Contents...
REGULARS
PRE FLIGHT
Introducing this issue
TAKE OFF
Latest R/C model flying news
SHOP WINDOW
A look at the latest R/C products
GADGETS & GEAR
James Crozier returns with a quick overview of of the latest model products and R/C tech, some of which we will be reviewing in detail over the coming issues
ROTARY WINGS
Despite the popularity of electric power, both petrol and glow engines are still widely used as power plants for R/C helicopters. Richard Morris has a few pointers for keeping them up and running
DIARY DATES
Two more packed pages of summer model flying events
THE SPORT CHANNEL
Back after moving house, Gray writes on another selection of sport model topics
REVIEWS
16 XR-52
Dave Wilshere has tested pretty much all recent Precision Aerobatic kits for this magazine, so he is our expert choice to flight test their latest aerobat. This one is a bit different though, as whilst it can be flown as a hot 3-D machine, it can be transformed into a smooth aerobatic aircraft simply by changing the prop and reducing control throws
TACTIC TTX650
Budget level 6-channel radios have a lot going for them these days. We took a look at Hobbico’s entry-level sports radio and were very impressed with the functions that it offered, including some of the latest ideas that were, until recently, the preserve of mid-range radio sets
CAPICHE 52
After his last review, of a building trainer, Neville Hill wanted to step up a few gears. So we gave him one of Weston UK’s quick build aerobatic kits to play with, including a powerful West Eurotec 52 T1 two-stroke glow engine, complete with a Genesis exhaust
SAITO FG-40
We were supplied with this petrol powered four-stroke, from the leading Japanese engine manufacturer, to power a forthcoming aerobatic kit review model. But before we hide it under the model’s big cowling we thought you would like to take a closer look at this 40.2 cc powerhouse
BEBOP IN FLIGHT
After giving you an overview of the new Parrot Bebop quadcopter last month, the winds dropped and we finally managed to get down to the flying field to film some video and still images with its 180 degree fish-eye lens. Piloting the Bebop is a breeze thanks to its dedicated R/C style Skycontroller
JR R/C GLOVES
Could we have found the perfect pair of gloves for R/C flying? Well this new product from the leading radio manufacturer comes pretty close, as it offers fingerless digits in all the right places!
FEATURES
40 FOURNIER FORTITUDE
Why is is that some models seem to have more of their share of bad luck? It’s even more galling when you’re a young lad and are just starting out on your model flying career. Fortunately, Byron Freeman is made of strong stuff and came back fighting after a string of incidents with his first serious scale model, a fabulous Fournier. Chris Freeman has the story
FOURNIER RF-7
After reading Chris Freeman’s article about the Freeman family’s Fourniers, we thought it would be good to give another airing to one of the most popular versions of this iconic French motor glider that we have in the Traplet plans range. So please welcome back Peter Miller’s 1/6th scale RF-7, a 62-inch wingspan, clipped wing version for .26 – .32 fourstroke or .15 – .20 two-stroke engines
MILLIE BOB
Over a decade ago, Tony Wright sketched out a design for a high wing, electric powered trainer. He called it Bob but it was never built. Roll on eleven years and he had the perfect answer when his daughter decided she wanted her very own R/C aeroplane. The 44-inch span cabin model, designed to take a 3S-1500 mAh LiPo, was even renamed in her honour!
AN ITCH TO SCRATCH
In the fourth part of his series on scratch building, Bill Bowne shows how to start adding some design flair to the basic outline plan of a simple aerobatic sports model
FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM
Derek Small discovers a treasury of naval aviation as he reports from the home of the International Radio Controlled Air Show, held at the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum in Somerset. The museum is a gold mine of scale information
TOP TIPS
The best way to fit Seagull control horns and a simple throttle lock are the topics covered in this top tips guide
CG STAND
Enlarged versions of drawings to make Chris Williams' Centre of Gravity balancing stand
FLORIDA JET-TOGETHER
Barry Vaught reports from the season opening Florida Jets event held in Lakeland, Florida. This top turbine gathering attracts many of the best R/C pilots from around the world, including our very own Ali Machinchy, who fl ew the largest jet to ever participate at this event – a custom built, 1/4 scale, 177-inch long F-104 Starfi ghter!
