Introduction to Radio Control Model Planes There was a time when building a radio control ("RC") model plane -- or boat or car -- usually meant hundreds of hours of tedious and detailed work, sometimes stretching over many days or even weeks. Today that has changed thanks to the availability of the newer ARF model kits. The "A-R-F" stands for "Almost Ready to Fly."
ARF kits have revolutionized the hobby of radio-control models since they allow novices easy access to the pastime in a very short amount of time. The planes in these kits come partially built, with most of the functioning and electronic components already preassembled. For the most basic ARF models, complete assembly can often be done -- resulting in a ready-to-fly plane -- in an hour or two.
Dozens of ARF kits are available, offering hobbyists flyable scale replicas of all kinds of planes, from WWI biplanes to WWII fighters to all sorts of modern aircraft. The scale models, such as the replica of the Japanese Zero fighter plane (figure A), may require a little more work to assemble, since they are accurate, detailed replicas of their real counterparts. But even with those, assembly can usually be completed in no more than two or three days.
The Superstar (Registered TM) Trainer RC Plane
In this segment, assembly begins on a very basic gas-powered trainer plane called the Superstar (figure B), manufactured by Hobbico (Registered TM) . This is an ideal starter plane for neophyte RC hobbyist since it's easy to assemble and to fly.
The Superstar is constructed from a lightweight wood framework covered in Mylar (figure C), so it's similar in structure to the older, hand-built radio control planes that were the traditional mainstay of the hobby in its earlier years. It's a smooth-flying plane with full control of motor, rudder, elevation, etc.
All of the Superstar's components come in a single kit that contains all of the elements you need to build the working plane (figure D). There are relatively few components to be put together since much of the fine assembly is already done. The contents of the kit are essentially made up of the assembled fuselage, wings, tail assembly, landing gear, hardware and instructions.
The Superstar's premanufactured wings, and the fin and stabilizer that make up the tail, are made from lightweight wood ribs and end-caps covered in Mylar. The internal rib structure can be seen by holding the components up to a bright light (figure E). This extremely lightweight design makes it easier for the plane to get airborne.
Assembly of the Superstar
Important: The assembly shown in this DIY program is intended as an example of a typical assembly of a beginner-class radio control plane. There are, of course, variations among individual planes in terms of assembly and operation. Read carefully and follow thoroughly the instructions that come with the model that you select.
Materials:
Hobbico Superstar ARF model-plane kit
Long-shank Phillips screwdriver
7/32" nut-driver
Hobby multiwrench (or adjustable wrench) Steps: - Begin the process of assembly by assembling the wings. The two wings are held together by a metal rod that is inserted into predrilled holes in each wing root (figure F). The rod is inserted halfway into each wing. A smaller metal peg similarly joins the wings together at the trailing edge.
- Insert the main rod and smaller peg into one wing, then into the other wing, then bring the two wings together so they connect in the middle (figure G).
- Once the two wings are joined into a single structure, secure them with the angled plastic straps provided in the kit. The strap is secured to each of the wings using tiny Phillips screws (figure H). These small straps and screws merely help secure and stabilize the wing structure; the metal rods bear most of the structural stress associated with the wing assembly.
- Install the landing gear onto the fuselage. The base of the fuselage is constructed from a wood block that has a precut slot and predrilled holes to accommodate the landing gear. To mount the two landing-gear axles, push their ends into the predrilled holes in the fuselage (figure I) and position them so that the horizontal portion fits into the precut slot.
- Once the axles are inserted, secure them with the supplied nylon straps. The straps are secured in place to the bottom surface of the fuselage using four small sheet-metal screws (figure J).
Now that the plane's main body parts have been pieced together, the next phase will involve completion of the body assembly.Superstar specs: - Manufacturer: Hobbico
- Wingspan: 60 inches
- Material: balsa wood/Monokote
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Engine: 40 LA
- Assembly: less than one hour
- Top speed: 50+ mph
RESOURCES :
Superstar (TM) by Hobbico
Trainer model radio-controlled airplane.
Great Planes Model Distributors
Website: www.greatplanes.com
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Website: www.modelaircraft.org
Hobbico
Manufacturer of radio controlled model planes.
Web site: www.hobbico.com
Distributed by Great Planes Model Distributors
Great Planes Model Distributors
Website: www.greatplanes.com
HobbyTown USA
HobbyTown USA (Registered Trademark) is a Nebraska corporation formed in 1985 by Merlin Hayes and Thomas Walla. HobbyTown began in 1980 with the purchase of a local business in Lincoln, Nebraska. The corporation was established for the sole purpose of sharing their dream with other people who wanted to own their own hobby store.
Today, HobbyTown USA is a nationally registered franchise, and the company is widely regarded as a leader in the retail hobby industry.
With the company motto of "Building Your Dream" and with more than 150 stores open, it is the largest retail hobby franchise in the world and is ranked in the top 2% of all franchises worldwide. More importantly, there are now hundreds of owners realizing their dream of being their own boss, and having fun while they do it.
For store location information, please click here.
HobbyTownUSA
Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: 402-434-5050
Email: info@hobbytown.com
Website: www.hobbytown.com
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