RC Airplanes | Gliders | Helicopters
FLASH 7 TX TESTED
AUG/SEPT 2015
EXCLUSIVE
SWIFT S1 BUILD & FLY REPORT
VINTAGE GRUNAU BABY IIB GLIDER RECYCLE
…AND
USA & CANADA $6.49
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Bücker Jungmeister Plan Huge Joe Nall ‘15 Coverage How To Iron-On Coverings I Scale for Competition II
TABLE OF CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS
10 LEADING EDGE 12 HOT PRODUCTS 82 AD INDEX 83 MYSTERY PLANE
LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO BUILD FOR COMPETITION II
PG 42
EVENT
HOW TO
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JOE NALL 2015 REPORT THIS EVENT IS MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAN THE AIRPLANES. By Robert Vest
BUILDING FOR COMPETITION LEARN WHY RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION ARE IMPORTANT. By Tom Wolf
A 50 RECYCLE MODEL FIND OUT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU CAN SAVE BY BUYING USED. By Gene Cope
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PERSONALIZE IT WITH PAINT WE SHOW YOU HOW EASY AND FUN IT IS TO PAINT YOUR MODELS. By Marco Penk
JOE NALL 2015 12-PAGE REPORT
PG 24 3-VIEW
PG 58
S1 58 SWIFT A COMPETITIVE AEROBATICS GLIDER By Hans-Jürgen Fischer 6
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BUILD DISCOVER HOW YOU CAN SAVE LOTS OF MONEY BY BUYING A USED AIRPLANE OR GLIDER.
PG 50
REVIEWS
FLASH 7 36 IRON-COVERINGS, 64 HITEC PART I RADIO SYSTEM LEARN HOW TO APPLY IRON-ON COVERING MATERIALS FOR A PROFESSIONAL FINISH ON ANY MODEL. By Jeff Troy
THIS IN-DEPTH REPORT DETAILS HOW WELL THIS NEW SYSTEM WILL ADVANTAGE YOU. By Marco Penk
PLAN BÜ 133 62 BÜCKER JUNGMEISTER
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TAKE A LOOK AT THIS VINTAGE AEROBATIC AIRPLANE THAT WAS AND IS A STANDOUT PERFORMER. By Wendel Hosteller
ICARE SWIFT S1 GLIDER SEE WHY THIS 3.7-M MACHINE MAY BE YOUR NEXT SLOPE AND AEROTOW PERFORMER. By Wil Byers
PG 62
LEARN HOW EASY THIS 7-CHANNCEL RADIO IS TO PROGRAM.
PG 64
PG 72 CHECK OUT THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS 3.7-M WINGSPAN AEROBATICS GLIDER.
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HOT PRODUCTS EAGLE TREE ALERTER
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agle Tree recently announced a new accessory for their Vector Flight Controller / On-Screen Display (OSD) system. The Alerter is a small, lightweight Buzzer with light emitting diodes (LED). It provides important audiovisual information about a Vector-equipped model’s status, and a “smart” lost model/battery saver alarm. The Alerter is designed for those pilots flying first person view (FPV) or line of sight (LOS) type models.
• Three LEDs with programmable brightness • Programmable inactivity alarm, annunciates for lost model • Buzzer indication for errors and events • LEDs for Vector status, number of GPS satellites in view, etc. • Programmable LEDs brightness and buzzer volume for highest levels only when armed • Comes with six-inch (15 cm) connection cable Price: $14.99
Features • Multi-tone buzzer with programmable volume
Distributor Eagle Tree Systems 4957 Lakemont Blvd SE, Suite C-4, PMB 235 Bellevue, WA 98006 Phone: 425-614-0450 eagletreesystems.com
Specifications
SPEKTRUM DX7 7-CHANNEL TRANSMITTER W/AR8000 RECEIVER
Channels Modulation Band Receiver Programming
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he new Spectrum DX7 transmitter lets pilots have pro-class features in a sevenchannel system. The new Spektrum™ DX7 system gives customers programming for three model types (Air/Heli/Sailplane), 250-model memory storage, voice alerts, a wireless trainer link, and more. The builtin telemetry feature provides pilots with real-time information for model battery voltage, signal quality, engine or motor temperature, airspeed, altitude, with other options as well. The voice alert system is programmable so that the DX7 annunciates on specific telemetry values, events or limits.
