DU-bro rc masterclass videos
Worth a Closer Look
WE THOUGHT something a little different from reviewing a physical product would be “worth a closer look” this month.
Du-Bro’s RC MasterClass videos on the Du-Bro Pine Ridge YouTube channel are great ways to learn building techniques and setup methods, with expert advice to get the most out of your RC models, whether they are aircraft, cars, trucks, drones, or boats.
According to Du-Bro’s MasterClass blog, the videos have been designed for hobbyists of all experiences and skill levels and provide in-depth guidance, step-by-step tutorials, and insider knowledge from experienced builders and those within the hobby industry. MasterClass videos are all crafted to help you build stronger, fly smoother, and reduce maintenance, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pilot.
The most recent video at the time of this writing was MasterClass Season 3, Episode 8, which streamed live on January 26, 2026, and covered how to set up electronics in an RC airplane, including receiver placement, servo setup, power systems and wire management, and even common mistakes to avoid and practical tips. Past videos have featured the use of adhesives, how to apply scale rivet details, pull-pull setups, how to paint pilots, and fiberglassing, among other topics.
New videos are livestreamed every first and third Monday of the month and allow viewers to interact with Du-Bro and the hosts by asking questions and receiving feedback to learn new skills.
Make sure to also visit the Du-Bro website’s MasterClass blog page, where each episode’s contents are broken down into easy-to-absorb sections of information.
New Products From the Modeler’s Mall
C-119 Flying Boxcar 60-Inch Electric Park Flyer @ $345.50 + S&H from Brodak Manufacturing & Distributing Company, Inc.
Tel.: (724) 966-2726
Website: brodak.com
The Brodak C-119 Flying Boxcar was designed as a large but relatively lightweight electric park flyer for four-channel RC. At an approximate 1:22 scale with a 60-inch wingspan and an overall length of 48 inches, it’s powered by a pair of economical 450-class outrunner motors and a 3S LiPo battery. Construction is primarily balsa and light plywood, with removable, plug-in outer wing panels for easy transport.
This kit contains everything you need to frame the model, including four full-size plans sheets, laser-cut parts, and the stock strip and sheet wood. Pre-bent wire parts are also provided to simplify and speed up the build process. The fuselage is old-school “keel and spine” style, while the wing and tail components are egg-crate-style construction. The rudder and wingtips are bowed outlines to ensure a strong yet lightweight structure.
Also included is a list of the necessary parts that are needed to complete the model, as well as a picture disc that details the prototype build. The power and guidance components, including the motors, ESCs, propellers, battery, servos, transmitter, and receiver, are required for completion.
The new BadAss 53 mm motors from Innov8tive Designs are designed for RC aircraft that take 1.20 to 2.40 two-stroke or 20cc to 40cc gas engines. Lucien Miller, the owner of Innov8tive Designs, felt that something was needed in between the BadAss 4530 series of motors and the 6230 series, so he designed the 5325- and 5340-series motors.
Many modelers want to step up to a larger airplane, but they don’t want the complexity of running a pair of batteries to get the required voltage—they only want the simplicity of being able to power it on a single, six-cell battery. With the 53 mm motors, this is now possible.
There are two sizes available, the BA-5325 and the BA-5340, with five different Kv values for each size to fit a wide range of applications from six-cell to 12-cell power. The 5325 motors range from 225 rpm/volt to 395 rpm/volt, while the 5340 motors range from 175 rpm/volt to 360 rpm/volt.
BadAss motors feature strong N52 curved magnets rated for 150°C (302°F), with high-temperature copper windings that are rated for 180°C (356°F). Included are a bolt-on threaded prop adapter with a standard hex nut and a Ny-Lock hex nut for modelers who prefer the security of a locking-style nut, versatile mounting options that fit most aircraft firewalls, a shaft retention cap with a socket-head retainer screw, and a ribbed flux ring for added strength and increased cooling area.
Cranky Cockpit Club 3D Printed Pilots @ $8.95 - $28.95 + S&H from Old School Model Works
Tel.: (513) 755-7494
Website: oldschoolmodels.com
Whether you’re needing a fearless flier for your .20-size model or you’re finishing a majestic 1/4-scale masterpiece, Old School Model Works has the perfect pilot bust ready for takeoff!
The company has just added four new pilots to the club. Clean-cut Average Joe, featuring a flying cap, goggles, jacket, and tie, is a composed and classic sport pilot; no frills and no flash—just a steady hand and a love of clear skies. Max Smiles might look like your standard sport pilot with aviator shades, a crisp flight suit, and a steady hand on the throttle, but his signature grin sets him apart. Bluster doesn’t waste words or airtime—he’s all grit and throttle and is laser-focused on the objective in his flying jacket, tie, and detailed cap with earphones and goggles. Psycho Pete is capable of anything—except being normal—in his flying jacket, shirt, tie, and modified flying cap with goggles. He might even hold the record for inverted flat spins!
Old School Model Works 3D-prints the pilots in-house. Each one is made from flesh-toned, UV-resistant polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) filament and is built to handle the sun, wind, and wild aerial adventures. Printed in ultrathin layers to lock in the crisp details, pilots arrive unpainted to customize in your choice of enamel or acrylic paints. Six sizes are available to fit aircraft from 1/8 to 1/3 scale.
SOURCES
- Du-Bro Pine Ridge YouTube Channel
youtube.com/@dubropineridge
Du-Bro MasterClass Blog
dubro.com/blogs/masterclass
