RC aeronomalies

Model Airplane News, Sep 2000 by Sharp, Debra

Have you ever seen an RC lampshade? How about a flying clarinet? Outlandish and unusual electric-powered RC models are commonplace at the annual Inter-Ex Fly-In in the Netherlands, where innovative, creative modelers gather to put on a one-of-a-kind RC show. Model Airplane News overseas reporter Guy Revel attended this past year's festivities and shares his photos and story on page 44. Guy also gives us the scoop on "Truefly," which might be the world's first successful, amateur-built RC ornithopter. This ingenious design has rigid wings (like those of conventional RC planes), and it derives all of its propulsion and lift from flapping them as a bird would. If this article inspires you to experiment with your own RC "oddity," please take a photo of it and send it to us at Model Airplane News so that we can share it with the rest of our readers.

FLYING ON FLOATS

Q: what beats RC flying all day at the field on a beautiful summer day? A: flying at the pond! Nearly any RC plane can be outfitted with floats, and veteran model builder and flier Jim Onorato shows you how easy it is to use a pond or a lake as a flying field in this month's "Guide to Flying with Floats." This article tells you how to choose the right plane to equip with floats, covers basic float construction, setup and rigging and offers tips for flying off water. We've also included a guide to commercially available floats and a list of floatfly events and meets for you to mark on your calendar.

FROM JETS TO MICRO-FLYERS

In this issue, we offer Field and Bench reviews of a detailed, prefabricated ducted-fan jet; an incredibly scale ARF with retracts; a midsize, built-up aerobat and an indoor/outdoor park flyer. In his review of the Yellow Aircraft F/A-18 Hornet, Bob Boswell shares his experiences building the highly detailed, fiberglass and foam model. Next, Chris Chianelli shows just how easy it can be to get into scale with his MRC/Altech EZ Zero, a high-quality ARF that comes with scale markings, rivet and panel-line detail and even weathering. Those of you who like to spend a little more time in the shop will appreciate Keith Palmer's insights into building the Great Planes Giles G-202, a 60-inchspan aerobat that features tab-and-slot construction. Last but not least, Dave Garwood builds a Dave's Aircraft Works PF-5 electric park flyer and then teaches his wife to fly RC at an indoor ice arena.

Whether it's off-beat, off-thewater, or indoors, there are more ways to enjoy RC airplanes than ever before.