A scale quick-build, aerobatic monster
FMS is known for its wide range of great-flying foam models. The company really made its name with its jets, but its latest offering is geared more toward 3D aerobatics. I have always loved the looks of the Votec 322, and I was excited to hear that FMS was bringing a Votec to market. This plane is made out of molded foam, which is painted in a highly visible orange-and-black color scheme. There are a few parts that are not foam, like the preinstalled Lexan canopy and various ABS plastic inserts, designed to add strength along with a solid surface for screws to be attached to.
Everything you need to complete the Votec is included in the box; just add your receiver, flight pack, charger, and transmitter. The metal landing gear arrives with the axles and wheels preinstalled and ready for final mounting. As far as hardware is concerned, there is one bag with everything you will need. There are four screws for the wing, four screws for the horizontal stabilizers, one screw for the rudder, and three for the landing gear. The wing halves and stabilizers are plug-in components, with carbon-fiber spars for rigidity and strength. There are also two pushrods with ball ends for the elevator and rudder servos. All servos are preinstalled and ready for flight.
This plane is sturdy and durable, and with its large control surfaces and extreme throws, it is an agile and aggressive airframe. For this reason, I would recommend this plane for the intermediate and above pilot.
UNIQUE FEATURES
This story is from the June 2018 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2018 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.
FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy
Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.
SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER
A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
The secret to a plane that flies well
DON'T TRASH THAT CRASH!
Pro tips for light, strong aircraft repairs
TAKEOFF WITH A 1 1/2 POSITIVE SNAP ROLL
If you’re aspiring to become a better aerobatic pilot, you are, no doubt, constantly searching to add exciting maneuvers to your flight routine.
THE 'RAIDER REPAINT
Painting and weathering the Legend Hobby A-1 Skyraider
THE COMPETITION CONTINUES
Every spring, Frank Tiano’s Top Gun Scale Invitational has heralded the beginning of the flying season, offering builders an opportunity to show off their projects in Lakeland, Florida after a winter spent finishing them in their workshops.
BUILDING BENCH & WORKSHOP TIPS
I have built countless RC models, from kits, plans and even my own scratch designs.
TOP GUN FAVORITE MARK CHAPMAN'S 1/3-SCALE ALBATROS D.VA
When I told Model Airplane News executive editor Debra Cleghorn that I was attending the Top Gun Scale Invitational for the first time, she asked me if I would interview the pilot of one of my favorite planes at the event. As a WW I fan (and a Balsa USA builder), I chose Mark Chapman’s beautifully detailed 1/3-scale Balsa USA Albatros D.Va, flown by Marvin Alvarez in Team Scale.
