Airwaves

Model Airplane News, May 2000

THE KRC LEGACY LIVES ON

For nearly 20 years, the Keystone R/C Club of Hatfield, PA, held a yearly electric model fly-in known simply as "KRC." At first, as e-power was in its infancy, there were few participants, but as the years went on, the number of attendees increased to a point at which the event outgrew two model airfields. The last three meets attracted more than 250 pilots (some from overseas), who brought along hundreds of models, and more than 2,500 spectators-quite a feat for a small RC club!

In the spring of 1999, club members determined that they were no longer able to run and manage this continually growing exposition, and many modelers were disappointed. The wave of electric flight wasn't nearly ready to crest; owing in no small part to the KRC event, it is slowly becoming a tidal wave.

During the 1999 fun-fly season in the Northeast, many expressed a desire to see "KRC" revived in some form. E-power flyins that had traditionally been small attracted modelers who had previously attended KRC. These modelers wanted to see some of the best e-modelers fly their models, to talk with them and learn from them and visit vendors' exhibits. Clearly, the growing sport of electric model aviation could support a follow-on event.

Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island (SEFLI) has stepped up to the challenge and will host the next large-scale electric model fly-in in the Northeast. Called the Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology Fair (NEAT Fair), it will be held at the same time of year as the KRC meet (the third weekend in September) in Downsville, NY. The Peaceful Valley Campgrounds (www.peaceful-valley.com) site is a bit rustic, but the facility is huge and offers something for both overnight modelers and day-trippers. Downsville is about a 2 1/2-hour drive northwest of New York City-still close enough to attract the large crowds that the KRC event did. Plans are just being formulated for 2000; however, I know NEAT Fair will offer modelers a chance to see some of the most impressive electricpowered models east of the Mississippi. Check out the NEAT website at www.nyblimp.com/neat.htm for updated information.

SEFLI members would like to thank the Keystone R/C club for all of its hard work over the last two decades. We sincerely hope that the new meet will continue the proud tradition that KRC started so many years ago.

HENRY PREW President SEFLI

USING A GYRO?

I saw an F4U Corsair that had a gyro in it, What reason is there to put a gyro in a plane? [email

JAY KRUG

Jay, though originally designed for use with model helicopters, gyros (especially piezoelectric gyros) are being used more and more in fixedwing aircraft. Rudder control is where most modelers use one. In jet aircraft the gyro smoothes out the takeoff and landing rollouts. On taildragger aircraft such as the F4U Corsair, engine torque and P factor can add to the challenge of making good takeoffs and landings, and the gyro calms things down. In hot dog, freestyle aerobat ics and 3D com(petitions, gyros can be used on all the control surfaces (including ailerons) to help with maneuvers such as torque rolls and hovers. As the cost of gyros steadily decreases, they become more attractive to fixed-wing RC modelers. Hope this helps. GY

Y-SHAPED PUSHRODS

Hi! I've been into RC for about eight years and have built several planes, including a Top Flite P-51, a Lanier 1/3scale Extra 3005 and a Goldberg Ultimate Bipe. I am now assembling the Hangar 9 Cap 232, but I am having a terrible time putting together the wooden dowel and threaded rods for the elevator. I just can't seem to get everything to fit. I read your "Field & Bench" review. Do you have any tips that might help me get it together correctly? I plan to power it with a YS 1.40 on a Hyde engine mount.

JOHN DODRILL, Beaumont, CA

John, it has been a while since Ibuilt and reviewed the H9 Cap 232, but here's what I did: l did not actually measure things when I installed the Y-shaped elevator pushrod. I usually install the elevator servo and mark its approximate location on the bottom of the fuselage. I then cut the two exit slots on the sides of the fuselage and install the elevator horns. Then, by laying out the dowel and pushrod wires,Imake the pushrod of the approximate length needed. I add the devises and align them with the elevator hinge line. ThenItape the dowel to the fuse bottom and measure from its end to the elevator servo. I attach the straight front pushrod wire and make it about an inch longer than needed.

When installing the pushrod, insert two lengths of outer Nyrod tube through the exit holes and into the radio compartment. Slip the "Y" ends of the pushrods into the Nyrod tubes and tape the rods and tubes together. Then, while pulling the tubes out push the pushrod into the aft section of the fuselage. Its ends will come out of the exit slots. You may have to squeeze the pushrod wires together slightly as they pass through the built up former in the aft fuselage, but the Nyrod trick usually works pretty well. Give it a try. GY