RCX ACTION-PACKED

Model Airplane News, Aug 2004 by Cleghorn, Debra

If you were one of the thousands of RC'ers who came to our RCX show in Anaheim, CA, this April, you already know what I mean when I say "RC rocks!" A collaboration between Vision Entertainment and Air Age Media, publisher of Model Airplane News and Backyard Flyer, RCX was the place to be as enthusiasts poured in to take a look at the latest RC planes, boats and cars in action. Electric-plane frontrunners like GWS, Hacker and Global Hobby brought in some of the best pilots in the world to showcase the latest flyers in two huge flight zones, while RC car drivers wowed the crowd in the nearby dirt and stunt tracks. In an enormous pond, gas-burning powerboats as well as smaller sport and scale watercraft made waves and sprayed rooster-tails. Don't miss our special RCX coverage on page 76, and be sure to mark your calendar for next year's excitement on May 20 through 22. And if you live in the central U.S., don't despair; RCX will be coming to Chicago, IL, in the summer of 2005 as well!

With more than 500 product listings at your fingertips, the Model Airplane News Buyers' Guide in this issue is your resource for everything RC: sport planes, backyard flyers, kits, radios, gear, engines, accessories ... you name it, you'll see it here. The listings are organized in product categories, so it's easy to find exactly what you're looking for, and manufacturer information is included. This special section starts on page 83. Enjoy!

We're also excited to offer two first looks at some innovative products: MRC's new Reflex XTR flight simulator and Futaba's new T7CAP radio. The Reflex is one of the first flight sims we've seen that features expanded 3D flight training, and on page 182, our West Coast associate editor John Reid shares an inside look at this new program. Futaba's latest radio is an affordable 7-channel unit that offers really high-end features; see associate editor Rick Bell's in-depth review on page 192.

Glow plugs may be among the most mysterious components of your engine: they don't look like much, but they are critical to good performance. In the first of a two-part series, engine guru Dave Gierke examines this important piece of equipment and sheds light on how glow plugs keep your engine running smoothly. This month, he also explains the differences between long- and short-reach plugs and notes when-and why-you might need a special idle-bar or Nelson-type glow plug. Stay tuned for the next issue in which Dave details how to choose the correct glow plug for your engine and how you can "read" it to troubleshoot engine problems. See you then!

Debra Cleghorn