Flying, Driving or Boating, Horizon Hobby brands deliver RC excitement that’s second to none.
This is Serious Fun™.
Find them all at your favorite hobby store or go to www.horizonhobby.com/storelocatorview
to find a retailer near you.
Learn to Fly Quicker with Virtual Instructor
The Bind-N-Fly Possibilities
Quique SomenziniThe Pursuit of Precision
Cutting-EdgeBlade Team
Radio Control Passion and Lifestyle| FALL | 2012 |
ContentspegaSuS HobbieS
specializing in everything
We’re Listening. Let's taLk.
Send us your feedback at: [email protected]
Inside Attitude
Wow! 20,000! That’s how
many people showed up at
Sanford Seacoast Regional
Airport in Maine for our first Horizon
US Airmeet. Airmeet was conceived
four years ago by our colleagues at
Horizon Hobby Germany. Their idea was
to bring together the best RC pilots and
products with full-scale airshow acts in
a festival-like atmosphere the general
public could enjoy.
It worked. The annual event has quickly
grown into one of Europe’s premier RC
attractions. This year we decided to bring
Airmeet to the US, and judging by the
enthusiastic response from the public,
it’s destined to become a hit here as well.
Just check out the Airmeet wrap-up in
this issue. You’ll see exactly what I’m
talking about.
If you missed Airmeet, we hope you’ll have the
chance to come visit us at this year’s iHobby Expo in
Cleveland. We’ll have plenty of exciting new releases
on hand, and you’ll be able to see them all during the
consumer days of the show, October 13 and 14. Even
if you can’t make that, I’m sure there will be regular
posts on our Facebook page from the show floor, so
“like” us if you haven’t already.
It’s been a big year and the best is yet to come.
Between these events and all of the innovative new
products we have in the pipeline, the RC hobby is
building a lot of momentum. It’s going to be a fun
ride. Thanks for coming along.
Until next time,
Joe
Innovative electronics inside the Firebird
Stratos not only make teaching yourself to fly
fun and easy, it means that even during your
first solo flight you’re never alone.
04 - Virtual instructor
The exhilaration of driving a fast (eh-hem, I
mean really fast!) RC boat is addicting. Just
open the box and make a splash.
30 - make some Waves
The Blade helicopter team has the experience
to make big ideas fly off the bench. The result
is a bold blend of cutting-edge technology
and revolutionary performance.
12 - blade – expert
Just one Spektrum™ transmitter is like having
the keys to a hangar full of critically acclaimed
RC aircraft at your fingertips. Wherever you
want to fly, there’s a perfect BNF aircraft
for you.
36 - bnF – advantage
Tim Stadler uses the sky as his canvas to
make a big impression at air shows around
the world. Find out what makes his solo
and team performances brilliant.
34 - aerial – artist
“ it's been a big year and
the best is yet to come. ”
Quique Somenzini is an RC Aerobatics
World Champion who knows that really
great airplanes, no matter what the size, have
one thing in common.
10 - Pursuit – Precision
2 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
04 10
12 30
34 36
Page 38
T he HobbyZone® Firebird Stratos™ air-
plane is beautiful and sophisticated
looking like it’s designed for an ex-
perienced RC pilot. Yet surprisingly it’s totally
meant for the person who’s never had any expe-
rience flying. Overflowing with innovative fea-
tures, what truly makes this trainer an achieve-
ment are the electronics developed that make
learning to fly remarkably easier and more fun.
It’s Now Easier than Ever to Become an RC Pilot
Virtual Instructor™ technology is a brand new concept in RC flight
electronics, and it’s a standard feature of the Firebird Stratos. It
works automatically, and even though the feature can’t talk like a
real expert RC instructor, what it does can be seen in the air and felt
by the pilot as if such a person were standing right next to you. And
just like a real instructor, it not only helps prevent a lot of the mistakes
common to beginners, at the same time it allows the pilot to learn
from those mistakes safely. It even helps fly the model in a steady
manner, which gives the pilot time to learn control and feel more
at ease resulting in a flight experience that’s more fun – not scary.
Overall, Virtual Instructor technology helps prevent a crash. But
it’s a benefit that makes it easier than ever to become an RC pilot. If
you’ve always dreamed of flight, then the HobbyZone Firebird Stratos
airplane and Virtual Instructor technology can get you flying fast.
MY FAVORITE FIREBIRD // STRATOS FEATURES
virtual virtues oF
instructor
STRATOShobbyzone Firebird
» Easy to learn how to fly because modern electronics help me take off, turn and land better
and safer even in difficult outdoor conditions.
» Long flying time on one battery charge even after multiple takeoffs and landings, so I can
concentrate on building my skills.
» A really tough airplane with durable design touches like its rubber nose and breakaway wing
that help my airplane survive multiple crashes.
» If I ever lose orientation, the auto wing leveling system helps return my wings to level
flight by simply letting go of the sticks.
Eric’s only experience flying used to be just daydreams and video games.
“sure i was nervous. but the shakes flew away almost instantly, and I just enjoyed the flight.”
visit HobbyZone.com for more information and to watch Eric’s first flight.
FligHt ASSiStAnCe
If you ever get disoriented
or encounter air turbulence
during flight, Virtual
Instructor technology
will help keep the
wings level.
