Toledo Weak Signals 2011

Another great year at Toledo, US hobbyists were treated to the latest products from several manufacturers. 2 Brothers was there and was a little preoccupied with some specific business (www.rcflightsource.com). We did snap some images of new products from a couple manufacturers, talked to several, and took it all in. This year is looking to be a GREAT year in the industry.

Here’s a quick glance:

There are some brave new steps being taken by some (Blade mCP X) and some great improvements and new products by others (FlyZone Fokker DR.1 Triplane). With the addition of a great little Tactic 4-channel, the DR.1 should be a blast. This year is no stranger to innovation either with the ElectriFly Syncro EDF. The Syncro is another two-in-one design with a glider wing and a sport wing. They just released the video here.

Continuing the tradition of beautiful biplanes, Great Planes showed off the Christen Eagle – an electric OR fuel aerobat that is absolutely stunning in person. Jr Propo has the spit-shine on the new Sylphide E12 heli. David Payne was proud to show off this amazing 700-class electric. As you’re probably aware, Blade also recently introduced their 450-class CP heli, the Blade 4503D and it was there under bright lights at Toledo. This is another step forward for Blade, reaching into the solid and established 450-class space with a very affordable offering. In the “unique” class, Seagull Models showed off their Pilatus Porter, a staple for bush pilots round the world.

Thunder Tiger Group has also cranked things up with their new Raptor E720. The name Raptor used to by synonymous with premium helis. Now, with the re-release of the franchise in the 700 electric class, we have high hopes! Thunder Tiger is also stepping up to the line with flybarless solutions and torque tubes for the X50B line as well. It’ll be interesting to see how the line performs with the fresh face of 6 new models being introduced.

We also caught up with QuiQue Somenzini this year to see what the mad designer has concocted and, he didn’t disappoint! I re-cut my electric teeth on a ParkZone F-27C Brushless Stryker several years ago. Now QuiQue and the folks at Horizon have re-introduced it as the F-27Q Stryker, in Z-Foam. With a more symmetrical wing, rudders (that’s right!), a more powerful brushless outrunner (versus the old inrunner – much quieter now), break-away magnetic nose cone, and a closer-to-center thrust line, the F-27Q promises to be a solid performing rocket. I wish I could convey the enthusiasm you feel after a few minutes with QuiQue…he had me ready to fly one right there and then!

Below you’ll find a few of our pictures, some stock photos and some PDF press releases.

Be Safe and Happy Flying..