Model Airplane News September 2022

FOR THE DIY CROWD In this issue we have an extra treat for builders with two feature articles for the DIY crowd. First we have a Pilot Report on an Old School Models Works One-O Nine Sunday Fighter. This kit is a builder’s delight, and perfect for pilots who want to bring a unique aircraft to the field. We also have a construction article, the Pete-E 3 designed by Mark Sirianni. This 42-inch-span electric sport aerobat is a straightforward build, and a short kit is available from LasercutUSA.com. AT THE FIELD In this month’s Flight Technique feature, Dave Scott of 1st U.S. R/C Flight School continues his series on altitude control and positioning, with tips on turnaround maneuvers that will allow you to take advantage of crosswinds instead of fearing them. Learning how…

SHOWCASING WHAT YOU BUILD & FLY | EMAIL ENTRIES TO: MAN@AIRAGE.COM PILOT PROJECT OF THE MONTH Doug writes that this model “was started by my brother Ross Woodcock, a well-known scale aeromodeller here. Ross started the build in mid-2016 but shortly after passed away. I took over the build and recently completed it.” The 88-inchspan aircraft was built from a set of modified Phil Noel plans and is powered by four Waypoint E Series outrunners. It weighs 17 pounds. The Quantas Airlines scheme features custom artwork from Callie Graphics. SPIRIT OF SEATTLE Don Parker, Des Moines, Washington Don designed this 24-inch-span indoor 3D plane. It’s powered by an 8-gram electric brushless Hobby King motor and uses a Spektrum radio system. It only has skids as it’s so light no wheels are required. The “Spirit” is…

IRON-ON HINGES This hinging method provides free movement with no air gap. Cut two strips of 3/4-inch-wide MonoKote the length of the control surface. Overlap the two strips, with one strip upside-down, by about the width of a small trim seal tool. Then run the tool down the overlap to bond the strips together. Cut the result into pieces about 1/2-to 3/4-inch wide and interlace them on the control surface and the trailing edge. These hinges will last years! Cameron Cook, Columbia, Illinois EASY SPAR ID I have several planes with carbon-fiber spars, and I’m always concerned that I’ll modify a spar for a plane by mistake or take the wrong spar to the flying field and not be able to fly. I solved the problem by using a silver or gold Sharpie to…

OLD SCHOOL MODEL WORKS FIFTY-ONE SUNDAY FIGHTER Fast and maneuverable, this fully sheeted, 44.5-inch-span Mustang is designed for a 350+ watt electric motor or .25 glow engine. The kit features interlocking, laser-cut parts and comes with hardware that’s made in the USA. The Fifty-One has dual ailerons and a removeable wing for easy transport. It costs $169.95. oldschoolmodels.com E-FLITE UMX TIMBER X Capable of flying in small areas, this 22.45-inch-span STOL aircraft has a 3S-compatible power system that delivers the 3D performance of an all-out aerobat! This BNF Basic model has optional SAFE Select flight envelope protection and comes with functional, factory-installed landing, navigation, and strobe lights. It costs $169.99. horizonhobby.com RBC KITS BAE HAWK Intended for intermediate builders and pilots, this jet is intended for a 90mm Evo EDF system and 8 to 10S 5,000mAh LiPo.…

Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) jets are ubiquitous at flying fields everywhere. The performance of LiPo batteries and electric power systems has come a long way in the last several years and jets are more the norm than the exception. EDF systems with 9-, 10-, and even 12-blade fans have done away with what I like to call the “angry hair dryer” sound and bring a nice throaty turbine-like sound that is pleasing to the ear. Yet there is still something missing, that last bit of realism. Enter LED afterburner rings. They glow when the throttle is advanced—some of them even flicker—but they still look like a ring of LEDs in the tail pipe. Recently companies have introduced the “center burner.” Unlike an afterburner ring, the center burner is mounted to the…

AT A GLANCE Model: One-O Nine Sunday Fighter Manufacturer: Old School Model Works (oldschoolmodels.com) Wingspan: 44.5 in. Pilot skill level: Intermediate Time to build: 30 to 35 hours Power req’d: .25 glow or 350+ watt electric Radio req’d: 4-channel Price: $169.95 Kit manufacturer Old School Model Works (OSMW) has been around for many years, manufacturing easy to build kits. Their One-O Nine is no exception and includes excellent quality laser-cut balsa and ply sheets, uncut stock, and a basic hardware pack to complete the build. For hardware you will need to source a set of flexible pushrods and a motor mount. Designed to hand launch, the model doesn’t require landing gear, which saves weight and simplifies the build. The fully sheeted fuselage and wing construction results in a very rigid and durable airframe. The kit is designed to be…