1
tuRning ASSiStAnCe
To prevent tight turns and
steep dives, Virtual Instructor
technology helps keep the
aircraft stable while you
bank the wings.
2
lAnDing ASSiStAnCe
To make learning to land
more comfortable, Virtual
Instructor technology helps
keep your wings level and
your descent to
landing smooth.
3
4 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
ruLe the screen and the sky
aLWays cLear For takeoFFPhoenIx R/C PRo SImulatoR V4.0
The Phoenix Professional RC Flight Simulation 4 delivers
stunning graphics and incredibly realistic physics to your
home computer, so that you can grab some flight time
anytime. Its revolutionary InfinityScape 3D landscape
generator lets you fly beyond the horizon over beautiful,
ever-changing terrain that you create and control. There are
hundreds of aircraft to fly – including accurately modeled
aircraft from brands HobbyZone®, ParkZone®, e-flite®, Hangar
9®, Blade®, and JR® Heli brands. And the Phoenix virtual hangar
is constantly expanding with free aircraft, flying sites and
feature downloads. You also have the option of flying online
with friends and instructors or with three unique aI flying
buddies that demonstrate proper techniques while they
fly with you.
spektrum transmitters
If you want the best transmitter for your
aircraft, the Phoenix Professional RC Flight
Simulator V4.0 is available with a functional
Spektrum™ DSmx® Dx5e transmitter. You can
also get Phoenix V4.0 with just the software
and USB cable, which is compatible with a
number of transmitters such as Spektrum
Dx18 / Dx8 / Dx6i.
With ExcLusivE inFinityscApE 3D lanDSCaPe geneRatoR
Phoenix V4.0 sim is packaged two ways.
Try Phoenix V4.0 on your own computer.
visit: phoenix-sim.com
Phoenix is fully optimized so you don’t need a cutting-edge computer to enjoy all of the features and functionality.
Spektrum DX4e/DX6i/ DX7s/DX8/DX18
The following transmitters also
work directly without an adapter:
must-have items For your Flying eXperience PRODuCtSIn THE AIR
6 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
FREE DEMO
PARkZOnE HABU 2The ParkZone® habu 2 eDF jet is a full-throttle thriller that’s
a blast to fly at any speed. at the heart of its exhilarating
performance is the phenomenal power of an e-flite® Bl 15 DF
3200Kv brushless motor mated to an e-flite Delta-V® 15 ducted
fan. When it comes time to throttle back and enter the pattern,
the wide flight envelope and forgiving slow speed handling
of the habu 2 will reward anyone used to flying faster sport
planes with picture perfect landings. For the ultimate sport jet
experience, add the optional flaps and e-flite electric retracts
(eFlg110 - sold separately). the habu 2 has been designed to
make installing these options quick and easy, and its Spektrum™
aR600 receiver has all the channels you’ll need.
PARkZOnE CORSAIRFew fighters in the Pacific
theater of World War II were
as feared or loved as the
F4U Corsair. The ParkZone®
F4u-1a Corsair park flyer is a
fitting tribute to this warbird
icon that’s powered for spirited
aerobatics. You can customize the
look by applying the extra set of decals
and bolting on the drop tanks. For a
truly spectacular Corsair experience,
add the optional flaps and retracts.
thE GEntLE GiAnthangaR 9 PAWnEE This big, beautiful recreation of the famous
Piper ag workhorse may look imposing, but it’s
really a pushover. And, like the full-scale Pawnee,
it’s one of the tamest tail draggers you’ll ever
have the joy of flying. If you’ve always wanted
a giant-Scale plane but were daunted by the
complexity or performance, this easy-going
80cc aRF is for you.
you are air shoW
center
Easy ToAssemble
ICONIC
Warbird
no better Friend. no greater Foe.
must-have items For your Flying eXperience PRODuCtSIn THE AIR
8 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
“As my skills grew, the concept of precision became the soul foundation of my flying style. The rewards were that obvious. A well-built airplane with accurate controls and intelligent design helped me win, and gave me the freedom to explore untapped lev-els of performance that we know today as 3D. No matter what the airplane type, precision is how the airplane responds to pilot in-put. Response to pilot command that happens at the right time with the correct amount and in a clean way is what precision deliv-ers. A sloppy airplane just can’t offer anything close to the same level of satisfaction. “To get precision from every de-sign, every aspect of the aircraft matters. From the construction material to electronics, from the manufacturing processes to the finish, precision is linked to ev-erything you see on the surface to everything buried into the chip coding of the electronics. And when the right ’goodie‘ isn’t avail-able, I look back on my roots and design the right solution myself. It’s more work, but if I settle, the pi-lots can’t get the needed support they need to enhance their skill. “Simply put, precision offers the best flying experience, which makes flying more enjoyable!”
perf
orm
an
ce
mat
ters
A relentless pursuit of precision reaps rewards no matter what the scale
When inspiration strikes, the moment needs to be securely harnessed, amply supplied and properly caffeinated. Sure, a lot of ideas might look rough in the beginning, but when the mix is right, form follows function and the idea evolves into ballet, calligraphy and poetry all rolled into one. Some say it’s art, some say it’s a gift, while one person will tell you that the priority is to never let precision be compromised no matter the project.
