There are two major international toy fairs only for dealers (and the press), one in New York City and the other in Nürnberg, Germany. If you're interested in the new stuff most manufacturers are pushing our wayin eflight that has yet to hit the market, then check out Nürnberg. Many of these eflight sources don't make it to New York...
(Doll picture with rocking horse logo courtesy of
Spielwarenmesse eG, Nürnberg)
There are two major international toy fairs only for dealers (and the
press), one in New York City and the other in Nürnberg, Germany. If you're interested in
the new stuff most manufacturers are pushing our wayin eflight that has yet
to hit the market, then check out Nürnberg. Many of these eflight sources don't make it
to New York.
This was a rush trip for me, so I couldn't see everything—this fair is humongous.
I decided to attend only days prior to the opening, and by then the hotels were booked
solid. So I left Cologne on Saturday, 3rd of February, at 4:00am and rode the train 5.5
hours to Nürnberg and headed straight to the exhibition center. From about 10:00am to
6:00pm I stumbled through two of the fifteen halls before wearing myself ragged and taking
a 7:30pm train back to Cologne. Because of this fast pace I decided to focus only on
models and, with few exceptions, not on electronics (how ironic for an electric flight
guy). Therefore I highly recommend you check out Stephen Mettam's review in April's Electric
Flight Internationalmagazine for a more comprehensive e-modeler's report. But one
thing's for certain: there's an incredible mish-mash of new models out there, many of them
very similar to each other and cashing in on the parkflyer craze where manufacturers
expect higher volume sales. And nearly all use the trustworthy 280- or 400-size motors.
All measurements are listed as provided by the manufacturer, and this
is mostly metric.But here are a few basic conversions and a helpful metric conversion Website. Unless
otherwise noted, all weights are all-up-weight.
All prices are manufacturer suggested retail and nearly all are given in
German marks (DM); divide by roughly 2.1 to get US dollars. The main reason
I list prices in the manufacturer's currency is so you can compare how much, if any, the
price differs once a model reaches your country's market.
This newbie from
aero-naut looks mean and built for speed. It comes with typical aero-naut fiberglass and
molded plastic parts, and the uncovered wing and tail are prebuilt from balsa. Wing span
is 1330 mm, length 1063 mm, wing area 27.5 dm2, wing loading 70.9 g/dm2, and flying weight
with 10 cells is appr. 1950 grams. Recommended power setup with ten cells is two Race
400/6v motors, 2.64:1 gearboxes and 8.5 x 6 props. Price is DM 489
(w/o power components).
Actro C5, C6 and C8
Köhler builds
these high-torque brushless motors but they have better sales and distribution through
aero-naut. And to meet the demand for smaller model applications (e.g. Speed 400 and
500-types with 200-400 watt output) Köhler designed the Actro C-series. Each weighs appr.
140 grams and measures 37 mm dia. x 39 mm long. Efficiency is 84-86 percent, and the C6
and 8 also work well in helicopters (helicopter cell amount is in [] ). The C5 uses 7-10
cells, the C6 uses 7-12 [10-14] cells, and the C8 uses 8-14 [12-16] cells. Price for each
motor is DM 359.
Bahüer Modelsport is a division of C.A. Industrial Complex in
Ponteverda, Spain, a corporation that primarily focuses on integral graphic art in the
areas of printing, edition and boxing. Although the headquarters and manufacturing
facility is in Spain, the majority of their real R/C model sales are handled through
Bahüer Modelsport Germany. All their models are made of durable composite paper and
prefinished.
The popular MINIs.
Models with white base color are DM 124.40, silver base
color are DM 130.70
Maybe you've already read about the MINI in The E Zone or Sailplane
& Electric Modeler'sFebruary 2001 issue. (In S&EM it was a sidebar to the
Bahüer JU-52 review.) It has been a popular parkfly kit and prompted Bahüer to
capitalize on the design size with three other brethren—the Mini Baby, Mini Storch
and Flash 120. All require 2 or 3 channels and come with a 400-size 6-volt motor and
Günther-Prop. Because these little models have a small wing and tail surface area, and
hence less paper strength, their flying surfaces come with a laminated foam core to add
rigidity. Building them is an enjoyably different and easier experience to traditional
balsa.
