If you are keen on model aviation, it's time to decide what kind of aircraft you want. What, you already know it's a helicopter? Great, then go ahead and pick one!
My preference is to big RC helicopters that are easy to fly and control. They usually don't have a small propeler on the side - instead of that there are two ones at the top which rotate in different directions.
The small RC helicopters like Picco Z for example are also easy to control and are very suitable for flying in a room.
The helicopters which have a propeller on the side are generally harder to control because you need to follow two things at once.
So, what is your preference for an RC helicopter? Do you like simple or complex ones? It's easy to get addicted to the more and more complex helicopters but they have a really steep learning curve.
By the way, there are even other kinds of RC rotorcraft althought they are not as popular. But if you don't want exactly a helicopter, you can search for and RC autogyro, gyrodine or gyrocopter.
One more factor to consider when choosing is also the fuel that the helicopter model uses. Is it gas or electricy? The gas models are more professional, but the electricy models are easier to use.
So, what is your preference?
понеделник, 30 юни 2008 г.
четвъртък, 26 юни 2008 г.
How To Start Model Aviation?
Maybe you think model airplanes are cool and would like to collect or build them, but still have not decided, read this post.
Why Model Airplanes?
Because they are affordable and fun, they teach you great things about aviation, they help you develop great skills and they make you feel proud by your collection.
If you plan to build model airplanes from scratch, you'll need learn about aerodynamics, physics and aeronauthics. It will be a great experiences.
What's the best for beginners in collecting
Don't want to build models but just to collect? No problem. (Althought I bet after buying some you'll want to try building yourself!).
Start with buying cheap small models. Don't buy scale aircraft for the beginning - they are expensive and often hard to choose for beginners. A great way to start collecting is with RC aircraft or free flight models.
What's best for beginners in building
Start with paper airplanes! I am serious, they are not as simple as you may think. Paper airplanes can be pretty complex, beautiful and exciting.
The best of all with them is that building them is almost free - you can even use printed paper in the beginning and the web is full of free plans.
Once you advance...
Just think about the cool things that will come once you gain experience in this hobby. If you are only "collector" (and never wish to build which is very unlikely), you'll start buying great massive scale models or advanced RC aircraft.
If you are a builder, then even better: after gaining experience with the paper airplanes, you'll probably buy your first kit and build a free flight, RC or scale model yourself. Then you'll try building by just using plans. And finally you may even design your own flying model airplane completely from scratch!
Why Model Airplanes?
Because they are affordable and fun, they teach you great things about aviation, they help you develop great skills and they make you feel proud by your collection.
If you plan to build model airplanes from scratch, you'll need learn about aerodynamics, physics and aeronauthics. It will be a great experiences.
What's the best for beginners in collecting
Don't want to build models but just to collect? No problem. (Althought I bet after buying some you'll want to try building yourself!).
Start with buying cheap small models. Don't buy scale aircraft for the beginning - they are expensive and often hard to choose for beginners. A great way to start collecting is with RC aircraft or free flight models.
What's best for beginners in building
Start with paper airplanes! I am serious, they are not as simple as you may think. Paper airplanes can be pretty complex, beautiful and exciting.
The best of all with them is that building them is almost free - you can even use printed paper in the beginning and the web is full of free plans.
Once you advance...
Just think about the cool things that will come once you gain experience in this hobby. If you are only "collector" (and never wish to build which is very unlikely), you'll start buying great massive scale models or advanced RC aircraft.
If you are a builder, then even better: after gaining experience with the paper airplanes, you'll probably buy your first kit and build a free flight, RC or scale model yourself. Then you'll try building by just using plans. And finally you may even design your own flying model airplane completely from scratch!
вторник, 24 юни 2008 г.
Paper Airplanes
Everyone have built paper airplanes as a kit. Why don't we do it when we grow up? It's still such a great fun and excitement.
The paper airplanes can be extremely simple but that is not a requirement. Some of them are pretty complex. The most experienced model fans create paper aircraft that can fly long and sometimes even has an engine.
Some of the model aircrafts made from paper are called origami airplanes because they follow the rules of this ancient Japan art.
Can you make paper aircraft? Sure, it's not a rocket science (but you can make rockets if you wish!). What it takes is some patience and knowing how to do it. You can check how to make paper airplanes on this site about model airplanes.
Want to create paper helicopters? No problem - there are people who do that as well. All kind of aircraft can be done from paper and it's not hard at all - it just takes some courage and willing to try.
The paper airplanes can be extremely simple but that is not a requirement. Some of them are pretty complex. The most experienced model fans create paper aircraft that can fly long and sometimes even has an engine.
Some of the model aircrafts made from paper are called origami airplanes because they follow the rules of this ancient Japan art.
Can you make paper aircraft? Sure, it's not a rocket science (but you can make rockets if you wish!). What it takes is some patience and knowing how to do it. You can check how to make paper airplanes on this site about model airplanes.
Want to create paper helicopters? No problem - there are people who do that as well. All kind of aircraft can be done from paper and it's not hard at all - it just takes some courage and willing to try.
