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Mark Collins 26% Museum Scale Dragon Rapide Hustler Mk11 build it from scratch Hustler Mk111 how to Hack itMum’s the Word (Joining a club)

250kph Helicopter Jets 400kph F5b glider DOGFIGHTS

In this issue

Drone Zone at Airshows Down Under

One day only Saturday March 9th

RCM News FLYBOYS getting into the hobby special edition March 20192

7

Contents

3 The Leading Edge 6 $100 Cessna 7 Mum’s the Word 9 Optic Nerve10 Hustler Mk 111 EP 15 How to build a Wing19 The Build25 Resurrecting Old Helis

Events / Articles

Ace Hobby Distributors ...................30Ace RC Models .................................24AeroFlight Model Australia ................4Airborne Plans Service .....................21Flyboys Flight Training.......................5FPV Australia ....................................46Futaba Australia ................................48

Futaba Pro Shop .........................24,34Mongrel Gear ..................................47Perth R/C Models ............................15RC World ........................................22RCGF Engines ................................27RCM News Disclaimer ...................29Wolf Models ....................................27

Advertisers Index

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9 10 15

19

28

26

35

26 Spooling Up (Jets)27 Flying 60cc (Air Racing)28 Dawn Patrol30 Flyboys Flight Training35 Drone Zone 47 Glossary of Terms48 The Trailing Edge

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RCM News FLYBOYS getting into the hobby special edition March 2019 3

computer would not have landed that plane. Drone delivery of a pizza to a residence in the suburbs gets a lot of hype but dealing with practicalities and obeying The Law has a long way to go. Grabbing a drone from your local Officeworks or Harvey Nor-man to enter the commercial avia-tion industry sounds simple enough. Before you embark on the idea of doing your own roof inspections I implore you read our roving report-er’s article on page 9. Then check our Drone Zone feature written by John Fleming on page 35. One of the reasons I changed from a bi-monthly was to compete in some way with the Internet. The Lancaster featured in Andrew Sill’s latest edition was covered in RCM News Nov 2015.

Many ARFs we have reviewed a number remain on hobby shops shelves for up to a year. It takes at least three months to so see any benefit from How To articles or kit reviews that actually show how to fix small problems. Which is what this publication offers. After seeing my digital titles fare at a hobby oriented event that attracts 10,000 through the gates. After Sandown I am taking a break.

Then it is time to revert to Plan B. Back to where I was in the 1980s. Actually that should read Plan F. Refer the Trailing Edge. (page 48)Touch or click advertiser’s logo

Leading Edge

Flyboys

ARES Gamma 370 V2 by Stephen Green

Radio Control Model News Magazine Special Issue

PILOT NOTES

Rudder, elevator and throttle offers the most affordable entry level into flying a radio controlled power model. It is also the recommended system for anyone intending to start out like the pioneers of model aviation teaching themselves to fly the traditional stick n rudder way.

The airframe is both sturdy and flexible, in particular the tailplane and fin. The standard propulsion system and overall design is suitable for its intended purpose. Three channels is also fun for the experienced too! The Gamma has many attributes that mirror my first RC model back in 1971.

Stephen Green

.com.au

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in aviation flight training is to have a pre-flight briefing. Knowing what to expect before the wheels leave the ground speeds up the learning process.

If you intend going it alone your first flight with the aeroplane will also be its first flight. To keep it real any video footage tagged to a page is simple and un-edited. Pilot Notes pick up from where the instructions finish with handy tips written to get you into the air and keep you there,

CliCk any of these fRee Pilot oPeRating handbooks foR beginneRs models

Model package above $500 Model package below $500 Model package below $250

March sees a big emphasis on aviation in Melbourne. If seeing a plane, helicopter, glider or drone at Airshows Downunder has inspired you to have a go at model flying this edition covers a brief look at most aspects of the hobby. Building your own plane offers a great amount of satisfaction but the hobby offers so much more than just that aspect. Keith Quigg has an interesting chat with Kristina Banko and Sonia Ritter, whose son Harrison started off with the E Flite Apprentice and has moved on to other planes. Friend Balint, who was responsible for getting him into the hobby, has flown his first IC model. As skills are gathered they might attempt to build their own model. There are plenty of exam-ples at the Pakenham club to inspire them. I hear plenty of anecdotes from beginners who had a poor experi-ence getting into the hobby. It’s nice to print a positive one for a change. To progress past the simple Cessna experience (on page 6) a bit of deter-mination and guidance goes a long way. As far as flying a fixed wing

model plane goes the three FREE ti-tles at the bottom of this page should provide you with enough practical in-formation to steer you through. Back catalogue issues are a resource for hard to find how to information.

Popped into see how Mark Collins was progressing with his large twin OS-GT33 De-Havilland DH89 Drag-on Rapide. A lovely piece of scratch building. Dad has pushed along and C37 Airmaster is being covered and doped. Dave Nichols explains how he scratch builds the wing on an old favourite of his. The Hustler Mk11 is also how he earned the nick name “Dangerous”. Some will call install-ing an electric motor in a Hustler MK 111 a crime but my 3S setup flies the 2kg trainer very nicely. Sure you can always have more but this amount of power is similar to what was typical when I started flying. Buying balsawood kits is hard today but Ace RC Models and Perth RC still offer a selection.

Pretty cool equipment in Drone Zone at Airshows Down Under fea-tured in this issue. Thought I’d scoop Flat Out RC ‘s media partner claim. Aviation is fervently embraces the future of remote controlled aircraft. Will a pilotless passenger carrying jet happens in my lifetime? Hard to say. The Qantas A380 incident highlights what humans can do in extraordinary circumstances. It is a pretty safe bet a

Super Easy RC Flying Tuition Solo to AdvancedDual Control Modes 1 &2 All equipment supplied at our risk

Gyro Assist - Stick n Rudder Melb Metro

Relaxed RC Flying Tuition tailored to suit individual needs

Fixed Wing - Solo to Advanced -

MAAA Bronze Silver and Gold Wings Level

Windy Weather - Crosswind a specialty

Inverted beatup - Four Point and Slow Rolls

Rotary Wing not yet available

Super EZ Introductory Flight Session $125Basic or Advanced Flying - Brush up on reverting to

manual before your RPAS fixed wing Flight testOne Hour Session on the fabulous FMS Super EZSwitchable Futaba GYA 460 gyro makes this plane

capable up to 25kph wind for beginners Available Melbourne Metro North, East, and

Southern SuburbsExpect about 40 minutes of flight time per one hour

sessionExtended session $195

Why not Fly before you buy?

Super EZ NITRO Flying Session $195Circuit and bump work and basic aerobatics

Hangar 9 P-51 Mustang Its’much easier than you tinkBrush up on reverting

Futaba PA 2 Pilot Link smooths out the bumps Plane capable up to 25kph wind

Available VMAA State Field Melbourne*(waiting on final approval to operate)

Expect about 40 minutes of flight time per one hour session

Call Stephen Green at

Flyboys 0418 662 557

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEC5QOCvOLw&t=71s

futabaproshop.com


Recently I picked up a little WL Toys Cessna 182 to try out and as much as I wish I could claim it, before I had even made it through the front door my 8 and 10 year old daughters were already onto it. To start with I have to say from opening the box to flight ready is easily under five minutes, even for an absolute beginner, so the first thing you should do if you buy one from a hobby shop is take the battery out and charge it while you drive home. Thankfully its charger lead plugs into any USB port so this makes charging anywhere super simple, as well as the actual charger having two charger outlets meaning it can charge two batteries at once.

Assembly is as simple as screw the wing on with one small screw (screwdriver supplied) and plug the undercarriage in, turn it over and install the battery into the hatch in the bottom of the fuselage and it’s all but ready to fly. The transmitter supplied requires six AA’s that aren’t included and although it’s still a lightweight plastic transmitter it has a few cool little features. Considering the price of the plane the manufacturers have gone to the effort of making the LCD screen backlit and also shows which surfaces correspond to the transmitter sticks when moved by highlighting them on a plane (image) on the screen.

The flying side of the little Cessna is pretty impressive, it controls nice and easily and is responsive enough without being too touchy. A light breeze is no worries for it but not much more before it starts to struggle as any plane of its size will, with take offs and landings no trouble at all. If the grass is a little longer it can easily be hand launched and it will happily take an almost instant stop into long grass without damage for those who are struggling and don’t have a club nearby to help out. Loops are not very pretty and will need a decent dive to get enough speed to make it over the top without falling off to a side, and with no ailerons to help keep it level throughout the loop keeping it level as it’s inverted is very difficult. With rudder only rolls will cost the

better part of 50 feet in height to do and it struggles to get inverted but if you’re only learning, having a plane that’s difficult to get upside down is a good thing. It’s not a bad little plane at all and with a good price point it’s a fun little thing to have chucked in the car for some anytime fun or at indoor events. A great choice for parents or grand parents thinking of giving the kids something to play with outside that’s pretty durable and you never know, it may just lead onto bigger and better planes later on. My girls had a great time playing with the Cessna 182 and we managed to take it home still in flying condition even after a few laughing moments on unplanned landings. So I can’t help but give the plane a thumbs up if it means my girls are having fun and enjoying coming to the field for a change.

A big thanks to ACE Hobby Distributors for this little box of joy and the smiles on the kids faces.