Ana Maria Pérez,
Bahüer's Sales Manager in Germany, holding the Mini Baby and Mini Storch. On the wall
behind her is the Mini Baby's big brother, Jodel Baby, and the Flash 120.
Mini Baby
Flash 120
Mini Storch
The wing
span is 910 mm, length 600 mm and weight 460 grams. Price is DM 138.80.
Wing span
is 1200 mm, length 700 mm and weight 480 grams. Price is DM 142.10.
Wing span
is 1000 mm, length 620 mm and weight 450 grams. Price is DM 139.90.
These little guys
are two of Graupner's Junior Line, and a third model not pictured is the Easy Fly.
They're foam and build fast without tools. A cell built into the fuselage is quick-charged
in 4 minutes by two normal 1.5v dry-cell batteries, but I didn't get any information on
flight times. They're all simply motor on/off, and the only one that's not
free-flight is the Partenavia. It comes with a small transmitter that allows turning by
simply switching either motor off briefly. Partenavia wing span is 485 mm and
weight 80 grams, price DM
198; Taxi wing span is 360 mm
and weight 40 grams, price DM 34.90. (The Easy
Fly is a pusher-prop and also DM 34.90.) Charging
batteries are not included.
Tipsy and Terry
V-Star ll
Star Jet
Only the
Tipsy is new, but it looks nice together with the Terry. The Tipsy is an all-foam
ARF pusher-prop parkflyer. Wing span is 888 mm with an E64 profile. It uses a Speed 280/6v
direct to a folding 5 x 2.5 CAM PROP. Graupner claims 6 x 650 mAh NiMH cells keep it aloft
15 minutes. Price is DM
89 (w/o power setup).
The V-Star
ll is another ARF for direct-drive Speed 400 with a 15 x 8 (cm) folding CAM PROP and 6
or 8 x 500AR cells. It's 3 channels, requires V-tail mixing and is suppose to be
aerobatic. Wing span is 1050 mm, length 685 mm, wing area 14.81 dm2, and min. weight 410
grams. Price is DM 228 (w/o power setup).
The Star
Jet is all foam and uses an economy power setup with two direct-drive Speed 400s and
Günther-Props, or a competition setup with two Speed 480 Race motors and 14 x 11 (cm) CAM
SPEED PROPs; and 7-10 sub-C batteries. Wing span is 1200 mm and weight 1470 grams. Price
is DM 186 (w/o power setup).
Hirobo's display was mostly laden with gas-powered helicopters, but
among a few others the showcase window had these three electric models actually introduced
in 2000. The brochure I received was in Japanese, so everything but numerals is difficult
to interpret. And it only lists suggested prices in Japanese yen which I have roughly
calculated into US dollars. They are available without the motor, prop and spinner, but
these prices include them. The wings are foam and laminated, I believe, with balsa, and
the fuselages are fiberglass.
Grob G109
G-22M
Sportavia RF-5
Wing span
1300 mm, length 660 mm, wing area 15.2 dm2, weight 800 g, motor a 380/6-volt with six or
seven 500-600 mAh cells, H.S. 6x5.5 prop, 3 channels. Price is ¥29,800 = $248.
Wing span
1440 mm, length 810 mm, wing area 20 dm2, weight 620-670 g, motor a 380/6-volt with six or
seven 500-600 mAh cells, H.S. 6x5.5 prop, 2/3 channels. Price is ¥25,800 = $215.
Wing span
1300 mm, length 750 mm, wing area 15.2 dm2, weight 800 g, motor a 380/6-volt with six or
seven 500-600 mAh cells, H.S. 6x5.5 prop, 3 channels. Price is ¥29,800 = $248.
Kavan, the export division of Conzelmann Modelltechnik in Germany, is
now jumping deep into the small sportfly and parkfly market. They have already had some
nice little parkfly models, but now they've got some unique designs including the Ford
Trimotor, de Havilland DH-2 and Focke-Wulf Stösser. Also, coming this May, two small
sportfly models will be ready for delivery—the already popular Cap 20L design, and
the new Projeti.
Cap 20L and Projeti
Both these models
are made of lightweight foam and Kavan claims a low assembly time. For the aerobatic
modeler, the Cap 20L looks like a nice small addition to any eflight collection.
