Hobbies


RC Model Tip – Tame your Tail-Dragger

RC Model Tip – Tame your Tail-Dragger

From sport planes and classic civilian aircraft to warbirds and fighters, the tail-dragger configuration, where the little “steering” wheel is in back behind the main landing gear, remains very popular. Though the tailwheel has very little effect on the model’s flight performance, the landing gear configuration does make takeoffs and landings much different from planes […]
Giant Scale Val Takes Flight

Giant Scale Val Takes Flight

You don’t often see an RC version of the Japanese Aichi D3A (called “Val” by the Allies), let alone a monster scale version. This impressive Tora Tora Tora “torpedo bomber” is a real stunner and the work of Jörg Albrecht. At a massive 1/3.2-scale, the Val weighs in at 147 pound, and it has a 14.5-foot […]

Nailing the Snap Roll

Nailing the Snap Roll

The snap roll is an advanced maneuver that you’ll first encounter in the IMAC Sportsman sequence. It evolves into more difficult variations in the upper classes of competition. It is one of the most difficult maneuvers in which to consistently achieve a high score because it requires a keen sense of timing, throttle management and […]
The Lomcevak: The Classic RC Manuver

The Lomcevak: The Classic RC Manuver

As aerobatic RC pilots develop their skills, it’s natural to try different control inputs while flying. And quite often new aerobatic maneuvers are discovered by pushing the envelope. The classic Lomcevak is a tumbling maneuver where the aircraft’s tail rotates in front of the engine throughout the maneuver. The maneuver has Eastern European roots and […]

Stop the Vibration!

Stop the Vibration!

RC Prop Balancing Made Easy. I have been often asked, “Do I need to balance my prop?” and the quick answer is always “Yes!” A properly balanced prop will give you more rpm from gas, glow and electric engines. A balanced prop will reduce the wear and tear on your aircraft by greatly reducing vibration, […]
DIY Vacuum-Forming Machine

DIY Vacuum-Forming Machine

You know all those models you wanted to build, but did not attempt because they required a vacuum formed canopy? You remember reading about all manner of complicated vacuum formers that took a month to build and cost as much as a seven channel transmitter? Got $20.00 for materials, a few hand  tools and an […]

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Flying off Water Made Easy

With 70% of the earth covered with water, shouldn’t we have a similar percentage of RC model float planes? Well, maybe that’s too much to ask for but if have never given it a try, you’re really missing out. And with suitable open flying sites becoming more difficult to find, flying from public waterways, is […]
Home-Made Smoke Muffler

Home-Made Smoke Muffler

A great way to add fun and excitement to your RC flights is to add a smoke system. Do a loop or a roll and then add a dense, white smoke trail and you have an airshow! And it’s easy to save some bucks by modifying your stock muffler instead of buying a commercial smoke […]

RC Fuel Systems 101: A Video Summary of fuel line fittings and accessories

RC Fuel Systems 101: A Video Summary of fuel line fittings and accessories

It’s never too late to do some fuel tank maintenance. To get the best possible performance from your glow and gas powered airplanes, you have to properly install and maintain your entire fuel system.   From assembling and installing the tank itself correctly (with foam padding), to installing  in-line filters and other fittings, you want […]
RC Giant Czech Twin Takes Flight

RC Giant Czech Twin Takes Flight

Here’s a plane we’ve never seen modeled before: a giant-scale version of the Let L-410 Turbolet, a Czechoslovakian twin-engine short-range transport aircraft. With a 128-inch wingspan, the model weighs in at 28.6 pounds and is powered by two Axi 4130/20 motors, two PowerIon 5S 4P LiPo packs and two APC 19×12 propellers. This twin beauty was built and […]
Giant-Scale Hinging Video How To

Giant-Scale Hinging Video How To

Here’s some great techniques for properly installing giant scale hinges. Editor Gerry Yarrish shows the process from his workshop when he was building his 1/3-scale Balsa USA Fokker Triplane. Photos by Tim Haggerty
RC Aerobatics: Fly the Elevator

RC Aerobatics: Fly the Elevator

The first 3D maneuver many pilots learn is the “elevator.” During an elevator, the airplane remains fully stalled and drops almost vertically in a flat attitude. Start by pointing the airplane directly into the wind. Cut the throttle and increase upelevator to enter a stall. At the moment the plane stalls, hold in full up-elevator […]
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