The WL Toys Cessna is sold through model car out-lets across the country. www.acehobbyaustralia.com.au Byron is the President of Large Scale Racing Club of Australia Inc and is a left hand turn specialist.

$100 Cessna with Georgia, Charli and Byron Simpson

Georgia has the plane Charli has the TX

Dad only ever turns left and so are weReady - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Turn!


On the left is Krisztina Banko with Sonia Ritter

Do you remember your first radio-controlled model flying experience behind the sticks of a transmitter? Was it a brief, disaster ridden experience on your own in a quiet park or open flat somewhere? Was it with an experienced instructor from an established club that made you feel welcome from the moment you rushed through the gates? More than likely it was somewhere in the middle of those extremes. We, as aero-modellers would like to think that our club make the effort and hit the latter mark with new, up and coming members.

For two very recent members to our ranks, that has been most definitely the case and the club of P & DARCS should be congratulated for doing what it takes to attract new members. Having VMAA owned state fields is a great direction, but to maintain these venues, we need members now and well into the future.

A few months ago, I was wondering just what it takes to attract and regain new members to our clubs – not necessarily junior members, but I think this category fit into the “hard to regain” class. There could be dozens of reasons behind this, but one of the biggest problems is getting them to the flying field, on a regular basis to have lessons and increase their skill levels. Whilst this may be a simple point, young members without a driving licence or the means to travel to a flying

field will quickly give up the chase and look for something else to keep them busy. When I discovered a couple of young lads flying a variety of models at Pakenham, it posed the question, who are they and how are they making trip out to fly on a regular basis.

The answers came when I was able to sit for an hour or so at the field and have a chat to their mums a month or so ago. The answers were not that surprising, but it did tell me what it takes for clubs to take the time and encourage our next generation of flyers. Harrison and Balindt are shining examples of the results of a club taking the plunge and doing whatever it takes to teach, encourage and welcome young flyers and their mums, to the world of radio control. Of course, the first (and ongoing) obstacle for junior members

is funding the flying habit. As we all know, it is not free with equipment, club fees and other bits and pieces soon add up and if you are still at school with little or no income, it soon stunts an already hindered growth.

Both ladies were the first to admit that there are plenty of hurdles to face, but happily acknowledged the outstanding help and guidance from Norm Morrish, Glen Orchard, Brian Evans, Peter Harrison and Peter Harris and a few others from the Pakenham club. Without this, there is no doubt their young lads would have quickly passed over the option of radio-controlled model flying. In the blink of an eye, the club had managed to organise a few extra airframes for the boys as well as plenty of time to give them instruction. This not only has

Balindt has moved from this EP WW11 foamy to a fourstoke powered balsa ARF warbird

Mums’ the Word (by Keith Quigg joining a Club


Mum’s the Word

given the young members the training they needed, but also great a support group of like-minded enthusiasts willing to help out and work with them as often as they need it. The ladies could not emphasise enough the importance of having that club support that allowed and encouraged not only the boys, but also the welcome the ladies felt when they are at the field as well. Combined with the boy’s own passion for everything that flies, it’s comforting to see some youth stepping into our sport with a major club behind them.

As most of us reading these words would be aware, membership numbers in our sport have decreased in the last few years. Silly politics aside, a great portion of this slide can be attributed to ageing members leaving

the sport, some clubs having difficulty in maintaining their current locations and therefore members leaving/not renewing and I guess the trend towards our kids wanting to spend more time in front of their computers or mobile phones.

Flying our models, being involved in the sport is everything from the off the shelf, foam ready to fly trainers and gliders, right up to the complex, large scale petrol and turbine powered aircraft – and everything in between. We need to be able to accommodate everyone who comes to our club flying field and shows a desire to learn. There are large numbers of former members who leave the hobby for time to pursue careers, families and the like then re-enter at a later stage looking to reignite the passion. This is also a very defined

age group that need to be encouraged to join their local clubs and be supported.Also in the Melbourne area, the VARMS (Victorian Association of Radio Model Soaring) club at Wantirna South also excel in promoting young flyers with their “Youth High Flyers” program. This is hosted on a regular basis at their club facility in George Street, right behind the state basketball stadium. Check out the activities on their excellent Facebook page “VARMS Youth High Flyers”.

For me, I would like to see state associations adopt a policy to reward clubs (by way of rebates) for the introduction of new members and help clubs promote themselves and the sport through public displays (both flying and static). There is no better way to be seen in the spotlight than to actually put yourself out there. There is plenty of scope for some professional marketing to take place on behalf of all the clubs to put our name in lights because we are not there at the moment. One of the overriding points I gained from talking with the boys and their mums was they were not aware of a state body that sat above the local clubs. That is something that most definitely needs to be addressed. Keith Quigg.

(Keith is a past President of the Model Aeronautical Association of Queensland. Ed)

Harrison has logged heaps of time on the Apprentice S and moved on to an F3a miniature

Building an interesting squadron


Optic Nerve

Sign erected ten days after a DJI Inspire hovering above my residence. Assuming this pic was obtained by the drone one wonders if the principal of the real estate firm would appreciate being caught up in a legal action

should something go wrong resulted in a major accident

Risk Assessment to clear a populous area in the event of a failure would make interesting reading indeed

To do that job from a Cessna flying from Essendon Airport one would allow half an hour of aircraft hire. Add landing fees this would cost approx $250 plus photpgrapher’s time

A bit of Drone activity in the neighbourhood of late. The Nerve unsuccessfully tried to grab a shot of a marvellous photographic flying contraption in the air hovering above the tram power lines in the High Street a few months back. Finding the operator was easy. Just look for someone staring at a screen or up in the air.

The Nerve heard that all too familiar angry mosquito noise as he alighted from a car recently. Spotted a DJI Inspire hovering above the car park of a block of flats. Gear retracted camera lens pointed ESE. A few seconds later copter tracked in that direction overflying two suburban streets before descending into a property 250 metres away. The Nerve grabbed the SLR and ambled off down the street. Pinged off a few shots of the operator as he packed the machine into his vehicle. And one of his shirt sporting the logo of a company specialising in real estate photography/video. Checked with the editor who did a bit of this sort of thing years ago who responded... “Must have taken quite some time for the operator to obtain permission from all those land owners to overfly their properties”.


Hacker Hustler by Stephen Green Years ago when my kids were little Mum and Dad used to spring the family for a Christmas holiday. Grand kids, pushbikes, board games everywhere so to escape the associated noise one time at Lakes Entrance I hired a Punter Punter boat and took my kids out for a day on the water. They got the chance to drive the boat but also to dive off the side, chugging along at the breakneck speed of 5 knots. Heading in to berth on the beach on a little island I spotted a couple. Instructions were given to alter course and we beached a few hundred metres away. Walked past them a hour or so later on a little walk. Chap was reading a magazine. Yep, it was RCM News. Just had to introduce myself. Chap had just retired and was on holiday. Wandered into the newsagent to pick up a RC magazine with thoughts of getting in back into it. For a number of years I have been getting similar enquiries from people returning to the hobby after a long lay off. Raising families and paying off mortages, approaching retirement are typical secnarios. Most start with an electric foamy or two, many also want something to build.

hustleR mk1. Never built one but flown a few, instructed same, my early recollection of the Hustler Mk1 remains pretty sketchy. Free flight heritage adapted for radio with a three channel flat bottom wing section tail dragger for .19 power. Castoring tailwheel was the go on many I spotted at club fields, this model was responsible for many getting into the hobby. Learning on ailerons was considered radical back

then. That turned out to be an urban myth. Tailplane mounted on the bottom of the fuselage. Horizontal and vertical stabilisers (tailplane and fin) were solid sheet balsa.

hustleR mk11 Wing section changed. Engine range up to a .40 with options such as trike gear and an aileron wing kit. At the risk of upsetting aerodynamic purists, dare I say the “semi symmetrical” aerofoil improved the model’s capability in the wind. As did adding ailerons.

hustleR mk111Re-designed from the wheels up. Wing section changed slightly thicker cambered aerofoil, trike gear for up to .40 engine. Possibly second guessing but looking at it now it appears to me the design brief would have included reducing manufacturing cost wherever possible. For example the tailplane and fin constructed from sticks costs less than solid balsa. Standard D Box wing structure construction changed with leading edge sheeting removed, shear webs added outboard of centre section. This is the bane of manufacturing. So often when a quality product goes to market and someone else cuts a few corners and puts out a cheaper inferior version. This has been happening to Multiplex for years. The Merlin was a prime example but for once something was done about it. Took a few years but Hobby King lost a judgement and could no longer sell what was deemed to be a copy. But the damage was already done. No more Merlins. I have mine and it’s a beaut.

As a training platform the MK111 was spot on. The only negative I found was

the propensity to over power the design with a .46 engine. My recommendation was always the OS .40 FP/LA with an 11x6 prop. The propensity to over power this design with a .46 engine is something we have to live with now but it is the not the only option if you want internal combustion. A .36 two stroke would be better but that involves a different engine mount and possibly adding ballast. No big deal but for basic training it is easier to use a .46 and limit the throttle to 3/4. A great option is a 40.60 fourstoke.

