Model Airplane News July 2022

The Radio Control Expo, or RCX, celebrates everything RC—from planes, helicopters and drones to race cars and rock crawlers. I think the combination of all types of radio control is what makes RCX special: we love things that fly but we can also appreciate the raw performance of a racecar, and RCX gives us the opportunity to see all aspects of this great sport under one roof (and outside!). Don’t miss our full coverage of the nonstop action at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, and be sure to stay tuned for the dates for next year’s show, which is being planned. We all know that having a good flight instructor is the best way to learn how to fly RC airplanes, but what if you aren’t near any local clubs or…

P-47 THUNDERBOLT Fazeel Khan, Oxford, Ohio Built from the Top Flite kit, Fazeel’s 61-inch-span warbird is powered by a Zenoah G20 turning a Xoar 16 x 8 prop. The model has Oratex covering and UniLight lights, and Fazeel notes that the model’s Electron retracts and Eurokitshop hydraulic struts operate flawlessly. He adds that his warbird “Lands smoothly with full flaps, but it’s necessary to keep some power applied till flare due to the large drag.” PETE E Mark Sirianni, Kane, Pennsylvania Named after Mark’s son, this 42-inch-span, scratch-built sport flyer is all built up balsa. It’s powered by an Axi 2217/16 motor turning an APC 11 x 5 propeller. Aluminum gear and Du-bro light wheels make grass-field takeoffs quick and easy. TIGER MOTH Denis Brazeau, Sarnia, Ontario Denis writes that his flying buddy and founding member of the…

PERFECT RIBS For those of you that enjoy totally scratch building, here is a trick for making identical ribs for a wing. Cut balsa rectangles for the length and height of the rib, then use rubber cement down the middle of the balsa, not up to the edges. Put a weight on them over night. Trace your template on the top piece of balsa. Cut to size with a table jig or other, then sand to the exact shape you need, drill holes or cut out the middle according to your needs. Use a sharp knife to separate, and you can then just rub off the rubber cement and you are good to go. Lee Wick, Ypsilanti, Michigan AIR TANK SOLUTION I was trying to come up with a way to mount Robart’s big…

SPEKTRUM NX10SE This special-edition transmitter provides experienced pilots with next-level radio control. Along with Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3.2-inch color display, and built-in Smart Technology support, the NX10SE has machined aluminum gimbals with magnetic encoders for advanced precision, optional orange switch nuts and orange grip set, and short, medium, and long stick ends for customization. It also comes with a protective foam case with pockets for tools and accessories. The NX10SE costs $799.99. spektrumrc.com FLEX INNOVATIONS PIRAÑA Designed by Quique Somenzini, the 6S Piraña offers wide speed envelope and is capable of crazy aerobatics. Easy to transport, its wing halves and fins are removable. The Piraña comes with a 1200Kv motor, APC 6.5 x 6.5 propeller, installed servos, and internally mounted LED lights. Also available in yellow, Piraña costs $239.99. flexinnovations.com SEAGULL NEMESIS This 80.5-inch-span ARF racer can…

Hitec RCD D645MW High-Torque Servo Part of the Hitec D-Series servo line, the D645MW is a 32-bit, high-torque servo with metal gears. With a 4096 resolution, it delivers significantly smoother movement and operates on a wide 4.8 to 8.4V range, allowing you to use any common receiver battery without the need for a voltage regulator. The 25-tooth output spline with 3mm hex arm attachment screw features dual ball-bearing support for the output shaft. The D645MW has a programmable PWM digital amplifier and features programmable endpoint adjustments, servo direction, dead band, servo speed (slower) and soft start rate. The D645MW also has a fail safe function, overload protection, program reset, and a Data Save/Load. I have used several of these smooth, powerful $43.99 servos in my RC airplanes, including my .30-powered fun-fly Mini-Buckle and my…

This year’s Radio Control Expo, better known as RCX, brought a weekend of nonstop action and excitement to the Fairplex in Pomona, California March 26th and 27th! The event brought together thousands of spectators and RC enthusiasts for a full weekend of fun that showcased the best in new products, Try-Me driving, product discounts and giveaways, full-size show cars, planes, helicopters, FPV drones, rock crawlers, and more. A huge crowd-pleaser this year was the Toyota Horizon Hydrogen Grand Prix. Onlooks packed the stands overlooking the huge track as students raced fuel-cell-powered RC cars that they had designed, engineered and built themselves. And as a bonus, RCX attendees were also able to experience the California Power Sports and Outdoor Adventure Expos, also at the Fairplex that weekend. RCX 2023 is already…