July 2021 Articles

• This method actually pulls struts into compression (just like those on a full-size biplane). Bend a bicycle spoke 90 degrees at one end, and slip it into a nylon tube (a) that’s fixed to the top spar. Fair the spoke with balsa and give it a broad base at each end so that the two […]

  

  Interplane Strut Attachment

  This method actually pulls struts into compression (just like those on a full-size biplane). Bend a bicycle spoke 90 degrees at one end, and slip it into a nylon tube (a) that’s fixed to the top spar. Fair the spoke with balsa and give it a broad base at each end so that the two […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• If you’re aspiring to become a better aerobatic pilot, you are, no doubt, constantly searching to add exciting maneuvers to your flight routine. The best aerobatic pilots are skilled at combining certain elements from one maneuver with elements from another. Let’s talk this time about combining a snap roll with your takeoff, to draw attention […]

  

  Takeoff with a 1 1/2 Positive Snap Roll

  If you’re aspiring to become a better aerobatic pilot, you are, no doubt, constantly searching to add exciting maneuvers to your flight routine. The best aerobatic pilots are skilled at combining certain elements from one maneuver with elements from another. Let’s talk this time about combining a snap roll with your takeoff, to draw attention […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• Editor’s note: Please note that these techniques are good for close estimations and will get your model balanced in the ballpark well within the proper CG range so that it is safe to test-fly. We’re not taking into account unusual configurations or lifting tail surfaces. It happens too often, unfortunately: Someone with a brand new […]

  

  Center of Gravity Basics – The secret to a plane that flies well

  Editor’s note: Please note that these techniques are good for close estimations and will get your model balanced in the ballpark well within the proper CG range so that it is safe to test-fly. We’re not taking into account unusual configurations or lifting tail surfaces. It happens too often, unfortunately: Someone with a brand new […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• Over the years, I’ve seen many giant-scale modelers suffer some sort of a failure that ended with a damaged aircraft. I have experienced a few situations myself. While flying my Hangar 9 30cc DHC-2 Beaver, I experienced a rough takeoff when a wheel collar loosened, causing the wheel to come off. The landing-gear leg hit […]

  

  Don’t Trash that Crash! Pro tips for light strong aircraft repairs

  Over the years, I’ve seen many giant-scale modelers suffer some sort of a failure that ended with a damaged aircraft. I have experienced a few situations myself. While flying my Hangar 9 30cc DHC-2 Beaver, I experienced a rough takeoff when a wheel collar loosened, causing the wheel to come off. The landing-gear leg hit […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• FMS Dassault Rafale Like its full-scale counterpart, the FMS 80mm Rafale features fully functional canards and flaps for amazing performance. It also comes with a pilot figure, cockpit interior and panels, removable armament, auxiliary fuel tanks, refueling probe, targeting sensor, LED navigation and landing lights, and CNC-machined, shock-absorbing electric retracts. Priced at $518, this jet […]

  

  On the Flightline – New Products

  FMS Dassault Rafale Like its full-scale counterpart, the FMS 80mm Rafale features fully functional canards and flaps for amazing performance. It also comes with a pilot figure, cockpit interior and panels, removable armament, auxiliary fuel tanks, refueling probe, targeting sensor, LED navigation and landing lights, and CNC-machined, shock-absorbing electric retracts. Priced at $518, this jet […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• Valley View RC Dual-Switch w/ Fuel Dot If you pride yourself on producing a sharp, professional-looking RC airplane, then Valley View RC Miracle Switches are for you. Available in various layouts, these switches come with an anodized, CNC-machined aluminum case available in Blue, Silver and Red. Priced at $44.95, the Dual Miracle Switch (with fuel […]

  

  New Releases – Model Airplane News Approved

  Valley View RC Dual-Switch w/ Fuel Dot If you pride yourself on producing a sharp, professional-looking RC airplane, then Valley View RC Miracle Switches are for you. Available in various layouts, these switches come with an anodized, CNC-machined aluminum case available in Blue, Silver and Red. Priced at $44.95, the Dual Miracle Switch (with fuel […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• Darren built this 54-inch-span model from Paul Denson’s plans in RCM and covered it with Missile Red MonoKote. A Magnum XL .25 engine provides the get-up-and-go. Darren adds, “If you have ever built a balsa model airplane, you have the experience required to build this full-scale ultralight.” Darren Gibson, Eau Claire, Wisonsin

  

  Team Hi-Max Ultralight

  Darren built this 54-inch-span model from Paul Denson’s plans in RCM and covered it with Missile Red MonoKote. A Magnum XL .25 engine provides the get-up-and-go. Darren adds, “If you have ever built a balsa model airplane, you have the experience required to build this full-scale ultralight.” Darren Gibson, Eau Claire, Wisonsin
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• Terry built this 1/4-scale model of the classic aircraft using 1978 RCM plans. He just used the outline and built it light, in the style of a Sig Senior Kadet, to save weight. He covered it in Oratex and added rib-stitching. His son Jeff provided the base coat of automotive paint. The 10-pound Tri Pacer […]

  

  Piper Tri Pacer

  Terry built this 1/4-scale model of the classic aircraft using 1978 RCM plans. He just used the outline and built it light, in the style of a Sig Senior Kadet, to save weight. He covered it in Oratex and added rib-stitching. His son Jeff provided the base coat of automotive paint. The 10-pound Tri Pacer […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• To make neat pushrod guides for micro RC fliers, I use giant-scale Du-Bro hinges as shown. I attach the clevis to the control horn (rudder or elevator) and then mark where the guide needs to go. I cut a slot, insert it, and adjust its position for no-bind control surface movement. Then I add some […]

  

  Micro Pushrod Guides

  To make neat pushrod guides for micro RC fliers, I use giant-scale Du-Bro hinges as shown. I attach the clevis to the control horn (rudder or elevator) and then mark where the guide needs to go. I cut a slot, insert it, and adjust its position for no-bind control surface movement. Then I add some […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• I like airplanes that, well, look line airplanes. You know, they look like you could hop in, fire up the go-power, and have a lot of fun flying. I also like a ship with nice lines and moments that just look right. So this time out, I thought a nice, new, original design would be […]

  

  The Pharaoh – Easy to build sport aerobat with a pyramid full of power!