• 2000-mAh LiPo battery included • Telemetry built in Price
$349.99 (#SPM7000)
Model Memory Modes
Seven DSM2/DSMX 2.4 GHz AR8000 8-channel DSMX type Airplane/Helicopter/ Sailplane 250 User Selectable Modes 1 – 4 2000-mAh Lithium Ion
Transmitter Battery Charger SPM9551 Intl Air Tx AC Adapter
Distributor Horizon Hobby 4105 Fieldstone Road Champaign, IL 61822 Phone: 217-352-1913 horizonhobby.com
Features • 250 Model Memory (Unlimited by SD card storage) • Voice alerts and wireless trainer • Supports Air/Heli/Sailplane models • SD card port for updates and storage • Includes AR8000 receiver • Quad-bearing gimbals
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ESPRIT MODEL LIPO PACKS
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sprit Model Company is now pushing the outside of the envelope with their new Jeti Pro Power Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries packs. These new packs offer maximum power and performance, but at a price that makes them affordable.
Esprit’s new packs are designed specifically for the demands of the latest power systems, plus extreme 3D aircraft. The Jeti Pro Power series have been optimized for pilots that demand the ultimate in battery voltage and current. Price:
$18.00 (1300 30C) $25.00 (JETIRX2700) $129.00 (5000 30C)
Distributor Esprit Model 1240 Clearmont St NE, Unit 12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 espritmodel.com
JETI DC-14 TRANSMITTER Distributor Esprit Model 1240 Clearmont St NE, Unit 12 Palm Bay, FL 32905 Phone: 321-729-4287 espritmodel.com
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eti has just released one of the most advanced radio systems money can buy. It is built around a solid CNC-machined aluminum case, with five integrated antennas, a mini USB port, built-in speaker, and headset jack. The DC-24 uses metal transmitter gimbals with Hall sensors (4096 step resolution) and integrated vibration feedback (Stick Shaker), with nine ball bearings for precise control inputs. The 24 also has a large 320 x 240 color, backlight display and many other high-end performance features. One of the attractive features of the Duplex 2.4-GHz line of products is their integration with all Duplex telemetry sensors. You can easily observe up to 40 different parameters in real-time on the transmitter’s screen. Or, by using the JetiBox Profi (sold separately) you can see your data in parallel mode giving you and your copilot valuable real-time information. A most important feature of Jeti’s transmitters are the gimbal and switch function assignment flexibility. With the rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com
DC/DS-24 you are free to customize your radio’s interface. You can swap switches or sticks (Mode 1 – 4) and the on-board computer will recognize your changes and assign functions anywhere you like. Other important functions are programmable Sounds/Alarms and even user-recordable sounds. This audible alarm feature was specifically designed to keep you informed while also keeping distractions to a minimum. Specifications / Features • Dual-band 2.4-GHz and 900-MHz, triple redundant with five (5) integrated antennas. • Dual haptic feedback — integrated vibration feedback for both gimbals (Stick Shaker). • High-contrast, full color 320 x 240 backlight LCD display • Upgradable firmware • CNC-cut aluminum transmitter case with integrated antennas • Large, oversized color LCD display.
