Hot field accessories for RC pilots

Model Airplane News, Dec 2002 by Yarrish, Gerry

From helping to fill the model's fuel tank and start the engine to holding our models securely so we can work on them safely, field accessories are an important Dart of our hobby. Several of them Increase safety, and many are absolutely necessary for getting our models Into the air. The list of ground-- support equipment Is an Impressive one, but for beginners, just learning what's available can be a daunting task. If you're In the market for pit-area accessories, you're In luck!

Let's take a closer look at some of these field-box filler-- uppers. When you get to a point In the hobby where you want a little more convenience, collecting field accessories can become a very enjoyable pastime In Itself! You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy using many of these great time and labor savers. Who has the biggest field box with the neatest accessories? It could be you! Let the tool wars begins

Getting organized

Being organized makes our lives less complicated. The most basic accessory is something that holds all the other accessories: a field box. It groups all of your tools so you can find them more easily. Most field boxes have a compartment for a 12V battery to power other items in the field box. A power panel helps direct the power output for various other accessories. Field boxes, carrying totes and portable workstations can be big or small, fancy or plain; it's your choice. There are many to choose from. After your basic box and storage requirements have been met, your field accessories become more specialized and serve specific functions.

MINI HOBBY

The APU II (auxiliary power unit) from Mini Hobby is a great way to keep the pit area uncluttered. Ideally suited to giant-- scale and jet pilots, the APU II includes a built-in 12V power pack (to energize a starter) and a built-in charger with 120AC and 12V DC connections. It contains a glow-plug driver and analyzer circuit a fuel pump for gasoline, nitro glow fuel and kerosene, and a 230psi air compressor with pressure gauge for recharging pneumatically driven retracts and other systems. There's even a built-in starter-probe holder for the ducted-- fan pilot What more could you want?

APU II, $249.99

THE WORLD MODELS Assembled field boxes and field stands such as these from The World Models remove all the hassle from assembly. Just install your battery and power panel, add your favorite tools and accessories and head for the flying field. You don't even have to paint these well-made units. Available in several colors, these stands and field boxes make a good foundation on which to build your aircraft support system.

Field box, $49.99

Stand, $24.99

MICRO FASTENERS A plastic screw box is a great way to organize the small screws, nuts and washers that modelers commonly use. I have several boxes, and I use them to store clevises, lock collars, servo screws and a dozen other tiny gizmos that are easily misplaced. The boxes come in various sizes (hardware not included), and you can buy them at hobby shops and department stores. Assorted boxes with hardware are also available from Micro Fasteners. Believe me, these boxes are worth their weight in gold when it's time to find the exact screw or nut you need for your model.

screw bones, S1.99 to $15.99 (hardware not Inde

HANGAR 9 A good way to outfit yourself is to buy your field accessories from one source. Field equipment is often packaged together like this equipment from Hangar 9. To get started, you'll typically need a field box, a power panel, a 12V battery and charger, a fuel pump and an electric starter.

PrebuIlt Reldmate flight box, $39.95

12V sealed battery, $20.95

Battery charger, $10.95

Electric fuel pump, $14.95

Eject starter, $31.95

Holders & carrying cases

To some modelers, maintenance stands and radio carrying cases are total extravagances; to others, they are absolute necessities. Again, it's your hobby and your choice when it comes to how you treat your equipment. Working on your model when it's slightly elevated takes a lot of strain off your back and makes it much easier to assemble and adjust. Carrying cases protect your expensive transmitter while it is stored in your workshop and keep dirt, dust and direct sunlight away from them at the flying field. Many types are available, from inexpensive plastic ones to strong, metal-clad, lockable units. There's something for everyone.

Another useful accessory is a transmitter tray that supports your radio with a neck strap or brace. These allow you to develop a finer feel of the control sticks and will relieve the muscle strain caused by holding a transmitter. Some higher-end computer radios are fairly heavy, and a tray will pay for itself in no time.

One constant holds true, no matter how long you've been in the hobby: sooner or later, while storing your model or transporting it to the flying field, you're going to damage it. For some reason, the wings seem most susceptible to hangar rash. Carrying bags are the answer. Cloth wing tote bags are all the rage now, and if you travel to a lot of out-of-- town events, they will save you much repair time. They're just what the well-equipped traveler needs!