There was a time when building a radio control (""RC"") model plane -- or boat or car -- usually meant hundreds of hours of tedious and detailed work, sometimes stretching over many days or even weeks. Today that has changed thanks to the availability of th
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli demonstrates how to assemble and run two of the most popular radio control race cars: the Megatech Nitro Razor and the Duratrax Street Force (figure A), each capable of speeds in excess of 40 mph. They are 1/10-scale, nitro-powered on-road racers.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli demonstrates how to assemble and run a scale-model offshore ocean racer, the Enforcer Gator (TM) gas-powered boat.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli demonstrates how to assemble and run one of the most popular radio control 4x4's -- the T-Maxx (TM) by Traxxas (TM).
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the range of models available in the hobby of building and operating radio control vehicles, from one extreme to the other -- from simple backyard models to sophisticated RC aircraft such as helicopters and turbine-powered jets.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the world of RC racing and nitro stadium trucks. These fast and rugged trucks represent one of the most exciting categories of the radio-control hobbies. Topics include performance enhancement, painting and airbrushing techniques, performance tires and racing tips.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the world of park flyers -- small, electrically powered planes you can fly almost anywhere. First, Chianelli shows the steps in building a model known as the Tipsy Trainer (TM) from Hobby Lobby (TM) -- an easy-to-build model that is an excellent choice for beginner flyers. In later segments, he shows how to fly this style of RC flyer.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the world of G-scale trains -- small, electrically powered trains and train sets that can grow from a single set of trestles set to a miniature world in your basement or back yard. Following an introduction to G-scale trains, Chris shows how to get started by assembling a simple track and starter train-set, then he visits some die-hard enthusiasts who have turned their entire backyards into miniaturized railroading landscapes.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli dips into the relaxing end of the RC-hobbies spectrum -- radio-controlled sailboats. He provides tips and suggestions for assembly of a 1-meter racing sailboat, covers some sailing terminology and demonstrates some RC sailing techniques.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli delves into small-scale high-speed racing with Mini Z-Racers. After an introduction to mini Z-racers, he shows how to ""hop-up"" -- or add performance enhancements -- to the Dodge Viper mini-Z from Kyosho (TM). He demonstrates how to install ball bearing wheels, add a light kit, and how to install a 3-point differential shock system. In later segments, he demonstrates how to construct a portable racetrack using 1/2-inch PVC pipe and offers some racing suggestions.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli looks at giant-scale ARF (""almost-ready-to-fly"") planes. After an introduction to giant-scale flyers, he shows how to install an engine and aerobatic smoke-delivery system on one of these scaled down aircraft, and offers some flying tips and suggestions.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the world of digital-command-control (DCC) trains. Most of the model trains shown in this program are from the category HO trains, the most popular category of model trains. Today, many of these trains have the capability of being outfitted with digital controls, allowing them a broader range of capabilities, including operation of multiple trains -- simultaneously and independently -- using a single control device. Chris and some expert guests also demonstrate how to get started in HO scale model railroading by demonstrating how to set up a beginner's layout. Finally Chris visits one of the largest HO train layouts in the world.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli looks at a sampling of some of the more unusual and outrageous items from the vast and widening field of radio control hobbies. Included are an RC dirigible airship, some robotic desktop rovers, fighter flyers that can ""shoot each other down"" with on-board sonic guns, light-equipped night flyers and miniature turbine jets.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores one of the most fascinating subsets of radio-control hobbies -- the world of RC helicopters. Once the RC helicopter is assembled, guest expert Jeff Green provides some insight into the aerodynamics and capabilities of these amazing machines and gives Chianelli a quick flying lesson.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli delves into the world of model rocketry. Included is an introduction to model rocketry, instructions for building a beginner-level rocket and tips for launching your creation.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explores the fastest growing segment of the RC hobby: miniature electrically powered helicopters. You can fly these small, whisper-quiet mini-copters off your back deck, in your backyard or just about anywhere -- even indoors.
In this opening segment, Chris introduces the hobby of slot-car racing, then he and his guest Alan Smith of Scalextric take a look at how slot-car models have evolved over the decades, leading up to the latest technology this hobby has to offer.
In this special episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explains some of the basics of gas-powered model-airplane engines and demonstrates how to tune an engine for optimum performance. He introduces the topic of gas-powered engines for scale-model planes and shows some examples of high-performance engines available for the RC hobbyist. Model-engine expert Randy Lisalato gives a quick overview of gas-powered-engine dynamics and provides expert advice on fine-tuning engines for peak performance.
Electrically powered model cars aren't for wimps. Today's models are fast, powerful -- and quiet. In this special episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli explains some of the basics of electric motors used in model cars and demonstrates how to do a motor and speed-controller upgrade to enhance model performance.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli provides a flying lesson for beginner RC pilots. He goes over some of the basics of RC trainer planes, demonstrates the use of a computer-based RC flight-simulation program, shows how to prep your plane at the flight field and, finally, takes us for a maiden voyage with a newly assembled RC trainer plane—the Nitro Airstrike from Megatech.
