Hi All,

I just picked up an "MRC" (Model Rectifiers Corp) Ryan STA in an estate sale. It's a free flight kit made of foam. It has -- of all things -- a gear drive for the rubber motor. I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with these?

I've seen a couple MRC clipped wing Cubs on eBay, but haven't been able to find out anything about these kits in general. Can anyone help me out?

I'm attaching a couple pictures.

I flew one of the MRC Cessna models back in the 80's. I recall that it flew quite well. As a matter of fact, I think it's still hanging about the shop somewhere.

I had the Ryan and looking for another one. My experience was it flies well but mine was worlds better when I ditched the gearbox and went direct drive.

If I'm not mistaken, the purpose of the gear drive is to allow you to use lots of rubber without overpowering the plane. (Or to use a smaller prop.) Is it so bad that it doesn't help?

Mine would hardly climb with the GB and if I packed in enough rubber it would have been too heavy.

Would that Ryan STA be for sale?

I flew those MRC planes back in the day. Yes, they flew. But way too heavy to be satisfying, as free flight models.

But with modern electronics, they would be great for micro RC use.