider. Both models use a UMAS3X
6-channel micro receiver featuring ight stabilization built in. It also includes BL 180
motor, 180mAh 2S LiPo pack, and 5x2.75 propeller. Wingspan: 24 in.; wing area:
83.5 in.; weight: 3.1 oz.; wing loading: 5.3 oz./sq. in.
ParkZone SE5a Micro EP
Tis nicely detailed WW I biplane comes ready to y straight out of the box with
all the markings and details installed. It comes as a RTF (with transmitter) and as a
Tx-R requiring a Tactic transmitter or another brand of transmitter with an AnyLink
module. It comes with servos and receiver installed, and includes 1S 140mAh LiPo
pack and charger. Wingspan: 14.3 in.; wing area: 50.4 sq. in.; weight: 1.3 oz.; wing
loading: 4.3 oz. /sq. ft.
$99.98 (RTF); $79.98 (Tx-R); parkzone.com
E-ite UMX ASK-21
Tis DSM2/DSMX compatible micro sailplane is intended for micro aerotowing
when matched up with the UMX Carbon Cub. Both models use a 6-channel
micro receiver featuring AS3X ight stabilization built in. It is recommended for
intermediate pilots. Wingspan: 33.9 in.; wing area: 80.4 sq. in.; weight: 2.5 oz.; wing
$119.99; horizonhobby.com
HobbyTown/Ares Micro Tiger Moth
Tis foam-constructed, nano-micro plane comes ready to y or receiver ready.
With little assembly, this model can be completed by anyone who has any modeling
experecne, and these qualications would also meet the ight requirements. If
youre short on space to y or if you y indoors this plane will meet your needs.
Wingspan: 11.4 in.; weight: 5 oz.
$64.99; hobbytown.com
ParkZone UMX Spitre Mk IX
Part of the UMX Micro warbird series of molded foam aircraft, the Spitre is DSM2/
DSMx compatible and takes only minutes to be ight ready. It comes with motor,
prop, servos, ESC, and receiver installed and it comes with the AS3X ight stability
system built in. Wingspan: 15.9 in.; wing area: 43.3 sq. in.; weight: 1.65 oz.; wing
$99.99; parkzone.com
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ParkZone UMX P-40 Warhawk
Part of the UMX Micro warbird series of molded foam aircraft, the Warhawk is
DSM2/DSMx compatible and takes only minutes to be ight ready. It comes with
motor, prop, servos, speed control, and receiver installed and with the AS3X ight
stability system built in. Wingspan: 15.8 in.; wing area: 41.2 sq. in., weight: 1.6 oz.,
2DogRC Dualsky 460 Hornet
Tis receiver-ready quad requires only 15 minutes to put together. Te all-
reinforced plastic construction makes this bird very lightweight and gives it the
ability to do some very nice maneuvers. Like many quads with the advance ight
control systems, this bird is even easy to y for the newbie quad pilot. Diagonal
distance: 18.5 in.; height: 4.5 in.; weight: 25.75 oz.
$299.99; 2dogrc.com
DJI 500 Flame Wheel
Impact-resistant plastic makes this quadcopter almost indestructible. Te six arms
add more stability and improve the solid ight characteristics of the Flamewheel.
Everything is included in the kit, and all the modeler has to add is the battery and a
6-channel receiver. Te assembly can easily be done by anyone with any type of
RC experience, and the Naza system makes this an easy bird to y. Any novice RC
pilot would have no problem with this aircraft. Diagonal distance: 21.6 in.; height: 12
in.; weight: 57 oz.
$799 ($700 SR Pro Micro XL Gimbal); dji-innovations.com
ParkZone Ultra Micro F-27Q Stryker 180
Tis small jet delivers amazing speed and performance especially considering its
size! It can do it all: y with agility, perform impressive aerobatic moves, and slow
down with solid control response for indoor ight. It comes assembled and ready
to y. Wingspan: 17 in.; wing area: 80.56 sq. in.; weight: 2.2 oz.; wing loading: 3.93
oz./sq. ft.
DJI Phantom
Tis bird is so advanced that it comes out of the box ready to y, and even if youve
never had your hands on the sticks of a helicopter or quadcopter before, you wont
have any problem ying this one. Te aircrafts main body, including the motors,
ESC, and ight computers, is completely assembled. Just the props and landing gear
need to be put together. Tis is the perfect quad for the newbie entering the multi-
rotor world. Diagonal distance: 14 in.; height: 7 in.; weight: 35.26 oz.
$680; dji-innovations.com
Innov8tive
Next Level 650mm Quad Combo Kit
Available as a build-it-yourself project, all of the parts come in their own bags,
labeled to match the instructions for assembly. Te aluminum outrigger bars are
thick to provide a solid framework for the quad motor mounts. When complete, you
have a very solid ying platform that is easy enough to y, even for a xed-wing
pilot. You will have to supply a 6-channel radio system and a 3-cell 5000mAh LiPo
battery. Diagonal distance: 25 in.; height: 7 in.; weight: 3 lb. 6 oz.
$854; innov8tivedesigns.com
MULTI-ROTOR
CAMERA READY!
EFBG_2014.indd 30 9/27/13 12:33 PM
JANUARY 2014 31
Traxxas QR-1
Tis ready-to y (RTF) package is very complete. You get a 4-channel 2.4GHz
transmitter with four Traxxas AAA alkaline batteries, two 3.7V 240mAh LiPo packs,
and a spare rotor blade set. Straight out of the box, our test aerial vehicle was up
and hovering in as much time as it took to install the batteries in the transmitter and
charge the two included LiPo ight packs. Diagonal distance: 4.7 in.; height: 1.1 in.;
weight: 1.16 oz.
$99.99 (RTF); $69.99 (EZ-Connect); traxxas.com
Diamond Hobby/FMS Corsair
Tis scale warbird is constructed entirely of EPO foam. It comes painted with
molded panel lines and scale details from inlets to cooling louvers and even retracts.
Youll just need a 6-channel radio and 6S 4000mAh LiPo, as the brushless power
system and servos come installed. It performs exceptionally well, especially for a
warbird. Wingspan: 52 in.; wing area: 836.25 sq. in.; weight: 12 lb.; wing loading:
33.1 oz./sq. ft.
$459.99; diamondhobby.com
E-ite Hawker Hurricane
Te all-foam Hawker Hurricane has a lot of great detail molded right in, and it
comes out of the box all done up. Two versions are availablePNP (Plug-N-Play),
where you supply the receiver and battery pack, and BNF (Bind-N-Fly), where you
supply the transmitter. Wingspan: 53.5 in.; wing area: 460 sq. in.; weight: 4.5 lb.;
$349.99 (BNF); $279.99 (PNP); e-iterc.com
Alien PT-17
Te Alien Aircraft PT-17 is 3D-CAD designed and contains laser-cut parts that
use tab-and-notch construction for a fast and accurately built model, so builders
rejoice! Alien Aircraft also oers the kit as a Deluxe Combo that includes the kit,
motor, speed control, motor mount, propeller, connectors, pushrods, and Velcro. if
you can build kit planes, you will most likely be able to y this bad boy. Wingspan:
34 in.; wing area: 331 sq. in.; weight: 25.5 oz.; wing loading: 11.09 oz./sq. ft.
$109.99 (kit); $197.99 (Deluxe Combo); alienaircraft.com
E-ite Albatros
E-ite really did their homework on this balsa/plywood aircraft, which has plenty
of ne details, including brass hinges on the tail section, pull-pull elevator cables,
shock-absorbing landing gear, a wooden tailskid, and colorful markings. It can be
constructed by any modeler, but the ight requirements are a little higher (more for
pilots who are advanced or intermediate). Wingspan: 53 in.; wing area: 755 sq. in.;
weight: 6.2 lb.; wing loading: 18.92 oz./sq. ft.
E-ite PA-20 Pacer 10e
Tis great-looking, built-up ier is ready for any traditional high-wing sport
aerobatics you care to try! Te classic plane is intended for a Power 10 out-runner
and 5-channel radio with four to six servos, and can be assembled in just a few
enjoyable evenings. Wingspan: 51 in.; wing area: 451 sq. in.; weight: 48 oz.; wing
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EDITORS CHOICE!
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Flyzone Beaver
One great thing about this model is the fact that assembly requires no glue or
cutting tools: everything is pre-tted and ready for nal construction. You will nd
everything necessary to complete your new DHC-2 Beaver. Tis includes all parts
of the airplane as well as a 2.4GHz, 6-channel radio, 1800-3S LiPo battery, charger,
and batteries to operate the radio. Te Beaver is perfect for anyone who has
already mastered a basic trainer. Wingspan: 59.5 in.; wing area: 430 sq. in.; weight:
3 lb. 4 oz.; wing loading: 17 oz./sq. ft.
$299.97 (RTF); $209 (Tx-R); yzoneplanes.com
Hangar 9 Messerschmitt Bf 109F-2
Built-up wood construction and detailed UltraCote covering make this Luftwae
warbird an attractive scale subject. It is intended for a Power 60 motor system and
5-channel radio, and is well-suited to intermediate builders and pilots. Wingspan:
64 in.; wing area: 679 sq. in.; weight: 10 lb., 13 oz.; wing loading: 36.7 oz./sq. ft.
$349.99; hangar-9.com
HobbyKing Skyraider
Made from durable EPO foam and adorned with waterslide decals, the Skyraider is
certainly not lacking in scale detail. Te Skyraider is a breeze to y and anyone who
has warbird experience will have no trouble handling it. Tis plane has great ight
performance and an included optional ordnance and drop tank. Wingspan: 63 in.;
wing area: 535.5 sq. in.; weight: 6 lb. 7 oz.; wing loading: 27.7 oz./sq. ft.