Aeroflyte ceased manufacturing some years ago but the Mk111 and other designs lived on in a Pacific Balsa branded box from Ozzie Traders . Last year Brian Simpson in Perth purchased the whole kit and caboodle from Ozzie Traders and this is where I pick up the Hustler story. Brian spotted this model for sale and the RCM News pilot network collected it from the owner when he made his way down to Newcastle. A few weeks later Byron Simpson headed south and I met him at Albury RC models. Somehow the model never headed west and has remained in my hangar ever since. This model is not from the kit rather the parts have been replicated. With a Learn to Fly segment at Sandown

All important side thrust and down thrust built into the fuselage sides

Alter course Lachlan. Ten degrees starboard


Hacker Hustler

looming my interest was sparked to gear the model up with....

eleCtRiC PoweR

Combing my thoughts on overpowering basic trainers and a general uneasiness about the place by modellers pondering

what is the correct setup it struck me that this model should fly quite adequately on 3S. In a nut shell I have applied something akin to the original amount of power for the 1960s Mk1 design into the MK111. Two EP setups that I’ve a heap of flying time with immediately

came to mind. The Multiplex Fun Cub and E Flite Apprentice S. I gave my Apprentice away yonks ago and my Funcub airframe was on its last legs. Ripped the motor and speed control out and set to work replicating the Multiplex motor mount. The 1kg Fun Cub and Apprentice have sufficient power to pull a vertical climb after takeoff. By any definition that would make it overpowered for basic flight training. Surely with a simple change of prop that is enough power to fly a 2kg trainer on the same 3S setup. With a 3200 mAh LiPo battery pack the centre of gravity came out at

Scraped the paint off inside the engine bay the glued

Engine mount for internal combustion engine Replicating the FunCub motor mount. Please note the

ply plate is a dummy just to mark it up and fit

Drill 6.5mm square balsa to take the kwiklink wire

making a balsawood PushRod

Set kwiklink halfway along the threaded wire and place pin on the hinge line. Drill 6.5mm square

At servo end set wire to the op-posite side. One slight bend at the end is all that is needed to exit the

fuselage easily

Mark fuselage to slot the pushrod wire exitBound with cotton and white glue Tweesers or screwdriver blade


40% MAC. (mean average chord) I flew it at that but the rigging would have to be altered to make it suitable for its intended purpose. This would be considered radical by most club instructors but more importantly it flies much better at 35%. One sinker added to the engine bay moved it forward for an all up weight of 2040g.

Bending aileron torque rod forward produces differ-ential movement. More up aileron movement than down reduces adverse yaw. No need for aileron rud-

der mix

What was industry standard aileron torque rod setup is often replaced with one servo per aileron

Hacker Hustler

Mechanical differential with Futaba plastic C type servo arm. When the Hustler Mk 1 kit first flew a servo like this cost $50. These are bet-ter. S3001 is a standard 3.5kg/cm torque ball race servo. Cost $20

ContRol thRows

Aileron up 13mm Ail Down 8mm Elevator up and down 13mm Rudder left and right 15mm

Use outer hole on rudder and elevator horns. Connect one hole in on standard Futaba servo arms to achieve these throws with no ATV

ContRol setuP

Another bugbear of mine is over controlling due to excessive control surface movements. (Also known as control throws). Way back when radio systems had nothing more than an on - off switch , four trims, no ATV

or endpoint adjustment this was set up with standard $20 Futaba S3001 ball race servos. A traditional 1970s setup with good control responses for a beginner/ sport flyer. Using the two forward holes on the round Futaba servo arm gives sufficient differential

Set up to fly with no computer radio adjustments or enhancements


Knocked up a plywood tray and mounted the ESC mounted above

the battery pack

Hacker Hustler

to get by quite adequately without aileron - rudder mix. That became readily available in the early 1980s. how did it go?Spot on. My standard test for reporting EP power consumption figures is to run the motor at full power for one minute then take a reading. Full power produced 325 watts at 8400RPM. Turned out more than enough static thrust by an 11x7 to produce meaningful power in a 2 kg model. Half throttle reduces power consumption to 25 amps. Initial flight into a 25kph breeze it was off the ground in five metres. Maintains a thirty degree climb no problem. Cruises at half throttle just fine. This is where the advantage of not over powering the design pays off in spades. First thing is to trim to fly straight and level at half throttle. Full power produces a good rate of climb without the need to re-trim. AKA hold down elevator to prevent it climbing up and over onto its back. 1/4 throttle produces an acceptable approach angle on final with the occasional up elevator correction to avoid falling short. Once again the beginner doesn’t need to re-trim by holding up elevator otherwise constantly falling short of the threshold. The more power added into this airframe compromises both.

The mechanical answer to that is to add down thrust. Another option is using free mixers to add down elevator trim with full power and up elevator trim at 1/4 throttle. Most don’t bother. Which lengthens the learning to land process. One flight of tootling around flying circuits and bumps lasted eleven minutes. The 11x8 plastic E Flite prop on the FunCub setup wasn’t the

Cooling air exit holes are vital

Ensure wiring does not rub on outer casing

Lockite. Anything that rotates can vibrate

$100 Hacker A30 on 3S

If the Aeronaut prop on my FunCub offers any guide paying a bit more

for the prop is worth it


Futaba still manufactures its Pilot Assist Link. Started teaching with this great teaching aid decades ago. Which may be of interest to the non

computer inclined. Setup article next issue

most efficient but it did the job. My experience with an Aeronaut Cam prop in my FunCub has been nothing short of extraordinary.

effiCient eleCtRiC setuP

With a 55 amp ESC there is no need to reduce the prop size to run a 4S pack. The extra voltage returns a reduction in current drain and a big increase in power. Some instructors will prefer this particularly when the wind gets up. Having said that I would have no hesitation offering basic flight training up to 25 kph with this setup.

summaRy

Changing the Mk1 flat bottom wing section the Mk111 handles better in wind. Repositioning the tailplane off the bottom of the fuselage is an improvement. I recall that was susceptible to being knocked off in an outlanding. Common back then. Fuel tank so low the engine leaning was a problem. Muffler pressure was canned ad nauseum. Another urban myth busted.

If you are considering to build an electric version I would make a hatch

for battery access. Saves removing the wing. AeroFlight Models has done a battery tray for the Pacific Balsa Kit. The MK111 plan shows a taildragger configuration. Which is what has been flown here. It is very well behaved on the ground and in the air. This model was fitted with a castoring tailwheel which makes it almost impossible not to ground loop at the end of the landing roll. Make it steerable.

Nostalgia is the go at the moment and mixing that with modern gear is best summed up this way. I’ve have already seen some light hearted comment on the Aeroflyte Facebook group about my choice of electric power. To avoid spoiling this updated build and fly experience from the inevitable well meaning arm chair expert or perhaps someone wearing rose coloured glasses, or a keyboard warrior who knows precious little, test market their bonifides by asking them if they still use a 240 volt drill. With a conventional chuck key?

Most things change for the better. For its intended use I feel compelled to say whoever designed the Mk111 did a first rate job. The 11x7 prop on the plan highlights modern thinking which after all these years this model is still on the money.

Take off started 25 metres from windsock. Into wind it is ready to break ground after a six metre run

Hacker Hustler

Perth R/C Models (Aust.) Pty. Ltd. has won many awards as Australia’s No.1 hobby retailer over the years

especially 2003 from Australian Toy & Hobby Fair

Brian Simpson has been involved in hobbies all his life. Brian has competed in Australian National

and State Championships in many categories as a former National and

State Champion in Radio Control Aerobatics F3C. Brian has had many

years’ experience in R/C model boats, cars, airplanes and helicop-ters. In 1995, he participated the F3C Helicopter World Champion-ship in Japan. Brian has flown the Australian National and State F3C helicopter titles many times. Our

staff members are made up mainly of experienced R/C modelers in all categories, many of them State and

National titleholders

Australia’s No.1 Hobby Retailer

We specialize in Drones RC Aero-planes RC Helicopters, RC Cars, RC Boats plus we do Plastic models and

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Perth R/C Models stocks most of the world’s most important brands. We are Austrailian Agents for fa-mous bands from Germany, Ja-pan and USA such as HIROBO,

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Brian Simpson

27 Newcastle St Perth WA 6000 www.perthrc.com.au PH 08 9328 8986

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Basic Wing Building with Dangerous DaveMany original model builders know how to build wings and fuselages, and some still do of course. I for one would hate to see this skill become a lost art. Many model flyers who through no fault of their own have only been able to assemble ARF’s (almost ready to fly kits) may possibly think that making their own model as such, is beyond them. It honestly is NOT that hard even if does take you out of your comfort zone. I would like to try and spark some interest by showing you a few basic techniques for building a model, starting with a wing. Use the glues you prefer but I “stick” mainly to medium Cyno, C23 balsa cement, Epoxy and sometimes (quick setting?) Aliphatic. The choice of course, is yours. If you are a normal sort of practical guy or gal you CAN do this. Just pay attention and I will attempt to take you through some of the basic steps. The subject matter here is a MK2 Hustler which was my first 4 channel trainer R/C aircraft back in about 1993. It became a legendary plane at the Wesburn club and lovingly named Kermit because of its fluro green colours. I also gained my Bronze Wings and my nickname (Dangerous) with this plane and I repaired it many times. It was the only plane I had for 3 years. Sometimes I flew beyond what they thought was appropriate for my experience level, so hence the nickname. That is my story and I am sticking to it because I am only dangerous when provoked, so there!