• Mini USB port for firmware upgrades and PC download of telemetry data • Integrated speaker and 3.5-mm headset jack. You can play back music and create custom voice alarms • Built-in, logical switches that lets you program a complex string of control events with the simple flip of a switch • 9-point, programmable curve mixes for 24 digital proportional channels • Triple rate controls options • Pre-programmed servo setups for most wing, tail and swashplate types • Unlimited use of the on-board eight-GB SD card memory • Integrated logical switch functions. • Integrated digital telemetry • Create, manage and program alarms. • All switches and channels are completely moveable and assignable. • Unlimited number of programmable timers. Price
$1595 (JETIDC24)
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EVENT
JOE NALL 2015 IT’S THE EXPERIENCE!
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he Joe Nall experience is one you really can’t be put into words. You just have to be part of it by attending! The experience begins as you drive through the small town of Woodruff, and then see that first Joe Nall sign. I can tell you the Joe Nall just gets better and better thanks to Mr. Pat Hartness, and the Triple Tree volunteers — I’ve attended now for 10 years. FIRST-TIMERS Two good friends from Virginia, Greg Blackburn and Vern Orell, gave their first-time experiences. Here is
what went through their minds as they drove through the front gate: Vern wrote, “Having been immersed in the RC Hobby for little over three years now, I have heard all of the stories of Joe Nall from my club friends. In most cases, their eyes are bright and their voices are always full of excitement when they begin to tell me about their experience and what goes on there. So with that build-up, I knew this was something I had to see for myself. As my traveling friend, Mike Hall (who by the way is a very excitable guy), and I got within a mile of Triple Tree, I can only equate our excitement level to that of the kickoff of the Super Bowl
BY ROBERT VEST
when your favorite team is playing. And like all great sports announcers, Mike was giving me the commentary that would have made ESPN hire him on the spot. And then there it was, the grand entrance; and I must tell you this place is LARGE, much bigger than I expected. With activities going on all around me, I almost drove off the road three times just getting up to the visitor’s center. Now for the best part: the people both on staff and all of the fellow RC flyers. At check-in with our camper in tow, the welcome desk folks were so nice and friendly to us you would have thought we were the only visitors at the place. Our stay was from Wednesday thru Saturday on site in a camper. And I must say, I was so impressed with how well run this place is and a bit overwhelmed at how nice everyone was to one another. I met my hero’s like Quique Somenzini and Joe Smith, and these guys are so humble and friendly it really makes you glad and proud that you are a part of this hobby and the fellowship of RC flying. We are already planning our trip for next year and can’t wait until May 2016.” Greg wrote, “The closer we got, the more the excitement built and the longer the ride seemed to take. Those last ten minutes seemed to take hours. Lead-in signs for the RV route were You know you’ve arrived when you are welcomed to the Triple Tree Aerodrome by the manicured lane that leads to registration.
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Scott Geller – Andover, NJ. According to Scott his model is a Mibo A-10 Warthog. It is powered by two Jetcat P-160 turbines. It has a 118-in. wingspan and weighs around 55 pounds. It is fitted with JR servos and uses Futaba for guidance. The model is very detailed and sure looked good in the air.
Jeffrey Stubbs from Salem, VA was flying this RAF Red Arrows version of the BAE Hawk jet. The color scheme commemorates their 50th annivesary.
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HOW TO
BUILDING A SCALE FOR COMPETITION — PART II RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION IS THE PROJECT’S FOUNDATION BY TOM WOLF
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n the previous installment in this series, we discussed the considerations associated with selecting a scale subject for competition. This installment will cover researching the selected subject and generating the data for a scale documentation package, which is
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arguably the most important part of developing a competitive scale model airplane. Since the finished model will be judged against the documentation package, it is vitally important the documentation contains the necessary information to support the judging process, is clear, well
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This is a completed documentation package. A copy of the 3-view outline drawing is mounted to a piece of art board to ease the judging process in breezy conditions.
organized and easy to understand. Most importantly, the finished airplane must match the documentation in every respect. A fundamental mistake is often made by new scale competitors (and some who are not new and should know better) is they build the airplane first and then try to assemble a documentation package that matches it. This approach is essentially “mission impossible” and almost guarantees significant score downgrades because the airplane inevitably does not match the documentation. A far better method is to collect the scale
data and put it together into a draft documentation package before work begins on the new airplane.
subject model replicates the full-scale counterpart, if the judges cannot validate the details, then the resulting score will suffer. For example, if the documentation package has no information (photos or drawings) showing landing gear details, then no points can be awarded for the landing gear detailing, regardless of whether the modeler faithfully replicated the gear or not. On the modeler’s part, if he does not have complete documentation to use as a guide during the building, finishing and detailing of their model, then it is extremely difficult to accurately replicate as the full scale.