Wing span is 1001 mm, length 828 mm, wing area 18.3 dm2, and min. weight 650 grams. It
uses a 480 "Black Power" motor (e.g., a Speed 480) with a 3:1 gearbox and 10 x
500AR cells. Controls are elevator, rudder, aileron and motor. Price is DM 199 (w/o motor compliment). The Projeti is a pusher prop
model for direct-drive Speed 400/6v, 8 x 500AR cells, and what looks like a 6x4 prop. Wing
span is 820 mm, length 563 mm, wing area 16.5 dm2, and weight min. 490 grams. Control is
elevons and price is DM
139 with motor and propeller.
Each of the following parkfly ARF models exceptthe Ford
Trimotor comes with a "Plug and Fly" 280 motor, Kavan 3.43:1 280 SPF gearbox,
and APC 10 x 4.7 (or similar) prop. They are all prefabricated foam with some preformed
plastic and light wooden parts, and all are pre-painted. Each requires 3 channels.
Ford Trimotor
de Havilland DH-2
The three
motors with big props might be thrust overkill, but this Trimotor is sure a cute
little thing. Wing span is 1060 mm, length 720 mm, wing area 16.5 dm2, and weight 430 g.
Uses 7 x 500AR cells. Motor kit sold separately. Price is DM 249.
After a
few attractive scratch-built versions appeared at indoor flying exhibitions in Germany,
low-and-behold a DH-2 kit appears. Wing span 860 mm, length 780 mm, wing area 24.5
dm2, and weight 330 grams. Uses 7 x 350 mAh cells. Price is DM 237.
Focke-Wulf FW-56 Stösser
Fokker Dr. I and Albatros
D. V
Sopwith Triplane
Nicknamed
the Falke—Falcon in English—the FW-56 was the first German plane to
demonstrate dive bombing. Wing span is 910 mm, length 640 mm, wing area 12.3 dm2, and
weight 320 g. Uses 7 x 350 mAh cells. Price is DM 209.
The Fokker's
wing span is 790 mm, length 610 mm, wing area 23 dm2, and weight 330 g. The Albatros's
wing span is 790 mm, length 630 mm, wing area 17.5 dm2, and weight 310 g. Both use 7 x 350
mAh, price is DM 239 and DM 219 respectively.
More
people know of the Fokker Dr. I, but it was actually inspired after the Germans captured a
Sopwith Triplane. Wing span is 785 mm, length 600 mm, wing area 24 dm2, and weight
330 g. Uses 7 x 350 mAh cells. Price is DM 237.
All motors and
speed controllers come with sometimes confusing numeric designations. Is there an easier
way to name them? That's debatable. But Kontronik's semi-solution is to name their
products using simple English (Castle Creations in the U.S. uses mythological names). Now,
not only can you Tango to the Beat of a Rondo or Samba under the Sun, but you can Smile
and have Fun too. The Fun is Kontronik's new brushless compliment to the 400, 480,
500, and 600-size motors. (Fun 500 and 600 not shown.) The Smile 40-6-12 is a universal 40
amp ESC for 2-, 4- or 8-pole brushless motors; it also comes as a (30 amp) 30-6-12 version
for Fun 400 motors. Each uses 6-12 cells. A Smile 50-6-18 is also available. The Fun 400
costs DM 273.82, the 480 DM 293.37, the 500 DM 371.61, and 600 DM 410.72. The 30-amp
Smile costs DM 244.48, the 40-amp version DM 293.37, and 50-amp
version DM 352.05.
Multiplex has
taken justflying around another step—now you can drop (or bomb) things.
And the Cargo will do it. This 5-channel model (Rud, Ele, Ail, Mot, and Cargo Door)
can carry a payload up to 500 grams (17.6 ounces). And Multiplex also sells a colorful
little 5-man parachute team and airplane-shaped gummi bonbons to drop from the model. That
should keep the kids happy while waiting for dad to finish his flying fun. Wing span is
1600 mm, length 1200 mm, wing loading appr. 45 g/dm2 and weight appr. 2000 grams. Power is
4 x Permax 400/6v direct to Günther-Props, or with optional 400 L gearboxes and 17.5x16
cm props, and 7 or 8 sub-C cells. Price is DM 299 with motors and
small direct-drive props. Gearbox setup is extra.
With the Cargo's cargo door there is lots
of potential to carry things aloft and then let them go.