I usually select the wing spars first. In my view the best wood/material to use for this job is Spruce. This is starting to become more difficult to buy now, however, there is an alternative known as Bass wood (I think that is how it is spelt anyway). I have used this before. It is quite good and does the job well, but I still prefer Spruce. At a push you can use hard balsa which will be lighter of course, but may not be able to take the same amount of abuse as the other two materials. Next thing is the wing ribs. You will need to establish the shape and profile, especially if this is to be a one half only re-build job. This shape will be shown on the plan if you have one. If you are repairing an ARF wing (Almost Ready to Fly) then you will have to somehow copy the rib shape from parts of the wreck.

The easiest way of doing this, having ripped off the original covering, is to remove the wing tip and take the rib shape from that. This assumes all the ribs are the same profile, but if not please be patient and I will try to cover that in another article. If you cannot use the wing tip, but the inner part is still intact you can do the following: Cut out a slightly oversize piece of balsa, (perhaps 3mm thick and rectangular in shape) and cut out the main spar slots as accurately as you can. Trim it so that you can then slide it in between the

spars. Once it is sitting in behind one of the original ribs you can then use a pencil to mark out the rest of the shape. This should give you a starting point and you can now trim and sand until you are happy with the result.

For the actual ribs I tend to use Balsa which is 1.5mm or if it is a large model then 2mm or 2.5mm is better, but in any event the inner ones can be laminated with thin ply should you want to make them a bit stronger. (In this case that simply means gluing them together).The method I use to get all the ribs the same is fairly simple. You may have to make 20 to 30 ribs all told; however, it is good to have a few spares anyway. You will have to make two templates, either from ply, hard 4mm balsa or even aluminium plate, and it is important that these are accurate, because if they are not then any ribs cut from them will carry the same defect throughout.

Then from a sheet of balsa cut out oversize rectangular rib parts, which are bigger than the template. Then assemble these parts in a sandwich with the two templates either side. Clamp it all together and when you are happy that all is good then drill two 4mm holes through the whole assembly. Insert bolts through the holes and using washers and nuts simply bolt

Basic structure ready for additions

Ready for surgery


Rib blanks cut and stacked

Almost done

it together. “Solid but not crushed” is the go here. You can now release the original clamps, and then start to remove as much excess wood as close to the templates as you can. From here you can cut and sand all the ribs to be the same as the templates, and also cut out the spar slots. In general tighter is better than loose, and be careful not to reduce the templates from their original shape. Also if you are going to fit a servo in each wing then holes should be made so that you can feed the electrical lead through.

most things in place. Modern adhesives like Cyno and its accelerator make the old method of holding things in place with pins more or less redundant. I also employ those old 12v batteries that used to power my flight box, but anything that is heavy and small enough should do, even a hammer!

Next slot all the ribs in their right place on the spar which can be held in place by various methods, but I am hoping the ribs you have made will press fit nicely in place on the lower spar and stand up on their own. Check that everything is square, straight and true before applying any glue. The old saying, check twice, glue once, is a very good motto, and should always be on your mind before your glue bottle deposits its contents on your work. Glue the ribs in place with your preferred adhesive, then fit and glue on the top spar.

When this is done you can attach the leading and trailing edges making sure they line up well. I happened to have two pre shaped leading edges in stock so I used them. Some model shops do still stock things like this, so buy them if you can. In a future article I will show you how to make your own from rectangle stock which is generally available. Please be sure to use clamps and weights etc. throughout the build process in order to ensure accuracy at each stage.

It is now time to join the wing halves together. Sorry I forgot to mention that you will have to build a left and right hand wing in order to join them together. Try not to make two right

Only put holes in the ribs that require them though!

You are now ready to glue the ribs to the lower spar. To ensure a nice flat structure which is free from warps and bends I recommend placing a sheet of glass over your usual building board. This is because glass is about as flat as you can get, but your board may possibly have a few imperfections, which could be reflected in your structure. I know it is a bit hard to stick pins in glass but you can weigh parts down and also use clamps to hold

Designed for pushing into hard surfaces Kavan Modelling Pins

won’t do glass

Basic Wing Building


hand wings like I did once. DOH! Set the dihedral angle by jacking up the wing tips by equal amounts. How much you put in can be varied at this stage and there is no right or wrong here. In my case 30mm at each tip was about right and for me and it looked ok for my purpose. If you have too much then the plane will be a bit slower and tend to wallow about and go wherever it pleases after each self correction, and that can be very annoying.

A good strong method of joining is to make two ply parts out of ply, rectangular in shape and angled slightly to allow for the dihedral. These attach to the top and bottom spars, and to both sides front and rear of those spars. One similar at the back of the wing is advisable too. It is very unlikely to

break in flight even in an unscheduled screaming downhill dive. The photos are demonstration only as forgot to take a photo during assembly. They should give you the idea, however if you are not clear on this just email me and I will send you a better ones or talk you through it. You now have a basic wing structure and can add the leading and trailing edge sheeting on the top and bottom. The next important step is to cut and glue in the sheer webs. They fit between the spars with the grain running vertically. They do add some strength, but the main advantage is that they stop wing flexing in flight and it is important that they are not excluded.Before you go any further you will have to decide whether or not to use

torque rods to control the ailerons, or have a servo in each wing. I prefer the latter as it gives a very positive feel, but it does mean making your own servo mounts. I am not sure if you can still buy torque rods these days, but they were around in the old days when nobody could afford a fifth servo for their trainer. Our manual four channel radio came with four servos and if you wanted to have two planes you had to buy another transmitter, receiver and crystal. Indulging in such extravagance as buying another servo when you could get a couple of bits of wire to do the job was not the go at the time. How things have changed! I have run out of space now, however in my next article I will show you how to make those servo mounts, fit them, make and add the ailerons, wing tips and cap strips. After that maybe a quick lesson in covering will follow. In the future we will look at the fuselage and tail feathers as well. Please do not be shy about having a crack at this building caper and remember we all had to start somewhere and someone is always willing to help you.

In the meantime if you have any questions my email is [email protected] and I will be very happy to help if I can. Oh yes and make sure you FLY THE PLAN.

(Dave Nichols is the volunteer Education Officer at Victorian Model Aircraft Association. Ed) www.vmaa.com.au

Demo wing brace front joiner Demo wing braces

A servo in each wing panel wing is generally better

Basic Wing Building


The Build26% dh89 dRagon RaPide

by maRk Collins

First heard of this project when I bumped into Mark at the Monty Tyrrell Memorial Scale day last year. Enjoying his new life away from the hobby business he had sold off a few models to make room for two new projects. One was a really cool model trailer. When buying a motor vehicle it is not unusual for seasoned model aircraft builders to take along a tape measure to the dealership. In this case mark was the manufacturer and the trailer was designed to come in just under the maximum specification before additional complexity such as wheel brakes were a requirement. The other project was this beauty. The slightly unusual 26% scale was determined by the length of the trailer. Not far off the covering stage so Dad and I called in for a chin wag, with the camera.

Estimated All Up Weight 22kg for two OS GT33 engines

Outer fuselage skin was hand cut by Mark. Basic inner fuselage and wing components were laser cut

by Dave Brown in NSW

Multiplex Royal Evo 12 ch with built in power Bus. Elevator and rudder servos hidden under the rear

passenger seatCertain surgical skills will come in handy when fitting

out the interior through this door

RCM News FLYBOYS getting into the hobby special edition March 201920 Internal flap linkage

Flap servo

Centre section of the wing is the heart of any multi engine plane

When finished the nacelles will be sporting left and right hand propel-lers by Menz

Oleo strut built from scratch in chrome molybdenum tube. Wheel is by Sullivan Products

The Build


Aileron horn

Took years to educate ARF man-ufacturers to add a hinge block

Each wing assembly will be trans-ported as a complete component

Flying wire attachment

Flying wires

Much to be considered with a vintage twin engine biplane. Covering will be Stiz

The Build

www.wolfmodels.netQld 07 5465 7897

With over 800 plans to choose from we’re sure to have a plan that suits you AIRBORNE PLANS SERVICE


The Build

DH 89 Tailwheel and control linkage exits

QuaRteR sCale Cessna C37 by bRian gReen

Dad was hard at work when I swung by on the way to see Mark Collins. Greeted by the lovely smell of aircraft dope wafting out the garage door took me right back to my childhood. Not as good as model aircraft diesel fuel but good in its own right. That has got to be part of the attraction. Dad’s buying experience getting Sig Coverall from

Pete n Planes was a most interesting one. Not to me it wasn’t but I cannot help wondering if his experience will be the same as mine using that product. I have used it once. On my third Hots. Tired repairing edges and bubbles with iron on film I took the trouble to do a painted finish. Coverall seemed to require a lot of filler before the undercoat showed no signs of the weave.

Smell of dope wafting from the garage. Lovely!

Stephen,In your recent digital magazine,

you called for entries of “home built” model aircraft, with the pos-sibility of winning a permanent sander. My entry is a Super Duper Joy Stick, built from plans, and enlarged by around 15% (at Office-works).