WHY DOCUMENTATION? Scale competition involves scoring in two categories, static judging and flight judging. For now, we are only concerned with the static judging category. Static judging is a process whereby a panel of judges determines how accurately the aircraft being presented replicates the full-scale subject. In order to do their job, they need data to support evaluation of the model. Regardless of how well the
WHAT DOCUMENTATION Static judging covers three areas, with one judge for each area: Outline, Color and Marking, and Craftsmanship. Outline consists of the outer shape of the model, the shape and size of control surfaces, landing gear size and position, cockpit shape, size and location, etc. Outline can be documented with a commercially published three-view drawing, or by photographs that
The book is divided into the three sections that comprise static judging: Color and Marking is shown in these photos.
The Outline section consists of a 3-view drawing and supporting photographs. Errors/deviations are noted on the 3-view, with reference to the accompanying photos.
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HOW TO
GRUNAU BABY II RECYCLE BUDGET-MINDED MODELERS SAVE BIG MONEY BY GENE COPE
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couple of months ago I got the opportunity to buy a thirdscale Grunau Baby IIb. A fellow modeler had passed, and his wife was selling off his model inventory. During a fun fly event at Kiona Butte in late May, a fellow slope soaring enthusiast was there with the Grunau Baby packed neatly in a gorgeous plywood box. I was surprised it was still around, but there it was sitting atop Kiona Butte. Not that I needed another glider, but when I saw the
model and the affordable price it was being offered for it was too much of a temptation for me. So, the box and glider ended up in the back of my truck, and they found a new home in my workshop in Yakima, WA. Once in my shop, I gave the model an extensive examination from nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip. What I found was a bit disturbing in that there were items that needed to be repaired before I would consider it airworthy. None were difficult or costly to repair or correct; albeit, they were going to require a bit of time to fix. I have the time. So I made a list of the repairs and then set about doing them. My first repair/modification was to redo the wiring harnesses. The former owner had used an assortment of Airtronics type wires and connectors in the fuselage, which gave me concern for the quality of the electrical connections between servos and receiver. When the wires were removed from the model’s airframe, I found there were multiple splices This is the result of my recycle project. I got a great buy on the glider, and I then invested some time to get a superb flying vintage machine.
