Archive for RC Model Airplanes

Nitro RC Model Airplanes

Friday, February 19th, 2010

nitro rc airplanesIn terms of popularity the nitro RC model airplanes may not be in the same league as the electric RC model airplanes but the former is slowly catching up in terms of popularity. These types of RC models form the bulk of the airplanes found in RC airplanes clubs all over. There is another advantage associated with these models – building and flying nitro powered model airplanes are much easier compared to other types of models. There are at least a couple of Ready to Fly airplanes that are nitro powered and are very popular among all – young and old. The NexStar Select N46 is powered with features that make flying this model safe and easy. There is another model – Alpha Trainer DSM2 – which is also a nitro RC model airplane and is sold with a 2.4 GHz standard. Another first by this model is that it uses the DSM2 spread spectrum radio technology which makes flying more easy and convenient.

RC multi channel nitro planes are making more and more people to turn to this sport with a new zeal and fervor. The above-mentioned models are perfect for beginners and help the person to gain the much valuable experience to get promoted to the electric RC model airplane flying.

There are a number of scale nitro RC model airplanes available in the market now and each one seems to be a ‘must buy’. The most popular models are P-51 Mustang, Piper Cub and Cessna. The nitro powered Piper Club is definitely the best of the lot and is very easy to fly. On the other hand, the P-51 Mustang is not a very good choice for the beginners. It should ideally be your 3rd choice model airplane. The Mustang has a great flying speed but lacks the stability of the Piper Cub which makes it unsuitable for those who are new to the sport. This is the primary reason why the Piper Cub is so popular with the people.

There is one particular model in particular in the Mustang series with which the beginners are somewhat comfortable. This is the PTS Advance Trainer Mustang which has advanced features that make it stable in the air and can be easily steered. The model airplane has been designed with the beginners in mind so it is really a good choice for learning the art of RC flying on a high wing trainer. The plane also uses a 4 – stroke engine instead of the regular 2 – stroke one and hence creates minimal sound when flying at low speeds.

It is true that nitro RC model airplanes are quite popular with the beginners but before you go ahead and buy one for yourself you need to know certain things. Nitro TC airplanes are not simple as their electric counterparts. The engine is the most delicate and require a high degree of care and maintenance. Though on the good side you will get to know more about the plane itself if it is nitro powered and this will give you the much needed confidence required to fly more complex models. The prices of these have reduced considerably and nowadays the price of a RTF trainer with 2.4 GHz radio system with a nitro engine will peg you back by only a few hundred dollars.

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Balsa RC Airplane Kits

Friday, February 19th, 2010

balsa rc airplaneBalsa is actually a forest tree of lowland Central America which has a strong but very light wood. It is usually used for the making of floats and rafts. It has been seen that Balsa as a material is very ideal for model airplane construction. Companies like Guillows which is a renowned manufacturer of traditional kits uses pieces which are made from balsa wood. The individual parts such as wing ribs and fuselage formers are made from sheets of balsa while balsa strips make the remainder of the construction. Thin modeling – grade balsa is also used in certain key areas of a model airplane such as engine bulkheads and landing gear plates. The main reason behind the popularity of balsa as a material can be attributed to the fact that it has a superb weight to strength ratio.

The Balsa RC model airplane kits come with a plan that is usually laid out on a flat board. You need to follow the plan on every step to properly construct the plane and to attach the necessary parts like wings, tail, fuselage et al. After this is complete then comes the most important task of covering the parts with a heat sensitive plastic film. You can attach the film onto the parts using an iron. The film sticks to the balsa with the help of an adhesive coating and this melts due to heat. A heat gun is then used to reduce the size of the film. But this is a more modern approach. If you buy a traditional balsa model airplane you will find that it is covered with lightweight tissue paper and banana oil. Nowadays you will find this method in those models which are replica of the vintage airplanes. In this manner the model looks traditional too. With changing times we see model airplanes being built from fiberglass, foam, plastics and of course, balsa.

In the last ten years or so the popularity of RC RTF (Ready to fly) and ARF (Almost ready to fly) have increased consistently. NexStar Select 46 is a very popular model that has helped lure many people into RC model airplane flying. The model is available in both gas and electric form. However, if you are looking for real fun and excitement wherein you can actually build a model RC plane from a kit then thebalsa RC model airplane kits are best for you. The kit is generally an all-inclusive one meaning it contains all the essential hardware. Apart from the kit you just need to buy the covering material, paint, and engine and radio gear. If you are completely new and feel that you need help in building the airplane you can always consult the book “How to make RC airplanes” by Carl Baer. There is some element of truth in the saying that building a model airplane from scratch and then flying it is more enjoyable and satisfying than ATF and RTF combined. Let us just hope that the balsa RC model airplane kits remain popular and the sales are not completely taken over by the ATF and the RTF.

