Installing Flaps Into the ParkZone Stinson

First introduced in 1938, the Stinson SR-10 is as much a work of art as a work of engineering. The combination of its graceful lines and unique wing shape give you the sense it's reaching for the sky even when it's parked on the ramp.

Park Zone has expertly modeled this aviation classic to give you a civilian scale experience unlike anything else. It comes out of the box loaded with scale details like an authentic paint scheme and markings, molded ribbing in the wings, a simulated radial engine, accurately modeled landing gear and much more. You also have the option of adding flaps. Did you hear that? Adding flaps is where it's at. This is where I come in and show you exactly what it takes and in a very short time how you can bring the flaps to life on your Stinson.

In just a few simple steps you will have your flaps operating and ready for the next day at the field. So click the link and watch what you need to do to add the next dimension of flying to your Stinson Reliant from Park Zone.

Ultra Micro Xtreme Extra 300 3D Review

The Ultra Micro eXtreme (UMX) Extra 300 3D makes the dream of a 3D plane you can fly almost anywhere a reality. With a flying weight of barely over an ounce (just 33 grams), battery and all, it is slow and light enough to fly extreme 3D maneuvers in spaces no larger than a dining or conference room. Its ingenious laser-cut foam airframe, designed by ETOC champ Seth Arnold, makes it all possible.

The structure uses a fraction of the foam material usually used in profile planes of this type and is covered with micro-thin film. The airframe is reinforced with carbon fiber rods that keep flexing and twisting to a minimum so you can fly the most aggressive 3D maneuvers with absolute precision. Optional Side Force Generators are also included. These razor-thin pieces of foam slide onto the leading edge of the wing and enhance rudder authority in knife-edge flight. They improve tracking during precision aerobatics too.

The UMX™ Extra 300 3D BNF comes completely assembled with a punchy 8.5mm coreless brushed motor and Spektrum™ AR6400L Ultra Micro DSM2 Receiver/ESC installed. Built-in long-throw servos on the AR6400L drive the elevator and rudder while two independent Spektrum AS2000L long-throw ultra micro servos drive the ailerons. A 1S 3.7V 150mAh Li-Po battery and DC Li-Po charger are also included. For best performance, a DSM2 aircraft transmitter with dual rates and expo is recommended.

NEW! Hawker Hurricane 25e from E-flite

 

Introducing the E-flite Hawker Hurricane 25e RC Plane available in BNF and PNP, is a bigger, more powerful warbird with classic scale details and features.

No fighter deserves more credit for saving Britain in its darkest hour than the Hawker Hurricane airplane. Its simple construction allowed it to be manufactured in large numbers and it could be quickly repaired in the field using basic tools. Despite being slower than the vaunted Spitfire, the Hurricane could out turn many of the enemy fighters it faced and bring its eight Browning machine guns to bear with devastating effect. This surprising maneuverability combined with its sheer numbers are two big reasons the humble Hurricane shot down more enemy aircraft in the Battle of Britain than any other Allied fighter. Now you can experience the thrill of flying the Hurricane with this remarkably scale Plug-N-Play or Bind-N-Fly park flyer from E-flite. Constructed of tough Z-Foam™ material, the Hurricane 25e RC Plane comes out of the box with a high-output brushless power system, digital servos and functional flaps already installed; BNF models with also have a Spektrum DSM receiver installed. Even the authentic RAF No. 1 Squadron paint scheme has been applied. All that’s left to complete is a few minutes of final assembly. Then, just install the receiver and battery pack of your choice and fly. You also get the option of adding E-flite 15-25 Size 90-Degree Electric Retracts (EFLG200 – sold separately). Installation is easy and when you’re done you’ll have a unique, scale warbird that will be the envy of the flying field.

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Losi Mini Sprint Review

When I got started in this hobby it was on a dirt oval track. Before I got into RC, sure, I knew of dirt ovals (The now defunct Hales Corners Speedway was a popular full-sized track in my area) but I didn’t get into dirt oval because I was a "dirt oval fan". I got into dirt oval because that was what was offered locally. I’ll say that I am glad that track was there as it helped foster my love and appreciation for the class. I had been racing for about 2 years when the track moved to a new location and made a change from dirt to carpet. I was disappointed but hoped that the cyclical nature of our industry would bring dirt oval back again.

