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Mirage 2000-5 from WattAge (Hobby Shack)
From: Grant Calkins email: CasinoOp@thegrid.net
Ken,
 I just completed the Mirage 2000 kit/ARF, and initial test flights of this brand new
plane from WattAge. It is a 20" scale model of the famous French fighter. It builds
quickly (it's mostly ARF) and easily, and the wonderful decals actually fit right even around
compound curves. Fest of all, it flies very well from hand launch, and lands nicely on the
grass (Mid-Am here we come!)
Here is my brief review:
The Mirage 2000-5 from WattAge (sold by Hobby Shack) is a $70
white foam kit (mostly ARF) that is very nicely done, good instructions, and great decals. You
add radio (FMA Tetra), elevon-capable Tx (Hitec 7x), 2 micro servos (Dymond Super Micro), ESC
(Pixie 14), and prop (Tornado 6x4), mix up a few batches of 5 min epoxy, and about 5 hours
later you're ready to fly. Pusher motor is generic 400 size of unknown voltage (I'm guessing
it's 7.2 v), wired in reverse polarity, with regular prop also mounted backwards. Result:
pusher thrust without needing a pusher prop. All-up weight was 14.75 oz with 7x500 mAh
battery and 1/3 oz lead in nose (default balance was too tail heavy). Hand launch it level
with motor running (instructions say don't, but...), use 75% LR aileron (100%was kind of
hairy in the turns!), and be prepared for 5 min of realistic Mirage 2000 scale flying. Solid
**** (4 stars)
Later,
Grant Calkins
Channel Islands Condors
Muroc Model Masters (Edwards AFB, Calif.)
Return to "What's In This Issue?"
B-29/Tu-4 Project
From: George Maiorana , email: dmaiorana@voyager.net
Last month I showed you a photo of George’s plane taken at Toledo. If
that whetted your appetite, here’s more from George himself. km
Hi Ken,
Last year at the Mid-Am, I brought my B-29 out for show and tell. It was bare but
recognizable as a B-29. The plane was flown last September, in "primer" at the RCCD field. Three flights 6 minute were flown
without a problem on Sanyo 2000 mAh packs.
The plane was taken apart shortly after and covering it with aluminum tape took
until the night before Toledo. The model was done as a Tu-4 (Soviet copy of the B-29 ) and took third place in Designer Scale at
Toledo. Keith Shaw, Tom Cimato and Jack Lemon were the driving spirits behind this project. Without their help and support it
would not have happened and I would like to pass on my thanks to them in print through your column.
Last weekend we took her to the Mint Julep Scale Meet in Kentucky and entered
her in Team Scale. The Tu-4 team took first place and I also received the NASA Flight Achievement Award.
I thought you might be interested in seeing some pictures.
The contest flights took about 8 minutes and used approximately 2000 mAh from
the P-3000 packs.
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
Return to "What's In This Issue?"
NEW POWER PLANTS FOR ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT
From: Heather Rose email: HROSE@hobbico.com
Please note that this is a press release and provided for your information
only. I’d love to have some field results when possible. KM
Great Planes® now makes it easier and more convenient to enjoy the benefits of clean, quiet electric flight, thanks to three new ready-to-use ElectriFly motor systems.
The economical yet powerful direct drive S-600 motor system is simple to install and set up. It includes a hot 19-turn 7.2V-8.4V ferrite motor that provides suitable thrust and good speed for electric-powered R/C airplanes having weights up to 51 ounces and wing loadings of approximately 15 oz./sq. ft., and for 2-meter sailplanes. It features a fully wired switch harness with both toggle and micro switches and a safety fuse, an 8x4 composite propeller, an aluminum prop adapter with spinner cone, and motor mounting screws.
The T-600GD motor system is a more versatile and efficient performance package, capable of delivering more thrust and longer flight times than a direct drive system. This system is highlighted by a new high-torque T-600R (reverse rotation) ferrite motor for 7.2V-9.6V battery packs, a 2.5:1, GD-600 Electric Gear Drive, and a fully wired switch harness. It also includes a 10x8 propeller, a high quality aluminum prop adapter, and mounting screws. This perfectly matched system swings larger, more efficient propellers, providing remarkable improvements in thrust and significantly longer flight times. The new gear drive permits gear ratios from 2.5:1 to 3.8:1 with optional pinion gears, providing optimum power for a wide range of airplanes.
