Hobbies Archives - Model Airplane News

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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

Nail 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 […]

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

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

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

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 […]

RC Plane How to: Install Retractable Landing Gear

Setting up the gear doors on the P-51 for the first time isn’t that difficult assuming you are given some ground rules. I’ve been building for many years, but never set one up with the scale features as on the CARF P-51. The P-51 has outer doors attached to the retract struts and inner gear […]

RC Airplane First Flight Success

For the first-time RC modeler, today is a great time for getting started in the hobby. The newest generation of easy-to-assemble, almost-ready-to-fly planes come in a wide variety of types and sizes. From electric- powered park fliers and micro scale designs to your basic engine-powered, nitro-burning sport and trainer planes, the amount of work on […]

Model Airplane News RC Model Reader Tips

These field and bench tips are all courtesy of MAN readers (the best aircraft modelers around!). Here are a few of our favorites; bet you’ll use at least one! (Have a tip you’d like to share? Send it to MAN@airage.com!) GARAGE STORAGE SPACE When you need more storage space for wings, the garage door can […]