Worth a Closer Look
The Battery Bunker
It's one of those just-in-case things. New battery technology is benefiting modeling immensely, but some precautions are necessary.
Most battery dealers recommend that Li-Poly batteries be charged in a fireproof container. One that is nonmetallic will contain any heat better, and it's nonconducting, which prevents the possibility of a short circuit.
The Battery Bunker is made from high-fired stoneware. It's extremely strong and capable of withstanding temperatures well in excess of 2,000°.
This Bunker is designed to contain the fire and afterburn of a Li-Poly battery mishap. The loose-fitting lid locks down to contain the fire and allows the smoke to vent around the lid and wire slot.
The Battery Bunker lid slides on at an angle and locks on with a twist. To remove the lid, line up the mark on it with the wire slot and lift up at an angle.
The Battery Bunker is handmade, and sizes will vary slightly. A small 5-inch container is capable of holding a 5- to 5.5-inch-long battery, and the 7-inch size will hold a 7- to 7.5-inch-long battery. Each size has a 3.25-inch opening.
In special cases, “one-off” Bunkers have been made for customers with batteries that are nearly a foot long. That container is as large as 10 inches tall, but that's the limit.
The base of the Bunker is extra thick, which prevents any heat from passing down to whatever the container is resting on.
R. Kevin Kelley Ceramics: Box 400506, Hesperia CA 92340; Tel.: (760) 247-6980; Web site: http://mysite.verizon.net/kevinkelley/index.html
Top-of-the-Line Tachometer
Thousands were sold, and then Skyborn Electronics acquired the TNC Tachometer until it was discontinued because components of the design were no longer available.
In July this year Fromeco Scale Avionics took on the task of reintroducing this essential piece of precision equipment with some updates that are sure to please. Today's TNC Tachometer relies on more reliable surface-mounted microprocessor technology, which improves its accuracy to within 0.05%.
The upgraded sensor element is fully shielded, and the overall package is more resistant to damage. Safety is of the utmost concern, which is why the TNC device is capable of obtaining rpm measurements while the propeller is still attached.
Even the price is new. Fromeco was able to reintroduce and improve the product at a 30% lower cost than the previous tachometer. Today's price is $95.
You'll like the on/off switch because its design prevents the meter from ever being left turned on by accident. There are no fancy batteries either, and the unit is sold with a fresh 9-volt battery.
What Fromeco didn't change was the performance. The TNC Tachometer can still produce rpm readings for two- and three-blade props and even for glow engines.
The new high-rpm Hold feature displays the highest rpm reading on the top of the screen, while below that is the current rpm reading. This device's accuracy is clearly identifiable while viewing the five-number display that make constant adjustments down to the single revolution.
Fromeco Scale Avionics LLC: 37628 Greenmountain St., Sandy OR 97055; Tel.: (503) 310-5194; Web site: www.fromeco.org
1/5-scale P-6E Hawk ARF
It was the last of its breed—a fabric-covered, wood-framed biplane fighter—and hailed as one of the most beautiful bipes of its time. These days, whether you're a history buff or just looking for a great Scale airplane to fly, the P-6E Hawk ARF will capture your attention with its large size, dazzling trim scheme, and wealth of scale detail.
As the first ARF version of this nostalgic American classic, Great Planes' 60- to 120-size Sport Scale replica of the P-6E is sure to turn some heads at the airfield.
The Hawk comes with painted fiberglass parts, formed aluminum cowl, fiberglass cabanes, and a generous package of quality Great Planes–brand hardware. The fiberglass cowl, wheel pants, and landing-gear fairings are painted to complement the beautiful MonoKote trim scheme.
In the time it would take you to do the finishing alone, you can have the P-6E out of the box, off the workbench, and in the air. Even if you're a skilled builder, applying covering to the scalloped trim is tedious. The fact that it's already done on this model demonstrates how Great Planes offers you a stunning model with virtually none of the work.
The P-6E Hawk's retail price is $599.99.
Great Planes Manufacturing: Box 9021, Champaign IL 61826; Tel.: (217) 398-8970; Web site: www.greatplanes.com
Keleo Exhaust Systems
It all started with the need for a scale exhaust system to fit a 450–3R radial engine, and now Keleo Cubbon is manufacturing scale exhaust systems not just for four-stroke engines, but for two-stroke and giant gas engines as well.
Keleo Creations will locate exhaust stacks to your specifications, and Keleo's offering comes at a reasonable price. The realistic exhaust ring features a flat-black powder-coated finish for long-lasting durability. An exhaust ring comes with an already installed muffler-type tap.
All of Keleo products are made from high-quality 6061 T-6 aluminum and are skillfully TIG-welded for a strong and lightweight product.
Among the more exotic engine exhaust systems available are a number of solutions to suit some of the more popular scale ARFs. How about a 1-2 port exhaust for a 60-size Mustang?
Not one to ignore the details, Kelvin feels that the modeler shouldn't have to look at the engine's intake manifold. Gas-engine installations no longer have to have the carburetor hanging out the side of the airplane.