$214.99 (from U.S. warehouse); hobbyking.com
Flyzone Corsair
Made of durable AeroCell foam, the Corsair has all of the panel lines, as well as other
scale details such as molded-in guns and oil coolers. Te RTF comes complete
with everything needed to get airborne, including a Tactic TTX600 2.4GHz spread
spectrum 6-channel transmitter. Te easy-to-follow instruction manual covers
everything the intermediate and above pilot needs to get the plane ight ready.
Wingspan: 48.5 in.; wing area: 426 sq. in.; weight: 49.6 oz.; wing loading: 16.7 oz./
sq. ft.
$229.98; yzoneplanes.com
Hobby People P-51D Mustang
A great scale warbird that has retractable main gear and tailweel, a 4-blade prop
and scale spinner, this P-51D comes with its brushless power system and radio
gear installed. Assembly is simple: just bolt it together, add your 5-channel radio
and 3S 2100mAh LiPo, and youre ready for takeo. Wingspan: 49 in.; wing area:
410 sq. in.; weight: 3 lb., 2 oz.; wing loading: 17.6 oz./sq. ft.
$169.99; hobbypeople.net
HobbyKing AT6 Texan
Tis nicely detailed EPO foam model comes with three-section split aps,
retractable landing gear, treated rubber tires, detailed cockpit, pilot gure, and even
lights and a sound system. Its power and radio systems come installed, so youll
need a 3S 2200mAh LiPo and 5-channel radio. Wingspan: 51 in.; wing area: 390 sq.
in.; weight: 47.62 oz.; wing loading: 17.58 oz./sq. ft.
FAVORITE
FIGHTER!
EFBG_2014.indd 32 9/27/13 12:34 PM
JANUARY 2014 33
HobbyKing/Duray Ryan
Tis Ryan represents Durays rst venture into the all-wood structure arena, and it
appears to be well executed. Te framework is largely balsa and poplar ply with the
swoopy parts, like the cowl, headrest, and wheel pants, nicely done in berglass.
Construction is easy and straightforward, which makes it a breeze for any modeler,
but for actual ight, you need the skills of an advance pilot. Wingspan: 38 in.; wing
area: 252 sq. in.; weight: 32 oz.; wing loading: 16.2 oz./sq. ft.
Kondor Model Products P-47
Tis is a rather large EPO foam, scale replication of a great plane. With molded
details, this plane is perfect for the intermediate pilot looking for a rst scale subject
without having to dedicate a year to build it. Perhaps the most interesting thing
about this plane is that the construction can be accomplished without using any
type of glue. Wingspan: 63 in.; wing area: 788 sq. in.; weight: 135 oz.; wing loading:
25 oz./sq. ft.
$279.95; kmp.ca
ParkZone Corsair
Tis model comes with everything needed to y except a transmitter. Te sharp
paint job almost hides the fact that this plane is made from Z-Foam and the
included pilot bust and cockpit detailing is a sweet addition. Intermediate pilots
will have a blast and advanced pilots will love the fun maneuvers that this plane is
capable of. Wingspan: 44 in.; wing area: 407 sq. in.; weight: 43.75 oz.; wing loading:
15.5 oz./sq. ft.
$270; parkzone.com
HobbyKing/Duray Spitre
Te major parts of this Spitre include the fuselage that comes with the motor,
ESC, and tail servos installed, and a one-piece wing with retracts, ap, and aileron
servos installed. Te only real work to do is to install the rudder and aileron control
horns and snap the molded plastic split aps into place. Tis is the perfect scale
warbird for a novice. Wingspan: 44 in.; wing area: 372 sq. in.; weight: 42 oz.; wing
Kondor Model Products P-51D Mustang
Tis plane is not a dicult build provided that you are familiar with ARF assembly
and have a few basic tools. Te Mustang has a very eective rudder, so it is very
easy to coordinate rudder and aileron inputs to make the plane track smoothly
through turns. Wingspan: 63 in.; wing area: 719 sq. in.; weight: 7 lb. 6 oz.; wing
$239; kmp.ca
ParkZone Albatros
Available as both bind and y and plug and play, this small, eld-friendly, vintage
ghter is made of durable Z-Foam painted in a less-common Red Baron paint
scheme. Te plug-and-play model requires a receiver, 4-channel radio, and
1800mAh 3S LiPo battery. If you already have a compatible transmitter, its hard to
beat the bind-and-y version, as it comes with a Spektrum AR600 DSM2/DSMX
receiver already installed and is supplied with the battery. Wingspan: 42.3 in.; wing
area: 495 sq. in.; weight: 43.3 oz.; wing loading: 12.6 oz./sq. ft.
$169.99 (plug and play); $239.99 (bind and y); parkzone.com
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FIRST-CLASS
FIGHTER!
EFBG_2014.indd 33 9/27/13 12:35 PM
RC Guys AgWagon Cessna 188
Looking for your rst giant-scale project? Redesigned for electric power, this
built-up model is ideal for someone with intermediate ying skills. A big, gentle
yer, it can be outtted with a functional cockpit door and has plenty of scale
details. Our test plane used a Rimre 50 out-runner motor and a 6S 5000mAh LiPo
pack. Wingspan: 97 in.; wing area: 1,256 sq. in.; weight: 18 lb.; wing loading: 33 oz./
sq. ft.
$489; rcguys.com
Tower Hobbies Hellcat
Te F6F Hellcat EP is designed for the modeler looking for a simple, bolt-together
aircraft that requires minimal experience. Tis plane ts the bill nicely for someone
looking to get into a scale warbird design that will y almost anywhere. Tis is a very
well-constructed, receiver-ready ARF that pilots with a little tailwheel experience
can master. Wingspan: 39 in.; wing area: 272 sq. in.; weight: 31 oz.; wing loading:
16.4 oz./sq. ft.
$139; towerhobbies.com
AF-Model Sky Surfer
A great design for rst-time pilots, this model is also well-suited to rst-person-
view equipment. Its made of foam that can be repaired easily, and assembly is fast.
A brushless motor and radio gear are installed; you just need a 4-channel radio.
Wingspan: 55 in.; wing area: 410.75 sq. in.; weight: 22.15 oz.; wing loading: 7.77 oz./
sq. ft.
$100; hobby-lobby.com
Tower Hobbies Corsair
Tis model is a remarkably accurate rendition of the full-scale bent-wing
bird molded in EPO, which Tower calls AeroCell foam. Actual assembly is
straightforward and doesnt require much in the way of tools and adhesives; you
wont need much else to complete the project besides a 4-channel radio and 3S
1800mAh LiPo. Wingspan: 39 in.; wing area: 271 sq. in.; weight: 32 oz.; wing loading:
16.2 oz./sq. ft.
$124.98; towerhobbies.com
VQ Models FW-190A
Te pre-printed iron on type material that was well done by the factory and this was
applied over a full built-up structure of balsa and ply. Te cowling and accessory
panels are made of both berglass and ABS plastic painted to match the covering in
a smooth, at-painted nish. If you have some prior building experience you should
have no trouble getting this model together. Wingspan: 59 in.; wing area: 590 sq.
in.; weight: 6 lb. 4 oz.; wing loading: 24.40 oz./sq. ft.
$139; globalhobby.com
E-ite Mystique
An electric sailplane thats suitable for Limited Motor Run competition, this
full-house soaring machine can reach 200 meters in 21 seconds and has a climb
rate of 9.5 meters per second! It requires a 6-channel radio system and Power 25
outrunner motor, and can be assembled in less than 8 hours. Wingspan: 114 in.;
wing area: 1034 sq. in.; weight: 4.85 lb.; wing loading: 10.9 oz./sq. ft.
SPORT
CLOUD SURFER!
EFBG_2014.indd 34 9/27/13 12:35 PM
JANUARY 2014 35
Flyzone Eraze
Looking for a plane that you can easily keep in the back seat for those any time,
anywhere ying opportunities? Te Eraze is the answer! Constructed of AeroCell
foam with ABS plastic skidplates, the Eraze can be assembled in two minutes and
is incredibly fun to y. Wingspan: 18.1 in.; wing area: 182 sq. in.; weight: 7.6 oz.; wing
loading: 5 oz./sq. ft.
$99.98 (Rx-R); $149.97 (RTF); yzoneplanes.com
Flyzone Millenium
With its installed 1000Kv brushless motor, speed control, and servos, the Millenium
can be ight-ready in no time. It is perfect as a second aileron airplane and will
easily y for 7 to 8 minutes on one 1800mAh pack. Aerobatics are crisp and
responsive. Wingspan: 41 in.; wing area: 268 sq. in.; weight: 27 oz.; wing loading: 15
oz./sq. ft.
$159.99 (Rx-R); $199.98 (Tx-R); yzoneplanes.com
Great Planes Phazer
Featuring a lightweight berglass fuselage and built-up wing covered in MonoKote,
this jet comes with an ElectriFly Ammo in-runner motor and HyperFlow ducted-
fan unit that provide a wide performance envelope. In fact, this jet will appeal to
both speed demons and sport iers! Youll need a speed control, battery, two micro
servos, and a radio. Wingspan: 49 in.; wing area: 410 sq. in.; weight: 3 lb., 2 oz.; wing
$179.99 (ARF); greatplanes.com
Flyzone Mini Switch
Get two planes in one with this multi-purpose design! Tis bolt-together plane
comes with a high and a low wing, and switching them is easy and quick. Te Switch
comes with its brushless power system and radio gear installed; you just need a
4-channel radio. Wingspan: 31/34 in. (low/high); wing area: 169/195 sq. in. (low/
high) ; weight: 20.4/21.2 oz. (low/high); wing loading: 17.38/16.65 oz./sq. ft. (low/
high)
$249.99 (Tx-R); $279.99 (RTF); yzoneplanes.com
Flyzone Tidewater
Tis scale-like seaplanes AeroCell foam construction is ideal for ying o water,
and it oers excellent on-the-water performance. It comes with installed brushless
power and radio systems, and has aerobatic performance that will satisfy any sport
pilot. Wingspan: 41.5 in.; wing area: 310 sq. in.; weight: 32 oz.; wing loading: 14.9
oz./sq. ft.