Lupo
PiCO-Cub with floats
Twin-Jet
The Lupo
is an ARF for anywhere the wind is still, indoor or outdoor. Wing span is 920 mm, length
650 mm, wing loading 10 g/dm2, and weight appr. 220 grams. The small 150G motor/gearbox
unit with 9x4.7 prop comes already installed. Battery is six or seven 1/3AA or 2/3AAA
cells. Controls are rudder, elevator and motor, and price is DM 139.
The
PiCO-Cub isn't new, but the water floats are new and add 750 grams to the model. For DM 49 you get all the float parts necessary to fly from water. But, I
suspect, what also might interest people is the potential to use the floats with other
models.
This ARF looks fast and it
uses the same durable foam like the Pico-Jet. Wing span is 910 mm, length 802 mm, wing
loading 36 g/dm2. Power potential is from 2 x Permax 400 and Günther-Props to brushless
combinations (maybe too expensive for a foam model like this?), and 7 x RC1700 to 3000
NiMH cells. Control is elevons and motor Price is DM 219
(with 400-size motors included).
There has been limited online discussion about wanting to see a return to production of
some past robbe kits, particularly the four-engine ducted fan BAe-146. While at the
Nürnberg Toy Fair I spoke to Herbert Berger, Head of Purchasing and Development for robbe
Modellsport, and asked him specifically about the possibility of this foam kit returning
to the market. Since it's robbe's policy not to sell the molds for any discontinued
model—you could buy a real nice house for the cost of the BAe molds—then we are
at robbe's mercy unless another manufacturer develops a kit from scratch. Mr. Berger told
me that robbe Modellsport needs combined dealer orders (or intents to order) of at least
500 models to resume production. So if you're interested, get your dealer(s) to start
making serious inquiries. Stir up enough [worldwide] demand to scream for 500 of these
kits and maybe robbe will hear the echo. The company knows people have been asking about
it.
Later, while having lunch with Stephen Mettam, editor of Electric Flight
International,we discussed this reproduction issue. robbe was probably a little early
with such a big four-engine EDF kit...and it was foam after all, not fiberglass! Three or
four years ago it was also a bit more than most kit buyers were aiming for, and although
the price was alright, it wasn't cheap. Once the model's liquidation stock was
gone—sold at a realattractive price in Germany—it started catching
on, probably because more of them were simply flying. This kit has its little
shortcomings, but overall it's a good flying and impressive model, and it has much more
potential with add-ons like flaps and retracts.
Now to some of robbe's new market entries...
Impression
Hunter 400
robbe lists the Impression
as a "High Tech Hotliner," and it's an ARF with fiberglass fuselage and
Oracovered wing and elevator. Wing span is 1980 mm, length 1150 mm, wing area 37 dm2, and
weight appr. 1700 grams. Price is DM 675 (catalog lists
model w/o power unit).
The all-foam Hunter 400
also comes in blue with "Blue Angels"-type decoration. Includes a 400-size motor
and pusher prop. Wing span is 720 mm, wing area 12.7 dm2, and weight from 470 grams.
Battery is 7 x 500AR. Price is DM 159 (white version)
and DM 199 (blue version).
Fokker Dr 2000
Skippy
Fieseler Storch
This
3-channel Fokker Dr 2000 slowflyer model is built exclusively for robbe by Tritex. It's traditional balsa construction and all
parts are CNC formed. Wing span is 980 mm, wing area 19 dm2, minimum wing loading 15.5
dm2, and min. weight 295 grams. A 280-size motor, 4:1 gearbox and 10x8 Slow Fly prop is
included. Requires 6 x 350 mAh cells. Price is DM 145.
The robbe
catalog shows a young girl, radio in hand, always handling the Skippy. The foam
slowflyer does look unusually cute, and maybe robbe is doing something right to attract
women to the hobby. Wing span is 920 mm, wing area 19.2 dm2, minimum wing loading 19.3
g/dm2, and min. weight 370 grams. Motor compliment is same as the Fokker and included.
Requires 7 x 350 mAh cells. Price is DM 179.
Whatever
scale size you find it in, the Storch flies easily and takes off and lands great
from the ground with minimal distance and effort. robbe's foam model's wing span is 1050
mm, wing area 19.4 dm2, minimum wing loading 14.4 g/dm2, and min. weight 280 grams. Motor
compliment (but with APC prop) is same as the Fokker and included. Requires 6 x 350 mAh
cells. Price is DM 219.
