In this DIY special Chris Chianelli, host of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, attends the Las Vegas Hobby Expo and gets a first-hand look at some of the latest products and developments from the world of radio-controlled models. The Hobby Expo takes place at Las Vegas' Riviera Hotel and boasts 40,000 square feet of displays and demonstrations -- and more than 350 manufacturers -- of innovative RC products from around the country and around the world. In fact, the Hobby Expo is not solely dedicated to RC models. Other hobbies such as kites, build-it-yourself historic models, giant-scaled model trains, and strange-looking electronic robots (figures A and B)
Model Rocketry
In this segment, Chris dips into the world of model rocketry, a classic hobby that's been around for years. Many basic aspects of this hobby have remained fairly constant over the years, but others incorporate new innovations. Some of the newer products, capabilities and features are highlighted below. - Modern model rockets are often much easier to build than the older versions. Chrome-Dome (TM ) rockets from Estes for example, come with pre-chromed fins and nose-cones, and body tubes that are wrapped in prismatic coating (figure C).
- Individual sections are made from pre-formed plastic, and already have skin surfaces that make them visually striking as well as aerodynamic (figure D).
- There are various types of parachute deployment and recovery systems that are used by different individual models. The Wacky Wiggler (TM ) by Estes, for example, separates at apogee into a six-foot-long strand (figure E) that tumbles slowly to earth.
- A space-shuttle styled model features a nosecone that deploys the parachute, and two smaller winged flyers that separate from the main rocket (figure F) and glide down about 500 feet.
- Accurate scale replicas of actual historic spacecraft such as the Saturn V (figure G) are also available. These detailed replicas require more time in assembly and fabrication than some of the ready-to-fly models described above.
- The Dude (TM ) from Estes (figure H) stands 7 feet tall, and has an inflatable mylar body and fins (figure I). This giant model is powered by motors and launches to about 400 feet.
Garden Railroads G-scale, or "giant-scale" trains differ from other forms of model railroading trains in that they are considerably larger. Though the smaller and more familiar HO-scale trains are still the most common, G-scale is now the fastest-growing specialty area in the hobby of model railroading. Here are some of the features that make them so popular.
- The size of the G-scale trains, and the way they are constructed, makes them suitable to run outside in backyards and gardens as well as indoor train-rooms. Combining the hobby of model trains with building and arranging miniature structures (figure J), creative landscaping and gardening makes this a hobby that whole families may enjoy together.
- Aside from providing the opportunity of creating an entire miniaturized railroading world in your backyard, G-scale also allows you to create specific time periods, since accurate replicas are available representing the whole history of actual railroading.
- One G-scale manufacturer, Aristo-Craft, has contributed greatly to the garden railroading hobby by incorporating accurate replicas of more modern, familiar trains (figure K) in addition to the early steam engines. They specialize in high-quality replicas of trains dating from 1950 to the current day.
- Aristo-Craft's first G-scale train was introduced in 1980 and was a replica of a train from the early 1900's (figure L). The actual train was made by the Rogers Locomotive Works of New Jersey.
Micro-Sizers - For those who live by the rule "less is more," the miniscule world of micro-size RC models may be in order. These operational models, about the size of a golf ball (figure M), are arguably the smallest of commercially available RC models.
- These tiny racers simply snap together, and come complete with a RC controller and battery re-charge system.
- They are easy to operate and can be on tiny tracks and obstacle courses (figure N) just as their larger RC counterparts such as the Mini-Z's are.
RESOURCES :
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
RC Modeler magazine
RC Modeler magazine
Sierra Madre, CA 91025
Fax: 626-355-1476
Website: www.rcmagazine.com
Aristo-Craft (TM) Trains
Aristo-Craft Trains
Website: www.aristocraft.com
Model rockets by Estes
Estes Industries
Penrose, CO 81240
Phone: 719-372-6565
Email: www.estesrockets.com
Micro-Sizers from Hobbico
Hobbico, Inc.
Champaign, IL 61824
Phone: 217-398-3630
Website: www.hobbico.com
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