$169.98 (TX-R); $259.98 (RTF); yzoneplanes.com
Great Planes Proud Bird
Do you have a need for speed? Tis model delivers! Te Proud Bird is an awesome
ying plane that can win pylon races or y pattern maneuvers with the best of
them. You supply the motor and 4-channel radio system. It features built-up
construction and MonoKote covering. Wingspan: 52 in.; wing area: 388 sq. in.;
weight: 3 lb., 2 oz.; wing loading: 18.56 oz./sq. ft.
$149.97; greatplanes.com
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EFBG_2014.indd 35 9/27/13 12:35 PM
Hobby Lobby
Senior Telemaster Laser-Cut Kit V2
Tis kit-built model can tow sailplanes and drop things like a utility plane. It comes
with laser-cut balsa pieces, aluminum gear, and all hardware except for wheels. Te
Senior Telemaster is a very stable yer and very predictable. Add Hobby Lobbys
optional oats and y o water! Wingspan: 91.5 in.; wing area: 1,301 sq. in.; weight:
10.5 lb.; wing loading: 18.6 oz./sq. ft.
$249.99; hobby-lobby.com
Top Flite Mini Contender EP
A modern update to a classic design, this model handles like a fun-y plane: its
nimble, quick, and stable while ying at slower speeds. It is intended for a Rimre .10
or similar motor and requires a 4-channel radio system. Te Mini Contender EP is a
solid aerobatic performer that will keep experienced pilots very happy. Wingspan:
36 in.; wing area: 329 sq. in.; weight: 28 oz.; wing loading: 12 oz./sq. ft.
$99.98 ; topite.com
HobbyZone Firebird Stratos
Tis twin Z-foam airplane was engineered with the beginner in mind. Its virtual
instructor technology makes it easy to learn to y, and it can slow down to a crawl,
so landing is a piece of cake. It comes with everything youll need and can be
airborne in minutes after you unpack the box. Wingspan: 42 in.; weight: 17 oz.
$129.99; hobbyzonerc.com
ParkZone/Horizon Hobby VisionAire
A great-ying, 3D-capable plane equipped with Horizons AS3X stabilization
system, the VisionAire will shorten your 3D learning curve. Tis Z-Foam model
comes with its brushless motor system and radio gear installed, and assembly is
straightforward and quick. Youll only need a compatible 4-channel radio system.
Wingspan: 45 in.; wing area: 539 sq. in.; weight: 44 oz.; wing loading: 11.7 oz./sq. ft.
$299.99 (BNF); parkzone.com
Hitec Sky Scout
A great choice for beginners, this 3-channel Elapor foam model has durability,
dependable electronics, and impressive ight characteristics. More experienced
pilots can install the optional aileron controls for increased maneuverability.
Wingspan: 54.5 in.; wing area: 372 sq. in.; weight: 24.5 oz.; wing loading:
9.5 oz./sq. ft.
$79.99 to $249.99 (depending on gear included); hitecrcd.com
ParkZone Apprentice S 15e
A stable-ying high-wing trainer, the Apprentice is equipped with Horizons AS3X
stabilization technology as well as its innovative SAFE pilot training aid. Te included
transmitter provides multiple levels of ight protection, which can be reduced as
your skills improve. Tis model comes with everything you need to get airborne.
Wingspan: 59 in.; wing area: 515 sq. in.; weight: 49 oz.; wing loading: 13.7 oz./sq. ft.
$299.99; horizonhobby.com
TRAINER
FIRST FLIGHT
SUCCESS!
EFBG_2014.indd 36 9/27/13 12:36 PM
Duray
Fi 156 Storch
By Greg Gimlick
Te Fieseler Storch was one of the most recognized planes to serve in the Luftwae,
and it saw service in every German theater of conict during WW II. Even today, its
considered one of the best STOL designs of all time. Used primarily as an observation
platform, it outperformed every Allied counterpart with its construction, reliability,
and performance. Most notably, it excels in slow ight. Allied ghter pilots found it
hard to engage and shoot down because of its slow-speed ight characteristics. As
a sign of how great it was, Field Marshal Montgomery and Air Vice Marshal Harry
Broadhurst both used captured Storches in North Africa and Western Europe for
personal transport and observation.
Pilot Report
PR Storch.indd 38 9/26/13 5:20 PM
NOVEMBER 2013 39
Duray
Fi 156 Storch
By Greg Gimlick
Gear used
Radio: JR 9503 (jrradios.com); HobbyKing
OrangeRX 6-ch. DSM2 receiver (hobbyking.com);
(6) HXT900 9g servos (installed); Turnigy BEC
25A speed control (installed)
Motor: NTM 3530 outrunner 1100Kv and Turnigy
BEC 25A speed control (both installed)
Battery: Turnigy 3S 2200mAh LiPo 25-35C
Prop: 10x6 (included)
Highlights
+
Exceptional build quality
+
Great ight characteristics
+
Excellent ap characteristics
+
Outstanding value for the money
Specications
Model: Fieseler Fi 156 Storch
Manufacturer: Duray (duray.com)
Distributor: HobbyKing (hobbyking.com)
Type: Scale
Wingspan: 45.5 in.
Weight: 36 oz.
Wing loading: 19 oz./sq. ft.
Power incld: 3530 outrunner w/ 25A
speed control
Radio reqd: 5- to 6-channel
Price: $159.99
Te NTM 3530 motor and 10x6 prop
provide lots of power for this little gem.
Taking o from a grass eld can be a challenge because of the
small wheels, which is to be expected. I set mine up with the
recommended control throws and center of gravity, and I havent
made any changes to them over several ights. Access to the
battery is easy using the removable windshield access and the aft
access panel allows access to the receiver and tail surface servos.
I have the aps set up for maximum deection and, for a plane this
size, they seem very eective. A bit of elevator is required when
deployed completely. Ive own it using both high and low rates, but
generally keep it in the high setting.
Stability: I expect a plane of this size and weight to be inuenced
by wind conditions, and it is, but it remains controllable with the
assigned settings. I think the big legs on the gear help its upright
stability by providing a CG lowering eect. Tere is very little, if any,
dihedral in the wing, but the plane just feels comfortable in ight.
Tracking: It tracked beautifully, with no surprises in the air, and
takeo/landing runs were straight and true in spite of some
di culty with our grass eld. Te rudder has plenty of authority
to handle takeo runs and I nd its best to ease into the throttle
for a scale-like takeo rather than just rewall the throttle. Te tail
comes up quickly and ground track is solid with rudder.
Aerobatics: Nothing in the mission prole of this plane says its
aerobatic, but it certainly can be with the power of the NTM motor/
prop combination on 3S LiPos. Te only thing that proved di cult in
the aerobatic routine was inverted ight. It can be done, but it is not
the easiest plane to y inverted and that led me to believe the gear
design inhibits that. Loops, rolls, etc arent a problem and power is
there for vertical climbs that are far from scale.
Glide & stall performance: Stalls were gentle and with the aps
deployed, it looks like its going to stop before it actually stalls. Te
nose dropped and it was recovered in the standard fashion. Te
Storch has a nice glide angle and with a wing loading of 19 oz./sq. ft.,
it does a nice job oating around, especially if you use the aps.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
Tis plane hand-launches easily with more than enough power
provided by the system, but if your grass is short, it will take o
just ne. Tis plane is well suited to a pilot whos comfortable with a
trainer. It just looks great tooling around the sky low and slow just
what the full-size plane was designed for!
Te Duray Storch is small in stature, but huge
in features. It is all built-up balsa and light ply
construction, covered awlessly with matte
camo covering. All of the electronics are
installed, including the brushless motor and
speed control. Te only thing youll need is a
receiver to match your radio and an evening
to assemble it. Anyone who has soloed and
mastered coordinated ight can enjoy having
this as an introduction to scale modeling and
it would be a very good introduction!
UNIQUE FEATURES
Te rst thing that comes to mind when
thinking about all the great features on this ARF
is the method of retaining the wing. A 6mm
carbon wing tube slides through the fuselage
tube and into the wing receptacles in the usual
fashion, but thats where the similarity ends.
At the root of each wing is a drilled tab
that matches a slot on the fuselage.
As the wing is slid into place and the
tab enters the fuselage, there is
a latch that you pull down as
the wing is seated. Once the
wing is fully seated against
the fuselage, the latch lever
is released and the spring-loaded retaining
pin rises up through the tab to hold it rmly in
Te ARF contents as
they shake out of the
box
Te cowl has been
removed to show the
pre-installed motor.
NOVEMBER 2013 41
place. Te wing is further secured with scale
wing struts. Removal of the wing for transport
only requires unplugging the servo wires,
removing the lower strut screw, and releasing
the latch inside the fuselage. It takes about a
minute, if that.
Having all the servos pre-installed was a
welcome sight. Unfortunately, on my review
model, three of the four servos in the wing
failed within seconds of plugging them in. A call
to HobbyKing found that there had been a bad
batch of servos that found their way into some
kits. A new set of servos was quickly sent at no
charge and I was assured the issue had been
addressed in later kits. Te level of customer
service I received was excellent and rectied the
issue without question. Its a shame but stu
happens.
Te list of notable features is impressive,
especially at this price point! All of the control
surfaces are hinged and although you still need
to glue the tail pieces squarely to the fuselage,
its almost foolproof because of the interlocking
stabs. Te landing gear is pre-formed and only
needs to be secured in place with brackets. Tere
is no need to remove the cowl for any reason, but
I popped mine o so you could see the motor
installation. Te covering and built-up surfaces
are gorgeous, which is especially noticeable on
the vertical n. All of the markings are in place
when it comes out of the box, and even the
leading edge slats are scale in appearance.
