0503_56k.wmv - 647k, play a 144 second streaming-sample for dial-up connections.
0503_256.wmv - a 4309k sample, for broadband internet connections.
workBENCH: "Until you get sick of it!" is how Larry Stenhouse refers to the job of prepping the surface of his B-17. Yup, we're getting closer to seeing Larry's Don Smith-based 138" wingspan B-17 (modified to Coast Guard specifications) go to the field. First up, it gets quad in-cowl exhausts, then he shows us the secrets of achieving a perfect finish. Since the model features four OS MAX70 Surpass 4-stroke engines, the task is to get the exhaust gasses (and the messy lubricating oil) out of the cowls. Using special exhaust elbows available from the crew at Performance Specialties Larry shows us how to make it a doodle of a job! Next, in preparation for painting the model, Larry shows us 'exactly' how he preps the surface - along with the tools and materials he uses to prime it. These are the little tricks of a master builder, which while simple to him, are precious beyond belief to us. They make this segment especially memorable, as they're essential for the goal of achieving the perfect finish!
workBENCH:Donnie Wright held a beautiful hover for the cover-photo with Laser Models' neat Laser 3D. But this is a kit, not an ARF, and just as building on a crooked foundation results in a crooked house, building on a warped workbench results in a crooked model. But how do you determine if your workbench is good enough? We reveal the simple secret to using 5 little blocks of wood, some thread, and some clamps to ensure your workbench is perfect. Of course, these tips are applicable to building any model. We also look at some new tools by the folks at Midwest Products. Folks, this nifty and sensibly priced kit builds into an acrobat perfect for polishing your 3D skills and it would be a shame to mess it up by building it crooked!
ROT8: Back in 1990, when John started to learn to fly R/C helicopters, he met a fellow named Gary Wright who showed him how to set up his helicopter, and who also insisted he learn to hover nose-in before getting into forward flight. This made all the difference in John's learning to fly an R/C helicopter and became a key task John taught any beginning helicopter pilot. Hence, it's natural that in R/C Basics: Hover - Flight Training John would insist on showing how to learn nose-in hovering. But there's more. In modelSPORT MS0404, we featured RC Direct's Mikado Logo 20 . . . and because you wanted to know more, we've been fielding tons of questions about its suitability as an every day helicopter ever since. Enter Gary Wright to put all the questions to bed as he demonstrates its capabilities to its fullest. How? By performing an incredible 3D routine with his Hacker-powered 20-cell MikadoLogo 20. This segment is just awesome and is an opportunity to see one of America's premier 3D helicopter pilots having a spot of fun! Whoever says electric models can't perform on a par with fuel-powered models doesn't know squat - here's the proof!
innerVIEW: If your interests run to electric models, this segment's for you. The Southeast Electric Flight Festival was held just south of Atlanta, GA by CD Jeff Meyers, and a fine bunch of guys. This was the innaugural event and it was superbly organized! The folks at Hobby Lobby were there with a fleet of models including an awesome Tigercat WWII twin-engine fighter and a delightful rendition of Grumman's Hellcat. Also there was the team from Aero-Model with some superb electric conversions. Also wowing the crowd was Gary Wright of GWMP with his hot E3D. We were so impressed we're working on a video showing how to get into electric models - and I don't mean little wimpy stuff that's grounded by a little wind . . . we're gonna show you the kind that can fly in all kinds of weather! As for SEFF, we'll be back, and Jeff was kind enough to send us some info on how you can attend the next SEFF. Trust me guys, mark your calendar for the next one - you won't regret attending! I think any club in danger of losing a field due to noise complaints that doesn't promptly investigate the potential of electric models is composed of fools. This segment will help you discover for yourself the benefits of clean and powerful electric-powered models. I was quite impressed and think you will be also.
talkRADIO: Ever wondered what all the fancy bells and whistles on modern transmitters are for? Well, one of those features is called Flight Modes (by the folks at JR) and it's one top pilots use to make flight with complex models appear simple. My pal Eric Meyers clues us in on the secrets of how Flight Modes work by demonstrating an application which shows how top of the line systems work. There's nothing like a little show and tell by one of the industry's top experts to shed light on the benefit of a little technology!
aboutENGINES: Sporting features like rear-induction and angled-exhaust, 3W's wicked 50cc single is no ordinary run-of-the-mill gasser! Form follows function - this sweetheart was bred for airplanes . . . not weed whackers! My pal Bobby Wilson at Cactus Aviation promised me she was strong, and boy was he was right! Spinning a hefty 3W 20x10 wooden prop at 6300 RPM, this monster is no slouch in the power department! Modelers who appreciate the finer qualities of quality German engineering and craftsmanship will love this puppy - I do. Everyone else will stand in awe, as this is one sweet engine. But the best part is she's surprisingly affordable and will make a superb addition to add to your engine collection!
workBENCH: Want a superb aerobatic gasser - with convenient plug-in wings, but don't want to break the bank? What if it also features real louvers in the cowl, and instead of a cheesy landing gear set up, it also includes all the fiberglass bits and pieces required to make the gear look like the real thing? Folks, I first saw this model at Chicago's RCHTA trade show, but it wasn't for sale yet. So I proceeded to badger the folks at World Models to hurry up and bring it into the country, and boy, I was stoked when they finally called to tell me it was available. This superb replica of Walter Extra's magnificent Extra 300S was worth the wait and just one flight did it to me she's become my absolute favorite model! At 27% scale, and finished in Patty Wagstaff's colors, I think you'll want one too. And in case the color doesn't float your boat, the team at AirBorne Models tell me there are two more color schemes available! Of course, a good thing can be made better, and to keep her from looking like other folk's model, I contacted my pal Denny Melancon of Model Graphics for some of his cool 1999 version decals and a female pilot figure. We also add an incredible instrument panel from Goebel Custom Dash along with a bit of speckly spray paint to the cockpit area. Then we upgraded to Robart's giant-scale Hinge Point hinges and added a Tru-Turn custom spinner. As a bonus here are the .pdf templates for modifying the engine box to fit the 3W 50 to your Extra 300S - but you'll need Adobe's free Acrobat download to view and print the files if your computer's not equipped to handle them. A bit bigger than other Extra 300S models you might consider, everyone will watch with envy when you show up with this gorgeous model - this one is a winner!
Available on DVD or VHS, it's another jam-packed 2-hour issue of modelSPORT you just gotta have!
