Model Airplane News #09

Welcome to this issue of The Plane Talk Newsletter.

In this issue:

Your last chance gift-giving lifeboat!

Last Chance Saloon coming up …

It's mid December and you are heading inexorably for the Last Chance Saloon…

I spent years as a corporate 'suit' …. fleetingly aware of the impending birthday or holiday and promising myself I would do something about it.  By the time I dragged myself away from business it was inevitably too late to buy what I had in mind – or I couldn't get to the shops anyway.
So this Newsletter is your lifeboat.  Dedicated to bringing to your screen right now the model airplane gifts (are there any others?) you really want to give (or receive!) this impending Christmas.  Wherever you are right now, whatever you are doing – buy those gifts NOW – before it's too late even for the superheroes in UPS and Fedex to do their thing!

I usually just put a link through to the store but today I've put the whole description in this Newsletter so you can make a decision RIGHT NOW and don't have to go any further.

By the way, I know this is Christmas coming up and from the names on my subscribers list I also know that there are lots of you our there who have other holidays at other times in various parts of the world.  I also know that there is only one sky out there.  A sky that belongs to all of us and brings us all together to share our passion for model airplanes.

So here is my list of gift recommendations for the holiday season….
I'm just going to concentrate on the best sellers in each category.  There's a very good reason for that – any product becomes a best seller because the customers like it and spread the word to their friends.  So you can be pretty sure it works and delivers good value. And with the deals available from the Discount shop that is doubly true.

Click on the Product Name for the link through to the Store. (and don't forget the batteries.).  My comments, if I've got any, come above the photo.  Everything below the photo is the manufacturer's blurb.

Lets start with the kids.

A while ago I featured a great little model that has no external prop and is therefore safe for little fingers.

Kid Galaxy – Elite Fleet – ShadowCaster Price $56

• Ready to Fly
• Powerful internal turbine engine!
• Precision flight control!
• Flight range of 300 feet!
• Charges in 5 minutes!
• Also available in grey/green(not shown)

Xtreme Micro Copter

ID #: XMC-120
Sugg. Retail: $59.95
Price: $49.95

I think this one is for kiddies – who happen to have grown up as well.  Micro heli's have been among the hottest selling toys of the year.  This is a second generation beyond the Silverlit (next up) and even more stable. Lots of stores are sold out of these fantastic fun helis – but we've still got them at the Discount store.

Don't be bashful – have a go!  Or give it to the kids – then hijack it!

The Xtreme Micro Copter- palm size- helicopter is the cutest and most amazing thing!

This helicopter is the smallest and lightest Micro Remote Control helicopter in the World!

Charge it directly from the controller- for up to 12 minutes of flying time on a single charge.

Measuring only about 6.5" inches long and weighing about 10 grams, the Xtreme Micro Copter is a fascinating flying machine that is very stable and easy to fly. This helicopter is made of tough expanded Polypropylene foam-very durable to withstand crashes, features a blue LED strobe light while flying, and incorporates an auto stability system to make this chopper easy to operate indoors.

This AMAZING helicopter comes ready to fly with everything you need in order to operate it, including the pre-assembled helicopter, rechargeable 3.7V Li-Poly battery, infra red controller/charger and instruction manual. All you need to add is 6 x AA batteries for the controller/charger.

Silverlit – Micro RC Helicopter

Here's another one that got famous by being shown on U Tube. You are just not going to break any crockery with these! Lots of stores are sold out of these fantastic fun helis – but we've still got them at the Discount store.

ID #: 85615
Sugg. Retail: $99.99
Price: $59.95

Our helicopters keep getting smaller and better! This is the very latest in indoor micro-helicopter technology and it’s brand new for this year! Made of highly durable materials makes this helicopter difficult to destroy.

This tiny indoor rc helicopter is completely ready-to-fly with a proportional infrared control system. This tiny marvel will fly for about 10 minutes with a full charge thanks to the integrated lithium-polymer flight battery. A flashing strobe light adds to the visual effect and the auto-stability system makes it easy to operate. There are NO tethers or strings attached to these helicopters.

To charge the helicopter, simply connect it to the combined transmitter/field-charger. Yes, that means you do not need to use a wall charger. This has an integrated LED indicator with auto shut-off facility, once the helicopter is fully charged. This tiny helicopter is balanced to enable the user to take-off, hover, descend and turn left and right.

Multiple channels make it possible for 3 people to fly their own helicopters at the same time. Great fun for the entire family. Plus the blades on the helicopter are safe for use right in your very own living room, bedroom, or office. A useful instruction manual provides hints and tips for new remote control pilots to master this incredible gadget.

Product Dimensions:

• Length 170mm (6.5")
• Main Rotor diameter 130mm (5.25")
• Rear Rotor diameter 30mm (1.25")

Product Weight:

• Only 10g!