Quique Somenzini is driven by the application of precision in everything he’s ever done with a model aircraft. His designs have taken him to championships around the globe and helped him bring home the gold from just about every RC aerobatic event ever invented. In fact, his creativity with model aircraft maneuverability has coined him the father of 3D aerobatics – which is the pinnacle form of extreme agility desired by anyone who wants high performance from an aircraft. Today, Horizon Hobby is proud to have Quique Somenzini as the Drector of New Product Development.
When we talked with Quique recently, it was exciting to learn that everything he has developed included the same diligence toward precision, from trainers and sport models to ultra micros and Giant-Scale airplanes.
HA: Your Hangar 9 Beast 100cc is an amazing airplane. What was your inspiration?
QS: “The Beast began as a col-laboration with Kevin Kimball and the impeccably built full-scale Pitts Model 12 he offered clients through Kimball Enter-prises. I’ve always been attracted to biplanes, and the Model 12 especially appealed to me for its aggressive looks, which in-cluded the right balance of both modern and classic style. Our first project, called the Python, got the attention of Bryan Jensen, who wanted to form a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ duo flight team with his girlfriend Christine ’CC‘ Gerner. Hence the name of the new biplane, which went on to set a new standard in per-formance at air shows around the country. After working with Kevin so closely, scaling down ‘The Beast’ for the 100cc gas RC engine was easy and only required minor enhancements. “I cannot think of a stronger inspiration for an RC designer than to work in full scale.”
HA: How does the much smaller E-flite UMX Beast 3D compare to the 100cc version of the famous aircraft?
QS: “The first generation E-flite UMX Beast (without AS3X) shook the hobby and was the first ultra micro to come stan-dard with a powerful brush-less motor system. It delivered everything an RC aerobatic pilot could want in a performance RC model. The reward of precision offered in this case is an airplane
that flies a lot like the Giant-Scale model, but is convenient for the local park or a quick flight after lunch. The UMX Beast 3D, with the Horizon Hobby-developed AS3X System, unleashed a whole new level of performance in the biplane design. Not only did the little biplane become more precise, it also expanded its maneuverability envelope, and at the same time made it more stable at slower speeds. And like the bigger Beast, it’s rock solid in mild wind. I think the combination of aircraft design and the AS3X System technology makes this ‘little’ airplane a real giant in the RC industry.”
HA: You must be working on some exciting new projects. Can you tell us anything?
QS: “Ha, ha. Nice try, but I really can’t share that secret with you. But I can say that the future looks great, and our team is re-ally excited. The designs coming next include levels of innovation like those we now enjoy because of the Beast project, so stay tuned. Our goal is to keep mov-ing the bar up and do our best to support our customers, so they can experience the precision that makes RC flight more fun.”
HA: Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with us. Your model designs seem to be engineered with the goal of offering the greatest RC experience possible. What’s your secret?
QS: “There really is no secret! When competitive flying was my only interest, I did not want to share too many secrets, but things are different now that I’m working with Horizon Hobby. I want to share what I’ve learned so that more people can enjoy the passion for precision, which I believe is a very important concept of flight. “Experience and necessity have taught me to think outside of the box. In Argentina, I always flew scratch-built designs, and my dad built my very first plane. We flew a lot together, and he inspired me to fly at every aerobatic competition using my own scratch-built design. And building from scratch was really our only option – the ‘goodies’ available in the States weren’t available, and sometimes the challenges we faced were great. But the extra work forced us to think harder and develop skills I really appreciate today. The air-craft we built included unique solutions that I think surprised a lot of people, which was a reward in itself.
Quique Somenzini
Quique Somenzini
No matter what the airplane type, precision is how the airplane responds to pilot input.
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10 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
The Expert EdgeTeamwork Is The BIg Idea
It’s no accident that the Blade® brand is the number one name in RC heli fun. Behind the development of every Blade helicopter is a team of RC heli experts with years of experience flying everything from ultra micro helicopters that fit in the palm of your hand to fully aerobatic, high-performance 3D thrill machines.
A big part of what makes Blade helis more fun is how naturally the team brings performance expected of larger helicopters to the small helicopter market with machines like the mCP X 2 and mQX. That’s an amazing achievement. Blade team engineer, Mikel Graham, stated in a recent interview, “A disturbance that might not do anything on a larger helicopter is very obvious on a machine that weighs 45 grams.” The lessons learned have earned the team a unique perspective, which helps them avoid
problems and incorporate inimitable refinements to efficiently deliver a better helicopter that offers a flight experience like no other can. Lead test pilot, James Haley, is a pusher with a helicopter. But when he takes to the sky, it’s obvious that he and the machine are talking the same language. “I like to see where the limits are,” is how James describes his approach to
flight testing. But when he and his heli disagree, it’s the machine that loses. The next time out, however, there’s no more argument and the project progresses at an astounding rate. Blade team CAD expert, Brian Reed, summed up the development process simply, “…everything works in harmony before we build.” The Blade team is expanding its line. Not only are the helicopters getting bigger, they’re incorporating innovation with a sense of style and performance that’s on course to make a big impression on you.
“if new technology is on the horizon, we’re on top of it.”
MiKEL GRAhAMAvid RC Heli PilotEngineering Degree from MITMaster’s Degree from Georgia Techspecialty: Rotary AerodynamicsLead Developer on the Blade 500 X
“i like to see where the limits are.”
