Author: Sal Calvagna

Edition: Model Aviation - 2026/06
Page Numbers: 70, 71, 72
RC Giant Scale

Radios for Large Model Newcomers

By Sal Calvagna rcgiants@optonline.net

(L-R): The Futaba 10J, Spektrum DX9, and Spektrum NX10+ transmitters all offer an increased number of channels for complex, larger model aircraft.

RC Giant Scale

Welcome back. This edition of Model Aviation has been designated as the “Newcomers” issue and is geared toward those who are either new to the hobby and AMA or to those who might be new to a specific segment of the hobby. This column will briefly touch on transmitters for use with larger models.

Choosing a Transmitter

If you’re new to Giant Scale model aircraft, you might wish to consider upgrading your radio system to accommodate the needs of larger models. Of course, you can fly a Giant Scale Piper Cub or similar aircraft with the requisite four channels; however, most of the larger models require additional channels to operate systems such as retractable landing gear, flaps, brakes, smoke systems, etc., to name a few. In addition, you might wish to operate elevator halves, ailerons, and flaps using more than one channel.

For example, ailerons could be assigned to separate channels and mixed to provide differential throws. Aileron differential is used to cause the upward movement to exceed the downward movement to prevent adverse yaw. The bottom line in this instance is that your turns will look much better.

There are a number of manufacturers, such as Futaba, Spektrum, JR PROPO, Flysky, etc., that offer more-sophisticated systems. You can get anything from six-, seven-, eight-, or 10-channel transmitters up to more than 30 channels. Of course, the one that you select would be based on your needs and budget.

I’ve included a picture of three of my currently used transmitters. All of them are 2.4 GHz and tout ease of use. To help with your selection of a transmitter, you can read online reviews and talk to other AMA members for their thoughts. Good luck with your choice!

The gravity-dropped and servo-operated Komet gear that was designed by Nick DeCarlis.
The gravity-dropped and servo-operated Komet gear that was designed by Nick DeCarlis.
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Nick DeCarlis, of Gainesville, Florida, built an 82-inch wingspan Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet from Jim Kiehl plans using a Joe Saitta fiberglass fuselage. The model was powered by a Rimfire 1.20 (5065-450 Kv) electric motor swinging an APC 15 x 10E propeller for the first couple of flights. In an attempt to achieve greater speed, Nick installed a Leopard 5065-650 Kv motor using a 12 x 8E propeller. He says that the 650 Kv motor does provide increased speed.

The model has more than 30 3D-printed parts that were all designed in Tinkercad, with the exception of the pilot, which came from CGTrader. The dolly mount, spinner, and tail gear yoke are the only functional 3D-printed parts, with all of the other parts being scale details, of which a lot are in the cockpit.

The full-scale Komet is the world’s only operational rocket-powered interceptor in history and the fastest aircraft from World War II, exceeding 1,000 kph (620 mph) in level flight.

Pepsi-Cola Gull Wing

I received an email and photo from AMA member Garry Ackerman, of Grand Prairie, Texas, in regard to the February 2026 “RC Giant Scale” column. He wrote:

“I was just reading through my copy of the February 2026 Model Aviation and came across the photo of Dennis Henry with his fleet of [Stinson Reliant SR] gull wings. My eyebrows immediately shot up, as I recognized the Pepsi-Cola plane ... since I own the original full-scale version!

“It should be known that the very first production of the gull wing to come out of the factory in February 1936 was the SR-7B. As far as we can tell, there are only five SR-7Bs left, and that model is actually quite different from the SR-8s, SR-9s, and SR-10s. I have seen many models of the Pepsi-Cola plane, and none of them were an SR-9. It’s easy to tell because only the 9s (all of them) had a curved windshield.”

Thanks, Garry. It truly is a small world! Watch a video of Garry and his Pepsi-Cola Stinson Reliant on YouTube; the link to it is listed in the “Sources” section below.

That’s all for this month. Fly safely and have fun!

The underside of the Komet’s completed wing panel. An outer elevon and a center-mounted speed brake (flap) were used.
The underside of the Komet’s completed wing panel. An outer elevon and a center-mounted speed brake (flap) were used.
The detailed cockpit of the Komet. Many of the parts were 3D-printed.
The detailed cockpit of the Komet. Many of the parts were 3D-printed.
Nick DeCarlis poses with his great-flying, 82-inch wingspan, electric-powered Me 163 Komet.
Nick DeCarlis poses with his great-flying, 82-inch wingspan, electric-powered Me 163 Komet.
Garry Ackerman flies his full-scale Pepsi-Cola Stinson Reliant gull-wing aircraft.
Garry Ackerman flies his full-scale Pepsi-Cola Stinson Reliant gull-wing aircraft.

Photo captions

The framed wing panel of the Me 163 Komet.

SOURCES