RECEIVERS, FLYING TIPS-AND MORE!

Model Airplane News, Jun 2005 by Cleghorn, Debra

THERE'S NOTHING A MAGAZINE EDITOR ENJOYS MORE THAN HEARING from readers who say that they bookmark and save our issues for future reference. With the dedication of our topnotch contributors and inhouse editors, we aim to fill every issue of Model Airplane News with those "save-it" features. This month, our "Maximum Control" high-end receiver guide certainly qualifies as a keeper. If you have more than one plane in your hangar (and who doesn't?), you know that having extra receivers is a great investment. This month, we take an in-depth look at 31, 6- to 12-channel signal-catchers and explain the basics of how these high-tech receivers work and the features they offer. This one is a must-read before you buy a receiver!

No matter which size or type of plane we fly-or how nimble our thumbs!-we all want to improve our flying, and who better to learn from than a national champion? This month, Dave Patrick shares his secrets to performing another showstopper in "The ABCs of the Rolling Circle." This impressive maneuver takes time to perfect, but the result will be worth the effort (just picture all those dropped jaws at the field!).

Since it was announced, the Fuji BF34EI has caused quite a stir among the giant-scale crowd. Will this gas-powered 4-stroke live up to expectations? "Thinking Big" columnist and Model Airplane News senior tech expert Gerry Yarrish could hardly wait to bench-test the first available engine from Fuji; see the results and his full review on page 116.

Got engine questions? Good; we have answers! In his "Real Performance Measurement" column this month, engine expert Dave Gierke offers advice on engine mounts, tuning and more. These real-life engine mysteries come from our readers, so if you have an engine question, please email or write to Dave care of the magazine at man@airage.com, or 100 East Ridge, Ridgefield, CT 06488-4606 USA.

If you're looking for a scratch-building project, we offer two great original designs in this issue. With a 42-inch wingspan, Mark Rittinger's Messerschmitt Bf 109E features traditional construction and is powered by an inexpensive brushed motor geared 3.5:1. Like Mark's previous designs in Model Airplane News, this warbird is a fine flyer that's guaranteed to turn heads at the field.

You're in for a treat if you're partial to smaller models: go to the Model Airplane News website for a free downloadable plan of Dave Robelen's 1-ounce Micro Clipped-Wing Taylorcraft! This 15-inch-span, all-balsa model offers plenty of performance and uses magnetic actuators for control. If you've been intrigued by microflight, this is a great time to get started. Be sure to see Dave's article on page 125.

Safe landings.

Debra Cleghorn

Executive Editor