RCM News was started by Brian and Dorothy Green as a family business in 1991. Brian was the first modeller in Australia to compete at radio control World Championship level in the 1970's. Since then Brian has competed at World Champs in aerobatics, electric pylon, and F3b.

In 1990 he was asked by MAAA Secretary Chris Greenwood if he felt Australia could organise and host a World Championships, in nine months time. The short notice was due to another country pulling out.

Unfortunately the Australian model media was not interested in promoting what would be the peak R/C aeromodelling event in the country. Our first issue, with 64 pages, was launched to coincide with the 1991 F.A.I. World F3A F3D and F3 Championships (aerobatic, pylon, helicopter) at Wangaratta Victoria.

When you start out in this exciting hobby getting quality information is vital. With the technological progress the products and how we use them changes. Just compare the choice of quality motors, the latest radio technology, and the abundance of ARF models with what was available 20 years ago. But some things don't change, the actual flying skills required remains constant. Though with the new very powerful motors available it looks like the pilots at times are able to defy gravity. Although the 3D practitioners have dreamt up amazing new aerobatic manoeuvres, the basics such as taking off, turning and landing are the same for all aeroplanes. And engines do fail, so there is always the possibility you may have to make a dead-stick landing.

Modern proportional radio equipment is very reliable, but correct installation is vital to achieve that reliability. Modern radio systems cope with installations and environments that you wouldn't get away with twenty years ago, but poor set-ups still create problems. New modellers come into the hobby all the time and we could cover the basics every issue, but that would take up lots of unnecessary space, so that is why a series of “How To” articles are posted on our website.

In product reviews the basics are included on how to assemble a model, and some include suggested improvements, but helpful tips may be spread out across a series of articles. If you wade through relevant articles in each issue we are confident the information and knowledge you have gained is well worth the cover price. In addition you will find both ads and description of the latest developments in radio gear, servos, motors and models.

Flying in competitions teaches you to have all systems set up to be 100% reliable. From basics such as making sure the fuel pick-up (hose and clunk) is of correct length so that it does not touch the end of the tank and restrict the supply to filing flats on each undercarriage wire to give wider surface for the grub screw in the wheel collar to grip. Little things like this can help getting a zero penalty score. A wheel coming off on landing, or the engine starved for fuel in an awkward place can result in damage to the model

All contributors to RCM News are active aeromodellers, covering all aspects from gliders to jets, from simple planes to the most elaborate scale models. Many are just club flyers, but several compete in state, national and/or international level.

Stephen Green
Editor

Seagull ARFs