CONCLUSION
Wow! about sums it up. Tis is a scale airplane
that ies well, looks great, and comes with
all the gear you need (except a receiver and
LiPo battery) for $159.99! It can be ready to
y in an evening of easy assembly. If you are
going to y from grass, expect it to ip over on
landing. Tere is just no way around it unless
you change to bigger wheels. Te gear is
beautiful, but the scale-size wheels are best for
pavement or dirt.
J
Up Close with Greg
Gimlick
Reviewer Greg Gimlick has been a
longtime contributor to Electric Flight
and is the Ultimate Electrics columnist
for our sister publication, Model Airplane
News. Heres what he has to say about
his involvement in clean and quiet RC
power.
Electric Flight: How many years have
you been ying electrics and are you
exclusively electric now?
Greg Gimlick: Ive been ying electrics
since 1991 and although Im primarily an
electric ier, I still enjoy the occasional
giant-scale gas project. Right now, I have
28 yable planes and helicopters that are
all electric. I also y discus launch gliders.
EF: Whats your most important tip for
keeping your electric power system
operating properly?
Greg: Tis is easy battery management!
Its a very simple process that many
people ignore and it costs them
unnecessary expense and aggravation.
Heres a simple recipe for keeping your
electrics happy for a long time:
1. Use a balance charger whenever
possible.
2. Keep a log for each battery pack.
3. Always use a 1C charge rate.
4. Never store them fully charged or fully
discharged.
5. Always store them at 3.7-3.8 volts per
cell.
6. NEVER leave them in your hot car!
7. Never leave them unattended while
charging.
Even if you dont keep a log for each
packs history, if you do the other steps,
your batteries will serve you well for a
long time.
Left: Pre-formed gear legs t into pre-drilled holes
and slots. Te gear is dressed up with airfoil pieces
provided. Above: Te wing slides over the wing tube
and wires are fed through provided slots. Below
left: Wing servos are pre-installed, wing struts are
screwed in place. Below right: Te aft fuselage hatch
allows access to receiver and tail servos.
SIG
Rascal 72 EG
By Klaus Ronge Photos by Hope McCall
Te classic ever-popular SIG Rascal 40 has gotten a makeover. Renamed the Rascal
72 EG, it now features added enhancements for electric power. Te Rascal design
originated in the 1950s, and SIG has been producing kits and ARFs in various sizes
from small electrics all the way up to the 110-inch-span giant-scale model. Te mid-
size Rascal 72 EG is a convenient size, is easy to transport with its two-piece wing, and
has good presence in the air. Designed for 2- or 4-stroke glow engines or equivalent
electric power, the Rascal goes together quickly no matter which powerplant option
you chose. Since I had the original Rascal 40, which was powered by a 4-stroke
engine, I was excited to see how an electric version would compare. Some of the kit
updates for electric power include a removable battery hatch and a removable cowl for
easier engine/motor installation.
Pilot Report
Sig Rascal.indd 42 9/26/13 3:36 PM
JANUARY 2013 43
SIG
Rascal 72 EG
By Klaus Ronge Photos by Hope McCall
Highlights
+
Wide ight envelope
+
Classic vintage design
+
Designed for glow or electric
power
+
Excellent t and nish
Gear Used
Radio: Futaba 10C transmitter and
R617FS receiver (futaba-rc.com),
4 Graupner DES807 BB MG servos
Motor: Turnigy G46 550Kv Brushless
Outrunner, Turnigy Plush 60A speed
control
Battery: Turnigy 4-cell 5000mAh LiPo
Prop: APC 15x8 Tin Electric
(apcprop.com)
Specications
Model: Rascal 72EG
Manufacturer: SIG Mfg. (sigmfg.com)
Type: High-wing sport
Wingspan: 72 in.
Length: 51.75 in.
Weight: 5 lb., 14 oz.
Wing loading: 18.8 oz./sq. ft.
Power reqd: 500- to 800-watt
brushless motor system; Glow power:
.40 - .46 2-stroke .40-.54 4-stroke
Radio reqd: 4-channel w/5 servos
Price: $310
ANYONE WHO HAS MASTERED
A HIGHWING TRAINER
WILL HAVE NO DIFFICULTY
HANDLING THE EASYFLYING
AND FORGIVING RASCAL.
Typically, when ight testing a new model, I get the preight jitters,
but since I had many ights on the original version I felt like I was
ying an old friend. Field setup is quick and only takes a few minutes. Te battery hatch on
the underside of the fuselage makes it easy to change battery packs. Te Rascal ies equally
well on electric or nitro power, but I prefer the clean and convenient electric option. Ground
handling is excellent for a tail-dragger with no tendency to nose over and can be described as
trainer-like. Its easy to keep the takeo roll straight with the rudder and it is o the ground in
under 100 feet. Landing is equally easy, simply decrease power and line up the Rascal on nal
and are for a 2- or 3-point landing.
Stability: Te high-wing Rascal has excellent stability, yet is very maneuverable.
Tracking: Te overall tracking of the plane is very good. Turns look nicer when rudder is added
either manually or by radio mixing.
Aerobatics: While you wont mistake this for a precision aerobat, it is surprisingly agile. Te
Turnigy G46 has more than enough power to pull the plane through the maneuvers. It can
perform all the sport aerobatics such as loops, rolls, and stall turns. As the long wing results
in a rather slow roll rate at the recommended control throws, get plenty of altitude and start
a slight climb before attempting the rst roll. Increasing the aileron throw and adding down
elevator during the inverted portion of the roll results in a nearly axial roll. Inverted ight
requires only a small amount of forward-elevator pressure to maintain altitude. Once you
become familiar with the models potential, aerobatics are fun and relaxing.
Glide and stall performance: Te Rascal can glide very slowly without any hint of tip-stalling.
When the model is coaxed into a stall, it recovers quickly when the controls are released.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
Anyone who has mastered a high-wing trainer will have no di culty handling the easy-ying
and forgiving Rascal. However, it has plenty of aerobatic performance to satisfy the more
advanced pilots. Te vintage look of the model lends itself to low and slow ybys.
In the Air
Te Rascal 72 EG is available in either UltraCote
transparent blue or red with white trim, allowing
the awless laser-cut wood construction to
show through. Te wing is in two pieces with
an aluminum joiner and alignment pin. All the
quality SAE hardware is more than adequate for
this size plane and all is usable. A berglass cowl
and wheel pants, wheels, molded windows,
decals, fuel tank, plastic spinner, engine mount,
and instruction manual are also included.
With its docile ight characteristics, the
Rascal 72 EG would make an excellent second
or third plane. While it is easy to y, it has a
wide performance envelope, and seasoned
iers will enjoy its sport aerobatic potential.
Te Turnigy G45 60A Plush speed control and 4S
5000mAh LiPo power the Rascal 72 nicely.
ONCE YOU BECOME FAMILIAR
WITH THE MODELS POTENTIAL,
AEROBATICS ARE FUN AND
RELAXING.
UNIQUE FEATURES
As I unpacked the box, the quality of the
construction and covering became evident. I
used my heat gun to shrink the few wrinkled
areas before beginning assembly. Te
informative instruction manual contains plenty
of photos and construction tips, so even the
rst-time builder should have no problems.
Assembly begins with the wing halves,
which incorporate a separate aileron servo
for each panel. Te servos are mounted on a
molded hatch cover, which has a streamlined
JANUARY 2013 45
instructions are provided for electric or glow
power and I chose the Turnigy G46 and 60A
speed controls (hobbyking.com). Aluminum
standos were used to get the proper prop
hub to rewall distance. Tree holes need to
be drilled in the rewall to provide cooling air,
Graupner DES 807 BBMS servos are more than
adequate for controlling the Rascal.
for the speed control and LiPo battery. Te
electric version also requires slots to be cut
in the berglass cowl for cooling air which
is easily done with a Dremel tool. For extra
cooling, I installed a vented 2 1/4-inch Tru-Turn
e-spinner (tru-turn.com). I found that I had to
extend the plywood battery tray aft to obtain
the proper CG without adding any lead weight.
Installation of the tail feathers starts with
gluing on the horizontal stabilizer after ensuring
it is level with the wings and properly aligned.
Te rudder is hinged after installation using
the provided CA hinges. A nice, high-quality
tailwheel assembly is included, which uses
springs to absorb the gear shock loads. Te
heavy-duty main aluminum landing gear bolts
into place using the pre-installed blind nuts in
the fuselage. Te berglass wheel pants are
very quick to attach and self-aligning. To attach
the graphics, I wet the area where they are to
be applied with glass cleaner to make them
easier to position. I added a false cockpit oor
and a Hangar 9 1/6-scale pilot gure (hangar-9.
com) for scale eect.
CONCLUSION
It is easy to see why the Rascal family of planes
enjoys such a devoted following. With its classic
lines, elliptical wing and tail feathers, and docile
ight characteristics, it makes for a relaxing and
enjoyable day at the eld. Dont let the high-
wing trainer-like appearance of the Rascal fool
you; it has plenty of aerobatic potential, yet is
forgiving for the novice pilots.
Tru-Turn Turbo Cool Spinner

Tru-Turn has introduced a line of spinners designed for electric motor applications to assist in
motor cooling. Te spinner cone has a machined opening for cooling air and the backplate spokes
are machined to act as a blower to direct cooling air over the motor. Te spinner is available in
assorted sizes and shapes up to 3 1/2 inches and requires an adapter kit (sold separately). Spinners
can be custom cut for your prop at no charge and are available in several anodized colors as well
as natural aluminum. Tese spinners will add a touch of class to your plane while increasing the
performance and longevity of the power system. I really like the spinner I used on the Rascal and
will use a Tru-Turn Turbo Cool spinner on my next electric plane.
fairing for the linkage. I was pleased to nd that
the ailerons and elevators were hinged and
glued at the factory, but I gave them a good tug
to make sure they were secure. For maximum
control authority and precision I used Graupner
DES 897 BB Metal Gear servos (graupner.de)
for all the control surfaces. A string is installed
in the wing halves to make it easy to bring the
servo leads to the wing center section.