Originally a 60 size sports plane, it is now powered by an OS 120. The construction method employed the use of foam ribs in place of balsa, main spars made from Jelu-tong instead of spruce, and normal construction apart from above. Unfortunately the plane loses some agility by being enlarged, and is not the success I envisaged.

Unlike most in my club (In-verloch RC Flyers Inc) I get great satisfaction in scratch building, and employing different methods to complete the build. Unfortunately my finishing methods leave a lot to be desired, being well known as the only local who “can get sand through the spray gun!”Regards, Wayne BealePresident Inverloch RC Flyers Inc. It’s in the post Wayne. Ed

PeRmagRit Plane sPotteRs

Super Duper

It’s not a typo so please don’t write in. Image altered by us. Ed


The Build

RCGF 40cc twin cylinder fits in under the short metal engine cowl

Cut the panel - product frays easily Trial fit

Dope the edges Ready for final coats of dope (how many? ED)

Female RTP pilots did not exist in this country when Dad start his apprenticeship at ANA which later be-

came Ansett ANA

olymPia 2b by CRaig bRisteR

Fibreglass fuselage and foam wings and all composite airframes have been the domain of scale model gliders for years but Craig Brister is one of a small group dedicated to reproducing early gliders constructed in wood. This version of the Olympia was built from the 4th short kit produced by Andy Smith and Shane Williams right here in Melbourne. Another point of

Craig’s Olympia on tow at VARMS club Brigg’s Field Wantirna. Scale aero towing happens once a month in Melbourne


100W 915L 1220L 1.0 $ 2.73 $ 5.90 1.5 $ 2.51 $ 5.19 2.0 $ 2.85 $ 5.35 2.5 $ 3.00 $ 5.69 3.0 $ 2.95 $ 6.25 4.0 $ 4.22 $ 7.70 5.0 $ 5.66 $ 8.15 6.5 $ 5.93 $ 9.25 8.0 $ 6.69 $11.15 10.0 $ 7.57 $15.70 12.5 $ 7.95 $17.50 15.0 $ 8.62 $21.70 20.0 $12.67 $ NA 25.0 $15.40 $ NA LE TE Triangle Sq Sticks Plywood Dope Shop Online or In Store Futaba Pro Shop Melbourne www.futabaproshop.com 0418 662 557

AeroFlight ModelsBalsawood Sheet

1/3rd scale Eon Olympia 2B modelled on the full size which is still flying at Cambridge Gliding Club UK. Model 14kg 5.5 metre wingspan - spoil-

ers top and bottom interest Craig’s father flew the full size in England. In fact that glider is still flying today. How does it fit in the car? Wings are two piece. Gliding is the purest form of flight and it may be of some surprise than 50% of the pilots flying at Sandown have a background in the sport. VARMS Club operates a few flying fields around Victoria and the club conducts regular flight training at Briggs Field in Wantirna. After your flight you can grab a coffee and sit back in comfortable club rooms which are in effect a fascinating model gliding museum.

The Build


Resurrecting Old Helis

An original Hirobo Shuttle

Hirobo Llama uses Shuttle mechanics

Turbine powered Bergen helcopter

The ubiquitous Thunder Tiger Raptor 50. Heaps of spares still floating about and scale bodies too

The advent of consumer drones has had a dramatic effect on the RC helicopter industry. Reduced sales has seen a few long term established manufacturers move into the multicopter sector. Most have closed down. Hirobo in Japan is the oldest surviving company with a range of scale aerobatic and training models for piston engine and electric. Available by order though the company’s Australian agent Perth RC Models who offer qualified after sale service and spare parts back up. Mikado is a leading brand of precision electric helicopters also from Perth RC Models.

Much like a box of Meccano these two brands are mostly in kit form. Building your own chopper is a great way to understand the mechanics of your machine. Michael Timms from Mildura is one of a group of Aussie modellers dedicated to keeping old helis flying. Melbourne has two helicopter clubs and like most clubs offers help with flight training. Free Style Fliers in Hallam and Melbourne RC Helicopter Club in Carrum.

Brian Green with eldest son Michael with the Graupner 212. Tail rotor gyro not needed on this early 1970’s

HB-60 powered scale machine


Spooling Up

Air trap is one fuel system component

Specialised radio components include power distribution boards

Richo’s Radio Active is a specialist large model air-craft retailer. Steve is the Aussie Agent for JR/RC

Depot radio gear

The jet scene has grown remarkably since 1991 when the first commercially available RC turbojet went on sale. The JPX engine cost $11,000. Home built turbine enthusiasts were plenty when I flew my Father’s GT 2000 jet engine powered model at the Phillip Island Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1999. The home built jet engine scene has pretty much faded away and there is a resurgence in building from a wood kit but most people are flying almost ready to fly aircraft. Two companies I can recommend that provide a turnkey RC jet for you are Steve Richardson’s Richos Radio Active in Queensland and Scott Matthews at IFLYRC in Warragul Victoria. SG.

1/4 scale F100 Super Sabre built by Paul Golz in Melbourne from a laser cut ply kit

GT-2000 from RCM News plans


We test and tune every engine up to 60cc we sell, to set tuning and for quality assurance. That way there is no mucking around when you receive your new engine, just mount and fly. All engines come with a

firewall mounting template to ensure accurate fitting

DLE 55RA $575www.wolfmodels.net Qld 07 5465 7897

EME 60 $476

Mr Smoothie a scale model of a classic 1920s Golden Era design. Model is good for 250kph when the twin cylinder 60cc nitro engine decides not

to be cantankerous. Designed and built by Brian Green

Byron Simpson, President of F1NAR with his 2018 spec F1 Cassutt

Large scale pylon racing started in 1997 with the inaugural Adelaide Golden Era Air Races which attracted 72 entries. That fantastic event t has slowly died thus replicating in miniature what happened to the full size air races during the Golden Era of aviation that attracted crowds in excess of 100,000. WW11 was the main cause. When officials failed to apply the rules evenly models imitated the full size and numbers dropped. Subsequently the top air racers no longer attend Adelaide.

Since 1997 race meetings have been conducted in South Australia, N.S.W, Victoria, A.C.T and Queensland. The peak event was in 2012. Crowds of over 2000 spectators attended the Cobram Air Races to witness the spectacle of close high speed dicing between sixty eight individual racing models. The event was a financial success as it covered the operating cost for a small country club in one weekend. F1NAR Rules were formulated by the Large Scale Racing Club of Australia Inc in an effort to standardise the rules. The 2019 season kicks of April 14-15 in Melbourne. Competition flying soon sorts out if a product is found wanting. For example the premier F1 category is based on 60cc engines. Racing has certainly proven you do not need a competition grade engine to be competitive. Or for your scale model. From entry level Red Bull to F1 racing is a great spectacle.

Flying 60 cc by RCM News Racing


Dawn Patrol

Cabane Struts broken

Shaped hardwood dowel on the linisher

Let in a longer spar

May as well fill the gaps while I’m at it Handy Multiplex knife from the Multiplex Service kit

First flight was i n O c t o b e r

2011

On standby at Avalon Airshow in case the F35 was unserviceable. My little SE5a flies on average three days a week

How long can a model plane last? Paul van Tongren has a Multiplex Fun Cub that has logged over one thousand flights. The Hacker motors in Hans Lictens large DC3 in Ansett livery have joined the 1000 flight club too. How do they know? They log them. I reviewed this little plane in 2011 in this magazine and it is up there too. I don’t log the flights but it would have to have a couple of thousand landings now. Most have been pretty good. Like most of my planes they all work for a living and this one has a few battle scares to prove it. You can see why on the magazine YouTube channel.

Today’s throw away society doesn’t necessarily dictate the end of a model if the landing is a whoopsy. Skills learnt from building in balsawood can also be applied to more exotic materials. Repairs are such the airframe is not as straight as it used to be which adds to the challenge. Albeit slightly. It is flown with the basic 6 channel Futaba


Dawn Patrol

CONTACT Editor Stephen Green Contributing editors Byron Simpson Ken Thomas Dean Williams David Hipperson Peter Mather Daniel Wheeler John Aramego Keith Quigg Damien Mould Michael Timms Dave Nichols STAFF WRITERS Optic Nerve Stuart Claire Stunt Pilot WG Gilderslag RCM News Racing Aussie Bush Flying Captain Cluster Thumbs Logistics Michael Green FAI Air Medal Brian Green Proof Reader Charlie 89 Public Relations Peter Hammond Advertiser Complaints Mr Cohen Advertising & Editorial: Control Tower 03 9484 3428 Hangar 0418 662 557 Email [email protected] Print edition is by subscription Recommended and maximum cover price Print Edition $9.95 Digital Edition landscape Free Digital Edition portrait Free FLYBOYS PUBLISHING PO Box 375 Northcote Victoria Australia 3070

Sun’s up -heading back in before the dog walkers come out in force

Needed a trim

Radio Control Model News is published by: Stephen Green PO Box 375 Northcote 3070

www.rcmnews.com

Recommended and maximum cover price $9.95. All material and advertisements published in Radio Control Model News is copy-right reserved and cannot be reproduced in any media without the written permission of the publisher.