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Electric RC Model Airplanes

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

rc model airplanesRadio Controlled Airplanes is the latest hobby that is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages. In fact, it has become so popular that many RC flying clubs have mushroomed all over US. Electric radio controlled planes are here to stay as they are easy and definitely cheaper than the gas airplanes. This is a very easy way to get started as the electric ones are not complicated and perfect for beginners. Among the electric ones, the 3 – channel Accipiter Badius Glider is very popular among beginners. This has become popular as it is easy to fly it and you do not have to run from pillar to post in search of the spare parts.

Spare parts availability should be an important point to consider while choosing electric RC model airplanes. If you are new to this hobby then it is expected that you will crash your plane at least once. In the event of a crash, the main wing, propeller or the tail assembly needs to be replaced. The parts are either screwed or held with each other through elastic so it is easy to replace the damaged parts with a new one.

The Electric RC Model airplanes have a number of advantages over the gas powered airplanes. The electric models create very low noise even at maximum revolutions which is a huge boost for those who want to fly their planes at the neighborhood parks. So nobody gets disturbed by any kind of noise.

Electric motors produce high level of efficiency with minimum heat production. Another notable thing is that in electric motors the moving parts rotate along the same axis as the direction of the flight and hence cause very little vibration. So fewer materials are required as the airplane need not be constructed in a special way to absorb vibration. The cost of maintaining the electric motors is very less. Since the contact points are very few friction is less when compared to gas airplanes and hence no need of lubrication.

As we can see there are a number of reasons to choose electric RC model airplanes and many companies are coming up with newer and newer models to lure the prospective buyers. Here we will discus a few of the best models available in the market right now. The Vortex RC plane is very well known for its stability and simple design. This is a perfect model for those who are new to the sport. When you gain more experience you can try the SX3 Aerobatic 3D electric RC plane or the Vortex Extreme RC plane as these provide superior control and you can even try a trick or two. To top it all the Vortex Extreme model comes with an optional wireless Eye cam. When you are experienced enough to take on the world gift yourself the F/A – 18C Blue Angel Brushless Radio Controlled model airplane. So what are you waiting for? Hop into the world of electric RC model airplane flying.

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RC Model Airplane Kits

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

rc model airplane kitFlying radio control airplanes has become very popular as a hobby over the last few years. This hobby has evolved into a passion for many over time. Flying RC airplane is not only fun and addictive but stimulating also. The hobby is equally popular with both young and old and anyone can start with this hobby at any time. This is a very good way to utilize your pastime.

Like any hobby before you jump into it you must be sure about all pros and cons (if any) of radio control flying, the cost involved and the type of airplanes that you can fly. You should also learn why this hobby has become so popular nowadays. I suggest that you enter the world of RC flying with the help of RC model airplane kit. You will get immense joy when you will build and fly your first RC model airplane.

RC model airplane kits are more commonly known as ARF or Almost – Ready – To – Fly. The time required to assemble a model airplane is about 20 hrs. Once assembled the airplanes fly at a maximum speed of 30 mph and the landing speed is at 15 mph.

The cost of such kits is not very high. There are models which will cost less than 100 $ but if you are looking for a real good kit for a beginner and don’t mind spending then be ready with something like 250 $. However, a common question that usually haunts people is – how far can these airplanes fly? Let me tell you that the distance covered by a RC airplane will always depend upon the quality of the radio controller. Usually these fly a maximum distance of half a mile but larger planes are known to fly till a distance of 1 mile.

RC model airplane kits are usually considered good for first timers. These airplanes are controlled by a radio controlled system that is made up of a transmitter, receiver, frequency crystals and servos. The transmitter is the device that controls the speed and steering of the plane and it is always in our hands. The servos are placed inside the airplane to control the speed of the propeller and to control the wings or rudder.

The transmitter and the receiver use a frequency crystal to determine in which the radio control system operates in. In a RC airplane the propeller uses either with the help of gas engine or electric motor. While electric motor needs a battery to work the gas engines use fuel which is specially blended for these model airplanes.

The airplane models are beginning to become a rage among the new generation. If you visit the Amazon or eBay site you will find hundred of kits for sale at throwaway prices. Upon careful planning you can get yourself a good deal and with it a good starter kit for model airplane. This hobby is definitely more entertaining and intelligence stimulating than Xbox and PS3 combined.

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