JAMEs hALEyAvid RC Heli Pilot and World class 3d competitorBlade Team Test Pilotspecialties: Performance Testing and DesignLead Developer on the Blade 300 X
“i make sure everything works in harmony before we build.”
BRiAn REEDAvid RC Heli and Fixed-Wing PilotOver a Decade of Computer-Aided Design Experiencespecialties: Computer-Aided Design and MachiningLead Developer on the Blade mQX
“i like to bring upscale styles to blade designs.”
RAyMOn ROBinsOnAvid RC Heli Pilot and Racer Accessory and Parts Designerspecialty: StyleLead Developer on the Blade
500 Bell 222 Body Set
the Blade experts The Blade team is expanding its line. not only are the helicopters getting bigger, they’re incorporating innovation with a sense of style and performance that’s on course to make a big impression on you.
Meet the entire Blade team:www.bladehelis.com/experts
blade
T5
T8
T3
T7
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T13B5
B2
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B2
T13
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B2
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T12 B1
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T2
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F6 F14
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AnAtOmy OF tHe BlADe 500 X
– Belt-driven tail rotor– Weighted tail blade mounting hardware – tail rotor grips with thrust bearings
– Flight-tested Spektrum AR7200BX DSmX receiver with BeastX flybarless technology
– One-piece carbon fiber side frames– e-flite high-power,
brushless motor
– One-piece landing skids– Carbon tail boom support
– Aluminum tail boom
– E-flite high-power 6S li-Po battery
– 425mm carbon fiber main blades
– Flybarless rotor head– CnC-machined aluminum swashplate– CnC-machined aluminum head block– triple ball bearing supported, hardened steel main shaft
– Remote receiver for superior protection against signal fading and reflection
The Blade team has got big plans, and the amazing 500 X BNF heli is both a triumph and credit to the team’s mission of bringing high performance to a new level. At its heart is the amazing Spektrum™ AR7200BX flybarless control system. This groundbreaking innovation combines a 7-channel DSMX® receiver with the BeastX® system into a single, compact unit that weighs barely over half an ounce.
500 X– lightweight detailed canopy
– High-performance tail rotor
– Composite/metalflybarless rotor head
– Rigid carbon fiber main frames
– Heavy-duty main drive gears
– Spektrum digital cyclic servos
– Spektrum high-speed digital tail servo
– lightweight vertical stabilizer
blade
SHReD tHe AiRREvOLutiOn
Flawless 3D performance takes more than power. You need precision and balance too. Revolution® blades are constructed
of cross-woven carbon fiber that gives them the lateral and torsional strength necessary to translate your heli’s power
into the most aggressive response possible. And each set is weight-matched and balanced, so you experience a
sense of precision that’s second to none. Sizes range from 325mm all the way up to 710mm in both flybar
and flybarless versions.For the enthusiast who demands the best in quality
and performance, the Revolution brand is the leading name in RC helicopter tools, accessories and rotor
blades. Revolution products are designed and built with the expert in mind to perform flawlessly
and to the highest of standards.
HORiZOn AiRmeetCelebrAtion of rAdio Control
August is an
exciting time for
aviation fans in europe. the
summer weather is beautiful,
and it’s a time when a one-of-
a-kind event happens that in a
very short time has achieved
legendary status across the
continent. Airmeet excites the
senses and brings together a
collection of modelers who
understand how to do an air
show at a sky-scraping energy
level. On August 18 and 19 it
celebrated its four-year
anniversary with a show
that exceeded all expectations
for attendance and delivery. Video
and online chat about the 2012 event are
approaching viral status for good reason. Airmeet
is something special because of the top-level
aviation entertainment it brings through both
model and full-scale performances. Its energy
pace and schedule run constantly from dawn till
many hours after dark. And best of all it’s hosted
by the RC manufacturer considered the best in
the business.
The event is held on the
Donauwörth/Genderkingen
civil airfield and welcomes over
40,000 spectators during the
two-day event. Its creator, Joe
Schamuhn, told us, “It is the
only event in the world where
RC modelers are able to connect
with a manufacturer on an
emotional level.” Performers
at Airmeet are welcomed by
invitation only, and hundreds
of requests are reviewed on
an annual basis. There’s no
shortage of RC entertainment
with well over 70 pilots
performing non-stop with
helicopters, racers, sailplanes,
warbirds…you name it.
There’s no
shortage of RC
entertainment
with well over 70
pilots performing
non-stop with
helicopters,
racers, sailplanes,
warbirds…you
name it.
welComes oveR
40,000 spEctators
duRing The
Two- day evenT.
the atmosphere at airmeet is
charged with excitement. People
of all ages come to shake hands
with their heroes and connect
with each other. Many consider
the bonds formed to be like that
of a family. “It's about a lifestyle
people believe in,” Schamuhn
reflected. Although the show is
for the crowd and performers, as
friends they want to make Airmeet
the best event possible. And the
connection is broad. Red Bull
schedules a number of performers
for airmeet to entertain with both
full-scale and model talent.
Plans are already underway for the
five-year anniversary of Airmeet
in 2013. Next August, make a
connection to last a lifetime.
—dAir Schaf
it’s a LiFestyLe PeoPLebeLieVe in.