My hopes have been realized in recent years as dirt oval is back again and going better than ever. Much of the reason why dirt oval has returned as strongly as it has is thanks to the guys over at the Losi skunkwerks offices. Behind the efforts of Gary Kyes we’ve seen vehicles such as the Mini-Slider, the 1/10-scale Slider, Mini-Late Model and of course the L8IGHT Model. But now they’re back again with their first follow-up dirt oval vehicle in the Losi Mini Sprint. Designed to take mini open wheel cars to the next level there are a lot of fun and interesting developments on this new chassis. From the transverse motor placement, new shocks, redesigned body and awesome battery mounting system, the Mini Sprint is really a great evolution of this platform. It only seemed right that I took the car with me on a recent trip to where it all began for me, S&N’s Trackside Hobbies, as they have recently returned to their roots by adding a super-high bite dirt oval to their facility.

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Losi XXX-SCT Review

By Gary Katzer,

I’ve been very lucky in my career in that I have been able to see new products before they’re actually announced to the general public. One of the products that was the hardest to not spill the beans on was the Losi XXX-SCT. I had an opportunity to see most of the early CAD drawings in March of 2010 and was thrilled with all the extra details that were going into this project. This wasn’t just a stretched XXX-T, quite the contrary. I knew from what I had seen the XXX-SCT was going to be a very special truck and had the potential to be the best-handling Short Course Truck out-of-the-box.

After months of pestering Losi’s Keith Whisler, asking him when it would be here, when I could drive one, when I could have one of my very own, I now have one sitting proudly on my workbench. Having seen this truck from the planning stages, the pre-production version and now the production truck, I am totally amped up to be able to hit the track with an XXX-SCT of my very own. Will it live up to my expectations? There’s only one way to find out.

Model Aerosport SA - Events Calendar 2011

INDOOR AT ETSA PARK GETS CRACKING IN 2011

Commencing our indoor activities for January 2011 may have seen a group of fliers, perhaps slightly lower in numbers, but sky high in enthusiasm unite at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium, which this year has introduced a new Manager in Nadine Hewson. Goodness, in my earlier days a lady manager was known as the Manageress, but then, my mum would not have been seen shopping in trousers, nor my dad seen at work in shorts. We must all be grateful for history changing itself.

We welcomed David Wearing-Smith back after a forced break due to his flying full size and Andy Hollitt quickly put him in control of the delightful and very popular Blade 120SR. Each night we see more and more of these great little single-rotor helicopters which have proved to be the next upward step from the numerous double rotored machines that have been flitting about like a pack of lost horseflies at most indoor venues. David had not flown a heli prior to this night and he was soon hovering Andy’s machine like a professional and, whilst I didn’t see him do it, it was reported that he was soon endeavouring to land on Andy’s little helipad. My picture shows them quite happily calling time out for a few minutes. David is the one with the larger smile on the right.


I was not of much value to the publicity side of our activities on this night for I was too busy introducing a pair (unmatched) of Go-carts, although the slippery floor and the slicks on the carts made them virtually uncontrollable and I was quite contented to hand the transmitters to a pair of my protégés, Mitchell and Matthew to enjoy themselves between flying their tiny Blade MCX. I’m pleased to report that they made little more progress than did some of the grown-ups. I have included a picture of my two “Goeys” and there is a short story regarding the red one. When I was painting the red machine, I thought it a shame to colour the driver for, with his white driving suit and dark faced helmet, he reminded me of a quite popular Englishman and I quote from memory …… “some say that he has never driven a go-cart and that his family jewels are too large to fit in the driver’s seat, but as for me, I just call him The Stig.”

Back to the serious side. I took two “go-eys” to ETSA – the red one is the cheaper of the two by quite a large amount and is a product eminating from Hong Kong. The smaller one drives its power through a very neat differential and the entire model is a work of art which you will find on the shelves at Model Flight’s Goodwood road store or online. Andy, who drives consistently at Hobby Habit a couple of days each week, tried in vain to control my cart outside in the car park and was heard to say that he will endeavour to source some sensible tyres for it.

I thought that the continual, lap after lap, hands free flights of the little Trojan were a sight to behold. I must apologise for not knowing the name of the pilot but he trimmed the Trojan so perfectly that it flew around the stadium with barely any deflection from its course for its entire performance. He is seen in my final picture, nursing this ever-so successful little model which, of course is yet another flying machine that you will find on the shelves at Model Flight.

We are back for another year at the ETSA Park Netball Stadium on Railway Avenue, Mile End, flying the same night, the third Thursday of each month right through to Christmas (Oh dear, I didn’t mean to frighten you by mentioning Christmas – we have only just waved goodbye to the last one and put some straw around the place on which to lay our eggs for Easter) with the usual flying time of 8.30pm to 10.30pm. We would truly love to see you come along and its still free if your wish is to be a spectator. If you fly it will only cost you ten dollars.

Greetings to you all for 2011 – sincerely from The Phoenix.