The most sophisticated of the new motor systems is the T-600GD ESC motor with Gear Drive and Electronic Speed Control. It utilizes the same T-600R ferrite motor and GD-600 gear drive, but replaces the switch harness with an efficient C-30 High Power electronic speed control. The ESC is forward-only, with brake (to stop a folding prop) and BEC with low battery cutoff to provide reliable power for the radio receiver. The high-frequency ESC is full proportional, providing full power for takeoffs while allowing the pilot to taxi the airplane to the flight line and vary the throttle during flight * resulting in smoother, more realistic and much longer flights. This system is ideal for electric-powered R/C airplanes having weights up to 56 ounces and wing loadings of approximately 20 oz/sq ft, and for 2-meter sailplanes.
All three motor systems include a matched propeller, prop adapter, mounting hardware and tools.
Retails
GPMG0755 S-600 Motor System $34.99
GPMG0760 T-600GD System w/Gear Drive 46.99
GPMG0765 T-600GD ESC System w/Gear Drive 89.99
A VERSATILE NEW GEAR DRIVE FOR ELECTRIC FLIGHT
Created to be 100% compatible with Great Planes®' T-600R Reverse Rotation 8.4V-9.6V ferrite motor, the ElectriFly GD-600 Electric Gear Drive can provide significantly more thrust and longer flight times than most direct drive systems making it a great match for larger, slower-flying electrics. It dual ball bearing output means free-running, long-life operation, and the precision-machined aluminum prop hub makes the prop run true, for less vibration and better efficiency. Compact, lightweight and durable, the GD-600 features an open structure for better cooling and quick and easy pinion gear changes. The included 18-tooth pinion gear provides a gear ratio of 2.5:1 (a good match with a 10x8 prop). Optional pinion gears provide ratios of 3:1 and 3.8:1 to swing even larger props. The instructions include a handy chart that makes it easy to choose ratios and propellers that are right for different types of airplanes. Mounting hardware and tools are included.
Retails
GPMG0850 GD-600 Electric Gear Drive w/2.5:1 Ratio $19.99
GPMG0851 Gearbox Pinion Gear 18T 2.5:1 1.99
GPMG0852 Gearbox Pinion Gear 15T 3.0:1 1.99
GPMG0853 Gearbox Pinion Gear 12T 3.8:1 1.99
Return to "What's In This Issue?"
On the Road With the EFO & Ken Myers
On May 9, the EFO went to the Romeo R/C Club and presented a flying
demo of electrics. Ken Myers, Richard Utkan, Bob Fowler and Tom Bacsanyi represented the club. Ken flew his X-250,
TigerShark and Lightening 250. Richard flew his Zagi and Miss Europa. Tom flew his big, beautiful Concept Fleet bipe and
Davey Fly Baby. Richard helped Bob fly his Ferias. There were a lot of questions from the Romeo folks, and several are very
interested in electrics.
The return home was "interesting," as the weather turned extremely
bad as we all left the field. I pulled off the field at 8:15 and didn’t complete the 45 mile drive until 11:45! The rain poured down
in buckets, while the wind blew a gale. Trees came down, and roads were blocked. What a dreadful night to be driving.
On May 13 Richard and I were at the meet in Donnelsville, OH. Azarr
puts on a wonderful meet at a great site. The weather was sunny but very, very windy. Only some of the bravest pilots took to
the air. The planes that flew did very well. Hi to Jeff from San Diego who I pitted next to. He was flying what the San Diego
group is famous for, high performance F5B types, and his was wonderful to watch cut through the wind. There was also a
fellow there that hangs around with Jim Ryan and company. He had A LOT of really great flying AF-020 powered planes that
really flew well. Hope he comes to the Mid-Am. Pat Mattes flew the heck of his direct drive Ferias, even in the wind. Just
briefly, Don Belfort and I had our X-250s in the air together. Don’s is a geared version. It was easy to see that mine was flying
through the wind a lot better do to the extra weight and more powerful power system.
