Wish list: 25 dream gifts

Model Airplane News, Dec 2002

Yes, it's that time of year again-time to reflect fondly on the past 12 months, to give thanks for all we have and ... well ... to begin begging shamelessly for all the really cool things we've wanted all year but were afraid to ask for. That's right! It's time for the annual Model Airplane News Holiday Wish List. Over the past year, we've seen hundreds of new products, and more than a few of them have caught our imaginations. Our space is limited, though, so we were forced to narrow our choices down a bit. We all had our favorites, but after some heated debate, we were able to settle on what you see here. Following are some of the coolest products available on the RC market today. Take a moment to check them out; you might find a thing or two (or 10) to add to your own list.

o.s. .50 SX

More "deer" power for your sleighT We all know how well it worked out for Santa when he hitched up Rudolph to the front of the sleigh with the eight original reindeer, and no wonder; 9dp ("deer power") is always better than 81 Well, you can add a little extra go-power to your favorite .40-size plane without the hassle of modifying your mounts or cowl openings if you grab yourself an O.S. .50 SX. This engine uses the same mounts and fits in the same space as a standard .46, but it offers 10 percent more displacement and power. The engine is ringed and features dual ball bearings, so it will run reliably for many seasons to come. With the included O.S. 873 muffler, it sells for $159.99.

0.S.; distributed by Great Planes (800) 682-8948; greatplanes.com.

HITEC Digital servo programmer

Its smaller than a breadbox As good as Santa's elves are, they can't program digital servos, and that's where Hitec RCD's Digital Servo Programmer HFP-10 comes in. This handy unit can reverse a servo's direction of travel for dual-elevator hookups and then match their center points and throws and a whole lot more. Who says you can't teach an old servo new tricks? Fine-tuning servos for virtually any application has never been simpler, a great gift for the modeler who wants total control.

MEGATECH Nitro Air Strike

On Donner, on Dancer, on Prancer ...

Even the reindeer had to learn how to fly; too bad they didn't have the Nitro Air Strike trainer from Megatech to help them. It comes almost assembled with the .46 engine installed; no more than 15 minutes' worth of work gets it airborne. Simply install the landing gear, tail and wings. Ready to make the leap to gas power? Put the Nitro Air Strike at the top of your Megatech (201) 662-2800; megatech.com.

HANGAR 9 .scale Sukhoi

Good things come In big packages, too Santa's going to have a helluva time getting this to fit under the tree, but there's certainly no harm in asking. Powered by a 60 to 80cc engine, Hangar 9's %-scale Sukhoi is capable of some of the most aggressive 3D maneuvers imaginable. The almost-ready-to-fly, 97inch-span model is constructed of balsa and ply and covered in UltraCote. The kit features a painted fiberglass cowl and wheel pants and sells for $849.99.

Hangar 9; distributed by Horizon Hobby Inc. (800) 338-4639; horizonhobby.com.

BOB VIOLETT MODELS

F-100D

Not really, but it uses a fire-- belching turbine engine! The beautiful F-100D from Bob Violett Models is for the serious modeler who demands the very best in quality and performance. The model is designed to operate with a RAM 1000, Pegasus, or JET-CAT P120 or 160 turbine engine, and it has a wing area of more then 1,200 square inches. The Super Sabre is very easy to assemble and maintain, and it can be completely disassembled to fit into its own BVM jet transportation case. The model is incredibly scale in outline and appearance, it uses a scale NACA 64A007 wing airfoil, and it has operational leading-edge slats for great takeoff and landing performance. The Go-Fly version of the kit (including everything except a radio, engine and finishing supplies) is priced at $6,890. Its the ultimate in engineering, and it's a great value, too!

Bob Violett Models (407) 327-6333; bvmjets.com.

FMA DIRECT Co-pilot

Here's wishing you a crashless New Year!

Boy, wouldn't that be a great gift to share with a newcomer to the hobby never crashing while learning to fly? Well, the Co-Pilot flight-control stabilization system from FMA Direct is about as close as you can get to making a model practically crash-proof! This unit uses infrared heat sensors and constantly scans the horizon to make adjustments in pitch and roll; it keeps your model flying straight and level. It takes only a few minutes to install and set up, and you can easily adjust its sensitivity; you can even turn it on and off in flight Reasonably priced at less than $120, this is a gift that keeps on giving. What's the value of avoiding a crash? Why, it's priceless!

FMA Direct (800) 343-2934; fmadirect.com.

GREAT PLANES RealFlight G2

Let It snow, let It snow, let It snow

Thanks to Great Planes, your flying times no longer have to be set according to Mother Nature's clock; you can spend the entire winter at the controls if you want to. The RealFlight G2 flight simulator is one of the most versatile and easy-to-use systems on the market. You can choose from 17 airplanes, 11 helicopters and more than 200 customizable features for the models. In addition, the special multiplayer feature allows you to practice with up to seven of your flying buddies. The G2 is compatible with all previous RealFlight add-on packs, and a special interface cord is available separately for those pilots who prefer to use their own transmitters. Realight G2 sells for $249.99 (including Futaba controller).