106-in-YAK55M-v2
Ever wandered through a swap meet and suddenly, there it is, a model you've always wanted? Or, maybe a favored model is due for an update? The right way to equip this model with a new set of servos depends on who you are as a pilot.
106-in-YAK55M-v2
Ever wandered through a swap meet and suddenly, there it is, a model you've always wanted? Or, maybe a favored model is due for an update? The right way to equip this model with a new set of servos depends on who you are as a pilot.
Aerotowing, a brief how-to
A fun aspect of the sport of RC modeling is called aerotowing. Just like you tow a broken down car on the side of the road with a strap; with models, a powered model tows an unpowered one (a glider). Once at altitude, release the line and fly!
165-inch Carbon Cub FX-3
Spanning a whopping 165 inches, and going +60 lbs, Hangar 9's 40% CubCrafters Carbon Cub FX-3 is fantastic! But the $64,000 question when outfitting yours is; how best to account for price and performance to make the best servo decision for your needs?
85-inch Extra 300EXP
With an 85 inch span, this XA model is certainly a looker. Usually powered by 50-60cc gasser, or an electric motor on 12S, this class of model is size-wise, about the limit of what can be transported without a trailer. Is one of these right for you?
106-inch Yak-55M
Ever wandered through a swap meet and suddenly, there it is, a model you've always wanted? Or, maybe a favored model is due for an update? We're going to discuss how refurbishing a model means not just new servos, but checking hinges and fuel tubing!
5th scale A6M5 Zero
Initially a carrier borne fighter, the A6M5 iteration of the Zero had a reduced wingspan to increase the roll rate. That, and the folding wing mechanism was gone to lighten the airframe. Details bringing this gorgeous TopRC Model to life include panel lines and rivets.
Quarter scale Cessna 195
Prewar, executive transport featured aircraft powered by radials. Think Waco's ZPF-6, Beechcraft's Staggerwing, and Spartan's Executive 7W. Post war, Cessna's 195 was playing catch up. Unfortunately for them, the game had changed.
On storing fuselages
Over the course of +50 years, an elaborate system for storing models has evolved where inactive ones are hung from ceilings, and active models are stored in the workshop. We'll delve into fuselage storage, plus show what can go wrong and how we made a repair.
Servo leads and extensions
Back when 4.8V servos output 48-120oz-in, building a model requiring servo extensions once involved buying what was offered in the hobby shop. These days, when 8.4V servos output ranges to 1155oz-in there's more to it. Heads up!
5th scale Stearman
Usually you buy a model airplane, then the servos and engine. In this story it developed backwards as first came the engine, then the model and servos. Regardless, if you're interested in a Ziroli 1/5th scale Stearman, keep reading!
Futaba HPS-A703 vs ProModeler DS930BLHV
In the eyes of many, it's hard to go wrong selecting Futaba servos - we get it. But just as it's hard to dance and carry a tune, does a focus on RF (radio frequency) vs. servos open the door to upstarts? Let's find out!
Hitec D645MW vs ProModeler DS180DLHV
Amongst dominant brands like Futaba, Hitec, and Spektrum, the 800lb gorilla is Hitec. Since their D645MW is the world’s best selling servo, then for basically the same reason it’s said; ‘To be king, you have to beat the king’, it’s become our target. Let's compare!
Servo motors 101
Wondered about differences between iron-core, coreless, and brushless servos? It's down to the motors - we cut them open on a lathe to show you what’s inside!
Servo motors 102
What's inside your servo motor-wise is what determines torque, speed, and most important to folk, the price. We detail the differences in how they're made.
Throttle servo installations
An engine box mounted throttle servo with a straight steel pushrod is about the worst thing you can do but it's what manufacturers supply because it's cheap and easy. We're going to discuss a better way to go about it.
DS505BLHV gearset repair
When servos are damaged in a crash, you pray it's just a set of gears instead of a gearset 'and' the case because if it's both, then it instantly becomes a throwaway!
Rip Van Winkle; returning to RC
30 years is a long time in the world of technology, and RC has been no exception in advancing at a rapid pace. This how-to brings you up to speed on what you've missed!
Tooling up
Gathering up the tools to build your model helicopter begins with metric Allen and nut drivers. Here we review the contents of an experienced builder's tool box.
Servo selection
Hobby grade servos good enough? Consideration for these servo packages goes beyond weight, torque, speed, and price, so don't waste your time with this.
2S flight packs
2-cell lithium batteries power most models. Do you rely on cells comprised of plastic bags to save weight, or rugged steel shells? Choose wisely!
RF systems
When it comes to RF systems, guess what? We don't have 'religion' regarding brands (and helis don't care) but we do have a few thoughts.
Hughes 500
Do thoughts of flying an airborne hot rod leave you cold? If that's the case then this brief photo-driven history and background regarding the Hughes 500 won't fly.
116-inch Extra NG
There comes a day when a 103-in model powered by a DA120 doesn't cut it anymore and you're bound and determined to play with the big boys. This, defined as a 40% model going 38-pounds and powered by a DLE170, DA200, or the like. As tools for this go, this one is serious!