FROM LEFt tO RiGht:Marc Petrack, Michi Reitz , Andreas Ruppert and Tim Stadler
It’s not every day that a free event comes along offering
state-of-the-art RC entertainment. Especially one
with high-tech aircraft and cars where you can
ask, “Can I try that?” and get a gleeful response
such as, “Absolutely!” But that’s exactly what
Horizon Hobby, in partnership with Ray and
Robin’s Hobby Center, brought to beautiful New
England—a giant RC extravaganza loaded with
experts proud about the RC experience.
try it. driVe it. FLy it!
horizon US Airmeet is very much
connected to the spirit of the original
Horizon Airmeet that happens every
August in Germany. The four-day US event
took place September 6–9 at Sanford Seacoast
Regional Airport near the southern tip of Maine.
It was host to hundreds of pilots and drivers,
who welcomed nearly twenty thousand
spectators. Full-scale air show entertainment
was provided as well by internationally
recognized aerobatics pilots Matt Chapman
and Rob Holland.
The family friendly atmosphere delivered
top-notch quality performances non-stop,
including jets, helicopters, ultra micro
aircraft and off-road racing. But
unlike any event, it also invited
the public to join in the
fun. Several RC “Try Me”
areas were available
that featured ECX™ cars and
trucks, plus realistic Phoenix
RC flight simulators. And
those who wanted a more
thrilling RC adventure could
try the teach-yourself-to-
fly HobbyZone® Firebird
stratos™ trainer. Aerobatics
champion, Seth Arnold,
shared a comment
one spectator made,
“‘[airmeet] is better than
a full-scale air show. [It’s]
so much more up close and
personal.’”
a giant rc extraVaganza
fouR day evenT
the passion for RC seemed to unite everyone. lead event coordinator, Ray
labonte, appeared to have a constant smile on his face. “An event like this has
been a dream of mine.” labonte has hosted the successful maine model Jet
RallyforoverfiveyearsandwasthrilledatthechancetoteamupwithHorizon
Hobby and create a totally new spectator experience. “not only could so many
peopleofallageshavefunwithRCforthefirsttime—moreimportantlythey’d
have the chance to connect with friendly, fun loving hobbyists who really make
our passion something special.”
Stay tuned to Horizon Hobby for information about the next Airmeet.
—dair SchafHorizon Airmeet mascot, dAir Schaf, brought good luck to both events.
thermaL InteRaCtIVItY
inDOOR pREcisiOnumx SBaCh 342 3D BnF BaSIC
E-FlITE MYSTIqUE 2.9 mthe e-flite® Mystique™ 2.9 m ARF aircraft is an electric
sailplane inspired by F5J-class soaring competition
events popular around the globe. And like most
gliders focused on performance, the Mystique
2.9 m sailplane delivers an outstanding RC
soaring experience, even if all you’re looking
for is a glider to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. Its
size makes it great for visibility at high altitudes,
and its airfoil is specially designed to interact
with any lift activity it encounters. This full-house
sailplane can be assembled without an electric
power system for a pure sailplane experience
ideal for winch and Hi-Start launch methods
or soaring from a majestic countryside slope.
neWmust-haVe itemsThe Season’s Hot Products. Check them out here.
FLiP it out BlaDe nano CP x RtF/BnF Flip, funnel or roll in any room of your house
with the incredible Blade® nano CP X heli.
at just 29 grams (barely over an ounce), it’s
the lightest flybarless CP heli in its class.
It is unbelievably durable.
ziP it quickPRo Boat mISS geICo 17 RtR anD ImPulSe 17 RtRThe Pro Boat® 17” geICo Catamaran and
17” Impulse™ Deep-V represent the true
meaning of fun. Both ready-to-run models
include 2.4ghz radio technology and are
loaded with features typically found in larger,
higher priced radio control boats – the only
problem will be how to find more time to
spend on the water. The UMX™ Sbach® 342 3D BnF Basic is another great mike mcConville design
that amazingly provides an expertly-tuned, giant-Scale flight experience
small enough to fly in a space the size of a small gym. Integrated aS3x®
technology makes it possible to perform stunning 3D and scale aerobatics
with incredible precision.
20 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
InnovatIon that mEans morE fun
for you.
22 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
PLanetrcYour Guide
to rC eventS Around
the World
Global events allow you to network with your peers from around the world, connect to
experts from a variety of disciplines and create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can
only be found through horizon hobby. these events offer unprecedented access to top
venues, drivers and pilots at activities in the most fascinating locations of the world.
Competition Delivers Air Show Excitement
every year, over 30 world or continental championships are listed on
the International Sports air Federation (FaI) calendar, and many other
sporting events such as grand Prix Cups. the national model Pylon
Racing Association just completed its second Electric Formula One
nationals, where the e-flite® Shoestring 15e proved to be an extremely
competitive racer.
check it out
October 2012
10.11-10.14 iHobby Expo10.18-10.21 Fuel On-Road Nationals10.19-10.20 2012 Seoul International Aeromodelling Festival10.21 Off-Road Wars Winter Championship Series10.24-10.28 USRA Race of Champions10.25-10.28 Monster Planes USA
november 201211.01-11.04 Faszination Modellbau 11.01-11.04 Dutch Open Indoor Challenge 11.02-11.04 JR Indoor Electric Festival 11.02-11.04 London Bridge Seaplane Classic 11.10-11.17 IFMAR World Championships 1/10 11.11 North Texas EF1 Pylon Race11.16-11.18 Tangerine Soaring Championship 11.24-11.25 Flight Show, NEC
December 2012
12.01-12.08 IFMAR World Championships; 1/8 Off-Road 12.01-02.12 F3P Competition, Bradford, UK 12.07-02.09 F3P Competition, Bradford, UK
Event calendar Join the RC Celebration
Ocala, Florida, usA JConcepts Indoor Nationals
The finale of a five-series, indoor off-road race championship expect-ing nearly 1000 drivers.