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli is joined by Tony Castranova, president of Warehouse Hobbies. Tony joins Chris in the studio to demonstrate how to work with fiberglass and, in particular, how to install a driveshaft tube assembly in the hull of an RC hydroplane boat. After the racer has been prepped, Chris and Tony head to the lake for some serious boat-racing.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli dispels the myth that getting into radio control hobbies has to be expensive. Chris highlights a variety of options for radio control hobbies--from inexpensive boats, airplanes, cars and truck -- all for under $200 retail. This episode highlights several models, as Chris gives tips on assembly and operating.
In this episode, Radio Control Hobbies goes on the road to Lakeland, Florida. Host Chris Chianelli visits with the shop of expert model builder Frank Tiano for some construction and repair tips.
In this episode of DIY Radio Control Hobbies, it's water and wings with one of the most exciting facets of the RC world: radio-controlled seaplanes. Host Chris Chianelli introduces some popular seaplane models and shows how to convert an electric trainer plane into a seaplane by attaching after-market floats. Chris then takes the viewer to south Florida for some basic lessons in aquatic takeoffs and landings.
In this episode of Radio Control Hobbies, Chris Chianelli takes the show on the road to Winter Springs, Florida and to the headquarters of Bob Violett Models (BVM). BVM is a leading authority on RC jet manufacturing and design. Chris and Bob take the viewer inside the factory to see how these awesome RC models are made. Later in the show, Chris and some of BVM's employees visit a local RC flying site to put some of these 200 mph jets through their paces.
In this episode, Chris Chianelli takes the show on the road to visit three unique RC Parks. First stop-- Cincinnati, Ohio to the Greater Cincinnati Radio Control Club. This club managed to work a deal out with a local utility company to use 20 acres of its land in exchange for maintaining the property. Then it's on to Muncie, Indiana--home of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). There, Chris shows the viewer some of the features of the AMA's site as well as the AMA Model Aviation Museum. Lastly we visit Sarasota, Florida, home of the Sarasota RC Squadron. This club took their case before the local county government and persuaded the city to pay for the construction of their new flying site.
In this episode, Chris Chianelli showcases gian-scale (1/6th, 1/7th, and 1/8th-scale) vehicles. The episode project features the Kysosho Inferno®â€”-a 1/8th scale off-road buggy. Projects include changing out the alkaline batteries inside the vehicle to a re-chargeable dry cell battery pack for increased performance. Chris Chianelli also demonstrates how to adjust the breaks for optimum breaking. Later, Chris travels to a local dirt track to get some tips from the track owner on building an off-road track and how to construct the jumps. Then it's fast off-road action as some local RC drivers show up to run their giant scale RC vehicles.
In this episode, Chris Chianelli showcases the TC-3 from Team Associated®. This electric-powered RC car is one of the hottest-selling RC vehicles on the market today. Chris demonstrates how to get more performance from this RC vehicle by installing a high-performance motor, attaching a heat sink, installing matched battery packs, replacing tires, and replacing the shock springs. Later, Chris takes a trip to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an RC race on the infield with some Indy Car Series drivers.
In this episode, Chris Chianelli features the HPI Savage© monster truck. In order to get better performance out of the Savage, Chris demonstrates how to change the tires, install high-performance shocks, how to install a tuned pipe and upgraded air filter, and how to change out the truck body. Later, Chris visits a local dirt track for some off-road action and takes on some of the local drivers with his hopped-up HPI Savage truck.
In this episode, Chris Chianelli features the Elliot Bay Steam Launch, from Midwest Products©. This small scale boats runs on a steam-powered engine. Everything needed comes in the kit and the boat can be built over a weekend. Also on this episode, Chris highlights other popular scale boat models including: Midwest Products' PT-109©, Midwest's Down East Lobster Boat©, Horizon Hobby's Fishing Trawler©, and an electric tug boat from Vac-U-Boat©. The in-studio portion of the episode demonstrates how a steam engine works and how to assemble the steam engine in the boat. Then Chris visits a scenic lake just outside Atlanta, Georgia where members of the Southeastern Boat Modeler's Club join in for a scale boat regatta.
In this episode, Chris Chianelli features one of the most popular RC flight simulators on the market today--the RealFlight© simulator from Great Planes Model Distributors©. This unique training program can be easily installed on a laptop or desktop PC and comes complete with a training transmitter. Over 100 different types of airplanes are included on the program. Learning to fly RC for the first time can be a scary proposition. But some time spent on the RealFlight simulator can drastically improve chances of success at the flying field. And we prove it in this episode. A father and his two sons are given a copy of the RealFlight simulator to take home with them. Their challenge? To practice with it for one month and then meet Chris Chianelli at a local RC flying field to do it for real.
