The 63rd annual Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo
by Sal Calvagna
rcgiants@optonline.net
Welcome back. The 63rd annual Weak Signals Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo was held at the SeaGate Convention Centre in Toledo, Ohio, on April 7-9, 2017. The event is the largest trade show of its kind in the US. Manufacturers and vendors from all parts of the country come to display their products and promote our wonderful hobby. I’ve chosen a few to feature in this column, along with a couple of outstanding models. I hope you agree.
Hostetler’s Plans
Wendell Hostetler is a trusted name in the hobby industry that is synonymous with Giant Scale modeling. Wendell has built and flown model aircraft since the 1930s, and has designed and offered Giant Scale plans for nearly 40 years. Currently, Hostetler’s Plans offers more than 60 plans. The latest is a 25% WACO YMF-5 from the mid-1930s. The model spans 90 inches, has a length of approximately 70 inches, and is designed for 60cc to 80cc powerplants. For more information, visit the Hostetler’s Plans website.
Warbirdpilots.com
Adam Martin, owner of Warbirdpilots.com, carries a full line of highly detailed 10-, 12-, and 15-inch World War I, World War II, and modern fighter pilot figures for scale warbirds and jets. The line of figures covers aircraft in scales of ⅛, ⅐, ⅙, ⅕, ¼, and now ⅓. These figures are fully adjustable to any position and are outfitted with the absolute most scale accessories on the market. The figures are incredibly lightweight, designed specifically for model aircraft, and can be cut and shortened into busts.
For more information, visit the Warbirdpilots.com website.
Sullivan Products
Sullivan Products has been producing great products for the hobby industry for more than 50 years. Based in Baltimore, the company began as a manufacturer of Control Line products and has offered a wide range of products for RC enthusiasts throughout the years. Since entering the unmanned vehicle market in the early 1990s, many of its offerings have helped those in the Giant Scale community. To browse the company’s online catalog, visit the Sullivan Products website.
Robart Manufacturing
Robart Manufacturing has made innovative accessories for the modeling community for more than 35 years. Robart is a leader in landing gear systems for all sizes of model aircraft, and is famous for its hinge-point hinging system, tires, struts, tools, and other accessories. For more information about Robart and its products, visit the company’s website.
Greg Hahn’s Caproni Ca.3
Greg Hahn, from New Castle, Indiana, is pictured with his wife, Susie, and his newly completed 25% Caproni Ca.3 that spans a massive 20 feet (240 inches). The model is powered by three DLE-35 gas engines, is 10 feet long, and covered with Solartex material. The engines spin Xoar 20 x 8 laminated propellers. Greg finished the model in the scheme of the Ca.3 8a Squadriglia Asso di Picche (Ace of Spades).
The full-scale Caproni appeared in 1914 and was powered by three Gnome rotary engines. The production version with the in-line Fiat A.10 engines entered service in the summer of 1915. While the front gunner rode in an open central nacelle, the rear gunner manned an upper machine gun over the central
rear engine in a somewhat protected cage in front of the propeller.
Doug Wolfe’s Corsair
Finally, one of the pictures is an amazing Top Flite Corsair, built by Doug Wolfe of West Bloomfield, Michigan. The model is powered by a RimFire 65cc motor spinning a Vario 25.6-inch variable-pitch, three-blade propeller. It has folding wings with functional main and front wing folding doors.
All of the trim tabs, balance tabs, and aileron assist tabs are installed. The elevator balance tabs are functional. It also has a fully detailed cockpit with a gun sight and sliding canopy. The Corsair features an Earl Aune scale tail wheel and functional tailhook.
It is evident that Doug put much effort into the Top Flite model to improve its fidelity to scale. Nice work, Doug!
Doug Wolfe’s amazing electric-powered Top Flite Corsair, powered by a RimFire 65cc electric motor using a Castle Creations Ice2 HV 160-amp controller. This model features many extras. See the text for more details.
That’s all for this month. See you in the fall.
SOURCES:
Hostetler’s Plans
(330) 682-8896
www.hostetlersplans.com
Warbirdpilots.com
(203) 528-4352
www.warbirdpilots.com
Sullivan Products
(410) 732-3500
www.sullivanproducts.com
Robart Manufacturing
(630) 584-7616
www.robart.com