Pat Mattes readies his planes in Donnelsville
The Three Bears at Donnelsville
The Three Bears Papas!
Is Ken Myers in a rut?
Don Belfort takes off with his built-up Zagi type plane
May 20 found the EFO and MISS (Michigan International Soaring
Society) having a joint get together at Camp Dearborn in Milford, MI. The weather was absolutely perfect, with the wind
actually dropping during the afternoon. There were a lot of electrics and pure gliders there sharing the air. A free lunch was
provided by the MISS and EFO. I had a chance to fly Wally’s X-250 stock version. It flies fine, but is a noticeably different
bird from mine. There were several comments through the day about how nicely electrics and sailplanes work well together.
June 3 was the EFO meeting held at the Midwest 5 Mile Road field.
Unfortunately, the turn out for the meeting was a bit light. Ken went over the "jobs" that need to be filled at the
Mid-Am and received several volunteers. Thanks guys. He also passed out information on how to get to the two meets
happening in Michigan on the 10th and 11th.
This is the first time that Dave Dobrin of the "DOME" had a chance to
fly with us outdoors. He flew his Zagi and had a lot of fun watching some planes he’d not seen before. I was having a ball
flying the X-250 from a piece of cardboard laid on the field until I lifted off too soon and snapped to the right, taking out the right
wing tip. Oops. All is well now. I also "flew" the airscoop off the TigerShark. A quick stop at the Dairy Duck on
the way home provided a new scoop.
The next EFO meeting is the Mid-Am. Folks, I really need help.
Please make every attempt to be there and help on this major event.
The August meeting is the "Douglas Kursinsky Memorial",
hosted by the Radio Control Club of Detroit. All electric fliers are invited/encouraged to come - AMA/MAAC membership
required - contact: Richard Arnold k8rja@flashcom.net or Ken Sulkowski
ksulkowski@home.com
Visit the RCCD site at:
www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/1099 for more details on the Events page. This is the fourth
Michigan electric meet of the year!
Return to "What's In This Issue?"
A party you won’t want to miss!
August 2-13, 2000
International Electric Flight Festival 2000 --- August 3 - 6
Non-World Championship Event all pilots are invited!
Thursday, August 3: Sunrise to Sunset Contest , F5D; F5B; F5B 425gm &
F5B 600gm, Beach Party and BBQ, Sunrise to Sunset Awards
Friday, August 4: F5D; F5B; F5B 425gm & F5B 600gm
Saturday, August 5: Class A Old Timer; Class A and B Sailplane , Sport Sailplane
Sunday, August 6: Fun Scale (Electric); F5A; Speed-400 Pylon, Racing and F5C Demonstration
2000 F5B / F5D World Championships - August 6 - 12
Sunday, August 6: F5B Processing, Official F5D Practice, Aerospace Museum Tour/Reception Balboa Park
Monday, August 7: F5D Processing, Official F5B Practice, Official Tour Day Sightseeing of San Diego, Opening
Ceremony, Initial Briefing for F5B/F5D Team Managers
Tuesday, August 8: F5B / F5D World Championships
Wednesday, August 9 - Friday, August 11: F5B / F5D World Championships
Thursday, August 10: F5B / F5D World Championships, FAI F5 Subcommittee Meeting
Saturday, August 12: F5B / F5D World Championships, Final Round, Closing Ceremony, Banquet
Sunday, August 13: Model Air Show, Contestants Departure
Ron Scharck, Director Wayne Walker, President
Electric Flight World Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego
Championships 2000 (619) 284-6119
E-mail: scharck@kw.com
E-mail: wayne.walker@daou.com
For complete details, accommodations, activities and maps please visit our website at: http://www.sefsd.org
Return to "What's In This Issue?"
Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology
From: Tom Hunt Email: THunt95147@aol.com
This September, the Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island are holding a "follow
on" electric meet to continue the nearly 2 decade tradition of the promotion of electric model flight in the US started by the
Keystone R/C Club of Hatfield, Pa.
The KRC members put on an excellent show for so many years. I personally
attended the last 7. Not single-handedly, but certainly, this show influenced more people to try electric model flight than any other.