Te installation of your preferred motor or
engine is made much easier than the original
Rascal 40 with the removable cowl. Detailed
JANUARY 2014 47
Helicopter Section
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48 Helicopter Jamboree
Electric news from the IRCHA ightline
By Jim Ryan
52 Duray Auto-GV2
An unusual bird with remarkable ight
performance
By Jim Ryan
56 Hobby People X2
By Charlie Hynes
Heli Opener_0114.indd 47 9/27/13 9:55 AM
Invasion of the multi-rotors! IRCHA may be a helicopter event, but this year
multis were everywhere! From micro quads like the Heli-Max 1SQ and Blade
Nano QX up to big professional-grade camera platforms with GPS navigation and
capable of hauling large digital SLRs, there were multis everywhere you looked.
Acro isnt just for sh heads. Mikado factory pilots put on a smooth and graceful
aerobatic demo with a pair of really sharp V-Bar-equipped BO-105s. Tese large
birds ew with real authority and looked great.
Helicopter
Jamboree
Electric news from the
IRCHA ightline By Jim Ryan
For nearly any RC heli enthusiast, the IRCHA Jamboree is the highpoint of the year. For sheer size, its in the
running with Joe Nall as the worlds largest RC ying event, and this year it drew 1,132 registered pilots. Te
vendor area is a heli pilots dream, where you can attend educational seminars, buy the latest products, or nd
out-of-stock spares for a trusted old workhorse. Te competitions and industry demos at show center give
you a chance to see the best of the best in action, and the informal parties at night top it all o. Te event is so
enjoyable that even non-heli ying RCers from all over the Midwest make the trip just to take it all in.
Israeli phenom Eitan Goldstin was
a well-deserving selection for the
wildcard Lucky 7 slot in Te One
competition. As Eitan ies, his spotter
preps his backup bird. Te competition
rules allow the usage of two helis to ll
the pilots 7-minute slot, but this takes
fast footwork and coordination.
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IRCHA_0114_4 pages.indd 48 9/27/13 12:19 PM
JANUARY 2014 49
ELECTRIC HELI TRENDS
IRCHA is an event for heli pilots, but this year
the explosion of popularity for multi-rotors
was striking. Tese ranged from ready-to-y
micros to professional-grade systems with
GPS navigation, laptop datalinks, and camera-
mounting gimbals with inertial stabilization.
In the middle ground are products that are
nearly plug and play like DJIs Phantom and
Flamewheel. If multis are your thing, IRCHA is
the place to be.
Bigger electric helis in the 700 and larger
class have really become a major trend in
3D heli ying. Tese 12-cell machines have
been around for a few years, but now theyve
caught on big with regular iers. Just about
all the major manufacturers now oer 700-
class machines. Blade has entered this niche
with their outstanding 700X airframe, and
established 700-class players like Align and
Tunder Tiger continue to rene and upgrade
their veteran machines. Add excellent designs
to the mix like the SAB Goblin, Mikado Logo,
Gaui X7, and Compass HV7, and the only
problem is which one to pick! Teres no
shortage of power options for these brawny
Darrell Sprayberrys scratch-built Sikorsky H-34 is a masterpiece. Pulled from Darrells own molds and with
scratch-built mechanics, the 12-cell machine weighs nearly 40 pounds. Tail drivetrain issues kept Darrell from
showing it o to best advantage, but hell surely have it sorted out soon.
Blade goes big! Blade RC has long been a big player
in small helis. In recent years theyve added 450, 500
and 550 machines, but now theyve leapt into the
700 class with their excellent Blade 700X. Make no
mistake: this is a serious entry in the 12-cell market,
with features like direct cyclic drive and a tailcase
CNC-machined from billet aluminum. I watched a
number of impressive demo ights by the likes of
James Haley and Jared Granzow, and this heli can
do it all.
birds, with companies like Scorpion, Savox,
Castle, and more all oering premium-quality
motors for 12S power.
As big helis become such a growing
segment, even the small 450-class birds that
have traditionally been a major part of the
electric heli market are getting size and power
upgrades. New releases like Gauis X3 and
Compass Warp and longtime workhorses like
Aligns T-Rex 450 and Tunder Tigers Mini
Titan are now running 360mm blades and 4S
to 6S power. Te great thing is that this added
capability comes at such aordable cost; Gauis
X3 kit is available for under $200!
ELECTRONIC NEWS
Te gear for electric helis just keeps getting
better. High-capacity chargers, like Progressive
RCs iCharger line, oer ease of operation and
the ability to parallel charge up to six battery
packs at up to 30 amps. As a guy who goes
back to the early delta peak chargers that
could charge one NiCd battery per hour (and
that battery capable of providing maybe ve
minutes of ight time), I feel like Ive died and
gone to heaven now that I can literally charge
batteries faster than I can empty them.
In the electronic speed control world,
Castle Creations outstanding Edge controllers
have really raised the bar. Tese high-
voltage speed controls are compact, easy to
Te Gaui X5 is an excellent mid-size heli, engineered for high performance but tough enough to stand up
to the occasional mishap. Te simple design makes maintenance and repairs a snap. Here Mitch Marozas
shows o the X5s rock-steady handling down on the deck.
IRCHA 2013
program, and oer improved data logging for
performance diagnostics. Not to be outdone,
Kontroniks JIVE and Scorpions Commander
lines have been upgraded for even better
performance. As with heli airframes and
motors, theres no shortage of choices.
Flybarless systems have taken over the
RC heli world, and these days you really
have to look around to spot a mechanical
ybar. Airframe manufacturers like Mikado,
Tunder Tiger, and Align, and electronics
specialists like bavarianDEMON (formerly
HeliCommand), Futaba, BeastX, and Skookum
Robotics all have outstanding units for iers
of all levels. Flybarless units on the market
can be grouped into those that are directly
programmed using buttons on the unit and the
transmitter and those that are programmed
via a laptop computer using a USB interface.
Ive programmed and own a number of units
in both camps, and its really just a matter of
personal taste.
Te most notable development on the
electronic front this year was the huge
growth of GPS autopilots. Just last year, GPS
Indiana Air Search and Rescues full-scale Huey
was on hand for the event and selling rides to lucky
attendees. Tere is just nothing quite like a Huey, and
IASARs example is particularly well-maintained.
Te premier competition of the weekend is Te
One event, with seven world-class pilots facing o
to complete for a rst prize including $7,000 in cash.
Tis year Kyle Dahl and his Logo 700 topped the eld
with a truly outstanding and inventive routine. 3D
competition just doesnt get any better.
IRCHA features some really impressive duet ights,
and here two Gaui factory pilots mix it up close-in
with their 12-cell X7s. Te heavy shift to bigger
electric machines in the 700 class was even more
obvious this year. Big just ies better.
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IRCHA COMPETITIONS
IRCHA features some impressive competitions,
with electric power a major presence in all of
them. One of my favorites is the IRCHA Speed
Cup, in which contestants y their helis through
a 200-meter course. Tere are several classes
for wet and electric power, but the Electric
Unlimited class is the one to see. Oliver Jellen
traveled from Germany to take rst in the
Unlimited class, with his highly modied 14-cell
TDR Velocity clocking runs up to 158mph! Te
sight and sound of these electric missiles is
something any speed junkie would love.
Te headline competition of the weekend is
Te One event, with seven world-class pilots
competing for a cash prize of $7,000. Tis year,
the ve-judge panel of world-class heli iers
crowned Kyle Dahl as Te One. Kyles ight
routine was truly something to see, and his win
was well-deserved.
stabilization was a real novelty, but this year
they were everywhere, with DJIs Naza and
Wookong systems ying o the shelves. GPS
stabilization isnt just for aerial photography;
sport helis and scale machines alike can really
benet from this added layer of safety and
reliability.
JANUARY 2014 51
Curtis Youngbloods Stingray is a quad with something dierent! Tis
amazing bird has full collective pitch, making it fully aerobatic as CY demo
pilot Kenny Sierra shows here. Te 2200-4S power train is belt-driven,
and with very low blade inertia, the Ray is remarkably durable. Flight
stabilization is provided by a special version of the Total-G 3-axis gyro
unit, and the performance really is mind-boggling.
As a natural t with their outstanding line
of Edge controllers, Castle Creations has
rolled out their line of Vertigo motors
for helicopters ranging from 450 to 700
size. Te 700-size 4540 shown here is an
8-pole design with a 490Kv. Castle will
be selling the Vertigos direct to iers.
Sandy Jaes MD-500 Explorer was one of the most technically impressive electric
models own at the event. Getting a NOTAR system to work properly is challenging, and
yet Sandys machine showed absolutely steady tail hold even in gusty conditions.
Te contests wrap up Saturday night with
the hugely popular night y competition.
Night heli ying is an absolute blast, and the
world-class competitors in this competition
really raise the bar with their choreographed
lighting systems and spectacular ying. Tis
year, Bobby Watts topped the eld with his
very entertaining routine, but every competitor
brought something truly dierent.
NEXT YEAR
I no sooner get over the post-IRCHA daze
when I start looking forward to the next years
event, which in 2014 will take place August 6
though 10. Make your plans now!
Swiss master scale modeler Roland

Kaufmann was a well-deserving
rst place in the IRCHA Scale
competition with his immaculate
Alouette III. Believe it or not, this
15-pound scratch-built beauty is 25
years old and still ies with vintage
Heim mechanics, now converted to
10S LiPo power.
JANUARY 2014 53
L
ong before helicopters took over
my life, I was fascinated with RC
autogyros. For at least 25 years,
Ive watched the state-of-the-art
progress from dual-rotor outrigger
designs to gradually more practical single-rotor
versions. However, with all the other projects
on the bench, I never got around to building one.
