RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL WITH TRAY
IN THE AUGUST 2022 issue of Model Aviation, I reviewed the RC Plane Stands Classic II Floor Model. It is an excellent stand with several options for customization. For those who are looking for a less expensive stand and don’t require a floor model, the Benchtop Model with Tray might be just what you need.
Handmade from natural Baltic birch, the benchtop model with a bottom tray has removable slotted rails so that the sides can adjust from 16 inches to 19 and 22 inches, accommodating different fuselage lengths. You can use it with or without the bottom tray attached.
It has fully adjustable arms and slings to conform to different fuselage widths and shapes. Padding for our models is important, and the Benchtop uses a Velcro one-wrap strap that connects to the arms, which have mating Velcro on them. This allows you to adjust the padding while you move the arms in and out to fit to your fuselage.
All of the edges of the Baltic birch wood are well sanded and the wood is of high quality. If you prefer the look of finished wood, RC Plane Stands offers an optional Watco Oil Finish, as well as a Two-Tone Watco Oil Finish.
Assembling the stand took approximately 5 minutes. I recommend that you cut the supplied Velcro one-wrap in half so that you have enough to cover each arm if you need to accommodate wide fuselages. I rolled the excess Velcro and let it hang over the side of the arm.
The included knobs make it extremely easy to adjust the arms that cradle the fuselage. The Benchtop model can support up to 60 pounds and is recommended for medium (30cc) to large (120cc) RC airplanes; however, as you can see in the photo, I am using it to hold and support a 43-inch wingspan foam model, so the stand is definitely versatile.
Another advantage with RC Plane Stands is that its owner, Glen Hackler, provides his phone number and email address with each product sold. I’ve reached out to Glen twice since receiving this stand—once was even on a weekend—and both times he answered the phone, so support is truly a phone call away.
The RC Plane Stands Benchtop Model with Tray costs $249 in the natural finish, with other options available on the company’s website.
SOURCES:
RC Plane Stands
(949) 633-3420
www.rcplanestands.com
New Products from the Modeler’s Mall
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Tel.: (888) 959-2307; website: www.horizonhobby.com/e-flite-1/
The E-flite UMX Twin Otter is an ultra-micro version of the short takeoff and landing (STOL)-capable cargo- and passenger-carrying utility aircraft, and it is the most affordable and convenient replica yet.
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The Twin Otter works with a required full-range, five-plus-channel Spektrum DSMX/DSM2-compatible transmitter. The battery, a JST-RCY connector, and a compatible LiPo charger are also needed for completion.
QQ Yak 55 10E Super PNP @ $349.99-$379.99 + S&H from Flex Innovations
Tel.: (866) 310-3539; website: www.flexinnovations.com
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A 1,500 mAh to 1,800 mAh 6S 45C-plus LiPo battery, serial receiver, and a six-plus-channel radio are recommended. A night-flying version of the QQ Yak 55 10E is also available and includes internally mounted LEDs in the wing, fuselage, and stabilizers to illuminate the aircraft from the inside.
Kwik Sand 5.5-Inch and 11-Inch Hand Sanders @ $14.99-$19.99 + S&H from Du-Bro
Tel.: (800) 848-9411; website: www.dubro.com
The Du-Bro Kwik Sand 5.5-inch and 11-inch Hand Sanders are aluminum, lightweight, and durable sanding bars with contoured handles that provide a secure, comfortable grip.
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