8
9
WING
SPAN
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
WING
SPAN
MAAALogo.
and uses the same Aresti diagrams
(graphic language to illustrate
manoeuvres) as full-size.
So, where do you start?
Transmitter
Deciding on the type of transmitter
to buy can be a challenge, but this
is usually a budget driven decision.
Prices can vary from very cheap (like
those included in ‘combo’ models)
up into the thousands of dollars. A
basic 4-7 channel is suitable for most
beginners, and can be replaced once
you feel ready.
High-wing trainer
The progression of models types from
learner to advanced flying is similar
to full-size. It’s best for beginners to
start with a high-wing trainer because
of their stability and self-righting
tendency with dihedral setup in the
wings. These planes are normally
made of foamand can be electric or
use a small glow engine. Trainers are
around 1.8m, taking a 0.40cu-0.60cu
glowmotor or equivalent in electric
and the classic balsa or ply style is still
popular.
Once you’ve bought the kit, read the
instructions and check the contents.
If you are extra patient, take it
with you to a local club and let an
experienced builder help you check
that the hardware supplied is suitable.
Often small improvements from the
standard or manufacturer supplied
equipment can improve reliability.
Thesemay includemaking sure
pushrods don’t flex in their travel or
that the fastenings to control horns
are firmand reliable. Using loctite on
bolts helps to keep them in place, and
doesn’t require over-tightening. A drop
of CA-glue in screw holes in balsa or
ply reduces the chance of the screws
pulling out. Small tips like this go a
long way towards having a smooth
flight.
Low-wing trainer
The next type of model in your
progression is called a low-wing
trainer. The Phoenix Scanner is the
most notable of its type. This model is
very similar to the high-wing trainer,
just with the wings underneath. As a
competent flyer youmay still crash
a plane like this. It’s just because
you’re at the stage where you can take
off and land, but exploring the sky,
doing spins, loops, rolls, low passes
and inverted flying inevitably leads
to “dumb-thumbs” at the wrong time
and a reducedmargin for error. Oops.
Flying is unforgiving, and all pilots
need to know the consequences of
taking risks. Take-offs are voluntary,
landings compulsory, but not all
landings are controlled.
Sport flyer
Once you can control a low-wing
trainer, the next airframe to
experiment with is a sport-flyer, which
is more aerodynamic than a trainer. If
you work hard and keep refining your
aerobatic skills it will soon be time for
a larger engine, maybe petrol 30cc or
50cc. Check your field for any policies
about petrol planes and larger planes
as well as sound restrictions that
might be in place.
If you are interested in learning more
you can visit
to learnmore about scale aerobatics.
Other interesting sites include:
High-wing trainer
Low-wing trainer
FMSYak543DARTF Sports Aircraft
master
blaster!
LAST MONTH WINGSPAN PROFILED PATRICK DRAKE, A KEEN MODEL RC SUBMARINE
ENTHUSIAST. THIS MONTH WE TALK TO DAVID SIPUS, A PASSIONATE RC ENTHUSIAST
WHOSE CURRENT INFATUATION IS MODEL TANKS. HE’S WELL ON HIS WAY TO BEING
MASTER BLASTER.
What’s yourRC?
Tanks right now, trucks soon, but
anything that can bemodelled and
can be controlled remotely: aircraft,
cars, trucks, tanks and, really, I mean
anything. In the past I’ve tried to get
my hands on oldmachinery like small
excavators and dingos (dingo as in
brand name and not the canine)
but no luck…yet. I’ve had fun building
large-scale dioramas with working
components to complement the
tanks. I’ve been working on realistic
looking tanks in battle situations...…
Boom.
Howdidyoubecome
involved inRC tanks?
Short answer…a friend introducedme
to them. Long answer…after my sister
passed away I drifted away from
RC aircraft. She was a big influence
ever since the wires of my control
line plane got wrapped around her
neck when we were children and
she was more concerned about the
subsequent damage to the plane.
Anyhow, I was looking for something a
little less intense and not so reliant on
prevailing weather conditions. A new
tank club was forming at around the
same time. New challenges presented
themselves and I enjoyed the tanks.
What is your favouriteRC
model?
That’s a little like asking a parent
which of their children they like the
most. I don’t really have a favourite
as such, but right now the custom
modified Walker bulldog DK1 would
rate quite high because of its
uniqueness as an RC tank. It’s hard to
make work properly, but then that’s
what I like about it. This started out
when I accidentally came across a
DK1 on the web. I had accumulated
a number of walker bulldogs (very
popular RC tank) and decided to cut a
couple up for themodification.
A life-long passion for RC... David Sipus
shares his explosive enthusiasm for RC
Tanks
