latest in giant scale, The

Model Airplane News, Jun 2002 by Yarrish, Gerry

THINKING BIG

If you live in the Northeast, one sure-fire sign that the winter building season is drawing to an end is the annual WRAM show in White Plains, NY. Every year, thousands of modelers trek to this modeling mecca to show off their latest projects and for a preview of things to come from the RC model industry. Hosted by the Westchester Radio Aero Modelers club, the 2002 show (the 34th) A was definitely worth the trip.

REALLY BIG STUFF

At this year's show, it was obvious that very big aerobatic models are in vogue. Several companies showed almost-ready-to-fly unlimited aerobatic planes in the 150cc engine-displacement range. Being able to see these Tournament-of-Champion-- size aircraft up close is a great way to observe the latest trends. Typically, these giants have three servos per aileron, four servos for elevator and at least two servos for rudder control. For the ultimate in system redundancy, many pilots split their onboard RC systems in two by using a left- and a right-side receiver, battery pack and switch harness to control the servos on either side of the aircraft. Considering how much you can invest in one of these beauties, I'd say that installing a redundant radio system is a very good idea.

RC SHOWCASE REVOLUTION

I spoke with Mike Dooley of RC Showcase about the company's awesome-looking, all-composite, almost-ready-to-fly Velox Revolution. Manufactured by Krill, the 47-percent-scale model has a 135-inch wingspan, weighs about 50 pounds and is intended for the ZDZ 210 twin-cylinder gasoline engine. The finish on this molded-Kevlar and carbon-fiber beauty is flawless. The model basically comes as you see it in the picture and is ready for engine and radio installation. The most difficult part about this project would probably be finding a 47-percent-scale pilot figure to put under that beautifully molded canopy.

J'TEC RADIOCRAFT EXTRA 330LX

Next to our booth was an impressive Extra 330LX ARE A scaled-- up version of the popular J'Tec RadioCraft 35-percent aerobat, this ARF has a 123-inch span and 2,745 square inches of wing area. Weighing 38 pounds, the Extra has a respectable wing loading of 32 ounces per square foot. Designed around a 150cc-size engine, the 40-percent-scale 330LX comes with an engine-mounting box completely built, and right engine thrust is already incorporated into the structure. Pilot holes have also been drilled in the firewall for either the Desert Aircraft DAISO or the 3W 150 engine. Made from laser-cut balsa and plywood parts, it has fully sheeted foamcore wing panels and horizontal stabilizer panels.

ZIROLI'S VENGEANCE

Always ready to show something new at the WRAM show, Nick Ziroli Sr. displayed his latest warbird project high above the Nick Ziroli Plans booth. Sporting an unpainted epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth finish, Nick's Vultee A-31 Vengeance is a replica of an early American-built dive-bomber used in the South Pacific during WW II. Designed around a Zenoah G-62, the 1/6-scale A-31 has a 96-inch span. The model uses Robart no. 150 90-degree rotating retractable landing gear (P-40 style) and has wing flaps. Nick's plan as well as a

fiberglass engine cowl and a molded greenhouse canopy will be available soon. The model uses traditional balsa and plywood construction, with formers assembled over a flat stick-built alignment crutch. If you want something just a little bit different for the flying field, Nick's Vengeance should do the trick.

LANIER LASER 200

The new IMAA- and IMAC-legal 1/3-scale Laser 200 ARF from Lanier RC has a 96-inch wingspan and 1,596 square inches of wing area. Its fuselage is 79 inches long, and the model is intended for 3.2 to 4.2 2-stroke and 2.4 to 3.0 4-stroke engines. With an estimated flying weight of from 17 to 22 pounds, the new Laser should be a performer and have excellent landing characteristics. Part of Lanier's 21st Century ARF line, the kit comes with nearly everything you need except radio equipment and an engine. High-quality hardware is included. The model has removable wings that are strengthened with an aluminum spar. A factory-painted fiberglass engine cowl and wheel pants match the covering precisely. If you're looking for a new aerobatic giant, Lanier's new Laser 200 is a classic design that delivers.

KANGKE LASER 2000

Super Kraft planes are manufactured by Kangke Industrial and use traditional balsa and plywood construction. The new 87-inch Laser 2000 is completely jig-built at the factory with plug-in wing panels and is covered with Oracover film. Intended for experienced fliers, the Laser has 1,275 square inches of wing area and should weigh between 16 and 18 pounds. Ideally suited for 40 to SOcc gasoline engines, the kit comes with painted fiberglass cowl, engine mount, landing gear, control horns, fuel tank, wheels and all necessary hardware and instructions.

S.I. MODELS WEEKS SOLUTION

S.I. Models provides a custom model airplane CAD service that offers model plan development, plotting/printing services and custom model aircraft graphics. The company also offers a plan for a beautiful 33-percent-scale Weeks Solution modeled after the full-size aircraft built by Kermitt Weeks. It weighs 194 pounds and is powered by a Zenoah G62. S.I. Models also offers an assembled cabane structure, landing gear, canopy, a CD with construction photos, and a short kit with fuselage sides, wing ribs and other parts. The construction plans a are $40 each; the construction CD is $10; the complete hardware package is $115; and the wood short kit is $220. A 42-percent Solution is also available. For information, contact Tom Lowrie, RD 3, Box 153, Dalton, PA 18414; tom@simodels.com, or call (570) 563-1445.