Model Airplanes Explained - From Static to Flying Models

Model Airplanes Explained - From Static to Flyingand then released to make the propeller turn. The
Modelselastic motor is actually the most widely used engine
28th February 2007for model airplanes, and can be found in children's toys,
Author: Michael Cottierall the way to professional model aircraft.
Model airplanes can be flying, or non-flying scaleThe reason the elastic motor is so popular of course,
models of airplanes that already exist, or imaginaryis because of its simplicity and the ability to have a long
ones that we would like to exist. Model airplanes arelifetime. Also, there is no waiting for the battery to
usually constructed of balsa wood, fiberglass or foam.charge or having to buy fuel for the engine. Of course
So many designs are possible, from gliders to large,the major drawback is that fact that it can only run for
very accurate scale models that are bigger then somea certain amount of time, which depends on how long
people!your rubber band is.
There are two types of model airplanes, a staticAnother simple propulsion method is storing
non-flying model, or a flying model. This is verycompressed gas, CO2 to be more specific, and having
important to choose right from the beginning, asit come out the back to push it along. You could even
construction for each type will vary greatly. Of courseget real complicated, and have the CO2 power a
though, it is possible to turn a static airplane later on intopiston expansion engine. CO2 engines, like elastic
a flying model, you would just need to do a majormotors, are considered cold power, because the
overhaul and add the necessities to get it into the air.engines become cold when running, not hot like fuel
Model airplanes that fly can usually be placed into onepowered engines and batteries.
of the three different groups. The first group is freeFor most hobbyists though, the standard glow engine is
flight, which basically means that the aircraft is built andthe engine they use. A glow engine runs on the same
designed to fly without any attachment to the groundprincipal as an internal combustion engine that is in your
(not even a remote control).car, but is a very small version of it.
The second group is control line flying, and this methodMost commonly used by RC model airplane
has a cable or two leading from the wing to the pilot.enthusiasts, are two stroke cycle engines, which use a
So of course it is not as realistic as a wireless one is,glow plug to ignite fuel. The fuel is just a mix of slow
but it ensures your airplane won't just fly away.burning methanol, nitro methane and some kind of oil
The last group is radio-controlled model airplanes, whichlubricant. Company's who make model airplane glow
are the most intriguing and fun to fly, since you haveengines, rate their size in terms of engine displacement.
complete freedom of movement and YOU get toThe most common sizes range from 0.01 cubic inch to
control it.over 1.0 cubic inch.
There are some rc airplanes that resemble realThe simplest, and most beginner friendly models are
aircraft, just like static models, but are harderelectric powered model airplanes, which use a battery
considering that since they actually fly you have toto power the engine. The speed is controlled through
continually keep it looking nice and the engine runningan electronic speed control, which will regulate the
smoothly.output of the motor. Of course the best model
RC aircraft though do come in many different types,airplanes to put an electric motor in, is small and
as there are even remote control birds, dinosaurs, andlightweight ones.
flying lawn mowers! The various forms that can beIf you want a big, heavy airplane, then a glow engine
accomplished are endless, and make for some prettyfuel powered airplane is what you want. If you just
interesting looking aircraft.want a simple small model airplane, then you want an
For free flight model airplanes, an elastic motor iselectric RC airplane.
usually used to power them. An elastic motor is simplyView our great selection of high quality model airplanes
a rubber band that is wound up very tight before flying,that will fit your needs at RC Model Airplanes.