|
The Hobbico HobbiStar 60 Select is one of the few truly ready-to-fly (RTF) glow engine powered trainer models currently on the market. It takes the almost-ready-to-fly (ARF) concept a step further by including a suitable engine and radio system, already installed and set up at the factory. In addition, a few modifications have been made to the airframe in order to create a bolt-together assembly rather than a glue-together operation. Really, just a Phillips head screw driver, and a pair of pliers are necessary to complete the assembly. It took about two hours, not counting the photography chores.
 
Photo 1 Photo 2
What a boon to the hobby this is for getting newcomers on the right track to success. It is not just a matter of saving the construction time, but is also one of providing a high quality flight-ready system of compatible components. Many seasoned instructors can relate stories of students arriving at the field with poorly constructed trainers, warped surfaces, sticking hinges, problem engines, controls reversed, and the like. Hobbico’s Select RTF series eliminates those risks.
Photo 3
 
Photo 4 Photo 5
Photos 3 and 4 show what comes in the large box. There are just a few major airframe components, which are the two wing halves, horizontal stabilizer and elevator, vertical fin and rudder, and the fuselage (photo 3). The structure is built from balsa and light plywood materials. It is covered with an adhesive-backed heat-activated plastic film, in white and blue, with red and orange accent striping. All control surface hinges are installed, as are the control horns. The hardware (photo 4) includes a large steel wing joiner rod, pre-bent tricycle landing gear legs with wheels installed, wing hold-down dowels with plastic end caps, rubber bands, a prop spinner and assorted screws. The O.S. Max .65 LA engine, with muffler, is pre-installed and fuel lines are connected between the engine and installed fuel tank (photo 5).
The kit does not include a propeller which you will need to purchase. We suggest a 12 x 6 in. wood or plastic composite propeller as this has proven the best size for the 65 LA. Even were a prop included, extra's are still required as props do break so the lack of a propeller is not that great a problem. A four-step propeller hole reamer is also needed as the 65 LA has a 5/16 in. crankshaft and new propellers always start with the smallest hole, usually 1/4 in. for this size prop.
 
Photo 6 Photo 7
A foam radio system box contains the Futaba Skysport 6YG six-channel transmitter and dual-output system charger (photo 6). The airborne components of the Skysport 6YG system consist of an R127DF (7 channel) receiver, four S3004 standard size ball bearing servos, a 600 mAh Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) battery, and switch harness. These airborne radio components are pre-installed in the fuselage (photo 7), and the aileron servo is installed in one side of the wing at the root (photo 24). All the pushrods are installed and are adjusted to the right length. A 16-page illustrated instruction booklet is provided for the airplane assembly. Separate instructions from O.S. Max for the engine and from Futaba for the radio system are also included.
 
Photo 8 Photo 9
|