In this episode, Chris Chianelli takes us to Lakeland, Florida--site of the world's largest scale RC aircraft competition in the world -- Top Gun. Over 100 pilots have entered this invitation-only event to prove they have the right stuff to win one of the most coveted championships in RC. Our cameras follow six competitors through the weekend-long competition—from the first static scoring of each airplane, through the four flight rounds. It's action-packed with lots of cool scale-aircraft and flying fun.
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli visits Speedzone Raceway in Athens, Tennessee. This dirt-oval track hosts several national competitions with multiple RC buggy classes being run. The latest craze sweeping the RC off-road enthusiast a vehicle that goes by the name truggy. Truggies are a hybrid with RC buggy transmissions and truck bodies. The frames are lowered for some fast-action laps around dirt oval tracks.
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli visits Bardstown, Kentucky for the Bardstown jet rally -- an annual event that brings in some of the best RC turbine jet pilots from around the country. This is not a competition but rather a chance for these ace pilots to show off their stuff. Chris visits with and showcases some of the pilots in attendance at the Bardstown Jet Rally. Among them is Dustin Buchere and his turbine Blue Angel Phantom. Also Chris stops by and talks to Jeff Meanor, and experienced RC pilot but new to turbine-powered jet airplanes. Chris also visits with Bob Violett, owner of BVM Jets -- the leading manufacturer of high-end turbine jets. Some of the scale-model jets Bob brought to this rally include the F-18 Super Hornet, F-100 and F-86 SkyBlazer. And he talks with pilot Paul Blancher about his super-fast Lockheed F-104. Finally, using a turbine trainer jet and ""Buddy Box"" radio system, Bob Violett instructs Chris in how to fly turbine -- for the first time.
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli visits a unique RC track just outside of Greensboro, NC. This is no ordinary road race track, but a 1/10th scale drag strip. Radio Control Hobbies is there during the weekend of International Model Drag Racing Association's (IMDRA) ""Showdown Nationals."" RC drivers from all over the country are gathered here to compete with some of the fastest RC cars in the world. Look fast. These super-fast racers are there, and then they're gone!
Chris Chianelli, host of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, visits the Academy of Model Aeronautics in Muncie, Indiana. This is the site for the International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA) annual Jamboree. Helicopters represent one of the fastest growning segments of the RC hobby and, at the IRCHA Jamboree, more than 500 RC helicopter pilots from show off their birds and their flying skills. Chris demonstrates the basics of flying a helicopter and showcases some of the more popular RC helicopters on the market today. He also talks with IRCHA president Ron Kummer about some of the more popular helicopter RC models and introduces the concept of 3D flying -- the highest level of helicopter piloting around. He meets 12-year-old helicopter prodigy Zak Johns and other practitioners of 3D aerobatic flying. Finally, he talks with pilots who fly meticulously accurate scale replicas.
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli visits the Academy of Model Aeronautics in Muncie, Indiana. The AMA has over 1200 acres and multiple flying fields--the perfect venue to demonstrate basic aerobatic maneuvers. Learning to fly aerobatics is not that difficult with some basic training. Chris demonstrates the basics to get the beginner started.
In this episode, host Chris Chianelli visits Bellingham, Washington for the annual Foss Cup--an RC tugboat competition that brings in top RC tugboat pilots from all over the country. Along with covering the actual event, Chris Chianelli also gets to board a real tugboat docked on the coast of Washington state just outside of Seattle. Chris also shows how the beginner can get into this fascinating branch of the hobby with a ready-to-run RC tugboat.
In this episode of Radio Control Hobbies, host Chris Chianelli proves that you don't have to have access to a neighborhood track for some weekend on-road racing competition. All you need is access to a parking lot and some basic track components, and you can start your own RC race club. Tips and techniques for parking lot racing are featured, and Chris demonstrates how to lay out a basic parking-lot track using readily-available materials-like traffic cones and manufactured corner markers. To add a high-tech element to weekend racing, Chris shows how to incorporate computer-based lap-counting system. Chris also talks with an expert on lap-counting systems specifically designed for this type of competition.
Electric-powered flight is quickly becoming the future for RC aircraft. In this episode of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies, Chris Chianelli visits a flying field just outside Chattanooga, TN for a look at some of the latest technologies in electric powered flight, including out-runner electric motors. These high-powered motors are reliable, quiet and just as powerful as those used in nitro- or gas-powered airplanes. Chris takes an in-depth look by examining recent trends in electric motors and lithium batteries. Combining these advances in RC motors and batteries has changed the outlook of electrically powered flight. Just a few years ago, a simple, electric park flyer could fly for only about five minutes at a stretch. The new advances allows some aircraft to attain flight durations of more than 20 minutes.