Model Activity Press

Aviation Modeller April 2010

April 2010 Issue

On Sale Now

Features

NUREMBERG INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR 2010

NUREMBERG INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR 2010

The annual Nuremberg Toy and Hobby Fair is the largest expo of new models and accessories in the world. Editor Steve Dorling was there this year and reports on all the latest trends and exciting new releases that will find their way onto model shop shelves over the coming months.

TURBINE TRENDS

TURBINE TRENDS

Expert gas turbine flyer Alasdair Sutherland lists readily available jet engines in the U.K. and provides thrust ratings and diameters as a guide for purchasers. His bi-monthly column also features some spectacular new scale turbine-powered models.

BMFA ELECTRIC INDOOR MASTERS 2009

BMFA ELECTRIC INDOOR MASTERS 2009

Alex Whittaker visits Bradford to report on this remarkable F3P contest where the models and flying styles are unique in the R/C world. Super lightweight models compete in Aeromusical, Freestyle, Synchro and Indoor Pylon Race competitions. Take a look – you’ll be amazed!

FREE-FLIGHT FILE

FREE-FLIGHT FILE

A detailed look at Restricted Technology Models, with the specifications for Gliders, Rubber and Power classes, AND plans for ‘Uranus 1/2A Mk 11’, the basis of the genre. Plus Comment on the BMFA Indoor Free Flight National Championships, 2009 Coupe Europa and the Southern Coupe League

PETERBOROUGH FLYING ACES 2009

PETERBOROUGH FLYING ACES 2009

The annual Flying Aces event is the ultimate in low-key, low-tech aeromodelling fun for all kinds of free flight and control line, with an emphasis vintage and retro-classes. Everything is flown, from Jetex and F/F waterplanes. There’s always so much going on simultaneously that is brings a model flying meaning to the old adage – “duck or grouse”!

MIND THE LINES

MIND THE LINES

Thinking about starting in C/L or simply contemplating a nostalgia trip back to earlier aeromodelling times? Resident control line columnist Mike Parry offers the 1.5cc ‘Barton Trainer’ from Hallam Models as the ideal aircraft to get you going and describes in detail how to build and fly it.

VINTAGE

VINTAGE

Australian modeller Don Howie's regular column offers a monthly injection of modelling memories with designs and engines from the past still very much in use today. This month he features Vic Smeed’s 'Queen of Hearts', a Model Aerodrome catalogue from 1946 and tests the 1958 2.5cc D.C. Rapier diesel.

TALKING ELECTRICS

TALKING ELECTRICS

Expert Andrew Gibbs reviews a successful electric powered semi-scale twin and also describes how to select the ideal motor, propeller and battery to provide the perfect power system for a reader’s model. Follow his easy-to-understand advice to compile your own setup.

WHEELS FOR A BLERIOT

WHEELS FOR A BLERIOT

Chris Brainwood describes the techniques he used to create scale, wire-spoked wheels for his 1/8th scale free flight model of the Bleriot Monoplane

MODEL BUILDERS’ PRIMER

MODEL BUILDERS’ PRIMER

This month, author Steve Griffiths deals with the technique options for control linkages to flaps, air-brakes and wing spoilers suitable for gliders and sailplanes, including the use of ‘ganged’ servos as a means of simplifying the linkages.

FUELS & LUBRICANTS EXPLAINED

FUELS & LUBRICANTS EXPLAINED

Part 2 of Don Farrers’s revelations explores the use of synthetic type lubricants for model engine fuels and reveals some rather odd facts regarding petrol, methanol and nitromethane. Take note of what he says to keep your model aero engines healthy.

BOXING CLEVER

BOXING CLEVER

How much did you last model cost you to make? How long did that pristine 'just-finish' appearance survive after some flying field transport to-ing and fro-ing? Stuffing a model loose in the back of a car is asking for a few 'dings', so try Mike Evans’ lightweight carrier to protect you pride and joy.

LARGE MODELS AT GAYDON

LARGE MODELS AT GAYDON

The Large Model Association’s Autumn symposium at the Gaydon Motor Heritage Museum showcased big, impressive projects, many of which will be wowing the flying show crowds this season. We visited their ’09 autumn Static & Trade Show to catch up on ‘work in progress’ as the new 2010 models roll out of the hangars.