Friedrichshafen, GermanyFaszination Modellbau
Experience for yourself a unique show dedicated to the magical world of miniatures.
November 3-4
November 1-4
Middelburg, netherlands2012 Dutch Open Indoor Challenge
Open International, Non-World Cup event for the F3P category – RC Indoor aerobatics.
November 2-4
Bangkok, thailand IFMAR World Championships 1/10 IC Track
R.O.A.R. 10-scale fuel on-road 2012 World Team championship competition.
Novmber 10-17
Discover More Events And Meet Great People.
FuLL throttLe
action that’S eaSY FoR eVeRYone
Take The wheel.
As soon as the ECX™ brand broke onto the RC scene, the world
took notice. People can’t get enough of this bold line of
affordable, ready-to-run vehicles. ECX makes it easier than
ever to bring home a no-nonsense RC vehicle. Each model
comes with everything you need right in the box, from the
transmitter to the battery charger.
Once you charge one up, all that’s left to do is grip it and
rip it. The vehicles are easy to hop up with new bodies and
parts too. Choose ECX for durable cars and trucks that are
perfect for bashing and thrashing.
ecx
CiRCuit ™
1/10-SCAle StADium tRuCK
RuCKuS®
1/10-SCAle mOnSteR tRuCK
BOOSt™
1/10-SCAle Buggy
tORment™
1/10-SCAle SHORt COuRSe tRuCK
select vehicles now include
waterproof electronics, 2.4Ghz
radio systems and a one-hour
fast charger.
must-have items PRODuCtSOn THE SURFACE
NEW MUST-HAVE ITEMS PRODuCtSOn THE SURFACE
once you fire up an RC vehicle, a surge of adrenaline pulses
through you. Your senses heighten and you find yourself in
total control. The vehicle’s turf-shredding, pavement-roasting
capabilities are yours to command.
This is why we love RC. This is why we design vehicles for people
just like you, whether you’re new to RC or an experienced pro.
From the bulletproof chassis to the impressive Dynamite®
.21-size power system, the Revenge type n™ 1/8-scale buggy
has all the makings of an unstoppable warrior. And the high-
powered performance to match. When it comes to the terrain,
it has only two words in its vocabulary: destroy and conquer.
The unsToppable
warrior.
nitro & electricrEVENGE
DEstORy AnD cOnQuER
driVe For yourseLF
1/10th TEn-SCT nItRo 4WD RtR
Based on the performance-driven Team
losi Racing™ TEn-T™ platform and ROAR
national Champion, the TlR® 4WD ten-
SCT™ truck includes the same aluminum
chassis, race-tested suspension and superb
handling characteristics in a no-holds-
barred nitro version. Ready-to-Run, fire up
the engine with the push of a button on
the included Dx2l transmitter. go ahead
and get it dirty!
NEW MUST-HAVE ITEMS PRODuCtSOn THE SURFACE
1/10th 22SCT kITutilizing a similar design to the team losi
Racing 22™ buggy and 22T™ truck, the 22™SCT
model is a no-compromises truck, designed
to be the ultimate short course race machine.
And it’s topped off with the Team losi Racing
Hi-Performance SCT Body.
RaceDominator
Jeremy tWitchstenberg
Jeremy mcgrath
living lARgeR tHAn liFe
action sports icons Jeremy mcgrath and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, of The Stronghold Motorsports short course off-road race team, also shred the course with losi® vehicles.
28 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
Fire up the enGine— then Go AheAd And Get dirtYthe
“With tons of horsepower at your fin-
gertips, the 5IVE-T is the closest you
can possibly get to being behind the
wheel of a 900-horse-powered short
course off-road race truck.”
– Jeremy McGrath
“The 5IVE-T is insanely fun! It’s just like
being behind the wheel of my real truck.
This is the best RC truck known to man!”
–Jeremy “twitch” stenberg
SpeedboatS that can
IntenSIfY any afternoon
holiday.
There’s nothing like taking a tranquil patch of open water and carving it straight down the center. With stainless steel rudders that dig deep and cut hard and powerful motors that unleash every amp for exceptional performance.
PRO BOAT® LINEUP 2012
For more info and to see the full Pro Boat lineup, visit proboatmodels.com
WAkE YOUR WORLD™
30 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
LivingThe
BoatLife
As a leader in RC boating,
the Pro Boat® brand makes
a small-scale version of
just about everything that
runs on the water. With a
commitment to quality that
goes far below the surface.
CHOOSE YOU R
CRUISEit takes a world-class team to build a world-class boat. And with the pro Boat brand, you’ll find that. in hulls designed by world champion rc racer Darin Jordan. And real-world racing partnerships that bring legends of the sport to the rc world. for boats that raise the bar each time they’re lowered into the water.
.