понеделник, 23 юни 2008 г.
How to Paint a Model Airplane
By Andrew Ling
After using the brush, clean up immediately with the recommended thinner.
Spray Can
The spray paint can is also commonly used for model kits. The spray can:
However, paint cans deliver a wide area spray and so are somewhat wasteful and more expensive. Also, there is a limited range of colors available, and it's not possible to custom-mix colors. For multiple colors on a model, masking must be done to limit over-spray. The cans will cool down as they are used, which reduces the paint flow. Place the can in warm water for a few minutes to fix this.
Despite their drawbacks, spray cans can be very handy, e.g. for single colors such as model car bodies. Testors spray enamels and Tamiya spray lacquers are popular choices.
Airbrush
The airbrush is the most versatile tool for painting small scale models. When used with a compressor as the air source, it behaves as a very large spray can, while also allowing control of the pressure and of the amount of paint. The airbrush can be used to used to create fine lines of paint and many other useful effects.
Some basic tips:
Once the basic structure of your model airplane is completed, it's time to think about painting.
Types of Paint
Model paints are generally of two types: (oil-based) enamels, or aqueous (water-based) acrylic lacquers. The hobby enamels thin with mineral spirits, dry slowly and harden to a high-gloss finish. The hobby acrylics thin with water or alcohol, dry faster, and clean up easier. Never mix enamel with acrylic, and make sure that you use the correct type of thinner.
Brush
The paintbrush is the simplest method of applying paint. You'll need a broad flat brush for large area coverage, a medium diameter round brush for general use, and a fine-point brush for the smallest detail.
The keys to getting a smooth paint job are:
- Use a clean brush.
- Do not overlap brush strokes. Don't paint over an area with wet paint. If needed, let the paint dry, then apply a second coat.
- Use a brush with soft bristles, sable is best.
- For a wide area, use a wide brush to minimize the number of strokes.
- Keep dried paint particles out of your paint bottle. Use a straw or disposable dropper when transferring paint.
- For acrylic paints, try adding a small amount of thinner, or acrylic paint retarder.
- Practice on scrap plastic before painting your model kit.
After using the brush, clean up immediately with the recommended thinner.
Spray Can
The spray paint can is also commonly used for model kits. The spray can:
- Delivers a smoother paint job with no brush marks.
- Is faster than brushing.
- Requires less cleanup.
However, paint cans deliver a wide area spray and so are somewhat wasteful and more expensive. Also, there is a limited range of colors available, and it's not possible to custom-mix colors. For multiple colors on a model, masking must be done to limit over-spray. The cans will cool down as they are used, which reduces the paint flow. Place the can in warm water for a few minutes to fix this.
Despite their drawbacks, spray cans can be very handy, e.g. for single colors such as model car bodies. Testors spray enamels and Tamiya spray lacquers are popular choices.
Airbrush
The airbrush is the most versatile tool for painting small scale models. When used with a compressor as the air source, it behaves as a very large spray can, while also allowing control of the pressure and of the amount of paint. The airbrush can be used to used to create fine lines of paint and many other useful effects.
Some basic tips:
- A single action airbrush is simpler, easier to learn, and generally lower cost. However, the double action gives you more control over the paint job.
- A compressor will be cheaper in the long run than using cans of compressed air.
- Use the paint maker’s recommended thinner. This will keep the paint flowing smoothly without drying too fast.
- Follow the instructions for cleaning, to keep the airbrush working properly.
To learn more about airbrushing models, get our ebook Learn to Airbrush Model Airplanes.
This article may be reprinted if proper credit is given and all links left intact.
Copyright©2005 World War 2 Airplane Model
Andrew Ling is a long-time model-builder and a contributor to the Learn to Airbrush Model Airplanes ebook.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Ling
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Paint-a-Model-Airplane&id=85646
петък, 20 юни 2008 г.
Model Airplanes And Everything About Them
Do you have a hobby? Many of us have more than one hobby and that is great. One of my favourite hobbies is model aviation - a hobby in which you create or collect model airplanes and other aircraft.
Collecting model airplanes is not very expensive and is easy. Som,e of the model airplanes cost only several dollars. Of course there are more expensive models - especially the RC aircraft or static scale model aircraft.
Creating models yourself is more complicated, but don't be afraid. You don't need an university degree for that! The most appopriate way to start bulding model airplanes is with kits and when you gain some experience you can start with plans.
Some people create paper model aircrafts which are so cool that they may even look beter than wooden ones.
On this site I'll share a lot of my knowledge about model airplanes.
Collecting model airplanes is not very expensive and is easy. Som,e of the model airplanes cost only several dollars. Of course there are more expensive models - especially the RC aircraft or static scale model aircraft.
Creating models yourself is more complicated, but don't be afraid. You don't need an university degree for that! The most appopriate way to start bulding model airplanes is with kits and when you gain some experience you can start with plans.
Some people create paper model aircrafts which are so cool that they may even look beter than wooden ones.
On this site I'll share a lot of my knowledge about model airplanes.
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