Latest and greatest in RC

Model Airplane News, Jul 2003 by Cleghorn, Debra

Hundreds of new RC planes, engines and gear were released at this year's spring trade shows, pointing toward an incredible summer flying season. The success and popularity of almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) planes and backyard flyers are inviting more and more people to join the sport, and it seems as though everyone is excited about RC. It's interesting to note that the two areas enjoying the greatest growth and development are at the opposite ends of the model-plane spectrum: giant-size acrobats and park flyers. The precision with which ARF models can be built today has led to an explosion of really big, really well-made ARFs, and the progress in motor and battery technology has ensured the success of dozens of small, electric-powered backyard and park models, as well as larger, 3D electric flyers. We're excited to showcase more than 50 of our favorite new products in this issue's special, eight-page version of "Scoop" entitled "Summer Sneak Peek!", which starts on page 15. Whatever your pleasure, you'll find it here; enjoy!

ARF MAKEOVER

Love the convenience and great quality of today's ARF models but miss being able to come up with your own paint schemes, so you'll have a one-of-a-kind plane at the field? Check out associate editor Rick Bell's "Painting Plastic Film" how-to on page 106. Rick took his Great Planes "Red Baron" Dr.1 Triplane ARF and, with a scuffing pad and spray paint, turned it into a distinctive orange, white and green WW I fighter. Go on; give your ARF a makeover!

RADIAL ENGINES

We've all heard the saying, "Real airplanes have round engines and two wings." Well, not to knock biplanes, but radial engines certainly have a magic that nothing else can duplicate. It could be the way they sound, or they way they look; or it could just be nostalgia for bygone times. If you enjoy classic scale models and would like a powerplant that's worthy of your masterpiece, you won't want to miss senior tech editor Gerry Yarrish's "The Magic of Radial Engines" on page 74. Check out the lowdown on seven popular radial engines as well as how to keep your radial powerplant operating in perfect condition.

FREESTYLE AEROBATICS

Continuing in his popular series on Freestyle Acrobatic Techniques, Quique Somenzini this month shares his 3D setup secrets, including control-surface size and deflection, center of gravity and exponential and dual rates. Having the right model setup is the first step to 3D acrobatic success; see Quique's article on page 90, and get started right.