With over 250 pilots and a couple of thousand of spectators the last few
years.... their "influence" was certainly being displayed.
SEFLI would like to build on this tidal wave....Many modelers have asked to
resurrect the event. There is a desire, there is a way, there is a site!!!
On Sept 22, 23, 24th of this year.... and hopefully for many years to come, The
NEAT (Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology) Fair, will be held a little farther north than Allentown Pa., in Downsville, NY.
This site was acquired with the help of Joe Beshar and his friend "Ski." A campground, along the east branch of the
Delaware River, has a lot to offer, not only to the modeler, but the vacationer. The new site will obviously be closer for some,
farther for others, but the beauty of this place, and the immense flying field is worth the extra drive.
A TREMENDOUS grass field, REAL toilets/showers, more than enough room to
grow well past the size the largest KRC did, and best of all.... at a fair price to the organizers....
The meet will be "hosted" by SEFLI, but will also be supported by the
Grumman Wingnutz R/C Squadron (a mixed wet/electric club) and individuals from wet/electric clubs in the Tri-state area....
making this affair a real "group effort" of modelers dedicated to the advancement of electric flight.
Two websites to visit:
The Virtual Home of the NEAT Fair, hosted by Gabe Baltaian of NY Blimps ( a
SEFLI member, and terrific inventor) can be reached at: www.nyblimp.com/NEAT.htm
The site is still under construction and will be "fluid" for some time, visit
it often for updates.
The other is the Peaceful Valley campgrounds..... the virtual site to the
"physical" site where the event will be held. See them at: www.peaceful-valley.com
If the NEAT website does not answer all your questions, you may email us at
Neatfair@aol.com. Gabe Baltaian has done a wonderful job with the NEAT fair website
If you plan on attending (and flying) please pre-register (form on the site). If you
plan on coming but don't plan on flying, please also use the separate form there too. Both will help us and the campsite owner
plan the event.
Pre-registration fees are fully refundable, just in case you cannot make it.
Pre-registration does a few good things.. (1) it will save the modeler a few bucks. (2) It will help SEFLI plan the event (3) it will
warn us of any "overloaded" frequencies and give modelers a chance to change them if they can. (4) SEFLI is not a
cash rich club, it will allow some working capital to get the snowball started.
ALL fliers must hold an AMA or MAAC card.
There are over 200 campsites available, a few B+B rooms and two cabins. You
are responsible for making your own reservations with PV.
Although only verbal at this point... many of the "BIG" electric vendors
have pledged to come. As the vendors "officially" respond, we will list them on the site.
Response to the announcement of the event at the WRAM show was
tremendously encouraging. SEFLI will not promise a first year re-coup of all that the previous KRC's were, but it should big quite
big still!!
Event Directors have been selected for the three day event:
Tom Hunt representing the Grumman Wingnutz R/C Squadron will be the ED on Friday.
Bob Aberle representing SEFLI (host club) will be the ED on Saturday.
Joe Beshar representing the Old-Time Eagles of NJ will be the ED and close on Sunday.
Hope to see you there....
and lets all give an electric round of applause to KRC for all the years they gave us!!
Regards,
Tom Hunt and all of SEFLI
Return to "What's In This Issue?"
Second Annual E-FLI-OWA
Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10, 2000
Place: Seven Cities Sod Farm - Junction of I-80 and Iowa 130. For detailed map contact the CD
AMA Sanction #00592 *** AMA License Required
There will be a $15.00 landing fee which will include a raffle ticket for two Hitec Focus III
radios to be given away, one for each day. You must be present to win.
Flying will commence both Saturday and Sunday at 08:30 AM and end at 5:00 PM on Saturday and 4:00 PM on Sunday
This will be a fun-fly only. NO competitive events.
Buy, sell or trade is welcome.
For further information:
Jon McVay AMA 6004
5 Hillcrest Heights
Mt. Vernon, IA 42314
319-895-6527 or email: Togflier@aol.com
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To Reach Ken Myers, you can land mail to the address at the top of the page. My E-mail
address is:
KMyersEFO@aol.com
EFO WEBsite: http://members.aol.com/KMyersEFO/
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