Wings of war

Model Airplane News, Nov 2003 by Cleghorn, Debra

What's your favorite warbird? Mustang? Curtiss P-40? B-25? The list of famous fighters is nearly endless, and when it comes to RC models, warbirds rule. This issue is packed with these awesome machines.

First out of the hangar is our cover story: the Top Flite Gold Edition Sea Fury. Built and reviewed by Stan Kulesa, this all-wood, .60-size model is destined to turn heads at any flying field. Next is our coverage of the annual "Warbirds over Delaware," where senior tech editor Gerry Yarrish got up close to a squadron of the best scale WW I and II models on the East Coast. He shares the highlights of this air-war weekend beginning on page 32. Last, but not least, is our featured construction article-the Martin PBM Mariner. Designed by Keith Sparks for two, .52 4-stroke engines, this flying boat features all-foam construction and a very scale outline. Anyone who has seen this model in action will testify that it's a majestic flyer that's equally at home on the water and in the air.

Warbird and sport-plane fans will appreciate Roy Vaillancourt's expert advice on how to paint with latex. Why switch to this kind of paint? Many reasons; you can get an exact color match at your local home-supply store; it's easy to use and non-toxic; and cleanup is a cinch with soap and water. On page 28, Roy follows up on his popular April 2001 article on latex paint techniques and offers tips for using latex with various types of coverings and for creating a weathered look. If you didn't see his previous article, you can check it out online by taking the Click Trip on modelairplanenews.com.

In his "RPM: Real Performance Measurement" column, engine guru Dave Gierke takes a closer look at the Evolution Power System from Horizon Hobby Inc. Designed for first-time pilots, this .46-size, 2-stroke system comes broken in and factory adjusted to guarantee your success at the field. But when Dave tested the basic engine, he found some surprising results that will interest even sport fliers and racers. Turn to page 90 to see why this system may be the perfect first engine-and more.

And don't miss our "Final Approach" column, in which we highlight the first nonstop RC transatlantic crossing. Well-known for his record-setting feats, Maynard Hill and his flight crew flew an 11-pound RC model from Newfoundland, Canada, to Ireland in August 2003. The 38-hour flight over the ocean set new records for distance and duration. Well done! We congratulate Maynard and his team for their achievement.

Safe landings!