Edition: Model Aviation - 2025/06
Page Numbers: 10, 11
A hand uses the Retro RC RRC Balsa Stripper to cut a sheet of balsa wood.

RETRO RC RRC BALSA STRIPPER

THE RETRO RC RRC Balsa Stripper provides an easy way to cut balsa into strips of varying widths, from 1/64 inch to 15/64 inch. This is accomplished by a spacer, or a stack of spacers, to give the desired width where the razor blade is held in place by two screws.

You can fine-tune the cut depth by adjusting how far the notch on the razor blade goes into the bottom screw. After you have your width and depth set, simply tighten the screws to keep the razor blade from moving. The second screw goes through a hole in the middle of the razor blade.

It is recommended that you set the blade to cut half the depth of the balsa wood you are cutting. You can set the depth to cut in a single pass; however, making a couple of passes provides a cleaner cut. The key is to have the balsa touching the edge of the balsa stripper and to draw it toward you with even pressure to make the cuts.

The provided razor blade is the Super Keen brand and it has a blade thickness of .008 inches. The RRC Balsa Stripper works quite well, and the razor blade has remained sharp after a few 1-foot cuts. When the blade dulls, you can flip it over and use the other side of it before needing to replace it.

The Retro RC RRC Balsa Stripper is available for $18, plus shipping.

A hand uses the Retro RC RRC Balsa Stripper to cut a sheet of balsa wood.
The Retro RC RRC Balsa Stripper beside strips and a sheet of balsa wood.

New Products From the Modeler’s Mall

Tel.: (858) 748-6948
website: www.hitecrcd.com

Hitec RCD introduces the Limited-Edition Camouflage Servo design for DB961WP and DB777WP Brushless, Waterproof Servos—a perfect blend of functionality and style for hobbyists who appreciate the thrill of Special Ops missions! This exclusive design features a rugged camouflage pattern that’s created to blend seamlessly into outdoor environments in your backyard or at a local track! These newly styled versions enhance the look of your projects while adding a unique aesthetic that stands out in the crowd.

Crafted for durability and precision, the standard-size DB961WP and low-profile DB777WP servos feature an all-aluminum case with an industry-standard 25-tooth spline, an efficient brushless motor, and a dual ball-bearing-supported output shaft. Both are built to withstand the rigors of any mission, ensuring reliable operation when you need it most. Receive a free camo-inspired gift with every purchase!

Two camouflage Hitec servos.
Limited Edition DB961WP and DB777WP Digital Brushless, Waterproof Camouflage Servos @ $134.99-$179.99 from Hitec RCD

Tel.: (513) 755-7494
website: www.oldschoolmodels.com

The Old School Model Works Barracuda is designed around the current E2K club racing rules and meets or exceeds the E2K specifications for wingspan, wing area, and various fuselage measurements. It also makes a fantastic sport airplane with a wide flight envelope.

The parts count has been kept low so that it can be built quickly. With an interlocking design and high-quality laser-cut parts, it also builds straight and true—the parts were designed to align properly with minimal fuss and alignment tools.

The wing is removable for access to the inside of the cabin area and to easily install most any brand of radio and control linkages. A large hatch up front has been designed to cover the battery compartment and can handle 2,200 mAh 3S and 4S packs. All framed up, the Barracuda weighs a little less than 12 ounces.

The Barracuda is more than speed; it’s an aerobatic design as well. Loops, rolls, inverted flight, Cuban 8s, and Split S maneuvers are all within its capabilities. After you tear up the sky, throttle down to easily cruise around the field.

By design, E2K racers belly-land on grass. Because the fuselage is designed with a strong, light plywood base, it takes the worry out of damage each time you touch down. For those without a grass field, an optional skid pack is available. The replaceable skids easily bolt on, allowing it to land on rough or paved surfaces without damaging the fuselage.

For completion, a three-channel radio, 150-plus-watt electric motor, 40-plus-amp ESC, and the battery are required.

A green-and-white Barracuda model airplane.
Barracuda @ $129.95 + S&H from Old School Model Works

Tel: (800) 380-9373
Website: www.gator-rc.com

New from Gator-RC is the Seagull Models 63-inch wingspan Oracle Turbo Raven! High-quality balsa and balsa plywood provide this lightweight, carbon-fiber structure with an airframe that is rigid and strong in all the right places. A plug-in wing makes it simple to transport and fast to assemble, and the large canopy hatch provides easy access to internal components. The airfoil-shaped tail surfaces give an impressive overall scale appearance, and fiberglass control horns allow for optimized throw and precision, with all linkages using ball links.

Capable of precise aerobatics and 3D flight, the Oracle Turbo Raven is factory-covered in genuine film with an eye-catching, highly visible color scheme. The fiberglass cowling and wheel pants are factory painted. The detailed cockpit features a scale pilot, an instrument decal, and crystal-clear canopy. It’s an incredible value that also includes carbon-fiber landing gear, a scale aluminum tailwheel assembly, a high-quality 300-milliliter transparent fuel tank, and a polyurethane rubber wheels with plastic hubs, as well as a full hardware pack.

A 15cc to 20cc engine or 1,100/2,000-watt motor with an 85- to 100-amp ESC and 8S to 9S LiPo battery, four-channel radio, and five servos are required for completion. Electric conversion hardware is included.

A red and blue Seagull Models Oracle Turbo Raven model airplane.
Seagull Models Oracle Turbo Raven @ $353.95 from Gator-RC

SOURCES:

Retro RC
(248) 212-9666
www.retrorc.us.com