Miss GEICO 29 BL29-inch Catamaran 2.4 RTRBring home the excitement of the world’s premier open-water event
with the offically licensed Miss Geico 29 catamaran.
Impulse™ 3131-inch Brushed RTR Deep-Vperformance meets design in the race-engineered impulse 31
Deep-V, built to deliver superb handling and insane speeds.
ShockWave® 26 BL26-inch Brushless RTR Deep-Vshred the waves, not your budget, with a high-performance
Deep-V, built to deliver speed and stability.
ShockWave® 26 EP26-inch Brushed RTR Deep-Vperfect for the entry-level racer, the shockWave 26 ep Deep-V
offers the same look and feel of its brushless powered cousin.
Blackjack™ 2929-inch Brushless RTR Catamaran
if you like catamarans, you’ll love the Blackjack 29
model— a twin hull that’s built to haul.
32 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
A bright example of a person with that “go get it” attitude is steadfast in a 22-year-old fellow living in the Bavarian region of Germany, Tim Stadler. Friendly and personable, Tim is fulfilling his dream life, which includes living and breathing radio controlled airplanes. He loves to build and maintain his own aircraft. His performances contain the pinpoint precision of a pilot with decades of competition experience, yet the only proficiency judge he’s stood before has been a cheering crowd. And those are the moments that take Tim to the next level of air show brilliance. Not only is he an expert in the solo Giant-Scale performance circuit, he now travels the globe as a pilot member of a prestigious RC formation flight team – an honor that not only requires skill, but the trust of fellow formation pilots.
We checked in with Tim not long after he’d returned from a huge RC event in the States to get to know him a little more.
ha: When did you start in the hobby, and what is it that inspired you to become highly skilled?
ts: “My father has been flying RC models for most of his life and got me started when I was five years old. At the age of six is when I got my very own RC electric sailplane. Over the following years I flew many trainers. Then my father and I started travelling to as many model air shows as possible where we met a lot of very good pilots who were inspirational to me. My ambition progressively grew, and I practiced intensively every day. Back then, RC flight simulators weren’t available, so flying for real was the only way to get better.”
ha: What type of RC do you enjoy doing most and why?
ts: “Since the beginning I have had a great passion for biplanes, and five years ago I started building and flying really big biplanes such as the Ultimate and Pitts. Last year I started flying jets with the ‘Horizon Hobby Display Team Germany,’ doing a synchronized flight demonstration that includes three- to six-quarter-scale L-39 Albatros turbine powered jets together in perfect formation.”
ha: Who has been your biggest role model not in the hobby?
ts: “Actually I didn’t have any role models outside the RC hobby. My biggest role model is Robert Fuchs (a very famous German pilot who is also a member of the Horizon Hobby Team Germany). I admire him for his talent as a great builder of airplanes and skill as a pilot. He always supported me and gave me great advice.”
ha: Your flying style displays outstanding precision. Do you compete? Have you won any award titles?
ts: “Thank you. That’s what I always want to hear – outstanding precision. But I don’t compete, because it requires a single list of very specific maneuvers be flown per flight. The airplane is very specialized too. I want to fly what I want and with the airplane I choose. So I choose to only visit air shows where there’s public attendance. The crowd is always very appreciative, and I can do what comes naturally – having fun with a model airplane.”
ha: What has been the greatest reward that your pursuit of RC excellence has given you?
ts: “My greatest personal reward was when I won the 2006 3W Rookie Meet. That was a freestyle competition in Europe for young pilots, and the winner got a Giant-Scale Votec 322, complete with equipment and a contract to fly for the 3W company. I’ve really enjoyed their support. In 2011 I became a team member for Horizon Hobby, which is a lot of fun since many of the members are my friends and we travel to a number of air shows flying Horizon Hobby aircraft. I think we get better with every event and have become an amazing team!”
ha: What is it like to be on the Horizon Hobby Team?
ts: “First of all, Horizon Hobby has amazing products and is always innovating! The Horizon Hobby Team in Germany is like a big family and everybody helps out, assists and especially respects each other.”
ha: Your performance at the 2012 Joe Nall event in South Carolina was impressive. Is there anything you noticed different flying in the United States versus flying in Germany?
ts: “The Joe Nall is an impressive event, and the five days spent there are those I will never forget. What impressed me was how especially safe all the pilots were – and there were over 1200 of them – but they were also very friendly at the same time. Our American hosts had to be the friendliest people ever. We flew team demonstrations, we flew solo flights, and we flew for the fun of it. The crowd seemed very pleased. In short, it was a fantastic trip! A comparable event in Germany is not conceivable, because there are just too many rules and regulations.”
ha: What has been the biggest challenge to become the RC pilot you are today?
ts: “For me it was not really a challenge but rather a long journey. When I was young, I didn’t have the money to buy expensive airplanes that had superior flight characteristics. So I had to wait a long time and make small steps. Gradually, companies started to support the talent they saw in me, which allowed me to practice acrobatics and explore 3D capabilities. It’s been a lot of fun!”
ha: Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the RC hobby?
ts: “My advice is buy the good stuff like a ParkZone Radian or something similar. The cheap products might look like a bargain, but they typically break easily or fail in flight. There’s no fun in that; plus, you waste time when you could be flying. Choose an airfield with people who can fly well. Just watching them will teach you good lessons. You’ll also get good advice that will help you gain skills faster. Last but not least, practice, practice, practice…and above all, have fun!”