Keleo Creations: 53875 NW Our Ln., Gates Creek OR 97117; Tel.: (503) 359-5318; Web site: www.keleo-creations.com
Worth a Closer Look
Tanic Li-Poly Batteries
Tanic battery packs are sold with the exclusive Tanic Taps, which are designed to allow you to balance the voltages between the cells in your battery pack using a common connector. Maintenance of your battery pack becomes necessary when voltage fluctuations exceed .05–.10 volt between any two cells. The Taps can be used as often as needed and are a good way to track the performance of the cells.
Every Tanic battery pack is sold with an extra BEC lead to match the balancing plugs.
Normal charging can be done through the wire output leads presoldered on the pack. Batteries are available in a wide range of sizes and can be custom ordered to suit any need or connector preference.
Keeping a Li-Poly battery balanced means better performance and longer life from the pack. Tanic packs are made from the latest generation of Li-Poly technology, offering many capacities in 15C–20C discharge rates.
R/C TOYS Inc.: 4609 W. 75th St., Prairie Village KS 66208; Tel.: (800) RCTOYS-6. Web site: www.tanicpacks.com
Programmable Brushless ESC
The Cool Running brushless motor controller for aircraft is a full-featured, leading-technology device that provides many powerful automatic features. It is highly reliable, operates smoothly, and is designed to give the RC pilot maximum ease of use.
The controller monitors battery voltage and either cuts off or reduces motor power when the battery voltage drops to a specified level, ensuring sufficient energy to continue operation of the airplane to permit safe landing. And since Li-Poly batteries are sensitive to excessive discharge, the device provides special care by automatically detecting the number of cells and adjusting the voltage cutoff level.
In addition, the thermal shutdown feature protects the electronics and ensures a long life for the controller.
A self-calibrating, high-resolution throttle provides smooth and responsive behavior throughout the full throttle-stick range. The Safety Switch provides dual-purpose positive on/off control and simplifies connection and the programming mode.
The Cool Running controller will shut down the motor in the event that the transmitter signal is lost. The unit produces several beeps to inform you of the throttle’s readiness and to guide you through the initial programming setup.
Speed controls are currently available for aircraft in 10-, 12-, 25-, and 35-amp sizes. Helicopter versions include intuitive governor technology. Cool Running products are warranted for one year. Prices start at a competitive $29.95.
Cool Running Corporation: Box 2860, Sunnyvale CA 94087; Tel.: (408) 735-8435. Web site: www.coolesc.com
Big OV-10 Bronco
Continuing to set new standards for ARF Scale models is the Giant Scale OV-10 Bronco—the second new “Prestige Series” offering from ScaleTech, which is distributed exclusively by Hobby Hangar.
Developed from the original design by Rich Uravitch, this ARF has been thoroughly flight-tested to ensure a high degree of success for the first-time multi-engine, Giant Scale RC model flier.
The 80-inch-wingspan Bronco package comes with all required hardware, including engine mounts, fuel tanks, wheels, spinners, and control linkages.
All airframe components are expertly precovered with iron-on film, and the canopy framing and cowlings are prepainted to match the film covering. Engine cowlings and the fuselage end caps are fabricated from fiberglass and painted to match the film covering. A complete set of self-adhesive markings is provided to represent a colorful Bronco that served with the US Air Force.
Another breakthrough in the level of completeness with this model is the inclusion of a prewired, ready-to-install servo harness made specifically for this design. No additional servo extensions or Y harnesses are required.
Two .46-size engines are required to power the Bronco. The kit is provided with a rugged fixed-gear arrangement, but provisions for fitting retracts are built in. Air-operated retract systems, which can be retrofitted to completed airframes, are available.
The OV-10 is $439.95, including shipping within the US, direct from Hobby Hangar.
Hobby Hangar: 7715 Industrial St., West Melbourne FL 32904; Tel.: (321) 727-8227. Web site: www.hobbyhangar.com
Glue and Tool Organizer
Carl L. Myers designed the Glue and Tool Bar to use the lightest and strongest materials available, and the materials were cut on a CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) router. This modern method of cutting ensures an accurate fit of all parts and will add greatly to the assembly speed and finish of your organizer.
The Glue and Tool Bar can sit on a bench top or hang on a wall. An optional handle is provided so that it can be carried anywhere. There are enough openings in the top of the organizer to hold everything from adhesives to sanding blocks. The shelves are great for dispensing waxed paper, and now there’s a convenient place to hang paper towels.
This is a fun building project. Total assembly time for the kit after the prescored parts have been removed should be about two hours. No glue is necessary, but it can be used if the builder chooses. Your best bet is to finish the parts before building the organizer.
The wood finish is clear and knot-free, so the best way to appreciate the effort is to finish it with stain and a couple coats of sealing wax.
The Glue and Tool Bar comes in a standard version and a deluxe version that includes the towel rack and Pin Buddies. The respective prices are $29.95 and $41.95.
C&G/Masterlift Flyers: Box 1510, Jacksonville OR 97501; Tel.: (541) 734-2088. Web site: www.cgmf.com or www.sidewalkflyers.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
