RABID MODELS 3D-PRINTED SPINNERS
New Products That Are Worth a Closer Look
MARC AT RABID MODELS provided us with one of his 3D-printed spinners. The one that we received is 50mm and was designed to be used with the Rabid Models 40-inch P-38; however, the spinners could be used with other models and come as a set for $9.95.
Included with all of the spinners is a detailed instruction sheet. Here is an excerpt from the instructions:
“The spinners are produced on a 3D printer and should definitely not be considered ‘finished.’ You may need to remove any flashing or 3D supports that are left over. Coarse sandpaper can quickly remove extra bits which commonly are on the surface of the plastic.
“Sand the parts using medium-grit sandpaper so that all imperfections are removed. The plastic is quite hard and can be sanded aggressively, but by using progressively finer grits, a smooth surface can be achieved.
“When you are satisfied with the finish, paint the separate parts with a plastic primer and then paint with a colored spray paint. Painting is necessary, since over time UV rays can degrade the 3D plastic material, if it is not protected. For a gloss coat finish, use a clear spray such as polyurethane.”
The spinner is designed so that the cone snaps onto the baseplate without any hardware. A propeller adapter is used with the spinner, but it is not included. If you need to unsnap the spinner from the baseplate, Marc recommends using a flathead screwdriver; however, we were able to unsnap it using just our fingers.
Overall, the quality of the spinner we received was good and the price is very reasonable. The instructions do not mention balancing the spinner; however, it would be a good idea if you have a balancer handy. This would be especially beneficial if you are sanding and painting the spinner. A small amount of CA glue would work well on the inside of the spinner to add weight to the light side after balancing.
Rabid Models currently has 12 spinners on its website in different sizes and shapes, ranging from $3.95 to $12.
New Products from the Modeler’s Mall
Dixielander @ $64.25-$96.50 + S&H from BMJR Models
Tel.: (321) 537-1159; website: www.bjmrmodels.com
The original Dixielander was designed by George Fuller in 1959 and produced in 1960 as a kit by Yeoman in England. With a 50-inch wingspan, it is a Nostalgia-legal design and will be the National Free Flight Society’s 2024 One-Design model.
BMJR has scaled down the original plans to create a 36-inch wingspan, 186-sq. in. wing area, E-36 version for electric power that is available singularly or in a double kit. The flying weight of the prototype was 6.8 ounces with a 2S 300 mAh LiPo battery.
George happened upon a nearly perfect configuration for a fixed-surface power model of its day. With the center of gravity in the right place at the wing trailing edge, and a moderate and essential warp in the right panel, a fast, safe, spiral climb and great gliding performance are almost guaranteed.
Multi-Size Servo Mounts @ $12.95 (set of four) + S&H from Old School Model Works
Tel.: (513) 755-7494; website: www.oldschoolmodels.com
The Old School Model Works laser-cut servo mounts have several advantages over others in the market.
Designed with a slotted baseplate, the servo mounts allow you to attach the mounting beams where you need them, perfectly matching the size of your servo’s case. Each mount fits standard servos down to micro servos. The thicker mounting beams also give the servo’s mounting screws more purchase, with less chance of them being stripped out compared with mounts that have a thin, 1/8-inch plywood sheet.
The mounts—sold in sets of four—are laser cut from aircraft-quality light plywood and weigh only 2.5 grams each when fully assembled.
1/24-Scale deHavilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide @ (prices will vary with currency conversion) + S&H from Microaces
Email: support@microaces.com; website: www.microaces.com
When Microaces kit designer Jon Porter came face-to-face with a full-scale deHavilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide at the Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire, England, he immediately knew that he wanted to add this aircraft to the Microaces catalog.
Designed around the twin ESC electronics used in the Microaces Percee, the Rapide builds into a 24-inch wingspan micro biplane that weighs less than 4 ounces. It also incorporates the Microaces micro-LED system with switchable navigation, tail, and landing lights to add to the scale details. The onboard electronics provide programmable three-axis stability and differential thrust control, making outdoor flying in light air possible with this model.
Everything needed for the build is in the kit, including 1mm and 2mm laser-cut foam, printed and laser-cut Tyvek, laser-cut plywood and sheet plastics, vacuum-formed parts, wheels, carbon fiber, electronics, lights, motors, propellers, spinners, and a printed assembly guide; however, you can purchase it without the electronics to spec out your own system.
Cylindrion Lithium Batteries @ $84.99-$249.99 + S&H from MaxAmps
Tel.: (888) 654-4450; website: www.maxamps.com
MaxAmps is going back to the future with its new line of Cylindrion Lithium Batteries! These cutting-edge batteries can be charged on a standard LiPo charger and provide the same voltage as LiPo batteries. Unlike LiPos, these batteries are safer because of their round, metal-cased cells. Furthermore, they are less prone to damage and last longer with higher energy density than any other RC LiPo battery.
Also included are Smart Battery features, such as an LED state of charge and state of health function so that you can check your batteries on the fly.
With a higher capacity, higher life cycles, and a lighter weight, the MaxAmps Cylindrion batteries are assembled in the US and come with a lifetime warranty.