The information and comments contained in this magazine are given in good faith as honest opinion and the comment by the publishing editor does not refer to any specific individual or organization. It is not intended to give offence and should not be relied upon by any person without first seeking further information from a professional source. Any comment deemed offensive should be brought immediately to the attention of the publisher at RCM News so that the offending material may be satisfactorily explained or appropriately amended. Advertising: It is the responsibility for all advertisers to ensure their advertisements comply with the Trade Practices Act and the terms and conditions of the publisher. The publishers can not be held liable for any errors or omissions in advertisements. Sub-mission of any advertising material for publication in this magazine does not guarantee publication of that material. The Publisher reserves the right to say, determine, accept, and/or require modifications to any submission advertising material prior to any publication being allowed.

6L radio to highlight the fact you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the hobby. Upgrading to the 6K computer set I can dial out some of the tendencies to turn at various throttle settings by using the Free Mixing functions. Even easier is to install a 3 axis Futaba GYA 450 gyro.

How long will this plane last before the airframe becomes unservicable? I don’t know but it is usually flown three times a week before I go to work. You can follow the short unedited You Tube clips. This is my way to differntiate myself from the latest slick productions that often are puff

pieces for the manufacturer. Dawn Patrol videos are for those interested in improving basic old fashioned stick n rudder flying technique. The camera usually faces aft to give an inkling over time of what to do.

The most common mistake most RC pilots make with rudder is holding the control input for too long. A little dab here and there is the go. Stephen Green.


Flyboys Flight Training

fms woRld of foam

Spending money on a flight simulator is one way to improve your flying and the best RC sim in the business I’ve seen is the Real Flite from Great Planes. Sells for $325 in Australia. One problem with that sim is the defaults have the control response on most models way too touchy but it still offers a excellent way to log stick time and learn some automated responses. The key one being when the model is headed towards you and suddenly left seems to become right.

Sandown will feature a few models to demonstrate the advantage that flying an affordable foam model in real time offers. Just starting out the Super EZ is an industry standout that also offers a great introduction to aerobatic manoeuvres. Building a large multi engine prop? Something similar will be available in foam. Practice flying on one motor? This can easily be rigged up. Getting ready for your first flight with a jet? Practice landing approaches with a high performance foamy.

fms edge 540This was reviewed by Byron Simpson some time back and recently I flew one for a PDARCS member who wanted something to learn aerobatics. It was recommended by someone behind

the counter at a local hobby shop to the club. Out of the box works fine for an experienced flier wanting to fly 3D. This is the art of hovering a plane like a helicopter but for learning the basics I highly recommend re-doing the control linkages mechanically to reduce the travels.

Reducing ATV exagurates the lack of centring. The other problem is the model is slightly unstable in pitch. Initial thought was the control setup but toning that down did not improve it. Moving the Cof G forward 5mm is what’s needed.

fms tRojan

The caption with photos of the undercarriage door modifications by Andrew Pain last issue was incorrect. The opening on the door was made to avoid contact being made with the lug on the strut when suspension

compresses after hitting a bump or a landing. Apologies to Andrew for the mix up.

Foam may not offer the satisfaction that building does but as far as a flying experience it has so much going for it

A great Plug n Play flight experience awaits you with FMS

A-10 WARTHOGTwin 70mm EDF

1500mm wingspan 4.1kgRetracts - flaps

WW11 F7F TIGERCATScale three blade props1700mm wingspan 5.2kg

Retracts - flaps

FOX GLIDERGreat flight performance3000mm wingspan 4.7kg Flaps - carbon wing tube

Available through ACE Hobby Distributors FMS Hobby Dealers

T-28 Trojan undercarriage doors



Rebuild youR fiRst tRaineR

Not my first model but the wing, elevator and rudder on my Aeroflyte Invader MK11 was covered in gold Solarfilm. Fuselage was doped talcum powder and tissue then painted with a spray can of Wattyl Estapol enamel. Radio was a Kraft. Inside the model was a three channel brick. An innovation with three KPS 12 servos and a receiver all in the one unit. Four screws to mount it on the the wooden bearers. Install the switch harness on the opposite side to the exhaust and wrap the battery pack in foam. Run the antenna up to the fin, with strain relief. Job done.

The OS 19 made it underpowered by modern standards and if the grass hadn’t been cut it had to be hauled off using one of the many tricks Dad taught me. Hold full up and wiggle the rudder worked. Which is why my endearing memory of this plane remains it taught me to recover from a snap roll on take off. Chaps who fitted the maximum .35ci engine recommended didn’t have that problem. Nor did I after the GAGS Club (Geelong Aeronautical guidance Society) purchased a ride on mower. There’s another story right there. Actually it has been published here before but it could have another run. The squabbles by members opposed to spending club money to improve facilities still rings true today.

the bRigand 600Another model that is dear to me is The Brigand. When pylon racing got going it started out as Goodyear. Semi

My AeroFlte Invader MK11 Kraft three channel brick radio - OS 19RC loop scavenged engine - Tornado yellow 9x4 prop

Plan is now on its way to an eager new owner

scale replica with a few minimum cross sections a .40 motor with 450 square inches of wing. When pylon racing was ratified by FAI argument between USA and Europe saw wing area increased to 600 sqaure inches of wing. Sometime during the 1980s it reverted back to

450 but as speed kept increasing more wing area assisted what essentially looks like a knife edge flight plan around the course. Looks that way but it’s not. Years later it reverted to 450 but as speed kept increasing more wing area assisted what essentially



Right: Dad heavily modified it from the original. Cheek cowls

removed - upright engine HP 40 schnurle ported rear venturi side

exhaust, foam wing with KDH mechanical retracts

Drawing penned on the back of this plane by the late John McGrane eventuated in the popular fibreglass and foam Minuteman FAI Pylon

racer kits

If I had my time again the hat would be junked

looks like a knife edge flight plan around the course. Looks that way but it’s not. Later the Brigand morhped into the Minuteman. When Australia F3D pylon guru Ranjit Phelan started selling modified engines he received no support whatsoever from the Victorian pylon community. Ranjt’s own engines K&B .40. Made in USA

Dropped into Tates RC World in Geelong the day after posting Digitaire for Speed pics on Facebook. On the left is Clayton Frank with his John McGrane design and kitted Minuteman FAI Pylon racer. Centre is Richard Schuster and with owner Eddie Edwards on the right. People behind the counter are specialists who can provide advice. All that gear behind the

counter and in the showcase is known as “Specialist RC Stock”

Even the wheels are built to the minimum FAI specifications

might always be better as he was forever developing. Dad bought one of Ranjit Phelan’s OPS engines and I test flew it in a Minuteman. Man I had never flown so fast. Isn’t that the point? Dad built a Phelen Mustang and had a fantastic shoot out at a Nationals. That was a great race.


Decked out as a replica this ARF was built in Vietnam with Australian wood from Balsa Central

digitaiRe foR sPeed

I put this late 1960s replica of Dad’s Digitaire for Speed together for a speed comparison segment at Sandown. We tried this at Sandown 2016 with a Great

Planes Viper. Digitaire for Speed will set the scene for a few fast models to fly a hot lap around the F1 Air Race course. Anyway those were a few of my most endearing childhood memories.

It’s not just about trainers because after achieving basic solo you can never stop learning. What about your dream project? I have always wanted a P-38 Lightning. SG.


Melbourne’s specialist Futaba dealer Two to eighteen channel radios Mode 1 and 2 in stock

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One sensor plugs straight into any SBus2 receiver. Nothing

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Drone Zone at Airshows Down Under 2019So we often get a lot of questions in regards to what exactly it is we do, so this month I thought I would take the time to introduce you to Mongrel Gear and FPV Australia, and how things have changed in the nearly thireen years we have been in the game.

In 2006 we launched Mongrel Gear Australia (MGA). MGA was into custom built drone platforms, although back then we called them UAVs, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. These platforms mainly carried cameras, and were used for quite a few different activities. Our platforms were mainly aimed at the adventure sports market, where the TBS Discovery and Discovery Pro aircraft were the weapon of choice. These were small 450 sized quads, carrying GoPro cameras, that used FPV gear to transmit imagery back to the pilot. The likes of the DJI Phantom were not around, and so we were quite busy building complete packages constantly. Once DJI hit the market with their out of the box solutions, the market shifted, and we ended spending more time customising their already built drones to the customer’s requirements.

In 2010 I was approached to do some filming with a drone, and knew licensing was a requirement, but there were no drone schools like we see now, and so a pass in the Private Pilot’s Licence exam was a way in. However, under my workload at the time, that was simply not possible. In 2013 I attended a UAV course for fixed wing operations and obtained my UAV Controller’s Certificate. There were no Multirotor training schools available, so with consultation with industry experts, and CASA, we essentially opened Australia’s first Multirotor drone training school in 2014.

That leads on to the next biggest question we get asked…. “Why do you need a license to fly a drone”? And it’s an interesting question, but the answer is a simple one. Because we are all flying machines in airspace. Manned and unmanned aircraft are in the skies

together, and if we look at it as simple as that, then we can come to understand why anyone flying anything should be educated to do so. It’s not about flying the drone – most of us know they are very easy to fly. It’s more about where and why. For example, readers of this article now living in and around Nowra may or may not be aware that a huge portion of airspace around Nowra is controlled by the military, and a good majority of the time it’s classified as Restricted Airspace, and this means no flying anything without approval. This also includes manned aircraft, whom also must seek clearance to enter this airspace. And if you are wondering, this airspace goes all the way to go the ground.

