How-tos Archives - Page 16 of 17 - Model Airplane News

ABCs of Ball Links

Improvements in RC helicopter design and performance have resulted in the almost universal use of the ball link in all modern helicopter control systems. Most major manufacturers make their own ball links to their specifications, with their name, logo or other such mark on the body of the link. Although these links are slightly different, […]

Mastering the Hovering Square Loop

When it comes to the world of aerobatics, exciting moves are endless. A maneuver like the loop can have hundreds of different combinations. A pilot can perform a snap roll at the top of the loop and turn the loop into an Avalanche. This combines inputs for a snap roll as well as inputs needed for […]

Electric Power & Performance Advice

For power-hungry 3D applications and heavier scale machines, is it better to generate the required watts with more amps or with higher volts? Let’s look at some real-world examples and see what’s going on behind the curtain. JOULE’S LAW The crux of the problem for high-current power systems is that power losses increase with the […]

Movie Makeover: Creating Disney’s “Bulldog”

By Rich Uravitch. You’ve probably either seen, or plan on seeing, the new Disney/Pixar movie “Planes.” I stumbled across information on this production over a year ago when the studio was discussing release plans which had the movie heading directly for DVD, bypassing the theater circuit entirely. This plan has thankfully, and probably profitably, changed […]

Hand-Painted Scale Details — When Pigs Fly!

I am coming to the conclusion of my Giant Scale Fokker Triplane Build-Along and there are only a few things to left to take care of. I recently commissioned my daughter Rebecca to add the final touches on the paint job with the addition of the “Pig’s Butt” side badge, that Cole Palen’s Triplane is […]

Back to Basics–Free Flight Rubber Power

If you have never tried building and flying a rubber powered scale free flight model airplane, then you are really missing out on a lot of affordable fun. Each year, our buddy and Scale RC and WW1 aviation expert, Tom Polapink, hosts an annual free flight contest and this event is dedicated to Cole Palen, […]

Flight Safety: 8 Must-Know Tips

Although helicopters have spinning rotor blades, they are no more dangerous than airplanes or any other form of RC. However, there are lessons to be learned that we can apply to our flying to improve safety in general. As an example, I heard about a pilot who was flying a helicopter in the backyard after […]

Workshop Build-Along — Triplane Painting and Masking

The Exclusive MAN Workshop Build-Along series is just about complete with just a few detail left to finish up. I have been working on my giant Fokker Dr.1 Triplane since last October and we’ve posted lots of helpful building and covering tips along the way. Several of you have asked if I could show some details […]

ANGLE WIZARD

One of the instruments we need in this hobby of ours is a pitch gauge, which is used to measure, set, and adjust the angle of the main rotor blades. Various forms of pitch gauges have been around for years, but all require a certain amount of interpretation in their reading. Wouldn’t it be nice-and […]

How to: Add ailerons for a “full-house” jet

Several years ago a flying buddy brought a Phase 3 F-16 out to the flying field. It was the first EDF jet I ever saw fly, not counting Bob Violett’s Electra which had made quite an impression on everyone at Florida Jets earlier that year. This F-16 is a really nice flying, hand-launched foam model. […]

Alien Aircraft Gee Bee Sport Kit Build-Along — Video update

First Flight Test flown at the Central CT RC Club. Some video shot at MAN’s Southbury club field, courtesy of Fairfield League of Yankee Radio Controllers club. video platform video management video solutions video player Contributor Robert Labriola from the Central CT RC Club, is building a new Gee Bee kit from Alien Aircraft. This laser-cut […]

Making 3-panel Windshields — Part 3

The final installment of this scale building techique finishes up the Windshield with the addition of the clear plastic panes and installing the units on the fuselage. After the frames are painted, you need to make a template for each of the individual panes. (Aboved.) Flip the framework over and place a scrap piece of […]