With the Duray Auto-G gyrocopter, available
in an ARF version for just $75, I nally decided
to do something about that. Here was an
autogyro I could have ying in an hour!
UNIQUE FEATURES
Te Auto-G V2 comes almost totally
assembled and includes some neat design
features, chief among these a ex-drive to
spin up the rotor for takeo. Tis drive plugs
into the ight batterys balancing plug, and its
connected to a spare channel on the receiver,
ideally a momentary switch like a push button.
Te drive has a one-way bearing so that the
rotor can uncouple in ight, and the drive
shaft is exible to allow for tilting the rotor for
roll control. Tis should only be used prior to
takeo, as the rotor should freewheel in ight.
Assembly is minimal, as the servos,
Gear Used
Radio: Spektrum DX7s (spektrumrc.com);
OrangeRX 6-channel receiver (hobbyking.com); 4
microservos installed
Battery: Nano-Tech 11.1V 1300-3S LiPo
(HobbyKing.com)
I really had no idea what to expect from the test
ight, which naturally took place on training/
club meeting night (no pressure here!). Initial takeo was a breeze! I hit
the switch to spin up the rotor and then cut the rotor as I added power.
Te Auto-G accelerated smoothly, and I eased it o the runway. Once in
the air, it handled much like a high-wing airplane: all ight controls were
normal, and it showed no bad habits.
Stability: With its tall rotor pylon, the Auto-G has a natural tendency
to level itself. I nd turns are better with a healthy amount of rudder.
Autogyros wont stall in the conventional sense, but you need to manage
pitch and power to keep the rotor speed up. Dont be afraid to shove in
some down-elevator if you see the rotor getting slow.
Tracking: Tis is one of the Auto-Gs most remarkable traits. Even on
minimum distance takeos, with the rotor powered and full throttle, it
tracks straight as a string. Tis was really unexpected.
Aerobatics: Aerobatics are hardly the purpose of an autogyro, and yet the
Auto-G has proved reasonably capable. It does very nice chandelles and
stall-turns and is even capable of loops. Do bear in mind that the rotor
blades are not designed for high-G maneuvers, and you can crease the
foam if you overstress them.
Glide and stall performance: While the Auto-G can do normal landing
approaches like a regular airplane, the real fun is steep short-eld
landings. Fly the tra c pattern at what seems way too high altitude.
After turning nal, pull throttle back to near idle and use down elevator
to keep the rotor rpm up. Te Auto-G will sink like its on an elevator, but
wont pick up speed. About 10 feet above the runway, add a little power to
arrest the sink and it will land like a buttery.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
Tis little gyrocopter exceeded my expectations in every way. Te
powered rotor makes takeos a snap, and handing in ight is much better
than expected. Landings are where the Auto-G really shines, and I can do
touch-and-gos for as long as the battery lasts.
In the Air
electronics and motor are all installed. Te
landing gear snaps in place, the horizontal stab
mounts on the tail boom with two clamps, and
the vertical n is glued in place with supplied
glue. Te rotor blades are screwed to the hub,
which has built-in apping hinges. Finally, the
rotor and prop are mounted on their shafts. All
thats left is to install the pushrods and bind the
receiver. Its a good idea to put the ight battery
on charge before you start assembly, as youre
likely to have the airframe nished before the
battery is charged. With the minimal assembly
completed, its time to head to the eld.
Specications
Model: Auto-G2 Gyrocopter
Type: ARF Autogyro
Manufacturer: Duray (duray.com)
Distributor: HobbyKing (hobbyking.com)
Rotor span.: 32.3 in.
Weight: 21 oz..
Length: 31.3 in.
Motor included: 800Kv outrunner
Radio required: 5-channel
Price: $74.99
Assembly is
minimal, as the
servos, electronics
and motor are all
installed.
Highlights
+
Outstanding ight performance
+
Quick and simple assembly
+
Clever engineering details
+
Unusual and eye-catching
Te rotor is mounted on a sturdy plywood pylon, and
aileron control is via two micro servos in a pull-pull
arrangement. Te motor drive uses a ex-shaft
and one-way clutch to spin up the rotor for takeo.
Ideally, this should be assigned to a momentary
switch, but a toggle will su ce.
Te installed 41mm brushless outrunner provides
plenty of power for very short takeos. I do most of
my ying below half-throttle, allowing ights of over
10 minutes.
AutoGyro KM.indd 53 9/27/13 12:21 PM
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Te Auto-G is an odd-looking bird, but the
ight performance is remarkable. Tracking on
takeos is straight as can be, and handling is
honest and predictable. Te model has loads of
power for short-eld takeos but ies happiest
around half -throttle.
AUTOGYROS:
A DIFFERENT PATH TO
ROTARY WING FLIGHT
From the earliest days of powered ight,
ambitious designers attempted to build
rotary-wing aircraft. In 1909, before he had
built a successful airplane or even learned
to y, Igor Sikorsky built two unsuccessful
helicopters. Given the incomplete knowledge of
aerodynamics (and the limitations of structures
and powerplants) true helicopters simply werent
yet practical. Even Sikorsky, a man passionate
about the possibilities of hovering ight, turned
his attention to more conventional xed-wing
designs for the next 30 years.
Tere was, however, a simpler middle road to
rotary-wing ight. Just 10 years after Sikorskys
unsuccessful attempts, Spanish engineer Juan de
la Cierva began work on a rotary-wing concept
in which the rotor was not powered but simply
windmilled or autorotated as the aircraft ew
through the air. With a freewheeling rotor there
was no torque to deal with and no need to wrestle
with the complexities of controlling cyclic and
collective pitch.
While not capable of true vertical takeo or sustained hovering, de la Ciervas autogiro showed
important advantages over conventional aircraft. It could take o from short elds, y safely at
very slow speeds and could make extremely steep landing approaches with minimum rollout. Pitch
and yaw could be controlled by conventional tail surfaces.
After moving to England in 1925, de la Cierva steadily improved his designs, which were licensed
to manufacturers around the world, including U.S. companies Pitcairn and Kellett. One major
improvement was the development of direct rotor controla forerunner of cyclic pitch control.
Later designs could use engine power to spin up the rotor and then jump into the air. By the mid-
1930s, the autogyro was well on the way to evolving into a true helicopter.
Ironically, de la Cierva, who embarked on his autogyro designs in an eort to improve ight
safety, died in 1936 in an airliner crash. It would be left to others to perfect the helicopter, but
gyrocopters remain in use to this day as light recreational aircraft.

Te Cierva C.6 was the worlds rst truly successful rotary-wing aircraft, capable of cross-country ight. Based
on the fuselage from an Avro 504, it used stubby wings for roll control. Tis photo shows how the rotor was spun
up by men pulling on a rope, just like a toy top! (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
Te C.6 demonstrated full 3-axis control,
and the Spanish press called its 7-mile
ight in March 1924 the leap into glory.
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Hobby People
X2
By Charlie Hynes Photos John Reid
With the X2 out of ground
eect, it steeled into a very
stable hover with little stick
movement needed.
T
his is the high-performance X2
helicopter from Hobby People,
which is a coaxial helicopter that
is ready to y out of the box. Te
only thing you will need to add
are four AA batteries into the included 2.4GHz
transmitter. Te LiPo ight pack and AC charger
are included and will take a few minutes to
charge before getting into the air. Out of the
box, everything is installed even the main
rotor blades and canopy. Te 2.4GHz radio
system has switchable sensitivity depending
on whether youre ying indoors or outdoors
and your skill level.
You can also make it an extreme performer
by adding brushless motors, aileron power
assist, video housing with extended landing
gear, a ight height limiter, or LED lights. All of
these options plug into existing wiring (be sure
to read the sidebar and learn how we added all
the above accessories to showcase the stock
and fully modied versions!). Along with global
service and support, this is a very nice package
for someone wanting to get into the 350 class
Adding the brushless motor package will
increase the ight range from 109 yards to 328
yards. Te xed-pitch coaxial rotor system
stability is a given and this larger model is even
more forgiving than some smaller helicopters.
Tis RTF model comes with a charger, a LiPo
ight pack, and a transmitter that is already
bound to the receiver. Its suggested that you
rst charge the ight pack with the included
charger, and that rst charge took 15 minutes.
During that time, I added the four AA batteries
to the transmitter and read the manual.
Within minutes, it was time to test y the X2.
Te LiPo battery can only t into the helicopter
one way. Tere were no straps to hold it in
place, and just a rm push is needed to seat it
in the cradle and allow the canopy to t. When
connecting the large power connectors, the
helicopter has to be on a level surface to let the
gyro set properly.
With the transmitter switched on, it takes a
stick movement to full power and back down
to low power to arm the speed controls. A
beep comes from the transmitter when it is
of helicopters with little to no ying experience.
Te height limiter is intended for beginners
and the aileron assist is designed for advanced
pilots, so you can buy the accessories to t
your intended ying skills. With the video
camera mounted under the heli, the optional
foam and Velcro housing will protect your
camera from the hardest of landings.

UNIQUE FEATURES
Tis 100% factory assembled model can be
own in a large indoor space or outdoors in
wind up to 8mph. Te transmitter also has a
switch to vary the amount of authority on the
sticks so you can tailor the responsiveness to
your surroundings or match the performance
to your ying skills.
Te automatic yaw gyro adds stable ight
characteristics, and with composite plastic
main and metal mainframe components, this
bird comes out light and durable. An aluminum
tail boom holds an Extreme Flyers patented
Anti-Wind Tail Control System so that it makes
contact with the chassis.
Hobby People X2 v2.indd 56 9/26/13 3:41 PM
JANUARY 2014 57
Hobby People
X2
Highlights
+
Fully assembled and trimmed out of the box
+
Durable materials used for rotor blades and skids
+
Flight battery ts without any hold-down straps
or Velcro
+
Box can be used for transportation
Gear Used
Radio: Extreme Flyers 5-channel 2.4GHz (included)
Motors: 180 brushed (two included)
Battery: 3S 11.1V 850mAh 22C LiPo (included)
Main rotors: Molded composite plastic xed-pitch
sets A and B are mirror opposites (included)
Specications
Model: X2
Distributor: Hobby People (hobbypeople.net)
Rotor dia.: 18.75 in.