We need to step back from stating that these are simply toys. They used

to be. But this was when they were mainly fixed wing and helicopter scale models flying around parks, ovals and model flying fields, and not a camera to be seen. Now we see drones with the ability to take off and fly down the main street of any city, where you would never see a model aircraft flying, and fly as high as to the point where you can no longer see them. Technology has moved on, and so must we move with it. Aviation is right in the middle of massive transition, and the unmanned world can no longer be ignored, or treated as minor corner of the industry.

SO…. How does one go about getting licensed? I can only speak for my own organisation when I tell you that it takes five days on a course with one of our very experienced

Career opportunities abound in this whole new world of aviation (pics by RCM News magazine)


Drone Zone

Commercial Manager Manal Choker (dark Dress ) and Bid Co-ordinator Mia Menetti for Indra were only too happy to pose for the camera to give

some idea of the size of the Australian Carbonix Volanti

Wingspan (mm)3,611 Length (mm)2,250 Maximum take-off weight (MTOW)13kg

Weight (airframe only)4kgFlight time up to 2 hours (all electric)

Full VTOL capability Alternate between hover and cruise

Optimum speed 70km/h Optimum turn radius 40m ARMS anti drone system

Wow! What cameras can do

The Carbonix uses a custom-ised Ardupilot with GPSHere

GPS (RTK also available) Power Supply 2 x 17,000 mAh 6S LiPo

OR 1 x 23,000 mAh 6S LiPo. Navigation - Autopilot with GPS set with ground station (5cm ac-

curacy) GCS comms on 900MHz data transmission greater than

40km range with basic pack-age. Ground Control operated on

standard Windows laptop (sup-plied) Landing sensor offers .2cm

landing accuracy.

Max speed 120km/h, stalls at 50 kph flight tested in light driz-

zle up to 35kph wind up to 8000 feet. Internal cargo bay is W 170

x L 420 x H 135 and maximum payload is 2kg


Drone Zone

Tube launched UAS (Umnanned Aerial System)

Hope the weather holds for the teamInspector Y6 tri-copter fitted with infra red FLIR camera

with 30X zoom and Futaba 14SG radio system

Plenty of ground clearance on the Tiguar 410

instructors, where you will be educated on the laws, regulations, and general operational requirements for running drones. Don’t be fooled, this is a VERY complex environment. There are many layers than need to be unpicked, so that you, the operator, have a clear understanding of your obligations under the law, and for the safety of you, manned aviation, and others around you. (Go tp p47. Ed)

Easy to get lost in the translation


Air Affairs Australia Phoenix Target Drone. Catapult launch parachute recovery MTOW 66kg - Max altitude 6000 metres Maximum speed 330+ knots Range 100 km Endurance 60 minutes - 40kg thrust gas turbine

1,184 investors helped raise over $1M on Start Engine last year

Drone Zone

Space Shuttle hand held camera How helpful will the Australian

government be?


Telstra is teaming up with French defence contractor Thales to develop a secure platform to manage low altitude manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The duo jointly prototyped the Low Altitude Airspace Management (LAAM) system to help manage the explosion in commercial and recreational drone use, which is predicted will increase from thousands of flights per day to millions. Drone operators can use data and communication platform create a unique identity for themselves and their UAVs on the system, and then lodge flight plans for authorisation. An automated rules engine then approves or rejects the plans, reserving

the airspace to avoid run-ins with other drones in the area

Aerosonde VTOL

Drone Zone


Exhibitions is something Americans do extremely well. Below is Lockheed Martin’s coolest looking quadcopter and this very complex SB-1 Defiant helicopter mock up

Australian Navy operate the Insitu fixed wing Scan Eagle by Boeing. This Schiebel S-100 Camcopter is adverse weather capable , range out to 200km - 100 litres AvGas

Drone Zone


Drone Zone

Thomas Gash flew RC planes before getting into this

Friday pilot briefing for the first ever night FPV display under the Twentieth Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment awning

Seek to Strike lads. Don’t let the Kiwis win

Inspiring the next generation, fantastic to see people thinking big


View from the bleechersWar games across the ditch. Fly

under arm if you have too!

Drone Zone

Three pieces of ADF airborne surveillance equip-ment operated by Lochlan Crowly. The 20 STA Regt, RAA is based at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera, Queensland

During the five days you will be taught information that you may never have known existed. We have a saying…. “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Topics will include things like Airspace Regulation, NOTAMS, Aviation Regulations, and how to operate legally. Safety of operations and what you may not have even thought about. In our course you will enter the world of manned aviation, and get an understanding of how it all works up there – for the very reason that you will be putting another machine into airspace that is occupied by other machines.

Weather will be discussed – as it may not seem it, but it is important to know your environment in which you operate. We will take you outside to fly


Aerosonde has logged over 250,000 operational flying hours. This version has low visibility and sound signa-ture 150km range 15 hour endurance, multiple payloads optical and infra red video, smooth zoom capability

with picture in picture for situational awareness

Twin cylinder fourstroke

the drones with 6 hours of flying on our week long course. Not only will you be flying, but ground crew operations and responsibilities will also be taught. There is much more than just flying the drone.

Further to the Remote Pi lot’s Licence, is the AROC, or Radio Operators Certificate that gives you the certification required to operate an air radio, so that you may contact and exchange with manned aviators. Our AROC component is approximately 3 to 4 hours long alone. We want to ensure you are well equipped to confidently pull the trigger on an air radio and chat to a manned aircraft if the need arises.

Lastly, is the Remote Operator’s Certificate or ReOC for short. This is an application to CASA as is required by the operator, or organisation that wishes to operate drones. The key word here is operate. This is not the act of flying the drone, but more

the operations behind the scenes. It consists of Operation Manuals and Procedures Library documents, that we will assist and supply you with – customised to your needs. There are many reasons why, if you are thinking about a commercial operation with drones, that you should be licensed.

Not only safety, but integrity. You should be proud of what you do, and part of that is credentials. After all, you would not let a builder build your house if he or she was not a licensed builder. Your integrity is everything. It is what separates the professional operators, from the not so professional,

Drone Zone


Drone Zone

So busy now Aiden no longer has time for 3D heli flyingStar Wars inspired motors on the

latest heavy lift version

Aiden Kelly and the team have built a great name in airborne cinematography. This Australian designed and manufactured XM2 Tango is available in light (under 25kg-55lb0 and heavy lift (MTOW 32Kg) configuration.

Light has a list price of AUD $35,714.28 plus options

and you are far more easier to trust, if your integrity is in tact. My advice is to never compromise on that.

So, five years and thousands of students later, we are still training individuals to obtain CASA licensing. We also still supply, service, and maintain, all things drone related. During this time, I personally have entered the

manned aircraft world, and now fly Light Sports Aircraft, which gives me a very unique position to understand both sides of the industry, and I really do believe that drones are just another part of the already established drone industry. If you are looking to get licensed, I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Do your research, and in fact, don’t

even take my word for it. Get out there and ask a million questions. Find out how long the school has been running, and what credentials and experience the instructor has. How long has he or she been flying drones, and more importantly, what are his or her instructor credentials. I say this because knowing the material is one thing, knowing how to “teach’ it is


Drone Zonethis is the Coolest new maChine at dRone zone hyPeR halo VtV

Hyper Halo, a startup company by Stephen McDonald and Joey

Chan, is seeking investors for this unique, patented, piston powered

tricopterFlight tested prototype is piston powered with four hour endur-ance. VTOL with virtual thrust

vectoring from collective pitch on all rotors with tail rotor pitch gives

accurate and super responsive control with auto-rotation capabil-

ity. Dry weight 13.5 kg with up to 10kg payload

Monash University competes in the bi-annual Outback Challenge


MQ-8C Fire Scout tactical marine surveillance helicopter Twelve hour en-durance and 135 kt top speed. (Look like a Bell Jet Ranger to me. Ed)

another. You will want the very best training experience you can get for you money. Don’t compromise, as it’s the start of your drone career, and you will want it to start in the best possible

Drone Zone

Handy vest to deal with bystanders available on-line from Safe Droning Australia

way. We can be contacted using the following details;Web: Fpvaustralia.com.auEmail: [email protected] Ph: 1300 FPVAUS (1300 378 287)

John contributes to our regular RPA Flight Ops Column in RCM news magazine. I have a number of friends who have been very happy with his sales, service and advice. Stephen Green (Editor)

Supertigre 60 powered Kavan Jet Ranger at LDMFA (Lilydale and District Model Flying Association) flown by the editor’s father Brian Green. Five CH Kraft radio no com-

puter aided mixing (Circa 1973)

Holding the big quadcopter is John Fleming Chief Instructor with Jason Wutke Lead RPAS Instructor on the FPV Aust stand at Drone Zone