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in the 22-gauge wiring harnesses. I opted to replace the existing wiring with 20-gauge three-wire harnesses. I also decided to use female Multiplex® six-pin connectors on the harnesses’ ends for the fuselage-to-wing connections. I chose to use JR type plugs on the opposite ends that mate with the Jeti receiver I would use in the Grunau. The connectors on the wings’ wiring harnesses were not
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much better, however, I decided to reuse the wire. I did cut the old ends off and replaced them with male sixpin Multiplex connectors that would mate to the fuselage’s connectors… Next, I found the wings had been recovered, but only the open bay sections behind the spar. This would not have been a problem, however, the individual that did the work cut through the covering and into wood,
which then exposed a raw edge. I could have spent hours stripping the wings and recovering them, but when I did a cost benefit analysis, I opted for a simpler and easier fix. To make the repairs, I purchased some 1/4-in.-wide white automotive trim tape that is used for detailing. I then covered the cut lines on the wings, between the wood and new covering, where necessary to hide the cut lines
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3-VIEW
SWIFT S1 DRAWINGS BY HANS-JÜRGEN FISCHER
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he Swift S1 unlimited class, aerobatic glider was designed and built by Margański and Mysłowski Zakłady Lotnicze (Margański & Mysłowski Aviation Works [MDM]), a Polish aircraft and glider manufacturer. The company was first incorporated as Zakład Remontów i Produkcji Sprzętu Lotniczego (ZRiPS, Aviation Equipment Repair and Production Works). The company was initially started in 1986 by Edward Margański. It was the first privately owned aviation works after World War II to be opened in communist Poland. It began as a glider repair facility, but then in the ‘90s MDM started to design and manufacture unlimited class aerobatic gliders and powered aircraft, wind turbines, as well as other composite structures. During the ‘90s MDM designed the Swift in conjunction with the Fox aerobatic glider. The main designers were the gifted Edward Margański, Jerzy Cisowski and Jerzy Makula. They are now known for the Swift at Bielsko-Biała and for the SZD-21-2b Kobuz 3. The Swift prototype first flew in 1991, taking only seven months to build. It was designed as a successor of the famous Kobuz 3. The Swift is an all-composite glider and is stressed for plus and minus 10 G loads. It has a stunning four-second roll rate. It is also designed to accept wingtip extensions, which increases its wingspan to 15 meters. Finally, it has
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B
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A-A
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Achtung! Flügel-und Leitwerksschnitte Maßstab x 2
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PLAN
BÜCKER BÜ 133 JUNGMEISTER A VINTAGE AEROBATIC AIRPLANE THAT IS A STANDOUT DRAWINGS BY WENDELL HOSTETLER
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ücker Bü 133 Jungmeister (Young Master) airplane was designed in the 1930s for advanced training of Luftwaffe pilots. The Bü 133 was an evolution of Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann two-seat basic trainer. The Bü 133 is a singleengine, single-seat biplane that was built around a tubular steel fuselage, with wood wings and flying surfaces. It was fabric-covered, and had a tall narrow landing gear. The first flight of the Bü 133 was in 1935, with Luise Hoffmann
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engine made for the distinctive cowling and a 5.1-inch shorter fuselage. It delivered exceptional aerobatic performance as well. Fifty-two Bü 133C models were manufactured by the Dornier corporation for the Swiss Air Force. It was in service with the Swiss until 1968. About the same number of Bü 133C aircraft were built for the Spanish Air Force by Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (a Spanish aircraft manufacture), and were designated as CASA 1-133. The Bü 133C airplane garnered many international aerobatic
SPECIFICATIONS
at the controls — she was the first female factory pilot in Germany. The prototype was slightly smaller than the Bü 131, and powered by a 140 horsepower Hirth HM506 aircooled, inverted, inline, six-cylinder engine. The Bü 133A was flown at the 1936 International Aerobatic Championship at Rangsdorf, Germany. The airplane performed well and demonstrated exceptional aerobatic performance. The airplane was subsequently produced as the Bü 133C, which sported a 160 horsepower SiemensBramo Sh 14A radial engine. This
championship wins. So it was that by 1938 it became the Luftwaffe’s standard advanced trainer. At the 1938 Brussels competition, a threeman Luftwaffe team impressed Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring with their Bü 133C flights. Göring then ordered a nine-man team be formed. The following year, the team put on a crowd-pleasing show that dazzled all onlookers. The Jungmeister was used for competition after WWII. It remained a competitive machine in international aerobatic competitions into the 1960s. Bücker Bü 133C Crew : One pilot Length : 19 ft 8.25 in. (6.0 m) Wingspan : 21 ft 7.75 in. (6.60 m) Height : 7 ft 2.5 in. (2.20 m) Wing area : 129.17 ft² (12.0 m²) Empty weight : 937 lb (425 kg) Max takeoff : 1,290 lb (585 kg) weight Engine : Siemens-Halske, 160 hp, Sh.14A-4 radial Max airspeed : 137 mph (220 km/hr) Cruise speed : 124 mph (200 km/hr) Range : 311 miles (500 km) Service ceiling : 14,765 ft (4,500 m)
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REVIEW
FLASH 7 TRANSMITTER IT’S ALL I NEED AND MORE!