Features:

• Rechargeable Flight Battery
• High capacity integral Lithium Polymer battery Charging
• Integral Transmitter/Charger supplied with LED indicator/Auto shut off
• 20-30 minutes for full charge Flight Duration
• Up to 10 minutes between charges Control
• Supplied completely assembled, ready-to-fly and charged
• Proportional Infra Red Control System Frequency
• Infra Red Control System • Bands A, B, & C allow up to 3 Helicopters to fly together Range
• Up About 100 Feet Batteries Required
• 6 x 1.5v AA Alkaline Batteries for Transmitter/Charger Includes
• Instruction manual providing helpful tips for the new helicopter pilot

Precision Heli – Micron V2 Complete Kit RTF

And if you're a bit more serious about helicopters then this one is RTF and set up for beginners.

ID #: m200
Sugg. Retail: $359.99
Price: $293.99

This new version of the Micron comes 100% RTF all you have to do is fly. A completely new head and flybar assembly makes the Micron V2 just as stable as the larger helicopters, and fits in the palm of your hand. No more nervous flights with this bird its robust and lightweight design makes this helicopter more durable then its bigger brothers.

We kept the beginner in mind with HSS (helicopter stabilation system). Never has a fixed pitch helicopter been so stable. HSS allows the beginner stable flights to aid in the learning process. More info coming on HSS. Ordered separately.

Top Ten Improvements:
1. One piece snap in flybar assembly allows more time in the air with no balancing flybar and adjusting paddles.
2. New revolutionary blade cradle allows for added stabilizing bar for the beginner which can then be removed once you feel comfortable with the controls.
3. All servo links and pushrods are precision formed to there perfect length to get you direct and responsive controls.
4. A new rigid upper and lower frame allows for no flex.
5. New hyper tail motor that offers 20% more power with improved tail fin that has no patients for lazy tail rotors.
6. New main frame allows for snap in servo positioning for optimum control.
7. Sleek new canopy.
8. New programming allowing for longer flights,power,and control.
9. High Density LiPo pack for added flight time and power.
10. And best off all 100% Ready to Fly!!!

Lets get back to some fixed wings…

Kid Galaxy – Cloud Cruiser (Copper 27mhz)

ID #: 10217
Sugg. Retail: $40.00
Price: $30.00

The Copper and Blue versions are identical apart from the frequency.  If you're buying two then make sure to buy one of each to avoid frequency conflicts.  And at these prices …!

Kid Galaxy – Cloud Cruiser (Blue) 49mhz

Sorry, biggest photo available.

ID #: 10218
Sugg. Retail: $40.00
Price: $30.00

Send kids' imaginations soaring sky high when their planes do with the remote-controlled Cloud Cruiser Plane from Kid Galaxy Toys! The sleek-looking Cloud Cruiser is the high performance plane that comes with an easy-to-use 4-way controller that lets kids control the plane's flight for up to 300 feet!

The twin engine powered Cloud Cruiser has a separate charger that not only provides super fast charging, but the charger also gives the plane extra long lasting power for long flights. Even when the Cloud Cruiser Plane from Kid Galaxy Toys "runs out of gas," the durable EPP foam construction keeps this plane running in tip-top flying shape!

Copper Cloud Cruiser from Kid Galaxy operates at 27MHz.

Age: 8 Years +

A bit more serious now ….

Megatech Freedom Flyer

ID #: MT9941
Sugg. Retail: $199.95
Price: $149.95

The Freedom Flyer is a consistent best-seller.  There are replacement packs for engine, props, wings and undercarriage so you can tell that Megatech really have seen what their customers get up to – and are ready for it!  I would recommend getting the additional aileron pack as well to have more potential for aerobatics – and don't forget the extra battery.

This has to be a serious recommendation for anyone moving on from the 'park flyer' stage.

The Freedom Flyer is a 4-channel "Beginner-to-Intermediate" Park Flyer W/ Radio, Battery And Charger!

• Speeds of 50+ MPH with the Speed 400 high performance motor
• Can take off from the ground and be flown inverted and looped!
• FM 4CH radio with over 1500ft range
• Super stable design makes first time flying easy and fun
• High density Dura-Plax construction for added strength
• 10 minutes from box to flying field, simply attach the wing, charge the battery and go!
• Radio system includes micro servos, speed control and micro receivers that can be used in other RC applications

P R O D U C T  I N F O

Product Name: FREEDOM FLYER
Part Number: MTC 9941
Product Description: 4ch Electric RTF Park Flyer w/ Radio, Battery & Charger

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

Wingspan: 33-3/4 inces

Speed: 50+ MPH

Set includes:

Comes complete with 4 CH radio, AC charger and NiCD rechargeable battery pack.

Cox E-Z Flyer R/C Airplane – COX 6800

ID #: COXEZ
Sugg. Retail: $129.95
Price: $59.95

Always a favourite and a big discount on this model.

Take this model plane out for a ride! The powerful remote control stays in touch from up to 650 feet away. Everything about this plane makes it fun and easy to use from the word go.