  I like airplanes that, well, look line airplanes. You know, they look like you could hop in, fire up the go-power, and have a lot of fun flying. I also like a ship with nice lines and moments that just look right. So this time out, I thought a nice, new, original design would be […]
  $1.99 Already added to Cart

• Inspired by Pat Tritle’s construction article in our December 2020 issue, Glenn built the 26-inch-span HooDoo using plans (X1220A) from the AirAgeStore.com. Glenn writes, “It’s fairly easy to build and tough. I have not hit the 40-second flights yet as weather has been windy and cold. Sure like the airplane. Glides well!” Glenn Nigh, Grimsby, […]

  

  HooDoo

  Inspired by Pat Tritle’s construction article in our December 2020 issue, Glenn built the 26-inch-span HooDoo using plans (X1220A) from the AirAgeStore.com. Glenn writes, “It’s fairly easy to build and tough. I have not hit the 40-second flights yet as weather has been windy and cold. Sure like the airplane. Glides well!” Glenn Nigh, Grimsby, […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many RC modelers and pilots have been awaiting a little bit of normalcy to come back to the flightline. One of the first big events for 2021 is the Florida Jets event in Lakeland, Florida. Recently, we chatted with our buddy and RC jet competitor Boli Muentes, and we received […]

  

  Bob Violett’s 16S eBandit flies again

  Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, many RC modelers and pilots have been awaiting a little bit of normalcy to come back to the flightline. One of the first big events for 2021 is the Florida Jets event in Lakeland, Florida. Recently, we chatted with our buddy and RC jet competitor Boli Muentes, and we received […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• If you’re an experienced pilot who’s looking for a plug-and-play intro to electric jets, this quick-build, high-performance model deserves your attention. Underneath the eye-popping, tiger-striped livery of J-4053, the historic Swiss Air Force jet of Fliegerstaffell 11 is an EPO airframe with a laser-cut lite ply battery tray and carbon-fiber wing and horizontal stabilizer reinforcement […]

  

  Dynam/Bitgo Hobby Hawker Hunter 70mm – This easy-build jet is a great intro to EDFs

  If you’re an experienced pilot who’s looking for a plug-and-play intro to electric jets, this quick-build, high-performance model deserves your attention. Underneath the eye-popping, tiger-striped livery of J-4053, the historic Swiss Air Force jet of Fliegerstaffell 11 is an EPO airframe with a laser-cut lite ply battery tray and carbon-fiber wing and horizontal stabilizer reinforcement […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• As the saying goes, a good landing is the result of a good approach. While that’s certainly true, like everything else in life, there’s always more to it. That is, if you’ve been around aviation for a while, you’ve often been told what the airplane is supposed to do in each landing circumstance, but understanding […]

  

  Spot Landings and Landing over Obstacles – Control your touchdown location

  As the saying goes, a good landing is the result of a good approach. While that’s certainly true, like everything else in life, there’s always more to it. That is, if you’ve been around aviation for a while, you’ve often been told what the airplane is supposed to do in each landing circumstance, but understanding […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• When I need to form a hole in balsa sheeted areas of my airplane. I use a brass tube of the correct diameter and then I bevel the inside surface of the end with a hobby knife to form a sharp cutting edge. I place it on the model surface and press lightly while twisting. […]

  

  Neat Holes

  When I need to form a hole in balsa sheeted areas of my airplane. I use a brass tube of the correct diameter and then I bevel the inside surface of the end with a hobby knife to form a sharp cutting edge. I place it on the model surface and press lightly while twisting. […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• I knew at the moment I received the Legend Hobby A-1 Skyraider 86”, that it needed the full treatment. It’s such an impressive looking and flying model and there’s just something about the A-1 Skyraider that I love. So, in my research of the A-1 Skyraider, I came across a specific scheme I liked and […]

  

  The ‘Raider Repaint – Painting and weathering the Legend Hobby A-1 Skyraider

  I knew at the moment I received the Legend Hobby A-1 Skyraider 86”, that it needed the full treatment. It’s such an impressive looking and flying model and there’s just something about the A-1 Skyraider that I love. So, in my research of the A-1 Skyraider, I came across a specific scheme I liked and […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart

• Mixed emotions. That’s how we would describe the 2021 edition of Florida Jets. On the plus side, travel and mask restrictions are starting to ease up and between that and the improving weather, the modeling community was starting to get ready for some flying. There was a certain optimism in the air for this, the […]

  

  Florida Jets – Afterburner (and electric!) jet action at Paradise Field

  Mixed emotions. That’s how we would describe the 2021 edition of Florida Jets. On the plus side, travel and mask restrictions are starting to ease up and between that and the improving weather, the modeling community was starting to get ready for some flying. There was a certain optimism in the air for this, the […]
  $1.99 $1.99 - Add to cart