Length: 20.2 in.
Weight: 16.6 oz.
Radio: Extreme Flyers FHSS 5-channel 2.4GHz
(included)
Power: 180 brushed (two)
Price: $219.99 (accessories shown: $239.95)
With the nose pointed in the wind, the X2
took o like any other helicopter, and what
happened next was a nice surprise it
hovered hands o with little input. Sure,
I threw the sticks around and it stabilized
itself every time despite my eorts to do
otherwise.
In no wind, it was able to y around me
with ease and as the wind came up, it
needed more forward stick to keep its spot
over the landing zone or achieve forward
ight. I did a few takeos and landings and
each time, the little X2 impressed me with
its stability and self-righting tendencies. As
I watched it hover overhead, I noticed that
the tail rotor was turning at times and at
other times it was not.
Being a xed-pitch heli, the X2 wanted to
stay aloft even as the rotor speed slowed
to a visible rotation, and its light weight and
ample power allowed it to oat back into a
nice landing every time. Tis helicopter is a
rst pilots dream.
On initial setup of the brushless motor
installation I had reversed the motor control
wires going into the receiver and that
rendered the gyro useless, causing the
helicopter to spin like a top. If you have a
similar problem, just swap the two leads
into the receiver and everything will be
resolved.
In the Air
With everything installed,
it looks like quite a dierent
machine the camera mount
shown below it is a foam box
suitable for the Go Pro or other
sized video camera.
S
P
E
C
I
A
L

H
E
L
I
C
O
P
T
E
R

S
E
C
T
I
O
N
For the
experienced
pilot, this bird
has so much
lift ability that
carrying a
2-ounce GoPro
camera would be
fun and easy.
ready to y. A quick test hop on the bench
conrmed it was really ready to y, but using
the least sensitive settings proved to be a little
less control than I like. I found that setting three
suited me better indoors.
If you are just starting out, its suggested
to add the height limiter. Te number on the
display has no actual measurement, so some
experimentation will be required to nd the best
number to keep this bird from hitting your ceiling
(if ying indoors). For you advanced pilots, the
recommendation is to have aileron assist.

CONCLUSION
It would probably take a beginner a few lessons
with an experienced pilot by their side to feel
comfortable ying this helicopter. For the
experienced pilot, this bird has so much lift
ability that carrying a 2-ounce GoPro camera
would be fun and easy. On a rst ight, I would
recommend that you resist the temptation
to hover a few inches o the deck and get at
POWER & PERFORMANCE ADD-ONS
We got all of the optional parts for the X2 to try out, including the brushless motors. It was a
fast swap out with only four screws on the main frame holding the landing gear in place, and the
provided screwdrivers are a perfect t for the screws holding the motors to the aluminum plate.
Te upper motor requires the cage to also be removed with two more screws and the lower motor
with the berglass spacer t perfectly from the bottom.
After replacing the motors, I then attached the speed controls to the skids. Since the brushed
motors unplug from the receiver, the new speed controls had to plug into the marked servo plug in
locations.
Te next accessories installed were the aileron assist fans. Tis went together a lot faster than
I expected due to only one of them needing to be wired. Te next accessories were the lights, so
after plugging them into the matching red plug and powering it up, I was able to see which lights
were which color. Placing solid lights and blinking lights in dierent locations is recommended,
which I followed. But you can install them to suit what you like because there is enough slack in the
wires to go either way. I used black electrical tape to secure the wiring but you could also use hot
glue or zip-ties.
Te next optional item I installed was the height limiter and again, the dierent plug was already
wired in so getting them mixed up is next to impossible. Te last optional item I added was the
camera mount with a pre-cutout foam housing designed for a GoPro-type camera. An extended
wire landing gear is included to keep the camera from getting damaged due to any rough landings.
All of these optional add-ons make this helicopter a fun bird for the experienced pilot.
Te wicked good looks are
evident here with all rotors
spinning it is quite impressive
up close.
Here is the height limiter installed the numbers light
up a bright red that can be seen in ight when it gets
overhead.
least 24 inches high before attempting any trim
adjustments.
Stability: Stability is one thing you can count on
with the X2 coaxial helicopter. With indoor ight
becoming more popular, this is sure to be the
helicopter that people will want to try indoors.
Tracking: On the X2, tracking it was very good,
and the nose stayed where I wanted it to be at
all times. Te helicopter would buck and shutter
at some of my control inputs, but just relaxing
the sticks made these tendencies disappear.
Aerobatics: Tis might not be one of the X2s
strongest points. Tis is due to the xed-pitch
and stable ight, which is what it was designed
for. Tat being said, an experienced pilot can
push the envelope to nd this birds limitations.
PILOT DEBRIEFING
You will have such fun with this helicopter that
you will need at least a second or third LiPo
battery pack. Overall, I enjoyed ying the X2
from Hobby People and look forward to seeing
whats next.

1/4H.indd 1 9/24/13 12:33 PM
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LIKE.
FOLLOW.
JOIN.
By John Reid
Easy scale details
for the Hangar 9 P-40B
Custom Corner
I
n the last issue, we added a simple camouage
color scheme to a heat-shrink-covered plane using
inexpensive hardware spray paint. For the example
here I used the Hangar 9 P-40B Warhawk, which you
can see in the before photo. Now we will add some detail
work to the color scheme to make our conversion complete
to the English version of this plane, the Tomahawk. Well
add some new decals and panel lines to nish o this
customization of the P-40 Warhawk, plus I will answer the
red spinner question from last issue.
1
Tis is how the P-40B started out. While it is an actual scheme for a P-40B
Warhawk, there is not much pop to this plane. I could not nd a B-version P-40
with camouage paint, so that is why I went to the other side of the pond for
my color scheme. Te British had a number of B-version aircraft to pick from, so I
selected the one with the most graphics.
2
I started out by applying the decals to the fuselage. I like to use glass cleaner
when working with decals, that way I can lay the decal down and make any
adjustments needed. Here I am using a soft cloth to press out any air bubbles
by starting from the middle and working out to the edge of the decal.
Here is my nished
Kittyhawk ready for its
rst ight in the new
colors.
YOULL NEED
Here are some of the tools required to nish up the P-40 conversion. From left to right, the rst is the three-view
drawing I used to lay out the panel lines, this is the same book from which I pulled the color scheme and aircraft
marking. An assortment of extra-ne felt-tip markers, various size metal exible rulers with cork backing to
protect the nish, and a laser level to lay out the rst panel line to be used as a guide for the rest of the lines. On the
bottom is my sheet of custom-made vinyl decals. I had to order a minimum size sheet, so now I have many other
markings made for future projects.
Custom Corner 0114.indd 60 9/27/13 9:48 AM
JANUARY 2014 61
3
I use a laser level to lay out the longest panel line on the fuselage. Notice that
I level the fuselage to the line; once I have it where I want it, I make a couple
of marks along that line that I will use as a guide for my longest ruler. Te
nice thing about the laser line is that even over a compound curve, it will lay down a
straight line, which is hard to do with even a exible ruler.
WHY THE RED SPINNER?
Last month, I posed the question, Why did the
British put a red spinner on camouage color
scheme? In my research, I could not nd any
denitive answer on that. But I did receive a
couple of responses that are worth noting.
On the ground, a big red spinner means danger,
keep away from my spinning prop. In the air, that
big red spinner becomes a minute red object that
doesnt really hurt the camo job. Beak, RF4b
pilot, USMC, Ret.
No idea why the scheme was used, possibly
to make the thing look more erce than it was
(generally, the Warhawk family had inferior
performance to the opposition, especially at
altitude) but it was only used in desert colors,
not in European colors. John Rutter (Britain),
via Scott McKie
John is correct that the red spinners were
on the desert birds and my color scheme is
from the European theater. Te true color of
the spinner from the plane I copied this color
scheme from was actually gray, the same color
as the underside of the Kittyhawk. However, I
like the red spinner and I can easily change it if
I want to put it into a scale event.
4
With my foundation line, the longest line is
on the fuselage. I can measure from that one
and using other fuselage features, such as the
canopy, lay down all of the other panel lines. I ended
up using a gray felt-tip marker for all of my panel
lines, which worked very well I like the lines to be
noticeable when you are up close to the aircraft.
5
With the fuselage done, I moved on to the wing,
following the same order by laying down the
decals rst. I used low-tack tape and accurate
measurements to mark the location of the wing
symbols, so they match all sides. After laying them
down, I removed the tape and again used the soft
cloth to remove all the air bubbles.
6
Again, I drew on my base (longest) line to use as a measurement point for
all the other lines. I found that the marker would go dry after a line or two. I
purchased three of them and would use one for a line, cap it, and stand it on
the cap, so the tip would be pointed down. Use the other one for a line and cap it
the same way. Tis helped to make sure all of my lines were even.
7
I used
dierent
drafting
templates to
lay down the smaller panels and circles. Tese can
be purchased from any stationary and department
stores.
8
Because this is an electric plane, there is no need
to open up the air intake on the cowl, but I did
want to paint them black. I used a ne-point black
marker to do the job and it worked perfectly. Using a
felt-tip marker on this plane is ne, but it would need a
clear coat of fuel paint if this were a gas or glow aircraft.
A little note: if you make a mistake, you can clean o the
marker line with a little rubbing alcohol.
Final thoughts
I really like the end results and now feel that my plane has a little more color and style with the new layout. While Im sure my design may not be
100% historically accurate, I have a plane that represents the one that RAF ace Sqn. Ldr. Peter Wykeham-Barnes ew in 1941.