The
stunt-flying AcroLift is sold with either covered or uncovered wing and tail
surface, but either way there's still some good building to do. It's fiberglass with balsa
covered foam wings and balsa horizontal tail. But just looking at it you can sense a
snappy performer. Wing span is 1570 mm, wing profile MH43, length 1015 mm, wing area 22
dm2, and weight 1500-1700 grams. Requires: 4 channels and basic power setup—a
650-size BB motor, 13x11 folding prop and 8 x 2400 mAh cells. Price is DM 379 (uncovered) and DM 469 (covered).
This is
the smallest of Simprop's three Lift off "Edelhotliner" series (Edel
means precious or nobel) with a 1225 mm wing span. The largest Lift off has a 1935 mm
span. The kit is available just like the AcroLift with covered or uncovered wing and tail
surface, but still some good building to do. Length is 710 mm, wing profile MH43, wing
area 13.7 dm2, and weight 580-900 grams. Requires: 3-4 channels and basic power
setup—a 480 BB Race motor, 6x3 folding prop and 7 x 500-700AR cells. Price is DM 239 (uncovered) and DM 319 (covered).
The following semi-scale ARF parkflyers are made of foam with a smooth
and pre-painted surface. All but the S.E. 5 are slightly bigger than your typical
parkflyer and offer a bit more snappy performance, and the Spitfire is the only one with a
full profile (thicker) wing. Each has 3-channel control with elevator, rudder and motor.
It sounds unusual, but I was told the motor and prop are sold separately and the gearbox
is included with each kit, although I'm not sure which gearbox comes with the S.E. 5.
Spitfire
Hurricane and Me-109
S.E. 5
The
Spitfire uses Simprop's FunDrive 450+ motor with 3.66:1 gear-reduction, 10x7 APC
prop and 8 x 500AR cells. Wing span is 1070 mm, length 840 mm, 23.5 dm2, weight is appr.
700-800 grams. Price is DM
279.
Both
models use the AcroDrive 350+BB motor with 5:1 gear-reduction, 9x6 APC prop and 8 x 500AR
cells. The Me-109's wing span is 940 mm, length 810, wing area 15.75 dm2, minimum
wing loading 19 g/dm2, and min. weight 350 grams. Price is DM 171.
The Hurricane's wing span is 1020 mm, length 790 mm, wing area 15 dm2, wing loading
22 g/dm2, min. weight 330. Price is DM 171.
The
S.E. 5 is powered by either Simprop's Parc-, Vario-, or EcoDrive 300+ motor gearbox
unit. Wing span is 805 mm, length 635 mm, wing area 24 dm2, wing loading 14 g/dm2,
and weighs appr. 300 grams. Price is DM 171.
The companies Teltec, Tritex and Wipa of the
Czech Republic have already been making some models that are sold exclusively through
other companies, like robbe, for instance. The high craftsmanship and production of
traditional balsa kits, or contemporary fiberglass models with prefabricated wings, or
particularly many of the foam parkflyers buzzing around these days, is from a quality
labor force in these and other Czech firms. Actually, the Czech culture provides an
abundance of folk who are very skilled and handy, and quite industrious. The costs there
are still quite inexpensive to western standards, but the economy is growing quickly and
many Czech firms can already rightfully claim a top dollar for their products. The three
aforementioned companies are already experiencing nice growth and are looking for foreign
distributors and/or dealers. No prices appear under the pictures because at the time there
were really no suggested retail prices outside of the Czech Republic.
This
slick-looking 4-channel model is of the Swedish full-scale original, the Windex 1200. It
comes with a white fiberglass fuselage and glass-reinforced foam core wings covered in
white Oracover. Wing span is 2445 mm, length 1035 mm, wing profile MH 32, and weight
1800-2200 grams. Requires a 600-size motor direct to an 8.5x5 Slim-Prop and 7 x Sub-C
cells.
The real
Condor is an ultralight and this 3-channel model needs little room to fly. The kit uses
traditional balsa and plywood parts, and spruce beams. Covering foil and other accessories
are included, but the power unit is not. Wing span is 1060 mm, length 630 mm, wing profile
a Clark Y, and weight 530 grams. Requires a Speed 400, 6x3 prop and 7 x 500AR cells.