This twin-engine radio controlled model plane is an easy flyer! A simple to use 2-channel radio controls the speed of two motors. Apply full power to take off and climb, stop the motors to land or descend. When turning left or right, the radio changes the speed of one motor.

The EZ Flyer comes factory assembled and ready to screw together in minutes. A 20-minute charger that operates from a car, two NiMH rechargeable batteries and an extra set of propellers and rear stabilizer are included. Length:25 in. Wingspan:36 in. Requires 8 AA Alkaline batteries for the transmitter (sold separately).

Details:

• Cox E-Z Flyer electric remote control plane
• E-Z to Power – all electric
• E-Z to Put Together – assembles with screws
• E-Z to Fly – simply control the speed of the motors
• Factory built model plane
• Two-channel digital radio control system
• Advanced NiMH rechargeable flight battery
• Quick charger that operates from your car
• Additional flight battery
• Remote control has powerful 650' range
• 35" wing span
• Ages 12 and up

MegaTech Fantail Flyer – 2 Channel Ready-to-Fly Airplane

ID #: MTC9960
Sugg. Retail: $99.99
Price: $89.99

An innovative design that prevents loss of altitude when making turns.  I haven't tried it myself but it's another best seller so I can only presume that it does what it says on the box.

MegaTech FanTail Flyer – 2 Channel Ready-to-Fly Airplane

FanTail Flyer radio control airplane features a super sleek design for first time flying fun! WIth its ultra aerodynamic high lift wing with under-camber airfoil the FanTail Flyer will soar hundred of feet into the air within seconds. Crystal clear 100% digital proportional FM radio link signal has a range of 1000 feet. High performance folding propeller provides super extended flight duration.

Unique tail rotor system sets the FanTail Flyer apart from all other radio control airplanes. A micro Magnalite™ motor located in the airplane's tail supplies efficient power to the tail unit so the airplane does not lose any altitude during turns. This innovative tail-rotor thrust-vectoring gives perfect left and right turns every time making learning to fly easy and fun!

The airplane comes complete and ready-to-fly right out of the box. Set includes rechargeable battery pack which conveniently charges direct from the remote controller for field charging anywhere. Just add eight “AA” alkaline batteries for the transmitter and you’re on your way to a fun day of successful radio control model airplane flying.

Features

*Includes: 2 Channel Radio System, NiMH Battery Pack and Charger
*Tail Rotor thrust vectoring for smooth easy turns every time
*Complete and ready to fly
*Sleek design and precision electric motor
*Crystal clear 100% digital proportional FM radio link signal
*High performance folding prop for super efficient extended flight duration

Specifications

Length : 20.5"
Wingspan: 27.5"
Requires: 8 AA Alkaline Batteries
Charge Time: 5 Minutes

Hobbico NexSTAR Select RTF Nitro .46 Radio-Controlled Airplane

ID #: HCAA17
Sugg. Retail: $499.95
Price: $399.95

And finally, frankly the best value trainer on the market for those who want to get real with their airplane and have a fuel burner up front that makes heat and noise just like the real thing!

The best way to have fun with your model airplane is always to bring it home in one piece.  So with a PC flight simulator software package on CD and tailored for this specific trainer thrown in this has to be the best way to improve your flying.

If you're ready to take the next step in real RC Airplane flying, then you're ready for the NexSTAR RTF Nitro .46 Radio-Controlled Model Airplane.

The NexSTAR Select is the ultimate R/C flight training machine. It is absolutely the BEST way to learn to fly!

NexSTAR Select includes a long list of patent-pending innovations. What they mean to YOU is this: There's no easier way to own a fully assembled, fully equipped, hobby-quality airplane. And no other R/C trainer gives you such strong odds for success!

One of the greatest features of this plane is the AFS™ (Active Flight Stabilization) system. Even if you lose control or perspective, simply let go of the transmitter toggles and the plane will AUTOMATICALLY level off so you can safely resume control without crashing.

Click here to view all of the videos of this amazing R/C Nitro Plane!

Features:

You can have your NexSTAR flight-ready in 20 minutes. Its advances make perfect assembly a snap!
State-of-the-art aerodynamics — including a carefully researched and specially designed airfoil — let you fly at unbelievably slow and comfortable speeds.
The large, 68.5" span wing makes the NexSTAR easy to see and follow in the sky…a big advantage compared to other, smaller R/C trainers.
The included RealFlight® NexSTAR Edition R/C Flight Simulator lets you practice flying even when youre not at the airfield.
After basic training, with just a few quick adjustments your NexSTAR becomes a more advanced model capable of greater speeds and maneuverability. It's like getting two planes in one!
Also included:

Futaba 4YBF 4 Channel Radio system
O.S. .46 FXi™ Engine
Real Flight R/C Simulator NexSTAR Edition Windows® CD-ROM

That's all from me.  I hope this has been helpful for you and saved you some time and hassle in getting those gifts organised in good time.

All the best and may your model airplane gifts bring fun and happiness to yet more people over the holiday season.