Custom Corner 0114.indd 61 9/27/13 9:49 AM

Aerobatics Made Easy
M
ost aerobatic gures contain multiple combinations
of various individual maneuvers. Becoming an expert
aerobatic pilot requires that you practice these individual
elements before trying to conquer a more complex
stunt, and one great individual maneuver to become procient at is the
inverted circle.
Flying an aircraft upside down can be challenging at times. Typically,
this is due to the fact that to maintain altitude, you need to push on the
elevator stick and apply down-elevator, which may seem odd at rst.
Depending on the bank angle that is established at the start of the
maneuver, rudder input is needed to maintain altitude, as higher bank
angles require larger amounts of rudder. Like all things in life, though,
these control inputs will become second nature with proper practice
techniques.
As an example aircraft, we will take a look at the Eratix 3D from
E-ite. It features a rather light wing loading, which makes it perfect for
individuals who are new to the aerobatic world because a lighter wing
loading gives a plane docile ight characteristics at low speeds and will
give the pilot more time to react. As always, we will rst examine some
programming techniques for the aircraft. We will then transition into the
fundamental steps that will make you an expert at performing this stunt!
BEFORE WE BEGIN
For a maneuver like the inverted circle, the low-rate settings that were
recommended from the factory proved to have enough control throw.
However, if your aircraft did not come with an instruction manual, start o
with 15 degrees of control surface deection on all control surfaces.
If you are using a computer radio that oers exponential, using it fully
will prove to be benecial. Common on many radios, exponential softens
how the airplane responds to a certain control input. For example, during
the inverted circle, you may feel that you are only briey touching the
elevator input to initiate the maneuver and the airplane responds more
quickly than youd like. Adding an exponential percentage to the elevator,
in this case, will soften the planes response and make it feel smooth and
more connected to your input. If you are unfamiliar with using exponential,
please only add this percentage in small amounts. Ten, take to the skies
and pay special attention to how the aircraft responds.
Now that the control throw and exponential values are set, lets take
a look at the center of gravity. For a maneuver like this, if the planes
center of gravity is too far back, it will have a tendency to climb while
inverted. Tis ight characteristic is highly undesirable for consistency as
the airplane will become rather unstable at times. If this is the case, shift
the ight battery forward in small increments until the airplane reacts
exactly as desired. I like to y parallel to the runway at full power and then
roll the airplane to inverted to take note of the tracking. If the airplane
dives slightly, the center of gravity is perfect. If it dives excessively, it
is nose-heavy and the ight battery should be moved rearward. On the
other hand, if it climbs, the ight battery should be moved forward as the
aircraft is tail-heavy.
Fly the
Inverted Circle
Four easy steps to master
this fun move
By John Glezellis Illustrations by FX Models
ENTRY: Enter in straight
and level ight.
INVERTED CIRCLE OVERVIEW
With the aircraft ying upright and parallel to the runway at a moderate
speed, perform a half-roll before it passes you. Ten input a little aileron
to initiate the bank followed by down-elevator to start the circle. Youll
need to vary the amount of elevator and aileron input to maintain a
constant bank angle and altitude. It is important to reach the cardinal
points of the circle, and some rudder input may also be needed to keep
the turn coordinated (i.e., keep the nose of the aircraft in the turn). Once
the airplane is directly in front of you and has completed the 360-degree
turn, it can be rolled to upright level ight. Now, lets divide this stunt into
four separate steps:
STEP 1. Orient the aircraft so that it is parallel to the runway and
approaching you (a.k.a. the center position). At about 100 feet before
the airplane reaches center, apply 60% power and begin the half-roll to
inverted ight. In this example, a left half-roll will be executed, so a touch
of left aileron will be applied to roll the airplane inverted.
1
While maintaining
altitude, execute a half
roll to inverted ight.
AeroEZ_InverCircle.indd 62 9/26/13 4:27 PM
JANUARY 2014 63
I LIKE TO FLY PARALLEL TO THE
RUNWAY AT FULL POWER AND THEN
ROLL THE AIRPLANE TO INVERTED TO
TAKE NOTE OF THE TRACKING. IF THE
AIRPLANE DIVES SLIGHTLY, THE CENTER
OF GRAVITY IS PERFECT.
EXIT: Exit
straight
and in level
ight at
the same
altitude and
heading as
the entry.
STEP 2. When ready, bank the airplane by applying a touch of aileron
input. Since the airplane is travelling from left to right and rolling left, bank
it 15 degrees and then input elevator to start the circle. After the rst
cardinal point is met, the nose of the aircraft should be pointed out 90
degrees from where it began. Apply elevator and aileron input to maintain
a constant bank angle and to maintain altitude until the second cardinal
point is met.
STEP 3. Now the maneuver is 50% complete! Continue a constant bank
angle and apply throttle as needed to maintain airspeed. For the best
aerobatic presentation, constant speed is mandatory! Also, depending on
the bank angle of the aircraft, rudder input may be needed to maintain
altitude.
STEP 4. As the airplane approaches the last cardinal point, it should be
directly in front of you. At that point, roll the airplane to inverted ight by
applying a touch of aileron input in the opposite direction of the bank. Tis
will get the airplane back to inverted ight and parallel to the runway. Ten
you can either stay inverted or perform a half roll to upright level ight.
Like all maneuvers, proper practice is mandatory. A maneuver like the
inverted circle can become somewhat tedious as the orientation of the
airplane may become di cult at times for the aerobatic newbie. Most
will experience some orientation issues when the aircraft nears the 75%
completion point as the airplane will be headed toward you. At this point,
it is important to know proper roll directions and what elevator input is
needed to maintain altitude. Keeping the airspeed somewhat low and
having a generous amount of altitude is benecial and will give you time to
respond to various corrections that may be needed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You have now learned how to not only properly program and set up your
plane, but also how to perform the inverted circle. When youre familiar
with your airplane, its orientation at all stages of the maneuver as well as
the inputs needed, you can bring the maneuver down to just inches from
the ground at higher speeds to really impress the crowds inverted ight
is always a show-stopper!
DIGITAL
EXTRA!
Get exclusive
video in our
digital edition.
Te Eratix 3D from
E-ite is an excellent
yer to practice inverted
maneuvers.
2
When the plane is directly
in front of you, bank
the model with left aileron,
right rudder, and slight down
elevator to maintain altitude.
5
When the maneuver is complete
and the plane is in front of you,
execute a half roll to the left, back to
upright, and then exit the maneuver.
3
Continue to apply slight
correction of down
elevator and left aileron to
maintain a constant bank
angle and altitude.
4
Continue a constant bank angle
and adjust throttle for constant
airspeed and use rudder to maintain a
constant circle radius.
AeroEZ_InverCircle.indd 63 9/26/13 4:27 PM
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A
Dave Perrones Giant Flying Razor
A super-detailed Fokker D.VIII
Tailview
By Gerry Yarrish
As we near the end of the ying
season in New England, there are
two events in New York that draw
some pretty impressive models.
Tey are the WW I Jamboree at the
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and the
NEAT Fair in Downsville. Someone
I bumped into at both events was
expert WW I scale modeler and
RC pilot Dave Perrone of Pittseld,
MA. Dave was ying his beautifully
executed WW I Fokker D.VIII parasol
ghter. Dave and I chatted, and
heres what he had to say about his
impressive "ying razor."
Tell us a little about your impressive
aircraft.
I wanted something new since I have
been ying my 1/3-scale Fokker
D.VI for a couple of years, and the
D.VIII was on my list of planes to
build. It is a Glenn Torrance Model
(GTM) design and it is also 1/3-
scale. It has a 114-inch wingspan,
is 78 inches in length, and weighs
about 28 pounds with batteries. Te
fuselage is built using hardwood dowels for the framework and I tried to
use the same design and building techniques that were used on the full-
size D.VIII. Similar to the full size, the wing is sheeted with thin plywood
and nished with stain from the Schimek Holzbeize
company in Austria. Back in 1918, they supplied the
same stain to the Fokker Aircraft Company and are from
the original aircrafts bill of materials! Te pattern is of
Echim Engels reproduction aircraft. I covered the stain
with several coats of clear shellac and a nal sprayed-on coat.
Te fabric is GTM 4-color lozenge covering, which really brings out
the models scale look. Its sewn together into panels and applied with
Aleenes fabric glue and nished with Randolph clear
nitrate and butyrate dope.
What is the power system and radio setup?
I did not want to do a lot of experimenting, so I copied
the same setup I have in my Fokker D.VI biplane. Te
D.VIII has an AXI 5360/20 brushless motor spinning
a 30x20 prop. Power comes from a 12S LiPo (two 6S
5000mAh packs in series) battery, which is managed
by a Castle Creations HV 85 speed control. Tis setup
easily provides over 10 minutes of ight duration.
I use a Futaba 10CAG transmitter with 3305 Futaba
servos and two receivers, one in the wing for the ailerons and one in the
fuselage for rudder, elevator, and throttle. I did this to eliminate any visible
servo lead wires along the cabane struts.
Now for the big question how does it y?
Te maiden ight was several weeks back and it ies like a trainer and
in 1/3-scale, the model performs much better than my 1/4-scale D.VIII.
Teres plenty of power on tap and it takes only 30 or 40 feet to become
airborne. It presents itself well in the air and has less of a tendency of bad
ground handling or ground looping. Te plane lands very nicely; again, with
no bad ground habits during the runout.
Dave's Flying Razor is detailed inside and out. Here you see the stained plywood
nish of the wing and the machine guns.
QUICK SPECS
Model: Fokker D.VIII
Wingspan: 114 in.
Length: 78 in.
Weight: 28 lb.
Power: AXI 5360/20
brushless motor
Prop: 30x20
Time to build: 2.5 years
Caught on the ightline at the
NEAT Fair, Dave shows o his
impressive 1/3-scale Fokker
D.VIII. It is a Glenn Torrance
Models' design.
tailview0114.indd 66 9/26/13 3:43 PM

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