L 200 Morava
Jerry
Free
plans for this identical scale model appeared in Flug- und Modelltechnik magazine's
7/00 and 8/00 issues. Now you can buy the Morava as an ARF with a fiberglass
fuselage and motor cowls, and prebuilt covered wings. Wing span is 1630 mm, length 1092
mm, weight 1400-1800 grams. Requires 2 x 400 or 480-size motors, 6x3 props and 7 or 8
sub-C cells. Gearboxes would certainly increase flying time.
The Jerry
is a simple 3-channel sailplane that's excellent for beginners. It comes with
balsa-covered foam core wings already covered in Oracover. The balsa fuselage and tail are
covered too and ready for assembly. You just need to add a Speed 400 motor, prop and
spinner. Wing span is 1490 mm, wing profile a modified E 205, length 860 mm, and weight
800-900 grams. Battery is 7 or 8 x 500ARs.
Both these models
are from CNC-cut balsa but only the Pluton 400 (pictured with Tritex's Mr.
Rostislav Polednik)is an ARF with covered wings, fuselage and tail. It's a 3-channel,
Speed 400 direct-drive model for beginners. Wing span is 1000 mm, length 800 mm, wing
loading appr. 32 g/dm2, and flying weight appr. 620 grams. The Concorde 400 is, as
the number designates, for a Speed 400 motor and 7 x 500AR cells. Wing span is 600 mm,
length 1450 mm, and flying weight 550-600 grams.
The full-scale
Qualt is a Czech ultralight, and free plans for the smaller model were included in Flug-
und Modelltechnik magazine's 10/99 issue. Wipa's 3-channel Qualt 200 L is
CNC-balsa construction, wing span 1220 mm, length 745 mm, and weight 550 grams.
Power is direct-drive Speed 400 and 7 x 600 mAh cells. On the other hand, the Qualt 200
XL has a fiberglass fuselage and comes either as a complete kit, or ARC, or ARF. Its
wing span is 1800 mm, wing profile an E 195, length 1170 mm, and weight 1800 grams. It's
for either gas or electric motors, and Wipa lists a "Mega" motor for the
electric conversion. Controls are 5 channels
Raven
Aero 45
Both these models are of
full-scale originals. The Raven is for 4 channels, is all-CNC balsa and comes as a
complete kit, or ARC, or ARF. Wing span is 1100 mm, wing profile an E 205, length 975 mm,
weight 1110 grams. Power is from two Speed 400s and 7 x 1000 mAh cells. The Aero 45
is also CNC-balsa construction, wing span is 1640 mm, wing profile an E 207/195, length
990 mm, and weight 1530 grams. Power's from two Speed 400s and 7 x 1250 mAh cells.
Gearboxes might be nice in this model.
Firecat
Auster
Traper
The Firecat looks
like a nifty stunt flyer, is all-CNC balsa construction and only comes as an ARC or ARF.
Wing span is 860 mm, wing profile a WM 99, length 950 mm, and weight 900 grams. Power is
from a Speed 500 and 7 x 1000 mAh cells. Controls are 5 channels.
The Auster(pictured
with Wipa's Mr. Michal Weingart) is of traditional CNC-balsa construction. Wing span
is 1015 mm, wing profile an E 205, length 610 mm, and weight 500 grams. Power is from a
Speed 400 and 7 x 600 mAh cells. Controls are 3 channels.
The Traper is an
indoor flyer and only comes as an ARC or ARF (with motor components, I believe). Wing span
is 1000 mm, wing profile a B 8356, length 800 mm, and weight 300 grams. Power is from a
Speed 280 with a 4:1 gearbox and 7 x 280 mAh cells.
I am sure that many of these models will eventually find their way to
the North American market and elsewhere in the world. If you're interested in one, I hope
you find it.
So, that's all from me until my report on Aspach 2001. And have fun
flying this summer.
Apr 04, 2001, 01:00 AM
Similar Threads
There are two major international toy fairs only for dealers (and the
press), one in New York City and the other in Nürnberg, Germany. If you're interested in
the new stuff most manufacturers are pushing our wayin eflight that has yet
to hit the market, then check out Nürnberg. Many of these eflight sources don't make it
to New York. 
Cap 20L and Projeti