BY MARCO PENK
The Optima 7 receiver incorporates very, very large-scale integration (VVLSI), plus a grommeted antenna.
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urchasing a new radio system can be considered a significan event in RC. The purchase represents a commitment to a range of model airplanes as well as their receivers, plus the brand that will remain in your hangar for quite some time to come. An RC modeler’s career normally has milestones, such as controlling the first model safely around the pattern, advancing to a desired category, or increasing the complexity of the aircraft’s functions. Each milestone has radio control requirements. I started my RC hobby with a four-channel radio and a simple balsa glider. After two exciting years spent slope soaring with some occasional O.S. Max or brushed electric intermezzo, I decided it was time to go to the next level. I purchased
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Flash 7s use highquality, lightweight, and ergonomic design, so it feels good in your hands during flights. twitter.com/rcsportflyer
Switch B 2 Position Switch A 2 Position
Button C Momentary Contact Switch D 2 Position
Switch E 3 Position
Switch F Momentary Contact
Left Slider
Right Slider
Left Gimbal J3/J4
Right Gimbal J1/J2
Left Gimbal Trims
Right Gimbal Trims
Back Button Jog Dial Scroll/Enter
a Salto H-101 glider. It required a computer programmable radio for its two aileron servos, with differential control, and V-tail mixing. After a market analysis I obtained a sevenchannel radio. It was very exciting to explore all the new features. However, I discovered the transmitter came with a notable learning curve. After going through a few transmitter iterations I also discovered a seven-channel system was what I needed for my electric-powered gliders. Then too, seven channels is even enough for some of my giantscale warbirds. The dilemma was, I was spoiled by the programmable features of the more expensive transmitters I had tried. I do careful analysis of my needs prior a radio purchase. I even like to help newcomers pick the right radio for their airplanes. It is worth noting that the learning curve for transmitter programming has become significantly steeper lately. Software features, complex airplanes with many servos, and telemetry features rc-sportflyer.tumblr.com
definitely require a willingness on the pilot’s part to learn. So I identified my needs as: • Seven channels to control motor,
elevator, rudder, dual ailerons, dual flaps • Sliders to operate flaps, or airbrakes
You can change the power settings for the Flash 7 for LiPo, LiFe, NiCd, NiMh, or Alkaline battery packs. RC-SF.COM
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REVIEW
SWIFT S1 3.7 THERMAL AND SLOPE PERFORMANCE IN ONE MACHINE
BY WIL BYERS
The Swift S1 started to climb immediately following its launch into the 18-mph winds at the Eagle Butte slope site, which is southwest of Kennewick, WA.
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s was told in the three-view article on page 58 of this issue, the full-scale Swift S1 was purpose designed and built for flying competition aerobatics. It has a wellearned reputation as a glider that lets pilots fly it through the full spectrum of maneuvers to put them in the winner’s circle. I’ve liked the Swift design well enough that this version of the model is the second one to earn a place in my hangar. I particularly like that it is
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capable of being flown on the slope and for aerotowing. Its HQ 1.5/12 airfoil provides both penetration and reasonable soaring performance. The glider really shows its character in slope soaring conditions when the trailing edge of the wing is reflected about five degrees and the pilot pushes in down-elevator control for speed. In aerotowing conditions, when the wing is cambered about five degrees the model is a capable soarer; albeit, it will not rival a six-meter-
wingspan “super slipper” sailplane. I like that this new model features ailerons, flaps, elevator, rudder, retract and releasable tow hook. The Swift’s big rudder makes flying aerobatics maneuvers much more pattern like and precise, and it will give your left hand a workout. The 1/4-scale Swift S1 glider is no “bank and yank” machine, but rather a glider I hope will hone my aerobatic skills. The following is what I learned from building and flying this model.
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