Model airplanes are just like “real” airplanes, only smaller. It all depends on how you look at it. Dreams are no different,
and everyone wants their own version of a dream life. Getting there takes a lot of confidence and preparation.
The Aerial ArtistR C A i R S h o W P e R f o R m A n C e S W i T h
Tim Stadler
TimStadler
“My greatest personal reward was when I won the 2006
3W Rookie Meet.”
“My biggest role model is Robert Fuchs.”
Tim Stadler
34 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
You love the convenience of ready-to-fly aircraft, but
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To see all 40 BNF producTs visiT www.bindnfly.com
36 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012
©2012 Horizon Hobby, Inc. AS3X,Bind-N-Fly, Blackjack, Blade, Boost, Carbon-Z, Circuit, Delta-V, DSM2, DSMX, Dynamite, ECX, Electrix RC, E-flite, Firebird Stratos, 5IVE-T, Hangar 9, HobbyZone, Impulse, JR, Losi, Team Losi, TLR, Mystique, ParkZone, Pro Boat, the Pro Boat logo, Revenge Type e, Revenge Type N, Revolution, Ruckus, Scimitar, ShockWave, TEN-SCT, TEN-T, Torment, 22, 22SCT, 22T, UMX, Virtual Instructor, Serious Fun, Wake Your World, Horizon Attitude and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc.The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc.BeastX is a trademark of Markus Schaak and is used with permission. The Spektrum AR7200BX employs technology exclusively licensed to Horizon Hobby, Inc. from freakware GmbH. Bell and 222 are registered trademarks of Textron Innovations, Inc. and are used under license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.BEAST® and its design are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Kevin Kimball, used under license to Horizon Hobby, Inc. The trim scheme of the Beast was designed by Mirco Pecorari of Aircraft Studio Design.The outline and trim scheme of the Carbon-Z Scimitar were designed by Quique Somenzini in cooperation with Mirco Pecorari of Aircraft Studio Design. The wing airfoil of the Carbon-Z Scimitar was designed by Robert Vess.MODEL 12® is a registered trademark used by permission of Jim Kimball Enterprises, Inc.Sbach and its design are trademarks of STO Streicher GmbH & Co. KG registered in Germany and used with permission. Sbach and its design are trademarks of XtremeAir GmbH registered in the U.S. and used with permission.Stronghold Motorsports, Angry Bikes, KC, Toyo Tires, Lucas Oil, Supercross.com, Motive Gear, Makita, Go Pro, SignPros, Fox, ProAm, MSD, Eibach, Fiberwerx, Magnaflow, VP Racing Fuels, Famous, Loctite, Corona Motorhome Rental and K&N are property of their respective owners and are used with permission or license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.Gear One, K&N, KC, Mastercraft, Osiris, Slednecks and Yokahama are property of their respective owners and are used by permission or license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.Live Fast…Play Dirty Motorsports, LLC., Lucas Oil Products, Inc., King, Eibach, General Tire, E3 Spark Plugs, K&N, Racin’ Dirty, MSD, KMC Wheels, Miller Motorsports Park, Impact Racing, Suspension Connection, Ironclad, Tuff Country, Mastercraft and Magnaflow are property of their respective owners and are used by permission or license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.PhoenixRC and the PhoenixRC logo are registered trademarks of Runtime Games Ltd.All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective owners.
Pegasus Hobbies is regarded by many as the largest hobby shop in southern California. With over 21,000 square feet of space in a nearly-new, custom-designed, stand-alone building, they offer a full line of hobby products from fantasy gaming and science kits to trains and every category of radio control. The store was built in a prime location of Montclair on property that’s alongside Route 10, which statistically carries over 250,000 vehicles per day – many of which crawl by the store at walking pace during the rush hours.
Specializing in EverythingPegasus Hobbies
Partners Larry Thompson and Tom Macomber
have been in the hobby shop business for the
past 27 years. Business grew at a steady pace
until they finally just built a custom space to suit
their needs. Inside and out, Pegasus Hobbies is a
showplace. “The first impression everyone has
when they enter our store is wow.” Tom also
admitted that he wants the customer to have a
memorable experience each visit to the store. “I
want them to think that they’ve arrived at the
Disneyland of hobby stores.”
With over 20 members on staff, every hobby
department has a specialized manager ready
to offer support, so the customers not only find
the right activity for them but also the right
information about the activities discovered. With
multiple rows of product stretching 100 feet in
length, stacked to the ceiling, it’s unlikely that
one visit to Pegasus can catch all they have to
offer. Stock is rotated as often as possible to keep
things looking fresh; even the off-road track is
re-configured about every four weeks to keep
the weekly racing and practice sessions exciting
and fun for all. With the NHRA Motorsports
Museum, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and
Auto Club Speedway only a few miles way,
Pegasus is located in what many consider to be
the heartland of full-scale and RC racing country
with numerous manufacturers and race teams
headquartered in the SoCal area. They support
over 150 club and up to six major RC races per
year, including the very popular Jimmy Babcock
Electric Race Series, and at least six RC model
airplane clubs locally. For an amazing hobby shop
experience, a trip to Pegasus is sure to excite.
Spotlight
“The first impression everyone has when they enter our store is wow.”
38 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012