ERNST MANUFACTURING INC. MEGA STAND
New Products That Are Worth a Closer Look
I’VE HAD MY Ernst Ultra Stand for more than 10 years and it still has the original foam on it. Beyond trips to the flying field, it has spent its life in my house, typically cradling one of my aircraft.
Ernst stands are convenient, allowing for an inexpensive way to safely support your aircraft. When not using the stand, you can remove the cradles that allow you to store it without taking up much space. I don’t believe I have ever removed the cradles; however, it is nice to have that option.
Ernst has recently released the MEGA Stand. The emphasis on MEGA is because the stand is capable of supporting larger aircraft than the Ultra Stand. The assembly of the stand requires only that the foam be stuck to the cradles, and the retainer clips can be used, if desired, to help ensure that the foam at the top of the cradle on the curve stays put. Just press-fit each cradle into the stand and it is ready for use.
The assembled stand has a cradle height of 13.75 inches. The width of the cradle at the top is 10 inches wide and the part that contacts your aircraft is 6.5 inches deep. The length between the cradles is 22.5 inches.
The MEGA stand uses a V-shaped cradle, which allows it to accept larger fuselages as compared to the U shape of the Ultra Stand. The new design is also more accommodating to swept-wing aircraft.
Molded into the base of the stand are two large and two small compartments that you can use for tools or parts. I like using these when building or assembling my aircraft because they ensure that none of the hardware gets lost. If you have ever lost a wing bolt or other necessary hardware at the field, you will appreciate these compartments.
The PT-19 on the stand in the photo has a 45-inch wingspan and the stand cradles the aircraft perfectly. The largest aircraft I’ve seen sitting in the stand is a Carbon-Z Cub with an 84-inch wingspan! This makes the MEGA Stand quite versatile.
The Ernst MEGA Stand sells for $37.50. Replacement foam can be purchased for $7.95, which includes two replacement adhesive-backed foam rubber padding strips and four replacement clips.
New Products from the Modeler’s Mall
Ultimate Hobby Stand @ $64.95 + S&H from Ernst Manufacturing, Inc.
Tel.: (877) 376-7885; website: www.ernstrc.com
The Ultimate Hobby Stand is for all of your hobby and crafting needs! Adaptable to a wide variety of projects, including RC, model railroading, scale modeling, and crafts, the stand can be used for assembly, repairs, painting, and more!
Rugged and easy to clean, the Ultimate Hobby Stand features adjustable taper-lock rests for positioning your project and keeping it in place. Both short and long arms are included for height and placement options. Alternatively, the arms can be removed so that large items can rest directly on the platform’s foam grip pads. The 360° rotating, sturdy platform can be positioned at two different heights, and projects can even be strapped on for added security using the provided slots.
The base of the stand serves as a work tray with an anti-skid bottom, rubber grip handles, and easy-scoop compartments. Three of the compartments feature magnets for smaller metal pieces, two compartments are larger to fit transmitters, and one compartment is enclosed for items such as fasteners, tools, batteries, paint, brushes, and more.
Lark @ $209.95 + S&H from Old School Model Works
7414 Burton Dr., Liberty Township OH 45044; Tel.: (513) 755-7494; website: www.oldschoolmodels.com
Designed as a low-wing trainer more than five decades ago, the Lark is still a terrific everyday sport airplane. Old School Model Works’ version keeps the iconic looks and great flying characteristics of the original, plus trainer-like stability and an aptitude for smooth, exciting aerobatics.
The kit is designed to keep building time to a minimum and introduces new, simplified features. The wing and stabilizer are a snap to build because all of the ribs include tabs to allow you to align them quickly and precisely on your building board. And yes—the original airfoil-shaped stabilizer was integrated into the design! The fuselage is built around a lightweight, self-aligning box for added strength, which is surrounded by an outer balsa skin that is twist resistant.
The Lark is aerobatic, yet forgiving, and makes a perfect entry-level, low-wing airplane or sport/Pattern aircraft. Fly at lower speeds for relaxing flight, low passes, and touch-and-gos, or throttle it up for loops, rolls, Cuban 8s, or Hammerheads. This aircraft is also a Vintage RC Society-legal design that can be enjoyed at vintage fly-ins and contests.
Power can be a .25 to .40 glow engine or a 550-plus-watt equivalent electric motor with a 40-plus-amp ESC and 3S to 4S LiPo battery. The fuselage features a magnetic top hatch for quick access to either a fuel tank or batteries. Rolled plans, illustrated instructions, and premium US-made hardware are included.
FMS EDF Jet 70mm Viper V2 PNP @ $299.99 + S&H from FMS Model
Email: support@fmsmodel.com; website: www.fmshobby.com
FMS Model has launched a new 70mm EDF Super Viper into the market! The Super Viper has a scaled navy blue color scheme with bright yellow wingtips to highly distinguish it in the air. With screw-together construction, the optimized fuselage shape decreases wind resistance, and the button-type canopy design allows it to be latched during extreme maneuvers so that the cockpit is not lost.
The jet is equipped with a 70mm, 12-blade ducted fan, Kv1850 inrunner motor, and a Predator 70-amp ESC. When coupled with a 6S LiPo battery, it resembles a turbine engine sound!
This inexpensive trainer is excellent for those who are beginners in EDF jets.
SOURCES:
Ernst Manufacturing Inc.
(877) 376-7885
www.ernstrc.com