Glossary of Terms11x8 Diameter-pitch of Apprentice prop13x4 Diameter-pitch of Fun Cub prop2.4 GHz Frequency of modern RC systems2S Two cell LiPo battery pack3S Three cell LiPo 4S Four cell ACMA Aust Communications Media AuthorityAerobatic Acrobatics performed by aircraftAerofoil Curved shape of wing profile section to create liftAft Fuselage section behind CofGAileron Control surface on wingAirfoil American AerofoilAirspeed Speed of wing relative to the airAGL Above Ground LevelApproach Final flight path to landArrival LandingAUW All up weightBank Angle of Bank (refer roll)Bloopers https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WfqZ5CtDcuQ Buddy Box Dual control systemBump Landing then taking off againCamber Curve of a AerofoilCA Cyanoacrylate (Superglue)CASA Civil Aviation Safety AuthorityCH Channels in a Radio SystemCircuit Organised flight patternClevis Pushrod attachment (kwkilink)Club Occasionally a four letter word for beginnersCofG Centre of Gravity (longitudinal balance point of aeroplane)Crash Aeroplane not capable of flight after last landingDeparture Take OffDrag Aerodynamic force opposite to thrustDoh! Bad LandingElevator Control surface on tailplaneESC Electronic Speed ControlFin Vertical FinFlaps Control surface on inboard part of wingFlare Nose raised to soften landingFore Fuselage section in front of CoG Gear Retractable UndercarriageGeorge Traditional name for autopilotGlide Slope Angle of descent to land on runway. (Airliners use 3 degrees)

Gilderslag Surname of famous Stung PilotHigh Alpha High angle of attackHorn Control linkage component on control surfaceKicker Sets off CA glue fasterKV Revolutions per VoltLiPo Lithium Polymer batteryLoop Aerobatic manoeuvremAh Milliamps (capacity of battery pack)Mode Stick configuration of TXNiCad Nickle Cadmium batteryNiMh Nickel Metal Hydride battery Nitro Nitromethane (hijacked to describe glo engines)Ops OperationOrbit 360 degree turnPearshaped Botched manouevrePitch Angle of propeller blades Longitudinal axis of aeroplanePlanform Shape of wing looking from topProp PropellerRC Radio ControlRF Radio FrequencyRPV Revolutions per VoltRoll Lateral axis of Aeroplane Aerobatic manoeuvreRudder Control surface on FinRX ReceiverSection AerofoilSolo First flight unaided by instructorSpan Wingspan measured tip to tipSOP Standard Operating ProcedureSpinner Nose cone on centre of propellerStall Wing ceases to create liftStab Emmpannage (tail surfaces)Tail Tailplane Tail Dragger Conventional UndercarriageTailwheel Steering for above Taxi Ground movement of aeroplaneTrees Natural predator of model aircraftThrow Angle of control surface deflectionThrust Force created by propellerTorque Twisting force from propellerTravel See throwTrike Tricycle Undercarriage (nose gear)TX TransmitterYaw Sideway axis of AeroplaneYawn Grumpy old men at club meetingsWG Gilderslag RCM News Stunt Pilot

MODEL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATIONS (Page 11) AMAS Australian Miniature Aerosports SocietyMAAA Model Aeronautical Association of Australia


Trailing Edgeselling aeRomodelling

Has been part of my hobby ever since I was a kid. I thought it would be a good thing to introduce my experience of flying at motorsport venues to the model aircraft fraternity. I thought developing a national competition for scale air racing would be good for the hobby too. This culminated on March 9th when I gave a few kids the opportunity to experience what I did at Aviat 70 Airshow flying my 3 ch Graupner Taxi. In 2016 I gave three kids and their respective model clubs that experience racing their club entry Formula 2s.

Thanks to Byron Simpson and the Large Scale Racing Club of Australia for having the balls to get behind this event. Joe McGuffin too on a previous occasion as previously reported. I have been unable to find a club in Victoria willing for me to sign as Display Director for Sandown. Taking into account the cost involved hiring this venue and that VMAA - MAAA seem to have misplaced my contact details since 2016 (Aus 5932) I was unable to risk waiting the for new VMAA secretary to get up to speed. So a special thanks to Tim Nolan and Aeromodellers NSW for his assistance putting my eleven page risk assessment together for the 2019 event.

Forty three years ago at the Hang Ten 400 at Sandown, Dad brother Michael and I dreamed of the day a model aircraft display could be held at this venue. In 1999 I got to experience first hand the potential to put model aircraft in front of the general public at a major venue. That was the Qantas Australian World 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix. Friday and Saturday I flew by myself at each of the four locations around the track to sort niggling problems. Four mates put on a great display in front of large crowds cheering and applauding our airmanship.

In 1999 with another mate we hired Caulfield Race Course and put on the

Dutton Airshow. Repeated in 2000 at Sandown. In 2015 I put my name down again with the Sandown F1 Air Race concept. A model aircraft display in its own right which cost about $20G of members funds. Nett. Not a bad result considering two months out Ultimate RC Events scuttled the Facebook marketing and the domain name I paid for and lost. At V1 both in for a penny in for a pound MAAA stepped up. In 2016 I handed the event to MAAA in the belief with its resources would do a better job. All it had to do was repeat what I had done with my magazine. Everything was changed. The sell job by Sustainable Marketing was spectacularly inept. Executive was

Ten year old Sam Addicott on duty holding Dad’s F1. Sam flew his Middle Stick a few times during the day and scored a perfect ten from the landing judges

Once more with feeling (pics by Keith Quigg)


warned about it in time but nothing was done. To help amortise what nay sayers have seen as a loss, I put my name down again with Train and Hobby Show to realise some value from monies spent investing in aeromodelling’s future.. Three airshows later in the hope VMAA would see the potential,. some of Australia’s best pilots made themselves available again. This is their way of putting back into the hobby.

Whilst this is now not a dedicated RC Airshow in its own right it is an opportunity to put ourselves in front of the general public near the demographic centre of a major capital city. For little cost. Train and Hobby Show picks up the tab. Build the event and crowds will come takes years. This is Train and Hobby Show’s 11th and it has now grown to be the biggest in the country. Whether VMAA sees the benefit is up to it and it was great to see the orginisation there.

Dad started this magazine in 1991 purely because John Rogers at Airborne magazine was not interested in promoting the FAI F3A F3D F3C World Championships at Wangratta. Airborne has gone. Andrew Sill started Flat Out RC magazine. Andrew used to write a 3D column in Airborne under a non deplume, selling 3D aircraft at the time. Never saw a disclaimer to that effect. MAAA publishes Wingspan magazine. A number of review articles written or ghost written by Mike O’Reilly have been published in Wingspan. Mike is the importer of the

Railways of Japan was my pick for the best train layout

VMAA President Reeve Marsh spent all weekend selling aeromodelling

Perhaps next yearv Eastern FPV Club might acknowledge VMAA aeromodellers’ money paying for

the netting with a sign

Trailing Edge


Trailing Edge

models reviewed. No disclaimer to be found. Tyson Dodd operates a business selling RC Models. Tyson is now MAAA Secretary. No disclaimer to be found. Pretty tacky for a governing body. MAAA now advertises in Flat Out RC. It will be interesting to see how these new players set the world on fire in their efforts selling aeromodelling. The organisation has taken a major step forward breaking tradition by electing a secretary who can land. And too some degree use rudder however anyone who has to raise the nose ten degrees before rolling is not what I consider to be an expert. His first `landing at Sandown 2015 was okay. The Kingtech turbine flamed out on his check flight. Not that you would read that anywhere today. That brand has turned out more susceptible to air bubbles than others. Landed way too hot. Overshot. Well past the bridge it was left ruddered to make turn one. After the way he

Joe Coker singing “Try with a little help from my friends”

and his caller conducted themselves at that event, MAAA paying for the Secretary to attend one of John Fleming’s RPAS courses would be money well spent. Victorian Jet Aerosport Association should pay for its Treasurer too! Compliance applies to people on Executives too! These blokes have got some nerve.

On final approach into Temora Airoprt to check out Temora Jets a few years back the pilot and I spotted models overflying the duty runway. More overflights during taxi. Pilot refuelled and parked the plane not far from the bowser. High speed model jets with up to eight litres of kerosine on board pulling high G turns in towards the fuel dump. Pilot moved his plane. In attendance were VP MAAA, President MAAQ and a number of members of jet club committee members. What were they looking at? The result of my raising the issue (privately) was

commercial operators arced up about it then I was banned by the VJAA. It was a NSW event? Sandown 2016 was an MAAA-VMAA event. (Not mine) Two FAI Pylon racers were pulling 40G turns at 300 plus kph straight in towards the crowd. Nothing was done until I said something. What were the officials looking at? Owner of Tiger Signs Mt Evelyn was there. He and his wife hid behind one of the pylons at the edge of the grandstand. Compliance applies to people on Executives too! I think there is a place for publishing factual information but behind the scenes getting Sandown off the ground offers any guide I will probably be dead before the RC Industry in this county grows up. If this reads like the suicide piece John Rogers penned blaming readers buying habits after Airborne was closed, it is not. Just a few comments over a lifetime dealing with certain importers, associations and model clubs. Commenting on safety has not been beneficial to RCM News.

Publish a set of rules and apply them equally to all competitors. If you are in the business put back in. Admit your mistakes as it may help others. That has been the ethos I grew up with. Dad received an FAI Air Medal for his contribution to the 91 World’s. I look forward to getting out and about to flying fields publishing a more interesting magazine flying Futaba. After this edition the RCM News masthead will be changed. I feel it hypocritical/misleading to readers and advertisers to carve out a living selling radio gear and publishing under RCM News brand. Stephen Green.

One hobby business is run by a competition oriented modeller. One is not

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